EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing (Jan 2007)

Video Enhancement and Dynamic Range Control of HDR Sequences for Automotive Applications

  • Marsi Stefano,
  • Impoco Gaetano,
  • Ukovich Anna,
  • Carrato Sergio,
  • Ramponi Giovanni

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2007, no. 1
p. 080971

Abstract

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CMOS video cameras with high dynamic range (HDR) output are particularly suitable for driving assistance applications, where lighting conditions can strongly vary, going from direct sunlight to dark areas in tunnels. However, common visualization devices can only handle a low dynamic range, and thus a dynamic range reduction is needed. Many algorithms have been proposed in the literature to reduce the dynamic range of still pictures. Anyway, extending the available methods to video is not straightforward, due to the peculiar nature of video data. We propose an algorithm for both reducing the dynamic range of video sequences and enhancing its appearance, thus improving visual quality and reducing temporal artifacts. We also provide an optimized version of our algorithm for a viable hardware implementation on an FPGA. The feasibility of this implementation is demonstrated by means of a case study.