A perceptual framework for contrast processing of high dynamic range images
- 1 July 2006
- journal article
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) in ACM Transactions on Applied Perception
- Vol. 3 (3), 286-308
- https://doi.org/10.1145/1166087.1166095
Abstract
Image processing often involves an image transformation into a domain that is better correlated with visual perception, such as the wavelet domain, image pyramids, multiscale-contrast representations, contrast in retinex algorithms, and chroma, lightness, and colorfulness predictors in color-appearance models. Many of these transformations are not ideally suited for image processing that significantly modifies an image. For example, the modification of a single band in a multiscale model leads to an unrealistic image with severe halo artifacts. Inspired by gradient domain methods, we derive a framework that imposes constraints on the entire set of contrasts in an image for a full range of spatial frequencies. This way, even severe image modifications do not reverse the polarity of contrast. The strengths of the framework are demonstrated by aggressive contrast enhancement and a visually appealing tone mapping, which does not introduce artifacts. In addition, we perceptually linearize contrast magnitudes using a custom transducer function. The transducer function has been derived especially for the purpose of HDR images, based on the contrast-discrimination measurements for high-contrast stimuli.Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Color2GrayACM Transactions on Graphics, 2005
- Poisson mattingACM Transactions on Graphics, 2004
- iCAM framework for image appearance, differences, and qualityJournal of Electronic Imaging, 2004
- Poisson image editingACM Transactions on Graphics, 2003
- Perceptually-driven decision theory for interactive realistic renderingACM Transactions on Graphics, 2003
- Fast bilateral filtering for the display of high-dynamic-range imagesACM Transactions on Graphics, 2002
- Photographic tone reproduction for digital imagesACM Transactions on Graphics, 2002
- The cortex transform: Rapid computation of simulated neural imagesComputer Vision, Graphics, and Image Processing, 1987
- Formal connections between lightness algorithmsJournal of the Optical Society of America A, 1986
- Spatial frequency masking in human vision: binocular interactionsJournal of the Optical Society of America, 1979