Raster Log Digitization via Image Processing and Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for digitizing raster logs from wells, such as oil or gas wells, are slow, prone to errors, and difficult to interpret due to wrapped-around measurement values, making it challenging to convert these images into digital curves effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses image processing and bi-linear interpolation to straighten and digitize raster logs, allowing for the creation of a multi-panel digital log with clearly distinguishable off-scale values, facilitating easier interpretation and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hand drawing method is used to digitize raster logs, then the process is simple to implement, but it is slow and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of hand-drawing curves with an automated image processing system that uses computer algorithms to detect and digitize measurement curves from raster logs, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the digitization process performs itself through automated curve detection, tracking, and digitization algorithms that process raster logs without human intervention, significantly improving productivity
2Quantity of substance
If wrapped-around measurement values are displayed on raster log, then all measurement ranges are captured, but it becomes difficult to interpret and digitize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wrapped-around measurement display into multiple continuous panels, where each panel represents a specific measurement range. This unwrapping transformation converts the circular wrapped display into linear sequential panels, making it easier to detect and digitize while preserving all measurement data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional wrapped circular scale into a two-dimensional multi-panel linear representation, allowing measurement values to be displayed across multiple panels in sequence, thereby resolving the interpretation difficulty while maintaining complete measurement coverage
3Manufacturing precision
If off-scale parts are dragged or offset manually, then the curve position can be corrected, but the process becomes time consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system automatically detects curve discontinuities and off-scale portions, then applies corrective transformations based on detected patterns, continuously improving accuracy through automated feedback loops without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic detection and correction of off-scale curve portions before final digitization, identifying and adjusting wrapped-around sections in advance, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming manual correction while ensuring position accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables faster and more accurate conversion of raster logs into digital curves, improving the interpretation of well log data by unwrapping measurement values and providing a continuous representation of the curve, thus enhancing the efficiency of energy resource discovery.
Implementation Method 1
an image processing component that processes an image of the well log
Implementation Method 2
a bi-linear interpolation component that straightens the well log image using bi-linear interpolation
Data Source
AI summary
A raster log digitization system and method are disclosed. The system and method receives a raster log in which the raster log has one or more values of one or more measurements of a well and each value of each measurement being recorded at a plurality of depths of the well. In the raster log, the value of at least one measurement wraps around the raster log. The system and method may generate using the received raster log a digital log from the raster log wherein the digital log resolves the values of at least one measurement that wrapped around the raster log.