Specific Display System (e.g., Mapping, Profiling) Patents (Class 702/16)
  • Patent number: 9002651
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for seismic imaging implements a seismic imaging algorithm utilizing Reverse Time Migration technique requiring large communication bandwidth and low latency to convert a parallel problem into one solved using massive domain partitioning. Several aspects of the imaging problem, including very regular and local communication patterns, balanced compute and communication requirements, scratch data handling and multiple-pass approaches. The partitioning of the velocity model into processing blocks allows each sub-problem to fit in a local cache, increasing locality and bandwidth and reducing latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lurng-Kuo Liu, Ligang Lu, Michael P. Perrone
  • Patent number: 9002648
    Abstract: A system and method for use in a downhole tool having distance measurement, feature detection, and primary measurement devices positioned therein are provided. In one example, the method includes recording a first plurality of features and corresponding positions in a first log using the feature detection device and the distance measurement device, respectively. A first feature of the first plurality of features is selected and the position corresponding to the first feature is identified. The feature detection device is aligned relative to the first feature based on the identified position. A first primary measurement is taken using the primary measurement device while the feature detection device is aligned relative to the first feature. The steps of recording, selecting, moving, and taking are repeated to obtain a second primary measurement while the feature detection device is aligned relative to a second feature of a second plurality of features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Harold G. Pfutzner
  • Publication number: 20150094958
    Abstract: Four or more seismic attributes are integrated or merged into imaging formats and displayed for geological interpretation via extended quantization. Multi-attribute integration and classification improves the ability to identify geologic facies, and reservoir properties such as thickness, fluid type, or fracture intensity and orientation. The extended quantization groups up to eight attributes as a single attribute for geophysical data classification. Data group reduction criteria are provided to reveal common geological targets in the data, while preserving small variations or thin layers often found in hydrocarbon reservoirs. By combining multiple attributes, image quality is enhanced while providing analysts the ability to observe channels that might not be visible in any single attribute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Saleh Al-Dossary, Jimsong Wang
  • Publication number: 20150046093
    Abstract: Processing measurements to create “reflectivity” data at a datum for a target using Joint Point-Spread Functions. The “reflectivity” data can be an image or an extended image. The methods can create single reflectivity data from measurements from multiple experiments, or multiple processed datasets via different processing routes from measurements from a single experiment, or measurements from a single experiment with multiple simultaneous sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ivan Pires De Vasconcelos, James E. Rickett
  • Patent number: 8949031
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a volumetric image of a geological structure in the subsoil includes generating a plurality of seismic waves by plural seismic sources, acquiring signals or traces obtained by processing the seismic waves reflected by the geological structure for creating a seismic record or shot gather for the activation position of each seismic source, migrating, through a numerical processing, each shot gather to create a respective partial volumetric image of the geological structure, summing the single partial volumetric images to obtain the overall volumetric image of the geological structure, the summing of the single partial volumetric images being obtained by grouping the seismic sources into groups, grouping the groups of seismic sources into super-groups, and effecting N migrations for each super-group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Clara Andreoletti, Nicola Bienati
  • Patent number: 8949030
    Abstract: A method for processing seismic data. The method includes receiving the seismic data acquired by at least two receivers that are disposed at different depths. The method may then time-align the seismic data, collect a portion of the time-aligned seismic data into a gather and sum the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather. After summing the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather, the method may widen a spectrum of the summed seismic data and generate an image of subsurface formations in the earth based on the widened spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ralf Ferber
  • Patent number: 8948463
    Abstract: A method for analyzing seismic data by generating a post-migration common image gather in a dip angle domain from measured seismic data; detecting concave features related to reflection events in the common image gather and apexes; filtering out part of the concave features in the common image gather in a vicinity of the detected apexes; applying a hybrid Radon transform to the filtered common image gather to separate residues of the concave features from other image features related to diffraction events; and applying an inverse hybrid Radon transform to an image containing the separated features related to diffraction events to obtain a transformed common image gather in the dip angle domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventors: Evgeny Landa, Reda Baina
  • Publication number: 20150012220
