- In this paper, a method is presented for finding a pixel transformation function that minimizes the backlight intensity while maintaining a pre-specified image distortion level for a liquid crystal display. This is achieved by first finding a pixel transformation function, which maps the original image histogram to a new histogram with lower dynamic range. Next the contrast of the transformed image is enhanced so as to compensate for the brightness loss that arises from backlight dimming. The proposed approach relies on an accurate definition of the image distortion, which accounts for both the pixel value differences and a model of the human visual system and is amenable to highly efficient hardware realization. Experimental results show that histogram equalization for backlight scaling results in about 45% power saving with an effective distortion rate of 5% and 65% power saving for a 20% distortion rate. This is higher power savings compared to previously reported dynamic backligh...