Gemstone QR Indicia for Visible Authentication Without Magnification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gemstones require specialized equipment to view authenticity markings, which can affect their aesthetic and are not easily readable without magnification, posing challenges in authentication and information conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A gemstone with a scanable indicia, such as a QR code, is formed within the gemstone, utilizing laser treatment to create contrast and visibility between 1× and 1000× magnification, allowing information to be conveyed when scanned by a device, and is positioned between the table and culet to enhance visibility and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional markings are inscribed at a small size to remain invisible without magnification, then the aesthetic of the gemstone is preserved, but the markings require specialized equipment (over 10× magnification) to be viewed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser treatment to create a marked region with altered optical properties (different refractive index) that produces visible contrast against the untreated gemstone material. This contrast allows the marking to be seen and scanned without magnification while maintaining the gemstone's aesthetic appearance from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking is positioned within the interior volume of the gemstone rather than on the surface, and is optimized for viewing along the optical axis (perpendicular to the table). This dimensional positioning allows the marking to be visible at normal viewing distances while remaining aesthetically pleasing when viewed from other angles.
2Ease of operation
If the size of the marking is increased to be visible without magnification, then no specialized equipment is needed, but the aesthetic of the gemstone is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is confined to a specific localized region within the gemstone (the marked region with altered optical properties), while the rest of the gemstone maintains its original aesthetic quality. The marking is positioned and sized to be visible for authentication purposes without dominating the overall appearance of the gemstone.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking is positioned within the interior volume of the gemstone and optimized for viewing along the optical axis. This dimensional positioning allows the marking to be readable without magnification when viewed from the correct angle, while remaining aesthetically pleasing when viewed from other angles or distances.
3Loss of information
If laser treatment is applied to create contrast for visibility, then the marking becomes readable without specialized equipment, but the gemstone structure is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The laser treatment modifies local optical parameters (refractive index) of the gemstone material to create the marking, rather than removing or significantly altering the physical structure. This parameter change allows information to be encoded in the gemstone while preserving its structural integrity and strength.
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 authentication and information conveyance without specialized equipment, maintaining the gemstone's aesthetic while providing readable and scannable data, enhancing the gemstone's functionality and authenticity verification.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing laser treatment to create contrast and visibility between 1× and 1000× magnification
Implementation Method 2
Traditional gemstones are cut to maximize an amount of light that passes and is reflected through the gemstone
Data Source
AI summary
A gemstone includes: a table defining an area; and a scanable indicia formed in the gemstone at least partially positioned within an orthographic projection of the area extending along an axis, the axis extending perpendicularly through the table.