    Abstract: Seismic shear-wave survey systems and methods that employ inclined borehole pairs with directional detonations. If the boreholes have substantially equal inclinations in opposite azimuthal directions, the resulting signal traces can be combined to isolate shear wave energy contributions, thereby offering potentially enhanced resolution and reduced-complexity interpretation. The boreholes may be cased to ensure repeatability for, e.g., monitoring of reservoir fracturing, treatments, and/or drainage. The directional charges may be immersed to improve coupling of seismic energy into the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Willis
  • Publication number: 20140372043
    Abstract: Method for reconstructing subsurface profiles for seismic velocity or other geophysical properties from recorded seismic data. In one embodiment, a starting model of seismic velocity is assumed (10). The computational domain is divided into two (or more) subdomains by horizontal planes based on an analysis of velocity model (30), and the allowed maximum grid size for each subdomain is determined (50). Auxiliary perfectly matched layers (PML's) are attached to each planar interface between subdomains (80), e.g. two PML's on each side of the interface between the coarse and fine subdomains. Simulated seismic data are computed using the SG-DO technique (100-230). The simulated seismic data are compared to the recorded seismic data, then the residual is calculated (240) and used to update the model (320). The method may be iterated until the model is suitably converged (260).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Wenyi Hu, Anatoly Baumstein, John E. Anderson, Carey M. Marcinkovich
  • Publication number: 20140372044
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for seismic data processing. The method may receive seismic data for a region of interest. The seismic data may be acquired in a seismic survey. The method may determine an exclusion criterion. The exclusion criterion may provide rules for selecting shot points in the acquired seismic data. The method may determine sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based on the exclusion criterion and the acquired seismic data. The method may determine simulated seismic data based on the earth model and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data. The method may determine an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data. The method may update the earth model using the objective function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: KUN JIAO, RICHARD TIMOTHY COATES, WEI HUANG, ALAN SCHIEMENZ, DENES VIGH
  • Patent number: 8902221
    Abstract: Prospect assessment and play chance mapping tools are provided. For assessing potential resources, example systems provide dynamically linked chance maps, transformed in real time from geological properties. Input geological maps or other data are dynamically linked to resulting chance maps, so that changes in the input maps automatically update the chance map in real time. Users can generate a custom risk matrix dynamically linking geological maps with chance maps via interface tools, dropping maps directly into the matrix. A transform may programmatically convert the geologic domain to the chance domain. The user can navigate input maps, select areas of interest, and drag-and-drop geologic properties into an uncertainty engine and distribution builder for uncertainty assessment based on geologic reality. A merge tool can programmatically unify multiple geological interpretations of a prospect. The merge tool outputs a single chance of success value for multiple geologic property values at each grid node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Hantschel, Alexander Martin Wilson, Nicola Tessen, Glenn Koller, Martin Neumaier
  • Publication number: 20140345946
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining a search expression describing a feature of interest in a set of data points distributed throughout a geological object is provided. Each data point contains a value for a geological attribute at that point. The search expression has a plurality of entries. The method including the steps of: (i) displaying the geological object using display codings corresponding to value subranges for the geological attribute such that all data points which have values for the geological attribute falling within a given value subrange are displayed with the same coding; (ii) selecting a plurality of data points of the feature of interest; and (iii) allocating value characters to entries of the search expression, the value characters corresponding to the value subranges for the geological attribute of the selected data points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: WestemGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jan Øystein Haavig Bakke, Oddgeir Gramstad
  • Publication number: 20140330523
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for enhancing flat spots in 3D seismic interpretation are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the method generally involve an operation of horizontally stacking (summing) traces within a user defined elongate area. The user may define the size and shape of the elongate area. In addition, the elongate area may be automatically aligned to a user defined axis such as without limitation, the structure strike. By aligning an elongate area operator with a selected or user selected axis, and with appropriate choice of axis length, it is possible to constrain the stacking operation within geologic strata, allowing the user to image even narrow flat events that wrap around a subterranean structure. Further details and advantages of various embodiments of the method are described in more detail herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Jerzy R. TRYBEK, John J. Bornhurst, Mark Busby, Kevin L. Deal
  • Patent number: 8879355
