A technique is disclosed for enhancing discrete pixel images in accordance
with a desired dynamic range, such as the dynamic range of a softcopy
display. Adaptive equalization is first performed on the image data to
reduce overall differences between high and low intensity values, while
maintaining the overall appearance of light and dark regions of the
reconstructed image. Adaptive contrast boosting or enhancement is then
performed on the equalized values to bring out details visible by virtue
of the enhanced local contrast. The contrast enhancement may include
non-linear mapping of a mid-frequency boosted image onto the dynamic range
of the softcopy display.
