Patent ID: 6373486
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A method for modeling in a x-y-z coordinate system a complex structure of the earth, where a complex structure has surfaces which are multiple-valued, comprising the steps of collecting and digitally storing seismic data traces in a data base of a volume of the earth of which said complex structure is contained, and with a computer program,(a) drawing a plurality of rib lines directly in said x-y-z system without translation to or from another coordinate system which outline the general shape of said structure, (b) selecting a first rib line and a second rib line of said plurality of rib lines, (c) first drawing a first plurality of preselected unconnected nodes on said first rib line and a second plurality of preselected unconnected nodes on said second rib line, and then (d) defining a rung between said first and second rib lines by connecting a line between a first preselected unconnected node on said first rib line to a first preselected unconnected node on said second rib line, thereby creating a rung between said first and second rib lines with said first and second preselected nodes being designated first and second connected nodes, (e) identifying a third preselected unconnected node on one rib line of either said first rib line or said second rib line which is nearest a connected node of either said first rib line or said second rib line, (f) connecting said third preselected unconnected node with said connected node of said other rib line, thereby causing said third preselected unconnected node to be a connected node and creating a second rung and a triangle shape between said first, second and third connected nodes, and (g) repeating steps (e) and (f) until all the preselected nodes of said first and second rib lines have been connected to another node to form a triangulated surface between said first and second rib lines, and further comprising the steps of (h) selecting a third rib line which is generally adjacent said second rib line and redefining said second rib line as said first rib line and defining said third rib line as said second rib line, (i) repeating steps (c) through (g) above until all of said preselected nodes of said third rib line and said second rib line have been connected to another node, and (j) repeating steps (h) and (i) above until all sets of two adjacent rib lines of said plurality of rib lines have been processed, and (k) graphically displaying in said x-y-z coordinate system each triangulated surface between sets of two adjacent rib lines to display said structure.