U.S. patent application number 11/148497 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for methods and systems for selecting and acquiring data to update a geophysical database.
This patent application is currently assigned to Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Coe, Jimmy R., Gibson, John W. JR., Gleitman, Daniel D., Rao, M. Vikram, Rector, Sharon.
Application Number | 20050228725 11/148497 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21758945 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050228725 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rao, M. Vikram ; et
al. |
October 13, 2005 |
Methods and systems for selecting and acquiring data to update a
geophysical database
Abstract
Methods and systems for collecting, managing, distributing and
updating geophysical data primarily for E&P companies include
in one embodiment the sale of subscriptions entitling paid
subscribers access to all subscribed data including both preview
and full data. Initial and subsequent data providers are preferably
compensated from subscriber fees and may be compensated based on
relative subscriber use of data. Data subscriptions can include for
subscribers the right to vote or otherwise provide input relating
to desired data updates. Data updates are preferably purchased
based on competitive bids. The inventive systems and methods
diminish much of the risk and uncertainty associated with the
collection, management, distribution and updating of geophysical
data under current methodologies, making the process more efficient
and cost-effective for participating parties.
Inventors: |
Rao, M. Vikram; (Houston,
TX) ; Coe, Jimmy R.; (Houston, TX) ; Gibson,
John W. JR.; (Katy, TX) ; Gleitman, Daniel D.;
(Houston, TX) ; Rector, Sharon; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARK D. MCSWAIN
IBM ALMADEN RESEARCH CENTER, IP LAW DEPT.
650 HARRY ROAD
CHTA/J2B
SAN JOSE
CA
95120
US
|
Assignee: |
Halliburton Energy Services,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
21758945 |
Appl. No.: |
11/148497 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11148497 |
Jun 9, 2005 |
|
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10013240 |
Dec 10, 2001 |
|
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6931378 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.4 ;
705/26.1; 707/E17.018 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0611 20130101;
G06Q 10/06 20130101; G06Q 30/08 20130101; G01V 1/003 20130101; G06Q
30/0601 20130101; G06F 16/29 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/026 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising the steps of:
storing said data in said geophysical database, said data including
multiple shoots; identifying a new shoot to add to said geophysical
database; identifying a plurality of potential data providers to
provide said new shoot; providing to said plurality of potential
data providers information about said new shoot; collecting a bid
from each of said plurality of potential data providers to provide
said new shoot; selecting, using the bids, a selected provider for
said new shoot; and acquiring said new shoot from said selected
provider.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said selected provider is a data
owner and said step of acquiring includes acquiring existing data
from said selected provider.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said selected provider is a data
collector and said step of acquiring includes the steps of: waiting
while said selected provider collects said new shoot; and acquiring
the newly collected said new shoot from said selected provider.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of acquiring includes
acquiring said new shoot by at least one of the group comprising
purchasing said new shoot and licensing said new shoot.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said new shoot comprises an update
of at least a portion of a shoot residing in said geophysical
database.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said new shoot comprises a
collection of data at least a portion of which is not
geographically overlapping data residing in said geophysical
database.
7. A system for operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising: a controller; a
memory connected to said controller, said memory storing
instructions operative with said controller to perform the steps
of: storing said data in said geophysical database, said data
including multiple shoots; identifying a new shoot to add to said
geophysical database; identifying a plurality of potential data
providers to provide said new shoot; providing to said plurality of
potential data providers information about said new shoot;
collecting a bid from each of said plurality of potential data
providers to provide said new shoot; selecting, using the bids, a
selected provider for said new shoot; and acquiring said new shoot
from said selected provider.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said selected provider is a data
owner and said step of acquiring includes acquiring existing data
from said selected provider.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein said selected provider is a data
collector and said step of acquiring includes the steps of: waiting
while said selected provider collects said new shoot; and acquiring
the newly collected said new shoot from said selected provider.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein said step of acquiring includes
acquiring said new shoot by at least one of the group comprising
purchasing said new shoot and licensing said new shoot.
11. The system of claim 7 wherein said new shoot comprises an
update of at least a portion of a shoot residing in said
geophysical database.
12. The system of claim 7 wherein said new shoot comprises a
collection of data at least a portion of which is not
geographically overlapping data residing in said geophysical
database.
13. A system for operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising: means for storing
said data in said geophysical database, said data including
multiple shoots; means for identifying a new shoot to add to said
geophysical database; means for identifying a plurality of
potential data providers to provide said new shoot; means for
providing to said plurality of potential data providers information
about said new shoot; means for collecting a bid from each of said
plurality of potential data providers to provide said new shoot;
means for selecting, using the bids, a selected provider for said
new shoot; and means for acquiring said new shoot from said
selected provider.
14. A computer program product, for use with a computer system, for
operating a geophysical database containing data relating to
underground structures, the computer program product comprising: a
computer-readable medium containing thereon instructions operative
to control the operation of the computer system to perform the
steps of: storing said data in said geophysical database, said data
including multiple shoots; identifying a new shoot to add to said
geophysical database; identifying a plurality of potential data
providers to provide said new shoot; providing to said plurality of
potential data providers information about said new shoot;
collecting a bid from each of said plurality of potential data
providers to provide said new shoot; selecting, using the bids, a
selected provider for said new shoot; and acquiring said new shoot
from said selected provider.
15. A method of operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising the steps of:
storing said data in said geophysical database, said data including
multiple shoots; establishing a plurality of accounts, each
respective account for a user including access to subscriber data
in said geophysical database and a right to provide input on
updates to said geophysical database; collecting from the users
input relating to updating said geophysical database; identifying,
based in at least part on said collecting step, a new shoot to add
to said geophysical database; identifying a plurality of potential
data providers to provide said new shoot; providing to said
plurality of potential data providers information about said new
shoot; soliciting, from each of said plurality of potential data
providers, a bid for said new shoot; collecting the bid from each
of said plurality of potential data providers to provide said new
shoot; selecting, using the bids, a selected provider for said new
shoot; and acquiring said new shoot from said selected
provider.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said selected provider is a data
owner and said step of acquiring includes acquiring existing data
from said selected provider.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein said selected provider is a data
collector and said step of acquiring includes the steps of: waiting
while said selected provider collects said new shoot; and acquiring
the newly collected said new shoot from said selected provider.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein said step of acquiring includes
acquiring said new shoot by at least one of the group comprising
purchasing said new shoot and licensing said new shoot.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein said new shoot comprises an
update of at least a portion of a shoot residing in said
geophysical database.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein said new shoot comprises a
collection of data at least a portion of which is not residing in
said geophysical database.
21. The method of claim 15 wherein said right to provide input
includes a right to submit a vote.
22. The method of claim 15 wherein said right to provide input
includes participating on a committee that provides input on
updates to said geophysical database.
23. A system for operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising: a controller; a
memory connected to said controller, said memory storing
instructions operative with said controller to perform the steps
of: storing said data in said geophysical database, said data
including multiple shoots; establishing a plurality of accounts,
each respective account for a user including access to subscriber
data in said geophysical database and a right to provide input on
updates to said geophysical database; collecting from the users
input relating to updating said geophysical database; identifying;
based in at least part on said collecting step, a new shoot to add
to said geophysical database; identifying a plurality of potential
data providers to provide said new shoot; providing to said
plurality of potential data providers information about said new
shoot; transmitting, to each of said plurality of potential data
providers, a request for a bid for said new shoot; collecting the
bid from each of said plurality of potential data providers to
provide said new shoot; selecting, using the bids, a selected
provider for said new shoot; and acquiring said new shoot from said
selected provider.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein said selected provider is a data
owner and said step of acquiring includes acquiring existing data
from said selected provider.
25. The system of claim 23 wherein said selected provider is a data
collector and said step of acquiring includes the steps of: waiting
while said selected provider collects said new shoot; and acquiring
the newly collected said new shoot from said selected provider.
26. The system of claim 23 wherein said step of acquiring includes
acquiring said new shoot by at least one of the group comprising
purchasing said new shoot and licensing said new shoot.
27. The system of claim 23 wherein said new shoot comprises an
update of at least a portion of a shoot residing in said
geophysical database.
28. The system of claim 23 wherein said new shoot comprises a
collection of data at least a portion of which is not residing in
said geophysical database.
