Digital Image Gemstone Verification Using a Filter

Abstract

The systems and methods herein may be used to capture an image of a sample gemstone under structured and filtered illumination for image matching for later comparison and authentication using a networked computer system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 346,235, filed May 26, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This field includes software for creating tamper - resistant imprints and for matching images of laser imprints on gemstones, including using filters for image capture.

Background Art

[0003] Marking of gemstones by permanent imprinting, etching, and / or engraving has been used to aid in stone identification and logo application. However, in order to make good use of the relationship that a single marking can have with a report, grade, or other identification information, it is possible for a third party to forge laser - engraved numbers. These drawbacks require the novel and improved systems and methods described herein for creating tamper - resistant imprints and for matching the gemstone image when the gemstone is graded to the gemstone image when the gemstone is later presented.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The systems and methods herein can be used to match identification displays of gemstones using image matching and machine learning, artificial intelligence systems and methods. In a first exemplary embodiment, a method is provided. The method can be executed by a computer with a processor and memory. The computer can communicate with a networked comparison server computer, a digital camera, and a structured and filtered light source. The method can include illuminating a gemstone in a holder with the light source. The gemstone can include an imprint. Further, the light source can include a structured filter.

[0005] The method can also include receiving, by a computer, a digital image of a gemstone and at least one identifier for the gemstone. The method can also include searching, by the computer, using the received identifier, for at least one previously stored digital image and its identifier. The previously stored image and its identifier can include an engraving on the gemstone and its unique features. The method can also include comparing, by the computer, the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier. The comparison of the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with at least one previously stored digital image can be retrieved using the identifier.

[0006] If the comparison matches, the method can include indicating the match to a user interface. If the comparison does not match, the method can include indicating the non-match to a user interface.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided. The system can include a digital camera and a structured and filtered light source. The light source can include a light source filter. The system can also include a computer having a processor and a memory. The memory can include instructions that cause the processor to illuminate a gemstone in a holder with the light source. The gemstone can include an engraving.

[0008] The instructions can further cause the processor to receive a digital image of the gemstone and at least one identifier for the gemstone. The digital image can be captured by the digital camera. The instructions can further cause the processor to search, using the received identifier, for at least one previously stored digital image and its identifier. The previously stored image and its identifier can include an engraving on the gemstone and its unique features.

[0009] The command can further cause the processor to compare the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier. The comparison of the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with the at least one previously stored digital image can be retrieved using the identifier.

[0010] If the comparison matches, the command can further cause the processor to indicate the match to the user interface. If the comparison does not match, the command can further cause the processor to indicate the non - match to the user interface.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer - implemented method is provided. The computer - implemented method can include receiving a digital image of a gemstone and at least one identifier for the gemstone.

[0012] The computer - implemented method can also include using the received identifier to retrieve at least one previously stored digital image and its identifier. The previously stored image and its identifier can include an engraving on the gemstone and its unique features.

[0013] The computer - implemented method can also include comparing the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier. The comparison of the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with the at least one previously stored digital image can be retrieved using the identifier.

[0014] If the comparison matches, the computer - implemented method can include indicating the match to the user interface. If the comparison does not match, the computer - implemented method can include indicating the non - match to the user interface.

[0015] The computer-implemented method can be executed by a computer. The computer can communicate with a networked comparison server computer. The computer can further communicate with a digital camera and a structured and filtered light source. In some cases, the computer-implemented method can include illuminating a gemstone in a holder with the light source. The gemstone can include an engraving. Further, the light source can include a structured filter.

[0016] In some cases, the light source filter is a horizontal filter. In some cases, the light source filter is a vertical filter. In some cases, the light source filter is a grid filter. In some cases, the light source filter is a circular filter. In some cases, the light source filter is a square filter. In some cases, the light source filter forms a specific shape that correlates with the geometric shape of the gemstone.

[0017] In some cases, the structured and filtered light source includes lines with intervals, sizes, and line widths that are proportional to at least one of the distance between the structured and filtered light source and the gemstone, the diameter of the gemstone, the spatial distance between the facet junctions of the gemstone, and the height of the gemstone.

[0018] In some cases, the structured and filtered light source is an optical display / projector / monitor / LED.

[0019] In some cases, the digital camera and the light source are desktop units remote from the computer used to compare with previously stored images.

[0020] In some cases, the digital camera and the structured and filtered light source are within the same mobile unit remote from the computer used to compare with previously stored images.

[0021] In some cases, the digital camera and the light source are directed along the same axis towards the gemstone by a dichroic beam splitter.

[0022] In some cases, the digital camera and the light source are directed towards both sides of the gemstone to provide a backlight image.

[0023] In some cases, comparing the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier includes comparing the gemstone girdle profile within the image.

[0024] In some cases, comparing the previously stored digital image of the gemstone and / or identifier can be replaced with a newly acquired digital image and / or identifier of the same gemstone.

[0025] In some cases, the matching server can generate a digital certificate / record of the gemstone after a successful match and provide the resulting digital certificate / record to the user.

[0026] In some cases, the thickness of the lines in the structured and filtered light can vary from 1 nm to 100 mm, and the spacing between the lines in the structured and filtered light can vary from 1 nm to 100 mm.

[0027] In some cases, the lines in the structured and filtered light have a sinusoidal gradation.

[0028] In some cases, the lines in the structured and filtered light are binary without gradation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] For a better understanding of the embodiments described in this application, reference should be made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0050] Here, embodiments are referred to in detail, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter presented herein. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Further, the specific embodiments described herein are given by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the specific embodiments. In other instances, well-known data structures, timing protocols, software operations, procedures, and components are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments herein.

[0051] Overview

[0052] Although it is difficult to evaluate the value of gemstones, through analysis and certification by reputable institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and / or the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), the market can better understand gemstones and the physical properties underlying them to assign values. In such an example, a gemstone may be submitted for analysis to be recorded in a certificate for each gemstone with a complete description including authenticity, size, shape, grading, characteristics, and / or a record number for database and reference purposes. Once a gemstone is certified, its record containing all of the above descriptions can be stored for later use.

[0053] It is also possible to reissue a gemstone certificate in response to a customer's request. Generally, customer gemstones that have already been certified by an established organization should be mailed to the same organization for a new certificate. This gemstone certification process is very time-consuming and extensive for customers. In some cases, a customer's gemstone may be lost during shipping. Therefore, it is very natural to conceive of a gemstone certificate and / or verification service that automatically authenticates gemstones with the help of the aforementioned computerized gemstone verification method.

