Reflected Dark Field Illumination for Gem Clarity Grading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing gems, particularly in the diamond industry, face challenges in capturing detailed images due to lighting issues that result in direct reflections off crown facets, which interfere with clarity grading and limit the use of images for broader applications.
Innovation Solution
A dark field illumination apparatus is developed, incorporating a diffuser structure and a reflector unit with an aperture to minimize direct reflections and provide a reflected illumination component, allowing for improved image capture of gems by positioning a gem between a light source and the reflector, with a diffuser glass structure surrounding the gem to reduce glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct lighting is used to illuminate the gem, then light intensity is sufficient for photographing, but direct reflections off crown facets occur which make images unsuitable for clarity grading
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector unit is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the gem. The reflector redirects light to illuminate the gem from below through the support tube, preventing direct reflections from crown facets while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity for clarity grading and photography
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination direction is inverted from the conventional top-down approach to a bottom-up approach. Light is directed upward through the support tube to illuminate the gem from below, which eliminates direct reflections from the crown facets while still providing adequate lighting for imaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If the whole diamond is captured for broader applications, then more applications are enabled, but the inclusion detail may be less prominent
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables dynamic adjustment between capturing the whole diamond and focusing on specific inclusions. The imaging system can be configured to capture either the entire gem for symmetry and aesthetic evaluation or zoom in on specific inclusion areas for detailed clarity grading, providing versatility across different application needs
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 enhances image quality by minimizing direct reflections, adding sparkle to the images, and increasing light intensity, enabling faster shutter speeds and ideal exposure settings, thus improving the accuracy and utility of gem clarity grading and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
A light unit is positioned to illuminate a gem supported by the support tube
Implementation Method 2
A diffuser structure is configured to substantially encircle a gem supported by the support tube
Implementation Method 3
A reflector unit is provided which has a reflecting surface positionable over the diffuser structure
Data Source
AI summary
A reflected dark field structure includes a bottom plate, a support tube, a light unit, a diffuser structure, and a reflector unit that provides reflected dark field illumination, such that a gem held by the support tube and surrounded by the diffuser structure is illuminated and viewable through an aperture in the reflector unit. A method for imaging and analyzing a gem includes placing the gem onto a support tube where it is illuminated with dark field and reflected dark field illumination, and viewing the gem via an aperture located on a top reflector unit, which provides a top cover for the gem. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for obtaining images of a gem includes a dark field stage, a reflector unit, and an image-acquiring device, such that a gem placed in the dark field stage is illuminated, and such that the reflector unit covers the dark field stage and provides reflected dark field illumination, and such that the image-acquiring device is directed towards an aperture in the reflector unit.