Automated Horizon Extraction from Seismic Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional seismic data interpretation methods for extracting horizons are time-consuming and inadequate for advanced workflows like reservoir characterization and stratigraphic studies, requiring manual selection of numerous seismic events which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Automated horizon extraction from seismic data volumes using seed points generated based on minimum and maximum offsets, sorted by absolute amplitude values, and tracked using waveform auto-tracking techniques, with auto-merging of horizons to avoid redundant tracking and enhance processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual horizon picking methods are used, then interpretation accuracy can be maintained, but processing time increases significantly from hours to weeks or months

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizon interpretation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated horizon extraction and seed point identification without requiring manual interpreter intervention for each horizon. The algorithm autonomously processes seismic volumes, identifies seed points based on amplitude criteria, and tracks horizons through the volume, enabling the system to serve itself rather than relying on manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of horizon picking with an automated computational algorithm. The system uses computer-based processing to identify seed points, track waveforms, and extract horizons, substituting human interpreters with an automated computational system that maintains accuracy while dramatically reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional auto-tracking techniques are used for subsurface mapping, then basic horizon extraction is possible, but advanced workflows like reservoir characterization become inadequate and overly time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow adaptability for advanced studiesVSAvoidprocessing time for advanced workflows

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated horizon extraction and seed point identification across the entire seismic volume before detailed analysis. By pre-identifying all potential horizons and their seed points, the system prepares the data structure in advance, enabling rapid subsequent analysis for advanced workflows like reservoir characterization and stratigraphic studies without reprocessing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters from traditional single-horizon tracking to multi-horizon simultaneous extraction. The system adjusts amplitude thresholds, seed point density, and tracking parameters to handle multiple horizons across complex seismic volumes, enabling advanced workflows that require numerous seismic events per volume and per trace with consistent selection criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual selection of seismic events is performed, then consistent horizon choice can be achieved, but the process becomes inefficient and cannot handle large numbers of seismic events per volume and per trace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizon selection consistencyVSAvoidnumber of seismic events processed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The algorithm autonomously selects seed points and horizons without manual intervention, applying consistent amplitude-based criteria across all seismic traces. The system self-regulates the selection process, ensuring reliability and consistency in horizon identification while handling large numbers of seismic events that would be impractical for manual processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal automated system that can handle multiple workflow types (basic mapping, reservoir characterization, stratigraphic studies) with a single consistent algorithm. The multi-functional system processes numerous seismic events across different volumes and trace sets using the same seed point identification and horizon tracking methodology, ensuring consistency across diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11733416B2Automated horizon layer extraction from seismic data for wellbore operation control

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORP

AI summary

A method includes receiving a seismic data volume comprising seismic information of subterranean formations and receiving a set of seismic traces of the seismic data volume. The method also includes, determining, along each seismic trace of the set of seismic traces, a set of seed points comprising minimum or maximum onsets. Further, the method includes sorting the set of seed points into a sorted set of seed points by absolute amplitude values of the set of seed points. Furthermore, the method includes generating a horizon representation of every seismic event in the seismic data volume by automatically tracking horizons throughout an entirety of the seismic data volume from the sorted set of seed points in an order of the absolute amplitude values of the sorted set of seed points. Additionally, the method includes generating a graphical user interface that includes the horizon representation for display on a display device.