Seismic Dip Estimation Using Global Consistency Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dip estimation methods in seismic imaging rely solely on local estimates without considering global consistency constraints, leading to inconsistencies and difficulties in accurately representing subsurface earth volumes, particularly in the presence of geologic faults.

Innovation Solution

The system performs iterative dip estimation applying global consistency constraints such as reciprocity, causality, consistency, and vertical and lateral continuity, marking divergences with a quality attribute to improve dip estimation accuracy and enable automatic horizon interpretation and fault detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If local dip estimation methods are used, then calculation simplicity is improved, but dip estimation accuracy deteriorates due to lack of global consistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation simplicityVSAvoiddip estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the dip estimation process into local dip calculation (using cross-correlation or gradient methods) and global consistency enforcement (through iterative optimization with constraints). This allows the simple local calculations to be combined with global constraints to achieve both computational efficiency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements an iterative feedback mechanism where local dip estimates are continuously refined by applying global consistency constraints (reciprocity, causality, continuity) and recalculating until convergence. This feedback loop transforms simple local estimates into accurate globally consistent dip values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If mean filtering is applied to smooth local dip estimates, then spatial continuity is improved, but dip estimation precision deteriorates due to averaging errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial continuityVSAvoiddip estimation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static mean filtering with a dynamic iterative optimization process. Instead of simply averaging values, the system dynamically adjusts dip estimates through multiple iterations, applying consistency constraints and recalculating until convergence, thereby preserving precision while achieving continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from parameter averaging (mean filtering) to parameter optimization (iterative constraint satisfaction). By transforming the problem from smoothing to constrained optimization, the system maintains dip precision while ensuring spatial continuity through global consistency constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional dip estimation methods are used, then processing speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates in the presence of geologic faults

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddip estimation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining global consistency constraints (reciprocity, causality, continuity) that guide the dip estimation process. These constraints are established before processing and continuously enforced during iterative refinement, ensuring reliable results even in complex faulted regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses local dip estimates as temporary intermediate values that are rapidly calculated and then discarded in favor of the globally consistent solution. These inexpensive local estimates serve their purpose quickly during each iteration, allowing fast processing while the final reliable result emerges from the constrained optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8463551B2Consistent dip estimation for seismic imaging

Publication Date: 2013.06.11 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods perform consistent dip estimation for seismic imaging. An example system applies global consistency constraints during iterative volume dip estimation of a seismic volume to improve upon conventional dip estimation methods. With each iteration, the system applies single and joint dip constraints, checking local dip estimates for reciprocity, causality, consistency, and vertical and lateral continuity. At discontinuities in the seismic volume, local divergences are marked with a quality attribute. Upon convergence of the volume dip estimation, the volume may be rendered in 3D, including the discontinuities. In performing volume dip estimation, the system can also provide automatic horizon interpretation and automatic fault detection.