    Abstract: Computing device and method for processing seismic traces to produce an image of a subsurface area. The method includes receiving a series of seismic traces related to the subsurface area and recorded by one or more seismic receivers, wherein the one or more seismic sources are originally generated by a source; applying a phase encoding function to the series of seismic traces, at least a portion of said seismic traces comprise signals reflected by geological interfaces of the subsurface area; applying a 3 dimensional (3D) harmonic-source reverse time migration of the series of seismic traces encoded with the phase encoding function; computing a forward wavefield by solving a first wave equation; computing a backward wavefield by solving a second wave equation; and cross-correlating the forward wavefield with the backward wavefield to generate an image of the subsurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cggveritas Services SA
    Inventors: Robert Soubaras, Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 8880350
    Abstract: A system and method for determining individualized medical intervention for a particular disease state, and especially for cancers, that includes the molecular profiling of a biological sample from the patient, determining whether any molecular findings including one or more genes, one or more gene expressed proteins, one or more molecular mechanisms, and/or combinations of such exhibit a change in expression compared to a reference, and identifying a non-specific disease therapy or agent capable of interacting with the genes, gene expressed proteins, molecular mechanisms, or combinations of such molecular findings that exhibited a change in expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caris MPI, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Von Hoff, Robert J. Penny
  • Patent number: 8862408
    Abstract: In response to at least one input criterion, one or more target positions in an acquisition domain are determined for processing of survey data, where the survey data is acquired by survey equipment in the acquisition domain having a first set of dimensions, and where the processing of the survey data is to be performed in a processing domain having a second set of dimensions different from the first set of dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Vassallo, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, Ralf G. Ferber
  • Publication number: 20140303897
    Abstract: A system and method may, based on a 3D seismic data set seed point, execute a seed picking algorithm, using the first point for picking a set of second points from the data set, setting each of the points in the set of second points as the first point and repeating the algorithm. An iteration number or other attribute may be assigned to the points, the iteration number corresponding to the number of times the algorithm repeated to process the point. The attribute or a number of attributes may be displayed as a visual characteristic for each point. An iterative process may be applied to a set of seismic data points, starting at a seed data point and finding a set of next iteration seed points from among the set of points neighboring the seed point, continuing only with next iteration seed points, and recording for each of a set of data points the number of points that are found by the process when the point is used as a seed data point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Huw JAMES
  • Publication number: 20140297190
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a stability indicator associated with source directivity between shots and based on a signature are described. The stability indicator is computed by comparing a reference directivity cube to a source directivity cube using a partitioned intensity uniformity (PIU) metric. In another aspect, the stability indicator can be normalized to produce a scalar stability indicator expressed in percentage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: CGG Services SA
    Inventors: Julie SVAY, Yuan NI, Cheikh NIANG
  • Publication number: 20140297189
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating multi-criteria shot indicators are described. The multi-criteria shot indicator values can be weighted and the weighting factors can themselves incorporate one or more sensitivity factors. In another aspect, the shot indicators are related to the 4D repeatability and/or the 3D stability of seismic features associated with individual shots or sets of shots. The multi-criteria shot indicators can be evaluated in real-time onboard a seismic vessel and included as part of an infill reshoot decision making/quality control process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Julie SVAY, Nicolas BOUSQUIE, Cheikh NIANG, Thomas MENSCH
  • Publication number: 20140297191
    Abstract: A geophysical target-oriented approach is proposed to derive seismic sensitivity to 4D positioning mismatches, which focuses on the impact on the reflective response from the reservoir. The sensitivity indicators provide information about the seismic impact, in terms of reservoir imaging, of a surface positioning mismatch. Some embodiments capitalize on the use of legacy data, enabling a fast-track analysis to be carried out on the velocity model to extract trends and mapping of lateral geological variability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Julie SVAY, Anna SEDOVA, Nicolas BOUSQUIE
  • Publication number: 20140288839
    Abstract: Apparatus, computer instructions and method for deghosting seismic data related to a subsurface of a body of water. The method includes inputting data recorded by detectors that are towed by a vessel, the data being associated with waves travelling from the subsurface to the detectors; applying a migration procedure to the data to determine a first image of the subsurface; applying a mirror migration procedure to the data to determine a second image of the subsurface; joint deconvoluting the first image and the second image for deghosting a reflectivity of the subsurface; and generating a final image of the subsurface based on the deghosted reflectivity of the joint deconvoluting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA
