Methods, apparatus and system for film grain simulation

An apparatus for simulating film grain, comprising:

• a means for receiving at least an encoded image and supplemental information including film grain characterization information for use in a film grain simulation process;
• a first storage means for storing at least one film grain pattern;
• a controller, said controller adapted to perform the steps of:
• determining if a film grain pattern required in said film grain simulation process is stored in said first storage means;
• and
• in response to a film grain pattern required in said film grain simulation process not being stored in said first storage means, updating said first storage means to obtain at least the required film grain pattern from at least a second storage means.

A system for simulating film grain, comprising:

• a means for receiving at least an encoded image and supplemental information including film grain characterization information for use in a film grain simulation process;
• a first storage means for storing at least one film grain pattern;
• a second storage means for storing film grain patterns to be used in said film grain simulation process;
• a controller, including a memory for storing at least instructions and a processor for performing said instructions, said controller adapted to perform the steps of:
• determining if a film grain pattern required in said film grain simulation process is stored in said first storage means;
• and
• in response to a film grain pattern required in said film grain simulation process not being stored in said first storage means, causing said first storage means to obtain at least the required film grain pattern from said second storage means.

A system for simulating film grain, comprising:

• a decoder for receiving at least an encoded image and a supplemental information message including film grain characterization information for use in a film grain simulation process;
• a local database storing at least a subset of a total number of film grain patterns to be use in said film grain simulation process;
• a remote database storing a total number of film grain patterns to be used in said film grain simulation process;
• an interface controller, including at least a memory for storing instructions and a processor for performing said instructions, said interface controller adapted to perform the steps of:
• in response to a received supplemental information message, determining if a film grain pattern required by said film grain simulation process is stored in said local database;
• and
• in response to a film grain pattern identified by said supplemental information message not being stored in said local database, updating said local database to obtain at least the identified film grain pattern from at least said remote database.