Method and system for projecting image with differing exposure times

Abstract

Systems and methods generate a projected image at an optimal exposure time. Images are captured different exposure times. Pixels that satisfy an intensity threshold percentage for each image are selected. The intensity values of the selected pixels are then evaluated to determine whether the selected pixels are distributed above a lower intensity threshold and below an upper intensity threshold. The linear relationship is projected to determine an optimal exposure time that has an optimal exposure time duration that exceeds each exposure time duration associated with each of the captured images when the linear relationship exists between each of the captured images. A projected image associated with the optimal exposure time is generated from one or more of the captured images.

1 . A method for creating a projected image comprising:
 capturing an image of an item or data relating to an image of an item with an image capture device having a plurality of light sensing units, at a first exposure time;   receiving as an input or determining a second exposure time; and   creating a projected image of said item at said second exposure time based upon said captured image or said captured data relating to the image.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein each light sensing unit provides an output relating to the image or the data relating to the image, and wherein the creating step includes creating the projected image based upon the output of the light sensing units. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the creating step includes creating the projected image by extrapolating the output of the light sensing units. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the extrapolating is based upon an assumption of a linear or a known non-linear relationship between the output of the light sensing units and exposure time. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said second exposure time is greater than said first exposure time. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first exposure time is less than a minute. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said receiving or determining step includes determining said second exposure time by carrying out the following steps:
 determining a signal intensity for each light sensing unit based upon said captured image; 
 determining a number or percentage of said light sensing units that exceed a first intensity value; 
 determining a multiplier of said first exposure time which will cause said number or percentage of light sensing units to exceed a second intensity value; and 
 applying said multiplier to said first exposure time to arrive at said second exposure time. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising capturing a supplemental image or data related to a supplemental image with the image capture device at the second exposure time. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising receiving user input of a third exposure time, and creating a projected image of said item at said third exposure time based upon said captured image or said captured data relating to the image. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising displaying said projected image. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising:
 receiving user input relating to a desired exposure time, which is determined based upon a user's review of the displayed projected image; and 
 capturing a supplemental image or data relating to a supplemental image with the image capture device at the desired exposure time. 
 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the item is an object including light-emitting or light absorbing electrophoretic bands under no illumination or under illumination with different wavelength of light thereon. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising after the capturing step, identifying a region of interest in said image or said data relating to said image, and wherein the creating step includes creating a projected image of only said region of interest. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the item is an object and a background, and wherein the region of interest is an area including the object. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the region of interest is at least partially identified by a user. 
     
     
         16 .- 35 . (canceled)