[0054] Also, it may be beneficial to label gemstones with permanent markings such as ablation, engraving, and / or stamping of identifiers in order to track and later match such gemstones. Such identifiers can be any kind of information such as, but not limited to, record numbers (or stamps) in any combination or permutation, gemstone color, shape, color, cut, carat weight, clarity, origin, inclusion location, cut type, and / or girdle polish type, etc. Such identification markings may also be associated with reports, grades, origin information, or other background information in a background database for lookup and later matching and identification purposes. Further, gemstone labeling can be done in many different forms such as barcodes, unique numbers, unique shapes, etc. However, like other things, gemstones are moved, mailed, and sold to different parties. Therefore, verification of already authenticated and / or analyzed gemstones is useful and desirable.

[0055] However, counterfeiters can profit from stamping their own fake identifiers in order to mimic genuine stamps. Therefore, it may be useful to make stamping difficult to counterfeit. Further, an image matching system may be useful for identifying such fakes or forged stamps by comparing them to already identified and analyzed gemstones stored in a reference database. Further, it may be useful to complete such verification at a location remote from the reference storage location in order to facilitate access to and use of the matching results. In this way, a consumer can image a gemstone in a shopping mall, transmit one or more images to the system described herein by a computer network for matching, and receive the results of the matching in a relatively short time. In this way, the systems and methods herein can be used to match images of laser stamps on gemstones including, but not limited to, gemstone girdles that are often stamped.

[0056] Although examples of gemstones and carved gemstones are used herein, such terms are not intended to be limiting. The systems and methods herein can be used in many multiple exemplary matching scenarios, and the gemstone with laser engraving is just one of them.

[0057] Background of Gemstone Engraving

[0058] Ablating a gemstone with a laser beam on the surface and / or under the surface of the gemstone can mark the gemstone correlated with history, grade, origin, or other background information, and thereby can be used for later identification. Such engravings can be, but are not limited to, any of numbers, words, logos, QR codes, barcodes, labels, codes, logos, secondary encryption, and / or 3D images, etc., for labeling and / or identification purposes, as well as for customizing the gemstone with a customer-requested name, date, etc. Such engravings can be visible to the naked eye or may be difficult to see with the naked eye, but provide information that can be used for tracking and identifying the gemstone under magnification. Such ablation engravings can be difficult to change and / or imitate by a third party, especially an under-surface third party. However, identification marks may be associated with a chain of grades or reports or titles, sales history, and / or other background information, and such marks may be forged, fabricated, or altered. Therefore, it is beneficial to help ensure that the engraving of a particular stone matches the engraving associated with the original genuine grade or report stored in the background system. In this way, the image of the engraved gemstone report can be matched and verified more precisely than using the naked engraved characters.

[0059] Figure 1 shows an engraving 102 on the girdle of a cut diamond, although such engraving can be made anywhere on the cut diamond and the example of the girdle is non-limiting. Figure 2 shows an example of a laser beam 204 that is provided by computer software communicating with a hardware laser system to focus energy on the girdle 206 of a gemstone and ablate one spot or point 202 at a time in order to create the required or requested engraving. Such an identifier can match background history, grade, origin, or other information for matching and information purposes. However, any such engraving design can be created, but there is a possibility that a third party may try to imitate the original and engrave another gemstone with the same identifier.

[0060] Figure 3 shows details of a girdle having an exemplary gemstone 302 and engraving 318. The view of the gemstone 302 shows the table 304, the facets 306 on the crown 308, and the girdle 310. The girdle portion 310 is often, but not necessarily, the location where the gemstone is engraved, especially in a circular and vivid style cut. Also shown are the pavilion 312 and the facet junction 314 on the pavilion 312 that terminates within the culet 316.

[0061] The girdle detail 318 is also shown with an upper girdle 320 and a lower girdle 322 that bound a facet 324 used when cutting the girdle portion where the laser engraving 330 is located. In some examples, girdle facets having a vertical orientation facet 324 are not used and are rough or polished, and the faceted girdle is shown only as a general example.

[0062] The systems and methods herein assist in matching not only images or designs etched on gemstones but also using other identifying features of the gemstone itself.

[0063] Examples of imaging filters

[0064] Figure 4 shows a comparison of an example of a girdle without 402 and 410 and an optical filter applied to the camera described in this specification. The figure shows how and why it is easier to process an image taken with an optical filter using computer image analysis, pixel analysis, and software for identifying other physical aspects of the diamond for computer image analysis. The contrast can be increased in the image taken with the filter, thereby assisting computer image analysis to decipher any of the features including the imprints on the sample and the facets, facet angles, facet junctions, and other physical characteristics.

[0065] Without the optical filter 402, the facet junction 406 is hardly visible. However, the overall facet junction visibility is dramatically improved by the image taken using the optical filter 410 described in this specification. As can be seen from the filtered image 410 of the girdle and the imprint 404, the vertical facet 406 is clearer in the image taken by the filter 410. Also, the imprint is clearer 404, and the junctions of the upper facet 412 and the lower facet 414 have better sharpness. Since the lines on the image taken using the optical filter 410 are cleaner, sharper, with better contrast and fineness, computer digital image and pixel analysis are assisted as described and can be more accurate.

[0066] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing examples of different optical filters with different orientations and patterns. Any or all of these patterned filters can be used in any combination with a camera used to capture an image for the analysis described herein in the embodiments described herein. In gemology, each of the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) plays a role in determining the quality of a gemstone. For example, diamond cut quality is generally evaluated by checking for any abnormalities, irregularities, symmetry, etc. in the table-up view and the table-down view. Thus, it can be useful to enhance the gemstone facets in digital images taken for grading purposes, especially by computer image analysis. Such filters can also be used to enhance the visibility of the unique features of a gemstone, including any defects such as facet junctions, cracks, chips, scratches, and / or inclusions.

[0067] FIG. 5A shows an exemplary optical masking filter used for gemstone imaging in a system with a complex pattern, such as a specific spacing and / or shape, which is highly correlated with any spatial frequency, such as orientation and / or shape, of a given gemstone. When the optical pattern is projected onto a given gemstone, it optically interferes with the unique features of the given gemstone and, depending on the shape and pattern, results in an improved visibility of facet junctions and inclusions as shown herein.

[0068] The filter spacing can be varied for each gemstone and / or for each imaging device. Such different line spacings and line thicknesses can enhance the different aspects of each gemstone facet, geometry, and / or engraving, etching, embossing, or engraved identifier. In some examples, the spacing can be adjusted based on several factors including, but not limited to, the distance between the filter and the gemstone girdle, the diameter of the gemstone, the spatial distance between facet junctions, and / or the height of the gemstone, in any combination or permutation. In some examples, this can result in an adjustment of the filter pattern as well as the spacing and / or height for each gemstone. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing representative examples of optical filters of different configurations. In the first example 522 of FIG. 5B, a binary pattern 524 and a sine curve pattern 526 are shown. The binary pattern 524, as an example, has no gradation using only white space and black lines with a distance of 4 mm between the first row and the next row. The sine curve pattern 526 includes a gradation from black to gray to white and repeats again. The distance can be any distance, but 4 mm is shown as a non-limiting example. Next, the thickness 530 of the line itself is shown as 2 mm. Again, the line thickness can be any distance, but 2 mm is shown as a non-limiting example. The second example 532 also shows, as a non-limiting example 538, a binary pattern 534 and a sine curve pattern 536, where the distance between the first and second lines of the binary pattern is 2 mm, and the line thickness 540 in the non-limiting example is 1 mm.

