Enhancement of Low Dynamic Range Videos using High Dynamic Range Backgrounds

In this paper, we present a practical system for enhancing the quality of Low Dynamic Range (LDR) videos using High Dynamic Range (HDR) background images. Our technique relies on the assumption that the HDR information is static in the video footage. This assumption can be valid in many scenarios where moving subjects are the main focus of the footage and do not have to interact with moving light sources or highly reflective objects. Another valid scenario is teleconferencing via webcams, where the background is typically over-exposed, not allowing the users to perceive correctly the environment where the communication is happening.

These five short videos show the technique:

These videos could not be done without the help of our actors and The Director. We thank in alphabetic order: Daniele Bernabei, Marco Di Benedetto, and Stefano Marras.

@InProceedings\{BDS11,
  author       = "Banterle, Francesco and Dellepiane, Matteo and Scopigno, Roberto",
  title        = "Enhancement of Low Dynamic Range Videos using High Dynamic Range Backgrounds",
  booktitle    = "Annex to the Conference Proceedings: Areas Papers on HDR",
  series       = "Eurographics Area Papers on HDR",
  pages        = "57-62",
  month        = "April",
  year         = "2011",
  editor       = "Rafal Mantiuk and Erik Reinhard",
  publisher    = "Eurographics Association",
  organization = "Eurographics",
  keywords     = "High Dynamic Range Imaging, videos enhancement, HDR videos.",
  url          = "http://vcg-legacy.isti.cnr.it/Publications/2011/BDS11"
}