Hierarchical Segmentation for Coherent Event Determination in Seismic Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining coherent events in seismic images are unstable, especially in noisy environments, and are not optimal for real-time volume interpretation, leading to errors that impact the accuracy of reservoir-oriented studies and the characterization of differences between seismic cubes with varying processing parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a pair of indices, Event Importance Index (EII) and Event Confidence Index (ECI), using a hierarchical segmentation approach with overlapping sliding windows, to determine coherent events in seismic images, improving stability and accuracy by thresholding these indices to select relevant pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If propagation algorithms are used to determine coherent events in seismic images, then the method can identify coherent surfaces based on seed points, but the method becomes unstable in noisy environments and produces errors such as phase jumps and shifts in the pointer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seismic image into multiple zones and processing each zone independently to determine coherent events. This segmentation approach reduces the impact of noise on the overall determination process and allows for more stable identification of coherent surfaces in different regions of the seismic image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing quality control checks and preprocessing steps before the main coherent event determination. This includes initial filtering and validation of seismic data to ensure that noise and artifacts are minimized before applying the zone-based segmentation and coherent event identification algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If propagation algorithms are used to determine coherent events, then the method can trace paths from seed points, but the method is not optimal for real-time volume interpretation of 3D seismic data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3D seismic volume into multiple zones that can be processed independently and in parallel. This segmentation enables real-time volume interpretation by allowing different computational units to simultaneously process different zones, significantly improving processing speed while maintaining accuracy in coherent event determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing the coherent event determination on specific zones of interest within the 3D seismic volume rather than processing the entire volume uniformly. This allows for optimized processing where computational resources are concentrated on areas requiring detailed analysis, improving overall productivity for real-time interpretation.
3Measurement precision
If visual examination is used to detect spatial anomalies in 3D seismic data, then the method can identify coherent events, but the method is unsuitable for rapidly detecting anomalies extending in three spatial dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual examination process with an automated computational method that uses zone-based segmentation and algorithmic determination of coherent events. This substitution enables rapid detection of spatial anomalies in three dimensions by using computer-based processing instead of human visual inspection, significantly improving productivity while maintaining detection precision.
4Loss of information
If difference analysis is performed between two seismic cubes with different processing parameters, then the analysis can display differences associated with various factors, but the geographic shifts in coherent events decrease the value of the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seismic cubes into corresponding zones and performing coherent event determination independently in each zone. This zone-based approach allows for accurate alignment and comparison of coherent events between different seismic cubes, eliminating the problem of geographic shifts and preserving the value of difference analysis information.
Data Source
AI summary
The determination of coherent events in a seismic image is disclosed including the following operational phases: a phase of selecting a segmentation criterion based on a variable and at least one sliding window on the zone and its characteristics, a phase of hierarchical segmentation, for overlapping positions of the sliding window, including a segmentation of the zone into n regions and for each pixel located at least once by a segmentation boundary; a phase of assigning to the non-located pixels a value of indices (EI and EIC) corresponding to a numerical or alphanumeric characteristic non-value; a phase of determining coherent events of the image by thresholding the indices (EI and EIC), that is by selecting only located pixels of the zone corresponding to values lower or higher than a fixed threshold.