Enhanced images for a new reality
The project set out to develop two application scenarios, an interactive AR system as well as a mobile AR-unit. The ultimate aim is to offer advanced technological solutions in order to create new business opportunities within the EU. In spite of the need for reliable AR systems, most currently available display devices can only display images with contrast ratios of less than two orders of magnitude. The challenge facing the project partners had been the development of novel tone mapping operators and psychophysical frameworks to validate AR images. The University of Bristol developed a new algorithm that can simulate aspects of human vision, taking into account retinal responses to light, thus generating images similar to real-life scenes. The effect is achieved by mapping to a set of luminances that can be displayed on a low contrast ratio display or printed. The University run a series of perceptual experiments considering various parameters such as texture resolution and levels of detail. The tone mapping operators that were developed are compatible not only with static images but also animations, which further their application scope. The technology described herein can be used for the compression of high dynamic range imaging based on perceptual data. As such, it can find application in a variety of fields such as computer games and visual effects. Bristol University is seeking to create partnerships with industrial players active in those fields.
