The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 18, 1992
Filed:
Feb. 14, 1991
Wiliam S Harlan, Ponca City, OK (US);
Douglas W Hanson, Ponca City, OK (US);
Shein-Shion Wang, Ponca City, OK (US);
Conoco Inc., Ponca City, OK (US);
Abstract
A method for improving velocity models so that constant-offset migrations estimate consistent positions for reflectors includes tomographic estimation of seismic transmission velocities from constant-offset depth migrations. A method of converting inconsistencies in reflector positioning from constant-offset migrations into equivalent errors in modeled travel times is introduced, so that conventional methods of traveltime tomography can improve the velocity model. An improved velocity model allows a more accurate migrated image of the subsurface. The estimated velocity model can also detect anomalous regions of geologic significance, such as low velocity gas accumulations and irregular near surface weathering. In an alternate embodiment the procedure can be iterative and allow alternating improvements in the positions of reflectors and in the velocity model.