Seismic Earth Response Estimation via Iterative Deconvolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine survey techniques face limitations in accurately deconvolving multi-dimensional source wavefields from near-continuously recorded seismic data due to assumptions about source emission angles and actuation-generated noise, which can lead to errors and limitations in imaging depth and resolution.
Innovation Solution
The method involves deconvolving a multi-dimensional source wavefield from near-continuously recorded seismic data at a point receiver without making assumptions about source emission angles, using an iterative process to extract coherent signals and correct for source emission angles, allowing for more accurate estimation of the earth response and deeper imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If assumptions about source emission angles are made in deconvolution, then the processing is simpler and faster, but the measurement precision and reliability of earth response estimation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an iterative feedback process where the deconvolution result is used to update the source emission angle estimates, which then feed back into the next iteration of deconvolution. This allows the system to progressively refine both the earth response estimate and source parameters without requiring initial assumptions, resolving the contradiction between processing simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary deconvolution without relying on assumed source emission angles, using the raw seismic data and receiver responses to directly estimate both the earth response and source characteristics. This preliminary action establishes an accurate baseline that avoids the precision loss associated with premature assumptions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional deconvolution methods are used with fixed source actuation intervals, then the processing is more straightforward, but the adaptability to near-continuous recording and varying source parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, fixed-interval source actuation models to dynamic models that accommodate near-continuous recording with variable source parameters. The system adapts to changing source emission angles and timing by continuously updating estimates based on actual receiver responses, enabling versatility while maintaining processing feasibility through iterative refinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows source parameters such as emission angles and actuation timing to vary freely rather than being constrained to fixed values. By changing from rigid parameter specifications to flexible parameter estimation, the system achieves adaptability to near-continuous recording while managing complexity through efficient iterative algorithms.
3Device complexity
If source wavefield deconvolution is performed without correcting for source directivity, then the processing is simpler, but the manufacturing precision of seismic images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deconvolution process with source directivity correction into a unified iterative framework. Rather than treating these as separate processing steps, the system simultaneously estimates earth response and source characteristics, achieving high image quality while avoiding the added complexity of sequential multi-step processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables more precise deconvolution of seismic data, reducing errors and improving the depth and resolution of subsurface imaging, overcoming the limitations of prior methods by handling near-continuous recording and varying source emission angles.
Implementation Method 1
At each interface between different types of rock, a portion of the wavefield can be refracted
Implementation Method 2
another portion can be reflected, which can include some scattering, back toward the body of water
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Estimating an earthresponsecan includedeconvolving a multi-dimensional source wavefieldfrom near-continuously recorded seismic data recorded ata receiver position. The deconvolving can include spreading the near-continuously recorded seismic dataacross a plurality ofpossible source emission angles. The result of the deconvolution can bethe earth response estimate.