Automated Sedimentary Fairway Mapping for Quantitative Input-Output Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sedimentary modeling techniques rely on qualitative estimates for sediment input and output parameters, leading to significant uncertainties in subsurface distribution models, which often fail to accurately represent actual geological conditions.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for defining sedimentary fairways and calculating sediment input and output parameters using sedimentary pathways, clustering, and attribute mapping, enabling precise determination of sediment attributes and volumes within an area of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If qualitative estimates and empirical relationships are used for sediment input parameters, then the modeling process is simple and quick, but the reliability and accuracy of the resulting subsurface distribution models deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual qualitative estimation with an automated computational system that uses GIS databases, hydrodynamic models, and clustering algorithms to objectively determine sediment input parameters. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated computational methods resolves the contradiction by providing both speed (automation) and reliability (objective quantitative analysis).
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating sediment input parameters through integrated GIS and hydrodynamic modeling without requiring manual qualitative judgment. The automated workflow including pathway identification, clustering, and parameter calculation allows the system to serve itself, improving both productivity and reliability simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If manual qualitative estimation methods are used for sediment parameters, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision of sediment model parameters deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual estimation operations with automated computational processing using GIS and hydrodynamic models. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automation while dramatically improving measurement precision by using objective quantitative data from integrated models rather than subjective qualitative judgments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated computational layer between the user and the sediment parameter determination. This intermediary processes raw GIS and hydrodynamic data through standardized algorithms, maintaining operational simplicity for users while ensuring high measurement precision through consistent automated calculations.
3Measurement precision
If extensive data processing and automated modeling are implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability of sediment parameters improve, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal integrated system that combines GIS databases, hydrodynamic modeling, pathway identification, and clustering algorithms into a single multi-functional platform. This universality improves measurement precision through comprehensive data processing while managing complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one cohesive system rather than separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex modeling process into distinct modular components: GIS data processing, hydrodynamic modeling, sediment pathway identification, clustering analysis, and parameter calculation. This segmentation improves measurement precision by allowing each module to specialize while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture that can be developed and maintained independently.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method including obtaining, for a subterranean region, a set of sedimentary pathways (204), a sediment attribute map, and an area of interest. From these inputs, a sedimentary fairway (210, 212, 218), and a sedimentary fairway attribute based on the location of the origin point (200) of each member of the set of sedimentary pathways (204), and a spatial location of the terminal point (202) of each member of the set of sedimentary pathways (204) are determined. Further, the method includes dividing the sedimentary fairway (210, 212, 218) into one or more sedimentary pathway domains and a sediment attribute profile for each sedimentary pathway domain based on a trajectory of each sedimentary pathway (204), and determining an intersection of the trajectory of each sedimentary pathway (204) with one or more boundaries of the area of interest. The method also includes determining a sedimentary attribute at the entry points, and a sedimentary attribute at the exit points of the set of sedimentary pathways with the area of interest, and a change in the sedimentary attribute between the entry and exit points.