Metrological challenges in HDR imaging for luminance measurements

Abstract The development of affordable, high-performance CCD and CMOS sensors has led to the rise of imaging-based measurement instruments, such as Imaging Luminance Measurement Devices (ILMDs). These allow entire scenes to be characterized in a single capture, significantly saving time compared to point-based measurements, but require high dynamic range (HDR) imaging methods to capture high contrast scenes. Cameras—whether commercial, scientific, or industrial—must be calibrated to serve as accurate measurement tools. Proper calibration of HDR devices is challenging, as it requires multiple corrections that are only valid under specific conditions, making it essential for users to understand these metrological constraints.