Jewelry item grading system and method

Abstract

A method and system for grading a jewelry item are provided. The method includes: taking an image of the jewelry item; analyzing the image to identify at least one of: one or more inclusions in the jewelry item, a color of the jewelry item, and one or more dimensions of the jewelry item; assessing a quality of the jewelry item based at least on a subset of features including: one or more sizes of the one or more inclusions, one or more arrangements of the one or more inclusions, one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions, the color of the jewelry item, the one or more dimensions of the jewelry item, or a combination of the foregoing; and determining a grade of the jewelry item, wherein the quality of the jewelry item is quantified relative to an additional grade pertaining to a corresponding additional jewelry item.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to jewelry items, and more specifically to systems and methods for grading jewelry items. Background Technology

[0002] Jewelry items such as diamonds and other gemstones are typically graded in an effort to provide some indication of their quality to interested parties such as buyers and sellers. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established the International Diamond Grading System and developed grading schemes for clarity, color, cut, and carat weight to standardize diamond grading. However, the various laboratories, jewelers, and other entities that grade and sell diamonds and other gemstones vary considerably in how they apply the GIA grading scheme or any other grading schemes they use. One laboratory may assign a color grade of "G" to a diamond, while another may assign a color grade of "H" or "I" to the same diamond. One laboratory may assign a clarity grade of "SI1" to a diamond, while another may assign a clarity grade of "SI2" or "SI3" to the same diamond. These grading differences can be based on a subjective interpretation of the GIA scheme, may stem from a more or less stringent requirement for gemstone grading, or may be attributed to any of several other factors. These factors are not only difficult to control, but their influence on the grading process is also difficult to detect from the outset.

[0003] Some laboratories and other grading entities also change, whether intentionally or unintentionally, how they apply grading schemes (such as GIA). Similarly, gem laypeople and sellers may receive different information about the grading of a particular gem depending on the grading entity. In these cases, laypeople and sellers find themselves without meaningful recourse to control changes in grading and valuation made by different entities, or even knowing the existence and / or extent of such changes from the outset.

[0004] In view of these and other problems in the art, this disclosure aims to provide a technical solution for an effective grading technique that takes into account the quality of jewelry items while overcoming the problems inherent in current grading processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for grading jewelry items is provided. The method includes: capturing an image of the jewelry item using an image capturing device; analyzing the image of the jewelry item using a processing unit to identify one or more inclusions in the jewelry item, the color of the jewelry item, and one or more dimensions of the jewelry item within the image; evaluating the quality of the jewelry item using the processing unit based at least on a subset of features, the features including: one or more sizes of the one or more inclusions, one or more arrangements of the one or more inclusions, one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions, the color of the jewelry item, and one or more dimensions of the jewelry item; and determining a grade of the jewelry item using the processing unit, wherein the quality of the jewelry item is quantified relative to multiple additional grades involving multiple corresponding additional jewelry items, wherein the quantified grade is calculated based on the difference in the evaluated quality with respect to a subset of features of each corresponding jewelry item.

[0006] In an embodiment, the evaluation step considers at least two of the following: one or more sizes of one or more inclusions, one or more arrangements of one or more inclusions, and one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions.

[0007] In an embodiment, one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions include the visibility of one inclusion in a first color light and the visibility of that inclusion in a second color light.

[0008] In an embodiment, one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions include the difference between the color of one of the inclusions and the color of the jewelry item.

[0009] In an embodiment, the evaluation step considers one or more arrangements of one or more inclusions by taking into account at least one of the following: the proximity of the first of one or more inclusions to the second of one or more inclusions, the proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to the edge of the jewelry item, and the proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to a portion of the jewelry item that will be obscured during use of the jewelry item.

[0010] In an embodiment, the evaluation step includes: presenting at least a portion of the jewelry item within a grid; and determining at least one of one sizes of one or more inclusions or one or more arrangements of one or more inclusions based on at least one of several portions of the grid covered by one or more inclusions or the proximity of the portions of the grid covered by one or more inclusions.

[0011] In an embodiment, the evaluation step includes: using a first number string and a second number string to represent one or more characteristics of each of at least two of the one or more inclusions; and performing calculations using the first number string and the second number string as part of the step of evaluating the quality of the jewelry item.

[0012] In one embodiment, the determining step includes updating at least one of a plurality of additional grades involving a plurality of additional jewelry items based on the grading of the jewelry item.

[0013] In an embodiment, the jewelry item is a first jewelry item, and the method further includes analyzing multiple additional classifications to identify a second jewelry item among multiple additional jewelry items as a jewelry item similar to the first jewelry item.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for grading jewelry items is provided. The system includes: an image capturing device configured to capture images of a jewelry item; an external storage component configured to store data corresponding to the images of the jewelry item and multiple additional jewelry items; and a processing unit configured to: analyze the images of the jewelry item to identify at least one of the following within the images: one or more inclusions in the jewelry item, the color of the jewelry item, and one or more dimensions of the jewelry item; evaluate the quality of the jewelry item based on at least a subset of features, including: one or more sizes of one or more inclusions, one or more arrangements of one or more inclusions, one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions, the color of the jewelry item, and one or more dimensions of the jewelry item; access data from the external storage component indicating at least one of the following: one or more inclusions in multiple additional jewelry items, one or more colors of multiple additional jewelry items, and one or more dimensions of multiple additional jewelry items, in order to determine multiple additional grades of multiple additional jewelry items; and determine the grades of the jewelry items, the grades quantifying the evaluated quality of the jewelry item in relation to the multiple additional grades of each of the multiple additional jewelry items, wherein the quantified grade is calculated based on the difference in the evaluated quality of a subset of features of each corresponding jewelry item.

[0015] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to consider at least two of the following to evaluate the quality of the jewelry item: one or more sizes of one or more inclusions, one or more arrangements of one or more inclusions, and one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions.

[0016] In an embodiment, one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions include the visibility of one inclusion in a first color light and the visibility of that inclusion in a second color light.

[0017] In an embodiment, one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions include the difference between the color of one of the inclusions and the color of the jewelry item.

[0018] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to consider at least one of the following in order to consider one or more arrangements of one or more inclusions: the proximity of the first of one or more inclusions to the second of one or more inclusions, the proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to the edge of the jewelry item, and the proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to a portion of the jewelry item that will be obscured during use of the jewelry item.

[0019] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to: present at least a portion of a jewelry item within a grid; and determine at least one of one sizes of one or more inclusions or one or more arrangements of one or more inclusions based on at least one of several portions of the grid covered by one or more inclusions or the proximity of the portions of the grid covered by one or more inclusions.

[0020] In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to update at least one of a plurality of additional grades involving a plurality of additional jewelry items based on the grade of the jewelry item.

[0021] In an embodiment, the jewelry item is a first jewelry item, and the processing unit is configured to analyze multiple additional classifications to identify a second jewelry item among the multiple additional jewelry items as a jewelry item similar to the first jewelry item.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for identifying jewelry articles with similar grades is provided. The method includes: analyzing data indicating at least one of the following using a processing unit: one or more inclusions in a first jewelry article, the color of the first jewelry article, and one or more dimensions of the first jewelry article; using the processing unit, determining a grade of the first jewelry article indicating the quality of the first jewelry article using a first grading technique, the first grading technique being based on data indicating at least one of the one or more inclusions in the first jewelry article, the color of the first jewelry article, and one or more dimensions of the first jewelry article; accessing data from a remote computing device indicating a second jewelry article having a grade, the grade indicating the quality of the second jewelry article and being determined using a second grading technique that does not follow the first grading technique; and using the processing unit, determining that when the grade of the second jewelry article is modified to follow the first grading technique, the modified grade of the second jewelry article following the first grading technique is within a threshold difference from the grade of the first jewelry article.

[0023] In an embodiment, determining that the modified grading of the second jewelry article is within a threshold difference from the grading of the first jewelry article includes: determining that the grading of the second jewelry article is modified such that, taking into account at least one of the size, arrangement, or color characteristics of one or more inclusions in the second jewelry article according to a first grading technique, the modified grading of the second jewelry article is within a threshold difference from the grading of the first jewelry article.

