Mounted Diamond Weight Estimation Through Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the weight of mounted diamond gemstones are unreliable due to variability among gemologists and require significant time and expertise, especially when dimensions are obstructed by settings.
Innovation Solution
An optical weight estimation system that uses an imaging assembly, a weight estimation controller, and user input to analyze mounted structures, estimating weight based on structure characteristics and dimensions derived from captured images, allowing for rapid and repeatable weight estimation without unmounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional weighing methods are used on mounted gemstones, then weight measurement is obtained, but the process requires unmounting the gemstone which is time-consuming and may damage the setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical weighing systems with an optical measurement system. The device uses optical sensors and image processing to determine gemstone dimensions and calculate weight, eliminating the need for physical contact or unmounting. The optical system captures images of the mounted gemstone, automatically measures dimensions, and computes weight through software algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system between the gemstone and the measurement process. Instead of directly weighing the mounted gemstone, the system uses optical fields to capture dimensional information, which then serves as an intermediary to calculate weight indirectly through density relationships and geometric computations.
2Reliability
If manual volume estimation by gemologists is used, then weight estimation is obtained, but repeatability and reproducibility are poor due to human variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service measurement system where the device automatically captures images, processes dimensional data, and calculates weight without requiring human intervention for measurement. The system includes automated image analysis algorithms that consistently identify gemstone boundaries and calculate dimensions, eliminating human variability in measurement judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system displays captured images and measured dimensions to the operator for verification. The software provides real-time feedback on measurement quality, allowing operators to confirm or adjust readings, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable results across multiple measurements.
3Measurement precision
If calipers are used to measure mounted gemstones, then volume estimation is obtained, but the process is time-consuming and lacks precision when dimensions are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear measurements using calipers to two-dimensional optical imaging. The system captures multiple views of the gemstone and uses image processing to extract dimensional information, allowing measurement of dimensions that would be inaccessible or difficult to measure with traditional caliper methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing to establish dimensional measurements before final weight calculation. The system pre-processes images to enhance edges, identify boundaries, and calculate dimensions in advance, which then feeds into the weight estimation algorithm, streamlining the overall measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical weight estimation system comprises a controller, a display panel, a control panel, an imaging assembly, and user input interface. The system provides for rapid analysis of mounted structures that cannot be readily unmounted and weighed using a traditional scale. The system estimates weight of a structure from structure characteristic information supplied via user input and from an image of a surface of the structure obtained via the imaging assembly. The image is used to determine at least one dimension of the structure. The controller uses the one or more dimensions obtained from the image of the structure and the user supplied structure characteristic information to generate a weight estimate of the structure. The system allows a manual operator to rapidly analyze one or more mounted structures without having to unmount the structure from the setting and yields significant time savings as compared to known weight estimation techniques.