Dynamic Range Converter Reconfigurable HDR to SDR Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video processing technologies face challenges in accurately converting High Dynamic Range (HDR) signals to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) while maintaining artistic intent, as existing standards like SMPTE ST 2086 do not provide sufficient metadata for optimal color transformation, leading to suboptimal image reproduction on SDR displays.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic range converter with a generic and reconfigurable architecture that includes color space converters, linearizers, delinearizers, color volume transformers, and dithering limiters, capable of converting HDR signals to SDR using dynamic color transform metadata from standards like SMPTE ST 2094, allowing for content-dependent processing and hardware-specific optimizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing standards like SMPTE ST 2086 are used for HDR to SDR conversion, then the conversion process is standardized, but the image reproduction quality is suboptimal due to insufficient metadata for optimal color transformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage reproduction qualityVSAvoidmetadata sufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static conversion parameters in SMPTE ST 2086 to dynamic parameters based on content-dependent metadata from SMPTE ST 2094. The system adjusts color transformation parameters in real-time based on scene characteristics, enabling optimal image reproduction quality while preserving artistic intent across varying content types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic conversion system that adapts transformation parameters based on real-time analysis of HDR content characteristics. Unlike static standards, the system modifies color space transformation, tone mapping, and gamut mapping parameters dynamically according to scene metadata, achieving superior image reproduction quality for diverse content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed architecture converter is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different HDR standards and content types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple HDR standardsVSAvoidconverter architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal converter architecture capable of processing multiple HDR standards (SMPTE ST 2084, HDR10, HLG) and content types through a single integrated system. The reconfigurable color space converters and tone mappers can be dynamically adjusted to handle different standards, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated converters while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the conversion process into independent functional modules including color space converters, linearizers, delinearizers, tone mappers, and gamut mappers. Each module can be independently configured and optimized for different HDR standards, allowing flexible adaptation without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If complex color transformation algorithms are used, then the artistic intent preservation is improved, but the processing latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartistic intent preservationVSAvoidconversion latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of HDR content characteristics and pre-computes optimal transformation parameters before actual conversion. By analyzing scene metadata and pre-determining tone mapping and color transformation settings, the system prepares conversion parameters in advance, reducing real-time processing latency while maintaining high artistic intent preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex iterative computational algorithms with optimized mathematical transformations and lookup tables for color space conversion and tone mapping. This substitution reduces computational complexity and processing latency while preserving artistic intent through carefully designed transformation functions that maintain perceptual accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9560330B2Dynamic range converter with reconfigurable architecture and methods for use therewith

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 VIXS SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

In various embodiments, a dynamic range converter includes a plurality of circuits, including at least one configurable circuit that operates based on configuration data. The plurality of circuits include a first color space converter to convert a source color space of a source video having a source dynamic range to nonlinear color space signals. A linearizer configured converts the nonlinear color space signals to linearized color space signals having a mastering dynamic range via a piecewise linear interpolation of a transfer function. A color volume transformer applies dynamic color transform metadata associated with the source video to generate master adjusted color space signals from the linearized color space signals. A delinearizer converts the master adjusted color space signals to nonlinearized color space signals via a piecewise linear interpolation of an inverse transfer function in accordance with a display dynamic range. A second color space converter converts the nonlinearized color space signals to display domain signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.