System for testing characteristics of precious gemstone

Abstract

A system for testing characteristics of precious gemstones. One aspect of the invention relates to a device (2) for illuminating a precious gemstone (10), comprising a light projector (3) equipped with a main light-emitting module (14a) for generating an illumination specially configured to exhibit characteristics of the precious gemstone (10), said main module (14a) comprising a circuit board (25), the circuit board (25) comprises a plurality of light sources (16) each emitting a light beam and an optical diffusing element arranged facing the plurality of light sources (16), the main module (14a) comprising a reflector (21) arranged between the support element (7) and the optical diffusing element, the reflector (21) comprising at least one cavity capable of reflecting at least a portion of the light beam towards the optical diffusing element, each cavity is formed by a back (17) and peripheral walls (18a, 18b, 18c) extending from the back (17) towards the optical diffusing element (23), wherein their respective tops are arranged at a first distance (E1) from the optical diffusing element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for testing the properties of precious gemstones, comprising a light-emitting device specifically adapted for visual recognition of such properties. Background Technology

[0002] With current technology, systems are typically used to test the properties of precious gemstones such as diamonds to verify their authenticity or to classify or otherwise sort them. For this purpose, these systems typically use light-emitting devices with fluorescent tubes to visually test their internal or external properties, such as their color, purity, size, or fluorescence.

[0003] However, one of the major drawbacks of such systems is that they are not safe enough because the fluorescent tubes used in these light-emitting devices contain substances such as mercury that are harmful to the environment and human health.

[0004] Furthermore, these fluorescent tubes are known to produce a buzzing noise, which is an acoustic disturbance that can distract the operator responsible for identifying these characteristics. Additionally, these fluorescent tubes may flicker or flash in a barely perceptible manner, but this can cause headaches, dizziness, and problems for operators who are light-sensitive or prone to conditions such as epilepsy. Finally, the arrangement of these fluorescent tubes in these systems does not allow for a clear and reproducible display of the characteristics of these precious gemstones.

[0005] Given these circumstances, it is clear that a harmless alternative solution needs to be found. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a solution for improving accuracy when testing the properties of precious gemstones using a system configured to produce precise, dynamic and adaptive illumination for these gemstones.

[0007] For this purpose, one aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for illuminating precious gemstones, comprising a light projector equipped with a main light-emitting module for generating illuminance specifically configured to reveal the characteristics of precious gemstones, the main module comprising a circuit board including a plurality of light sources each emitting a light beam and optical diffuser elements arranged to face the plurality of light sources, the main module (14a) including a reflector disposed between the support element and the optical diffuser elements, the reflector including at least one cavity capable of reflecting at least a portion of the light beam toward the optical diffuser elements, each cavity being formed by a back and peripheral walls extending from the back toward the optical diffuser elements, wherein their respective tops are arranged at a first distance from the optical diffuser elements.

[0008] In other embodiments: - The reflector includes two cavities capable of reflecting at least a portion of a light beam toward an optical diffuser element. Each cavity is formed by a back, a peripheral wall, and a partition wall separating it from the other cavity. The walls extend from the back toward the optical diffuser element and their respective tops are arranged relative to the optical diffuser element at a first distance toward the peripheral wall and at a second distance toward the partition wall, the first distance being less than the second distance. - The light source includes electroluminescent elements; - The light source has an adjustable color temperature between 2,500 K and 7,000 K, preferably between 5,700 K and 6,300 K; - The device includes a module for setting the functions implemented by the device, the module including mechanisms for controlling these functions and a screen for transmitting information related to these functions; - The function involves setting the illuminance and temperature of the light source; - The device includes a hinged arm, which includes first and second portions connected at one of their ends; - Each of these first and second parts includes at least one motor for controlling the horizontal and / or vertical movement of the projector relative to the precious gemstone; - The device includes a peripheral module arranged in the lateral portion of the projector and configured to attenuate luminous interference that may be caused by external light sources.

