HDR Transcoding With Mapping-Based Enhancement Layer Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HDR transcoding solutions cause exceptions and affect user experience due to direct re-encoding of HDR images or videos, leading to loss of critical information and abnormal visual effects.

Innovation Solution

An encoding method that processes HDR images into base and enhancement layers using mapping relationships, allowing flexible data handling and reducing the amount of data to be encoded, and a decoding method that utilizes mapping relationships to restore the HDR image effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If direct transcoding of HDR image or video is performed, then encoding process is simplified, but data loss occurs and visual quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranscoding process complexityVSAvoidHDR information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transcoding process into two distinct layers: base layer encoding and enhancement layer encoding. The base layer contains essential HDR information while the enhancement layer contains supplementary details. This segmentation allows selective processing and transmission of different information components, preventing complete data loss while maintaining manageable process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between the original HDR content and the final encoded output. This intermediary layer performs tone mapping and separates content into base and enhancement components, acting as a mediator that preserves critical HDR information while adapting it for efficient encoding and transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If direct transcoding of HDR image or video is performed, then processing steps are reduced, but encoding quality deteriorates due to exceptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranscoding speedVSAvoidencoding quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the encoding into base layer and enhancement layer segments, the patent enables parallel processing of different data streams. The base layer can be encoded and transmitted independently, ensuring minimum quality requirements are met, while the enhancement layer adds supplementary quality improvements. This segmentation maintains high productivity through efficient resource utilization while achieving superior encoding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary tone mapping and data separation before the actual encoding process. By pre-processing the HDR content to identify and separate critical information from supplementary information, the system prepares optimized data streams for encoding, thereby improving both processing efficiency and final encoding quality without compromising productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If base layer and enhancement layer encoding is performed separately, then data loss is reduced, but encoding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHDR information preservationVSAvoidencoding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that automatically performs tone mapping and separates HDR content into base and enhancement layers. This intermediary system handles the complex operations of information separation and organization, reducing the perceived encoding complexity for the user while ensuring comprehensive HDR information preservation through structured multi-layer encoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal encoding framework that can handle different types of HDR content through a single multi-functional process. The base layer and enhancement layer encoding system is designed to work with various HDR formats and content types, providing a unified solution that preserves information across different scenarios while maintaining consistent process complexity levels through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If mapping relationships are used for flexible data processing, then encoding efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes through mapping relationships to transform HDR data between different representations. By changing the parameters and format of the data during processing, the system achieves flexible and efficient encoding while the automated nature of the parameter transformation keeps processing complexity manageable. The mapping relationships enable adaptive processing that optimizes encoding efficiency for different content types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260059116A1Encoding method, decoding method, and related device
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US20260059116A1 patent drawing
  • US20260059116A1 patent drawing
  • US20260059116A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This application provides an encoding method, a decoding method, and a related device. The encoding method includes: obtaining a first HDR image and first base layer data corresponding to the first HDR image; determining first intermediate enhancement layer data based on the first HDR image and the first base layer data; processing the first intermediate enhancement layer data based on a first mapping relationship, to obtain first enhancement layer data; and encoding the first base layer data, the first enhancement layer data, and first metadata, to obtain a bitstream. In the foregoing technical solution, the encoded first enhancement layer data is determined based on the first mapping relationship. The to-be-encoded data can be flexibly processed based on the first mapping relationship. This can improve encoding efficiency.