29. The system of claim 23 wherein said right to provide input
includes a right to submit a vote.
30. The system of claim 23 wherein said right to provide input
includes participating on a committee that provides input on
updates to said geophysical database.
31. A system for operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising: means for storing
said data in said geophysical database, said data including
multiple shoots; means for establishing a plurality of accounts,
each respective account for a user including access to subscriber
data in said geophysical database and a right to provide input on
updates to said geophysical database; means for collecting from the
users input relating to updating said geophysical database; means
for identifying, based in at least part on said collecting step, a
new shoot to add to said geophysical database; means for
identifying a plurality of potential data providers to provide said
new shoot; means for providing to said plurality of potential data
providers information about said new shoot; means for soliciting,
from each of said plurality of potential data providers, a bid for
said new shoot; means for collecting the bid from each of said
plurality of potential data providers to provide said new shoot;
means for selecting, using the bids, a selected provider for said
new shoot; and means for acquiring said new shoot from said
selected provider.
32. A computer program product, for use with a computer system, for
operating a geophysical database containing data relating to
underground structures, the computer program product comprising: a
computer-readable medium containing thereon instructions operative
to control the operation of the computer system to perform the
steps of: storing said data in said geophysical database, said data
including multiple shoots; establishing a plurality of accounts,
each respective account for a user including access to subscriber
data in said geophysical database and a right to provide input on
updates to said geophysical database; collecting from the users
input relating to updating said geophysical database; identifying,
based in at least part on said collecting step, a new shoot to add
to said geophysical database; identifying a plurality of potential
data providers to provide said new shoot; providing to said
plurality of potential data providers information about said new
shoot; soliciting, from each of said plurality of potential data
providers, a bid for said new shoot; collecting the bid from each
of said plurality of potential data providers to provide said new
shoot; selecting, using the bids, a selected provider for said new
shoot; and acquiring said new shoot from said selected
provider.
33. A method of operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising the steps of:
storing said data in said geophysical database; identifying a
plurality of users each desiring access to said geophysical
database; collecting a respective fee from each of said plurality
of users to establish for each of said plurality of users a
respective subscription to said geophysical database; providing to
each of said plurality of users access to data for use in assessing
the hydrocarbon potential of said underground structures; providing
with each respective subscription a right to provide input on
updates to said data; collecting from each of said plurality of
users a respective request to update said data; selecting, based on
said step of collecting from each of said plurality of users a
respective request to update said data, candidate data updates;
collecting competitive bids for said candidate data updates from a
plurality of potential data providers; selecting, based on said
respective requests from said plurality of users and said
competitive bids from said plurality of potential data providers,
at least one selected data update from a selected data provider;
and acquiring, funded at least in part by the fees collected from
said plurality of subscribers, said desired data updates from the
potential data providers.
34. The method of claim 33 and further including the step of
providing suggested updates to said plurality of users.
35. The method of claim 33 wherein said selected provider is a data
owner and said step of acquiring includes acquiring existing data
from said selected provider.
36. The method of claim 33 wherein said selected provider is a data
collector and said step of acquiring includes the steps of: waiting
while said selected provider collects said new shoot; and acquiring
the newly collected said new shoot from said selected provider.
37. The method of claim 33 wherein said step of acquiring includes
acquiring said new shoot by at least one of the group comprising
purchasing said new shoot and licensing said new shoot.
38. The method of claim 33 wherein said new shoot comprises an
update of at least a portion of a shoot residing in said
geophysical database.
39. The method of claim 33 wherein said new shoot comprises a
collection of data at least a portion of which is not residing in
said geophysical database.
40. The method of claim 33 wherein said right to provide input
includes a right to submit a vote.
41. The method of claim 33 wherein said right to provide input
includes participating on a committee that provides input on
updates to said geophysical database.
42. A system for operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising: a controller; a
memory connected to said controller and storing instructions
operative with said controller to perform the steps of: storing
said data in said geophysical database; identifying a plurality of
users each desiring access to said geophysical database; storing a
respective fee collected from each of said plurality of users to
establish for each of said plurality of users a respective
subscription to said geophysical database; providing to each of
said plurality of users access to data for use in assessing the
hydrocarbon potential of said underground structures; providing
with each respective subscription a right to provide input on
updates to said data; collecting from each of said plurality of
users a respective request to update said data; selecting, based on
said step of collecting from each of said plurality of users a
respective request to update said data, candidate data updates;
collecting competitive bids for said candidate data updates from a
plurality of potential data providers; storing, based on said
respective requests from said plurality of users and said
competitive bids from said plurality of potential data providers, a
selection identifying at least one selected data update from a
selected data provider; and acquiring, funded at least in part by
the fees collected from said plurality of subscribers, said desired
data updates from the potential data providers.
43. The system of claim 42 and further including the step of
providing suggested updates to said plurality of users.
44. The system of claim 42 wherein said selected provider is a data
owner and said step of acquiring includes acquiring existing data
from said selected provider.
45. The system of claim 42 wherein said selected provider is a data
collector and said step of acquiring includes the steps of: waiting
while said selected provider collects said new shoot; and acquiring
the newly collected said new shoot from said selected provider.
46. The system of claim 42 wherein said step of acquiring includes
acquiring said new shoot by at least one of the group comprising
purchasing said new shoot and licensing said new shoot.
47. The system of claim 42 wherein said new shoot comprises an
update of at least a portion of a shoot residing in said
geophysical database.
48. The system of claim 42 wherein said new shoot comprises a
collection of data at least a portion of which is not residing in
said geophysical database.
49. The system of claim 42 wherein said right to provide input
includes a right to submit a vote.
50. The system of claim 42 wherein said right to provide input
includes participating on a committee that provides input on
updates to said geophysical database.
51. A system for operating a geophysical database containing data
relating to underground structures, comprising: means for storing
said data in said geophysical database; means for identifying a
plurality of users each desiring access to said geophysical
database; means for collecting a respective fee from each of said
plurality of users to establish for each of said plurality of users
a respective subscription to said geophysical database; means for
providing to each of said plurality of users access to data for use
in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of said underground
structures; means for providing with each respective subscription a
right to provide input on updates to said data; means for
collecting from each of said plurality of users a respective
request to update said data; means for selecting, based on said
step of collecting from each of said plurality of users a
respective request to update said data, candidate data updates;
means for collecting competitive bids for said candidate data
updates from a plurality of potential data providers; means for
selecting, based on said respective requests from said plurality of
users and said competitive bids from said plurality of potential
data providers, at least one selected data update from a selected
data provider; and means for acquiring, funded at least in part by
the fees collected from said plurality of subscribers, said desired
data updates from the potential data providers.
52. A computer program product, for use with a computer system, for
operating a geophysical database containing data relating to
underground structures, the computer program product comprising: a
computer-readable medium containing thereon instructions operative
to control the operation of the computer system to perform the
steps of: storing said data in said geophysical database;
identifying a plurality of users each desiring access to said
geophysical database; storing a respective fee collected from each
of said plurality of users to establish for each of said plurality
of users a respective subscription to said geophysical database;
providing to each of said plurality of users access to data for use
in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of said underground
structures; providing with each respective subscription a right to
provide input on updates to said data; collecting from each of said
plurality of users a respective request to update said data;
selecting, based on said step of collecting from each of said
plurality of users a respective request to update said data,
candidate data updates; collecting competitive bids for said
candidate data updates from a plurality of potential data
providers; storing, based on said respective requests from said
plurality of users and said competitive bids from said plurality of
potential data providers, a selection identifying at least one
selected data update from a selected data provider; and inputting,
funded at least in part by the fees collected from said plurality
of subscribers, said desired data updates from the potential data
providers.
53. A method operable on a computer for compensating data owners
for providing geophysical data to a geophysical database,
comprising the steps of: receiving geophysical data from a data
owner; storing said geophysical data in a geophysical database;
establishing a plurality of subscriptions to said geophysical
database, each of said plurality of subscriptions including a
respective fee for which a respective subscriber is provided access
to said geophysical data; and compensating said data owner based at
least in part on the total value of the fees collected from the
subscribers.
54. A method in accordance with claim 53 wherein said step of
compensating said data owner includes providing said data owner a
percentage of the total value of the fees.
