Abstract
In this study, low dynamic range images (LDRIs) were produced from high dynamic range images (HDRIs) using a two-step tone mapping (TSTM) method. First, the HRDIs were constructed from a series of 15 images, that each vary in just the exposure time, through an image registration method. Then, the HDRIs were mapped into 8-bit images using the TSTM method via the use of luminance maps and bilateral filters. The proposed TSTM method was evaluated in direct comparison with three other tone mapping (TM) methods (Reinhard's photographic, Durand's bilateral and Ward's histogram equation methods) using a pairwise comparison and five-point category rating system of a set of 10 LDRIs by a panel of 10 testees. The results revealed that this proposed TSTM method produced better overall LDRIs, and was superior for the detail and color reproduction, as well as overall quality, compared to those from the other three TM methods, but was inferior to Reinhard's and Ward's methods for the tonal reproduction.
