Variogram Map and Rose Diagram for Spatial Continuity Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for computing variogram models in geostatistics require domain expertise and involve trial and error, with automated methods often relying on blind curve fitting that is not user-friendly or accurate.

Innovation Solution

The use of a variogram map and rose diagram to compute semi-variograms, allowing for non-linear fitting and user interaction through graphical interfaces, enabling alignment of the maximum direction of spatial continuity and adjustment of model parameters for improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional trial and error methods are used for semi-variogram fitting, then domain expertise can be utilized to guide the process, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires considerable manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting accuracyVSAvoidcomputation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary computation of experimental semi-variograms along multiple azimuths and automatically generates a variogram map before user interaction, preparing the foundation for rapid iterative fitting without requiring users to manually set up each calculation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through the variogram map and rose diagram that immediately shows users how their parameter adjustments affect the fitting quality, allowing rapid iteration without waiting for complex computational results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If automated least squares curve fitting is used, then the process becomes faster and more automated, but the fitting becomes blind to user input and less accurate for rigorous cases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidfitting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static automated fitting to a dynamic interactive process where users can adjust parameters in real-time based on visual feedback from the variogram map, combining automation with user control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The variogram map and rose diagram serve as intermediary visual representations that translate complex fitting results into intuitive graphical feedback, enabling users to make informed adjustments without needing deep domain expertise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If multiple experimental semi-variograms are computed along different azimuths, then the spatial continuity can be better analyzed, but the complexity of the interface and number of parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial informationVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple experimental semi-variograms from different azimuths into a single integrated variogram map and rose diagram, preserving spatial information while simplifying the interface into unified visual representations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the analysis from examining multiple separate 2D semi-variogram plots to a single 3D variogram map with azimuth as the third dimension, allowing comprehensive spatial analysis in a unified view

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2181401B1Systems and methods for computing a variogram model
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORP
  • EP2181401B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2181401B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2181401B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for computing a variogram model, which utilize a variogram map and a rose diagram to compute the model.