[0009] Another aspect of these aspects of the invention relates to a system for testing the properties of precious gemstones, comprising a light-emitting device and a support element to which the device is fastened, the device being configured to generate illuminance on a zone of interest 8 included on a plate on the support element, the zone of interest 8 including the precious gemstone which can be manipulated by a user. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the following accompanying drawings: - Figure 1 A system for testing the properties of precious gemstones according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a light-emitting device suitable for such gemstones and a plate to which such device is secured; - Figure 2 The spectrum emitted by a light-emitting device according to the invention, with a color temperature between 2,500 K and 7,000 K, is shown. - Figure 3 A schematic top view of a main light-emitting module for generating illuminance according to the present invention is shown, the main light-emitting module comprising a projector in a light-emitting device including multiple light sources, and - Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The figure shows a cross-sectional view AA of the main module used to generate illuminance. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a system 1 for testing the properties of a precious gemstone 10. System 1 includes a light-emitting device 2 specifically adapted to highlight or distinguish one or more properties of the precious gemstone 10. This system 1 can be part of a user's work environment. This work environment is preferably located in a room within a building. In other words, in this room, the sole light source is included in this system 1; otherwise, the room may have a more or less diffused light source, such as sunlight.

[0012] It should be noted that these precious gemstones 10 include, but are not limited to, gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Furthermore, the characteristics, also known as properties, of these precious gemstones 10 may include, but are not limited to, their color, their purity, their size, and their fluorescence.

[0013] This system 1 includes a support element 7 formed by a plate 6, particularly a rectangular plate, such as a table or workbench. The plate 6 includes a zone of interest 8 on all or part of its surface, which can be illuminated by a light-emitting device 2. This zone of interest 8 includes a support 9 on which a precious gemstone 10 with the characteristics to be observed can be arranged.

[0014] This plate 6 includes a zone in which the light-emitting device 2 is fastened to the support element 7.

[0015] This system 1 assists a user, also known as an observer, in visually testing the properties of a precious gemstone 10, included in the region of interest 8, and this testing can include an evaluation of these properties. In other words, the user performs this test based on their visual perception of these properties of the precious gemstone 10. This visual perception can be defined as the result of how the user's brain interprets information related to these properties, including luminous radiation picked up by photoreceptors and entering through the user's pupil, in order to activate receptor cells located in the retina of the user's eye. The optic nerve then transmits the signals generated by these cells to the brain.

[0016] Within this region of interest 8, the precious gem 10 can be manipulated by the user. In this system 1, this region of interest 8 can be: - When the precious gemstone 10 is arranged or placed on the support and thus occupies a portion of the surface of the plate 6, the space defined on the plate 6 on the support element 7, or - The volume of this plate 6 and the precious gem 10 included in it when manipulated by the user.

[0017] This zone of interest can be specifically illuminated based on the user's visual profile and / or at least one characteristic of the gemstone (8).

[0018] In this system 1, the light-emitting device 2 includes: - Light projector 3; - Hinged arm 12, the hinged arm 12 includes first and second parts 4a, 4b, the first and second parts 4a, 4b being connected at one of their ends; - At least one electric motor arranged in arm 12; - Module 5 for setting the functions implemented by the device, the module includes a mechanism 15a for controlling these functions and a screen 15b for transmitting information related to these functions.

[0019] In this device, arm 12 is designed to connect / fasten / mount the projector 3 to the support element 7 of system 1 in the fastening / mounting zone 24 defined on plate 6.

[0020] This projector 3 includes axial or lateral sections, each in a polygonal shape. This projector 3 includes a front section, a rear section, and two lateral sections.

[0021] The projector 3 includes a protective housing, a main light-emitting module 14a, at least one secondary light-emitting module 14b, a connector 13 for connecting the projector 3 to an arm 12 of the device 2, and a protective element 11 for protecting against the light emitted by the projector 3. This protective element 11 protects the user's eyes from the light flux that may come from the main light-emitting module 14a.

[0022] In this configuration, the protective element 11 is fastened to the front portion of the projector 3, and the connector 13 is fastened to the rear portion of the projector 3.

