Subsurface Modeling Pattern Language for Geologic Concept Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geophysical modeling and seismic interpretation systems are inefficient, leading to inconsistencies and loss of valuable information due to manual processes, lack of captured relationships between interpretation objects, and difficulties in automating pattern recognition, which hinders the creation of accurate subsurface models for hydrocarbon resource recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a pattern language to enhance subsurface modeling by tracking interpretation operations, allowing for flexible geologic concepts to be applied to subsurface volumes, enabling reproducibility, data mining, and automatic optimization, while providing a mechanism for users to interact with and define patterns in an abstract manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual interpretation processes are used, then flexibility in handling complex geologic concepts is maintained, but productivity and consistency deteriorate due to time-consuming repetitive tasks and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of pattern language, geologic concepts, and interpretation operations that mediates between the interpreter's intent and the computer's execution. This allows complex geologic reasoning to be captured in abstract patterns while automated execution handles the repetitive processing, resolving the contradiction between manual flexibility and automated productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of interpretation knowledge in the form of pattern definitions and geologic concepts that can be stored, reused, and applied automatically. By copying expert knowledge into a formal language, the system maintains the flexibility of expert judgment while enabling automated application across multiple datasets, improving both consistency and productivity
2Productivity
If interpretation operations are automated, then productivity and consistency improve, but the ability to capture complex geologic patterns and concepts deteriorates due to lack of formal language
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms geologic concepts into parameterized patterns with adjustable properties such as spatial relationships, geometric characteristics, and attribute constraints. This allows the same pattern framework to adapt to different geologic scenarios by changing parameters rather than requiring completely different algorithms, maintaining versatility while enabling automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments complex geologic patterns into hierarchical components including primitive patterns, composite patterns, and geologic concepts. This segmentation allows the system to handle complexity through modular pattern definitions that can be combined and reused, capturing sophisticated geologic relationships while remaining computationally tractable for automated processing
3Reliability
If data is accumulated to prevent information loss, then reliability improves, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where interpretation operations track their inputs and outputs, and where inconsistencies between interpretation objects are detected and reported. This feedback loop ensures information integrity without requiring accumulation of all intermediate data, as the system can reproduce results by re-executing interpretation operations on original data using stored pattern definitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of interpretation knowledge into pattern definitions and geologic concepts before actual interpretation tasks. This preliminary structuring enables efficient data management by establishing a framework that guides data processing and storage requirements, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability through pre-planned data flow and dependency tracking
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system is described for modeling one or more geophysical properties of a subsurface volume. In one embodiment, a method of modeling the subsurface comprises obtaining one or more subsurface volume and obtaining an interpretation of the subsurface volume. One or more flexible geologic concepts are defined and applied to the interpretation of the subsurface volume. The one or more geologic concepts comprise one or more flexible geologic concepts. A modified interpretation of the subsurface volume is obtained based upon the applied geologic concepts.