Image enhancement application development (high dynamic range image processing)

Abstract

Using dynamic range theory, we studied the recovery of missing details of an image captured by Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR) that saturates the reflective light from an object due to its CCD limitation. RAW file format offered by DSLR allows us using manufacturer software to recover certain range of details but not the dynamic range. Based on the features of RAW file, we found that the recovery of details and dynamic range can be done by four gradual steps of different exposure value merging among R, G and B layers, edges averaging, contrast correction and opacity merging. In order to achieve an image of high dynamic range that presents complete details, we constructed this simple software that can perform the serial operation layer by layer automatically, with several variables for fine tuning.