3D Visualization in the Seismitarium
Authors: Singleton Jacquelyn , Grismore John , Neff Dennis , Layton Jesse 
Published: October 2008

The Seismitarium software and conCAVE visualization screen provide an inexpensive immersive environment for exploring and analyzing 3D data in their spatially correct and true 3D locations. Developed initially for oil and gas exploration, the patent-pending visualization system was recognized for its innovation by technical publications outside the oil patch.

Seismitarium software extracts data in the shape of a silo, then projects them on the complex surface of the hybrid conCAVE screen, producing unique distinctive views of geologic features. Combined with traditional planar perspective views, event picking, and surface generation, the Seismitarium becomes an extension to the interpreter's tool chest, improving his accuracy and efficiency.

Several well-bore viewing options are incorporated in the software. The well track can be used as the navigation flight path for the silo, immersing the user in the surrounding seismic volume as he flies up and down the well. 3D perspective views with data rendered along the wellpath (like a probe) are also provided.

The cylinder portion of the screen is a natural place for viewing well-derived non-seismic images. Any data, such as FMI logs, representing cylindrical views of the borehole can be portrayed in true spatially correct relationships on the ConCAVE walls.

No immersive system is successful unless it includes the ability to switch quickly to non-immersive flat displays. The Seismitarium achieves this in several ways - with the perspective view enhanced depth-cueing component, the flat screen pulldown option, the paddle, planar mode, and combinations of the four.

Introduction

In early 1998, the Geoscience Branch of Phillips Petroleum Company began viewing seismic data in ways other than the traditional planar views and voxel-type displays. In a research project called Shapes, the team investigated generating 3D shapes then mapping property information onto them from a 3D volume. Of the various shapes, the sphere was the most dramatic for enhancing the understanding of geometric relationships of the 3D features.

Later in the year, the team began a review of existing visualization hardware and software, intending to design and implement a cost effective system that could be used for small group collaboration as well as daily individual geophysical and geological interpretation. After evaluating the four major types of industry visualization systems and determining that none suited all their needs, the team invented a hybrid screen which combined the best features of each of these systems. The invention took its final form with the development of the conCAVE screen.

The two efforts, Hybrid Screen and Shapes, merged to produce the Seismitarium. Once they were no longer constrained by a flat screen bias, they invented a new spatially correct 3D object to match the hybrid screen. This carving and projection method, when used with seismic data, produced remarkable, unique views of geologic features with spatially correct relationships. Non-seismic data worked equally well, as did cylindrical, tubular data.