Gemstone Weight Estimation Using Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the weight of gemstones in mounted settings are unreliable and can damage the setting, and there is a need for a solution that can consistently determine the dimensions and validate the source of gemstones without requiring skilled gemologists or removing the gemstone from its setting.
Innovation Solution
A faceted structure analysis system comprising a faceted structure imaging assembly and an image analyzer that captures images of the gemstone in a mounted setting, using a cylinder with color features and a light source to determine dimensions and signature information, allowing for the estimation of weight and validation of the gemstone without needing all aspects of the gemstone to be visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gemologists use calipers to estimate volume while the gemstone is mounted in a setting, then the gemstone can remain in its setting, but the reliability of volume estimation deteriorates due to hidden dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image processing to create a digital copy (image) of the gemstone in its mounted setting. By analyzing the image data, the system can determine the gemstone's dimensions and volume without physically touching or removing the gemstone, thus maintaining reliability while keeping it in its setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement method (calipers) with an optical/electronic system (image sensor and image processor). This substitution allows non-contact measurement of the gemstone dimensions through image analysis, improving reliability while maintaining the gemstone in its setting.
2Measurement precision
If gemologists remove the gemstone from the setting to measure dimensions, then measurement precision is improved, but the setting may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital image copy of the gemstone in its setting, allowing precise measurement without physical contact. This eliminates the need to remove the gemstone, thereby preventing any potential damage to the setting while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image sensor as an intermediary between the measurement system and the gemstone. The image sensor captures the gemstone's appearance and provides data for dimension calculation, serving as a non-invasive mediator that enables precise measurement without direct physical access or removal of the gemstone.
3Measurement precision
If gemologists remove the gemstone from the setting to weigh it, then weight estimation accuracy is improved, but emotional value and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image data as a copy of the gemstone to determine its dimensions and calculate weight. This non-contact method allows accurate weight estimation without physically handling or removing the gemstone, thereby maintaining security and preserving the emotional value associated with the gemstone and its setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing process with an optical measurement system. By using image sensors and computational algorithms to determine dimensions and calculate weight, the system achieves accurate weight estimation without the need to remove or physically handle the gemstone, thus maintaining its security and emotional significance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If skilled gemologists manually estimate gemstone volume, then flexibility is maintained, but consistency and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual gemological estimation with an automated image processing system. The system uses algorithms to analyze image data and consistently determine gemstone dimensions and volume, eliminating the variability introduced by different gemologists while maintaining the flexibility to handle various gemstone configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation (image) of the gemstone that can be consistently analyzed by computational algorithms. This digital copy allows for repeatable and consistent measurements without the human factor, ensuring reliable and reproducible results while adapting to different gemstone types and settings.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a faceted structure imaging assembly and a faceted structure image analyzer. The system is configured to determine carat weight of a gemstone while in a mounted setting. In a first mode, the imaging assembly obtains a first image of a top gemstone surface. The image analyzer uses the first image to obtain at least one gemstone dimension, such as table and diameter dimensions. In a second mode, the imaging assembly obtains a second image of the top gemstone surface while a colored light pattern is reflected onto the gemstone. The image analyzer uses the second image to obtain at least one other gemstone dimension, such as crown and pavilion angles. The image analyzer uses the dimensions obtained from the first and second images to determine weight information of the gemstone. The system quickly determines gemstone weight reliably and consistently without skilled gemologists or removal from the setting.