HDMI RAW Transmission with Bayer Packing and Metadata Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in satisfactorily transmitting uncompressed RAW data between devices, particularly in HDMI transmission paths, limiting image data editing and quality adjustment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves transmitting uncompressed RAW data via HDMI using a differential signal format, packing methods for Bayer layout data, and metadata transfer through Vendor Specific Infoframe packets, with control units determining output based on device compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If uncompressed RAW data is transmitted via HDMI, then image data editing and quality adjustment capabilities are improved, but transmission compatibility and processing complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data qualityVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data format parameter from compressed YC data to uncompressed RAW data, and from 8-bit to 10-bit or 12-bit depth, thereby improving image quality while requiring corresponding changes in transmission path and device capabilities to maintain compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If uncompressed RAW data is transmitted via HDMI, then image data editing capabilities are improved, but transmission path requirements and device complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage editing capabilityVSAvoidtransmission path requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic capability declaration mechanisms where devices declare their RAW data reception capabilities through EDID/VSD information, and control units dynamically select transmission modes (RAW or YC) based on the reception device's declared capabilities, thereby enabling image editing functionality while adapting device complexity to actual needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If RAW data transmission is implemented, then post-processing flexibility is improved, but transmission bandwidth requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost-processing flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmission mode selection where the control unit determines whether to transmit uncompressed RAW data or compressed YC data based on the reception device's declared capabilities through EDID/VSD information, thereby providing post-processing flexibility when needed while reducing transmission volume when RAW capability is unavailable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4106317B1Transmitter, transmission method, and receiver

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

To satisfactorily transmit uncompressed RAW data between devices. A transmission unit transmits uncompressed RAW data to an external device via an HDMI transmission path. For example, the uncompressed RAW data is uncompressed RAW data in a Bayer layout. Furthermore, for example, the bit depth of each pixel of the uncompressed RAW data is 16 bits, and the transmission unit transmits the uncompressed RAW data using the YC 12 bit transfer mode. For example, the transmission unit transmits metadata related to the uncompressed RAW data together with the uncompressed RAW data.