Gemstone Drilling Centroid Positioning via AI Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for drilling holes in gemstones, particularly those with irregular shapes and multi-shade structures, rely on manual or semi-manual labor and lack precision, often resulting in off-center holes due to random drilling trajectories.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes image processing and artificial intelligence to capture and process images of gemstones, calculate their geometric centroid, and transmit these coordinates to a CNC drilling unit for precise positioning of the drill bit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual or semi-manual drilling methods are used for irregularly shaped multi-shade gemstones, then the drilling process can be performed with simple equipment, but the drilling precision and accuracy of hole placement deteriorates resulting in off-center holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling precisionVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated image processing and CNC control system. The system captures images of the gemstone, processes them to identify the geometric centroid, and automatically controls the drill bit positioning through coordinate transformation, eliminating the need for manual positioning while achieving high precision drilling through the centroid of irregularly shaped multi-shade gemstones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary between the gemstone and the drilling mechanism. This unit captures images, calculates the geometric centroid, transforms coordinates, and guides the CNC drilling unit, serving as a mediator that enables precise automated positioning without direct manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated drilling machines are used for gemstones, then productivity increases, but the ability to accurately locate the geometric centroid of irregularly shaped multi-shade gemstones deteriorates resulting in random drilling trajectories

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling throughputVSAvoidcentroid localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces random automated drilling trajectories with an intelligent image processing-based positioning system. The system captures images of each gemstone, uses image processing algorithms to accurately locate the geometric centroid regardless of shape or color variations, and guides the drill bit precisely to this location, enabling both high productivity and accurate centroid localization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from mechanical trajectory planning to image-based parameter identification. By capturing images and processing them to extract geometric centroid coordinates, the system adapts to each irregularly shaped multi-shade gemstone individually, ensuring accurate positioning while maintaining automated high-speed drilling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If image processing methods for 2D objects are applied to 3D multi-shade gemstones, then centroid calculation can be performed, but the accuracy deteriorates due to inability to handle irregular shapes and multiple shades/colors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentroid calculation accuracyVSAvoidhandling of irregular shapes and multi-shades

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the 3D multi-shade gemstone problem into a 2D image processing problem by capturing a top-down view image. The image processing unit then calculates the geometric centroid from this 2D representation, effectively handling irregular shapes and multiple shades by working with the projected silhouette, achieving accurate centroid localization without being constrained by the 3D complexity or color variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential geometric information needed for drilling by capturing a 2D image that represents the top-down view of the gemstone. This extraction of the relevant geometric silhouette from the 3D object allows the image processing system to calculate the geometric centroid accurately, separating the necessary positioning information from the irrelevant 3D shape and color details

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4553769A1Method for positioning a drill bit for drilling through a geometric centroid of an irregular shape and multi-shade raw gemstone

Publication Date: 2025.05.14 KLAIPEDOS UNIVTAS

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention is a method for position a drill bit for drilling through geometric centroid of a multi-shade raw gemstone having an irregular shape. The method comprises capturing an image of a drilling zone with a gemstone positioned thereat and transmits it to image processing unit comprising image processing software supplemented with artificial intelligence functionality for image scanning, processing, segmentation, coordinate determination and assignment of drilling point. The determined coordinates are transmitted to a control unit of coordinate CNC drilling unit.