Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Willie Kiser

Publication Date

1-31-2013

Abstract

Although High Dynamic Range (High Dynamic Range (HDR)) imaging has been the subject of significant research over the past fifteen years, the goal of cinemaquality HDR video has not yet been achieved. This work references an optical method patented by Contrast Optical which is used to capture sequences of Low Dynamic Range (LDR) images that can be used to form HDR images as the basis for HDR video. Because of the large diverence in exposure spacing of the LDR images captured by this camera, present methods of merging LDR images are insufficient to produce cinema quality HDR images and video without significant visible artifacts. Thus the focus of the research presented is two fold. The first contribution is a new method of combining LDR images with exposure differences of greater than 3 stops into an HDR image. The second contribution is a method of tone mapping HDR video which solves potential problems of HDR video flicker and automated parameter control of the tone mapping operator. A prototype of this HDR video capture technique along with the combining and tone mapping algorithms have been implemented in a high-definition HDR-video system. Additionally, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware implementation details are given to support real time HDR video. Still frames from the acquired HDR video system which have been merged used the merging and tone mapping techniques will be presented.

Keywords

High dynamic range imaging., Image processing--Digital techniques., Field programmable gate arrays.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Electrical Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Tocci, Mike

Second Committee Member

Ghani, Nasir

Third Committee Member

Sassenfeld, Rolfe

Fourth Committee Member

Reinhard, Erik

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