55. A method in accordance with claim 54 wherein the value of said
percentage is based at least in part on the usage of said
geophysical data by the subscribers.
56. A method in accordance with claim 54 wherein the value of said
percentage is based at least on part on the quality of said
geophysical data.
57. A system for compensating data owners for providing geophysical
data to a geophysical database, comprising: a controller; a memory
connected to said controller and storing instructions operative
with said controller to perform the steps of: receiving geophysical
data from a data owner; storing said geophysical data in a
geophysical database; establishing a plurality of subscriptions to
said geophysical database, each of said plurality of subscriptions
including a respective fee for which a respective subscriber is
provided access to said geophysical data; and compensating said
data owner based at least in part on the total value of the fees
collected from the subscribers.
58. A system in accordance with claim 57 wherein said step of
compensating said data owner includes providing said data owner a
percentage of the total value of the fees.
59. A system in accordance with claim 58 wherein the value of said
percentage is based at least in part on the usage of said
geophysical data by the subscribers.
60. A system in accordance with claim 58 wherein the value of said
percentage is based at least in part on the quality of said
geophysical data.
61. A system for compensating data owners for providing geophysical
data to a geophysical database, comprising: means for receiving
geophysical data from a data owner; means for storing said
geophysical data in a geophysical database; means for establishing
a plurality of subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of
said plurality of subscriptions including a respective fee for
which a respective subscriber is provided access to said
geophysical data; and means for compensating said data owner based
at least in part on the total value of the fees collected from the
subscribers.
62. A computer program product, for use with a computer system, for
compensating data owners for providing geophysical data to a
geophysical database, the computer program product comprising: a
computer-readable medium containing thereon instructions operative
to control the operation of the computer system to perform the
steps of: receiving geophysical data from a data owner; storing
said geophysical data in a geophysical database; establishing a
plurality of subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of
said plurality of subscriptions including a respective fee for
which a respective subscriber is provided access to said
geophysical data; and compensating said data owner based at least
in part on the total value of the fees collected from the
subscribers.
63. A method operable on a computer for compensating data owners
for providing geophysical data to a geophysical database,
comprising the steps of: receiving a first geophysical data shoot
from a first data provider; receiving a second geophysical data
shoot from a second data provider; storing said first and second
geophysical data shoots in a geophysical database; establishing a
plurality of subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of
said plurality of subscriptions including access to said first and
second geophysical data shoots; and compensating said first data
provider based at least in part on the relative use of at least one
sector of said first geophysical data shoot under said plurality of
subscriptions.
64. A method in accordance with claim 63, wherein the step of
establishing a plurality of subscriptions includes collecting a
respective fee for each of said plurality of subscriptions; and
said compensating step including determining the value of the
compensation to said first data provider based at least in part on
a percentage of the total value of the fees collected for said
plurality of subscriptions.
65. A method in accordance with claim 63 wherein: said first and
second geophysical data shoots each includes overlapping
geographical areas; and said compensating step includes
compensating said first and second data providers based at least in
part on the relative use of said overlapping geographical areas in
said first and second geophysical data shoots under said plurality
of subscriptions.
66. A method in accordance with claim 63 wherein: said first and
second geophysical data shoots each includes entirely different
geographical areas; and said compensating step further includes
compensating said second data provider based at least in part on
the relative use of at least one sector of said second geophysical
data shoot under said plurality of subscriptions.
67. A method in accordance with claim 63 wherein said compensating
step includes determining the value of the compensation based at
least in part on the quality of data.
68. A system for compensating data owners for providing geophysical
data to a geophysical database, comprising: a controller a memory
connected to said controller and storing instructions for
controlling the operation of said controller to perform the steps
of: receiving a first geophysical data shoot from a first data
provider; receiving a second geophysical data shoot from a second
data provider; storing said first and second geophysical data
shoots in a geophysical database; establishing a plurality of
subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of said plurality
of subscriptions including access to said first and second
geophysical data shoots; and compensating said first data provider
based at least in part on the relative use of at least one sector
of said first geophysical data shoot under said plurality of
subscriptions.
69. A system in accordance with claim 68, wherein the step of
establishing a plurality of subscriptions includes collecting a
respective fee for each of said plurality of subscriptions; and
said compensating step including determining the value of the
compensation to said first data provider based at least in part on
a percentage of the total value of the fees collected for said
plurality of subscriptions.
70. A system in accordance with claim 68 wherein: said first and
second geophysical data shoots each includes overlapping
geographical areas; and said compensating step includes
compensating said first and second data providers based at least in
part on the relative use of said overlapping geographical areas in
said first and second geophysical data shoots under said plurality
of subscriptions.
71. A system in accordance with claim 68 wherein: said first and
second geophysical data shoots each includes entirely different
geographical areas; and said compensating step further includes
compensating said second data provider based at least in part on
the relative use of at least one sector of said second geophysical
data shoot under said plurality of subscriptions.
72. A system in accordance with claim 68 wherein said compensating
step includes determining the value of the compensation based at
least in part on the quality of data.
73. A system for compensating data owners for providing geophysical
data to a geophysical database, comprising: means for receiving a
first geophysical data shoot from a first data provider; means for
receiving a second geophysical data shoot from a second data
provider; means for storing said first and second geophysical data
shoots in a geophysical database; means for establishing a
plurality of subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of
said plurality of subscriptions including access to said first and
second geophysical data shoots; and means for compensating said
first data provider based at least in part on the relative use of
at least one sector of said first geophysical data shoot under said
plurality of subscriptions.
74. A computer program product, for use with a computer system, for
compensating data owners for providing geophysical data to a
geophysical database, the computer program product comprising: a
computer-readable medium containing thereon instructions operative
to control the operation of the computer system to perform the
steps of: receiving a first geophysical data shoot from a first
data provider; receiving a second geophysical data shoot from a
second data provider; storing said first and second geophysical
data shoots in a geophysical database; establishing a plurality of
subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of said plurality
of subscriptions including access to said first and second
geophysical data shoots; and compensating said first data provider
based at least in part on the relative use of at least one sector
of said first geophysical data shoot under said plurality of
subscriptions.
75. A method operable on a computer for compensating data owners
for providing geophysical data to a geophysical database,
comprising the steps of: collecting a first geophysical data set
from a first data provider, said first geophysical data set for a
geographical area; collecting a second geophysical data set from a
second data provider, said second geophysical data set for said
geographical area; storing said first and second geophysical data
sets in a geophysical database; establishing a plurality of
subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of said
subscriptions including subscriber access to said geophysical
database for a respective fee; identifying at least a portion of
the fees collected for said plurality of subscriptions for
compensating said first and second data providers; measuring the
usage of said first and second geophysical data sets for said
geographical area by subscribers; and compensating said first and
second data owners based at least in part on the relative use of
said first and second geophysical data sets for said geographical
area.
76. A method in accordance with claim 75 wherein each of said first
and second geophysical data sets comprises at least one data shoot,
said geographical area comprising at least one sector within said
shoot.
77. A method in accordance with claim 75 wherein said compensating
step further includes compensating said first and second data
owners based in part on the relative quality of said first and
second geophysical data sets.
78. A method in accordance with claim 75 wherein said compensating
step further includes compensating said first and second data
owners based at least in part on the value of the fees collected
for said plurality of subscriptions.
79. A system for compensating data owners for providing geophysical
data to a geophysical database, comprising: a controller a memory
connected to said processor and storing instructions for
controlling the operation of said processor to perform the steps
of: collecting a first geophysical data set from a first data
provider, said first geophysical data set for a geographical area;
collecting a second geophysical data set from a second data
provider, said second geophysical data set for said geographical
area; storing said first and second geophysical data sets in a
geophysical database; establishing a plurality of subscriptions to
said geophysical database, each of said subscriptions including
subscriber access to said geophysical database for a respective
fee; identifying at least a portion of the fees collected for said
plurality of subscriptions for compensating said first and second
data providers; measuring the usage of said first and second
geophysical data sets for said geographical area by subscribers;
and compensating said first and second data owners based at least
in part on the relative use of said first and second geophysical
data sets for said geographical area.
80. A system in accordance with claim 79 wherein each of said first
and second geophysical data sets comprises at least one data shoot,
said geographical area comprising at least one sector within said
shoot.
