Patents Assigned to Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
  • Publication number: 20240249701
    Abstract: Methods and systems for multi-step display mapping and metadata reconstruction for high-dynamic range (HDR) images are described. In an encoder, given an HDR input image with input HDR metadata in a first dynamic range, an intermediate, base layer image in a second dynamic range is constructed based on the input image. In a decoder, using base-layer metadata, the input HDR metadata, and dynamic range characteristics of a target display, a processor generates reconstructed metadata which when used in combination with the base layer image allow a display mapping process to map the base layer image to the target display as if it was mapping directly the HDR image to the target display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Shruthi Suresh Rotti, Jaclyn Anne Pytlarz, Robin Atkins, Subhadra Gopalakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20240249738
    Abstract: Many portable playback devices cannot decode and playback encoded audio content having wide bandwidth and wide dynamic range with consistent loudness and intelligibility unless the encoded audio content has been prepared specially for these devices. This problem can be overcome by including with the encoded content some metadata that specifies a suitable dynamic range compression profile by either absolute values or differential values relative to another known compression profile. A playback device may also adaptively apply gain and limiting to the playback audio. Implementations in encoders, in transcoders and in decoders are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicants: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation, DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventors: Jeffrey RIEDMILLER, Harald MUNDT, Michael SCHUG, Martin WOLTERS
  • Publication number: 20240251093
    Abstract: Methods and systems for frame rate scalability are described. Support is provided for input and output video sequences with variable frame rate and variable shutter angle across scenes, or for input video sequences with fixed input frame rate and input shutter angle, but allowing a decoder to generate a video output at a different output frame rate and shutter angle than the corresponding input values. Techniques allowing a decoder to decode more computationally-efficiently a specific backward compatible target frame rate and shutter angle among those allowed are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Atkins, Peng Yin, Taoran Lu, Fangjun Pu, Sean Thomas McCarthy, Walter J. Husak, Tao Chen, Guan-Ming Su
  • Patent number: 12045539
    Abstract: A method of controlling headphones having external microphone signal pass-through functionality may involve controlling a display to present a geometric shape on the display and receiving an indication of digit motion from a sensor system associated with the display. The sensor system may include a touch sensor system or a gesture sensor system. The indication may be an indication of a direction of digit motion relative to the display. The method may involve controlling the display to present a sequence of images indicating that the geometric shape either enlarges or contracts, depending on the direction of digit motion and changing a headphone transparency setting according to a current size of the geometric shape. The headphone transparency setting may correspond to an external microphone signal gain setting and/or a media signal gain setting of the headphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignees: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION, DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventors: Lucas E. Saule, Eugene Chen, Julien Guy Pierre Derreveaux, Jakub Siwak, Daniel Christian Brinkley
  • Patent number: 12047686
    Abstract: A high-dynamic-range (HDR) camera module with adaptive image data linearization includes (i) an HDR image sensor configured to generate tone-compressed HDR images as respective frames that include active pixel data and metadata, (ii) a processor outside the HDR image sensor, and (iii) a memory outside the HDR image sensor and storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the processor to: (a) extract, from a frame of a first tone-compressed HDR image, tone-compressed pixel intensities from the active pixel data and a histogram of pre-tone-compression pixel intensities from the metadata, (b) derive, from the tone-compressed pixel intensities and the histogram, a correspondence between tone-compressed pixel intensities and pre-tone-compression pixel intensities, and (c) linearize at least a portion of the active pixel data of either the first tone-compressed HDR image or a subsequent tone-compressed HDR image, according to the correspondence, to produce a linearized HDR ima
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Jon Scott McElvain
  • Patent number: 12046247
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing forward error correction for a multi-channel audio signal are described. Blocks of an audio stream are buffered into a frame. A transformation can be applied that compacts the energy of each block into a plurality of transformed channels. The energy compaction transform may compact the most energy of a block into the first transformed channel and to compact decreasing amounts of energy into each subsequent transformed channel. The transformed frame may be encoded using any suitable codec and transmitted in a packet over a network. Improved forward error correction may be provided by attaching a low bit rate encoding of the first transformed channel to a subsequent packet. To reconstruct a lost packet, the low bit rate encoding of the first channel for the lost packet may be combined with a packet loss concealment version of the other channels, constructed from a previously-received packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Shen Huang, Michael Eckert, Glenn N. Dickins
