Reciprocity-Based Seismic Data Interpolation for Subsurface Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reflection seismology methods face challenges in effectively processing seismic survey data with spatially denser source arrangements compared to receiver arrangements, leading to suboptimal interpolation and imaging of subsurface environments.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving seismic survey data, processing it using the principle of reciprocity for interpolation across receivers, and generating an image of the subsurface environment. This approach utilizes a system with a processor and memory to execute instructions for data reception, processing, and image generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a spatially denser source arrangement is used compared to receiver arrangement, then the source coverage and data acquisition capability is improved, but the interpolation accuracy and imaging quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesource densityVSAvoidinterpolation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of reciprocity, which inverts the traditional source-receiver relationship. By treating receivers as virtual sources and sources as virtual receivers, the method enables accurate interpolation even when the physical source arrangement is denser than the receiver arrangement. This inversion allows the processing system to synthesize data as if receivers were densely arranged, resolving the contradiction between actual source density and interpolation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data interpretation by applying reciprocity transformation. Instead of directly interpolating from the uneven source-receiver geometry, the method transforms the data into a reciprocal domain where the effective sampling density is improved. This parameter change allows accurate subsurface imaging despite the mismatch between source and receiver spatial distributions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional interpolation methods are used for uneven source-receiver arrangements, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the imaging quality and subsurface structure identification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing complexityVSAvoidimaging quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the processing approach by changing from direct spatial interpolation to reciprocity-based synthesis. This parameter change in the processing method achieves superior imaging quality by effectively creating a more uniform data sampling pattern, while the computational complexity remains manageable through efficient algorithmic implementation of the reciprocity principle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12313801B2Marine seismic imaging

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method can include receiving seismic survey data of a subsurface environment from a seismic survey that includes a source arrangement of sources that is spatially denser than a receiver arrangement of receivers; processing the seismic survey data using the principle of reciprocity for performing interpolation across the receivers to generate processed seismic survey data; and generating an image of at least a portion of the subsurface environment using the processed seismic survey data.