Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Range Expansion

The patent segments the dynamic range processing into two distinct paths: one for high brightness portions (applying expansion processing to prevent blown-out highlights) and one for dark areas (maintaining original gradation). This segmentation allows selective processing of different brightness regions to resolve the contradiction between power consumption and display brightness quality.

The patent applies different processing characteristics to different regions of the image based on local brightness properties. High brightness portions receive expansion processing to recover highlight details, while dark areas maintain their original gradation to avoid degradation. This local quality approach ensures that power-saving display settings do not compromise the quality of critical highlight regions.

The patent implements self-service processing where the image processing apparatus automatically performs dynamic range expansion and gradation conversion without requiring manual user adjustment. The system detects blown-out highlights and automatically applies appropriate processing parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually expand the display range while still achieving the desired effect of preventing blown-out highlights.

The patent dynamically changes processing parameters (expansion rate, gradation conversion characteristics) based on the detected brightness distribution and blown-out highlight conditions in the image. This automatic parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve optimal display range expansion without requiring manual user intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between display range expansion and ease of operation.

The patent segments the image processing into distinct brightness regions (high brightness portions vs. dark areas) and applies different processing strategies to each segment. This prevents the uniform compression of the entire dynamic range, allowing highlight regions to be properly expanded while dark areas maintain their original gradation quality.

The patent applies local quality processing where dark areas are excluded from expansion processing and maintain their original gradation characteristics, while only high brightness portions receive expansion processing. This local differentiation preserves the gradation resolution of dark areas while still achieving the goal of preventing blown-out highlights in bright regions.