Gemstone Recognition via Multi-Angle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The jewelry and industrial applications of gemstones face challenges in reliably identifying and classifying gemstones due to hidden artifacts like micro-cracks and inclusions, which are difficult for human inspectors to detect consistently, especially across different angles and locations, leading to variability in evaluation and potential misuse of substandard gemstones.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an imaging device that moves around the gemstone to capture images from predefined angles on an imaginary sphere, creating a virtual model for detailed inspection and comparison against a database, reducing the need for human inspectors and enabling remote authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human inspectors evaluate gemstones manually, then flexibility and adaptability in inspection is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inconsistent detection of hidden artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the gemstone surface into multiple zones and captures images at multiple predetermined angles (front, rear, left, right, top, bottom views). Each zone is inspected separately through targeted imaging, allowing systematic detection of artifacts without requiring human inspectors to mentally segment and evaluate the entire stone at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional manual visual inspection to three-dimensional multi-angle imaging. By capturing images at multiple predetermined angles around the gemstone, the system creates a comprehensive spatial representation that reveals artifacts hidden from single-angle human viewing, thereby improving detection precision without requiring complex real-time processing.
2Reliability
If multiple images are captured from different angles, then detection reliability improves, but loss of time increases due to multiple imaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines the optimal imaging angles and positions before actual inspection. By establishing a predetermined set of angles that cover all critical views of the gemstone, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming angle optimization during inspection, allowing rapid multi-angle imaging without sacrificing detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device captures multiple angles in a continuous, automated sequence without interruption. The system maintains constant illumination and focus while rotating to capture front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom views sequentially, ensuring that the gemstone remains the sole focus throughout the process and minimizing idle time between captures.
3Measurement precision
If imaging device moves around the object to capture multiple angles, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a spherical coordinate system to define the imaging paths, with the imaging device moving along predetermined circular paths at fixed radial distances from the gemstone center. This spherical geometry allows smooth, continuous motion through six key positions (front, rear, left, right, top, bottom) using standard rotational joints, avoiding the complexity of fully spherical robotic manipulators while achieving comprehensive angular coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system, method, and devices as system elements to recognize an object by an object recognizing system including an imaging device and a moving assembly to move the imaging device around the object, to form a certified visual model of the object to be recognized. Especially the disclosure relates to gemstone imaging by an imaging method including photographing a target, in an illumination, by a camera, to obtain at least one image of the targeted object to be recognized.