A Patent Analysis-Based Study on the Development of OBN Multi-Component Processing Technology

Ocean bottom node (OBN) multi-component seismic processing technology is crucial for deep-water oil and gas exploration. To reveal global competition landscape, evolution pathways, and risk characteristics of this technological field, we constructed a patent database based on PatSnap global patent search platform, covering five key technical branches: preprocessing, broadband processing, wavefield separation, prestack time migration, and prestack depth migration. Using methods of patent analysis, technology term cloud visualization, key patent analysis, and patent early-warning models, we systematically investigated the spatiotemporal distribution, innovation entity patterns, and core technology evolution of OBN multi-component processing technology; and revealed a competitive landscape characterized by “China-USA dominance with quality differentiation”. Although China leads globally in patent applications, it China holds a relatively low proportion of core patents. Wavefield separation and prestack depth migration are central areas of current competition, where international oilfield service companies have established systematic technological barriers. Domestically, an industry-university-research collaborative innovation network has emerged, led by China's major oil companies with deep participation from universities and research institutes. However, weaknesses persist in high-end algorithm accumulation and overseas patent portfolio. Patent early-warning analysis further identifies wavefield separation technology as facing a significant patent threat. The study suggests that China shall focus on cultivating high-value patents, expanding into overseas markets, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to build an internationally competitive intellectual property protection system.