Perceptually inspired HDR images tone mapping with color correction

In this paper we present a novel Tone Mapping Operator (TMO) for High Dynamic Range (HDR) images. Starting from an algorithm for low dynamic range image enhancement and color correction called ACE (Automatic Color Enhancement); we keep its differential and local behavior, introducing new features to correctly handle the high variation of HDR images. In particular, we add a non-linear local regulator able to automatically tune the algorithm parameters on image variations. In this way, the algorithm behavior changes according to local variations. Moreover, a key setting feature has been added to control the output appearance; it automatically proposes an appropriate key value for the final spatial invariant display mapping. The proposed method performs the spatial variant filtering using only one parameter that tunes output detail visibility versus overall contrast. We propose a default setting that guarantees a good solution in most cases. Test, results and comparison are presented.