HDRI, abbreviation for High Dynamic Range Imaging, refers to a technique or process used to capture and display visual information that has a wider dynamic range than traditional imaging methods. It involves capturing multiple photographs of the same scene at different exposure levels and combining them to create an image with greater detail in both the dark and bright areas. This technique ensures that a greater range of tones, colors, and luminosity levels are preserved, resulting in more accurate and visually appealing representations.
In HDRI, photographs are captured using a specialized camera or by digitally merging multiple exposures. The resulting image contains a larger range of brightness levels, allowing for more realistic rendering of scenes with extreme lighting contrasts. The process involves mapping the captured image into a format that can be displayed or manipulated by high dynamic range-capable devices or software.
HDRI technology is extensively used in various fields such as photography, film production, video games, and computer graphics, where achieving realistic lighting effects and accurate representation of visual scenes is crucial. It enables the creation of images that closely resemble what the human eye perceives, by preserving details in both shadowed and brightly illuminated areas.
Moreover, HDRI has found applications in simulations, virtual reality, and augmented reality environments, where the accurate rendering of lighting conditions is essential for creating immersive experiences. By capturing and displaying a wider dynamic range, HDRI enhances the quality and fidelity of visual representations, resulting in more visually appealing and realistic images and videos.
