Tone mapping of HDR images: A review

Real world contains a wide range of intensities that cannot be captured with traditional imaging devices. Moreover, even if these images are captured with special procedures, existing display devices cannot display them. This paper presents a comparative study of most famous tone mapping algorithms. Tone mapping is the process of compressing high dynamic range images into a low dynamic range so they can be displayed by traditional display devices. The study implements six tone mapping algorithms and performs a comparison between them by visual rating. Independent participant were asked to rate these images based on a given rating scheme. The study concluded that Reinhard tone mapping operators are the best in term of visual pleasure and maintaining image integrity. In addition, exponential tone mapping operators have achieved better rating compared the logarithmic operators.