[0024] In an embodiment, determining the grading of the first jewelry article takes into account at least one of the following: the size of the first inclusion in one or more inclusions in the first jewelry article, the proximity of the first inclusion to a second inclusion in one or more inclusions in the first jewelry article, the proximity of at least one of the first inclusion or the second inclusion to the edge of the first jewelry article, the visibility of the first inclusion in a first color light, the visibility of the first inclusion in a second color light, and the difference between the color of the first inclusion and the color of the first jewelry article.

[0025] Any combination of the various embodiments and implementations disclosed herein may be used. These and other aspects and features will be understood from the following description of certain embodiments of the invention, as well as from the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an exemplary system for grading jewelry items such as gemstones according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2A This is a flowchart of an exemplary method for grading jewelry items according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2B This is a flowchart of an exemplary method for identifying similarly graded jewelry items according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 3A to 3B An exemplary grid, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can be used to present inclusions in jewelry items.

[0030] Figures 4A to 4C An exemplary arrangement for capturing images of jewelry items and inclusions and analyzing the color and color characteristics of the jewelry items and inclusions according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0031] Figures 5A to 5B The illustration shows the different appearances of jewelry and inclusions contained therein when illuminated by different colors of light according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 6A to 6DThis is an exemplary screenshot of a mobile app for grading jewelry items and identifying similarly graded jewelry items according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figures 7A to 7C The illustration shows an exemplary arrangement of jewelry items relative to each other according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are illustrative and not necessarily drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a system and method for grading jewelry articles. Jewelry articles may include gemstones set in articles such as rings or pendants. In some cases, jewelry articles are or include unset loose gemstones. In some such embodiments, images of the jewelry articles are captured and analyzed, allowing the quality of the jewelry articles to be assessed based on objective characteristics. For example, the quality of the jewelry articles may be assessed based on inclusions contained within the jewelry articles and the characteristics of those inclusions. The characteristics of the inclusions may include objectively determinable criteria, such as the size of the inclusions, the proximity of the inclusions to each other, the proximity of the inclusions to less visible and / or prong-covered portions of the jewelry articles, and / or any other suitable characteristics. The quality of the jewelry articles may also be assessed based on factors such as the color of the jewelry articles, the color of the inclusions relative to the color of the jewelry articles, the size and / or dimensions of the jewelry articles, one or more shapes of the jewelry articles, the facets of the jewelry articles (e.g., the characteristics of one or more facets that can be identified using the techniques described herein), and / or any other suitable factors.

[0036] In various exemplary embodiments, information about different grading standards can be used to modify the grading of jewelry items performed using different grading standards to conform to an objective grading standard that can be implemented using the techniques described herein. When such modification of the grading of a jewelry item occurs, it can be determined whether the jewelry item is similar to other jewelry items that have been graded using the techniques described herein, and vice versa.

[0037] Information about jewelry items that have been graded according to this technology or according to modified technologies can be accessed for comparison between jewelry items and identification of jewelry items of similar quality. Jewelry items are "slotted" relative to each other, and the slots (i.e., the rank) of jewelry items can be dynamically updated each time a new jewelry item is graded, so that the jewelry items maintain their rank relative to each other in a quantitative manner that takes into account the objective grading applied to each jewelry item. Sellers and laypeople such as buyers can utilize this technology to overcome the uncertainty previously arising from the use of subjective grading standards that differed from each other in an indeterminate manner.

[0038] As further discussed herein, the grading techniques disclosed herein can be used for grading based on physically present inclusions in jewelry items, and to achieve grading that takes into account shadows and / or reflections that appear to be inclusions. Shadows and / or reflections can be achieved using certain techniques (such as reference grading). Figure 4C The techniques described are used to reduce or remove, and thus can be distinguished from physically present inclusions in jewelry items.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an exemplary system 100 for grading jewelry items such as gemstones according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes a jewelry container 102. Figure 1 As shown, gemstone 104 (gemstone 104 and any other gemstones discussed herein are sometimes referred to as "gem" or "stone") and a color reference may be located on surface 105 inside jewelry container 102, wherein the top of jewelry container 102 is open, and Figure 1 A simplified top view of gemstone 104 is illustrated. In another embodiment, gemstone 104 may already be mounted in a base and therefore not located within jewelry container 102, but it can still be analyzed according to the techniques described below.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the example, the color references include a red reference block 106, a blue reference block 108, and a green reference block 110. According to an embodiment, surface 105 may be a cotton-like surface providing a relatively white background against which images of the gemstone 104 and color reference blocks 106 to 110 can be captured. In another embodiment, different colored backgrounds may be used. Additionally or alternatively, in another embodiment, multiple gemstones may be located within the jewelry container 102 and can be analyzed simultaneously according to the techniques described herein.

[0041] In some embodiments, system 100 does not include color reference blocks 106 to 110, and the color and size characteristics of gemstone 104 are determined without reference to one or more captured images. For example, captured images of one or more gemstones 104 can be used to identify and analyze inclusions, as further described below, and then according to alternative techniques (such as reference...) Figure 4B and 4C One of the techniques described is used to determine the color and size characteristics of gemstone 104.

[0042] System 100 also includes an image acquisition and gem evaluation device 112, a network 114, external memory 116, and an external gem evaluation platform 118. The image acquisition and gem evaluation device 112 includes an image acquisition component 120, memory 122, a processing unit 124 such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, and input / output (I / O) circuitry 126. The gem 104 contains one or more inclusions, which... Figure 1 The inclusions shown are the first inclusion 128, the second inclusion 130, and the third inclusion 132.

[0043] The image capturing and gem evaluation device 112 can be any suitable device that includes an image capturing component 120 and is configured to capture and process one or more images of the gemstone 104, as described herein. In some embodiments, the image capturing and gem evaluation device 112 is a mobile phone, and the image capturing component 120 is a mobile phone camera. In other embodiments, the image capturing and gem evaluation device 112 includes macro lenses, laser technology, or other suitable components to improve image quality. The memory 122 can be or may include program memory and / or random access memory (RAM), and stores image data received from the image capturing component 120 for processing by the processing unit 124.

[0044] Processing unit 124 processes image data as described herein to evaluate gemstone 104 and / or facilitate the identification of similarly graded jewelry items via I / O circuitry 126 (e.g., transceiver), network 114, external memory 116, and / or external gemstone evaluation platform 118. In some embodiments of system 100 that do not include color reference blocks 106 to 110, processing unit 124 implements filtering techniques on the captured images and / or may invert colors in the captured images to facilitate the identification of color characteristics, as described below.

[0045] Network 114 can be a network such as the Internet, a cellular network, and / or any other suitable type of network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a mobile network, a wired or wireless network, etc.). External gemstone evaluation platform 118 can be any suitable platform operated or otherwise controlled by an entity such as a gemstone dealer, a user grading gemstones, or a gemstone evaluation entity (such as a laboratory that evaluates gemstones to determine grading and pricing used in gemstone sales). External storage 116 can be any suitable database or (one or more) other storage components operated or otherwise accessible by such an entity.

[0046] Figure 2A This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 for grading jewelry articles such as gemstone 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 and other methods disclosed herein can be developed by... Figure 1The system 100 implementation and / or use. References can be used. Figure 1 , 3A The components and techniques shown and described in 3B, 4A to 4C, 5A to 5B, 6A to 6D and 7A to 7C may be used to perform some or all of the methods 200 and other methods disclosed herein.

[0047] The methods and other methods disclosed herein may be performed on or using a custom or pre-programmed logic device, circuit, or processor (programmable logic circuit (PLC), computer, software, or other circuitry such as ASICs, FPGAs, configured by code or logic to perform their assigned tasks). The device, circuit, or processor may be, for example, a dedicated or shared hardware device (such as a laptop computer, workstation, tablet computer, smartphone, part of a server, or dedicated hardware circuitry such as in an FPGA or ASIC), or a computer server, or part of a server or computer system. The device, circuit, or processor may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium (CRM, such as a read-only memory (ROM), flash drive, or disk drive) storing instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, cause portions of method 200 (or other disclosed methods) to be performed. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the order of operations may be changed, and some operations may be omitted. The electronic device may also include a user interface equipped with a touchscreen (e.g., a touchscreen of an image capturing and gem evaluation device 112, such as a touchscreen of a mobile phone) to allow computer interaction.

