Subterranean Space Modeling via Spherical Coordinate Transformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subterranean space modeling techniques present data in a suboptimal manner, making it difficult to access and visualize information quickly and efficiently from the perspective of a point within the subterranean space.

Innovation Solution

Converting data from a Cartesian coordinate system to a spherical coordinate system to generate a new model that provides a 360-degree view of subterranean space data, allowing visualization from any vantage point within the space, and modifying data display to maximize relevance to the modeled perspective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data is presented using traditional Cartesian coordinate systems, then data collection completeness is maintained, but data accessibility and visualization efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoiddata completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms data from a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) to a spherical coordinate system (r, θ, φ) centered at the wellbore location. This dimensional transformation allows data to be organized radially around the wellbore, providing 360-degree coverage and enabling comprehensive visualization of subterranean formations from the wellbore's perspective, thereby improving data accessibility without losing completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spherical coordinate system as an intermediary framework between the traditional Cartesian data collection system and the user's need for intuitive visualization. This intermediary transformation layer converts raw formation data into a wellbore-centered radial representation, making the data more accessible while preserving all original information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If data is transformed to spherical coordinate system for 360-degree view, then data visualization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coordinate system parameters from Cartesian (x, y, z) to spherical (r, θ, φ), where r represents radial distance from the wellbore, θ represents azimuthal angle, and φ represents polar angle. This parameter transformation enables efficient 360-degree visualization of subterranean data from the wellbore's perspective, significantly improving visualization efficiency while the mathematical transformation remains a straightforward coordinate conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10347022B2Perspective-based modeling of a subterranean space

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method for graphically representing a subterranean space from the perspective of a point within the subterranean space, in some embodiments, comprises: obtaining data associated with the subterranean space, said data corresponding to a plurality of coordinates in a first coordinate system; associating the data for each of said plurality of coordinates with one or more corresponding coordinates in a second coordinate system; generating a different model of the subterranean space based on the data and said associations; and displaying the different model on a display, wherein the different model represents the subterranean space from the perspective of a point within the subterranean space.