HDR Image Signal Encoding with Backwards Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to efficiently encode, store, and distribute High Dynamic Range (HDR) image data while maintaining backwards compatibility with legacy systems and ensuring efficient data rate and processing complexity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that generates an image signal by encoding high dynamic range pixel values in N-bit words according to a second color representation, while including an indicator to signify the presence of HDR pixel values, allowing for efficient communication and rendering of HDR images on both HDR and LDR devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HDR pixel values are encoded in N-bit words according to a second color representation, then image quality and dynamic range are improved, but data rate and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bit depth parameter from conventional 8-bit to 10-bit or 12-bit N-bit words for encoding pixel values, enabling HDR representation while maintaining compatibility with existing color representation standards through parameter adjustment rather than fundamental system change
Solution Approach 2:
The encoding apparatus is designed to handle both HDR and LDR content universally by encoding pixel values in N-bit words that can represent extended dynamic range when HDR content is present, while legacy systems can still process the signal by utilizing only the lower bit portion, making the system multi-functional
2Adaptability or versatility
If HDR information is included in the image signal, then backwards compatibility is improved, but data rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges HDR encoding with existing LDR signal structures by using N-bit words that encompass both LDR and HDR ranges, allowing a single unified signal to serve both legacy LDR displays and modern HDR displays without requiring separate signal paths or additional data streams
3Illumination intensity
If high dynamic range pixel values are encoded, then luminance dynamic range is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the luminance dynamic range parameter by increasing bit depth from 8-bit to 10-bit or 12-bit N-bit encoding, allowing representation of luminance values from 0 to 1023 or 0 to 4095 respectively, while maintaining the same color representation framework to minimize processing complexity increases
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus generates an image signal in which pixels are encoded in N-bit words which encode at least a luma per pixel. A receiver (201) obtains high dynamic range pixel values in accordance with a first color representation in M-bit words. A first generator (203) includes the high dynamic range pixel values in the image signal in the N-bit words according to a second color representation. A second generator (205) includes in the image signal an indicator that high dynamic range pixel values are encoded. In some examples, the high dynamic range pixel values may be provided in a segment that can alternatively contain high or low dynamic range pixel values, and the indicator may indicate which type of data is included. The approach may e.g. facilitate introduction of high dynamic range capability into e.g. HDMI systems.