Description
The purpose of this project was to implement a tone mapping algorithm that would minimize the information loss when adapting High Dynamic Range (HDR) images for Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) displays. The implemented algorithm is called the Ward Tone Mapping Operator. The Ward TMO uses the logarithm of the Luminance information from the original HDR image. The Luminance information is then mapped to the SDR displays capability using histogram equalization. The histogram equalization along is not enough to produce a well mapped image. The results are poorly distinguish relevant information from noise and have a tough time with larger uniform areas like sky. To improve the image a ceiling is imposed on the results. Two types of ceilings are used to contrast the effect. The first is a naive linear ceiling that applies the same threshold regardless of the Luminance level. The second is a perceptual ceiling that alters the ceiling to fit with the eyes ability to to perceive different Luminance levels.
