Patents Assigned to WesternGeco L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 8284630
    Abstract: A method for interpolating irregularly sampled seismic data, including receiving seismic data acquired at irregularly spaced seismic sensors in a survey area, defining a plurality of regularly spaced locations in the survey area, forming an annular ring around one of the plurality of regularly spaced locations, and interpolating the seismic data inside the annular ring to estimate seismic data that would have been acquired at the one of the plurality of regularly spaced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ralf G. Ferber
  • Patent number: 8280116
    Abstract: Described herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for mapping glacial geomorphology. A satellite image of an area of interest may be received. A digital elevation model of the area of interest may be received. Plains and ridges may be identified on the digital elevation model. Swamps and forest may be identified on the satellite image. A glaciological map may be generated having glacial features based on the identified plains, ridges, swamps and forest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andreas Laake
  • Patent number: 8275592
    Abstract: To perform inversion based on electromagnetic (EM) data acquired in a subterranean survey, time domain controlled source EM (TD-CSEM) data is acquired by at least one EM receiver in response to EM signals from a controlled EM source. Further data is received, where the further data is selected from among magnetotelluric (MT) data and DC data acquired by the at least one receiver. A probabilistic joint inversion is applied on the TD-CSEM data and the further data to produce a model representing a subterranean structure that is a target of the subterranean survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrea Lovatini, Michael D. Watts, Diego Rovetta, Giancarlo Bernasconi, Paolo Mazzucchelli
  • Patent number: 8265875
    Abstract: A method for interpolating data. The method includes receiving data acquired at one or more locations where the data represents subterranean formations in the earth. The method also includes selecting one or more of the locations such that the selected locations are within a vicinity of an interpolation location. Next, the method includes forming a matrix of interpolation coefficients based on a first function having one or more interpolation variables, a bandwidth for an interpolation operator and one or more differences between the selected locations, wherein at least one of the interpolation variables is periodic. The method then includes forming a differences vector based on a second function having the interpolation variables, the bandwidth and one or more differences between the selected locations and the interpolation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ian Moore
  • Patent number: 8261874
    Abstract: A method for attenuating out of band energy emitted from a seismic source used in a marine seismic survey. The method includes disposing the seismic source in a body of water and releasing a gas into a volume of water surrounding the seismic source. The released gas may be configured such that it displaces the volume of water surrounding the seismic source at a rate less than 2.9×106 cubic-meters per cubic-second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Robert Laws, Julian Edward (Ed) Kragh
  • Patent number: 8260555
    Abstract: To perform a marine survey, a streamer is deployed into a body of water, where the streamer has plural first sensors to perform a subterranean survey. Indications are received from second sensors in corresponding sections of the streamer, where the indications are regarding which sections are in the body of water. Information is updated regarding which sections of the streamer are in the body of water in response to the received indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Welker
  • Patent number: 8259532
    Abstract: A method for generating a synthetic seismogram. In one implementation, the method may include generating a first seismogram in a tau-p domain for a wavefront that moves through an overburden to an upper boundary of a reservoir. The first seismogram is based on a common shot point gather. The method may further include generating a second seismogram in the tau-p domain for the wavefront moving from the upper boundary to a lower boundary of the reservoir and reflected back up to the upper boundary; generating a third seismogram in the tau-p domain for the wavefront moving from the upper boundary of the reservoir through the overburden; and adding the first seismogram in the tau-p domain, the second seismogram in the tau-p domain, and the third seismogram in the tau-p domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Toshi Thomas Chang, Luis Canales, Alfonso Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20120218860
    Abstract: A technique facilitates obtaining seismic data in a marine environment. An array of acoustic sources is deployed in a marine environment. The array can be utilized for creating acoustic pulses that facilitate the collection of data on subsea structures. The methodology enables optimization of acoustic source array performance to improve the collection of useful data during a seismic survey.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: JON-FREDRIK HOPPERSTAD, ROBERT LAWS, ASLAUG STROEMMEN MELBOC
  • Publication number: 20120221182
    Abstract: To perform control of movement of a marine vessel traveling through water during a seismic survey operation, input information relating to factors that affect a speed of the marine vessel is received. The speed of the marine vessel is adjusted in response to the received information relating to the factors that affect the speed of the marine vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: ANDREAS HOLO, KENNETH E. WELKER
  • Patent number: 8254206
