Validation of High Dynamic Range Imaging to Luminance Measurement

Abstract

High dynamic range imaging is a set of techniques that allows for a far greater dynamic range of exposure than normal digital imaging techniques. The intention is to accurately represent the dynamic range of lighting levels found in real scenes, ranging from direct sunlight to deep shadows. Various software packages have emerged that translate these HDR images into high resolution luminance maps. This paper tests the accuracy of one such package, taking into consideration different Munsell hues, values and chroma. It investigates the impact of different light spectra, spatial frequency, vignetting, and thermal noise on the accuracy of luminance measurements and determines the potential errors.