HDR Tone Mapping Parameter Selection Using Adaptive Anchor Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tone mapping methods lack flexibility in choosing curve parameters for HDR video processing, limiting the adaptability and quality of tone mapping curves.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining tone mapping curve parameters using anchor points, allowing for adaptive tone mapping curves based on HDR video frames and metadata, with the ability to fine-tune anchor points for optimal local contrast and perceptual quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tone mapping methods use fixed curves (linear, parabola, linear) for different luminance areas, then the processing is simple and deterministic, but the flexibility in choosing curve parameters is limited and the adaptability to different HDR content is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different HDR contentVSAvoidcomplexity of curve parameter selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed curve approach into a dynamic system where anchor points can be freely positioned and curve parameters are adaptively determined based on HDR content characteristics. The tone mapping curve becomes flexible and可调 (adjustable) rather than rigid, allowing optimization for different luminance ranges and content types while maintaining systematic parameter control through the anchor point mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables free selection of curve parameters by introducing anchor points that define key positions on the tone mapping curve. Instead of being constrained to fixed curve shapes, users can modify parameters such as anchor point positions, luminance values, and curve segments to adapt the tone mapping behavior to different HDR content requirements, achieving versatility without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional methods use multiple fixed curves for different luminance ranges, then the processing workflow is straightforward, but it is difficult to choose optimal curve parameters for specific content requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of curve parameter selectionVSAvoidflexibility in tone mapping customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides default anchor point configurations and recommended parameter settings that work well for general HDR content. Users can start with these pre-configured settings for straightforward processing, then selectively adjust specific anchor points or curve segments when customization is needed, achieving ease of operation for common cases while maintaining flexibility for specialized requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4028987B1Encoder, decoder, system, and method for determining tone mapping curve parameters
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4028987B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4028987B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4028987B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of video processing, and more particularly to high dynamic range (HDR) video and image processing. In particular, the disclosure relates to determining one or more curve parameters of a tone mapping curve. For example, a device (encoder or decoder) may obtain a high dynamic range (HDR) video frame and metadata associated to the HDR video frame. The device further obtains a pair of anchor points, based on the HDR video frame and the metadata. The pair of anchor points comprises a first anchor point and a second anchor point of the tone mapping curve. Moreover, the device generates the one or more curve parameters of the tone mapping curve based on the pair of anchor points.