Seismic Absorption Parameter Model via Interval-Q Tomography

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for developing absorption parameter Q models in seismic surveying are limited in accuracy and effectiveness, particularly in representing absorption effects in subterranean structures, which affects seismic processing and imaging applications.

Innovation Solution

The method involves decomposing the effective absorption parameter Q into discrete factors along a ray path using surface consistent tomography, allowing for the generation of interval-Q, 2D, and 3D Q models that accurately represent absorption variations within the subterranean structure, enabling more precise seismic data processing and imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional techniques are used to develop Q models, then the process is simpler, but the accuracy and reliability of absorption parameter representation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption parameter accuracyVSAvoidmodeling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous absorption parameter Q into discrete interval-Q factors along ray paths. By dividing the subterranean structure into discrete intervals and assigning Q values to each interval, the method achieves more precise absorption representation while maintaining computational tractability through systematic decomposition of the modeling problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional vertical Q modeling to multi-dimensional Q modeling by incorporating ray path geometry. The absorption parameter is now represented in terms of both vertical depth intervals and lateral ray path positions, adding spatial dimensionality to improve accuracy without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional Q modeling techniques are applied, then computational requirements are lower, but the ability to represent absorption variations in subterranean structures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption effect representationVSAvoidcomputational power requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service principles by using the seismic data itself to define ray paths and travel times, which then serve as the foundation for interval-Q calculation. The method uses available seismic information (travel times, ray paths) to automatically construct the absorption model without requiring external geological information or manual intervention, improving reliability while keeping computational requirements manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If simple absorption models are used, then processing is faster, but the quality of seismic imaging and migration is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseismic imaging qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of ray paths and travel times from seismic data before computing interval-Q factors. By pre-determining the geometric parameters (ray paths, travel times, interval depths) from available seismic information, the method prepares all necessary inputs in advance, enabling faster and more accurate Q-modeling without compromising imaging quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2160633B1Creating an absorption parameter model
Publication Date: 2011.08.03 GECO TECH BV
  • EP2160633B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2160633B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2160633B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

To generate an absorption parameter model, estimated values of an effective absorption parameter are received, where the estimated effective absorption parameter values represent absorption encountered by a seismic wave in a subterranean structure. Based on the estimated effective absorption parameter values, an absorption parameter model is generated that varies absorption parameter values along at least one dimension of the subterranean structure.