Gemstone Fluorescence Grading With Telecentric Multi-Angle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instruments fail to provide consistent and reproducible fluorescence grading for gemstones, particularly those of irregular or fancy shapes, and lack the ability to accurately assess fluorescence hue without manual input, leading to incorrect grading.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an optically opaque platform, a light source providing uniform UV radiation, a rotating gemstone support, a telecentric lens, and an image capturing component, which captures multiple images of the gemstone at different angles to quantify fluorescence characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current fluorescence measuring devices are used, then basic fluorescence intensity can be measured, but consistent and reproducible fluorescence grading for fancy shape cut stones cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the imaging process into multiple angular views around the gemstone, capturing fluorescence characteristics from different perspectives to comprehensively assess fancy shape cut stones and achieve consistent grading
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds the angular dimension by rotating the image capturing component around the gemstone, transitioning from single-point measurement to multi-angular observation, enabling accurate fluorescence assessment of stones with irregular shapes
2Loss of information
If current instruments are used, then fluorescence intensity can be detected, but hue information cannot be provided without manual input
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual visual assessment with an automated optical system that captures and analyzes fluorescence hue information through digital imaging, eliminating the need for operator input while preserving complete color data
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a telecentric lens as an intermediary between the gemstone and image sensor, ensuring accurate color representation by eliminating perspective distortion and maintaining true hue information in captured images
3Reliability
If multiple trained individuals perform visual inspection, then comprehensive assessment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-assessment by automatically capturing images from multiple angles, processing fluorescence characteristics, and generating grading results without requiring multiple human operators, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where captured images are immediately processed and analyzed, allowing rapid iteration and confirmation of fluorescence grading results, achieving both high reliability and efficiency
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 apparatus provides consistent and reproducible fluorescence grading for gemstones of various shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for manual input and ensuring accurate fluorescence assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source shaped to at least partially enclose the platform, where the light source is about the same level as or below the surface of platform and designed to provide uniform ultraviolet (UV) radiation to the gemstone on the platform
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an apparatus for assessing a fluorescence characteristic of a gemstone. The apparatus comprises an optically opaque platform for supporting a gemstone to be assessed, one or more light source to provide uniform UV and non-UV illumination, an image capturing component, and a telecentric lens positioned to provide fluorescent images of the illuminated gemstone to the image capturing component. Also provided are methods of fluorescence analysis based on images collected using such an apparatus.