Pixel-Wise Attenuation Map Encoding for OLED Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video compression methods do not effectively address the high energy consumption of display devices, particularly OLEDs, which are the most significant source of energy consumption in the video chain, and existing metadata do not provide pixel-wise control for energy reduction.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a pixel-wise attenuation map encoded as an auxiliary image, with accompanying metadata in SEI messages, to reduce energy consumption by applying the map at the encoder side and providing display-specific parameters for optimal energy reduction and quality preservation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If display resolution increases from SD to HD, 4K, and 8K, then image quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pixel-wise attenuation maps that selectively reduce energy consumption at specific locations rather than uniformly across the entire display. The attenuation map contains per-pixel control values that allow localized energy reduction in areas where full brightness is not necessary, while maintaining high resolution and image quality in important regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the brightness parameter dynamically based on the attenuation map values. By modifying the brightness parameter at each pixel level according to the attenuation map, the system achieves energy reduction while preserving the structural quality and resolution of the display content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If OLED displays use pixel-wise control for energy reduction, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attenuation map is generated and encoded in advance at the content preparation stage rather than being computed in real-time at the display device. This preliminary action transfers the computational complexity to the encoding side, allowing the display device to simply apply the pre-computed attenuation values without requiring complex processing resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuation map serves as an intermediary data structure that bridges the content and the display device. It encapsulates all the complex energy optimization logic in a simple per-pixel control format that the display device can directly apply without needing to understand or compute the underlying optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If existing metadata are used for energy reduction, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but energy reduction effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidenergy reduction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends existing metadata structures by introducing new parameters related to attenuation maps, including per-pixel control values, attenuation map type indicators, and application operation specifications. These new parameters enable precise pixel-level energy control while building upon the familiar metadata framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the energy control information into distinct components: the attenuation map data, the metadata describing the map properties, and the parameters specifying how to apply the map. This segmentation allows for flexible implementation where different levels of detail can be provided based on the specific display device capabilities and energy reduction requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4637148A1Method and device for encoding and decoding attenuation map for energy aware images
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS
  • EP4637148A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP4637148A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A new metadata associated to a visual content is related to the use of a pixel-wise attenuation map dedicated to the reduction of the energy consumption when using the visual content, for example when rendering it on a display. Information about the types of displays compatible with the use of the attenuation map, the type of pre-processing (ex: up-sampling); the type of operation to use for the application of the attenuation map, some metrics of the expected energy reduction and on the expected quality impact of the use of such an attenuation map are provided. Specific parameters are related to a quality metric and a quality reduction. Parameters are carried by corresponding syntax elements in an SEI message. The pixel-wise attenuation map for one image of the video may be carried over as an auxiliary image of a specific type and encoded conventionally. Encoding and decoding methods and devices are described.