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I would like to ask about the linearization in RAW processing. What does this term "linearization" mean in the theory of RAW-processing ?

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    \$\begingroup\$ Where did you meet this term? Could you also provide us with some context? Is it about software development of RAW processing programs? Is it about image processing in RAW editors? \$\endgroup\$
    – Dragos
    Commented Jan 4, 2016 at 13:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ This paper provides a very good intuition on the need for image linearization hpl.hp.com/techreports/98/HPL-98-187.pdf \$\endgroup\$
    – Suhail Gupta
    Commented Nov 28, 2019 at 16:40

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The sensor output of image sensors are not always linear in nature. To make this non-linear response linear in RAW images(which contain the direct image sensor output), before demosaicing them to RGB from Bayer format(assuming the sensor outputs Bayer CFA images) and any other processing like white-balance adjustment, black level correction etc. Linearization block is used. enter image description here

In case responses are not linearized the other processing blocks will introduce error as they assume the input data to be linear in nature. For example let's take the white-balance adjustment block depicted below pictorially :

enter image description here

Sources : this and this PPT

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just google first entry: (http://www.rawdigger.com/node/283)

"There are three disctinct linearization steps.

First one is applying tone decompression, and it is usually performed according to the compression table that is contained in the metadata that accompanies the raw file. Sometimes additional experiments are needed in order to determine what compression is in fact used, as the metadata is missing or not decyphered.

Second step (may be in the same table as the above) is lineraization of the extreme highlights.

The third one is to compensate for the non-linearity in shadows caused by the flare. To perform this step a raw converter must usually rely on user-supplied calibration data, because this type of linearization is strongly dependent on the particular lens sample, and also on some minute details such as the dust in the chamber. In the consumer world, I do not know of any commercial converter that cares to perform this compensation."

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