Seismic Data Interpolation Using Time-Variant Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for interpolating and regularizing seismic data fail to accurately account for time-variant source and receiver locations, leading to approximation errors, especially in marine towed streamer seismic data and PS data, where conversion points and coordinates vary with time.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines analysis coordinates as a function of time, including conversion points and actual source/receiver locations, using ray tracing and GPS data, and performs interpolation or regularization processes such as Fourier interpolation to handle time-variant seismic data, addressing source and receiver motion and multiple simultaneous sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard seismic traces with time-invariant locations are used for interpolation and regularization, then the processing can be done per frequency slice with different interpolation methods, but approximation errors occur when conversion points or source and receiver coordinates vary with time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static, time-invariant location coordinates to dynamic, time-variant location coordinates in the interpolation and regularization process. The system now uses coordinates that change with time (x(t), y(t), z(t)) to accurately represent moving sources and receivers, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing simplicity and interpolation accuracy for time-variant seismic data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the coordinate parameters from constant values to time-dependent functions. The location parameters (x, y, z) are transformed into time-variant parameters (x(t), y(t), z(t)), allowing the interpolation method to adapt to changing source and receiver positions while maintaining processing effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If workarounds such as multiple short traces or separate motion correction are applied to handle time-variant locations, then processing can proceed, but the conversion points or source and receiver coordinates varying with time are not accurately considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses the limitation of workaround methods by implementing genuine dynamic coordinate tracking. Instead of using static coordinates with workarounds, the system uses time-variant coordinates (x(t), y(t), z(t)) that continuously represent the actual positions of sources and receivers, achieving both adaptability to time-variant data and high coordinate accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time as an intermediary parameter that connects the spatial coordinates. By incorporating time into the coordinate system itself rather than treating it as a separate correction step, the system accurately represents the relationship between position and time for moving sources and receivers, eliminating the need for approximate workaround methods
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 enhances the accuracy of seismic data processing by preventing approximation errors and allowing for more precise analysis of subsurface formations, even in complex marine environments with multiple sources and receivers.
Implementation Method 1
determining conversion points by ray tracing based at least partially on a path of energy traveling from a source to a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, computer readable, and methods concern receiving seismic data representing a subsurface volume. The method also includes determining, for the seismic data, analysis coordinates as a function of time. One or more of the analysis coordinates may vary in position over time. The method includes performing at least one of an interpolation or regularization process on the seismic data based at least partially on the analysis coordinates. The method also includes outputting a result of the at least one of the interpolation or regularization process.