[0069] The optical interference between the facet junction and the optical filter pattern can be further explained by the moiré effect. According to this theory, when the projected light pattern is optically convolved at a given spatial frequency (e.g., the facet junction) on a gemstone, it is possible to enhance (or modulate) specific spatial frequency components.

[0070] Therefore, the pattern of the optical filter pattern, including the spacing and shape, has a high correlation with the spatial frequency components of a given gemstone. For example, the square optical filter 508 in FIG. 5A is designed to enhance any vertical and horizontal facet junctions and inclusions within the optical field. The purely vertically aligned filters 502 can enhance vertical lines such as those on the facet girdle. The pure horizontal line 504 can enhance horizontal lines such as specific facets around the crown. The combination of horizontal and vertical lines 506 can enhance both vertical and horizontal facets on the gemstone.

[0071] The circular optical filter 510 in FIG. 5A is designed to enhance facet junctions and inclusions on a round brilliant cut (RBC) gemstone. There are many different types of gemstone cuts, such as circular, emerald, princess, oval, radiant cut, etc., but the circular brilliant cut is very common for diamonds.

[0072] Example of imaging hardware settings

[0073] FIG. 6A shows an exemplary light source 602 having a filter with a line 604 corresponding to the vertical lines of the girdle facet. Such a filter may correspond to the vertical lines shown as 502 in FIG. 5A or may be arranged with any type of filter. A unit such as that shown in FIG. 6A may be remotely located and include a communication system for illuminating the sample, capturing images, and transmitting those images to a back-end system for analysis. (See FIG. 19 for a networked system and FIG. 20 for a computing system that can integrate with or communicate with the system of FIG. 6A.) FIG. 6A also shows a sample holder 610 that can be used for imaging. Although a camera is not shown in FIG. 6A, it may be arranged to capture images of the sample from any of a variety of angles.

[0074] The advantages of using such filters are shown here, so the various filters that may be used below are hardware settings that can be used to implement the described filters and capture images of gemstones for grading and / or other image analysis such as comparison for identification purposes, but are not limited to this.

[0075] As described above, during the process of engraving a gemstone with a unique identifier associated with a gemstone report, an image of the engraving on the gemstone can be taken. Such an image may be of the engraving and the surrounding environment such as the girdle and facets above and below the engraving. The image can include facets of the girdle itself, facets of the gemstone near or in contact with the girdle, and any defects seen near the engraving.

[0076] Figure 6B shows another view of an imaging and illumination system including a gemstone holder 610 and a display 612. The example of Figure 6B shows a light source attached to a flexible arm 620 using the optical filters described herein. The example of Figure 6B also shows a fixed light source 622 that also has the optical filters described herein. Both light sources 620, 622 can illuminate the gemstone stage 610 and any gemstone sample placed or held thereon. A camera (not shown) is arranged to image the gemstone on the holder stage 610 and display the image on the display screen 612. In some examples, these images can be captured, stored, and / or transmitted to a backend server as described for storage and / or comparison matching. Figure 6B also shows details of the optical filter on the fixed light 624 and the optical filter on the flexible light 626. Any type of filter device can be used with the fixed light 622 and / or the flexible light 620 in any combination or permutation described herein, including but not limited to those described in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0077] Figure 7 shows an exemplary hardware overview of a device that can be utilized for using the method described herein. With this setup, the system can capture and analyze two images of the gemstone, namely, a top-view image and a side-view image of the target gemstone. The side-view image captures the contour of the diamond girdle, although any part of the stone may be inscribed, and the girdle is merely a non-limiting example.

[0078] The example of Figure 7 includes a top camera 702 and a side camera 704 (with optional telecentric lenses) that can be used to align the stone 710 by illuminating the stone with light from a blue light-emitting diode (LED) 720 and a red LED 730, each behind its respective diffuser, one for the blue light 722 and one for the red light 732 directed at the gemstone 710. By illuminating the gemstone from the back and bottom angles as shown, the stone girdle image is more easily analyzed by the camera and computer system for more accurate imprinting.

[0079] In the example of Figure 7, a red long-pass filter 734 is used between the stone 710 and the top camera 702. In this example, an iris 736 is used between the stone 710 and the top camera 702. In this example, a laser mirror housing 738 is placed above the stone. In this example, a blue band-pass filter 724 is placed between the stone 710 and the side camera 704.

[0080] Components of FIG. 7 that can communicate with a computer system including an internal computer system or a computer system including, but not limited to, top camera 702, side camera 704, iris 736, and laser mirror housing 738, and a motor that holds stone 710 and / or a stone holder. Such a system can be used to automatically focus the systems described herein using a feedback loop of images sent to the computer to adjust the motor to move the holders and gemstones described herein.

[0081] By inserting different color filters 724, 734 for top camera 702 and side camera 704, separate blue LED light 720 and red LED light 730 can be used to illuminate stone 710 for engraving. Using a lens coupled with side camera 704, a sharp image of the girdle of stone 710 can be provided, which is part of the inscribed stone. As shown in FIG. 7, using iris 736 in front of top camera 702 to clip the reflected side light can help increase the depth of field.

[0082] In some examples, any or all of the diffusers shown in FIGS. 7, 722, 732 having lights 720, 730 may be structured filters as described herein and shown by way of example in FIGS. 5A - 5B and FIGS. 6A - 6B. In some examples, combinations of red light, blue light, or other colored lights, and structured filters as described may be used in the same camera.

[0083] Such an imaging system described herein can include or communicate with a computer system such as, but not limited to, those described in FIGS. 19 and 20. Such a computer system may be configured to control laser parameters, move by various motors, and / or capture digital images and control the analysis of engravings. FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 show further examples below.

[0084] Examples of Gemstone Holders

[0085] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 8, a gemstone holder can be used to hold a gemstone for a laser to engrave on the gemstone or its acquired image. Exemplary stone holders hold the stones to be engraved in one place, prevent the stones from moving during the engraving process, and allow the operator to more easily exchange the stones from the engraver when multiple stones are already loaded in the holder or when the stones are quickly and continuously exchanged within one holder. Such holders can also more easily include the identification information of the stones, so that as a result, the operator can track which stones are loaded and which marks are engraved.

