Backwards-Compatible HDR Encoding Using JPEG-2000 Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital cinema systems are inadequate for efficiently encoding and transmitting high dynamic range (HDR) images, as they are not fully compatible with existing specifications, leading to the need for dual production and increased bandwidth for both SDR and HDR versions of content.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to encode HDR images into a format that is backwards compatible with existing Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) specifications by creating a coded baseline image and HDR-enhancement images, using JPEG-2000 markers to embed additional enhancement information, allowing decoders to reconstruct the HDR image while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If HDR images are encoded using existing digital cinema specifications, then compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but the encoding efficiency and bandwidth utilization are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with legacy systemsVSAvoidencoding efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The HDR image encoding is segmented into two parts: a baseline image encoded in standard dynamic range (SDR) format that is compatible with legacy systems, and enhancement data containing HDR-specific information. This segmentation allows the baseline to be processed by existing infrastructure while the enhancement layer provides HDR capabilities where supported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary encoding structure is introduced that acts as a bridge between SDR and HDR formats. The baseline SDR image serves as the intermediary that legacy systems can process, while HDR-capable systems can extract and apply enhancement data to reconstruct the full HDR image, thus mediating between incompatible systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual production of SDR and HDR versions is implemented, then both display types can be supported, but bandwidth consumption and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for both SDR and HDR displaysVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The SDR baseline and HDR enhancement data are merged into a single encoded stream rather than transmitting separate SDR and HDR versions. This combining allows both types of displays to be supported from one source: SDR displays use the baseline while HDR displays combine baseline and enhancement data, reducing total bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encoded stream is designed with multi-functionality to serve both SDR and HDR displays universally. The baseline portion ensures universal compatibility with all displays, while the enhancement portion provides additional functionality for HDR-capable displays, making a single stream universally useful.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If HDR-enhancement information is embedded using JPEG-2000 markers, then backwards compatibility is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackwards compatibilityVSAvoiddecoder complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HDR enhancement information is extracted and embedded as separate metadata markers within the JPEG-2000 bitstream structure. This extraction approach allows legacy decoders to ignore the markers and process only the baseline image, while HDR-capable decoders can extract and apply the enhancement data, adding complexity only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If existing digital cinema infrastructure is used for HDR transmission, then infrastructure investment is protected, but transmission efficiency and quality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure compatibilityVSAvoidtransmission quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The baseline SDR image is prepared in advance as a universally compatible foundation that can be transmitted through existing infrastructure without modification. This preliminary preparation ensures that the core content is optimized for legacy transmission channels, while HDR enhancement data is added as an optional layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9781417B2High dynamic range, backwards-compatible, digital cinema

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

HDR images are coded and distributed. An initial HDR image is received. Processing the received HDR image creates a JPEG-2000 DCI-compliant coded baseline image and an HDR-enhancement image. The coded baseline image has one or more color components, each of which provide enhancement information that allows reconstruction of an instance of the initial HDR image using the baseline image and the HDR-enhancement images. A data packet is computed, which has a first and a second data set. The first data set relates to the baseline image color components, each of which has an application marker that relates to the HDR-enhancement images. The second data set relates to the HDR-enhancement image. The data packets are sent in a DCI-compliant bit stream.