HDMI Sink Dynamic Range Conversion Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

HDMI sink devices face challenges in maintaining appropriate luminance when switching HDMI inputs, as dynamic range conversion definition information varies between HDMI source devices, leading to incorrect dynamic range conversion of uncompressed image data.

Innovation Solution

A communication device and method that transmits and receives dynamic range conversion definition information through a digital interface like HDMI, using a data communication transmission unit, information transmission unit, and control reception unit to ensure accurate dynamic range processing, with control transmission units managing the flow of this information based on connection states and bi-directional communication paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dynamic range conversion definition information is transmitted for each HDMI source device, then luminance accuracy is improved, but information transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance accuracyVSAvoidinformation transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transmits dynamic range conversion definition information as可变 parameters (knee point values, gamma values) that can be adjusted based on the specific HDMI source device being used. This allows the system to adapt the conversion parameters to match each source device's characteristics, improving luminance accuracy without requiring a completely different conversion approach for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs dynamic range conversion definition information transmission in advance during HDMI input switching, before actual image data processing. The control reception unit receives and stores the conversion parameters beforehand, so when image data needs conversion, the appropriate parameters are already available, reducing real-time processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If dynamic range inverse conversion is performed based on stored conversion definition information, then processing speed is improved, but conversion accuracy deteriorates when source device changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidconversion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control reception unit monitors HDMI hot plug signals and detects when the source device changes. Upon detecting a source device change, the system requests updated dynamic range conversion definition information from the new source device, ensuring that the conversion parameters always match the current source device being used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the dynamic range conversion parameters dynamic rather than static. The conversion definition information is updated in real-time based on source device changes detected through HDMI hot plug signals. This allows the system to maintain fast processing by using pre-stored parameters while ensuring accuracy by updating parameters when the source device changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple HDMI inputs are supported with input switching function, then device versatility is improved, but luminance consistency deteriorates due to varying dynamic range conversion information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidluminance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different dynamic range conversion parameters to different HDMI inputs based on their specific characteristics. Each HDMI input can have its own optimized conversion definition information (knee points, gamma values) tailored to the connected source device, allowing each input to maintain optimal luminance quality while supporting multiple diverse inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal dynamic range conversion system that can handle multiple HDMI inputs with different characteristics. By using a standardized interface for receiving and applying conversion definition information from various source devices, the system achieves both versatility in supporting multiple inputs and consistency in maintaining proper luminance across all inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10999554B2Communication device and communication method
Publication Date: 2021.05.04 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US10999554B2 patent drawing
  • US10999554B2 patent drawing
  • US10999554B2 patent drawing

AI summary

HDMI transmission of uncompressed image data, on which dynamic range processing is performed, is performed from an HDMI source device and a display in appropriate luminance is performed in an HDMI sink device. When HDMI input switching is performed, a television receiver 13 transmits transmission request information to an HDMI source device in a destination of the input switching and acquires dynamic range conversion definition information of uncompressed image data at intended timing. Also, when it is possible to acquire the dynamic range conversion definition information of the uncompressed image data, the television receiver 13 minimizes transmission of the dynamic range conversion definition information from a BD recorder 11 by sending reception recognition information back.