Seismic Data Tile Grouping for Automated Feature Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing seismic data for hydrocarbon prospecting require manual interpretation by humans, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and lack efficient automated processes for identifying geological features like faults and reflector surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method that identifies tiles from seismic data cubes and groups them into patches, allowing for automated analysis by a computer, using techniques such as the Radon transform and tile overlap to enhance accuracy and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual interpretation by human interpreters is used to analyze seismic data, then the analysis can be performed with existing simple tools, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of geological feature identificationVSAvoidtime required for seismic data analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seismic data cube is divided into multiple overlapping tiles, each of which is independently analyzed to identify reflector surfaces. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple regions simultaneously, dramatically reducing analysis time while maintaining consistent interpretation quality across the entire dataset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical interpretation by human interpreters is replaced with automated computer-based analysis using signal processing techniques (Radon transform). This substitution eliminates human error and fatigue while enabling rapid processing of large seismic datasets through algorithmic consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated software analysis of the seismic data cube is developed, then analysis speed increases, but the software complexity and development time become considerable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of seismic data analysisVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis software

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex task of analyzing the entire seismic data cube is broken down into simpler sub-tasks of analyzing individual overlapping tiles. Each tile analysis is a standardized, relatively simple operation that can be easily automated, and the results are then integrated to form the complete interpretation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attempting to analyze the entire seismic dataset at once with a single complex algorithm, the method applies a simpler analysis repeatedly to overlapping portions (tiles) of the data. The overlap ensures complete coverage while the repetition of a simple standardized operation reduces overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12061303B2Method of analysing seismic data

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 EQUINOR ENERGY AS

AI summary

A method of analysing seismic data from a geological structure. The method includes determining a set of tiles from a data cube of seismic data and determining which tiles of the set of tiles can be grouped into one or more patches of tiles.