Diamond Colour Grading via Optical Image Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for grading the color of diamonds are prone to inconsistencies and human errors, affecting the reliability and repeatability of the assessment, and require multiple sets of master stones for different sizes and cuts, which is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system using an optical image acquisition device, processor module, and output module to acquire and compare images of a diamond's table and pavilion with a set of reference diamonds, providing a color grade based on correlation and minimizing the need for multiple master stones by utilizing the table facet for color assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If human visual assessment is used for diamond colour grading, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the reliability and repeatability of the grading are inconsistent and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment system with an automated optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the diamond table under controlled lighting conditions, and image processing algorithms automatically determine colour grades, eliminating human subjectivity and improving consistency while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the diamond table under standardized lighting conditions. These images serve as reproducible records that can be analyzed objectively, replacing the need for repeated human visual assessments and ensuring consistent grading results across different operators and time periods.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sets of master stones are used for different diamond sizes and cuts, then accurate colour comparison can be achieved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the colour information from the diamond by capturing images of the table facet under controlled lighting. This approach eliminates the need for physical master stones by directly measuring and comparing colour properties through digital imaging, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal image processing methodology that can grade diamonds of various sizes and cuts using a single standardized approach. The system processes images from different diamond types through consistent algorithms, replacing the need for multiple specialized master stone sets while maintaining accurate colour comparison across diverse diamond categories.
3Productivity
If colour grading is performed by comparing diamond with master stones side by side, then the assessment can be conducted in real-time, but the requirement for controlled environment and multiple reference stones increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual side-by-side comparison process with automated optical imaging and digital image processing. The system captures images and automatically compares colour properties through algorithms, maintaining real-time assessment capability while eliminating the need for physically controlled environments and multiple reference stones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to perform its own calibration and comparison functions through standardized imaging protocols and automated processing algorithms. The system self-regulates the assessment conditions through controlled lighting and camera parameters, eliminating the need for external master stones and complex environmental controls while maintaining rapid assessment speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves reliable and repeatable color grading, reducing human error and the need for multiple master stones, and is applicable to various diamond cuts and sizes, enhancing accuracy and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical image of a table of a diamond is acquired at a predetermined angle... when the diamond is located at an aperture interconnecting each sphere of a pair of integrating spheres... providing an environment having a predetermined constant light level
Data Source
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AI summary
A computerized system for grading the colour of a diamond, wherein the colour of the diamond is graded based on a predetermined threshold of correlation of colour of a diamond with the colour of a diamond of a plurality of diamonds each having a colour grading assigned thereto, the computerized system including: an optical image acquisition device for acquiring at least a first optical image of a diamond, wherein the first optical image is acquired at a predetermined angle of inclination to the central axis extending normal to the table and through the apex of the pavilion of the diamond and in a direction of towards the table and wherein the first optical image is acquired in an environment having a predetermined constant light level; a processor module for comparing data derived from acquisition of the at least a first optical image with a plurality of data sets each of which corresponds to a diamond of a plurality of diamonds, wherein data sets are each derived from an optical image acquired by an optical image acquisition device in an environment having a predetermined constant light the same as that as (i) and each of the data sets is assigned a colour grading, and wherein said data derived from acquisition of the at least a first optical image and the data of said data sets is data indicative of the colour of the diamond from which it is acquired; and an output module, for responsive to a predetermined threshold of correlation between the data derived from input of the first optical image and one of the plurality of data sets, providing an output signal indicative of the colour grade of the diamond.