Abstract: In order to obtain rich image detail information, a wide dynamic acquisition circuit is often used in an infrared imaging system. However, most of the display devices are only 8 bits, how to compress wide dynamic images into low dynamic images and preserve detail information as much as possible is one of the key technologies of infrared image display. Current mainstream infrared image processing algorithms, such as mapping, image stratification and gradient domain are introduced, and the advantages and disadvantages of the 3 algorithms are analyzed. Contrast analysis is made with the same infrared image, and the improved opinions of all the algorithms are proposed. Image stratification algorithm needs to reduce time complexity in the case of inhibition of halo and gradient inversion. Gradient domain algorithm needs to suppress background noise and then the details are further improved.