Real Time Automated Tone Mapping System for HDR Video

Tone Mapping of HDR Images has been studied extensively since the introduction of digital HDR capture methods. However, until recently HDR video has not been realized in a viable form as that given by Tocci et al.[1], which will lead to readily available HDR video cameras. Because they capture video with much broader dynamic range than can currently be displayed, these cameras present a unique challenge. In order to maintain backward-compatibility with legacy broadcast, recording, and display equipment, HDR video cameras need to provide a real-time tonemapped LDR video stream without the benefit of post-processing steps. The purpose of this research is to present a complete TMO solution that can be implemented in real time hardware to yield a high-quality automated LDR video stream suitable for direct use by today’s recording, broadcast, and display equipment.