81. A system in accordance with claim 79 wherein said compensating
step further includes compensating said first and second data
owners based in part on the relative quality of said first and
second geophysical data sets.
82. A system in accordance with claim 79 wherein said compensating
step further includes compensating said first and second data
owners based at least in part on the value of the fees collected
for said plurality of subscriptions.
83. A system for compensating data owners for providing geophysical
data to a geophysical database, comprising: means for collecting a
first geophysical data set from a first data provider, said first
geophysical data for a geographical area; means for collecting a
second geophysical data set from a second data provider, said
second geophysical data set for said geographical area; means for
storing said first and second geophysical data sets in a
geophysical database; means for establishing a plurality of
subscriptions to said geophysical database, each of said
subscriptions including subscriber access to said geophysical
database for a respective fee; means for identifying at least a
portion of the fees collected for said plurality of subscriptions
for compensating said first and second data providers; means for
measuring the usage of said first and second geophysical data sets
for said geographical area by subscribers; and means for
compensating said first and second data owners based at least in
part on the relative use of said first and second geophysical data
sets for said geographical area.
84. A computer program product, for use with a computer system, for
compensating data owners for providing geophysical data to a
geophysical database, the computer program product comprising: a
computer-readable medium containing thereon instructions operative
to control the operation of the computer system to perform the
steps of: collecting a first geophysical data set from a first data
provider, said first geophysical data set including a first data
sector for a geographical area; collecting a second geophysical
data set from a second data provider, said second geophysical data
set including a second data sector for said geographical area;
storing said first and second geophysical data sets in a
geophysical database; establishing a plurality of subscriptions to
said geophysical database, each of said subscriptions including
subscriber access to said geophysical database for a respective
fee; identifying at least a portion of the fees collected for said
plurality of subscriptions for compensating said first and second
data providers; measuring the usage of said first and second
geophysical data sets for said geographical area by subscribers;
and compensating said first and second data owners based at least
in part on the relative use of said first and second geophysical
data sets for said geographical area.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Cases
[0001] This case is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______ titled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING AND DISTRIBUTING
GEOPHYSICAL DATA by inventors John W. Gibson Jr. and M. Vikram Rao
filed on same date herewith and to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______ titled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING AND UPDATING A
DATABASE OF GEOPHYSICAL DATA by inventors Daniel D. Gleitman, Jimmy
R. Coe, John W. Gibson Jr., M. Vikram Rao, and Sharon Rector filed
on same date herewith.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to data management
and more particularly to the selection and acquisition of data for
a geophysical seismic database.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The collection and processing of geophysical data is
critical to the development and management of the world's renewable
hydrocarbon-based oil and gas fuels. Geophysical data, including
seismic data, is collected for both land and marine geography. Once
collected, it is processed using sophisticated digital signal
processing techniques and made available for visualization by human
experts. These experts analyze the data and make experience-based
predictions as to the potential hydrocarbon reserves in the imaged
geological structures.
[0004] The collection and processing of geophysical data is a
massive and costly effort. Marine data collection, typically done
by private boat operators in accordance with business relationships
described below, is time consuming and expensive. A typical data
collection effort for a specified geographic area, termed a
"shoot," involves the generation of shockwaves, the echoes of which
are collected by thousands of seismic sensors configured for 2- or
3-dimensional data collection and towed on lengthy streamers behind
large, electronics-filled ships. Gigabytes of data are collected
and stored for subsequent digital processing. For example, a
3-dimensional shoot in the Gulf of Mexico over a geographic area of
3 square miles could result in the collection of 240 gigabytes of
data at a collection cost of $300,000.00. This cost does not
include marketing and equipment deployment costs, which can add
substantially to the data collection costs.
[0005] Land geophysical surveys are typically conducted over large
geographical areas (tens to hundreds of square kilometers). Land
surveys may take anywhere from a few days to a few years to
complete, and require crews ranging from 20 to 1,000+people. Land
surveys require capital equipment valued in the tens of millions of
dollars.
[0006] Seismic surveys are the first in a series of costly and
time-consuming exploratory efforts undertaken prior to drilling for
the production of gas and oil. If the results of a seismic survey
appear promising, then exploratory drilling may be performed,
typically through the use of expensive boat-based technology to
explore deep-water resources. If exploratory drilling yields
positive results, then the drilling of appraisal wells may
follow.
[0007] If all of the preliminary activities yield positive results,
a permanent drilling and production infrastructure may be built.
Such an infrastructure is extraordinarily expensive to both
construct and operate. For example, a deep-water drilling platform
in the Gulf of Mexico could take 7-8 years and cost in the range of
$1,000,000,000.00 to construct. The ongoing cost of operation is in
the range of $25-35,000,000.00 per year for an estimated lifespan
of 20 years.
[0008] It will thus be seen that the collection, review and
analysis of seismic data comprises the first in an expensive and
long-term series of exploration, drilling and production
activities. Dated, corrupt or otherwise faulty or inadequate
seismic data could initiate a chain of events that would waste
significant amounts of money and result in the loss of valuable
alternate opportunities. Exploration and Production ("E&P")
companies collectively spend billions of dollars per year to
support the acquisition and analysis of geophysical data, with the
expectation that such data will help them build and replenish their
inventories of prospects to drill, and minimize or avoid mistakes
in selecting drilling sites. The availability of current, accurate
geophysical data is of paramount importance to E&P
companies.
[0009] Despite the value and importance of geophysical data, the
existing market for collecting, updating and marketing such data is
not an efficient one. Typically, geophysical data is collected in
accordance with one of three different models.
[0010] In a first model, the geophysical data collector, or seismic
company, collects marketing input including information from
prospective E&P customers. It then makes its own decision as to
what geographical area and parameters it is going to shoot. In a
speculative shoot of this type, the seismic company borrows money
or spends its own funds to cover the cost of the shoot. During or
upon completion of the shoot, the seismic company attempts to
market the data to one or more E&P companies. If the seismic
company is successful, they may make a profit on the shoot. If the
seismic company is unsuccessful, they may loose a great deal of
money on the shoot. Regardless, under such a model the E&P
company does not play a direct role in selecting the geographical
area of the shoot. In fact, E&P companies may be reluctant to
provide too much guidance because E&P company information may
be considered trade secret. Thus, while speculative shoot data may
be of value, it may not cover the most important area or include
the most desirable shoot parameters for any single E&P
customer. This type of data collection model is thus risky for the
seismic company and not necessarily most efficient for a given
E&P company.
[0011] In a second type of shoot, a proprietary shoot, a single
E&P company engages a seismic company and funds the entire
shoot. The E&P company thus gets to select the geographical
location, type and extent of data collected and owns all of the
data generated during the shoot. This model of geophysical data
collection shifts much of the risk from the seismic company to the
E&P company. It enables the E&P company to select the area
and data type it believes to be most important to its current and
future business positions. However, the cost to the E&P company
is very high. If the data turns out to be of a lower value than
expected, the E&P company will have suffered a significant
financial loss. Further, the company will have wasted a significant
portion of an allocated seismic budget, thereby reducing
opportunities to consider and explore alternate opportunities.
Ultimately, multiple failed opportunities could challenge an
E&P company's ability to plan the development and profitable
deployment of long-term drilling and production resources.
[0012] In a third type of shoot, the seismic company solicits
multiple E&P companies to sponsor a shoot to develop data that
will ultimately be shared by all of the sponsors. While
superficially a multi-client shoot appears to be one of the most
cost-effective types of shoots, it is not without its own
significant challenges and risks. Assembling a multi-client shoot
is difficult and expensive. A seismic company must solicit multiple
E&P companies all wanting a shoot of the same geographical area
and data type. Further, the seismic company must have, or be able
to cost-effectively assemble, a data gathering boat and data
collection facilities in the selected geographical area, which may
be anywhere in the world. Matching the needs of multiple E&P
clients with the capability of the seismic company can take a long
period of time and significant expense. If the seismic company
fails to assemble the multi-client shoot, the will suffer a
business loss. Further, it is likely that one or more of the
E&P clients may make some concession in geographical or
data-type preference to enjoy the financial advantage of joining a
multi-client shoot.
