Synthetic Geological Formation Image Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating subsurface geological formations during well bore drilling require time-consuming and resource-intensive continuous core sampling, which hinders efficient drilling operations and resource extraction.

Innovation Solution

A computerized image synthesis system generates synthetic geological formation images by selecting and combining rock fragment images obtained during drilling, approximating the characteristics of a continuous core sample without the need for intact extraction, using techniques like image segmentation and watershed transformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If continuous core sampling is used to evaluate subsurface formation characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation accuracy of subsurface formation characteristicsVSAvoidtime required for core sampling operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a synthetic core image that is a digital copy representing the subsurface formation characteristics. Instead of physically extracting and analyzing continuous core samples, the system generates a synthetic image from rock fragment images that replicates the geological features, thereby eliminating time-consuming physical core sampling while maintaining evaluation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the continuous core sample into multiple rock fragment images at different depths. By analyzing these segmented fragments and synthesizing them computationally, the system achieves comprehensive formation evaluation without the need to handle and analyze the entire continuous core sample physically, thus reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If continuous core sampling is performed to obtain intact rock samples, then reliability of formation evaluation is improved, but device complexity and resource expenditure worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of subsurface formation evaluationVSAvoidcomplexity of core sampling equipment and operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical core sampling system with a computational image synthesis system. Instead of using complex mechanical equipment to extract, transport, and analyze continuous core samples, the system uses image processing algorithms to synthesize formation characteristics from rock fragment images, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces rock fragment images as an intermediary between the subsurface formation and the evaluation process. These images serve as mediators that capture formation characteristics without requiring direct physical extraction of continuous cores, thus reducing the need for complex sampling equipment while maintaining evaluation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If rock fragment images are processed to generate synthetic formation images, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to image processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling operation efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of image synthesis system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of the subsurface formation through synthetic image generation from rock fragment images. This computational copying process eliminates the need for time-consuming physical core sampling operations, thereby improving drilling productivity. The complexity of the image processing system is offset by the elimination of physical sampling equipment and operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms physical rock fragment parameters into digital image parameters through computational processing. By changing the state of the data from physical samples to digital images and applying image processing algorithms, the system achieves rapid formation evaluation that improves productivity. The complexity of parameter transformation is managed through standardized image processing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11668847B2Generating synthetic geological formation images based on rock fragment images

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

In an example method, one or more processors receive a plurality of rock fragment images. Each of the rock fragment images represents respective rock fragments obtained from a subsurface formation during well bore drilling. The one or more processors select one or more portions of the rock fragment images, and generate a geological formation image based on the one or more selected portions of the rock fragment images. The geological formation image is indicative of one or more geological characteristics of the subsurface formation along the well bore.