Metadata Conversion for HDR Signal Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HDR technologies face challenges in maintaining compatibility with new HDR schemes without requiring changes to existing decoding apparatuses, particularly in ensuring seamless playback of HDR signals with evolving metadata formats.
Innovation Solution
A data output apparatus and method that decode video streams to generate HDR signals, acquire characteristic metadata, convert it into control information using a predetermined protocol, and output it, allowing for dynamic adjustment of luminance ranges and compatibility with various display devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new HDR schemes with evolving metadata formats are introduced, then HDR display capability and luminance range are improved, but compatibility with existing decoding apparatuses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metadata conversion mechanism that acts as an intermediary between new HDR schemes and existing display apparatuses. The conversion unit transforms metadata from new HDR formats into formats compatible with existing apparatuses, enabling backward compatibility without requiring changes to the display devices themselves. This resolves the contradiction by mediating between advanced HDR capabilities and legacy device support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of metadata representation by converting between different luminance range formats (e.g., converting HDR metadata with wider luminance ranges into SDR-compatible metadata formats). This parameter transformation allows the same content to be displayed correctly on both HDR-capable and legacy SDR apparatuses, maintaining adaptability while preserving compatibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing decoding apparatuses are modified to support new HDR schemes, then HDR playback quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying existing decoding apparatuses, the patent places a metadata conversion layer in the signal processing chain that translates new HDR metadata into formats existing apparatuses can understand. This intermediary approach achieves high HDR playback quality on legacy devices without requiring hardware modifications or increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the metadata in a compatible format through conversion, rather than requiring the physical apparatus to be redesigned. The conversion unit generates SDR-compatible metadata that mirrors the essential luminance information from new HDR formats, enabling existing apparatuses to display HDR content with appropriate quality without structural changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metadata conversion is performed for each HDR scheme, then compatibility across different devices is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal metadata conversion mechanism that can handle multiple HDR schemes through a single conversion framework. The conversion unit is designed to recognize and transform various HDR metadata formats into SDR-compatible formats using a unified approach, reducing processing overhead compared to implementing separate conversion routines for each HDR scheme. This multi-functional design improves device compatibility while minimizing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: one or more memories, and circuitry which, in operation; decodes a video stream to generate a first video signal with a first luminance range; acquires characteristic data indicating the luminance range of the first video signal; converts the characteristic data into control information according to a predetermined transmission protocol; and outputs the control information in accordance with the predetermined transmission protocol.