[0013] Regardless of the type of shoot, speculative, proprietary or
multi-client, there are many variables that can have a significant
affect on both the profitability of the shoot to the seismic
company and the value of the data to the E&P company.
Logistical costs, administrative costs, broker costs, the cost of
accidental or convenience-driven overshoots, can all affect the
cost and profitability of a shoot.
[0014] It will thus be understood that seismic data collection
today, particularly boat operation, can be a risky and inefficient
business. The lack of predictable demand results in the taking of
speculative shoots and the ad hoc marketing of these shoots.
Because it is difficult for boat owners to predict future demand,
they cannot easily determine where to efficiently locate boats.
[0015] From a consideration of the above, it will be understood
that despite the importance of geophysical data to the development
of world energy needs, the processes for collecting such data are
not very efficient. As will now be explained, the current models
for managing and distributing collected geophysical data are not in
and of themselves efficient, either.
[0016] The totality of all geophysical data collected to date has
been estimated to be in the multi-petabyte range in size. This
collected data resides in a vast assortment of locations, including
but not limited to: seismic acquisition companies, E&P
companies, intermediary storage facilities and data warehouses. In
fact, because of the processing issues associated with collecting
and distributing data, collected data is likely to be copied to
multiple locations, including the original collector, the end-user
and often a facilitating intermediary.
[0017] There is often a desire on the part of a data owner to
recoup its investment in collecting or buying the data by
subsequently reselling it to other users. There is often a
concomitant desire by E&P companies to recognize the cost
efficiencies that can be realized by licensing access to or
purchasing existing data. However, licensing or reselling data is
often difficult for a variety of legal and logistical reasons.
[0018] As described above, data often resides in multiple
locations. The exact location and ownership of the data may be
uncertain. As a result of transmission, storage and processing, the
quality of the data may be questionable. Data sets may be so large
that it becomes inefficient if not impossible to sort them,
identify their contents and distribute them to potential new
users.
[0019] Access to geophysical data is typically sold on a `per
shoot` basis. That is, an E&P company must buy individual
access to every shoot of interest. Further, geophysical data is
often sold according to a tiered price structure. Because of the
high costs of even `used` data, a typical licensing structure may
include providing access to `peek` data at a first, less expensive
cost, followed by access to full data at a second, higher cost.
This tiered cost structure enables inexpensive preview of data with
a higher fee paid only for data of interest. However, because of
the size of the data sets, this type of tiered data distribution
creates technical challenges in addition to all of the issues
described above.
[0020] To address some of the issues described above, data brokers
exist for buying and distributing seismic data. Such companies,
including for example Seitel and Veritas, acquire and broker data
from various sources for resale or licensing to others. E&P
companies such as EXXON, Chevron, Shell and others may license or
resell their own proprietary data. In addition to brokering seismic
data, indigopool.com (www.indigotool.com) is a company that brokers
oilfield properties including the provision of supporting data
(e.g. seismic surveys) available for review by interested
buyers.
[0021] However, the mere collection and brokering of seismic data
does not address, much less solve, many of the problems outlined
above.
[0022] It is thus seen that there exists huge quantities of costly,
collected geophysical data having potentially significant value to
various users above and beyond those who sponsored the initial
collections. However, significant problems exist with organizing,
identifying, maintaining the integrity of and distributing such
data to potential users. As described above there are significant
challenges associated with efficiently selecting, collecting and
distributing new data.
[0023] The various interested parties often find today's
methodologies inefficient and costly. Boat owners are faced with
unorganized, unpredictable demand that makes efficient boat
placement and operation challenging if not impossible. E&P
companies face huge expenditures to get access to limited data
which may be of unexpectedly low value. Brokering of data attempts
to address some of the challenges faced in the industry through
more widespread distribution of existing data. However, brokering
of seismic data does not address the core inefficiencies in
collection and distribution described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] An object of the invention is to provide new and improved
methods and systems for efficiently managing the maintenance and
updating of geophysical data.
[0025] In one embodiment of the invention there are provided
methods and systems for operating a geophysical database containing
data relating to underground structures, a method comprising the
steps of: storing said data in the geophysical database, the data
including multiple shoots; identifying a new shoot to add to the
geophysical database; identifying a plurality of potential data
providers to provide the new shoot; providing to the plurality of
potential data providers information about the new shoot;
collecting a bid from each of the plurality of potential data
providers to provide the new shoot; selecting, using the bids, a
selected provider for the new shoot; and acquiring the new shoot
from the selected provider.
[0026] In another embodiment of the invention there are provided
systems and methods for operating a geophysical database containing
data relating to underground structures, a method comprising the
steps of: storing the data in the geophysical database, the data
including multiple shoots; establishing a plurality of accounts,
each respective account for a user including access to subscriber
data in the geophysical database and a right to provide input on
updates to the geophysical database; collecting from the users
input relating to updating the geophysical database; identifying,
based in at least part on the collecting step, a new shoot to add
to the geophysical database; identifying a plurality of potential
data providers to provide the new shoot; providing to the plurality
of potential data providers information about the new shoot;
soliciting, from each of the plurality of potential data providers,
a bid for the new shoot; collecting the bid from each of the
plurality of potential data providers to provide the new shoot;
selecting, using the bids, a selected provider for the new shoot;
and acquiring the new shoot from the selected provider.
[0027] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there
are provided systems and methods for operating a geophysical
database containing data relating to underground structures, a
method comprising the steps of: storing the data in the geophysical
database; identifying a plurality of users each desiring access to
the geophysical database; collecting a respective fee from each of
the plurality of users to establish for each of the plurality of
users a respective subscription to the geophysical database;
providing to each of the plurality of users access to data for use
in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of the underground
structures; providing with each respective subscription a right to
provide input on updates to the data; collecting from each of the
plurality of users a respective request to update the data;
selecting, based on the step of collecting from each of the
plurality of users a respective request to update the data,
candidate data updates; collecting competitive bids for the
candidate data updates from a plurality of potential data
providers; selecting, based on the respective requests from the
plurality of users and the competitive bids from the plurality of
potential data providers, at least one selected data update from a
selected data provider; and acquiring, funded at least in part by
the fees collected from the plurality of subscribers, the desired
data updates from the potential data providers.
[0028] In yet another embodiment of the invention there are
provided systems and methods for compensating data owners for
providing geophysical data to a geophysical database, a method
comprising the steps of: receiving geophysical data from a data
owner; storing the geophysical data in a geophysical database;
establishing a plurality of subscriptions to the geophysical
database, each of the plurality of subscriptions including a
respective fee for which a respective subscriber is provided access
to the geophysical data; and compensating the data owner based at
least in part on the total value of the fees collected from the
subscribers.
[0029] In another embodiment of the invention there are provided
systems and methods for compensating data owners for providing
geophysical data to a geophysical database, a method comprising the
steps of: receiving a first geophysical data shoot from a first
data provider; receiving a second geophysical data shoot from a
second data provider; storing the first and second geophysical data
shoots in a geophysical database; establishing a plurality of
subscriptions to the geophysical database, each of the plurality of
subscriptions including access to the first and second geophysical
data shoots; and compensating the first data provider based at
least in part on the relative use of the first geophysical data
shoot under the plurality of subscriptions.
[0030] In another embodiment of the invention there are provided
systems and methods for compensating data owners for providing
geophysical data to a geophysical database, a method comprising the
steps of: collecting a first geophysical data set from a first data
provider, the first geophysical data set for a geographical area;
collecting a second geophysical data set from a second data
provider, the second geophysical data set for the geographical
area; storing the first and second geophysical data sets in a
geophysical database; establishing a plurality of subscriptions to
the geophysical database, each of the subscriptions including
subscriber access to the geophysical database for a respective fee;
identifying at least a portion of the fees collected for the
plurality of subscriptions for compensating the first and second
data providers; measuring the usage of the first and second
geophysical data sets for the geographical area by subscribers; and
compensating the first and second data owners based at least in
part on the relative use of the first and second geophysical data
sets for the geographical area.