[0086] The holder includes a frame 802 having a spring load shaft 804 attached substantially parallel to two of the four sides of the frame, and a fixed end 806 on the opposite side of the spring load shaft 804. Some examples include thrust ball bearings and thrust washers on both sides of the spring 817 to facilitate rotation of the spring load shaft 804 and prevent torsional resistance. The exemplary spring load shaft 804 can be pulled open by an operator to move the spring load shaft 804 relative to the holder frame 802 and is held by the spring tension of a spring 817 that biases it to push out and away from an upper end guide set 816, and can be released to sandwich a sample stone 808 between it and the fixed end 806. In this example, the holder includes an upper end guide set 816 through which the spring load shaft passes, the upper end guide set 816 having an opening to allow movement or sliding of the spring load shaft, whereby the spring 817 is pushed out and away to apply the force of the spring load shaft 804 to the gemstone 808, and the holder also includes two guide slots and pegs to keep the spring load shaft aligned with the fixed end 806 when the spring load shaft opens and closes. The sample stone 808 is disposed on the holder and can be sandwiched between the spring load shaft 804 and the fixed end 806 when the spring load shaft 804 is pushed away from the upper end guide set 816 by the spring tension.

[0087] FIG. 8 shows a holder for securing three different sized stones, namely a small stone 806 at 810, a medium stone 828 at 820, and a larger stone 838 at 830, where the shaft is relatively small, medium, and large to fit the stone. In some examples, a small shaft can be used to hold stones between 0.03 carats and 0.1 carat, a medium shaft can be used to hold stones larger than 0.1 carat and smaller than 10 carats, and a larger shaft can be used to hold stones larger than 10 carats. This shows how the same arrangement can secure gemstones of many sizes for analysis. Such a stone holder is useful for engraving many different parts of the gemstone, but particularly useful for engraving the girdle on the gemstone.

[0088] In some examples, such a holder can also include a diffuser for diffusing the light used to illuminate the gemstone during the engraving process, in addition to sandwiching the stone 808 between the spring load shaft 808 and the fixed end 806. Diffusers can be added to both the upper and lower end LEDs, which helps to provide a uniform lighting environment and improve the image quality.

[0089] In some examples, this can include an upper blue LED diffuser paper 812. In the example of FIG. 8, the diffusers 812, 814 are paper diffusers, but can be made of plastic, etched glass, or any other type of diffuser. The exemplary holder 802 includes a friction fit slot 811 for securing the upper blue diffuser paper 812. In some examples, the holder can include a diffuser paper 814 for diffusing the lower red LED. Stone holders with different shaft sizes of different spring load shafts 804 can be used to fit different stone sizes.

[0090] In use, the configuration shown in FIG. 8 is arranged within the system, blue LED light is irradiated through the upper diffuser paper 812, lower red light is irradiated through the lower diffuser paper 814, the stone 808 remains open for the camera to view from above and from the side as shown in FIG. 7, and the laser engraves.

[0091] In some examples, the gemstone holder 810 can be arranged within the engraving system and moved by a motor to enable the laser to engrave at the location indicated by the software program. In such examples, a set of stepping motors or electric motors can be used to move the holder and the gemstone in the x, y, and z directions while the laser system is stationary and fire at the stone when commanded by the computer. The same configuration can be used with the systems and methods described herein to image the sample stone.

[0092] Example of an imaging system

[0093] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a gemstone imaging system in transmission mode configured to verify a gemstone in a table down view from the culet side.

[0094] In this example, the light source 920 includes the optical filter 924 described herein. The gemstone 910 during imaging has a table side facing the light 920 and a culet side facing the imaging sensor 904 or digital camera. In this way, the computer system 940 (also described in FIGS. 19 and 20) can communicate with the light 920, the optical filter 924 for changing the display, the display, and the digital camera 904, including, but not limited to, turning the light on / off, the intensity of the light 920, the color of the light 920, the light wavelength 920, which optical filter 924 is used when the camera 904 captures an image, the number of images captured by the camera 904, etc., and can control all aspects of the imaging process.

[0095] The final image captured in this arrangement of FIG. 9 is the table-down image 930, but the orientation of components such as camera 904 and light 920 may be arranged in any way as long as the order is maintained. For example, the left-to-right orientation of the components is for illustrative purposes only and can be top-to-bottom or any other orientation. The exemplary orientation of FIG. 9 is not intended to be limiting.

[0096] In some examples, alone or in any combination, the pattern of the optical filter can be adjusted dynamically and automatically for a given gemstone. In some examples, such changes are by a liquid crystal display that can be changed or edited based on input from a computer system or manual input of filter type, size, arrangement, spacing, or any other parameter. In some examples, the liquid crystal display (LCD) may be used with and / or integrated into an illumination system to provide illumination adaptability and / or a dynamic structure.

[0097] The correlation between the structured and filtered light options and the physical properties of the gemstone (height, facet size, facet distance, and / or other geometric shapes) can help improve contrast and thereby improve the image quality for more accurate matching.

[0098] The system can enable manual input of these or other physical properties of the gemstone being evaluated, and / or the system can capture an image of the gemstone and thereby determine to model or estimate some or all of the necessary geometric measurements used based on known distances up to, for example, a camera lens. In an automatic configuration, an image of the gemstone can be captured and analyzed by a back-end computer to determine which optimal structured light source can be used to capture an enhanced image for comparison.

[0099] When determined by either a manual or an automatic decision based on image analysis, the system can instruct the light source filter structure to display a specific predetermined line spacing, thickness, arrangement, setting, pattern, and / or any other kind of arrangement. See FIGS. 5A and 5B for examples. The line spacing and thickness of any of the filter options shown can be selected, changed, and updated for different lighting conditions and image capture to enhance facets, identifiers, and / or other features. Such changes can be implemented by changing the LCD with respect to the light and / or any other kind of change, replacement, or movement of the filter to the position of the light source for illuminating the gemstone being evaluated.

[0100] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a transmissive-mode gemstone imaging system configured to verify a gemstone in a girdle view or side view. As in FIG. 9, the components may be arranged in any orientation as long as their relative order is maintained as shown in FIG. 10. The left-to-right orientation of the light 1020, then the filter 1024, then the sample 1010, then the imaging sensor camera 1004 is not intended to be limiting and can be oriented up and down, right to left, or any other orientation.

[0101] In this example, the light source 1020 includes the optical filter 1024 described herein. The gemstone 1010 during imaging has one side of the girdle facing the light 1020 and the other side of the girdle facing the imaging sensor 1004 or the digital camera. In this way, the computer system 1040 (also described in FIGS. 19 and 20) can communicate with the light 1020, the optical filter 1024 display for changing the display, and the digital camera 1004, including but not limited to, turning the light on / off, the intensity of the light 1020, the color of the light 1020, the light wavelength 1020, which optical filter 1024 is used when the camera 1004 captures an image, the number of images captured by the camera 1004, etc., and can control all aspects of the imaging process. The final image captured in this configuration of FIG. 10 is the girdle side image 1030.

