Dual OETF 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

1Adaptability or versatility

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminance dynamic range coverageVSAvoidreproduction compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer function information is segmented into two separate storage locations: VUI contains first OETF information for SDR devices, while SEI contains second OETF information for HDR devices. This segmentation allows each device type to access the appropriate transfer function without interference, resolving the compatibility conflict between HDR and SDR reproduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The SEI message acts as an intermediary layer that provides additional HDR-specific transfer function information without disrupting the standard VUI structure. HDR-capable devices can access this intermediary information while SDR devices ignore it, enabling backward compatibility while supporting advanced features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If only first OETF information is stored in VUI for SDR compatibility, then backward compatibility is maintained, but HDR reproduction capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward compatibilityVSAvoidHDR reproduction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by embedding both first OETF information in VUI and second OETF information in SEI during video data generation. This advance preparation ensures that both SDR and HDR devices can find their required transfer function information without requiring real-time conversion or additional processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The video data structure is designed with universal compatibility by incorporating multiple transfer function specifications. The VUI provides universal baseline compatibility for all devices, while the SEI extends functionality for advanced HDR-capable devices, making the same video data universally usable across different device capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual transfer function information is stored in both VUI and SEI, then both SDR and HDR device compatibility is achieved, but data structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device compatibilityVSAvoiddata structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic information retrieval where devices adaptively select which transfer function information to use based on their capabilities. SDR devices dynamically access only VUI information, while HDR devices dynamically access both VUI and SEI information, optimizing processing efficiency despite the dual-information structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12309432B2Data generation method, data reproduction method, data generation device and data reproduction device

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 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.