[0023] This connector is configured such that the projector 3 can be oriented about at least three axes A, B, and C relative to the region of interest 8, and particularly relative to the precious gemstone 10 within this region of interest 8. The projector 3 can also be moved vertically and / or horizontally relative to the region of interest 8, and particularly relative to the precious gemstone 10 within this region of interest 8. For example, vertical movement can be achieved by changing the angle α formed between the first and second portions 4a, 4b of the arm 12, and horizontal movement can be achieved by changing the angle β formed at the zone 24 where the arm 12 is mounted on the plate 6.

[0024] This protective housing includes a chamber in which the main light-emitting module 14a and the at least one secondary light-emitting module 14b are arranged.

[0025] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main light-emitting module 14a illustrated herein can produce illuminance specifically configured to reveal the characteristics of the precious gemstone 10. It should be remembered that this illuminance corresponds to the luminous flux emitted by the main module 14a, which is received by the region of interest 8, and specifically by the precious gemstone 10, per surface unit. This illuminance depends on the luminous intensity and the distance of the main module 14a from the region of interest 8, and therefore from the precious gemstone 10.

[0026] This main light-emitting module 14a includes: - Each of the multiple light sources 16 is designed to generate a beam of light; - Optical diffuser elements arranged to face these multiple light sources 16, and - Reflector 21, which includes one or more cavities capable of reflecting one of the light beams toward an optical diffuser element, the cavity including a back 17, peripheral walls 18a, 18b, 18c and a partition wall 19.

[0027] More specifically, the main light-emitting module 14a includes a circuit board 25 on which the light source 16 is disposed. This module also includes a heat sink 20 in contact with the circuit board 25. Specifically, this heat sink allows heat generated by the light source 16 to be dissipated.

[0028] In this context, circuit board 25 is used to supply current to light source 16. In this example, light source 16 is an electroluminescent element such as an electroluminescent diode. These light sources have an adjustable color temperature between 2,500 K and 7,000 K, preferably between 5,700 K and 6,300 K, and preferably 6,000 K.

[0029] In this example, these light sources 16 are arranged in rows and columns on the circuit board 25 to form several groups. Therefore, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example, twenty-four light sources 16 are arranged in two rows and twelve columns, thus forming two groups with twelve light sources 16.

[0030] In this configuration, the light sources 16 in the same group are typically closer to each other than the light sources in another group. As will be explained below, the light sources 16 in the same group are characterized by being associated with the same cavity.

[0031] In this main module 14a, an optical diffuser 23 extends opposite to the light source 16 for illumination. This diffuser is in the form of a plate extending generally parallel to the circuit board 25. It includes two opposing surfaces: a back surface oriented toward the light source 16 and a front surface oriented toward the region of interest 8. Its thickness includes, for example, between 2 mm and 8 mm.

[0032] Therefore, this optical diffuser element 23 is arranged such that, in this example, its back side directly receives at least a portion of the light beam emitted by the light source 16. In this example, "directly" is considered to mean that the light beam does not pass through any other optical element before reaching the back side of this diffuser element. It is also assumed that the light beam reflected by the reflector 21 reaches this diffuser element "directly".

[0033] When diffused through this diffuser element, the beam produces an extended secondary beam on the front surface of the diffuser element, which allows the region of interest 8 to be illuminated. For a collimated beam arriving perpendicular to this diffuser element, the diffuser element has a diffusion angle, for example, between 20 and 140 degrees.

[0034] In this main module 14a, a reflector 21 is inserted between the circuit board 25 and the diffuser element, and thus between the plurality of light sources 16 and the diffuser element.

[0035] Reflector 21 includes walls (in this example, peripheral walls 18a, 18b, 18c) and partition walls 19 separating the two cavities. These walls form cavities around light source 16. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As clearly shown, each cavity is formed around a single group of light sources 16.