[0031] It will be seen that one significant advantage of the
invention is that of providing E&P companies access to
plentiful and geographically diverse seismic data in a
cost-effective manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0032] These and other objects, features and advantages will become
apparent from a consideration of the detailed description of the
invention when read in conjunction with the drawing figures, in
which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a geophysical data collection,
processing and distribution system in accordance with the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a table showing an implementation of the
geophysical database of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a table showing an implementation of the
subscriber database of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a table showing an implementation of the data
update database of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of collecting data
from data providers to initially populate the geophysical database
and compensate the data providers in accordance with the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of initiating
subscriptions in accordance with the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method of providing data to
customers in accordance with the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a method of identifying data
updates and/or new data acquisition in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of placing a
data acquisition agreement with a data acquisition company in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 1, there is shown a system 20 for
geophysical data collection, processing and distribution in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System 20
is seen to include a system controller 22 connected through an
appropriate interface to various sources of seismic data 24A-24N.
System controller 22 is further connected to a user interface 28,
such as a graphical display device and keyboard, for receiving
input from a user (e.g. a system administrator) including software
and control instructions, and to a plurality of data subscribers
26A-26N for sharing various data including seismic data.
[0043] System 20 further includes an administrative database 30 and
a geophysical database 32, each connected to system controller 22
through a data bus 36.
[0044] System controller 22 can comprise one or more appropriately
sized computers, for example a Sun.TM. workstation(s) running a
Solaris.TM. operating system. Multiple computers may be located
geographically proximate or remote from one-another and may
comprise the same or different computer types. Many alternate
computer systems operational to perform the functions described
herein are known to those skilled in the art, ranging in size and
capability from desktop computer systems to mainframe computers
systems, the type and capability selected in a well-known manner
based on performance requirements. One other exemplary type of
system controller includes for example IBM-compatible computer
systems running the Microsoft Windows.TM. operating system.
[0045] Administrative database 30 and geophysical database 32 each
comprise an appropriate combination of storage elements, including
for example magnetic, optical and semiconductor storage. Commonly
known configurations for storing and retrieving large quantities of
seismic data as described herein include magnetic tape drive
systems, some types of which use human or robotic operators to
load, unload and otherwise manipulate reels of magnetic tape.
Databases 30 and 32 may comprise one single or many multiple,
geographically diverse databases, providing local storage, remote
storage and/or distributed storage amongst various storage
facilities in various geographical locations. The appropriate
selection of database resources is made in accordance with system
requirements in a well-known manner. Data bus 36 comprises one or
more appropriate internal or external high-speed data buses, many
of which are known in the art.
[0046] As can be seen in FIG. 1, administrative database 30
includes a user subscription database 40, a data update database 50
and control software 60 for operating system 20 in accordance with
the present invention, all of which are described in further detail
below. It will be understood that the present invention
contemplates appropriate human interactions through user interface
28 and in various other respects where human intervention,
direction, control or the like is appropriate to the operation of
system 20.
[0047] Geophysical database 32, as described in further detail
below, can contain many different types of data including both land
and marine seismic data of varying parameters. It will be
understood that seismic data may be processed in many different
manners for many different uses. Human viewing and analysis, for
example, requires the processing of seismic data to yield
human-interpretable graphical displays. It will be understood that
such processing may be performed by system controller 22, by data
collectors or data owners or users, or by other known sources
including out-source service providers engaged in the commercial
business of processing seismic data for various customers.
[0048] Many different origins are known for seismic data sources
24A-24N. For example, simple input devices can be used to load data
from tapes or other storage devices onto the system. High-speed
network connections can be used to link remote data sources
directly into system controller 22. As will be further discussed
below, the providers of seismic data feeding seismic data sources
24A-24N can include seismic data owners such as Seitel and Veritas,
as well as E&P companies owning proprietary shoots.
[0049] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, data subscribers
constitute the users of the geophysical data stored in geophysical
database 32, typically an E&P company such as Exxon, Chevron,
or Shell, utilizing such data for purposes of evaluating
underground, potentially-hydrocarbon-bear- ing structures, prior to
investing in expensive exploration and or production facilities.
Actual data subscriber interfaces as indicated at 26A-26N can
comprise any suitable user interface from a simple display terminal
to a desktop computer, workstation, or mainframe computer with an
appropriate user interface. As is known in the art, geophysical
data is typically processed for human viewing and visual analysis,
but may also be processed for computer-controlled analysis.
[0050] System 20 can be operated by one of many different parties
in the business of collecting, processing and distributing
geophysical data. Such companies can include, for example, a
geophysical data owner or collector, an E&P company or
consortium of E&P companies, or other value-add service
providers in the energy industry such as Halliburton Company.
[0051] With reference now to FIG. 2 there is shown geophysical
database 32 including, for purposes of illustration, two data
records 33A, 33B, each having eight data fields 34A-34H. Data field
34A stores a data shoot identifier by which a particular data shoot
can be identified. Data field 34B stores information about the data
including a geographical location of the data shoot and description
of the data contained in the particular linked data set, including
for example shoot parameters such as type of data, size of the
area, number of lines, identities of particular data sectors
contained within the shoot, etc. Data field 34C stores the identity
of the provider of the particular data described in the particular
record as well as the payment terms relevant to that data provider.
Data field 34D stores the date or date range that the data shoot
was collected and may optionally include the date on which the data
was entered into geophysical database 32, while data field 34E
stores any link(s) to related data. Links to related data can
include hyperlinks, shoot identifiers or other data enabling a user
to locate such related data. The related data itself includes
competitive data covering the same geophysical area or sector,
updated shoots of the same data and other related data sets that
may for any appropriate reason be of interest to a user of the
original data.
[0052] As used herein, the terms `shoot,` `sector` and `line,` or
variants thereof, are used in their conventional sense. Thus, a
`shoot` refers to data collected under a contract referring to a
particular geographic area. A `sector` refers to a small,
identifiable subset of a larger data set or shoot. A `line` refers
to both data collected by a particular line of sensors towed or
laid over a specific path and arbitrary lines of data synthetically
extracted from a data set using appropriate data processing
techniques. Collected lines and arbitrary lines are
indistinguishable to the end-user.
[0053] As an illustrative example, a particular shoot may comprise
data collected under a contract for the collection of geophysical
data over a 100 square mile area in the Gulf of Mexico. That shoot
may be identified as including many different sectors, for example
100.times.1 square mile sectors or 10.times.10 square mile sectors.
Each sector comprises multiple segments of collected or arbitrary
data lines.
[0054] As contemplated by the present invention, geophysical data
available to subscribers preferably includes data from multiple
shoots. Thus, as further described herein, in comparison to the
prior art where a single license typically gains a subscriber
access to data from a single shoot, a single subscription in
accordance with the present invention enables access to a large
collection of shoots of diverse data types and locations. Different
shoots may, for example, be purchased from and/or licensed from
different collectors and/or owners. They may be collected with
different technologies, may consist of different data types and/or
may have been taken at different times. Different shoots may be
adjoining, overlapping or completely separate in geographical area.
Overlapping shoots may include different data types, different
shoot parameters and/or have been collected at different times.
[0055] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2, data field 34F stores
subscriber usage information. The purpose of this information is to
track subscriber usage of seismic data. Usage is preferably tracked
both for individual subscribers and for aggregate usage across
multiple subscribers. Usage is further preferably tracked for both
larger sets of data, i.e. regional shoots, as well as for sub-units
of data down to individual seismic lines. It is desirable to store
sufficient data so that subscriber usage can be tracked for any
selected single subscriber or group of subscribers to any unit or
sub-unit of data. Such data usage information is relevant, for
example, in deciding on data updates and determining data provider
payments in the manner described below. In a similar manner, data
field 34G stores quality information for each shoot, again
desirably for sub-units of the shoot data. Data quality may be
based on user feedback or other analysis such as expert
analysis.
[0056] The last displayed field of geophysical database 32 is data
field 34H containing the actual geophysical data or more typically
a link to same. Actual geophysical data is typically stored in
special data storage devices designed to store large data sets,
many types of which are well known in the art as described
above.
[0057] As discussed above, raw seismic data must be processed in
order to be interpreted in a useful manner. Some data processing
may be performed by the data collector. Data processing may also be
performed by the data owner and/or data user. Seismic data
processing can also be purchased from commercial service providers.
It will be understood that for purposes of the present invention,
seismic data residing in data field 36H may include different
levels of processing for different data sets. Additional data
processing may be available through system 20 and/or may be
procured from outside sources.