[0048] In exemplary method 200, processing begins by capturing an image of the jewelry item using an image capturing device 202. In some embodiments, this can be performed using an image capturing component 120, such as in response to a user taking a photograph of the gemstone 104 in response to an image capturing and gemstone evaluation device 112. In some embodiments, capturing 202 includes taking two or more images of the jewelry item. Two or more images can be taken from one or more angles, such as from above the jewelry item, aligned with a table containing the jewelry item, from below the jewelry item, and / or from any other suitable vantage point. According to the techniques described herein, digital data from two or more images can be stitched together for analysis. In another example, data is extracted and analyzed individually from the images, or from a three-dimensional composite image created from individual images.

[0049] In some embodiments, capturing 202 or more images is performed without a color reference block (e.g., color reference blocks 106 to 110), and according to other places elsewhere herein (such as references) Figure 4B and 4CThe described technique analyzes color characteristics for grading. In other embodiments, one or more images are captured by receiving one or more user-provided images of the gemstone.

[0050] Method 200 also includes analyzing the images of the jewelry item captured in 204 to identify one or more inclusions in the jewelry item, one or more colors of the jewelry item, and / or one or more dimensions of the jewelry item. Analysis 204 may be additionally performed to identify characteristics of the jewelry item, such as its volume, weight, one or more shapes, one or more facets of the jewelry item, one or more characteristics of the facets (such as the shape and / or size of the facets), and / or any other desired characteristics. Analysis 204 may be implemented using neural networks, machine learning, or any other suitable techniques for identifying one or more of the aforementioned features and / or any other desired characteristics of the jewelry item.

[0051] More specifically, in some embodiments and as discussed in more detail below, identifying one or more inclusions may include using a neural network to identify the size, arrangement, and / or color characteristics of the inclusions. In such embodiments, edge detection or other suitable techniques are used for the identification of the inclusions and their features. Additionally, neural networks can be used to similarly identify other characteristics of the gemstone, such as its size, shape, facets, facet characteristics, color, volume, and / or type. The specific gravity of the gemstone may be determined based on the identified gemstone type, and the specific gravity and volume of the gemstone can be used to further determine its weight.

[0052] Method 200 further includes evaluating 206 the quality of the jewelry item based on at least a subset of its features. The subset of features may include one or more of the following: (1) the size of one or more inclusions in the jewelry item; (2) the arrangement of one or more inclusions; (3) the color characteristics of one or more inclusions; (4) the color of the jewelry item; (5) the size of one or more dimensions of the jewelry item; or (6) a combination of the foregoing. Evaluation 206 may be further based on any additional features of the jewelry item, such as its shape, facets, facet characteristics, etc. Exemplary techniques for performing evaluation 206 are further discussed below. As further discussed below, the quality of the evaluated jewelry item may be used to (e.g., digitally) grade the jewelry item, and the grade of the jewelry item may be compared with the grades of other jewelry items, wherein such comparison may optionally be dynamically updated using the techniques disclosed herein. In this way, various embodiments of the present invention establish a grading system for jewelry items that takes into account the relative quality of the jewelry items and is advantageously dynamic in nature to account for newly graded jewelry items, changes or variations in the standards used to grade jewelry items, etc.

[0053] Method 200 further includes determining the grading of 208 jewelry items, wherein the quality of the assessed jewelry item is quantified in relation to an additional grading involving corresponding additional jewelry items. The additional jewelry items may be or include jewelry items assessed by any suitable one or more entities, such as the GIA, users with grading certificates, and / or dealers who maintain a database of assessed jewelry items.

[0054] In the example, the quality of a jewelry item can be quantified as a number between 0 and 100, and any suitable number of additional jewelry items can also have a corresponding gradation quantified as a number between 0 and 100. The quantified grading of the jewelry item is calculated by referring to the difference in quality between the jewelry item and each of the additional jewelry items, as determined by evaluation 206 based on characteristics such as inclusion size(s), inclusion arrangement(s), inclusion color characteristics(s), jewelry item color, jewelry item size, jewelry item shape, jewelry item facets and / or facet(s) characteristics. In this way, a group of jewelry items is “ranked” into an objective ranking relative to each other. As discussed further below, this ranking or “ranking” helps to identify jewelry items similar to the evaluated jewelry item, such as those similar to gemstone 104. Because jewelry items can be ranked according to any one or more desired characteristics, jewelry items similar to the evaluated jewelry item in any one or more desired aspects can be identified according to the techniques described herein.

[0055] In some embodiments, and as referenced below Figure 2B and 7A As further described in 7C, determining step 208 includes updating at least one of the additional grades involving additional jewelry items based on the grading of the jewelry items for which photography 202, analysis 204, and evaluation 206 were performed. In this way, whenever a new jewelry item is graded using method 200, the jewelry item is assigned an objective grade according to the techniques described herein and is ranked among previously graded jewelry items. According to various embodiments, the grades previously assigned to other jewelry items are dynamically updated such that all jewelry items are assigned grades relative to each other (e.g., numerical grades as described herein).

[0056] In some embodiments, method 200 further includes analysis 210 relating to additional grading of the additional jewelry items to identify jewelry items among the additional jewelry items as similar to jewelry items to which imaging 202, analysis 204, evaluation 206, and determination 208 have been performed. For example, information about each of the additional jewelry items can be stored in external memory 116, and jewelry items identified as similar can be identified from such stored information. Reference is made below. Figure 2B , 6D 7A to 7C further describe the identification of similar jewelry items.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 2A And also turned to Figure 3A Examples of some calculations that can be used in the quality assessment 206 of a jewelry item are now described in more detail. These calculations produce a quantitative indication of the quality of the jewelry item, which can be used in determining the grading 208. Some or all of the calculations can alternatively be performed as part of determining the grading 208. According to an embodiment of the invention, a suitable portion of a gemstone 104, photographed using the image capturing and gemstone evaluation device 112, can be represented using a grid 300, such as... Figure 3A As shown. For example, grid 300 can represent the tabletop of gem 104. In another example, a larger grid can be used to represent the tabletop and tabletop facets of gem 104. More generally, any desired shape or size of grid can be used, any desired number of grids can be used, and any desired shape of the grid can be used for the distribution of the grid to represent inclusions as needed and to perform calculations to account for inclusions in the desired manner.

[0058] Evaluation 206 may include processing unit 124 mapping inclusions identified during analysis 204 to a distribution of grid 300. This can be achieved by representing darker inclusions on grid 300 to account for the size and color of each inclusion, such that they are weighted more heavily in the various calculations described herein compared to brighter inclusions. The color characteristics of the inclusions are referenced below. Figures 4A to 4C Further discussion with 5A to 5B.

[0059] exist Figure 3A In a specific example, grid 300 can be used to represent the position, size, and color of the first inclusion 302, the second inclusion 304, and the third inclusion 306. The first inclusion 302 is represented with a lighter shading line relative to the shading line representing the second inclusion 304, while the third inclusion 306 is represented with a more solid appearance. Therefore, these relative representations can indicate that the third inclusion 306 is darker than the second inclusion 304, and the second inclusion 304 is darker than the first inclusion 302. Furthermore, in Figure 3A In the example, the third inclusion 306 is the smallest and the first inclusion 302 is the largest, as indicated by their different sizes on the grid 300.

[0060] Evaluation 206 can be performed using any suitable calculation to evaluate the effects such as Figure 3A The inclusions presented in the calculation affect the quality and / or grade of the jewelry item. For example, the percentage of squares (or other shapes) that include the grid corresponding to the inclusions can be determined. The calculation can also take into account different representations of the darker shades of the inclusions, such as different representations for the first, second, and third inclusions 302, 304, and 306. The calculation can also take into account the arrangement of the inclusions relative to the edge of the grid 300 (e.g., relative to the circumference of the circle surrounding the grid 300) and opposite to the center of the grid 300. The calculation can take into account any combination of the foregoing.

[0061] To provide some more specific examples, the light blocking effect of inclusion x can be represented as B. x This can be expressed as the percentage of incident light blocked by the inclusion x. For example, the first inclusion 302 can block 35% of the incident light transmitted through the gemstone 104, so it can be calculated as B1 = 35. Similarly, as an example, the second inclusion 304 can block 50% of the incident light, so B2 = 50, and the third inclusion 306 can block 100% of the incident light, so B3 = 100.