[0102] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a transmission mode gemstone imaging system configured to verify the gemstone 1110 in a table-up view facing the camera and cupping towards the light source. As in FIGS. 9 and 10, the components may be arranged in any orientation as long as their relative order is maintained as shown in FIG. 11. The left-to-right orientation of the light 1120, then the filter 1124, then the sample 1110, then the imaging sensor camera 1104 is not intended to be limiting and can be oriented up and down, right to left, or any other orientation.

[0103] In this example, the light source 1120 includes the optical filter 1124 described herein. The gemstone 1110 during imaging has a culet side facing the light 1120 and a table side facing the imaging sensor 1104 and the digital camera. In this way, the computer system 1140 (also described in FIGS. 19 and 20) can communicate with the light 1120, the optical filter 1124 for changing the display, the display, and the digital camera 1104, including, but not limited to, turning the light on / off, the light intensity 1120, the light color 1120, the light wavelength 1120, which optical filter 1124 is used when the camera 1104 captures an image, the number of images captured by the camera 1104, etc., and can control all aspects of the imaging process. The final image captured in this configuration of FIG. 11 is the table-up image 1130.

[0104] Exemplary hardware using a reflection arrangement

[0105] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a reflection-mode gemstone imaging system configured to verify the gemstone 1210 in a table-up view having a culet facing the camera 1204. Such an example of reflectivity allows the light source 1220 and the camera 1204 to be arranged in a different orientation from those described in FIGS. 9, 10, and / or 11. As a result, the light 1220 can pass through and be reflected by the dichroic beam splitter 1250, and the imaging camera 1204 can capture an image through the dichroic beam splitter 1250. In this way, components such as the light source 1220 and the camera 1204 may be in different orientations, and those of FIGS. 9, 10, and / or 11 may not be practical or desirable. One such advantage is that, instead of a backlighting arrangement, the illumination can be from the same direction from which the image is captured.

[0106] Other advantages of the reflectivity configuration can include that optical alignment is easy for the user to align the gemstone, and / or that such a configuration is also well-suited for other imaging modalities such as brightfield and fluorescence microscopes.

[0107] In this example, the light source 1220 includes the optical filter 1224 described herein. The gemstone 1210 being imaged has a culet side facing the beam splitter 1250, thereby having both the light 1220 and the imaging sensor 1204 or digital camera. In this way, the computer system 1240 (also described in FIGS. 19 and 20) can communicate with the light 1220, the optical filter 1224 for changing the display, the display, and the digital camera 1204, including but not limited to, the on / off of the light, the intensity of the light 1220, the color of the light 1220, the light wavelength 1220, which optical filter 1224 is used when the camera 1204 captures an image, the number of images captured by the camera 1204, etc., and can control all aspects of the imaging process. The final image captured in this configuration of FIG. 12 is a table-down image 1230 similar to FIG. 9.

[0108] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a reflectance-mode gemstone imaging system configured to verify a gemstone in a table-down view. As shown in the figure, the above components may be arranged in any orientation as long as their relative order is maintained as shown in FIG. 13. The orientation of the light 1320, then the filter 1324, then the sample 1310, and the imaging sensor camera 1304 is not intended to be limiting and can be oriented up and down, right to left, or any other orientation.

[0109] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a reflective mode gemstone imaging system configured to verify a gemstone 1310 in a table up view having a table facing the camera 1304. Such an example of reflectivity allows the light source 1320 and the camera 1304 to be arranged in an orientation different from those described in FIGS. 9, 10, and / or 11, such that the light 1320 can pass through and be reflected by the dichroic beam splitter 1350, and the imaging camera 1304 can capture an image through the dichroic beam splitter 1350. In this way, the light source 1320 and the camera 1304 may be in different orientations, and those of FIGS. 9, 10, and / or 11 may not be practical or desirable. One such advantage is that, instead of a backlighting arrangement, the illumination can be from the same direction from which the image is captured.

[0110] Other advantages of the reflectivity configuration can include that optical alignment is easy to align the gemstone, and / or that such a configuration is well suited for other imaging modalities such as brightfield and fluorescence microscopy.

[0111] In this example, the light source 1320 includes the optical filter 1324 described herein. The gemstone 1310 being imaged has a table side facing the beam splitter 1350, thereby having both the light 1320 and the imaging sensor 1304 or digital camera. In this way, the computer system 1340 (also described in FIGS. 19 and 20) can communicate with the light 1320, the optical filter 1324 for changing the display, the display, and the digital camera 1304, including but not limited to, turning the light on / off, the intensity of the light 1320, the color of the light 1320, the light wavelength 1320, which optical filter 1324 is used when the camera 1304 captures an image, the number of images captured by the camera 1304, etc., and can control all aspects of the imaging process.

[0112] The final image captured in this arrangement of FIG. 13 is a table up image 1330 similar to FIG. 10.

[0113] Exemplary method steps for inscribing and capturing an image

[0114] FIG. 14 shows exemplary steps that can be taken to engrave a stone and capture a first image of the engraved stone, using alone or in any combination the exemplary holder of FIG. 8 and the setup system of FIGS. 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, and / or 13 for later comparison, as described herein.

[0115] FIG. 14 illustrates that to begin at 1402, the stone is placed in the holder 1404 (see FIG. 8), and then the stone holder is inserted into the sample chamber 1406. Next, the stone is moved to a preset position where the stone girdle is visible by the imaging system and can be mapped from a side view (in the case of girdle engraving) 1408. Next, the auto-focus function can be utilized to align the upper end of the girdle with the laser focal plane 1410. Next, centering of the girdle position from the top-view camera window 1412. Next, select or scan the logo or report number on the stone 1414. The logo or report number label may be placed at the target engraving position 1416 and engraving may be initiated 1418. Once engraved, the imaging system captures an image of the stone and the engraving 1420 and can store it for future comparison use. Then, the sample stage may be returned to its original position for the next engraving 1422, which can return to another placement of another stone within the holder 1404 or end 1424.

[0116] Example of verification method

[0117] FIG. 15 shows method steps for capturing an image using the systems and methods described herein and comparing the images for matching.

