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.

Date of Patent:
Jun. 27, 2000

Filed:

May. 05, 1997
Applicant:
Inventor:

Dimitri Bevc, Lafayette, CA (US);

Assignee:

3DGeo Development, Inc., Mountain View, CA (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01V / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
367 57 ; 367 73 ; 367 57 ; 367 56 ; 367 59 ; 367 54 ; 367 36 ;
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.


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