System for conversion of low dynamic range images to high dynamic range images

Abstract

A method for using a computing device for modifying a lower dynamic range image to a higher dynamic range image is described. According to the method, a lower dynamic range image including a plurality of pixels is analyzed by estimating a dark channel of the plurality of pixels of the lower dynamic range image. A histogram of the dark channel is analyzed by determining the brightest peak and a local minima of the histogram. Using the local minima of the histogram as a threshold for specular highlight determination, a binary mask for specular highlight determination is computed. A final mask is created by multiplying the luminance value of the lower dynamic range image with the binary mask. The final mask is then used to determine the higher dynamic range image. A system for converting a lower dynamic range image to a higher dynamic range image displays the higher dynamic range image on a higher dynamic range display.