  • Patent number: 12047564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intra prediction mode mapping method and a device using the method. The intra prediction mode includes: decoding flag information providing information regarding whether an intra prediction mode of a plurality of candidate intra prediction modes for the current block is the same as the intra prediction mode for the current block, and decoding a syntax component including information regarding the intra prediction mode for the current block in order to induce the intra prediction mode for the current block if the intra prediction mode from among the plurality of candidate intra prediction modes for the current block is not the same as the intra prediction mode for the current block. Thus, it is possible to increase the efficiency with which are images are decoded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Sun Young Lee
  • Patent number: 12047768
    Abstract: Improved tools for authoring and rendering audio reproduction data are provided. Some such authoring tools allow audio reproduction data to be generalized for a wide variety of reproduction environments. Audio reproduction data may be authored by creating metadata for audio objects. The metadata may be created with reference to speaker zones. During the rendering process, the audio reproduction data may be reproduced according to the reproduction speaker layout of a particular reproduction environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas R. Tsingos, Charles Q. Robinson, Jurgen W. Scharpf
  • Publication number: 20240244271
    Abstract: In a method to improve backwards compatibility when decoding high-dynamic range images coded in a wide color gamut (WCG) space which may not be compatible with legacy color spaces, hue and/or saturation values of images in an image database are computed for both a legacy color space (say, YCbCr-gamma) and a preferred WCG color space (say, IPT-PQ). Based on a cost function, a reshaped color space is computed so that the distance between the hue values in the legacy color space and rotated hue values in the preferred color space is minimized. HDR images are coded in the reshaped color space. Legacy devices can still decode standard dynamic range images assuming they are coded in the legacy color space, while updated devices can use color reshaping information to decode HDR images in the preferred color space at full dynamic range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2024
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin Atkins, Peng Yin, Taoran Lu, Jaclyn Anne Pytlarz
  • Patent number: 12041234
    Abstract: Embodiments feature families of rate allocation and rate control methods that utilize advanced processing of past and future frame/field picture statistics and are designed to operate with one or more coding passes. At least two method families include: a family of methods for a rate allocation with picture look-ahead; and a family of methods for average bit rate (ABR) control methods. At least two other methods for each method family are described. For the first family of methods, some methods may involve intra rate control. For the second family of methods, some methods may involve high complexity ABR control and/or low complexity ABR control. These and other embodiments can involve any of the following: spatial coding parameter adaptation, coding prediction, complexity processing, complexity estimation, complexity filtering, bit rate considerations, quality considerations, coding parameter allocation, and/or hierarchical prediction structures, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Athanasios Leontaris, Alexandros Tourapis
  • Patent number: 12041275
    Abstract: In a method to improve backwards compatibility when decoding high-dynamic range images coded in a wide color gamut (WCG) space which may not be compatible with legacy color spaces, hue and/or saturation values of images in an image database are computed for both a legacy color space (say, YCbCr-gamma) and a preferred WCG color space (say, IPT-PQ). Based on a cost function, a reshaped color space is computed so that the distance between the hue values in the legacy color space and rotated hue values in the preferred color space is minimized. HDR images are coded in the reshaped color space. Legacy devices can still decode standard dynamic range images assuming they are coded in the legacy color space, while updated devices can use color reshaping information to decode HDR images in the preferred color space at full dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin Atkins, Peng Yin, Taoran Lu, Jaclyn Anne Pytlarz
  • Patent number: 12034972
    Abstract: An encoding device evaluates a plurality of processing and/or post-processing algorithms and/or methods to be applied to a video stream, and signals a selected method, algorithm, class or category of methods/algorithms either in an encoded bitstream or as side information related to the encoded bitstream. A decoding device or post-processor utilizes the signaled algorithm or selects an algorithm/method based on the signaled method or algorithm. The selection is based, for example, on availability of the algorithm/method at the decoder/post-processor and/or cost of implementation. The video stream may comprise, for example, downsampled multiplexed stereoscopic images and the selected algorithm may include any of upconversion and/or error correction techniques that contribute to a restoration of the downsampled images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexandros Tourapis, Athanasios Leontaris, Peshala V. Pahalawatta, Kevin J. Stec
  • Patent number: 12035124
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of rendering audio. The method includes deriving filters by defining a binaural error, defining an activation penalty, and minimizing a cost function that is a combination of the binaural error and the activation penalty. In this manner, the listening experience is improved by reducing the signal level output by loudspeakers further from an audio object's desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan J. Seefeldt
  • Patent number: 12034971
