Gemstone Sparkle Analysis via Rotational Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gemstone viewers fail to effectively capture and quantify the play of light properties and inscribed marks on gemstones, particularly due to difficulties in providing optimal lighting conditions and aligning the gemstone for simultaneous viewing of brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Innovation Solution
A system that illuminates a gemstone at multiple rotational positions using directional and diffuse light sources, with an imaging device aligned to capture images and analyze sparkle regions for quantitative analysis of brilliance, fire, and scintillation, allowing for the creation of a video illustrating the play of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a highly symmetrical lighting pattern is used to display play of light properties, then the brilliance, fire and scintillation can be effectively demonstrated, but the device complexity increases and the ability to view inscribed marks is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent LED light sources arranged in a circle, each capable of being controlled individually. This allows the system to provide varied lighting conditions for displaying play of light properties while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can also accommodate mark viewing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying play of light properties (brilliance, fire, scintillation) and viewing inscribed marks on the gemstone. The lighting system and imaging system work together to achieve both objectives within a single device, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If varied lighting conditions are provided by movable annular lighting to display play of light properties, then the measurement precision of light properties improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to move the gemstone between different lighting zones
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates a rotatable support structure that allows the gemstone to be rotated to different angular positions while remaining in the same imaging zone. The LED lighting system is arranged in a circle around the imaging axis, providing varied lighting conditions at different angular positions without requiring the gemstone to be moved between separate lighting zones. This dynamic rotation capability maintains measurement precision while improving ease of operation.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple directional light sources are used to display fire and scintillation, then the illumination intensity and variety of light properties improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent LED light sources positioned at different angular locations around the gemstone. Each LED can be controlled independently to provide specific lighting conditions for displaying different light properties. This segmented approach allows for high illumination intensity and variety of lighting conditions while maintaining a modular and relatively simple system structure.
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 comprehensive and quantitative analysis of gemstone properties, providing a detailed video representation of the play of light and mark, enhancing the evaluation and appreciation of gemstones.
Implementation Method 1
described in WO 98/52774. The marks can be applied so that they do not detract from the value or appearance of the gemstone
Implementation Method 2
Brilliance relates to the intensity and contrast of light returned by the stone to the observer
Implementation Method 3
fire relates to the amount of dispersed light returned by the stone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system is described for obtaining images of a gemstone, and performing quantitative analysis on the images to obtain measures of properties of the gemstone. The system comprises a support structure for supporting the gemstone at an observation position. An illumination structure is arranged to illuminate the gemstone. The illumination structure comprises a plurality of radially dispersed directional light sources directed towards the observation position, the support structure and illumination system being rotatable relative to one another around a rotation axis so that the gemstone can be illuminated by one or more of the directional light sources at each of a plurality of rotational positions, the axis of rotation being normal to a selected facet of the gemstone. An imaging device is directed towards the gemstone for obtaining images of the gemstone at each of the rotational positions, the imaging device having an imaging axis parallel to or coincident with the axis of rotation. An image processor is provided for identifying sparkle regions in the images corresponding to reflections from individual light sources by individual facets and providing a quantitative measure of the gemstone on the basis of properties of the sparkle regions.