Method of and device for modulating a dynamic range of still and video images

A dynamic range modulation device for modulating a dynamic range of a plurality of picture elements each containing image information, the dynamic range modulation device comprising:

• (a) an input unit for inputting the plurality of picture elements;
• (b) an intensity extractor, for extracting from the image information of a picture element of the plurality of picture elements an intensity level being in a first dynamic range;
• (c) a region definer, operable to define, for said picture element, a surrounding region of picture elements and a remote region of picture elements;
• (d) an adaptation weight-function selector, for selecting at least one adaptation weight-function;
• and
• (e) an intensity calculator, for calculating and assigning a new intensity level being in a second dynamic range to said picture element, thereby modulating the dynamic range of the plurality of picture elements.

An imaging device having an image capturing device and a dynamic range modulation device, the dynamic range modulation device comprising:

• (a) an input unit, for inputting a plurality of picture elements as captured by the image capturing device, wherein each picture element of said plurality of picture elements contains image information;
• (b) an intensity extractor, for extracting from said image information of a picture element of said plurality of picture elements an intensity level being in a first dynamic range;
• (c) a region definer, operable to define, for said picture element, a surrounding region of picture elements and a remote region of picture elements;
• (d) an adaptation weight-function selector, for selecting at least one adaptation weight-function;
• and
• (e) an intensity calculator, for calculating and assigning a new intensity level being in a second dynamic range to said picture element, thereby modulating the dynamic range of said plurality of picture elements.