Out-of-Gamut Color Encoding for Metadata Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting metadata with image data often require separate communication channels, which is inefficient, and existing steganography techniques are limited in their ability to seamlessly integrate additional information into standard image data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encoding information by replacing in-gamut color points with out-of-gamut points in color image data, allowing the information to be transmitted within the image data itself, with out-of-gamut points mapped to in-gamut points for proper reproduction, and using specific mappings and protocols to extract the information at the receiving end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication channels are used for metadata and image data, then reliable transmission of metadata is achieved, but system complexity and transmission overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metadata transmission with image data transmission by embedding metadata into the image data stream itself. Specifically, metadata is inserted into unused or less perceptible portions of the image data (such as chroma channels or least significant bits), allowing both image data and metadata to be transmitted through the same communication channel without requiring separate infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The image data transmission system is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both primary image data and auxiliary metadata simultaneously. The same transmission fabric that carries image pixels is also used to convey metadata, making the system universal and eliminating the need for dedicated metadata channels.
2Productivity
If metadata is embedded in image data, then transmission efficiency is improved, but image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different embedding strategies to different regions or channels of the image data. Metadata is embedded in locations or channels that are less critical to perceived image quality, such as chroma channels in YUV color space or the least significant bits of pixel values, while preserving the quality of more critical components like luminance information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses perceptual masking or color space transformation as an intermediary mechanism. By transforming image data into a color space where human perception is less sensitive to certain variations (e.g., YUV instead of RGB), metadata can be embedded in the transformed domain without noticeably affecting the perceived image quality when converted back.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard image data formats are used, then compatibility with existing protocols is maintained, but flexibility for embedding additional information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests metadata within the existing image data structure by utilizing unused fields, reserved bits, or redundant information already present in standard image formats. This nested approach allows additional information to be embedded without altering the external structure or format specifications, maintaining compatibility with existing protocols while increasing versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for transmitting additional information together with image data involve replacing pixel values to take in-gamut points to out-of-gamut points. The additional information may constitute metadata describing the image data and/or useful for controlling display and/or processing of the image data; watermark information; or other information. In some embodiments the image data is restored to its original form after extraction of the additional information.