Parallel Seismic Interpretation with Real-Time Depth Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seismic data interpretation methods face challenges in converting time-domain data to depth-domain data, particularly in complex geological areas, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming depth conversion processes that do not correct time-domain interpretation inaccuracies and are prone to sub-optimal uncertainty levels.

Innovation Solution

A software platform that concurrently displays time-domain and depth-domain interpretations along with a velocity model, allowing real-time manipulation and validation, enabling rapid convergence to an accurate velocity model and depth maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional iterative depth conversion procedures are used, then depth maps can be generated, but the process is time-consuming and does not allow for rapid correction of time-domain interpretation inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth conversion accuracyVSAvoidinterpretation project timeline
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically updates depth-domain interpretations in real-time as velocity models change, allowing continuous refinement without traditional iterative delays. The depth conversion process responds dynamically to user manipulations of velocity models, providing immediate feedback and enabling rapid correction of inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual feedback by displaying updated depth maps as velocity models are manipulated. This real-time feedback loop allows interpreters to quickly assess the impact of velocity model changes and make rapid adjustments to correct time-domain interpretation inaccuracies, eliminating the delayed feedback inherent in traditional iterative processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple depth-map realizations are generated through iteration, then uncertainty levels can be assessed, but the process is confined to velocity model variants and cannot take into account alternative time-domain interpretations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuncertainty assessmentVSAvoidinterpretation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates depth maps from velocity models, allows manipulation of both velocity models and time-domain interpretations, and provides real-time depth conversion. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive uncertainty assessment that incorporates both velocity model variants and alternative time-domain interpretations, far exceeding the capabilities of traditional confined iterative processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds the dimension of time-domain interpretation manipulation to the traditional velocity model iteration process. By allowing simultaneous modification and visualization of both time-domain interpretations and velocity models with real-time depth conversion, the system enables exploration of a much broader solution space that incorporates multiple dimensions of interpretive uncertainty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If velocity models are manipulated to improve depth conversion, then accuracy can be enhanced, but the process is slow and does not allow real-time visualization of outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity model accuracyVSAvoidinterpretation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous real-time depth conversion as velocity models are manipulated, eliminating the stop-start nature of traditional iterative processes. The depth maps update continuously alongside velocity model changes, providing uninterrupted visual feedback that maintains both accuracy enhancement and high productivity throughout the interpretation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4217767B1Parallelization of seismic data-related modelling
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • EP4217767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4217767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4217767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method includes concurrently outputting, by a computing device to a display of the computing device, a graphical time-domain interpretation of seismic data, a graphical velocity model related to the seismic data, and a graphical depth-domain interpretation of the seismic data. The method may further include identifying, by the computing device, a first alteration to one of the time-domain interpretation, the velocity model, and the depth-domain interpretation. The method may further include identifying, by the computing device based on the first alteration, a second alteration to another of the time-domain interpretation, the velocity model, and the depth-domain interpretation. The method may further include updating, by the computing device based on the first alteration and the second alteration, at least two of the graphical time-domain interpretation, the graphical velocity model, and the graphical depth-domain interpretation. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.