[0062] M x M can be the edge proximity multiplier for inclusion x, where, for inclusions near the edge of the tabletop of gem 104, M x It will be lower, and for clutter near the center of the desktop, M x It can be higher. Any suitable multiplier can be used according to the technique described herein. In one example, where the second inclusion 304 is further from the center than the first inclusion 302 and the third inclusion 306, M1 = 60, M2 = 40, and M3 = 60.

[0063] The computational methods used by the techniques described in this paper can assign weights to each inclusion, which can be represented as W. x In some embodiments, the weight of inclusion x can be proportional to the product of the light-blocking property of inclusion x and the edge proximity multiplier of inclusion x, such that W x =B x *M x Therefore, using the example provided above, W1 = 35 * 60 = 2100 and W2 = 50 * 40 = 2000. Thus, the second inclusion 304 can be considered to have a smaller impact on the quality of the jewelry than the first inclusion 302, because although the second inclusion 304 blocks more light, it can be located far enough from the center of the gemstone 104 than the first inclusion 302.

[0064] The calculations utilized by the technique described in this paper can also take into account the distance between the two inclusions, where D x,y = The distance between inclusion x (e.g., first inclusion 302) and inclusion y (e.g., second inclusion 304). The distance can be expressed in any suitable unit. The composite weight W of inclusions x and y. x,y It can be defined as W x,y = (B x *M x )*(B y *M y ) / D x,y In this way, the composite weight of two inclusions is higher when the distance between them is small, because two inclusions close together may produce more undesirable visual effects. The calculations in this paper can be extended to cover any suitable number of inclusions. Therefore, determining the composite weight of inclusions can reflect the combined effects of multiple inclusions on the quality and grading of jewelry items.

[0065] Grid 300 can have any suitable number of divisions corresponding to a tabletop such as Gem 304, and calculations and parameters such as those discussed above can be adjusted accordingly. Go to Figure 3B In some embodiments where inclusions are represented on a grid, the grid may have a predetermined number of divisions of a predetermined size, regardless of the size of the tabletop of the gemstone 304. Thus, for example, jewelry items of different shapes and / or sizes can have similar drawing and inclusion mapping techniques applied to them via the use of similar grids. More generally, jewelry items of different shapes and / or sizes can therefore have similar quality assessment and grading methods applied to them.

[0066] As a more specific example Figure 3BA second grid 315 is shown corresponding to a cross-section (e.g., a tabletop) 317 of the second jewelry article, wherein the second jewelry article has two inclusions 319 and 321 represented on the second grid 315. Figure 3B A third grid 330 corresponding to a cross-section (e.g., a tabletop) 332 of a third jewelry item is also shown, wherein the third jewelry item has two inclusions 334 and 336 represented on the third grid 330. The third jewelry item may be more elliptical than the second jewelry item, as shown by the cross-section 332 of the third jewelry item. However, by using the same dimensions for the second grid 315 and the third grid 330, the quality of the second and third jewelry items, taking into account, for example, the area of ​​the corresponding grid corresponding to the inclusions, can be evaluated without considering the shape and / or size of the jewelry items.

[0067] The quality assessment 206 of the jewelry item as described herein may also consider whether the inclusion is close enough to the edge or any surface of the jewelry item's tabletop that its visual impact would be reduced if the tabletop size were reduced by appropriately cutting the jewelry item. The quality assessment 206 may also, or alternatively, consider whether the inclusion is located at or near an edge or other portion of the jewelry item that will be obscured during use (e.g., wearing), such as near areas of the jewelry item that may be obscured by claws. As an example, a second inclusion 336 on the third grid 330 could be determined to be practically reduceable by cutting and / or by being obscured by claws.

[0068] In other embodiments, the jewelry item or a portion thereof may be represented using numbers. In some embodiments, the numbers are strings such as binary or hexadecimal strings, and the strings may be analyzed in a suitable manner to perform the techniques described herein. For example, in such embodiments, each segment (e.g., a square) within a grid or a portion of a grid (such as a first, second, or third grid 300, 315, or 330) is assigned the number "0" or "1". In embodiments, a segment is assigned the number "1" when it corresponds to an inclusion or a portion thereof that blocks at least a threshold percentage of light (such as at least 50% of incident light), and is assigned the number "0" when it does not correspond to such an inclusion or a portion thereof.

[0069] One or more binary strings generated by assigning binary values ​​to portions of a grid can be analyzed or “read” in any direction (e.g., left to right, right to left, top to bottom, etc.) to represent and account for the darkness, arrangement, and / or other characteristics of inclusions in a desired manner. In the case of decimal or hexadecimal numbers, some examples include assigning a higher number to a grid portion when the portion corresponds to a darker inclusion that blocks more light, when the portion corresponds to an inclusion closer to the center of the jewelry item rather than near the edge of the table, and when the portion corresponds to an inclusion closer to another inclusion and therefore more noticeable. Therefore, in addition to depending on the direction in which the string is processed, the value of a binary or hexadecimal string can also depend on the size or arrangement of the inclusion. In other examples using decimal or hexadecimal numbers, each decimal or hexadecimal number can indicate multiple variables, such as inclusion size, arrangement, and darkness.

[0070] In any case, suitable mathematical techniques can be used to analyze one or more strings, such as by weighting them when reading one or more strings in different directions. More generally, the use of binary, hexadecimal equivalents based on the correspondence between distributions and inclusions, optical properties, or any other desired characteristics of the jewelry can be implemented in any suitable manner to achieve the assessment of the quality of the jewelry. In light of the discussion elsewhere in this document, using binary, hexadecimal equivalents in this way facilitates the objective grading of jewelry and the classification of jewelry into grades compared to other jewelry.

[0071] As stated above, the assessment of the quality of a jewelry item 206 may additionally or alternatively be based on one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions, the color of the jewelry item, and / or one or more dimensions of one or more inclusions. Return to Reference Figure 1 Gemstone 104 can be located within jewelry container 102 on surface 105, which provides a white (neutral) background for capturing images of gemstone 104. In other examples, different colors can be used to enhance the visibility of the jewelry.

[0072] Color reference blocks 106 to 110 each have a known color that can be quantized into hexadecimal color values ​​in some examples. When shooting 202 is performed, the captured image includes gemstone 104 and color reference blocks 106 to 110. Image analysis 204 involves processing the captured image to determine one or more color values ​​for gemstone 104, and then comparing these color values ​​with the values ​​of color reference blocks 106 to 110 to determine the color of gemstone 104 for use in evaluating the quality of gemstone 104. While color reference blocks 106 to 110 are red, green, and blue in some examples, any suitable color can be used. The color of the jewelry can also be determined by analyzing the color of the jewelry against a white (or other colored) background in which the jewelry is situated.

[0073] A neural network can be used to remove the background provided by surface 105. In a particular embodiment, the trained neural network identifies jewelry items, removes shadows, determines a mask that outlines the gemstone, and implements a color histogram of the jewelry items within the mask. The trained neural network can also implement histograms of color reference blocks 106 to 110 to account for and remove any lighting variations, reflections, or glints emitted from the jewelry items.

[0074] Go to Figure 4A An alternative jewelry container 400 is shown that can be used with the system 100 and techniques described herein. The jewelry container 400 contains a gemstone 402. The gemstone 402 may be located on paper 404, and the jewelry container 400 may include color reference blocks provided by a user (such as a user of the image capturing and gemstone evaluation device 112). The user-provided color reference blocks may include a red user reference block 406, a green user reference block 408, and a blue user reference block 410. The user may provide color values ​​associated with these reference blocks before, for example, capturing 202 and analyzing 204. For example, the user may provide these values ​​by capturing a preliminary image, and the color values ​​may be determined using a neural network. In another example, the user may input color values ​​into a mobile device app that implements some or all of the functions described herein.

[0075] For example Figure 4AAs shown, gemstone 402 typically includes inclusions 412, 414, and 416. The dimensions of gemstone 402 and / or inclusions 412 to 416 can be determined with reference to paper 404, which may have one or more lines of known thickness and length printed thereon. For example, paper 404 may have lines 418 to 432 printed thereon. Analysis 204 includes processing the captured image by comparing image data corresponding to gemstone 402 with one or more of the lines 418 to 432 to determine one or more dimensions of gemstone 402. Paper 404 may be flat, or in other examples may be folded at one or more locations to aid in arranging jewelry items on paper 404. In some embodiments, paper 404 and / or lines 418 to 432 printed thereon are also or alternatively used to determine one or more shapes of gemstone 402 and / or one or more characteristics of one or more facets of gemstone 402.

