Knowledge-Based Well Data Management and Graphical Interface

Abstract

ABSTRACT Well log data including information about the wells from which the data was acquired, the tools by which the data was obtained, and the operations that were performed on this data, are best represented taxonomically by objects in a knowledge base for property inheritance. However, there are important non-taxonomical links between those objects. To be applicable, information must be presented and used according to different classification principles (philogenetic, phenetic, and teleologic). The Graphic Log Data Manager (GLDM) is a graphical application that is designed to display these objects in a phylogenetic tree on a log analyst’s terminal. This tree can be adjusted (purged, annexed, etc.) to focus on only those data objects that a user wishes to examine. Furthermore, the GLDM uses different (but generic) trees, menus, tables, piano charts, curves, and the like to allow a log analyst to browse and edit the well data knowledge base and view, the log data in a desired structure during computer log analysis. Data access in the GLDM combines a frame-based, object-oriented facility and a declarative, adaptable non-taxonomical scheme. The purpose of the GLDM is, ultimately, to provide any log interpretation program with a visually flexible and adaptable data environment for log analysis. The implementation of the GLDM depends not only on a comprehensive understanding of well log data, but also on a sophisticated information layout scheme and a comprehensive set of human interface tools. It turns out that the artificial intelligence workstation programming environment and frame-based knowledge representation are appropriate and powerful vehicles to accomplish this.