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US4633401A
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Method and apparatus for automatically determining pairs of turnings related to the same seismic event in adjacent seismic traces
Assignee: Westerngeco LLC
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Filing: 1984-11-08
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Granted: 1986-12-30
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Expires: 2004-11-08
Abstract
Abstract A computer system automatically determines pairs of significant turnings related to the same seismic event in adjacent seismic traces of a three-dimensional seismic volume, wherein a turning is defined as a zero-crossing in the Nth derivative of the seismic trace. The times of the turnings of a first trace are compared with the times of the turnings of a second trace, and vice versa. The mutual smallest differences between times of turnings is detected and those turnings having the smallest mutual differences are paired, thereby designating the turnings that are mutual nearest neighbors, provided that the signs of the (N+1)th derivatives are the same (positive or negative). The system has the capability to compare the signs. The system repeats the comparison and pairing throughout the three-dimensional seismic volume.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce E. Flinchbaugh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/28; G01V1/30; G01V1/301
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A system for automatically determining pairs of turnings in adjacent seismic traces of a three-dimensional seismic volume wherein the system has stored parameters of the turnings, including the signs of the (N+1)th derivatives, comprising: (a) means for comparing the parameters of the turnings in a first trace with the parameters of the turnings in a second trace; (b) means for comparing the parameters of the turnings in the second trace with the parameters of the turnings in the first trace; (c) means for detecting the differences between the parameters of the first turnings in the trace and the parameters of the turnings in the second trace, and vice versa; (d) means for pairing those turnings having the smallest differences, thereby designating the mutual nearest neighbor pairs of turnings; and (e) means for repeating the comparison and pairings between adjacent traces throughout the three-dimensional seismic volume.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A system for automatically determining pairs of turnings in adjacent seismic traces of a three-dimensional seismic volume wherein the system has stored parameters of the turnings, including the signs of the (N+1)th derivatives, comprising: (a) means for comparing the parameters of the turnings in a first trace with the parameters of the turnings in a second trace; (b) means for comparing the parameters of the turnings in the second trace with the parameters of the turnings in the first trace; (c) means for detecting the differences between the parameters of the first turnings in the trace and the parameters of the turnings in the second trace, and vice versa; (d) means for pairing those turnings having the smallest differences, thereby designating the mutual nearest neighbor pairs of turnings; and (e) means for repeating the comparison and pairings between adjacent traces throughout the three-dimensional seismic volume.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising means for adding mutual nearest neighbor pairing designations to each turning.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the parameters compared comprise times of turnings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 3 further comprising means for comparing the signs of the (N+1)th derivatives of the first trace at the turning points with the signs of the (N+1)th derivatives of the second trace, and for preventing the pairing of turnings having unlike signs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 4 further comprising means for displaying the pairs of turnings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising means for comparing the signs of the (N+1)th derivatives of the first trace at the turning points with the signs of the (N+1)th derivatives of the second trace, and for preventing the pairing of turnings having unlike signs.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of determining pairs of turnings in adjacent seismic traces of a three-dimensional seismic volume having stored parameters including the (N+1)th derivatives of the trace at each turning, comprising the steps of: (a) comparing the parameters of the turnings in a first trace with the parameters of the turnings in a second trace; (b) comparing the parameters of the turnings in the second trace with the parameters of the turnings in the first trace; (c) detecting the differences between the parameters of the turnings of the first trace and the parameters of the turnings of the second trace, and vice versa; (d) pairing those turnings having the smallest differences thereby designating the mutual nearest neighbor pairs of turnings; and (e) repeating steps (a), (b), (c), and (d) for all of the traces in the three-dimensional seismic section.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of determining pairs of turnings in adjacent seismic traces of a three-dimensional seismic volume having stored parameters including the (N+1)th derivatives of the trace at each turning, comprising the steps of: (a) comparing the parameters of the turnings in a first trace with the parameters of the turnings in a second trace; (b) comparing the parameters of the turnings in the second trace with the parameters of the turnings in the first trace; (c) detecting the differences between the parameters of the turnings of the first trace and the parameters of the turnings of the second trace, and vice versa; (d) pairing those turnings having the smallest differences thereby designating the mutual nearest neighbor pairs of turnings; and (e) repeating steps (a), (b), (c), and (d) for all of the traces in the three-dimensional seismic section.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of: (f) adding mutual nearest neighbor pairing identification of each turning.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the parameters of each turning comprise times of turnings.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of: (b) comparing the signs of the (N+1)th derivative of each of the mutual nearest neighbor pair; and (b) preventing the pairing of mutual nearest neighbor pairs when the turnings of the pair have unlike signs.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of displaying the pairs of turnings.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of: (g) comparing the signs of the (N+1)th derivative of each of the mutual nearest neighbor pair; and (h) preventing the pairing of mutual nearest neighbor pairs when the turnings of the pair have unlike signs.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4499598A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-12-29 | 1990-06-30 | 1990-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-29 | 1994-06-30 | 1994-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-29 | 1998-06-30 | 1998-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |