Seismic Data Interpolation via Random Process Error Minimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic data processing faces errors due to irregular sampling grids in marine environments, which are exacerbated by obstacles and strong currents, leading to inaccuracies in time-lapse surveys, multiple suppression, and imaging.

Innovation Solution

Modeling interpolated seismic measurements as a random process characterized by seismic measurements at non-uniformly spaced sensor locations and minimizing interpolation error to determine uniformly spaced measurements, using a processor-based system to receive and process seismic data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If seismic sensors are deployed in marine environments with obstacles and strong currents, then the survey can be conducted in challenging environments, but the sampling grid becomes irregular and non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to conduct survey in challenging marine environmentsVSAvoiduniformity of sampling grid

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the irregular sampling problem into a regular sampling framework by applying coordinate transformations and parameter changes. The non-uniform spatial coordinates are handled through mathematical transformations that map the irregular data onto a regular grid structure, allowing standard processing techniques to be applied while accounting for the original irregular sampling pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If irregular sampling is ignored or handled poorly, then processing is simpler, but notable errors are introduced and amplified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of processingVSAvoidaccuracy of seismic data

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary regularization step that acts as a bridge between the irregularly sampled data and the subsequent processing stages. This intermediary process creates a regularized representation of the seismic data that maintains accuracy while enabling simpler downstream processing, effectively decoupling the complexity of irregular sampling from the main processing pipeline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If streamers are towed behind survey vessel, then marine survey can be conducted efficiently, but maintaining parallel streamers is difficult due to steering limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of marine surveyVSAvoidparallel alignment of streamers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic corrections to account for the actual positions of streamers that deviate from ideal parallel configurations. Rather than requiring strict geometric alignment, the method dynamically adjusts for positional variations through coordinate transformations and interpolation techniques that accommodate the actual deployed geometry of the streamers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8861306B2Interpolating seismic data

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 WESTERNGECO LLC

AI summary

A technique includes modeling interpolated seismic measurements as a random process characterized by seismic measurements acquired at a set of sensor locations and an interpolation error. The technique includes determining the interpolated seismic measurements based at least in part on a minimization of the interpolation error.