    Inventor: Robert SOUBARAS
  • Publication number: 20140288840
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for mapping a volume of the Earth's subsurface encompassing a selected path within said volume, comprising dividing the volume of the Earth's subsurface into a three-dimensional grid of voxels and transforming detected seismic signals representing seismic energy originating from said volume of the Earth's subsurface when no induced fracturing activity is occurring along said selected path and conducted to a recording unit for recording into signals representing energy originating from the voxels included in said grid of voxels, and utilizing said transformed seismic signals to estimate spatially continuous flow paths for reservoir fluids through said volume of the Earth's subsurface to said selected path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Global Microseismic Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Meredith Vermilye, Charles John Sicking, Ross G. Peebles, Laird Berry Thompson, Amanda Jean Klaus, Peter Anderson Geiser
  • Publication number: 20140278117
    Abstract: Method for determining visualization rendering parameters for seismic data to heighten subtle differences. The full data volume and at least one sub-volume are processed in the inventive method (12). Statistics are extracted for the data or attributes of the data (13). Rendering parameters are derived based on comparing and computing the statistical information for the volume and sub-volumes (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Dobin, Yao-chou Cheng, Patricia Montoya
  • Publication number: 20140257707
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing and imaging seismic data without the use of cross-well seismic data includes in one aspect providing a first data set representative of a first 3D VSP of a first region of a subterranean formation, and providing a second data set representative of a second 3D VSP of a second region of the subterranean formation. The first data set and the second data set define a common region and are merged within the common region to produce a third data set representative of a third 3D VSP .
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SR2020, INC.
    Inventors: Andres Chavarria, Martin Karrenbach, William Bartling
  • Patent number: 8831886
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to compositions and methods of processing a subterranean formation including collecting microseismic data from one wellbore, collecting amplitude ratio information for the microseismic data, comparing the amplitude ratio to an expected ratio, generating a representation of a formation based on the microseismic data and the comparison of the amplitude ratio and expected ratio, and performing an oil field services activity based on the representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Michael John Williams
  • Publication number: 20140249758
    Abstract: A device, medium and method for processing ghosted seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes receiving the ghosted seismic data; receiving an initial velocity model; computing, in a processor, gathers G and mirror gathers M based on the ghosted seismic data and the initial velocity model; and calculating residual moveout curves r for each gather.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventor: Robert SOUBARAS
  • Publication number: 20140249757
    Abstract: Computing device, system and method for calculating an estimate far-field signature () of a seismic source. The method includes receiving seismic data collected with seismic sensors having a variable-depth distribution so that ghost diversity is present; stacking the seismic data at the sea floor; calculating in a processor the estimate far-field signature () based on a ghost period (ti) and a relative amplitude (?i) of two traces from the seismic data; and generating a final image of sub-surface based on the estimate far-field signature ().
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Bruno GRATACOS
  • Patent number: 8825409
    Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product for tracing seismic sections to convert to digital format are provided. The method includes: receiving a scan of a seismic section having multiple overlapping traces measured at spot points; splitting the traces into segments; associating the segments with appropriate baselines; estimating the traces between segments using logical rules; and deriving amplitudes of the traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Shmuel Chevion, Yaakov Navon
  • Patent number: 8818730
    Abstract: The invention relates to acquiring seismic data in either land or marine environments, but typically marine environments where a pulse-type source is fired in a distinctive composite pulse like a distinctive rumble. In a preferred embodiment, a number of pulse-type seismic sources, sometimes called an array, are fired in a distinctive composite pulse to be able to identify within the returning wavefield the energy resulting from the composite pulse. Firing the pulse-type sources creates an identifiable signature so that two or more marine seismic acquisition systems with source arrays can be acquiring seismic data concurrently and the peak energy delivered into the water will be less, which will reduce the irritation of seismic data acquisition to marine life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Peter M. Eick, Joel D. Brewer, Frank D. Janiszewski, Charles C. Mosher
  • Publication number: 20140222347
    Abstract: A system and method for classifying seismic waveforms are provided. The system and method may be used to assist an analyst to rapidly and accurately identify commonalities and inter-relationships, which may be related to similar geologic conditions, within a collection of seismic waveform traces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Drilling Info, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Bashore
