Dynamic Range Editing via Low-Res Tone Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HDR imaging workflows are inefficient due to poor integration of tone mapping, requiring enhanced speed, ease, and convenience, especially in previewing and editing tone-mapped images, which is not adequately addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamic range editing that processes tone-compressed images by calculating intermediate data at low resolution for quick display, allowing user input for local tone mapping adjustments, and refining the image quality at a finer resolution, while storing HDR data and user inputs for processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tone mapping is performed at full resolution, then image quality is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tone mapping process into two distinct stages: a first tone mapping operation performed at full resolution to preserve image quality, and a second tone mapping operation performed at reduced resolution to enable fast previews. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different quality-speed tradeoffs in different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different tone mapping resolutions based on operational needs. Full resolution tone mapping is applied when final output quality is required, while reduced resolution tone mapping is applied during interactive editing and preview phases. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be both high-quality and fast depending on the operational context.
2Ease of operation
If tone mapping parameters are adjusted locally, then user control and editing flexibility are improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local tone mapping capabilities that allow users to adjust tone mapping parameters for specific regions of the image rather than applying uniform adjustments globally. This enables selective editing of different image areas with different tone mapping characteristics, providing fine-grained control while maintaining overall system efficiency through the two-stage processing approach.
3Productivity
If fast previews are generated, then workflow efficiency is improved, but image detail and quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing tone mapping at reduced resolution for preview purposes, accepting that some detail will be lost in exchange for dramatically improved processing speed. The full resolution tone mapping is then applied subsequently to restore complete image quality. This partial application of the full processing pipeline enables efficient workflows while preserving the option for complete quality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of displaying a high dynamic range image, comprising receiving the high dynamic range image, calculating a first set of tone mapping parameters as a function of the high dynamic range image, sub-sampling the first set of tone mapping parameters at a first resolution to create a first sub-sampled parameter set, creating a first tone-mapped image by processing the high dynamic range image as a function of the first sub-sampled parameter set, and displaying the first tone-mapped image. A method of composting a plurality of versions of an image to create the high dynamic range image is also disclosed such that the compositing may be modified as a function of received user input.