Vibroseis Stiffness–Viscosity Mapping for Terrain Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manually acquired terrain classification code maps often contain inaccuracies due to errors during field acquisition, leading to incorrect representations of terrain types.

Innovation Solution

Correlate ground viscosity and stiffness measurements using a vibroseis system to generate a stiffness to viscosity ratio map, which is used to refine the terrain classification code map by correcting inaccuracies and improving terrain type representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If terrain classification code map is manually acquired in the field, then the terrain classification map can be obtained, but the accuracy of terrain type representation deteriorates due to errors during field acquisition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of terrain type representationVSAvoidprecision of terrain classification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual field acquisition methods with automated vibroseis system measurements. The mechanical vibration-based stiffness and viscosity measurements objectively quantify terrain properties without human error, substituting the subjective manual classification process with precise physical measurements that directly reflect ground conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms terrain classification from qualitative manual codes to quantitative physical parameters (stiffness and viscosity). By measuring and correlating these physical parameters with terrain types, the system converts subjective classification into objective, measurable data that can be precisely correlated and verified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If manual field acquisition is used for terrain classification, then the process is simple to implement, but errors are introduced during the acquisition process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoidaccuracy of terrain classification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibroseis system performs self-measurement of ground properties through automated stiffness and viscosity calculations. The system independently generates vibration signals, measures the ground response, and computes terrain parameters without requiring manual field personnel to physically assess and classify terrain, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If stiffness and viscosity measurements are obtained from vibroseis system, then accurate ground property data is obtained, but the complexity of the measurement system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of ground property measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing vibroseis system, which is already deployed for seismic data acquisition, to simultaneously perform terrain classification measurements. The same vibration generation and sensing equipment used for seismic surveys also captures stiffness and viscosity data, eliminating the need for separate specialized measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The refined terrain classification code map provides accurate terrain type information by correcting errors in manually acquired maps, enhancing the precision of terrain condition representation.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of ground points is a point where vibrations are generated in ground for seismic data acquisition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the measured ground stiffness and the measured ground viscosity at each of the plurality of ground points are obtained from a vibroseis system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic wave propagation:

Data Source

PatentUS12422578B2Correlation of ground viscosity and stiffness measurements with terrain conditions

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Example computer-implemented methods, media, and systems for correlation of ground viscosity and stiffness measurements with terrain conditions are disclosed. One example computer-implemented method includes generating a respective ratio of measured ground stiffness to measured ground viscosity at each of multiple ground points, where each of the plurality of ground points is a point where vibrations are generated in ground for seismic data acquisition, and the measured ground stiffness and the measured ground viscosity at each of the plurality of ground points are obtained from a vibroseis system. A terrain classification code map is generated, where the terrain classification code map includes a respective terrain type for each of the plurality of ground points. The terrain classification code map is refined using the respective ratio of measured ground stiffness to measured ground viscosity at each of the multiple ground points.