  • Patent number: 8798974
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer-implemented method for interactive geological interpretation, structural modeling and structural restoration, in which instantaneous feedback is provided to an interpreter. A software module is loaded into and executed by the computer system to implement the method of the invention. The method and system are employed by a technician or scientist, such as an earth scientist, geologist or geophysicist, hereinafter called an “interpreter”. Using the method and system, the interpreter can make skilled qualitative and quantitative appraisals of geologic structures that occur within the upper parts of the earth's crust, including both the current state of such structures and their kinematic development through time. One use of such appraisals is to evaluate resources found in structures within sedimentary basins, including but not limited to oil and gas resources. The method and system can be used to train novice and advanced interpreters to improve their understanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Gordon Nunns
  • Publication number: 20140214328
    Abstract: A method of extracting a salt body from a geological volume is provided. A starting object is located within the geological volume. The starting object defines an initial salt body boundary. Data points are distributed through the geological volume. The data points are associated with values of one or more geological attributes. The method includes the steps of: defining an expression which determines a change in position of the salt body boundary at the data points over an iteration based on the values of the one or more attributes; and applying the expression at the data points for successive iterations to evolve the salt body boundary over the successive iterations until a final form for the evolved salt body is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: JARLE HAUKÅS, ODA ROALDSDOTTER RAVNDAL, LARS SØNNELAND
  • Patent number: 8792301
    Abstract: A system and method may, based on a 3D seismic data set seed point, execute a seed picking algorithm, using the first point for picking a set of second points from the data set, setting each of the points in the set of second points as the first point and repeating the algorithm. An iteration number or other attribute may be assigned to the points, the iteration number corresponding to the number of times the algorithm repeated to process the point. The attribute or a number of attributes may be displayed as a visual characteristic for each point. An iterative process may be applied to a set of seismic data points, starting at a seed data point and finding a set of next iteration seed points from among the set of points neighboring the seed point, continuing only with next iteration seed points, and recording for each of a set of data points the number of points that are found by the process when the point is used as a seed data point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Paradigm Sciences Ltd.
    Inventor: Huw James
  • Publication number: 20140200817
    Abstract: Methods and systems for constraining surface consistent amplitude corrections are described. An amplitude map generated from pre-stack or post-stack seismic data can constrain, through the bin term, the surface consistent inversion. The methods and systems provide a solution to correct for wavelength and regional anomalies associated with heterogeneous near surface or buried velocity variations above the target horizon. The methods and systems can be used for 2D, 3D, 4D surveys or for a merge of different surveys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Katia GARCERAN, David LE MEUR, André LÉVÊQUE
  • Publication number: 20140200816
    Abstract: Described herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for processing seismic data corresponding to a region of interest. The method may receive the seismic data. The method may separate the received seismic data into refraction packets and reflection packets. The method may receive a model for the region of interest. The method may update a first portion of the received model using the refraction packets with refraction traveltime tomography. The method may use the updated model to facilitate hydrocarbon exploration or production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: CHENGBIN PENG, JUN TANG, MARTA WOODWARD
  • Publication number: 20140200815
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for substantially eliminating an influence of true-azimuth three dimensional (3D) internal multiple reflections in determining undersea geography in a geographical area of interest without a priori knowledge of subsurface information. The system and method define a set of upper windows that include a geographical area of interest, and a pair of lower windows that are below the set of upper windows, define a first set of apertures and a second set of apertures, segment seismic data to each of the windows using the first and second sets of apertures, and determine a total internal 3D multiple model based on an iteratively generated internal 3D multiple model using the segmented seismic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Barry HUNG, Min WANG
  • Patent number: 8781748
    Abstract: A system and method for generating images of a subsurface region of interest is provided. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method of generating images related to a subsurface region of interest includes: accessing, via a central processing unit (CPU), seismic data and an earth model related to the subsurface region of interest; forward propagating a source wavefield using the earth model at a first time interval via at least one external co-processor coupled to the CPU; transferring, at a second time interval, the forward propagated source wavefield to the CPU for compression and external storage; backward propagating the seismic data at the first time interval via the external co-processor to derive backward propagated receiver wavefield; and transferring, at the second time interval, the backward propagated receiver wavefield to the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Loddoch, Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20140195162
