Seismic Data Regularization via Offset Vector Tile Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for handling irregularly sampled seismic data are inadequate for certain types of seismic processing, such as tomography, due to irregular data acquisition caused by obstructions, errors, and non-uniform survey geometries, leading to inappropriate data for interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that regularizes seismic data by mapping traces into offset vector tiles, assembling azimuth sectors, rotating spatial coordinates, and applying 3D interpolation algorithms to achieve regular sampling, reducing data dimensionality and improving data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods (flex-binning) are used to handle irregularly sampled seismic data, then the data can be processed with simple binning operations, but the data becomes inappropriate for certain types of seismic processing such as tomography
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms irregularly sampled seismic data into regularly sampled data by changing the sampling parameters through interpolation and resampling operations. This allows the data to meet the requirements for advanced processing techniques like tomography while maintaining ease of processing through systematic parameter transformation
2Productivity
If irregularly sampled seismic data is acquired due to obstructions, errors, or non-uniform survey geometries, then the survey can be completed despite field conditions, but the data quality becomes inadequate for interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies regularization processing as a preliminary step before interpretation and advanced processing. By pre-processing the irregularly sampled data to create regularly sampled output, the system maintains survey productivity while ensuring data quality requirements are met for subsequent interpretation work
Solution Approach 2:
The regularization process acts as an intermediary between irregular data acquisition and the requirements for interpretation. The system introduces intermediate processing steps (sorting, interpolation, resampling) that transform the data into a form suitable for interpretation without requiring re-acquisition
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for regularizing irregularly sampled 5D seismic data by assigning each trace to a common midpoint bin (11) and mapping each trace to an offset vector tile (OVT) (12) with a calculated center azimuth; assembling an azimuth sector (13) with all offsets of interest and a narrow range of the center azimuths from the OVTs; rotating the azimuth sector (14) to align with an inline direction and a crossline dimension; selecting a subset of traces with a single crossline value (15) to create an irregular 3D volume (16); regularizing the irregular 3D volume; and repeating as necessary to generate a regularly sampled seismic dataset. The regularization may include interpolation by an algorithm such as an anti-leakage Fourier interpolator. The regularly sampled seismic dataset may be used to characterize the subsurface by further processing such as tomography.