HDR to SDR Image Converter for Print Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image processing technologies face challenges in generating high-quality still image data for printing, particularly in converting High Dynamic Range (HDR) images to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) formats suitable for printing, resulting in issues with blown-out highlights and crushed shadows.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that acquire HDR still image data and convert it into SDR still image data based on printing performance and paper type, using a converter to adjust the dynamic range for optimal printing quality, ensuring the highest brightness range is compatible with the paper's reflection brightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If HDR still image data is directly used for printing, then the dynamic range is preserved, but the print quality deteriorates due to blown-out highlights and crushed shadows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidprint quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by converting HDR image data to SDR format and adjusting the brightness range to match paper reflection characteristics. The conversion process modifies the luminance parameters from HDR's wide brightness range to SDR's limited range, while applying tone mapping and brightness adjustment parameters to prevent blown-out highlights and crushed shadows, thereby achieving both dynamic range management and print quality improvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the brightness range is reduced to match paper reflection, then print quality improves, but the dynamic range information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint qualityVSAvoiddynamic range information
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing brightness range adjustment and tone mapping before the actual printing process. The system pre-processes the HDR image data by converting it to SDR format and adjusting brightness parameters to match paper reflection characteristics, ensuring optimal print quality from the outset while preserving essential image information through careful parameter management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If HDR to SDR conversion is performed, then compatibility with printing devices is improved, but image detail in extreme brightness areas is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidimage detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing tone mapping and brightness adjustment processes as intermediate steps between HDR and SDR conversion. These intermediary processing stages preserve image details in extreme brightness areas by applying gradual tone transitions and preventing abrupt clipping, thereby maintaining image quality while achieving device compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3544280B1Image processing device, image processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3544280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3544280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3544280B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an image processing device that provides still image data for printing high-quality printed matter. The image processing device includes an acquisition section configured to acquire first still image data obtained through imaging and having a brightness range defined in a first dynamic range and performance information indicating a printing performance of a printing device, a converter configured to convert the first still image data acquired by the acquisition section into second still image data defined in a second dynamic range having a smaller brightness range than the brightness range of the first dynamic range depending on the printing performance indicated by the performance information acquired by the acquisition section, and an output section configured to output the second still image data converted by the converter to the printing device.