Gemstone Inscription Viewing System for Subsurface Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inscribing and viewing gemstone markings are susceptible to removal or obscuration, and there is a need for improved methods to track gemstone provenance and authenticity.
Innovation Solution
A viewing device comprising a light source, mask, magnifying optical device, and camera is used to capture and magnify subsurface gemstone markings, while a marking machine uses adaptive optical elements and laser inscription to embed identifiers at various depths within gemstones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inscriptions are placed on the surface of a gemstone, then the marking is easily readable and inspected, but the marking can be removed or obscured by processes such as bruting or polishing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the marking from a two-dimensional surface inscription to a three-dimensional subsurface embedding. The marking is inscribed below the surface of the gemstone, typically at a depth where it cannot be removed by surface treatments like bruting or polishing, yet remains accessible for verification through specialized viewing devices that can penetrate and image the subsurface region.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking is nested within the gemstone structure itself, embedded in the subsurface matrix. This nesting provides protection as the marking becomes an integral part of the gemstone's internal structure, requiring destruction of the gemstone itself to remove the marking, rather than simple surface treatment.
2Ease of operation
If inscriptions are placed at the girdle of the gemstone for loupe inspection, then the marking is visible with standard equipment, but the marking can still be obscured or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the marking location from the external girdle surface to the subsurface interior of the gemstone. This dimensional transition ensures that the marking survives surface treatments while remaining viewable through optical penetration and magnification techniques that can access subsurface features.
3Measurement precision
If a viewing device with high magnification is used to inspect subsurface markings, then the marking remains readable even when obscured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing device is segmented into distinct functional modules: an illuminator to provide light, a magnifier to provide optical magnification, and a camera to capture the image. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and makes the overall system more manageable and configurable for different inspection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various inspection scenarios. It can adjust magnification levels, provide different illumination angles, and capture images at various depths, making it a versatile tool that can inspect both surface and subsurface markings across different gemstone types and conditions.
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
Enables secure and reliable tracking of gemstone provenance by ensuring that inscriptions, such as QR codes or serial numbers, are readable at high magnification, even when obscured, thereby enhancing authenticity verification and supply chain transparency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to generate light towards the gemstone
Implementation Method 2
a magnifying optical device configured to magnify light reflected off the gemstone
Implementation Method 3
a camera positioned to capture the magnified light such that the marking is captured by the camera
Implementation Method 4
a marking machine uses adaptive optical elements and laser inscription to embed identifiers at various depths within gemstones
Data Source
AI summary
A viewing device is configured to magnify and view a marking on a gemstone. The viewing device includes a light source, a mask, a magnifying optical device, and a camera. The light source generates light directed along a first path towards the gemstone. The mask partially obscures the light from the light source to generate a pattern. The partially obscured light is reflected off of the gemstone and magnified by the magnifying optical device. The camera is positioned to capture the magnified light. One or more additional light sources generate light directed along a second path towards the gemstone. The light enters the gemstone through a preferred facet and internally reflects. Internally reflected light scatters off of an internal mark in the gemstone and exits the gemstone through the gemstone's top face. The reflected and scattered light is magnified by the magnifying optical device and captured by the camera.