Image processing method and image processor performing the same

An image processing method which converts image data into output data by performing tone mapping, the image processing method comprising:

• obtaining a number of pixels included in an edge of an image represented by the image data;
• performing a bypass operation on the image data when the number of pixels is greater than a first threshold value;
• and
• performing a first tone mapping operation on the image data when the number of pixels is less than or equal to the first threshold value.

An image processor which converts image data into output data by performing tone mapping, the image processor comprising:

• a signal receiver which receives image contents including the image data and meta data for the image data;
• a tone mapper which determines an edge of an image represented by the image data, performs a first tone mapping operation on first image data included in the image data, where the first image data represent a first portion of the image not including the edge, determines whether a gray level of second image data included in the image data is within a predetermined gray range, where the second image data represent a second portion of the image including the edge, performs a second tone mapping operation on the second image data when the gray level of the second image data is within the predetermined gray range, and performs the first tone mapping operation on the second image data when the gray level of the second image data is not within the predetermined gray range;
• and
• an image controller which performs a post-processing operation on the image based on the output data and the meta data.