SDR-to-HDR Conversion via User-Defined Composer Metadata

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for converting standard dynamic range (SDR) images to high dynamic range (HDR) images are inefficient and do not effectively preserve artistic intentions, especially when peak brightness exceeds 1000 nits.

Innovation Solution

The use of user-defined composer metadata generated through machine learning and user input, based on a dynamic SDR+ model template, to efficiently convert SDR images into HDR images with a user-defined look or appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing SDR-to-HDR conversion techniques are used, then conversion can be performed, but the conversion is inefficient and does not preserve artistic intentions, especially at peak brightness above 1000 nits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidartistic intention preservation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-training machine learning models with extensive HDR image data and artistic intent annotations before actual conversion. The system prepares lookup tables, tone mapping curves, and style transfer models in advance, so that during runtime, the conversion process can efficiently apply pre-computed transformations while preserving artistic intentions without real-time computational overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary machine learning model that acts as a bridge between SDR input and HDR output. This intermediary model, trained on diverse HDR content with artistic annotations, translates SDR images to HDR while maintaining artistic intentions. The model serves as a mediator that understands both the technical conversion requirements and the artistic preservation goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If user-defined composer metadata is generated through machine learning and user input, then high-quality HDR images with artistic intentions can be achieved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHDR image qualityVSAvoidconversion process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling users to define their own composer metadata and artistic preferences directly in the system. Users can adjust tone mapping parameters, brightness levels, and stylistic properties through intuitive interfaces, and the system automatically processes these inputs to generate optimized HDR output without requiring external expert intervention or complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of conversion parameters such as peak brightness, tone mapping curves, and color space transformations. The machine learning model accepts user-defined parameters and automatically optimizes the conversion process based on these inputs, enabling flexible control over HDR image quality while managing complexity through parameterized configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional tone mapping is used, then SDR images can be converted to HDR, but the conversion quality degrades at peak brightness levels above 1000 nits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion qualityVSAvoidpeak brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive tone mapping that dynamically adjusts conversion parameters based on the input image characteristics and target display capabilities. The machine learning model dynamically selects appropriate tone mapping strategies, adjusts brightness distribution, and optimizes color mapping in real-time based on the specific content being converted, ensuring high quality across varying peak brightness levels including above 1000 nits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4014487B1Efficient user-defined SDR-to-HDR conversion with model templates
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP
  • EP4014487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4014487B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4014487B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Backward reshaping metadata prediction models are trained with training SDR images and corresponding training HDR images. Content creation user input to define user adjusted HDR appearances for the corresponding training HDR images is received. Content-creation-user-specific modified backward reshaping metadata prediction models are generated based on the trained prediction models and the content creation user input. The content-creation-user-specific modified prediction models are used to predict operational parameter values of content-creation-user-specific backward reshaping mappings for backward reshaping SDR images into mapped HDR images of at least one content-creation-user-adjusted HDR appearance.