High Dynamic Range Sensor Simulation

CG2 proposes a rework of several methodologies in the current work flow: • Overhaul the sensor database generation pipeline to upgrade the source texture data from eight-bit (or lower) to a minimum of 16 bits per component. Propose new methods of generating this data more effectively from available source imagery. Create or adopt new means of texture map compression to reduce bandwidth issues that would otherwise prevent this increased load of high dynamic range imagery from becoming useful with employed GPUs. Ensure that detectable modulation remains visible even at extreme magnification settings, to provide detail for high magnificaton sensors. • Strategically insert upgrades to the rendering pipeline to allow the utilization of higher dynamic range texture maps. Include new texture map decompression that works with the above compression methods. Retain “microtexture” detail to support high magnification scenarios. • Propose a new sensor effects simulation (optical blurring, temporal and fixed pattern noise, AC coupling, manual or automatic gain and level, etc.) that exceeds the current state-of-the-art eight or 16-bit fixed point data paths. • Investigate current prototype and future High Dynamic Range (HDR) display devices, and the means of interfacing to these.