[0058] With reference now to FIG. 3 there is shown subscriber
database 40 including two data records 42A, 42B, each record
containing six data fields 43A-43F. Data field 43A stores a
subscriber identifier, for example a name or number or other unique
identifier for each subscriber. As noted above, a typical
subscriber is an E&P company, but other users of geophysical
data may of course subscribe. Data field 43B contains subscriber
information such as address and contact information. Data field 43C
stores the date on which the subscription was initiated and a
subscription term, while data field 43D stores the subscription fee
for the identified subscriber. Data field 43E stores the type of
subscription purchased by the subscriber, particularly details
regarding data access, while data field 43F stores voting status
including information relating to the rights of the subscriber in
selecting new or updated data shoots. As is described in additional
detail below, different subscription types can include access to
different data, different geographies, different shoot types (i.e.
2D, 3D or 4D), different numbers of users, etc. Different
subscriptions can also include different rights with respect to
voting or otherwise providing input on geophysical data additions
and updates. In addition to the right to provide input on data
updates, subscription rights may also include additional rights as
to new data access and usage, for example exclusive rights to
certain data additions or updates for a limited term. Subscriptions
may also be for different periods of time. Predetermined time
periods may run for any length from short periods of time to in
perpetuity.
[0059] With reference now to FIG. 4, there is shown update database
50 including two records 51A, 51B, each containing five fields
52A-52E. Field 52A stores the anticipated data shoot identifier,
while field 52B stores links to any related shoots, for example
existing data shoots. Data field 52C indicates the level of
subscriber interest in completing the anticipated shoot, different
methods for obtaining such levels of interest being described
herein below. Data field 52D stores the anticipated date the future
update data is scheduled to be available to users, while field 52E
stores the currently anticipated method of acquiring such data.
Again, different methods of data acquisition are described in
detail below.
[0060] With reference now to FIG. 5, there is provided a method 70
for collecting geophysical data to initially populate geophysical
database 32. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
desired geophysical data and its providers are identified (steps
72, 74). It will be understood that data providers can include both
data collectors and data owners, that is anyone in physical
possession of data or capable of collecting or obtaining data for
use by the system in accordance with appropriate terms and
conditions as described below.
[0061] Subsequent to the identification of the data, terms and
conditions for its use in system 20 are negotiated with the current
owner (step 76) or potential provider. Data may be purchased or
licensed, and is collected for inclusion in geophysical database 32
(step 78).
[0062] Financial valuation of acquired datasets may be based on
usage and/or quality of the entire dataset or on subsets within the
dataset, for example a shoot(s) or line(s). Data valuation may be
absolute, that is at a fixed purchase cost or licensing fee, or
relative to data usage. Data usage may be measured relative to
similar competitive data or relative to the use of all data. Data
quality, as determined by subscribers and/or experts, may be used
as a factor in determining data valuation. Further, compensation to
the data provider may be calculated as an absolute function of use
or a relative function of use. For example, an absolute payment may
be calculated as $X per user access to a shoot or line. A relative
payment may comprise, for example, Y % of a total pool of
compensation dollars, Y being determined by the relative use of the
data in comparison to similar competitive data or all data.
[0063] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the value of
the data is determined for individual subsets of data. Subsets may
comprise, for example, individual sectors or lines. In this
embodiment of the invention, the value of the data is determined
relative to its use by customers (step 80) and the data owner is
ultimately compensated relative to total dollars available for
payment to data providers of competitive data (step 82).
[0064] To illustrate various payment alternatives, it will be
assumed that three data providers each contribute data relating to
a particular geographical region in the Gulf of Mexico. The three
data providers' contributions in aggregate provide significant
coverage of the particular geographical region. Further, the
contributions have some overlap with each other in both geography
and functional data type.
[0065] Continuing with this example, it will be assumed that it was
agreed upon the provision of the data for the particular geographic
region by the three data providers, that $X million dollars would
be set aside for the subsequent payment of licensing fees for that
data. Alternatively, it could have been agreed that Z % of
subscriber fees, collected from subscribers having access to the
particular geographic area, would be set aside to pay the licensing
fees.
[0066] Subsequently, actual usage of the particular geographical
data by subscribers is monitored. After a predetermined period of
time, or optionally on an ongoing basis, payment is made to the
data providers in accordance with the measured, relative use of the
three data sets. If a fixed, set-aside dollar amount is used, that
amount is divided amongst the three data providers in accordance
with the relative percentage of data use. If a percentage of
revenue stream payment is specified, that percentage of the
incoming revenue stream is divided amongst the three data providers
in accordance with the relative percentage of data use. Relative
data use can comprise relative number of accesses of each data set
by all subscribers to system 20 during the relevant time
period.
[0067] While the payment methodologies described above have been
described with respect to the initial population of the database,
it will be understood that they are equally applicable to
compensating for updates and additions to the database.
[0068] In accordance with another feature of the invention,
subscription fees are set sufficiently high to accommodate the cost
of updating data within the system and/or acquiring both the
initial and new and updated data for inclusion in the system.
Processes for determining geophysical data updates and additions
are described below.
[0069] With reference now to FIG. 6, a customer subscription
process 90 is shown wherein multiple subscription options are
provided to a customer (step 92), the options involving primarily
access to data and rights with respect to upgrading or adding new
data.
[0070] In one embodiment of the invention, and contrary to
traditional subscription practices, subscribers are provided total
access to all subscribed data including preview data and full data.
The user may pick desired data access parameters, for which a fee
is determined (step 94). Data access parameters may include, for
example, geographic area, data type, number of `seats` or users,
and number of seats per geographic area. For that single fee, the
user is granted access to the entirety of all data within the area
and data types, with system security and access codes being set
accordingly (step 96).
[0071] As described herein, in the prior art a subscriber must
typically purchase multiple licenses to access multiple shoots.
Further, a subscriber typically pays tiered fees within each
license to access different levels of data; that is a first fee to
access preview data and an additional fee to access full data. In
contrast to the prior art, in one embodiment of the present
invention a subscriber can purchase a single subscription to gain
access to all data in multiple shoots. Access to all data in
multiple shoots may be provided for a single fee.
[0072] It will be understood that single fee pricing structures,
which provide access to all data in multiple shoots, can take many
forms, one of which is unlimited access to all data in a database
for a set price. Alternate pricing structures yielding access to
all data in multiple shoots set caps based on access time or
quantity of data accessed.
[0073] Alternate pricing structures can provide access to all
subscribed data, whether that data is within a single shoot or
multiple shoots, or to limited data within multiple shoots. Still
other pricing structures can include different prices for access to
different types of data, data from different geographies and/or
data collected at different times. While many different pricing
structures will now become apparent, in preferred embodiments of
the invention a subscriber is, for a single subscription under a
predetermined fee structure, given access to a greater diversity of
data than is typically available under a prior art license to a
single shoot. It will be appreciated that the aggregation of data
from multiple shoots results in reduced transactional costs to the
system operator. The absolute dollar cost of a subscription to more
diverse data in accordance with the invention may be higher than
the cost of a license to a single shoot, while still providing more
value to the subscriber.
[0074] In accordance with a feature of the present invention,
subscribers 26A-26N play a significant role in determining what
data will be updated within the system and what new data will be
added to the system. In addition to establishing data access,
during the subscription process customer rights are determined
relative to updating and/or adding new data to the database (step
98).
[0075] As used herein, references to data updates include both the
gathering of new data to supplement existing data covering similar
geographical areas as well as the collection of new data to add new
geographical areas and/or data types not currently available in
geophysical database 32. Data in a particular geographical area may
be updated, for example, because of changing subsurface physical
conditions including the movement of formation fluids, to use and
obtain the advantage of different or new and improved technology
data gathering techniques, to replace data of low or deteriorating
quality and for a variety of other reasons that will be apparent to
those knowledgeable in the art.
[0076] Subscriber rights regarding new and updated data may
comprise, for example, voting rights, with voting weight determined
by the subscription fee and/or other parameters of the
subscription. Alternatively such rights may include the right to
participate on and/or lead a committee for developing update or new
data requests.
[0077] Subsequently, the subscriber rights with respect to updating
and/or adding new data are stored (step 100) in subscriber database
40.
