Automated HDR Bright Region Luminance Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The creation of HDR content using SDR display devices often results in unnatural and inconsistent luminance values for light sources and reflections, leading to lower quality images when displayed on HDR devices, as content creators cannot visually assess the native HDR luminance values on SDR displays.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect and correct bright regions with incorrect luminance values in HDR content by classifying them using machine learning models, comparing to predefined values, and adjusting them to match the correct luminance, optionally with manual input, to produce a corrected HDR image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If HDR content is created using SDR display devices, then content creation is accessible to most creators, but the luminance values become unnatural and inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of content creationVSAvoidluminance value consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automated feedback by detecting and comparing luminance values of bright regions against predefined correct values, allowing creators to review and correct inaccuracies without needing HDR display devices during creation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary review system that acts as a mediator between the SDR creation process and HDR output requirements, enabling quality control without requiring HDR display hardware during content creation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If content creators use SDR display devices, then display hardware requirements are reduced, but visual quality assessment of HDR content is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay hardware requirementsVSAvoidluminance value assessment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical requirement of HDR display hardware with an algorithmic review system that automatically measures and evaluates luminance values through image processing and comparison against predefined standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual review of HDR content is performed, then quality control is thorough, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control thoroughnessVSAvoidreview process duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting, classifying, and measuring luminance values of bright regions, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining comprehensive quality control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with automated image processing algorithms that rapidly analyze luminance values and provide immediate feedback on correctness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3874449B1Automated real-time high dynamic range content review system
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3874449B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3874449B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3874449B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Methods, systems and computer program products are described herein that enable the identification and correction of incorrect and/or inconsistent tones in the bright regions in an HDR image. A bright region is identified in an image. The bright region is classified into an assigned classification. A luminance value of the bright region is determined and compared to a predefined luminance values corresponding to the classification. The luminance value of the bright region is adjusted to match the predefined luminance values where there is a mismatch. Bright regions including mismatched or incorrect luminance values may be rendered on display to include a visual indicator that such regions include mismatched luminance values.