Gemstone Viewer Integrating Camera and LED for Inscription Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for viewing microscopic inscriptions on gemstones, such as diamonds, are cumbersome, expensive, and lack portability and the ability to easily recall or communicate the information, due to the difficulty in achieving the proper viewing angle and insufficient magnification, especially with the translucent nature of gemstones.
Innovation Solution
An engraved gemstone viewer is integrated with a modern personal communications device, utilizing its camera and LED light source to create a mirror-like reflection of the inscription, allowing for real-time viewing and digital capture of the image on the device, with a compact and adjustable design that includes a magnifying lens and focusing glass for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high 65× magnification lens and camera system is used to view the inscription, then the inscription becomes visible, but the device becomes expensive, cumbersome, and complicated to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnifying lens, light source, and camera into a single integrated device that attaches to the gemstone. This merging of previously separate components (loupe, illumination source, and imaging device) into one unified system reduces overall complexity while maintaining the 65× magnification capability needed to view the inscription.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing device is designed to be a multi-functional tool that provides magnification, illumination, and image capture in a single instrument. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices (magnifying glass, separate light source, and camera), making the system less cumbersome and easier to use while achieving the same measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a high 65× magnification lens and camera system is used to view the inscription, then the inscription becomes visible, but the device becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical components and camera into a single integrated device, the patent eliminates the need for multiple expensive separate components. The integrated design allows for optimized manufacturing and reduces overall system cost while maintaining the required 65× magnification for inscription visibility.
3Measurement precision
If the gemstone is illuminated to create a spectral light reflection, then the engraved image becomes visible as a differential in reflected light, but the device lacks portability and ability to memorize the image
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated camera captures a digital copy of the engraved image that is displayed on the device's screen. This copying function allows the user to memorize, store, and recall the image information later, eliminating the need to physically retain the gemstone for reference or comparison purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines the illumination system for creating spectral reflections with a camera and display capability in one portable unit. This multi-functional design provides both real-time viewing of the engraved image and the ability to capture and store digital copies, enhancing portability and image recall capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the inscription is etched at a depth of 10 to 80 nanometers, then the inscription is microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, but it becomes nearly impossible to read even with a 10× loupe
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides dynamic control over illumination angles and magnification to optimize the visibility of the shallow engraved features. By adjusting the lighting conditions and magnification level, the system makes the 10-80 nanometer deep inscription readable, overcoming the limitations of static viewing tools like a fixed 10× loupe.
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 solution provides a portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for viewing gemstone inscriptions, enabling convenient storage, easy image manipulation, and remote communication of the information, making it practical for various situations, including temporary transfers like jewelry repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnifying lens, which may be coated with a reflection enhancing coating
Implementation Method 2
the gemstone surface reflects the light beam back along a path back to the magnifying lens, thereby producing a mirror-like reflection of the beam of light
Implementation Method 3
The integrated light source of the personal communications device (usually an LED which functions as a flash photographic light source when using the camera)
Data Source
AI summary
A gemstone viewer for personal communications devices for viewing a surface of a gemstone that has been micro or nano etched, engraved or embossed with an image or inscription such as an identification number. The viewer is mounted to employ the camera and LED light source of the personal communications device. The viewer directs the light from the light source as a light beam along a path incident to the surface of the gemstone containing the inscription. The gemstone spectrally reflects the light beam along a path back toward and through a magnifying lens to the camera lens of the personal communications device thereby enhancing the magnifying properties of the camera lens to produce a viewable light image that reveals the inscription on the viewing screen of the personal communications device.