Hierarchical Coding Scheme for HDR Video Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility of newer HDR coding standards with legacy decoding equipment and the resulting increased costs and complexity for content distributors due to the need for multiple encoding formats and limited bandwidth, especially when transmitting High Dynamic Range (HDR) video signals.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical coding scheme that allows for the encoding and decoding of HDR-type signals in a way that enables compatibility with both HDR and SDR displays, using a method that involves converting input signals between color spaces, down-sampling, and adding ancillary data for reconstruction, thereby providing backwards compatibility and reduced bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If HDR video signals are transmitted using native 10-bit formats, then video quality and dynamic range are improved, but compatibility with legacy 8-bit decoders is lost and distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The video signal is segmented into two separate encoded streams: an 8-bit SDR-compatible stream for legacy devices and a 10-bit HDR stream for advanced devices. This segmentation allows each stream to be optimized for its target platform while maintaining overall system compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoding system is designed to produce multiple output formats from a single input signal, making the distribution system universal. The same content can be decoded by both legacy 8-bit devices and modern 10-bit HDR devices, achieving multi-functionality in the distribution infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple encoding formats are provided for HDR and SDR compatibility, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but device complexity and distribution costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color conversion and signal processing are performed in advance during the encoding stage. The input signal is pre-processed to generate both 8-bit and 10-bit encoded versions with appropriate color space conversions, so that downstream devices simply need to decode without performing complex real-time conversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processed signals as mediators between the original input and final output formats. These intermediate signals serve as bridge representations that facilitate the generation of both SDR and HDR output streams from a single input source.
3Manufacturing precision
If 10-bit HDR encoding is used, then colour range and luminance dynamic range are improved, but bandwidth requirements and transmission costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different bit depths and color space qualities to different portions of the signal based on device capabilities. Legacy devices receive 8-bit SDR-encoded signals with standard color ranges, while HDR-capable devices receive 10-bit signals with extended color gamuts and luminance ranges. This local quality adjustment optimizes bandwidth usage by not transmitting high-quality HDR data to devices that cannot utilize it.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for processing an input signal (700). The input signal (700) is processed at least by converting the input signal (700) from a first colour space to a second colour space, to produce a first processed signal. The processed signal is encoded by a first encoding module (703) to generate a first encoded signal (710). A decoded signal is generated by decoding the first encoded signal (710). The decoded signal is processed at least by converting the decoded signal from the second colour space to the first colour space to produce a second processed signal. The second processed signal and the input signal (700) are processed by a second encoding module (707) to generate a second encoded signal (720).