[0076] In some embodiments, paper 404 is replaced by a sheet of paper, plastic, or other suitable material covering at least a portion of a light source disposed beneath the gemstone 402, and one or more lines similar to lines 418 to 432 are printed on the paper, plastic sheet, etc., covering at least a portion of the light source. The light source may be disposed beneath the gemstone 402. When the gemstone 402 is illuminated, the appearance of (one or more) lines from such paper, plastic sheet, etc. (such as (one or more) reflections of the lines) can be used to determine characteristics such as gemstone size, shape, facet features, inclusion features, etc.

[0077] Color reference blocks such as user-provided reference blocks 406 to 410 may have known sizes, or the user may input their sizes into a mobile phone app or in another suitable manner, allowing analysis 204 to determine the size of gem 402 by comparing the size of gem 402 in the captured image with the sizes of user-provided reference blocks 406 to 410. In the case of using color reference blocks 106 to 110, their sizes may similarly be known and used to determine the gem size. In another example, a coin or other object of known size may be used and included in the captured image to determine the gem size. In some embodiments, reference objects (whether user-provided or provided as color reference blocks 106 to 110) are also used to determine one or more shapes of gem 402 and / or one or more characteristics of one or more facets of gem 402, such as the size of one or more facets.

[0078] In some embodiments, lines 418 to 432 on the paper can also be used to determine light transmission through the gemstone 402. For example, it can be determined whether any portion of lines 418 to 432 is visible through the gemstone 402 (in... Figure 4A(Not shown in the text). For example, when viewed from above gemstone 402, the visibility of lines 418 to 432 through gemstone 402 can indicate the light transmission characteristics of gemstone 402 for evaluation 206. More specifically, one or more of lines 418 to 432 can refract and / or reflect, such that when viewed from above gemstone 402, one or more of lines 418 to 432 indicate the light transmission characteristics of gemstone 402.

[0079] Figure 4B The illustration shows an alternative jewelry container 435 containing a gemstone 402 located on surface 437, without a color reference block. Instead, a color illumination device 439 (which may be an embodiment of or incorporated into the image capturing and gemstone evaluation device 112) is used to illuminate the gemstone 402 from outside (e.g., above) the jewelry container 435 with light of varying but known colors. For example, the color illumination device 439 may include a light source 441 and a color adjustment component 443 for adjusting the color of the ambient light from the light source 441. In some examples, the light source 441 is an ultraviolet light source or a light source capable of emitting ultraviolet and visible light under different settings. In some embodiments, the analysis 204 of the captured image of the gemstone 402 includes determining the fluorescence intensity of the gemstone 402 and / or any other desired inherent properties of the gemstone 402 based on its appearance when illuminated by the light source 441, and the quality assessment 206 of the gemstone 402 may take into account the determined fluorescence intensity.

[0080] The analysis 204 of the captured image of gemstone 402 may further include determining the angle 445 between the ambient light 447 from the colored lighting device 439 and the reflected light 449 from gemstone 402, in order to determine the light reflection characteristics of gemstone 402. Additionally, the image capture 202 includes capturing an image of gemstone 402 using light of a known color from the environment of the colored lighting device 439 on gemstone 402, and may include using flash photography, augmented reality, 3D imaging, and / or other visual enhancements. Analysis 204 includes determining one or more colors of gemstone 402 by analyzing its appearance in ambient light of a known color.

[0081] refer to Figure 5A and 5B When illuminated by different colors of ambient light, jewelry items, more specifically, the inclusions they contain, appear different. In some embodiments, images of the jewelry items can be captured using different colors of ambient light, and analysis 204 includes determining the characteristics of the inclusions in the different colors of ambient light. For example, Figure 5AAn image 500 of a jewelry item 502 illuminated by a first-color ambient light (such as blue light) is shown. The image 500 shows a shadow 504 located near the center of the jewelry item, as well as a first inclusion 506 and a second inclusion 508.

[0082] Figure 5B Another captured image 550 of the same jewelry item 502 illuminated by a second ambient light (such as red light) is shown. As can be seen in the captured image 550, the jewelry item 502 may appear darker overall in the second ambient light. Furthermore, shadow 504 and the first inclusion 506 and the second inclusion 508 may appear to have different degrees of darkness in the second ambient light compared to their appearance in the first ambient light. Analysis 204 may include determining one or more color characteristics of one or more inclusions based on these changes in appearance.

[0083] In some embodiments, analysis 204 includes determining whether a particular inclusion is black (e.g., a carbon impurity), white (e.g., a crack or fissure in a jewelry item), pale yellow or slightly reddish (e.g., containing amethyst), milky white, or has any other suitable color and characteristics. Additionally, in some embodiments, analysis 204 includes determining the color of the inclusion relative to the color of the jewelry item, and evaluation 206 includes determining a lower quality inclusion because its color differs more significantly from the jewelry item's color and is therefore more visible to the observer. The appearance of the inclusion in different colors of ambient light, such as reference, can be considered in this analysis and evaluation. Figure 5A and 5B Described through examples.

[0084] Figure 4CAn alternative jewelry setting 460 is shown that can be used to determine the color of a jewelry item and / or the color characteristics of inclusions therein. Jewelry items such as diamond 462 typically contain inclusions 464, 466, 468, and 470. A parabolic structure 472 having a first tubular portion 474 and a second tubular portion 476 allows ambient light to pass through the setting 478 of diamond 462. For example, a colored lighting device 480 can be positioned to illuminate light through the first tubular portion 474 and the second tubular portion 476. The colored lighting device 480 may include a light source 482 coupled to a color adjustment component 484 for adjusting the color of the ambient light 486 emitted by the light source 482 and illuminating diamond 462. The widths of the parabolic structure 472 and the first and second tubular portions 474 can be designed as needed to control the amount of ambient light 486 illuminating diamond 462 or other jewelry items to facilitate uniform analysis of different jewelry items. Light emitted by light source 482 that does not pass through the first tubular portion 474 and the second tubular portion 476 can be reflected by parabolic structure 472, as shown in the exemplary reflecting portions of light 488 and 490. Parabolic structure 472 can be made of or covered with any suitable material, such as aluminum foil, to illuminate diamond 462 or other jewelry items in a desired manner.

[0085] The steps for analyzing the color of diamond 462 (204), the color of any one or more inclusions 464 to 470, and the color of inclusions 464 to 470 relative to the color of diamond 462 can be... Figure 4C The arrangement described herein is based on the analytical techniques described elsewhere in this document. Figure 4C The arrangement shown can reduce or eliminate shadows and reflections, and analysis 204 can include a comparison of using and not using them. Figure 4C The images were arranged in a way that allowed for the identification of shadow and reflection characteristics. In this way, although shadows and reflections might appear as imperfections to the observer, when used... Figure 4C When the arrangement in the image reduces or removes them, they can be identified as shadows and reflections.

[0086] As stated above, the functions described herein can be provided as suitable programs such as mobile phone apps. Figure 6A An exemplary screenshot 600 is shown that may generate gem information by some or all of the execution of method 200. Screenshot 600 illustrates exemplary options for the user, including: analysis option 602 for taking an image of the jewelry and performing analyses such as those described herein; search option 604 for searching for similar jewelry, as further described below; and additional options such as archive option 606 for accessing stored data related to the user or jewelry, and settings option 608.

[0087] Figure 6A The screenshot shows an exemplary identifier for a jewelry item or gemstone type 610 as a pearl, a gemstone color 612 represented numerically as 646356 (e.g., in base 10 or in hexadecimal), and a gemstone weight 614 approximately 1.43 carats. This information can be determined by performing the shooting 202 and analysis 204 actions described herein.

