Dual-Transfer Video Signaling for SDR-HDR Playback Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video data generation and reproduction technologies face challenges in achieving backward compatibility, particularly in supporting both standard dynamic range (SDR) and high dynamic range (HDR) video data without compromising reproduction quality.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a data generation method that uses a second opto-electrical transfer function (OETF) for HDR video data, while storing first transfer function information for SDR-compatible devices in the video usability information (VUI) and second transfer function information for HDR-compatible devices in the supplemental enhancement information (SEI).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If video data is generated using a second OETF for wider luminance dynamic range (HDR), then HDR reproduction quality is improved, but compatibility with first devices supporting only standard luminance dynamic range (SDR) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminance dynamic range coverageVSAvoidreproduction compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The video data structure is segmented into multiple information layers: VUI parameters and SEI messages each contain separate transfer function information for different luminance dynamic ranges. This allows the system to provide differentiated transfer characteristics for HDR and SDR devices independently, resolving the contradiction between HDR quality and SDR compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The video data structure is designed with universal adaptability by incorporating multiple sets of transfer function information (first OETF for SDR, second OETF for HDR) within the same data stream. Devices can universally process this data by selecting the appropriate transfer function based on their capabilities, enabling one video file to serve both SDR and HDR devices effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If video data stores only first transfer function information for SDR devices, then backward compatibility is maintained, but HDR reproduction capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproduction compatibilityVSAvoidluminance dynamic range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The video data is prepared in advance with both first and second transfer function information embedded in the VUI and SEI structures. This preliminary inclusion of multiple transfer characteristics ensures that when the video is decoded, both SDR devices (using first OETF) and HDR devices (using second OETF) can immediately access the appropriate transfer function without requiring additional processing or conversion, thus maintaining compatibility while enabling HDR capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If video data includes multiple transfer function information, then both SDR and HDR device compatibility is achieved, but data structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproduction compatibilityVSAvoiddata structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The VUI and SEI structures serve as intermediary layers that organize and manage multiple transfer function information sets. These intermediaries provide a standardized interface between the encoded video data and diverse playback devices, allowing complex multi-OETF information to be systematically structured with clear syntax elements and selection flags, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for both encoding and decoding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12301884B2Data generation method, data reproduction method, data generation device and data reproduction device

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A data generation method is for generating video data that covers a second luminance dynamic range wider than a first luminance dynamic range and has reproduction compatibility with a first device that does not support reproduction of video having the second luminance dynamic range and supports reproduction of video having the first luminance dynamic range, and includes: generating a video signal to be included in the video data using a second OETF; storing, into VUI in the video data, first transfer function information for identifying a first OETF to be referred to by the first device when the first device decodes the video data; and storing, into SEI in the video data, second transfer function information for identifying a second OETF to be referred to by a second device supporting reproduction of video having the second luminance dynamic range when the second device decodes the video data.