Emerald Detection via Dual-Wavelength Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to accurately detect emeralds, especially when they are intergrown or included in rock, due to limitations in color-based identification methods, leading to over-identification and the need for costly and error-prone secondary identification processes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a laser arrangement with specific wavelength ranges (810 nm to 850 nm and 510 nm to 550 nm) and a spectroscopy system with detectors to measure intensities within these ranges, comparing the intensities to classify objects as containing emeralds based on a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If color-based identification methods are used to detect emeralds, then identification speed is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates for intergrown or included gemstones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from broad color-based identification to specific wavelength range measurement (810-850 nm and 510-550 nm). By measuring at these specific wavelength intervals and comparing the intensity ratio against a threshold, the system achieves both speed and accuracy for detecting emeralds even when intergrown or included in rock.
2Measurement precision
If sensitivity settings are increased to improve detection of intergrown gemstones, then detection capability is improved, but false identification increases requiring secondary manual verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical measurement system. By using laser illumination at specific wavelengths and spectral analysis, the system automatically distinguishes true emerald positives from false positives through quantitative intensity ratio comparison, eliminating the need for secondary manual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement step - measuring the intensity ratio at specific wavelength ranges (810-850 nm and 510-550 nm) - that mediates between the laser excitation and the final classification decision. This intermediary spectral analysis provides objective criteria for automatic classification without requiring manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If manual identification is used for secondary verification, then identification accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically verifying its own detections through the threshold-based classification of intensity ratios. The automated spectral analysis system independently makes classification decisions without requiring external manual verification, making the process both accurate and time-efficient.
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 provides a robust and effective method for detecting emeralds, even when they are partially included in objects, reducing the need for secondary identification and minimizing errors and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser arrangement comprising a first laser configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within an interval from and including 810 nm to and including 850 nm and a second laser configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within an interval from and including 510 nm to and including 550 nm
Implementation Method 2
a spectroscopy system configured to receive and analyze radiation eminating from said object when in said detection region
Implementation Method 3
the spectroscopy system comprises a first detector configured to detect and measure a first intensity of at least one wavelength band within the interval of 810 nm to 850 nm and a second detector configured to detect and measure a second intensity of at least one wavelength band within the interval of 510 nm to 550 nm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) for detecting emeralds in an object (O) in a detection region (DR). The system (1) comprises a laser arrangement (2) comprising a first laser (2A) configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within a first interval and a second laser (2B) configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within a second interval, a light redirecting arrangement (4) configured to redirect optical radiation originating from the laser arrangement (2) towards a portion of the detection region (DR), and a spectroscopy system (10) configured to receive and analyze radiation eminating from said object (O) when in said detection region (DR), wherein the spectroscopy system (10) comprises a first detector (10A) configured to detect and measure a first intensity of at least one wavelength band within the first interval and a second detector (10B) configured to detect and measure a second intensity of at least one wavelength band within the second interval, wherein the spectroscopy system (10) is further configured to compare the first intensity with the second intensity, and, if the difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value, classifying the object (O) as comprising emerald.