[0078] With reference now to FIG. 7, a process 110 is shown for
providing subscribers access to data, wherein a subscriber requests
access to particular geophysical data (step 112). In accordance
with the invention, it is determined if the subscriber has
purchased access to that data (step 114). This can be determined,
for example, by checking subscriber database 40 to determine if the
subscriber purchased access to the requested data during the
subscription process described above. Alternatively, subscribers
may be provided security codes enabling access to geophysical data
commensurate with the data access purchased in the course of the
subscription process described above. If a subscriber purchases
multiple seats, then multiple access authorities and limitations
may likewise be granted.
[0079] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
customer is granted full access to all subscribed data, including
all preview data (step 116) and full data (step 118). Granting of
access to all subscribed data for a single subscription fee is in
contrast to prior art data distribution processes wherein data
owners charge data users for access to individual shoots, sometimes
charging data users a first fee for preview data and a second fee
for full data. In comparison, the new and improved methods and
systems described herein for establishing subscriptions and setting
fees for access to all data will be seen to make the entire process
of collecting, distributing, maintaining and updating geophysical
data simpler and more cost-effective than those of the prior art.
More specifically, subscribers to the current system will receive
cost-effective access to multiple shoots including shoots of
different locations and data types and, in some instances,
overlapping shoots of same or different data type. Subscribers can
thus cost-effectively obtain access to substantially more data,
increasing the population of potential prospects to assess and
consider for drilling and thereby "high-grade" the set of prospects
ultimately chosen to be drilled, while lowering both their expenses
and their risks.
[0080] Further, unlimited access to data enables an E&P
subscriber to efficiently "browse" multiple data sets, possibly
from multiple geographic regions, seeking `analogs` to areas under
assessment. That is, a subscriber can browse, seeking seismic or
geophysical data in known oil/gas producing areas analogous to a
prospective area under assessment. Such found analog structures and
associated known production data can be used to improve predictions
on a prospective area's production performance. Further, this
analytical capability enables subscribers to search and data-mine
for geophysical signatures that an E&P company believes to be
analogous to its known high performance oil/gas fields, thus
revealing new potential prospects. These more optimal uses of a
large, unrestricted body of geophysical data are not practical in
the prior art where an E&P company would need to purchase very
expensive access to large numbers of datasets.
[0081] With reference now to FIG. 8, there is shown a data update
process 130 that begins optionally with the distribution of a
straw-man, or suggested list of data updates (step 132).
[0082] Suggested updates may be proposed by the manager of system
20 and may be based on a variety of factors, including, for
example, anticipated future needs for new geographic areas, the
value of re-shoots using new technology, the usage of existing
data, the quality of existing data, known availability of update
data, cost and availability of data collection facilities (e.g.
boats), competitive data collections and many other factors that
will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art. Data updates
may be initiated on an as-needed basis or periodically on a pre-set
schedule. Criteria may be established to automatically identify
situations where data updates should be considered. Such criteria
may include, for example and without limitation: usage of the data
by subscribers, the quality of the data as may be determined by
users and/or independent assessors, independent marketing
assessment(s) of geographic areas of interest to E&P companies,
the status of current drilling and production activity, the age of
the data, the data type, the technology underlying the data and
relevant improvements or changes to data collection technology and
the logistics and/or costs of collecting new data.
[0083] Subsequent to the distribution of any suggested updates,
information is collected from customers relating to their requests
and suggestions for data updates (step 134). Alternatively, the
step of providing suggested data updates may be omitted and
suggested updates may be collected directly from the
subscribers.
[0084] It will be appreciated that enabling the data users, i.e.
the subscribers, to provide input and requests relating to data
updates, represents a significant feature of the present invention.
Such a methodology provides significant advantages to overcome or
diminish many of the problems and challenges discussed in the
Background of the Invention. More particularly, providing
subscribers with a significant voice in updating data helps to
ensure that E&P companies can, at the very outset of the data
collection process, identify and request data that will be most
effective for their business. Demand aggregation amongst
subscribers provides the further advantages of reducing the
complexity and number of transactions associated with assembling a
shoot, reducing the costs associated with assembling a shoot,
reducing the marketing efforts and risks traditionally undertaken
by data collectors and other advantages that will now be apparent
to those knowledgeable in the industry. These advantages will
significantly improve the efficiency of the business model
associated with the collection of the data.
[0085] As was discussed with respect to the customer subscription
process 90 (FIG. 6) above, different types of subscriptions afford
the subscribers different levels of rights with respect to the
weighing of their input. Typically, more expensive subscriptions
will result in greater rights to determine data updates. However,
other factors such as length of subscription/membership,
contribution of owned data, number of seats subscribed, geographic
regions subscribed and the like can be considered in determining
subscriber rights in this area. In one embodiment of the invention,
subscribers are accorded votes in a quantity related to their
subscription parameters. That quantity may be determined, for
example, by the cost of a subscription to a subscriber, the
duration of a subscription and/or the number of user seats
purchased by a subscriber. In another embodiment, voting rights are
limited to the specific geographic region of a particular
subscriber's subscription. These votes are cast by the subscribers
and collected and evaluated by the system operator.
[0086] In another embodiment of the invention, subscribers are
afforded positions on a committee in accordance with their voting
rights. Subscribers having greater voting rights may, for example,
obtain more committee positions or committee management positions
or both. Input relating to data updates is collected from the
subscribers through the committee. Votes and requests are
considered as a whole. Votes may be prioritized according to count
and votes for similar or overlapping shoots may be intelligently
considered as a whole.
[0087] Subsequent to the collection of input from subscribers, the
system operator evaluates the cost and viability of updating the
data in accordance with the priorities voiced by the subscribers
(step 138), makes a final decision as to data updates including
relevant parameters such as geographical area, data type,
scheduling and the like (step 140) and eventually proceeds with the
actual data update process (step 142). The evaluation process may
optionally include actually negotiating with data collectors in
order to determine the cost and availability of data collection
resources. It will be understood that such updates can take months
or even years to complete if new data is collected through a
marine- or land-based seismic data collection process. Data
relating to such data updates is stored in data update database 50
in the manner described above. The newly collected seismic data is
of course stored in geophysical database 32, for accessing by
subscribers in accordance with FIG. 7.
[0088] It will be appreciated that the data update process
described with respect to FIG. 8 may be executed over a network,
for example a private data network or a public data network such as
the Internet.
[0089] With reference now to FIG. 9, there is shown a process 150
for establishing agreements to acquire geophysical data in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0090] In the past, data acquisition, whether done by actual
collection of marine or land data as described above, or by
purchase or license from existing data owners, was generally
performed via an inter-party negotiation. That is, the party or
parties desiring to obtain the data negotiated an agreement
directly with the data owner or collector.
[0091] In accordance with the present invention, data acquisition
is done in a more cost-effective competitive bid process between
the system operator and data providers as will now be
described.
[0092] As a result of data update process 130 (FIG. 8) described
above, the system operator has selected the geography and data type
to be acquired (step 152). Subsequently a bid package is prepared
by the system operator (step 154) and distributed to various
identified owners and/or collectors of the desired data (step 156).
Completed competitive bid packages are collected and evaluated
(step 158) and an appropriate data acquisition agreement is
negotiated with the most competitive bidder (step 160).
[0093] It will be appreciated that, in contrast to the prior art,
this data update is obtained as a result of a group of subscribers,
typically E&P companies, working together through their
subscriptions to aggregate demand--that is to identify, select and
pay for updates as a group. In contrast to the established
processes described in the Background, above, aggregation of demand
provides the significant advantages described herein above.
[0094] There has thus been provided new and improved methods and
systems for collecting, managing, distributing and updating
geophysical data. The invention uses the power of aggregate demand,
through the formation of a subscription-based multi-party entity,
to select, purchase and share seismic data. The invention
substantially lowers E&P user costs while providing access to
increased data. Aggregated demand further serves to reduce many of
the costs, risks and uncertainties faced by data collectors,
particularly boat operators, under the old methodologies.
[0095] The invention has particular application in the energy
industry and more particularly to companies that collect,
distribute, use or are otherwise involved with geophysical
data.
[0096] While described with respect to particular embodiments, the
invention is not thus limited. Numerous modifications, changes,
updates, improvements and the like, all within the scope of the
invention, will now become apparent to the reader.
* * * * *