Dynamic Histogram Matching for Tone Mapping in Mixed Reality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mixed-reality systems face challenges in providing clear pass-through views in low-contrast environments, such as low-light conditions, where conventional tone mapping techniques can introduce noise and unnatural appearances.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic histogram matching, which generates a target histogram based on the input image histogram to produce a tone-mapped output image with improved contrast and natural appearance, using smoothing operations like Gaussian blur or box filtering to spread out peaks and maintain the original image characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional tone mapping techniques are used in low-contrast environments, then image processing is performed, but noise is introduced and natural appearance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of histogram processing from static/predefined to dynamic/generated. By generating a target histogram dynamically based on the input image's actual pixel distribution rather than using fixed predefined histograms, the system adapts to different lighting conditions and image characteristics, thereby improving processing quality while preserving natural appearance and reducing noise artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating its own target histogram from the input image data without requiring external reference images or manual configuration. The histogram generation process uses the input image's pixel values to create a customized target distribution, enabling the tone mapping to be self-adapting to the specific image being processed, thus avoiding noise and preserving natural appearance.
2Loss of information
If dynamic histogram matching is used, then image interpretability and detail visibility are enhanced, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating the target histogram in advance before the actual tone mapping operation. The system first analyzes the input image to create a customized target histogram that reflects the desired pixel distribution, then uses this pre-generated histogram for the subsequent mapping process. This preliminary preparation enables more accurate tone mapping that enhances image interpretability and detail visibility while managing computational complexity through structured preprocessing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for facilitating tone mapping is configurable to (i) generate an input image histogram based on one or more input images, the input image histogram comprising a plurality of bins, wherein each bin of the plurality of bins is associated with one or more pixel values and indicates a quantity of pixels that comprise the one or more pixel values; (ii) generate a target histogram based at least on the input image histogram; and (iii) generate an output image by using the target histogram to map pixel values of at least one of the one or more input images to corresponding pixel values in the output image.