[0036] More specifically, each cavity is formed around a plurality of light sources 16 to enhance the uniformity of the secondary beam while maintaining the cavity to be of sufficient size to effectively utilize their reflector effect 21. In this embodiment, the plurality includes twelve light sources 16.

[0037] To guide the light beam toward the diffuser element, the cavities are widened in the direction in which they widen from the light source 16 toward this diffuser element. To guide the light beam toward this diffuser element, the walls surrounding the cavities are reflective. In this example, reflector 21 is made of a plastic material on which a thin metal layer, such as aluminum, silver, or a coating including paint, is deposited. As a variation, reflector 21 can be made entirely of metal. Coatings such as paint or metal plating can be deposited on metallic materials using chemical or physical deposition methods using a non-exhaustive and non-limiting array of deposition techniques: - Chemical vapor deposition (more commonly known as the acronym CVD); - Atomic layer deposition using methods such as plasma ALD (P-ALD) or thermal ALD (T-ALD) (more commonly known as the acronym ALD); - Molecular layer deposition (more commonly known as the acronym MLD); - Deposit layers via cathode sputtering (more commonly known as the "sputtering method"); - A combination of at least two of these types of layer deposition techniques.

[0038] These walls stand between the circuit board 25 and the diffuser element, and thus between the plurality of light sources 16 and the diffuser element. However, these walls do not directly contact the circuit board 25 or the light sources 16 to avoid any short circuits. The fact that the cavity “surrounds” the light source 16 should be understood to mean that it is close to the light source 16 assembly, while slightly overhanging the circuit board 25 by, for example, a distance between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0039] In this configuration, the upper end of the light source opposite to the circuit board 25 can still be located in the corresponding cavity. Therefore, the cavity has an inlet opening, and the light source 16 is located at the inlet opening.

[0040] Peripheral walls 18a, 18b, and 18c surround multiple light sources 16, meaning that when placed end-to-end, peripheral walls 18a, 18b, and 18c surround all light sources 16 on the main module 14a. In other words, peripheral walls 18a, 18b, and 18c do not extend between two light sources 16. In the example shown in the attached figures, peripheral walls 18a, 18b, and 18c hang over a rectangular perimeter on the circuit board 25. In this example, peripheral walls 18a, 18b, and 18c surround all light sources 16.

[0041] On the other hand, the partition wall 19 extends between the light sources 16. More specifically, this partition wall 19 extends between two adjacent groups of light sources 16, that is, two groups placed side by side. In other words, the partition wall 19 separates two adjacent cavities. In this example, the partition wall 19 extends from one peripheral wall 18a, 18b, 18c to another peripheral wall 18a, 18b, 18c.

[0042] Therefore, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be clearly seen, in contrast to the peripheral walls 18a, 18b, 18c that stand around the periphery of the reflector 21, the partition wall stands in the middle or inside the reflector 21.

[0043] These walls extend from the back 17 of the cavity toward the optical diffuser element 23, wherein their respective tops 22a, 22b are arranged relative to the optical diffuser element 23 with respect to the peripheral walls 18a, 18b, 18c at a first distance E1 and with respect to the partition walls at a second distance E2, the first distance E1 being less than the second distance E2. In this configuration, the height of the peripheral walls 18a, 18b, and 18c limits the amount of light that can escape before reaching the diffuser element.

[0044] It should be noted that in one embodiment where the first distance E1 is zero, the back surface of the diffuser element contacts the peripheral walls 18a, 18b, 18c. The light beam is then effectively confined within the reflector 21, between the circuit board 25 and the diffuser element.

[0045] Therefore, overall, the structure of reflector 21 allows for increased compactness of the main light-emitting module 14a while generating a uniform secondary beam to illuminate the region of interest 8. It also makes the main module 14a energy-efficient due to its increased light reaching the optical diffuser 23.

[0046] A significant feature of the structure of reflector 21, combined with the grouped arrangement of light sources 16, is that a relatively small number of light sources 16 can be used. In fact, the main module 14a is designed such that each light source produces a beam that illuminates a portion of the diffuser element.