    Abstract: A method for encoding a LUT defined as a lattice of vertices is disclosed. At least one value is of each vertex of the lattice. The method comprises for a current vertex: predicting the at least one value of said current vertex from another value which is for example obtained from reconstructed values of neighboring vertices; and encoding in a bitstream at least one residue computed between the at least one value of the current vertex and its prediction in a bitstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Philippe Bordes, Pierre Andrivon, Emmanuel Jolly
  • Publication number: 20240219820
    Abstract: A projector includes a light source, an integrating rod, an image panel, a beam shaper, and an actuator mechanically connected to the beam shaper. The image panel is configured to display an image at a displayed aspect ratio. The beam shaper includes multiple prisms shaped and oriented such that when the beam shaper intersects an optical path of the illumination between the integrating rod and the image panel, the illumination transmitted by the beam shaper is collinear with the illumination incident on the beam shaper. The actuator is configured to switch the projector between (i) a first configuration, in which the beam shaper does not change an aspect ratio of the illumination, and (ii) a second configuration, in which the beam shaper intersects the optical path between the integrating rod and the image panel and changes the aspect ratio of the illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dzhakhangir V. Khaydarov, Douglas J. Gorny
  • Publication number: 20240221121
    Abstract: Methods and systems to detect and blend a surround area to avoid filtering artifact due to the area in image filtering are disclosed. The described methods include a compensation step and can be applied to arbitrary images with padded areas of arbitrary shape, such as letterboxes, pillar-boxes, ovals, or other shapes, including logos and close captions. Such methods detect the surround areas in the image with possible compression artifact and noise, and then perform blending to minimize the effects of the surround areas for any arbitrary image filtering operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Tsung-Wei HUANG, Guan-Ming SU
  • Patent number: 12028555
    Abstract: In a method to improve backwards compatibility when decoding high-dynamic range images coded in a wide color gamut (WCG) space which may not be compatible with legacy color spaces, hue and/or saturation values of images in an image database are computed for both a legacy color space (say, YCbCr-gamma) and a preferred WCG color space (say, IPT-PQ). Based on a cost function, a reshaped color space is computed so that the distance between the hue values in the legacy color space and rotated hue values in the preferred color space is minimized. HDR images are coded in the reshaped color space. Legacy devices can still decode standard dynamic range images assuming they are coded in the legacy color space, while updated devices can use color reshaping information to decode HDR images in the preferred color space at full dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin Atkins, Peng Yin, Taoran Lu, Jaclyn Anne Pytlarz
  • Patent number: 12028701
    Abstract: Methods and systems for designing binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs) for use in headphone virtualizers, and methods and systems for generating a binaural signal in response to a set of channels of a multi-channel audio signal, including by applying a BRIR to each channel of the set, thereby generating filtered signals, and combining the filtered signals to generate the binaural signal, where each BRIR has been designed in accordance with an embodiment of the design method. Other aspects are audio processing units configured to perform any embodiment of the inventive method. In accordance with some embodiments, BRIR design is formulated as a numerical optimization problem based on a simulation model (which generates candidate BRIRs) and at least one objective function (which evaluates each candidate BRIR), and includes identification of a best one of the candidate BRIRs as indicated by performance metrics determined for the candidate BRIRs by each objective function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Grant A. Davidson, Kuan-Chieh Yen, Dirk Jeroen Breebaart
  • Publication number: 20240214610
    Abstract: Methods are described to communicate source color volume information in a coded bitstream using SEI messaging. Such data include at least the minimum, maximum, and average luminance values in the source data plus optional data that may include the color volume x and y chromaticity coordinates for the input color primaries (e.g., red, green, and blue) of the source data, and the color x and y chromaticity coordinates for the color primaries corresponding to the minimum, average, and maximum luminance values in the source data. Messaging data signaling an active region in each picture may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Tao CHEN, Peng YIN, Taoran LU, Walter J. HUSAK
  • Publication number: 20240212693
    Abstract: Some disclosed methods involve encoding or decoding directional audio data. Some encoding methods may involve receiving a mono audio signal corresponding to an audio object and a representation of a radiation pattern corresponding to the audio object. The radiation pattern may include sound levels corresponding to plurality of sample times, a plurality of frequency bands and a plurality of directions. The methods may involve encoding the mono audio signal and encoding the source radiation pattern to determine radiation pattern metadata. Encoding the radiation pattern may involve determining a spherical harmonic transform of the representation of the radiation pattern and compressing the spherical harmonic transform to obtain encoded radiation pattern metadata.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicants: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION, DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventors: Nicolas R. Tsingos, Mark R. P. Thomas, Christof Fersch