[0118] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary flowchart showing the workflow of a gemstone verification method in conjunction with the gemstone imaging system described herein, including the computer system and network system described herein. First, in this example, both a reference input image and a test input image 1502 are obtained from a gemstone digital imaging system using the systems and methods described herein 1504. Next, the system can automatically analyze the image quality and exclude any low-quality images 1506, which may result in a verification failure in the following steps. Such steps for filtering low-quality images can include automated image quality assessment software based on both classical image processing methods and AI models. Some examples can use edge detection, noise detection, image comparison with stored examples, and / or any combination of image recognition. FIG. 16 shows an exemplary flowchart walking through exemplary steps that a computer system described herein may take to determine whether an image is acceptable or another image is required for comparison. First 1602, an image is input into the system 1604. Such an image can be from the system described herein or taken by any other digital image capture system or method. In some examples, the image is an image of a gemstone girdle and any associated markings made thereon. Next, the computer can extract the gemstone girdle profile from the image 1606. Next, the computer can create and then analyze the pixel intensity histogram of the digital image within the predefined gemstone girdle boundary that has already been determined 1608. Next, the system can send an image quality threshold 1610. Such a threshold may be predetermined by the system, loaded manually, or learned over time using AI and / or machine learning algorithms.Such thresholds can be used to determine whether an image is defective or good using any number of analyses of pixels within the image, including but not limited to, the sharpness of the image, the change in color between adjacent pixels, the distance between pixel levels of adjacent pixels, the rise distance of adjacent pixels within the image, resolution threshold analysis of pixels within the image, edge detection algorithms for any detected etched or engraved text, noise detected around the image or detected text, or any other type of focus or determination of image sharpness. Such corresponding thresholds may be established, moved, changed, or adjusted by a user or system or artificial intelligence. In some examples, the threshold can be moved according to a matching history that is fed back to a model that statistically predicts matching and matching errors. Next, if the system and method determine that the image quality threshold is met or exceeded 1612, the image is considered to be of good quality 1614, and if not, the image is considered to be of low quality 1616. The system and method can then display the determination of goodness or badness 1618 and then store the image and the correlated quality assessment result 1620 before ending 1622.

[0119] The system and method can also be used to determine image quality assessment using classical image processing methods, alone or in combination as described, to determine image quality assessment. In some examples, but not limited to, artificial intelligence systems and methods can be trained and used to determine low-quality images with any one or more of the following other exemplary tools such as edge detection algorithms, noise detection, image comparison, and / or image recognition.

[0120] Next, in addition to the corresponding metadata of the image, unique gemstone features from any good-quality image pair (reference image and test image) can be highlighted with a newly developed gemstone verification method 1508. Highlighting the unique features of a gemstone can include, but is not limited to, color, engraving, facets, inclusions, etc. For example, the system and method can extract them using, alone or in any combination of the above, an optical character recognition (OCR) for engraving, an AI model for facet and / or color analysis, and / or an AI model related to other identifiers such as internal inclusions, type of gemstone cut, size, weight, etc.

[0121] In some examples, the gemstone verification method can use an image processing algorithm that can utilize both an image processing method and an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to extract the unique features of each gemstone image. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that includes both statistical models (k-means clustering, classification, etc.), neural network-based approaches, and reinforcement learning, and machine learning (ML) is a subfield of AI that includes training of models based on input data from external sources. These features can then be compared to a reference test image 1510. Additionally or alternatively, the metadata corresponding to each image can include information other than the gemstone image, such as the shape, size, color, cut type, girdle status, wireframe of the gemstone, properties, origin, owner, history, natural / synthetic / treated, identification number, etc. of the gemstone, alone or in any combination, or any other information related to the gemstone.

[0122] In such examples, the similarity of the unique gemstone features of the pair can be automatically measured by the gemstone verification algorithm 1512.

[0123] If the similarity obtained as a result of being evaluated by the foregoing method is relatively high when compared to a predetermined threshold value, the test gemstone is considered to meet the threshold value and is regarded as genuine or labeled as such 1514. In an example of the opposite analysis, if the resulting similarity is relatively low (or insufficient) when compared to a predetermined threshold value, the test gemstone is considered to have missed the threshold value and may be regarded as or labeled as a fake or imitation or any other indicator 1516. In such an example, an image that does not match the reference gemstone image is considered to lack the authenticity threshold value and is thereby labeled as a fake. Finally, the results of gemstone verification, including authenticity, requested date and time, requested location, requester's name, or any other data, either alone or in combination, are collected and stored in a database designated for later use 1518, thus ending the exemplary process 1520.

[0124] Figure 17A shows an example of gemstone verification described herein and shows two images of the girdle and details of the engraving of the stone from the same gemstone. For example, the aspect of the reference image 1702 that was first captured and stored at an earlier time, such as when the engraving of the gemstone was done, is compared to the second most recent image 1702 of the stone from a remote location, expecting to verify the second stone example 1704 against the reference stone image 1704. The method steps of FIG. 15 can be applied as described. In this example of FIG. 17A, since the similarity of the girdle profile and the facet junction is very similar between the two images, the result from the gemstone verification algorithm is genuine. For example, the distance of the facet junction 1710 from the engraving 1712 matches. Further, the lower girdle 1714 and the upper girdle 1716 appear to match the engraving 1712 and the facet junction 1710. By cross-comparing all of these different points, the system can estimate or determine whether there is a match between the new image 1704 submitted from a remote source and the image stored in the system as the reference image 1702.

[0125] Figure 17B shows an exemplary gemstone verification with the same engraved characters but from two different gemstones. In this example, the aspect of the reference image 1722 stored in the system with the corresponding engraving is likely compared to a newly taken image 1724 from a remote location and submitted for comparison and verification.

[0126] In the example of Figure 17B, the result from the gemstone verification method described in Figure 15 is that the submitted image 1724 is a fake because the similarity between the submitted image and the reference image 1722 is not close enough. For example, the girdle profiles of the lower girdle 1734 and the upper girdle 1736 do not align with the laser engraved 1732 characters as they do in the reference image 1722. Further, the facet junctions 1730 of the submitted image 1724 hardly match those of the reference image 1722. Thus, even though both gemstones 1722 and 1724 are round brilliant cuts, these images show that the details of the facet junctions, laser engraved characters, and girdle profile variables do not match.

[0127] Example of Artificial Intelligence

[0128] Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other similar methods can be used to assist with the image comparison examples described in this specification, including FIG. 15. Briefly, AI is a very broad term that includes both statistical methods (k-means clustering, classification, etc.), neural network-based approaches, and reinforcement learning. Such AI or machine learning can use algorithms that analyze pixelated digital images to determine aspects of the images that are useful for comparison while ignoring aspects that are not useful for comparison. By doing so, the AI algorithm can more accurately match the images. For example, images of the same gemstone taken under slightly different lighting conditions can exhibit certain aspects that appear different, but if the AI algorithm is trained to ignore such lighting characteristics and instead focus on invariant aspects such as shape, inclusions, facets, color, and other characteristics, a better matching can be achieved. The AI algorithm can be trained using images of the same gemstone and images of different gemstones and can be so identified during training.

[0129] For example, a common AI system used to extract unique gemstone features may be, but is not limited to, UNET. In such an example, UNET can be trained to extract target features from various other features on a given image of a gemstone. Additionally or alternatively, the total training dataset required to perform the extraction of target features can be significantly reduced by a transfer learning approach.