    Abstract: A technique for use in towed-array, marine seismic surveys includes a method and an apparatus. The method includes accessing a set of multicomponent seismic data acquired in a wide tow, marine seismic survey; and interpolating a set of seismic data from the acquired seismic data in the crossline direction such that the combined acquired and interpolated seismic data meet the discrete spatial sampling theory requirements for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise. In some aspects, the technique includes programmed storage media and/or programmed computers for use in executing such a method. The apparatus is a wide tow array, including a plurality of streamers spaced apart by a cable separation exceeding the maximum cable spacing for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise as determined by discrete spatial sampling theory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Morley
  • Publication number: 20120209530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting interbed multiples is described herein. Trace geometries may be generated for one or more desired shot-side traces, one or more desired receiver-side traces, and one or more desired interbed multiple generator traces, for a first target trace. A first set of reflections at the interbed multiple generator layer may be extracted from one or more recorded traces closest to the desired interbed multiple generator traces. A second set of reflections below the interbed multiple generator layer may be extracted from one or more recorded traces closest to the desired shot-side traces. A third set of reflections below the interbed multiple generator layer may be extracted from one or more recorded traces closest to the desired receiver-side traces. The interbed multiples for the first target trace may be estimated based on the first set, the second set, and the third set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: PAOLO TERENGHI, WILLIAM H. DRAGOSET, JR., IAN MOORE
  • Patent number: 8238196
    Abstract: A survey system for acquiring survey data representative of a subterranean structure includes a plurality of sensor modules. Each of at least some of the plurality of sensor modules includes a wireless transceiver to communicate wireless signals with another component in the survey system, and a plurality of parts. A first of the plurality of parts is detachably attached to a second of the plurality of parts, with the first part including a sensor, and the second part including a power source and a non-volatile storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Daniel Golparian
  • Patent number: 8230801
    Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Oyvind Hillesund, Simon Hastings Bittleston
  • Patent number: 8228756
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for remotely controlling position of marine seismic equipment. One apparatus comprises a source connected to a tow member; and an adjustment mechanism connected to the source and the tow member, the adjustment mechanism adapted to actively manipulate an angle of attack of the source. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rune Toennessen
  • Patent number: 8228208
    Abstract: A method for communicating with a receiver during an electromagnetic survey. In one implementation, the method may include sending a survey signal to a subsurface region, wherein the survey signals is a first electromagnetic signal and sending a diagnostic signal to the receiver. The diagnostic signal is a second electromagnetic signal having a diagnostic message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip Heelan, Leendert Combee
  • Patent number: 8218393
    Abstract: A system includes an interface and a processor. The interface receives seismic datasets, which are associated with multiple firings of a set of at least one seismic source. Each dataset is acquired by seismic sensors during a different time period of a sequence of time periods that are limited by times at which the set of seismic source(s) are fired. The processor, for each of the firings of the set of seismic source(s), generates an associated shot record based on information contained at least two of the datasets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Craig J. Beasley
  • Patent number: 8213260
    Abstract: A technique for performing a fast residual migration of seismic data through parsimonious image decomposition is presented. In one aspect, the technique includes a software-implemented method for processing a set of seismic data includes through parsimonious image decomposition. Other aspects of the technique include a program storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform such a method or a computing apparatus programmed to perform such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: David E. Nichols
  • Patent number: 8210262
    Abstract: A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir such that the fracturing fluid may include an additive that enhances acoustic impedance between the fracturing fluid and subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver during the fracturing operation; and identifying locations of the fracturing fluid within subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Craig J. Beasley
  • Patent number: 8208343
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for acoustic ranging by application of linear period modulated sound. In one aspect of the instant invention, an apparatus is provided for acoustic ranging by application of linear period modulated sound. The apparatus includes at least one source adapted to generate at least one modulated Doppler invariant signal and at least one receiver deployed along a seismic sensing cable, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive at least one modulated Doppler invariant signal from the at least one source. The apparatus further includes a signal processing unit adapted to determine the propagation time delay between the source and the receiver using the modulated Doppler invariant signal and the received Doppler invariant signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: James Martin, Kambiz Iranpour
  • Patent number: 8205711
    Abstract: A seismic source array 15 comprises a plurality of seismic source 26 arranged about a central point of the source array 15 in such a way that an imaginary circle drawn with said central point at its center, and containing all of said seismic sources 26, can be divided into at least three whole sectors each of which contains a substantially identical arrangement of seismic sources 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Johan-Fredrik Synnevaag, Pieter Leonard Vermeer