[0047] As described above, device 2 also includes a function setting module 5. In this respect, this function relates to setting the illuminance and temperature of the light source 16 on the projector 3.

[0048] To set the illuminance function, this module controls the movement of the projector 3 in the vertical and / or horizontal directions, or controls the orientation of the projector 3, via the processing unit and each electric motor. This module can also control the luminous intensity of the main module 14a.

[0049] Now for reference Figure 2This luminescent device (2) enables uniform illumination of the region of interest (8) across a spectrum ranging from 390 nm to 780 nm. It should be noted that when performing fluorescence testing, this luminescent device 2 achieves uniform illumination across a spectral diffuse ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range ranging from 100 to 400 nanometers (nm). This spectrum is divided into three main sub-bands: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm). For precious gemstones such as diamonds, exposure to this UV radiation results in fluorescence, which can be of various colors. Most often, the color is blue. In fact, 98% of all fluorescent diamonds exhibit this color. However, other colors exist, such as white, green, pink, or yellow fluorescence. The color of the fluorescence depends on the physical composition of the diamond's internal atomic structure.

[0050] Furthermore, in this device 2, the secondary light-emitting module 14b is preferably arranged in each lateral portion of the projector 3. It is configured to attenuate light interference that may be caused by light sources present in the environment, as long as the light intensity in the working environment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0051] It is worth noting that this luminous device 2 offers far better performance than the light boxes used to check the color relevance of precious gemstones.

Claims

1. An apparatus (2) for illuminating a precious gemstone (10), the apparatus comprising a light projector (3) equipped with a main light-emitting module (14a) for generating illuminance specifically configured to reveal the characteristics of the precious gemstone (10), the main module (14a) comprising a circuit board (25) including a plurality of light sources (16) each emitting a light beam and optical diffuser elements arranged to face the plurality of light sources (16), the main module (14a) comprising a reflector (21) arranged between a support element (7) and the optical diffuser elements, the reflector (21) comprising at least one cavity capable of reflecting at least a portion of the light beam toward the optical diffuser elements, each cavity being formed by a back (17) and peripheral walls (18a, 18b, 18c) extending from the back (17) toward the optical diffuser elements (23), wherein their respective tops (22a) are arranged at a first distance (E1) from the optical diffuser elements.

2. The device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the reflector (21) comprises two cavities capable of reflecting at least a portion of a light beam toward the optical diffuser element, each cavity being formed by the back (17), the peripheral walls (18a, 18b, 18c) and a partition wall (19) separating it from the other cavity, the walls extending from the back (17) toward the optical diffuser element (23) and such that their respective tops (22a, 22b) are arranged relative to the optical diffuser element with respect to the peripheral walls (18a, 18b, 18c) at a first distance (E1) and with respect to the partition wall (19) at a second distance (E2), the first distance (E1) being smaller than the second distance (E2).

3. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (16) comprises an electroluminescent element.

4. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (16) has an adjustable color temperature between 2,500 K and 7,000 K, preferably between 5,700 K and 6,300 K.

5. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a module (5) for setting functions implemented by the device (2), the module (5) comprising a mechanism (15a) for controlling the functions and a screen (15b) for transmitting information related to the functions.

6. The device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the function relates to setting the illuminance and temperature of the light source (16).

7. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a hinged arm (12) including first and second portions (4a, 4b) connected at one of their ends.

8. The device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second parts (4a, 4b) includes at least one motor for controlling the horizontal and / or vertical movement of the projector (3) relative to the precious gem (10).

9. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a secondary module (14b) arranged in a lateral portion of the projector (3) and configured to attenuate luminous interference that may be caused by a light source outside the device (2).

10. A system (1) for testing the properties of a precious gemstone (10), comprising a light-emitting device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a support element (7) to which the device (2) is fastened, the device (2) being configured to generate illuminance on a region of interest (8) on a plate (6) on the support element (7), the region of interest (8) comprising the precious gemstone (10) which can be manipulated by a user.

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