Parametric Tone-Adjustment Function for HDR Picture Brightness Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tone-mapping methods for High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) pictures face challenges in configuring automated tone-mapping across various video contents due to the need for manual adjustment of parameters like shadowGainControl, highLightGainControl, and midTonesAdjustement, which complicates robust and proper tone-mapping.

Innovation Solution

A method using a parametric tone-adjustment function defined over multiple ranges, where at least one parameter is associated with each range, with parameters such as shadowGainControl, highLightGainControl, and midTonesAdjustement being modulated by the brightness level of the input picture, allowing for a non-linear tone adjustment function across different ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of tone-mapping parameters is used, then tone-mapping accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetone-mapping accuracyVSAvoidparameter configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines tone-mapping parameters by analyzing the input HDR picture content itself, without requiring external manual configuration. The processor extracts luminance statistics and automatically configures the tone-mapping function parameters, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts tone-mapping parameters (such as shadow gain control, highlight gain control, and mid-tone adjustment) based on the actual luminance distribution of the input picture. By changing parameters adaptively according to content characteristics, the system achieves high accuracy without fixed manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of tone-mapping parameters is used, then tone-mapping accuracy can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetone-mapping accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic parameter determination by analyzing the input picture content and configuring tone-mapping parameters without user intervention. This self-service approach maintains high accuracy while completely eliminating the operational burden of manual parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The processor performs preliminary analysis of the input HDR picture to determine luminance statistics and pre-configures the appropriate tone-mapping parameters before actual tone-mapping execution. This preliminary automatic configuration ensures accuracy is achieved without requiring operational complexity from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automated tone-mapping is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but tone-mapping accuracy deteriorates due to lack of manual parameter adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidtone-mapping accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes input picture characteristics and self-configures optimal tone-mapping parameters without manual intervention, achieving both ease of operation and high accuracy simultaneously through content-adaptive automatic parameter determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from luminance statistics extracted from the input HDR picture to automatically adjust and optimize tone-mapping parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures accuracy is maintained through content-aware automatic parameter selection while keeping operation simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If fixed tone-mapping parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different video contents deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter configuration simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different video contents

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamic parameters that automatically adapt to different input contents. The processor analyzes luminance distribution of each input HDR picture and dynamically configures tone-mapping parameters accordingly, achieving versatility without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements content-adaptive parameter changes by extracting luminance statistics from different video contents and automatically adjusting tone-mapping parameters to match the specific characteristics of each content type, ensuring optimal performance across diverse inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11182882B2Method and device for tone-mapping a picture by using a parametric tone-adjustment function

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 INTERDIGITAL MADISON PATENT HLDG

AI summary

The present principles relates to a method and device for tone-mapping an input picture by using a parametric tone-adjustment function. The method is characterized in that the method comprises determining at least one parameter of said tone-adjustment function modulated by a brightness level of the input picture.