[0088] Figure 6B Another exemplary screenshot 620 is shown, illustrating additional information that can be generated by analysis 204, evaluation 206, and determination 208, such as those described herein. The in-app image analysis unit 622 can list the gem type 610 of gems for which one or more images have been taken as described above. In this example, the listed gem type 610 could be, for example, a diamond. The in-app image analysis unit 622 also lists the gem weight 614, which in this example could be approximately 0.48 carats; the gem size 624, which is approximately 5.07 x 5.07 x 2.50 mm; the gem color grade 626, which is GIA grade "F"; the gem clarity grade 628, which is GIA grade "SI1"; and the gem cut grade 630, which is GIA grade "Excellent". Although in Figure 6B Not shown here, but other information such as the shape of (one or more) gemstones, the facet features of (one or more) gemstones, etc., may also be shown in exemplary screenshot 620 and / or other screenshots discussed herein.

[0089] Screenshot 620 also shows that a numerical grade 632 of 52.00 has been assigned to the gem, a grade assigned by the aforementioned evaluation 206 and determination 208 actions. The exemplary grade 52.00 can provide an objective numerical rating, through which the gem can be ranked relative to other gems in a database, such as external storage 116, as further described below. In some examples, a numerical grade is given for each of one or more characteristics of the gem, and these numerical grades are weighted according to set rules or criteria (such as user-defined criteria) to give the overall numerical grade of the gem.

[0090] Screenshot 620 further illustrates that a price or valuation 634 can be provided for the gemstone, which in this example could be $1,252.00. Various embodiments of the invention allow for the implementation of a price or valuation 634 by providing objective techniques for evaluating and quantifying the grading of gemstones, regardless of variations in the grading techniques or standards used by the grading entities. Embodiments of the mobile app described herein can instruct a user what grading one or more grading entities can determine for the same gemstone that has been analyzed, evaluated, and graded using the techniques described herein. For example, the mobile app can consider information about the grading standards used by one or more grading entities and display how those grading entities would determine the grading of the gemstone shown in the image analysis 622 within the app. Information about the grading standards used by one or more grading entities can be received, for example, from an external gemstone evaluation platform 118, which can be a computing device or system of the grading entities.

[0091] Therefore, screenshot 620 includes a portion 636 showing the estimated grading to be issued by a specific entity (“Lab A” in this example) for the same or similar gemstones. Lab A color grade 638 can be determined as “G”, while the color grade 626 determined within the app is “F”, indicating that Lab A has determined to have used a rigorous color grading. Lab A clarity grade 640 can be determined as “SI2”, while the clarity grade 628 determined within the app is “SI1”. Lab A cut grade 642 can be determined as “Excellent”, which can be the same as the cut grade 630 within the app.

[0092] The mobile app can update data for grading entities (such as Lab A) over time and can display some or all of that data's history. Thus, screenshot 620 shows the Lab A color grading history 644 over 12 months, illustrating that between six and nine months, a gemstone's Lab A color grading might have been estimated as "F," and at other times as "G," as described in the example above.

[0093] The mobile app can also display the pricing or valuation history of gemstones, such as estimated historical market value. Screenshot 620 shows a market value analysis 646 that estimates the market value of a gemstone over the past year. It should be recognized that the market value of a gemstone can vary in any of a variety of ways with one or more grades of the gemstone, depending on what factors influence the variation in one or more grades and other factors such as changes in gemstone demand.

[0094] like Figure 6BAs shown, additional or alternative options may exist, such as "Send to" option 647, which allows a user of the mobile app to send information about a gem analyzed using the mobile app to another user of the same mobile app. The information about the analyzed gem may include some or all of the information shown in, for example, screenshot 620.

[0095] Additional options may include comparison option 648, which facilitates comparing data about a gem analyzed using the mobile app with data stored in, for example, external data storage 116 for other gems. When selected, comparison option 648 may also enable the mobile app to identify another gem similar to the one analyzed using the mobile app, for example, in terms of... Figure 6D The way of discussion.

[0096] Additional options may include transaction option 649, which allows users to access jewelry transactions via the mobile app. When transaction option 649 is selected, users can access functions to list gemstones analyzed using the mobile app for sale to other users, complete gemstone sales, view gemstones listed for sale by other users and / or businesses, contact other users via any suitable messaging format or protocol, exchange gemstone images with other users, and / or any other suitable functions. More generally, the mobile app can enable any combination of business-to-consumer, business-to-business, and peer-to-peer arrangements for buying and selling jewelry items, grading jewelry items, viewing graded jewelry items, etc. The mobile app can also allow any desired information delivery, including users downloading gemstone information, printing gemstone information and / or screenshots, emailing, or other messaging from information obtained using the mobile app.

[0097] Figure 6C Another exemplary screenshot 650 is shown, which can provide detailed information about the color of the gemstone, and can be viewed from a reference. Figures 4A to 4C The color is determined by one or more analytical techniques described in 5A to 5B. Specifically, screenshot 650 shows a color wheel 652 for the gemstone, which may be a visual Venn diagram representation of the specific color of the gemstone based on one or more primary colors. For example, the determined color 654 of the gemstone may be a relatively uniform mixture of blue (“B”), yellow (“Y”), and green (“G”).

[0098] Figure 6D Another exemplary screenshot 660 is shown, which may illustrate the results of searching for a gem that resembles an image that has been captured and referenced above. Figures 6A to 6C Gemstones that have undergone analysis, evaluation, and grading as discussed. For example... Figure 6D As shown, you can choose search option 604 instead of [the previous option]. Figures 6A to 6CEach of the selected analysis options 602. Screenshot 660 includes an image of a similar gemstone 662, which may be a gemstone that has been determined to have a numerical grade 632 similar to that of the gemstone for which one or more images were taken. Similar gemstones 662 can also be identified based on similar gemstones 662 having one or more inclusion sizes, inclusion arrangements, gemstone size, gemstone weight, color characteristics, and / or any other characteristics similar to those of the gemstone for which one or more images were taken. For example, similar gemstones 662 can be identified using the aforementioned mesh and / or string techniques and by comparing the results of calculations performed on different gemstones using these techniques.

[0099] Screenshot 660 can display a similar gemstone type 664 (e.g., "diamond") to similar gemstone 662. Screenshot 660 can also display a similar gemstone ID 666, which can be a numeric (e.g., base-10 or hexadecimal) identifier associated with similar gemstone 662, such as an identifier associated with similar gemstone 662 in external memory 116. Screenshot 660 can also display similar gemstone weight 668, similar gemstone size 670, similar gemstone color grade 672, similar gemstone clarity grade 674, similar gemstone cut grade 676, similar gemstone numerical grade 678, and similar gemstone price 680, such as... Figure 6D As shown. Compared to the gem's numerical grade of 52.00 (632) analyzed using the mobile app, in... Figure 6D In the example, a similar gem with a numerical grade of 678 has a grade of 51.97. Compared to the price or estimated value of $1,252.00 for gem 634 analyzed using the mobile app, this is significantly lower. Figure 6D In the example, a similar gemstone 680 is priced at $1,198.46.

[0100] Screenshot 660 also shows a market value analysis 682 for gem 662, and displays instructions 684 from sellers of gem 662 (e.g., shops selling gem 662, in...). Figure 6D In the example, it is specified as "ABC Jewelry"), and contact option 686 is displayed to contact sellers of similar gemstones 662 (e.g., via email, in-app messaging, etc.).

[0101] like Figure 6DAs shown, additional options may exist additionally or alternatively, such as purchase option 688 to initiate an in-app purchase process to buy similar gem 662. Additional options may also include a "Send to" option 690, which allows a user of the mobile app to send information about similar gem 662 or gems analyzed using the mobile app to another user of the same mobile app. Information about similar gems may include some or all of the information shown in, for example, screenshot 660. Additional options may also include a comparison option 692, which facilitates comparing data about similar gem 662 or gems analyzed using the mobile app with other gems stored, for example, in external data storage 116. Additional options may additionally include a transaction option 694, which can provide a similar reference... Figure 6B The description of transaction option 649's functionality.

[0102] In some embodiments, screenshot 660 and / or other screenshots discussed herein may also or alternatively depict the gemstone being photographed (one or more), and may show the arrangement of one or more inclusions thereon. While in Figure 6D Although not shown in this example, other information may also be displayed in the exemplary screenshot 660, such as the shape of the gem(s) in which the image(s) are taken, the shape of the gem(s) in which the image(s) are taken, the facet features of the gem(s) in which the image(s) are taken, the facet features of the gem(s) in which the image(s) are taken, etc.