    Abstract: A device, medium and method for de-blending seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes a step of receiving seismic data “d” recorded with one or more land receivers, wherein the seismic data includes shot recordings generated by plural sources that are simultaneously actuated; a step of forming either a continuous receiver trace or trace segments from the received seismic data; a step of selecting plural overlapping spatial blocks that cover the surface shot locations; a step of assigning the shot recordings to the plural overlapping spatial blocks; a step of applying a mathematical technique to the recordings to determine de-blended data; and a step of generating an image of the subsurface based on the de-blended data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventor: Gordon POOLE
  • Patent number: 8773951
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and article of manufacture for generating images of a subsurface region are disclosed. The method includes obtaining seismic data and an earth model related to the subsurface region, forward propagating a source wavefield through the earth model for a limited time range dependent on a first travel time and a second travel time, backward propagating a receiver wavefield through the earth model for the limited time range dependent on the first travel time and the second travel time, and applying an imaging condition to the forward propagated source wavefield and backward propagated receiver wavefield to generate images related to the subsurface region. The first travel time is a length of time taken by seismic energy to travel from a seismic source to an image point in the subsurface region and the second travel time is a length of time taken by seismic energy to travel from a seismic receiver to the image point in the subsurface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Guojian Shan, Linbin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140177386
    Abstract: A seismic survey system for surveying a subsurface. The system includes a volumetric land source buried underground for generating P-waves; a non-volumetric land source buried underground for generating P- and S-waves; plural receivers distributed about the volumetric and non-volumetric land sources and configured to record seismic signals corresponding to the P- and S-waves; and a controller connected to the volumetric land source and the non-volumetric land source and configured to shot them in a given pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Eric FORGUES, Francois-Xavier GRESILLON, Julien COTTON
  • Patent number: 8762064
    Abstract: Seismic image filtering machines, systems, program products, and computer implemented methods are provided to generate a filtered seismic image responsive to filtered seismic image data generated by attenuating coherent seismic noise from surface waves of an unfiltered wavefield constructed from unfiltered seismic image data through a single downward extrapolation of the unfiltered wavefield using a plurality of nonstationary convolution operators to perform localized filtering at each of a plurality of spatial locations of the unfiltered wavefield. Various embodiments, for example, can beneficially handle strong lateral velocity variations thus making various embodiments effective tools to remove complicated coherent seismic noise which is typically in the form of exponentially decaying evanescent waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Saleh M. Al-Saleh
  • Publication number: 20140172308
    Abstract: Methods and systems for similarity indicator calculation associated with seismic data acquisition are described. A similarity indicator value can, for example, be based on a normalized partitioned intensity uniformity (PIU) metric. In another aspect, shot imprints are compared by mapping a base (reference) shot imprint onto a current sample of a shot imprint before calculating the similarity indicator value. The similarity indicator value is associated with the shot imprint location used in the calculation and allows re-shooting of only the areas where an insufficient quality of shot data is detected based on a preconfigured threshold value for the similarity indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Julie SVAY, Nicolas BOUSQUIE, Thomas MENSCH, Risto SILIQI
  • Patent number: 8756018
    Abstract: A method for determining movement of a fluid contact in a subsurface reservoir includes measuring azimuthally sensitive resistivity at a first time from within a wellbore penetrating the subsurface reservoir. A first position of the fluid contact with respect to the wellbore is determined using the azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements. After a selected time, the measuring azimuthally sensitive resistivity from within a wellbore penetrating the subsurface reservoir is repeated. Movement of the fluid contact from the first position is determined using the repeated azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lucian Johnston, Selim Djandji
  • Publication number: 20140163890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system mapping geological formations related to seismic studies comprising interrogation means for sampling information from geological features in a mapped area, e.g. through seismic sampling methods, the sampled information being stored in association with a position related to the sampled information providing a mapping of the area, wherein the system also comprises analyzing means for obtaining attribute information related to the sampled information in each position and storing said attribute information associated to said positions so as to provide an ensemble of attribute values related to the mapped area subject to the seismic studies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Roxar Software Solutions AS
