P: Histogram behaviors are different from prior versions

1) What's causing the "missing" histogram tails on your systems remains to be determined and what I was trying to focus on. Unfortunately this post ths become very fragmented with numerous posts concerning other issues, suggestions and observations on how to "improve" the histogram.

2) The intercept line issue has been entered in a separate post and acknowledged by Adobe with status of 'In Progress.' 

3) Disappearing histogram SOLVED. Now let's focus on the "missing tails" issue.

https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/intersection-line-in-curves-not-working

Ron, the tail extension in the resized 1024 width image file is most likely due to Bicubic interpolation ringing artifacts. Lacking any other evidence the histogram is most likely correctly displaying these artifacts.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicubic_interpolation#Use_in_computer_graphics

Jeff/Todd,
I would like to share my recommendations on how to make histograms more usable.  If yes, let me know. 
RONC 

Hi Jeff:

Thanks for your interest there at Adobe. I hope I have provided enough information to understand the two remaining issues---the intercept line and the histogram tails. If I can be of further help, please search for me via Google, and be in touch direct.

Else, signing clear.

Pete Myers
Santa Fe

Hi Todd:

I don't participate in the Adobe forums very often. Are you the moderator of this forum or a participant? I am not sure what "champion" is, so forgive my asking.

Pete

I'd ask how many Adobe executives can really use Photoshop or other programs.  Most companies are weighted toward sales types and bean counters at the top.   Enough.

RONC

Correction: there were three issues interrelated, and my other post got merged to this one, so I would assume that we will be addressing all three in this thread. One is resolved:

1) The Histogram tails not showing, which for me has been an issue with every version of PS past 2015.5. Note: two different computer systems and OS to go with that, so I doubt it is as simple as an OS problem. However, as Ron has demonstrated, there seem to be hidden setup items in PS that I may have missed post 2015.5. The histogram tails issue is not a new problem for me, but an ongoing conundrum.

Also, you are showing me tails, but those tails need to match the data. I cannot tell from the histograms posted alone if you are showing data from Level 1 at a Count of 10, to Level 246 at a Count of 01 on Jeff's photo. You asked to match data on a known photo, but the histogram is not the whole story---so please include the data.

And is that Windows or Mac OS? Which version and which PS version are you using Todd?

2) The intercept line is missing from the curves function.

3) RESOLVED: the histogram function disappearing on touching the curves function (or any other function).

So let us not forget the intercept line as it too is an important part of the Curves function.

Pete

PS Sorry for the breakout into other issues related, but darn if there isnt a lot left hanging! How many posts do we have to make to have some forward focus on the broad issue of improving the histogram and curves function for use in the 21st Century? And in my thinking, having these other issues come up is directly linked to Adobe not keeping their eyes on the fries. I think that is exactly what Ron was trying to say as well---am I correct Ron? It IS related.

First off, I apologize for going off tangent.  I need an attitude adjustment and hope it is coming soon..

Attached is a display of histograms from Jeff's image the left is from full size and the right from a about 1/3 size version.  Notice the difference in the tails and I can't guarantee there aren't ones still missing.  I think allowing the histogram to be physically larger should help but there needs to be special treatment so that a bin of count 1 is fully visible. 

I'm going to try a couple things with a plugin I have.  Usually the bottom level is only half the interval so rounding up needs to be done.  Artificially add one to non-zero bin could help.  Problem is the maximum bin is setting the criteria.  Non-linear (log) display is often used to show a different view but it will have the same problem with very large images.

 

Width of input to histogram is 3014 vs 1024 and height scaled likewise.  

RONC

"I see some "tails" to either side but I don't know whether I'm seeing what I should. I see different from what Pete is seeing."

That's the issue. On Pete's system the tails are not visible at all, which obviously isn't correct! Pete can you please download Ronald's test file and show us the histogram?

 https://www.dropbox.com/s/3h02hzeyw2xsara/grayFlat512gray16.tif?dl=0

As per my analysis using your scientific test image file it appears to be correctly showing the relative levels within the constraint of the small histogram palette. If I were to request a change it would be to offer an option to allow the user to resize the histogram palette to make it larger.

I see some "tails" to either side but I don't know whether I'm seeing what I should. I see different from what Pete is seeing. Again you have to use some image where you know what is supposed to be there.
RONC