[0103] Now for reference Figure 2B The illustration shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 230 for identifying similarly graded jewelry items according to an embodiment of the present invention. Processing begins with analysis 232 of data indicating one or more inclusions in a first jewelry item (e.g., gemstone 104 or another jewelry item discussed herein), the color of the first jewelry item, and / or one or more dimensions of the first jewelry item. For example, analysis 232 may include referencing... Figure 2A The described method analyzes data from one or more captured images of a first jewelry item. In some embodiments, analysis 232 includes analyzing data that also indicates one or more shapes of the first jewelry item, one or more facets of the first jewelry item, one or more characteristics of the one or more facets, and / or any other suitable characteristics, such as when one or more captured images indicate such characteristics.

[0104] Method 230 may further include using a first grading technique to determine 234 a grading of the first jewelry article that indicates the quality of the first jewelry article. The first grading technique may be based on data indicating one or more inclusions in the first jewelry article, the color of the first jewelry article, and / or one or more dimensions of the first jewelry article. The first grading technique may also be based on data indicating one or more shapes of the first jewelry article, one or more facets of the first jewelry article, one or more characteristics of one or more facets, and / or any other suitable characteristics.

[0105] For example, the first jewelry item can be objectively graded based on such data according to one or more techniques described in detail above. More specifically, regarding inclusions, the first grading technique for the first jewelry item may consider: (1) the size of the first inclusion, (2) the size of the second inclusion, (3) the proximity of the first inclusion to the second inclusion, (4) the proximity of one or more inclusions to the edge of the first jewelry item, and (5) the visibility of one or more inclusions in different colors of light (e.g., as shown in reference). Figure 4B , 4C (5A and 5B), (6) the difference between the color of the inclusion and the color of the first jewelry item, or (7) a combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the first grading technique may assign a numerical grade to the first jewelry item, such as a numerical grade between 0 and 100 as described above.

[0106] Method 230 may additionally include accessing data from a remote computing device, such as external memory 116 and / or an external gemological evaluation platform 118, indicating a second jewelry item with a grading that indicates the quality of the second jewelry item and is determined using a second grading technique. According to embodiments of the invention, the second grading technique does not follow a first grading technique. For example, the first grading technique may be employed by a mobile app and may objectively consider various characteristics of the jewelry item and inclusions, as described above. The second grading technique may be a grading technique used by a different entity, and information about this grading technique may be available via the external gemological evaluation platform 118. In various embodiments, the second grading technique assigns a grade to a jewelry item that is subjective and / or changes over time and may be quantitatively and / or qualitatively lower than or higher than the grade assigned using the first grading technique.

[0107] Method 230 may further include determining 238 that when the grading of the second jewelry item is modified to follow the first grading technique (e.g., converted to a numerical grading between 0 and 100 according to the first grading technique), the modified grading of the second jewelry item is within a threshold difference from the grading of the first jewelry item. In this way, method 230 can compensate for differences in the grading technique to produce a determination that the second jewelry item is considered similar in quality to the first jewelry item. The threshold difference may be, for example, a numerical difference in grading that can be predetermined by default or specified by the user of the mobile app.

[0108] More specifically, determining 238 may include determining that modifying the grading of the second jewelry article such that, taking into account the size, arrangement, and / or color characteristics of one or more inclusions in the second jewelry article according to the first grading technique, the modified grading is within a threshold difference from the grading of the first jewelry article.

[0109] Figures 7A to 7C The illustration shows an exemplary arrangement or ranking of jewelry items relative to each other according to an embodiment of the present invention, generated by implementing the techniques described herein. Figure 7A An exemplary ranking of gemstones is shown 700, which includes a gemstone list 702, a numerical grading list 704, and a price list 706. Figure 7A In the example, six gems, designated by identifiers A through F, are shown in descending order of numerical gradations assigned using the techniques described herein.

[0110] In some embodiments, one or more of the numerical grades of gemstones A through F include modified grades. That is, one or more of the numerical grades of gemstones A through F may be modified grades performed by other entities to conform to the above regarding, for example... Figure 2A The results of the described techniques are shown. Exemplary prices or market values ​​of gems A through F, determined using the functions described herein, are also shown in price list 706. Ranking 700 and other rankings described herein can be used to display to users of a mobile app, or in other embodiments may represent information stored by or accessible by the mobile app, such as information stored in external memory 116.

[0111] Ranking 700 and other rankings described herein can be electronically sent or resent to the user at any time an update to the information in ranking 700 occurs. In other examples, the user may also, or alternatively, request an update to ranking 700, such as by adding a suitable option to one of the screenshots described herein or to another user interface. In other examples, the user may also, or alternatively, specify a threshold amount that any information shown in ranking 700 needs to be changed (e.g., a threshold price change) so that ranking 700 can be electronically resent to the user.

[0112] It should also be understood that, given the subsequent rankings, any updates to the original ranking of a particular gem can be maintained in the database, and these updates can be referenced when it is necessary to confirm the grading of that stone or jewelry item. For example, when transferring from one owner to another, previously graded gems or jewelry items can be referenced in the database to obtain their current ranking relative to all gems and items already graded by the system.

[0113] Figure 7B Another exemplary row number 730 is illustrated. Figure 7B In this context, three additional gemstones, designated by identifiers G to I, have been added to gemstone list 702. For example, images of gemstones G to I may have been taken, and they may have been analyzed and graded according to the techniques described above. The numerical grade of gemstone B has been determined from, for example,... Figure 7A The 52.00 version shown is dynamically updated to... Figure 7B The value shown is 51.97, and the added gem G has been given... Figure 7B The numerical level is 52.00. In this way, Figure 7B Ranking 730 uses a dynamically updated grading system to rank gems from A to I relative to each other, in order to rank gems in the new grading system.

[0114] Figure 7C The illustration shows yet another example of a ranking 760. In Figure 7C In the list of gem levels A through F, the numerical levels in 704 are relative to... Figure 7A The numerical grades shown are updated. Such updates to the numerical grades can occur in response to objective changes in how factors such as those described herein affect the grading of jewelry items. For example, such updates to the numerical grades can occur in response to changes in how the color of inclusions affects the numerical grading of a gemstone containing inclusions.

[0115] The methods described herein can be executed, in part or in whole, by machine-readable software or firmware on a tangible (e.g., non-transitory) storage medium. For example, the software or firmware can be in the form of a computer program comprising computer program code adapted to perform some or all of the steps of any of the methods described herein when the program is run on a computer or suitable hardware device (e.g., an FPGA), and wherein the computer program can be embodied on a computer-readable medium. Examples of tangible storage media include computer storage devices having computer-readable media such as disks, thumb drives, flash memory, etc., and do not include propagated signals. Propagated signals can exist in tangible storage media, but propagated signals themselves are not examples of tangible storage media. The software can be adapted to execute on a parallel or serial processor, such that the method steps can be executed in any suitable order or simultaneously.

[0116] It should also be understood that the same or similar numbers in the accompanying drawings represent the same or similar elements in several drawings, and not all embodiments or arrangements require reference to all components or steps described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0117] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “contains,” “containing,” “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or variations thereof specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0118] The orientation terms used herein are for convention and reference purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. However, it should be recognized that these terms may be used by the viewer or user. Therefore, no limitation is implied or inferred. Furthermore, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) is for distinction rather than counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply the existence of a corresponding “first” or “second.” Moreover, the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof in this document is intended to cover the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and additional items.

