3D Subsurface Drawing System with Automatic Mesh Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer graphics tools for hydrocarbon exploration and production are complex and require high programming sophistication, making it difficult to visualize and interact with 3D subsurface structures, particularly for tasks like drawing and interpreting seismic data and reservoir models.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to view and draw graphical objects in a 3D environment, supporting various types of drawings such as polylines, polygons, and surfaces, with features like dynamic control over views, collaboration, and automatic mesh construction based on user-defined boundaries, using a user-friendly graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex computer graphics tools (OpenGL, Java3D, Direct3D) are used to create 3D subsurface visualizations, then the capability to visualize complex three-dimensional scenes is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring high programming sophistication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer that sits between the user and complex graphics tools like OpenGL. This intermediary provides simplified drawing commands and automatic coordinate system management, translating user-friendly operations into the complex underlying graphics operations without requiring users to program sophisticated 3D graphics code directly
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic coordinate transformations and scene graph management without requiring user intervention. The software automatically handles the complexity of 3D coordinate systems, view transformations, and rendering pipeline setup, allowing users to focus on subsurface interpretation rather than graphics programming
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewing windows and drawing capabilities are added to the system, then the functionality for interpreting subsurface structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal 3D scene graph data structure that serves multiple functions simultaneously. This scene graph handles both visualization rendering and drawing operations, supports multiple view types (3D, 2D section, map view), and manages both existing subsurface objects and user-created drawings through a unified interface, reducing the need for separate specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a nested hierarchical structure where 3D graphical objects contain subsurface data, which in turn contain geological features. User drawings are nested within this hierarchy as editable graphical objects. This nested organization allows complex functionality to be managed through layered abstraction, where each level handles specific aspects without exposing underlying complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for drawing in a three-dimensional space. The drawings may include dots, line segments, arrows, polylines (open and closed), polygons, surfaces and 3D volumes. The method may include receiving user input that specifies a drawing in a displayed window and mapping the drawing into the 3D space. The mapping process may involve mapping the drawing onto a surface of an existing graphical object in the 3D space, or, mapping the drawing onto a user-specified plane in the 3D space. The drawing may represent a user's interpretation of a geological feature present on the graphical object surface. The graphical object may represent an object of significance in hydrocarbon exploration and production, e.g., an interpreted section or horizon in the earth's subsurface.