Raman Gemstone Scanning With Image-Guided Stage Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gemstone analysis systems face challenges in achieving accurate and efficient alignment of samples for spectroscopy measurements, particularly due to the need for manual alignment and the limitations of optical microscopes, which restrict field of view and require high spatial resolution, while also posing safety hazards from strong laser use.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a computer-controlled stage with a digital camera and Raman probe, capable of aligning multiple gemstones by analyzing digital images to determine focus and position, allowing for efficient and safe spectroscopy analysis without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment is used for spectroscopy measurements, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but the analysis process becomes slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated image processing system. A digital camera captures images of gemstones, and computer algorithms automatically determine the position and focus status of each gemstone, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining high alignment accuracy and significantly improving analysis speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service alignment where the gemstones themselves are automatically detected and positioned through image analysis. The computer system independently analyzes captured images to determine gemstone locations and focus status, allowing the system to align samples automatically without human intervention and thereby increasing productivity.
2Extent of automation
If optical microscope is used for sample alignment, then automated alignment in enclosed environment is possible, but field of view becomes too small for multiple samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment function into separate modules: a wide-field digital camera captures images of multiple gemstones simultaneously, while the computer system processes these images to identify individual sample positions and focus status. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a large field of view for capturing multiple samples while achieving automated alignment through computational analysis.
3Measurement precision
If strong laser power is used to generate Raman signal, then spectroscopy measurement quality improves, but eye safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enclosed measurement chamber as an intermediary barrier between the strong laser and the operator. The chamber contains the laser radiation and directs it through optical components to reach the gemstone, while keeping the operator protected from direct exposure. This allows the use of high-power lasers for strong Raman signals while mitigating safety hazards through physical containment.
4Ease of operation
If manual alignment with laser safety goggle is used, then alignment can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and eliminates automated screening efficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual alignment process requiring laser safety goggles with an automated digital imaging system. A digital camera captures images of gemstones, and computer algorithms automatically analyze these images to determine focus status and sample positions, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment process while enabling automated screening of multiple samples simultaneously.
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 accurate and rapid analysis of gemstones, including identification of mineral types and color grading, while ensuring safety by automating the alignment process and reducing exposure to harmful laser radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a digital camera, a Raman probe, and at least one stage motor configured to move the stage
Implementation Method 2
Raman/photoluminescence and absorption spectroscopies are tools used for gemstone identification and screening
Implementation Method 3
analyzing gemstones using spectroscopy
Implementation Method 4
the at least one stage motor is capable of moving the stage in an X, Y and Z direction, and rotating the stage
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods here may be used for automated capturing and analyzing spectrometer data of multiple sample gemstones on a stage, including mapping digital camera image data of samples, applying a Raman Probe to a first sample gemstone under evaluation on the stage, receiving spectrometer data of the sample gemstone from the probe, automatically moving the stage to a second sample, using the image data, and analyzing the other samples.