[0119] While several exemplary embodiments have been described in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications will be made to adapt particular instruments, situations, or materials to embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, or the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but rather the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for grading jewelry items, the method comprising: Images of the jewelry items, including gemstones, are captured using an image capturing device. The processing unit analyzes the image of the jewelry item to identify one or more inclusions in the jewelry item and at least one of the following within the image: one or more colors of the one or more inclusions, various light transmission characteristics of the one or more inclusions, and one or more dimensions of the one or more inclusions; Using the processing unit, the quality of the jewelry item is evaluated based on features of one or more inclusions identified from the image, including: one or more sizes of the one or more inclusions, one or more arrangements of the one or more inclusions relative to another part of the jewelry item, one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions, and each of the light transmission characteristics of the one or more inclusions, wherein the evaluation steps include: Presenting at least a portion of the jewelry items in a grid having a total of a certain number of divisions, wherein the steps of presenting include mapping one or more inclusions to a subset of the grid divisions, and presenting in the grid the one or more sizes, the one or more arrangements, the respective light transmission characteristics, and the one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions; and Determine the percentage associated with the portion corresponding to the inclusions relative to the total number of portions; and The processing unit is used to determine the grade of the jewelry item, wherein the quality of the jewelry item is quantified in relation to multiple additional grades involving multiple additional jewelry items by means of the percentage corresponding to the inclusions of the jewelry item, wherein the quantified grade is calculated by the difference in the assessed quality of a subset of the characteristics of the one or more inclusions of each corresponding jewelry item.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The evaluation steps consider the one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions and the individual light transmission characteristics of the one or more inclusions, and include: Each inclusion is assigned a weight, which is determined from the light blocking factor of each inclusion, the edge proximity multiplier of each inclusion, the distance of each inclusion from other inclusions, the arrangement of inclusions, the color inside the inclusion, the light transmittance inside the inclusion, and the proximity of inclusions to each other; and A composite weight of multiple inclusions is determined from the weight of each inclusion, wherein the composite weight reflects the combined effect of multiple inclusions on the quality and grading of the jewelry item.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The evaluation steps include removing or evaluating at least one of the following from the image: shadows, lighting variations, reflections, or flashes of light emitted from the jewelry item.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The steps to determine this include: Using the first grading technique, determine the first grade of the first piece of jewelry; A second grading technique, different from the first grading technique, is used to determine the second grading of the second jewelry item; and The second grading is modified to follow the first grading technique, wherein the modified grading is within a threshold difference relative to the first grading of the first jewelry item.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The evaluation steps take into account the arrangement of the one or more inclusions by considering the following: The proximity of the first inclusion in the one or more inclusions to the second inclusion in the one or more inclusions. The proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to the edge of the jewelry item, and The proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to a portion of the jewelry item that will be obscured during use.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The steps for conducting the evaluation include: Using the grid, which includes the information mapped therein and presented, the size of one or more of the one or more inclusions or the arrangement of one or more of the one or more inclusions is determined based on at least one of the portions of the grid covered by the one or more inclusions or the proximity of the portions of the grid covered by the one or more inclusions.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The steps for conducting the evaluation include: The first and second number strings are used respectively to represent one or more characteristics of each of at least two inclusions in the one or more inclusions, as determined percentages; and As part of the step of evaluating the quality of the jewelry item, calculations are performed using the first and second number strings.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The steps to determine this include: Based on the grading of the jewelry item, update at least one of the multiple additional gradings involving the multiple additional jewelry items.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The jewelry item in question is the first jewelry item. The method further includes: analyzing the plurality of additional classifications to identify a second jewelry item among the plurality of additional jewelry items as a jewelry item similar to the first jewelry item.

10. A system for grading jewelry items, the system comprising: An image capturing device configured to capture images of the jewelry item including gemstones; An external storage component configured to store data corresponding to images of the jewelry item and multiple additional jewelry items; as well as Processing unit, the processing unit being configured to: Analyze the image of the jewelry item to identify one or more inclusions in the jewelry item and at least one of the following: the color of the one or more inclusions, the light transmission characteristics of each of the one or more inclusions, and one or more dimensions of the one or more inclusions; The quality of the jewelry item is evaluated based on features of one or more inclusions identified from the image, including: one or more sizes of the one or more inclusions, one or more arrangements of the one or more inclusions relative to another part of the jewelry item, one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions, and each of the light transmission characteristics of the one or more inclusions, wherein the evaluation includes: Presenting at least a portion of the jewelry items in a grid having a total of a certain number of divisions, wherein the steps of presenting include mapping one or more inclusions to a subset of the grid divisions, and presenting in the grid the one or more sizes, the one or more arrangements, the respective light transmission characteristics, and the one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions; and The percentage associated with the portion corresponding to the inclusions is determined relative to the total number of the portions; Accessing data from the external storage component that indicates at least one of the following: one or more inclusions among the plurality of additional jewelry items, one or more colors of the plurality of additional jewelry items, and one or more sizes of the plurality of additional jewelry items, in order to determine a plurality of additional grades of the plurality of additional jewelry items; and The grading of the jewelry item is determined by the percentage corresponding to the inclusions of the jewelry item, the grading quantifies the assessed quality of the jewelry item in relation to the plurality of additional gradings relating to the plurality of additional jewelry items, wherein the quantified grading is calculated by the difference in assessed quality of a subset of the features of the one or more inclusions of each respective jewelry item.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The processing unit is configured to consider the one or more color characteristics of the one or more inclusions and the individual light transmission characteristics of the one or more inclusions in order to evaluate the quality of the jewelry item by assigning weights to each inclusion. The processing unit determines the weight of each inclusion based on its light blocking properties, edge proximity multiplier, and distance from other inclusions; and The processing unit determines a composite weight of multiple inclusions from the weight of each inclusion, wherein the composite weight reflects the combined influence of multiple inclusions on the quality and grading of the jewelry.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising: The trained neural network is configured to remove or evaluate at least one of shadows, lighting variations, reflections, or flashes of light emitted from the jewelry from the image.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing unit is configured to: Using the first grading technique, determine the first grade of the first piece of jewelry; A second grading technique, different from the first grading technique, is used to determine the second grading of the second jewelry item; and The second classification is modified to follow the first classification technique, wherein... The modified grading is within the threshold difference relative to the first grading of the first jewelry item.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The processing unit is configured to consider at least one of the following in order to consider the one or more arrangements of the one or more inclusions: The proximity of the first inclusion in the one or more inclusions to the second inclusion in the one or more inclusions. The proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to the edge of the jewelry item, and The proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to a portion of the jewelry item that will be obscured during use.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The processing unit is configured as follows: The size of one or more of the one or more inclusions or the arrangement of one or more of the one or more inclusions is determined based on at least one of the portions of the grid covered by the one or more inclusions or the proximity of the portions of the grid covered by the one or more inclusions.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The processing unit is configured as follows: Based on the grading of the jewelry item, update at least one of the multiple additional gradings involving the multiple additional jewelry items.

17. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The jewelry item is the first jewelry item, and The processing unit is configured to analyze the plurality of additional classifications to identify a second jewelry item among the plurality of additional jewelry items as a jewelry item similar to the first jewelry item.

18. A method for identifying similarly graded jewelry items, the method comprising: The processing unit analyzes data indicating one or more inclusions in the jewelry and at least one of the following: the colors of the one or more inclusions, the light transmission characteristics of the one or more inclusions, and one or more arrangements of the one or more inclusions. Using the processing unit, a first grading technique is used to determine the grading of the first jewelry item that indicates its quality. The first grading technique is based on data indicating one or more inclusions in the first jewelry item and at least one of the following: the colors of the one or more inclusions, the light transmission characteristics of the one or more inclusions, and the arrangement of the one or more inclusions relative to another part of the first jewelry item. Accessing data from a remote computing device that indicates a second jewelry item having the following grading, the grading indicating the quality of the second jewelry item and being determined using a second grading technique that does not follow the first grading technique; and Using the processing unit, it is determined that when the grading of the second jewelry item is modified to conform to the first grading technique, the modified grading of the second jewelry item conforming to the first grading technique is within the threshold difference of the grading of the first jewelry item.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Determining that the modified classification of the second jewelry item is within the threshold difference from the classification of the first jewelry item includes: The classification of the second jewelry item is modified such that, taking into account at least one of the size, arrangement, or color characteristics of one or more inclusions in the second jewelry item according to the first classification technique, the modified classification of the second jewelry item is within a threshold difference from the classification of the first jewelry item.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Determining the grading of the first jewelry item takes into account at least one of the following: The size of the first inclusion in one or more inclusions in the first jewelry item. The proximity of the first inclusion to a second inclusion among one or more inclusions in the first jewelry item. The proximity of at least one of the first or second inclusions to the edge of the first jewelry item. The visibility of the first inclusion in the first color of light, The visibility of the first inclusion in the second color light, and The difference between the color of the first inclusion and the color of the first jewelry item.

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