[0130] For example, the similarity of intrinsic features can be measured by geometrically and / or statistically comparing both features. In some examples, AI-based algorithms can be considered for similarity assessment because they tend to be robust in performance. In one non-limiting example, a siamese neural network and one-shot learning can be used for face recognition in digital images. One example of the advantage of these AI models is that they do not need to be retrained on new datasets and their performance is acceptable. Another non-limiting alternative for measuring similarity can be to use computational data analysis techniques such as k-means clustering, classification, correlation, and / or regression analysis.

[0131] Examples of user interfaces

[0132] Figures 18A, 18B, and 18C show examples of the use of the systems and methods described herein by an end user having a mobile device. Figure 18A shows a backend database 1802 that can communicate with a computer system having a processor and memory 1804 that can access and compare data within database 1802 using an algorithm programmed as described herein. A service provider gemstone imaging system 1810 is also shown communicating with computer 1804. The imaging system for service provider 1810 may be the same entity that can mark an identifier on a gemstone, verify certain physical characteristics of the gemstone, and match it to the original identifier. This information can first be sent from the original imaging system 1810 to computer 1804 and stored in database 1802. These original images can later be used to compare gemstones for verification and / or identification purposes.

[0133] Also, the customer-facing imaging system 1822 may be any number of customer-facing systems as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and elsewhere, illuminate any target gemstone as described, and in some examples, capture a digital image of a gemstone including a corresponding identifier described herein, such as, for example, in FIG. 1. For comparison and / or identification, these later captured images are compared to images 1802 already stored by the backend computer 1804. Using the mobile device smartphone 1820 or another computer on which a software application is running, image data can be received from a customer facing the imaging system 1822 and transmitted to the backend computer 1804 for comparison with the images stored in the data storage 1802. The mobile device 1820 can also receive matching conclusions and results and display them to the consumer.

[0134] FIG. 18B shows an exemplary mobile device 1820 having a screen showing a captured image 1824 from the customer-facing image system 1822. In some examples, the mobile device may also include software for capturing an image 1826 and transmitting an image capture command to the image capture system 1822 facing the customer. In such examples, the mobile device software 1820 can then transmit the captured image to the backend computer 1804 for comparison.

[0135] FIG. 18C shows an example of a mobile device image capture screen 1830 and another screen example where the backend computer system 1804 shows image matching 1832. A screen display showing when the backend computer system 1804 does not detect a match between the captured image and the already stored image may not be illustrated. In an example of image matching 1832, the mobile device software can display any of the stored information corresponding to the matched image 1836. For example, for a gemstone whose image is matched with the already stored backend image data 1802, a grading report can be displayed. Any kind of data can be stored, correlated with an image for matching, and then displayed on the mobile device or another screen display for the customer.

[0136] Exemplary Network

[0137] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary network diagram of exemplary hardware that can be used to implement the methods described herein. In such an example, it is possible to direct a customer to a digital imaging system 1904 customized to the methods described herein to capture an image of a sample gemstone for verification / authentication purposes. Such a digital imaging system 1904 can include lights, filters, cameras, and / or any other components for capturing an image of a gemstone that requires authentication from a client or sales staff.

[0138] In some examples, the systems described herein can be packaged on a table or desktop device 1904 and placed in front of consumers at off-site locations such as a jewelry store or another off-site laboratory. As described herein, a computer system such as FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and / or 20 can communicate with a backend system 1920 configured to analyze an image, cause storage of the image, compare the image, generate the image, and / or perform any other computer-related operations on the image.

[0139] After capturing the required number of images using the image capture system 1904, the image data can be transmitted over a network to a computer storage such as computer 1902 and a server computer or backend computer system 1920 (see FIG. 20) in the required filtered lighting environment as described herein. In this example, in some examples, one, two, or more input images taken by the imaging system 1904, in relation to some gemstone metadata, can be uploaded from the imaging system 1904 to the computer 1902 or the backend computer 1920. The backend data storage and server 1920 can store a reference image of the gemstone that has already been taken and stored for comparison purposes, as described herein. Without limitation, other data such as images and metadata as reference information can also be stored locally at 1902 and / or at the backend 1920. In some examples, a gemstone certificate is generated that includes information about the gemstone and any or all of the identification information of the gemstone, is stored and associated with the captured image, and is transmitted to various customers or vendors, thereby being able to store any information stored in such a certificate.

[0140] The display or local computing system 1906 can communicate with the imaging system 1904 and / or the computing system 1902. Such a configuration 1906 can be used to operate the imaging system 1904, confirm and input identification information regarding the gemstone under evaluation, and transmit and receive data of image data from the camera 1904, along with any metadata, time / date stamp, geographical location information, name, serial number, grade report number, or any other information that can be used to identify the gemstone being analyzed.

[0141] In some examples, a computer can communicate with a network such as the Internet 1910, thereby communicating with other backend resources such as computer 1920 and with storage via exemplary communication methods of landline 1944, cellular 1940, and / or WiFi 1942.

[0142] When a gemstone is captured under a new analysis by computing systems 1940, 1902, the data can be sent to a backend server 1920 for matching or shared on the local system 1902 to perform the matching steps described herein. In some examples, an application on the local computer 1902 and / or mobile device 1906 can be used to complete the matching and / or receive information regarding the matching decision from the backend server 1920.

[0143] When all comparisons are complete, the system can verify the reliability of the gemstone information with the information already stored with the aid of a new gemstone verification algorithm. If the result of the gemstone verification is genuine, the computer system can permit the reissuance of an appropriate gemstone certificate already stored in systems 1920, 1902. In some examples, the system can store information regarding previous transactions of the gemstone and report such information in a title chain history report. In some examples, a blockchain can be used to store the gemstone's title chain information using the identification information described herein.

[0144] Examples of computer devices

[0145] Figure 20 shows an example of a computing device 2000 that can be used in the systems and methods described herein. In the example of computer 2000, a CPU or processor 2010 communicates with a user interface 2014 via a bus or other communication 2012. The user interface includes examples of input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, buttons, joystick, or other user input devices. The user interface 2014 also includes a display device 2018, such as a screen that can display a user interface as in the example of FIG. 13, and an input device 2016, such as a touch screen, mouse, keyboard, joystick, or other manual input device. The computing device 2000 shown in FIG. 20 also includes a network interface 2020 that communicates with the CPU 2020 and other components. The network interface 2020 can enable the computing device 2000 to communicate with other computers, databases, networks, user devices, or any other computing-capable device. In some examples, alternatively or in addition, the method of communication may be via WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth Low Energy, wired communication, or any other type of communication. In some examples, alternatively or in addition, the example of the computing device 2000 includes a peripheral device 2024 that also communicates with the processor 2010. In some examples, alternatively or in addition, a digital camera 2026. In some instances, the peripheral device 2024 may include lights 2028 and / or filtered lights as disclosed. In some examples of the computing device 2000, a memory 2022 communicates with the processor 2010.In some examples, instead of or in addition to this, the memory 2022 may contain instructions to execute software such as an operating system 2032, a network communication module 2034, other instructions 2036, an application 2038, an application 2040 for digitizing images, an application 2042 for processing image pixels, autofocus 2043, a data storage device 2058, data such as a data table 2060, a transaction log 2062, sample data 2064, encrypted data 2070, or any other type of data.

