Electronic Apparatus Pseudo-HDR Conversion for Seamless Display Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for displaying HDR images from 8-bit SDR images are inadequate, as simply converting the bit number is insufficient to display ideal HDR images on external apparatuses, and switching between HDR and SDR display modes is time-consuming, causing interruptions in image viewing.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that includes a system control unit capable of determining the display capabilities of an external apparatus and switching between HDR and SDR modes efficiently, using pseudo-HDR conversion to enhance image gradation resolution and display HDR images without interrupting the viewing experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the display mode is switched from HDR to SDR, then the SDR image can be appropriately displayed on the external apparatus, but it takes time to switch the display mode and the image is not displayed during switching, causing the user to cannot view the image appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay compatibilityVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary conversion of SDR images to pseudo-HDR format and stores multiple versions (SDR and pseudo-HDR) in advance. When an external apparatus is connected, the system can immediately output the appropriate format without switching modes, eliminating display interruptions and reducing switching time while maintaining display compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If an 8-bit SDR image is used as is, then the image can be displayed quickly, but the HDR image cannot be displayed appropriately on an external apparatus that can display HDR

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay speedVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-converts SDR images to pseudo-HDR format and stores both versions. When an external apparatus capable of HDR display is detected, the system immediately outputs the pseudo-HDR version without real-time conversion, ensuring both high display quality and fast response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the bit depth parameter from 8-bit to 10-bit through pseudo-HDR conversion, expanding the dynamic range and color depth. This allows the image to be appropriately displayed on HDR-capable external apparatus while maintaining compatibility with standard displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the bit number is merely converted from 8-bit to 10-bit, then the number of bits is increased, but ideal HDR image cannot be displayed on the external apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit depthVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comprehensive parameter changes including bit depth (8-bit to 10-bit), color space (sRGB to Display P3), and luminance range (SDR to HDR). These coordinated parameter transformations enable ideal HDR image display on external apparatus by properly adjusting all relevant image parameters, not just bit depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3506078B1Electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 CANON KK
  • EP3506078B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3506078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3506078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes: a converting means that converts a first type of image into a converted image; a connecting means that connects with an external apparatus; a setting means that sets a connection mode; and a control means that controls so that in a case where the connection is in a first connection mode, the first type of image is outputted from the connecting means without converting the first type of image by the converting means, and in a case where the connection is in a second connection mode, the first type of image is converted by the converting means, and is outputted from the connecting means, wherein source of the image to be outputted from the connecting means can be switched from a second type of image to the first type of image, while maintaining the connection in the second connection mode.