Tonmappning

Tonmappning, also known as tone mapping, is a technique used in image processing and computer graphics to map one set of colors to another to approximate the appearance of high dynamic range (HDR) images in a medium that has a more limited dynamic range. This process is crucial in fields such as photography, cinematography, and video game development, where the goal is to display images that closely resemble what the human eye can perceive.

The human eye can adapt to a wide range of light intensities, allowing us to see details in both very bright and very dark areas. However, most display devices, such as monitors and televisions, have a much narrower dynamic range. Tone mapping addresses this discrepancy by compressing the wide range of light intensities found in HDR images into the narrower range that can be displayed.

There are several algorithms and techniques used in tone mapping, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some common methods include logarithmic mapping, which uses a logarithmic function to compress the dynamic range, and histogram adjustment, which adjusts the tones based on the distribution of intensities in the image. More advanced techniques, such as photographic tone reproduction, aim to mimic the way a traditional photographic process would handle dynamic range.

In addition to its use in displaying HDR images, tone mapping is also employed in real-time rendering applications, such as video games, to enhance the visual quality of scenes. By applying tone mapping, developers can create more realistic and visually appealing environments that better simulate the way the human eye perceives light and color.