Image Processing Device Dynamic Range Reproduction Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image processing technologies fail to accurately reproduce the dynamic range of images, especially with high dynamic range content, as they lack defined methods for setting and transmitting dynamic range characteristics, leading to suboptimal display on various devices.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that includes an encoding unit, a setting unit, and a transmitting unit to set and transmit dynamic range characteristics information, such as white level, black level, and gray level codes, along with luminance information, to ensure accurate reproduction of the image dynamic range during decoding and display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing encoding techniques (H.264/AVC, HEVC) are used without defined dynamic range characteristics, then encoding efficiency is achieved, but accurate reproduction of dynamic range is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic range reproduction accuracyVSAvoiddynamic range characteristics information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by setting dynamic range characteristics information (white level, black level, gray level codes) during the encoding phase. This information is prepared in advance and transmitted alongside the encoded image data, enabling the decoding device to accurately reproduce the dynamic range without losing critical characteristics information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If dynamic range characteristics information is transmitted, then accurate dynamic range reproduction is enabled, but data transmission volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic range reproduction accuracyVSAvoidtransmitted data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by representing dynamic range characteristics through coded values (white level code, black level code, gray level code) rather than transmitting full precision measurements. These parameter codes convey the essential dynamic range information in a compact form, achieving accurate reproduction while minimizing the quantity of transmitted data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If dynamic range characteristics are set for developed images, then image quality is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dynamic range characteristics into distinct, independently settable parameters (white level code, black level code, gray level code). This segmentation allows each parameter to be set and processed separately, simplifying the overall processing complexity while maintaining high image quality through precise control of each aspect of the dynamic range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3512203B1Image processing device and method
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SATURN LICENSING LLC
  • EP3512203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3512203B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3512203B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an image processing device and method which can accurately reproduce a dynamic range of an image. A value on a vertical axis corresponding to a maximum white level is a digital value of the maximum white level (white 800%) which is assigned to a developed image, and is set as max_white_level_code_value which is one of characteristics information of the dynamic range and is transmitted. A value on the vertical axis corresponding to a white level is a digital value of a white level (white 100%) which is assigned to a developed image, and is set as white_level_code_value which is one of characteristics information of the dynamic range and is transmitted. The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, an image processing device.