Extended Range Curves Tool for High-Bit Image Tonal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image adjustment tools are limited in handling extended range tonal values and do not allow for precise adjustments within specific color channels or multiple color spaces, leading to inadequate control over contrast and brightness in digital images.
Innovation Solution
An extended range curves tool is developed that supports input and output values beyond the standard 0-1 range, enabling users to adjust tonal values graphically, generate extended range histograms, and apply adjustments to specific color channels or color spaces, allowing for finer control over image tonality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard 8-bit image format is used, then compatibility and simplicity are maintained, but tonal value precision and extended range control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter range from standard 8-bit (0-255) to extended 16-bit or higher format, enabling tonal values beyond the traditional range. This allows precise representation of extended range data while maintaining compatibility through selective application of the extended format.
2Ease of operation
If global image adjustment is used, then overall contrast and brightness are modified, but localized tonal control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image adjustment process by allowing users to apply tonal adjustments to specific color channels (R, G, B, Luma) independently. The curve tool can be applied selectively to different channels while maintaining global adjustment capability, providing both simplicity and precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If curve adjustments are limited to 0-1 range, then standard display compatibility is maintained, but extended range tonal data cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic curve tool that adapts its display range based on the selected color space and image data type. The interface can switch between standard 0-1 range display and extended range display, providing flexibility without permanently complicating the user interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple color spaces are supported, then versatility and accurate representation are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal curve tool that can operate across multiple color spaces (RGB, Luma, YCbCr, custom spaces). The same interface and adjustment mechanism work across different color spaces, providing versatility without requiring separate processing paths for each space.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital image having associated tonal data, including tonal data in an extended range above a normalized value of 1.0, can be accessed. An extended range curve tool corresponding to the digital image can be instantiated, the extended range curve tool including a curve defining a relationship between input tonal values and output tonal values, wherein at least a portion of the input tonal values and output tonal values are associated with the extended range. An extended range histogram also can be generated based on the tonal data associated with the digital image, the extended range histogram including data corresponding to the extended range. Further, the extended range histogram can be presented in conjunction with the extended range curve tool. Additionally, user input specifying an adjustment to at least a portion of the curve can be received and a modified curve can be presented in response to the specified adjustment.