Color Metadata for HDMI Gamut Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gamut mapping methods fail to preserve saturation and contrast levels when mapping colors from a source to a sink in HDMI connections, as they do not effectively utilize the capabilities of the sink device and often result in loss of image quality.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and providing color metadata for a downlink data channel using the source gamut, which enables adapted gamut mapping that preserves saturation and contrast levels by defining a color space gamut and using a gamut boundary description with high precision, concise representation, and efficient processing, allowing for better exploitation of the sink's capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional gamut mapping methods are used to map colors from source to sink, then the mapping process can be completed, but saturation and contrast levels are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the color space gamut and gamut boundary description before the actual color mapping occurs. The source gamut is characterized in advance using gamut boundary descriptions and indexed facet sets, establishing a reference framework that guides the subsequent mapping process to preserve saturation and contrast information that would otherwise be lost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming color space parameters through a systematic approach. The color space gamut is defined in a source color space, and mapping functions are applied to transform these parameters to the sink color space while preserving the essential saturation and contrast characteristics. The gamut boundary description provides precise parameter definitions that enable accurate transformation
2Ease of manufacture
If gamut mapping is performed without precise color space definition, then the mapping process is simpler, but color reproduction quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically transforming color space parameters through defined mapping functions. The color space gamut is precisely defined using gamut boundary descriptions, and the mapping process transforms these parameters while preserving color reproduction quality. This structured parameter transformation achieves both precision and practical implementability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a color space gamut definition as a mediator between the source and sink color spaces. The gamut boundary description serves as an intermediate representation that bridges the two color spaces, enabling accurate mapping without directly complexifying the overall process. This intermediary structure simplifies the mapping architecture while maintaining high color reproduction quality
3Reliability
If the sink's color capabilities are not fully utilized, then the mapping process is more conservative, but the potential for improved image quality is not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gamut mapping process adaptive rather than static. The color space gamut and mapping functions are dynamically adjusted based on the source content characteristics and sink capabilities. The gamut boundary description enables the system to adaptively map colors while preserving saturation and contrast, fully utilizing the sink's color reproduction capabilities to enhance image quality while maintaining process stability
Data Source
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Figure 2(a)~2(b)
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and system for determining and providing color metadata for a downlink data channel. In accordance with the present invention color metadata is determined such that gamut mapping is defined by a transmitted source gamut which enables adapted mapping that preserves saturation and contrast levels of the source for a downlink data channel. The metadata is then provided to a downlink data channel for color management.