Management Information File for HDR Video Stream Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DVD technology faces challenges in efficiently managing and playing back video streams with varying dynamic ranges, such as SDR and HDR, due to lack of effective format for recording and playback of high-luminance video information.

Innovation Solution

A recording medium and playback device that includes a management information file indicating the dynamic range of the initial video stream and the presence of enhanced video streams, allowing for efficient negotiation and playback of video streams with different luminance formats by referencing attribute information, such as is_HDR and HDR_type, to ensure appropriate luminance control and synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional DVD technology is used to manage video streams, then basic playback functionality is maintained, but efficient management and playback of video streams with varying dynamic ranges (SDR and HDR) cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to manage video streams with varying dynamic rangesVSAvoideffective format for recording and playback of high-luminance video information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments video content into multiple video streams with different dynamic range characteristics (SDR and HDR streams). Each stream is independently encoded and stored in the recording medium, allowing the playback device to select and play back the appropriate stream based on display capabilities. This segmentation enables the system to handle both standard and high-luminance content effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-recording management information files that contain metadata about the dynamic range characteristics of each video stream. This management information is prepared in advance during the recording process, enabling the playback device to quickly identify and select appropriate video streams without requiring complex real-time analysis of the video content itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If video streams with different luminance formats are recorded without management information, then storage flexibility is maintained, but efficient negotiation and playback of video streams cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficient negotiation and playback of video streamsVSAvoidreference to attribute information for luminance control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces management information files as an intermediary between the video streams and the playback device. These files contain attribute information about each video stream's dynamic range characteristics, serving as a mediator that enables efficient communication and negotiation between the recording medium and playback device without requiring complex direct analysis of the video content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by encoding specific dynamic range attributes (such as luminance range, transfer characteristics) in the management information files. These parameters are pre-determined and stored, allowing the playback device to adjust its processing accordingly. This approach simplifies the system by using predefined parameter sets rather than requiring complex real-time parameter detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If analysis of video streams is performed to determine luminance format, then accurate identification is achieved, but playback efficiency is reduced due to time-consuming analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification of luminance formatVSAvoidtime for analyzing streams
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining and storing the luminance format information in management information files during the recording process. This eliminates the need for time-consuming analysis during playback, as the playback device can directly read the pre-stored attribute information to identify the video stream's dynamic range characteristics instantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If SDR and HDR content are managed separately, then playback accuracy is improved, but synchronization between base and enhanced video streams becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback accuracy of luminance formatsVSAvoidsynchronization between video streams
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of SDR and HDR content by using a unified management information file structure that contains attributes for multiple video streams. This unified approach allows the playback device to handle both stream types through a single management interface, simplifying synchronization control while maintaining the ability to accurately manage different luminance formats independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3786954B1Recording medium, playback device, and playback method
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP3786954B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3786954B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3786954B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3(4)

AI summary

The invention is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium, in which are recorded a base video stream that is encoded video information, an enhanced video stream that is encoded video information, for enhancing luminance of the base video stream by being played synchronously with the base video stream, and a management information file in which is described a playback path of the base video stream, wherein a playback path of the enhanced video stream is further described in the management information file so that the enhanced video stream is played synchronously with the base video stream, wherein the base video stream includes High Dynamic Range (HDR), and wherein the enhanced video stream, by being played synchronously with the base video stream, realizes a higher luminance than the base video stream.