Tone mapping flattens all the exposure levels taken into a single image, using the best exposure available to produce a more balanced image.
The Spheron system is capable of taking upto 26 f-stop exposure values in a single scan (if required).
The proprietary ‘tone-mapping’ process the Spheron system employs works on a pixel by pixel basis, choosing the best exposure of each of the 26 (exposure) options, to produce an image very close to what the human eye can perceive / appreciate.
Above (L-R) : Minus 6 f-stops | Minus 3 f-stops | Normal Exposure
Above (L-R) : Plus 3 f-stops | Plus 6 f-stops | Tone Mapped image
Above : Click image for FULL resolution, tone mapped image (converted to JPEG, so some loss in fidelity)
Banding on image is due to sun being masked by clouds occasionally.
Without ‘tone-mapping’ you would not get the balanced interior view and clouds / airfield through the open hangar door.