Semi-recursive imaging under complex velocity structures
US6081482A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/51
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A computationally efficient semi-recursive Kirchhoff migration algorithm is capable of obtaining accurate images of complex structures in complex geological environments which commonly give rise to multivalued arrivals. The method alternates wave-equation datuming (downward continuation) and Kirchhoff migration. Breaking up the complicated velocity structure into small depth regions allows traveltimes to be calculated in regions where the computation is well behaved and where the computation corresponds to energetic arrivals. Because traveltimes are computed for small depth domains, the effects of multivalued arrivals are implicitly accounted for in the migration and the adverse effects of caustics and headwaves do not develop. The invention can use any simple first-arrival traveltime algorithm, and thus benefits from the computational efficiency, robustness, and simplicity of such algorithms.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.