[0146] Conclusion

[0147] As disclosed herein, features matching this embodiment can be implemented via computer hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in various forms, including, for example, a data processor such as a computer including a database, digital electronic circuitry, firmware, software, a computer network, a server, or combinations thereof. Further, although some of the disclosed implementations describe specific hardware components, the systems and methods matching the technological innovation herein can be implemented with any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Moreover, the above features of the innovation herein and other aspects and principles can be implemented in various environments. Such environments and related applications may be specially constructed to execute various routines, processes, and / or operations according to the embodiments, or they may include a general-purpose computer or computing platform that is selectively activated or reconfigured by code to provide the necessary functionality. The processes disclosed herein are not inherently related to any particular computer, network, architecture, environment, or other device and can be implemented by an appropriate combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, various general-purpose machines can be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments, or it may be more convenient to construct a dedicated device or system for performing the required methods and techniques.

[0148] Aspects of the methods and systems described herein, such as logic, may be implemented as functions programmed in any of a variety of circuits, including programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices, as well as standard cell-based devices, and application specific integrated circuits. Some other possibilities for implementing the aspects include memory devices, microcontrollers with memory (such as 8PROMs), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, and the like. Further, the aspects may be implemented in software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinational), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and microprocessors having any hybrid of the above device types. The underlying device technology may be provided in a variety of component types, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) technology, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technology, such as emitter coupled logic (ECL), polymer technology (e.g., silicon conjugated polymers and metal conjugated polymer-metal structures), analog and digital hybrids, and the like.

[0149] Note also that the various logics and / or functions disclosed herein can be enabled using any number of combinations of hardware, firmware, and / or as data and / or instructions embodied in various machine-readable or computer-readable media, with respect to their behavior, register transfers, logic components, and / or other characteristics. Computer-readable media capable of embodying such formatted data and / or instructions include, but are not limited to, various forms of non-volatile memory media (e.g., optical, magnetic, or semiconductor memory media), as well as carrier waves that can be used to transfer such formatted data and / or instructions via wireless, optical, or wired signal media or any combination thereof. Examples of transfer of such formatted data and / or instructions by carrier waves include, but are not limited to, transfer via the Internet and / or other computer networks via one or more data transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.) (uploading, downloading, email, etc.).

[0150] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, words such as "comprise," "comprising," and the like should be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Further, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar import refer to the whole of this application and not to any particular part of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of that word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of all of the items in the list.

[0151] In this specification, while specific presently preferred embodiments of the description have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the description pertains that various modifications and variations of the embodiments shown and described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are intended to be limited only to the extent required by the applicable laws.

[0152] This embodiment can be implemented in the form of a method and an apparatus for implementing these methods. Further, this embodiment can also be implemented in the form of program code embodied in a tangible medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a hard drive, or any other machine-readable storage medium, and when the program code is loaded and executed on a machine such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementing the embodiment. Further, this embodiment can be in the form of program code, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded and / or executed by a machine, or transmitted via any transmission medium such as electrical wiring or cable wiring, via an optical fiber, or via electromagnetic radiation, and when the program code is loaded and executed on a machine such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementing the embodiment. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code segment combines with the processor to provide a unique device that operates similarly to a specific logic circuit.

[0153] Software is stored on a machine-readable medium that can take many forms including, but not limited to, tangible memory media, carrier wave media, or physical transmission media. Non-volatile memory media includes, for example, optical disks or magnetic disks such as any storage device of any computer. Volatile memory media includes dynamic memory such as the main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media includes coaxial cables; copper wires and optical fibers including wires with a bus within a computer system. Carrier wave transmission media can take the form of electrical or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Thus, common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, disks (e.g., hard, floppy, flexible) or any other magnetic media, CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical media, any other physical storage media, RAM, PROM and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip, a carrier wave that carries data or instructions, a cable or link that carries such a carrier wave, or any other media that a computer can read programming code and / or data from. Many of these forms of computer-readable media can be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0154] The above description has been presented for purposes of illustration and is related to specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the exact form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and their practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various changes as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A computer with a processor and memory, which is communicated with a networked comparison server computer, a digital camera, and a structured and filtered light source by a computer, Illuminating the gemstone in the holder with the light source, wherein the gemstone includes an engraving and the light source includes a structured filter, the step; Receiving, by the computer, a digital image of the gemstone and at least one identifier for the gemstone; Searching, by the computer, for at least one previously stored digital image and its identifier using the received identifier, wherein the previously stored image and its identifier include an engraving on the gemstone and its unique features, the step; Comparing, by the computer, the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with the at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier; including, The step of comparing the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with the at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier is When the comparison is a match, showing the match to the user interface, and When the comparison does not match, showing the non-match to the user interface, the method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light source filter is a horizontal filter.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light source filter is a vertical filter.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light source filter is a grid filter.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light source filter is a circular filter.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light source filter is a square filter.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light source filter forms a specific shape correlated with the geometric shape of the gemstone.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the structured and filtered light source includes lines with intervals, sizes, and line widths proportional to at least one of the distance between the structured and filtered light source and the gemstone, the diameter of the gemstone, the spatial distance between the facet junctions of the gemstone, and the height of the gemstone.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the structured and filtered light source is an optical display / projector / monitor / LED.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera and the light source are desktop units remote from the computer used for comparison with pre-stored images.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera and the structured and filtered light source are within the same mobile unit remote from the computer used for comparison with pre-stored images.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera and the light source are directed along the same axis towards the gemstone by a dichroic beam splitter.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera and the light source are directed towards both sides of the gemstone to provide a backlit image.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of comparing the received digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone with at least one pre-stored digital image retrieved using the identifier includes comparing the gemstone girdle profile in the image.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of comparing the pre-stored digital image and / or identifier of the gemstone can be replaced with a newly acquired digital image and / or identifier of the same gemstone.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein a matching server can generate a digital certificate / record of the gemstone after successful matching and provide the resulting digital certificate / record to the user.

17. The thickness of the lines in the structured and filtered light can vary from 1 nm to 100 mm, and the spacing between the lines in the structured and filtered light can vary from 1 nm to 100 mm, the method according to claim 1. **Claim 18** The method according to claim 1, wherein the lines in the structured and filtered light have a sinusoidal gradient. **Claim 19** The method according to claim 1, wherein the lines in the structured and filtered light are binary without a gradient.

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