    Inventor: Garrett LEAHY
  • Patent number: 8750072
    Abstract: In various disclosed seismic imaging systems and methods, a fast target-oriented illumination calculation technique is employed to obtain a data volume or “matrix” of approximate illumination values. These illumination values enable an image matrix of “true reflectivity” values to be found. The illumination values are derived from Green's functions which, rather than being calculated and re-calculated on a shot-by-shot basis, are calculated in multi-shot groups and combined with a rolling-sum to greatly reduce the computational overhead. As a consequence, the disclosed systems and methods can provide target region illuminations more quickly and/or with higher quality than those systems relying on conventional 3D wave-equation illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Mingqiu Luo, Shengwen Jin
  • Patent number: 8749549
    Abstract: Prospect assessment and play chance mapping tools are provided. For assessing potential resources, example systems provide dynamically linked chance maps, transformed in real time from geological properties. Input geological maps or other data are dynamically linked to resulting chance maps, so that changes in the input maps automatically update the chance map in real time. Users can generate a custom risk matrix dynamically linking geological maps with chance maps via interface tools, dropping maps directly into the matrix. A transform may programmatically convert the geologic domain to the chance domain. The user can navigate input maps, select areas of interest, and drag-and-drop geologic properties into an uncertainty engine and distribution builder for uncertainty assessment based on geologic reality. A merge tool can programmatically unify multiple geological interpretations of a prospect. The merge tool outputs a single chance of success value for multiple geologic property values at each grid node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Hantschel, Alexander Martin Wilson, Nicola Tessen, Glenn Koller, Martin Neumaier
  • Publication number: 20140142860
    Abstract: A system and computer program product for seismic imaging implements a seismic imaging algorithm utilizing Reverse Time Migration (RTM) and Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) techniques requiring large communication bandwidth and low latency to convert a parallel problem into one solved using massive domain partitioning. Since in RTM and FWI, the forward wave propagation is iteratively calculated on time step increments, there are very high statistical correlation between the intermediate wavefields at the adjacent time steps. This correlation is exploited in compression of the intermediate wavefields so as to achieve much higher compression ratio and avoid the disk IO bottleneck and reduce the overall computing time substantially. Further, during simulation of a reverse wavefield, reverse predictive encoding technique is performed such that snapshots are not recovered in the reverse propagation path due to a prediction chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ligang Lu
  • Publication number: 20140142859
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for seismic imaging implements a seismic imaging algorithm utilizing Reverse Time Migration (RTM) and Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) techniques requiring large communication bandwidth and low latency to convert a parallel problem into one solved using massive domain partitioning. Since in RTM and FWI, the forward wave propagation is iteratively calculated on time step increments, there are very high statistical correlation between the intermediate wavefields at the adjacent time steps. This correlation is exploited in compression of the intermediate wavefields so as to achieve much higher compression ratio and avoid the disk IO bottleneck and reduce the overall computing time substantially. Further, during simulation of a reverse wavefield, reverse predictive encoding technique is performed such that snapshots are not recovered in the reverse propagation path due to a prediction chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ligang Lu
  • Publication number: 20140129150
    Abstract: A method for seismic surveying includes disposing a plurality of seismic sensors in a selected pattern above an area of the Earth's subsurface. A seismic energy source is repeatedly actuated proximate the seismic sensors. A signal used to actuate the source comprises a linear chirp having a starting frequency and an ending frequency less than twice the starting frequency. Recorded signals are processed to generate an image corresponding to at least one point in the subsurface, the processing includes stacking recordings from each sensor for a plurality of actuations of the source, cross correlating the stacked signals with an expected signal generated by non linearities in the subsurface and beam steering a response of the seismic sensors such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: ACOUSTIC ZOOM, INC.
    Inventors: Jacques Y. Guigné, Nicholas G. Pace
  • Publication number: 20140100786
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software can be used to analyze microseismic data from a fracture treatment. In some aspects, data for a new microseismic event are from a fracture treatment of a subterranean zone. An updated parameter for a fracture plane is calculated. The fracture plane was previously generated based on data for prior microseismic events. The updated parameter calculated is calculated based on the data for the new microseismic event and the data for the prior microseismic events. A graphical representation of the fracture plane is displayed based on the updated parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Jianfu Ma, Avi Lin, Harold Grayson Walters