Grey Level Area Segmentation for HDR Image Detail Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods require complex processes to achieve High-Dynamic Range (HDR) effects, which are not efficiently simplified for display technologies.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that divides grey level values into multiple areas based on specific ratios, adjusts these values to increase the span of one area and decrease the span of another, effectively enhancing image details through simple grey level conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HDR processed images are formed by combining high exposure and low exposure images, then image detail visibility in high light and dark light areas is improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grey level values into multiple grey level areas (first grey level area and second grey level area) based on specific ratios. This segmentation allows different processing strategies to be applied to different regions of the image, simplifying the overall HDR process while maintaining detail visibility in both high and low light areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different grey level adjustment strategies to different grey level areas. The first grey level area (with higher pixel density ratio) undergoes grey level expansion to enhance detail visibility in darker regions, while the second grey level area undergoes grey level compression to maintain detail visibility in brighter regions. This local quality approach simplifies the HDR process by avoiding complex multi-image combination while achieving similar visual effects.
2Measurement precision
If grey level values are adjusted to expand dynamic range of certain areas, then image detail visibility is improved, but the complexity of image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the grey level parameters by adjusting the grey level values within each grey level area. Specifically, it expands the grey level span of the first grey level area and compresses the grey level span of the second grey level area based on calculated adjustment ratios. This parameter change approach simplifies the processing complexity while achieving improved image detail visibility through controlled grey level transformations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images with different exposure levels are used for HDR processing, then visual effect in real environment is improved, but the fabrication requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the HDR effect by working directly with single image grey level values rather than requiring multiple exposure images. It copies the essential HDR visual effect through grey level area segmentation and adjustment, eliminating the need for complex multi-image fabrication while achieving similar visual results in display technology.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention disclose an image processing method, an image processing apparatus and a display apparatus. Before frame image data is displayed, all of grey level values of the frame image data to be displayed are divided into a plurality of grey level areas. Then, a type of each of the grey level areas is determined to be a first grey level area or a second grey level area based on a result of a comparison between a first ratio and a second ratio corresponding to each of the grey level areas. Finally, the grey level values included in each grey level area are adjusted to increase a grey level span of the first grey level area and decrease a grey level span of the second grey level area, and the frame image data is displayed based on the adjusted grey level values. That is, this image processing method allows a range of the first grey level area in the to-be-displayed frame image data to be increased and a range of the second grey level area to be decreased. Therefore, the effect of the HDR can be approximately achieved by a simple grey level conversion and a subsequent displaying operation.