An optimization framework for inverse tone mapping using a single low dynamic range image

Conventional inverse tone-mapping (ITM) methods tend to produce contrast distortions such as contrast loss and contrast reversal in reconstructed high dynamic range (HDR) images. This paper proposes a novel ITM optimization framework based on the assumption that the input low dynamic range (LDR) image is similar to the LDR image obtained by tone mapping a true HDR image. In the proposed framework, an HDR image is initially reconstructed by applying a conventional tone-mapping function in a reverse manner, and then the reconstructed HDR image is iteratively modified toward the optimum HDR image by minimizing the difference between the input LDR image and a tone-mapped LDR image obtained from the reconstructed HDR image. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively reconstructs a high-quality HDR image and outperforms other conventional methods in terms of objective quality.