Exposure Time Determination via Pixel Threshold Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining optimal exposure time in image acquisition are either complex, inaccurate, or require a labor-intensive trial-and-error process, often leading to over- or under-exposed images, especially in life science research where precise pixel intensity measurement is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that analyze a preliminary image to determine the optimal exposure time by calculating the number of pixels exceeding a threshold value, allowing for accurate projection of image quality and enabling user adjustment, thereby minimizing equipment usage and improving image capture efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If trial-and-error method is used to determine optimal exposure time, then image quality can be improved, but labor intensity and equipment usage time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidequipment usage time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by capturing a test image at a predetermined exposure time before the actual imaging process. This test image is then analyzed to calculate the optimal exposure time for the final image, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error exposures and reducing equipment usage time while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple images are captured at different exposure times to find optimal settings, then accurate pixel intensity measurement can be achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel intensity measurement accuracyVSAvoidimage capture efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a test image as a copy or proxy to determine the optimal exposure time for the actual image. By analyzing pixel intensity values in the test image and applying the calculated exposure time ratio, the system can predict and achieve accurate pixel intensity measurement in the final image without capturing multiple test images, thus improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If complex automatic exposure methods are used, then exposure determination can be automated, but measurement accuracy and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure determination automationVSAvoidexposure time accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by analyzing the pixel intensity values from the test image and using this information to calculate the optimal exposure time for the actual image. The system counts pixels exceeding a threshold value in the test image, determines the exposure time ratio, and applies this to set the final exposure time, providing accurate and reliable automated exposure determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10225483B1Method and system for projecting image with differing exposure times
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • US10225483B1 patent drawing
  • US10225483B1 patent drawing
  • US10225483B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for creating a projected image including 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. The method further includes receiving as an input or determining a second exposure time, and creating a projected image of the item at the second exposure time based upon the captured image or the captured data relating to the image.