Virtual Trace Bins for Seismic Imaging Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic processing techniques face challenges in accurately imaging complex subsurface geologies due to issues like non-uniqueness in inversion solutions, noise, and numerical instability, particularly when dealing with full waveform inversion (FWI) algorithms.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating virtual traces using virtual trace bins based on offset and azimuthal attributes, which enhances signal-to-noise ratio and allows for three-dimensional full waveform inversion, while maintaining 3D spatial information and adjusting bin sizes adaptively to improve seismic trace allocation and correction for elevation differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic processing techniques are used, then the processing is simpler, but the imaging accuracy of complex subsurface geologies deteriorates due to non-uniqueness in inversion solutions, noise, and numerical instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic data processing by introducing virtual trace bins that divide the seismic traces into multiple subsets based on offset and azimuthal attributes. This segmentation allows for more stable and accurate inversion by processing smaller, more manageable subsets rather than attempting to process all traces simultaneously, thereby reducing numerical instability while improving imaging accuracy of complex subsurface geologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional dimensional parameters (offset attributes and azimuthal attributes) to create virtual trace bins. This dimensional expansion allows the system to better characterize complex subsurface geologies by incorporating more spatial information, improving imaging accuracy while maintaining numerical stability through the structured organization of seismic traces in multiple dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If virtual trace bins with fixed sizes are used, then the processing is simpler, but the seismic trace allocation is less optimal for different geological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bin size adjustment where the size of virtual trace bins is adaptively modified based on specific geological conditions and data characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize seismic trace allocation for different geological scenarios, improving measurement precision while the automated adaptation mechanisms keep the implementation complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of virtual trace bins (size, offset ranges, azimuthal ranges) to optimize processing for different geological conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves better seismic trace allocation accuracy without requiring complex manual configuration, as the parameter changes are driven by data-driven criteria.
3Measurement precision
If all seismic traces are processed together, then the processing steps are fewer, but the signal-to-noise ratio is lower and inversion solutions are less unique
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments seismic traces into multiple virtual trace bins based on offset and azimuthal attributes, allowing processing of smaller subsets that improve signal-to-noise ratio and solution uniqueness. This segmentation is implemented through systematic classification of traces into distinct bins, enabling more precise processing while maintaining overall processing efficiency through parallel化处理 of multiple bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial processing by focusing computational resources on specific virtual trace bins that are most relevant to the geological targets of interest. Rather than processing all traces with equal weight, the system selectively processes subsets of traces that provide the most valuable information, improving signal-to-noise ratio while optimizing processing efficiency by avoiding redundant computations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining various seismic traces for a geological region of interest. The method may further include determining an offset attribute and an azimuthal attribute. The method may further include determining, using the offset attribute and the azimuthal attribute, a virtual trace bin for the geological region of interest. The method may further include generating a virtual trace using a subset of the seismic traces and corresponding to the virtual trace bin. The method may further include generating a velocity model for the geological region of interest using a virtual shot gather including the virtual trace and various virtual traces. A respective virtual trace among the virtual traces may correspond to a respective virtual trace bin among various virtual trace bins. The method may further include generating a seismic image of the geological region of interest using the velocity model.