HDR Image Encoding with Noise Reduction and Layer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high dynamic range (HDR) image and video encoding methods, such as JPEG XT, face inefficiencies in data transfer and decoding due to lossy compression, leading to visible compression artefacts and increased data requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving lossy encoding, compression-noise reduction using filters like bilateral and anisotropic filters, and encoding difference data to minimize compression noise, thereby reducing artefacts and data size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lossy encoding operation is applied to compress image data, then data storage and transfer requirements are reduced, but visible compression artefacts increase and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into base image layer data and extension image layer data. The base layer contains essential visual information for acceptable quality at lower bitrates, while the extension layer contains additional detail information. This segmentation allows the system to reduce overall data size by selectively encoding different layers with different compression levels, minimizing visible artefacts in the base layer while maintaining option for higher quality with extension layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes encoding parameters by applying different encoding strengths to different image layers. The base image layer is encoded with parameters optimized for low bitrate performance, while the extension image layer uses parameters that preserve additional detail. This parameter differentiation allows the system to achieve reduced data size without proportionally increasing compression artefacts.
2Manufacturing precision
If JPEG XT encoding with base and extension layers is used, then HDR image quality is improved, but data transfer requirements between encoder and decoder increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing two tiers of encoding: a base layer that provides sufficient quality for many applications at reduced data transfer, and an extension layer that adds quality for demanding applications. Users can choose to transfer only the base layer data when quality requirements are moderate, or transfer both base and extension layers when high quality is needed, thus optimizing the balance between image quality and data transfer requirements.
3Ease of operation
If standard JPEG decoder is used for legacy compatibility, then ease of operation is improved, but HDR reconstruction capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the base image layer data universally compatible with standard JPEG decoders, allowing legacy devices and simple applications to operate the encoded image data without requiring HDR-specific functionality. Meanwhile, HDR-capable decoders can utilize both the base layer and extension layer to reconstruct full HDR images. This universality principle resolves the contradiction by ensuring ease of operation for legacy systems while preserving HDR reconstruction capability for advanced systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of encoding image data representing an image is provided. The method includes receiving the image data. The method includes applying a lossy encoding operation to the image data to generate encoded image data representing the image. The method includes decoding the encoded image data to generate decoded image data. The method includes reducing a compression-noise component of the decoded image data to generate reduced-noise decoded image data. The method includes processing the reduced-noise decoded image data and the image data to generate difference data representing a difference between the image data and the reduced-noise decoded image data. The method includes encoding the difference data to generate encoded difference data. A method of decoding image data derived, using a lossy encoding operation, from image data representing an image is also provided. A computing device is also provided.