Telecentric Gemstone Imaging for Consistent Fluorescence Grading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current instruments fail to provide consistent and reproducible fluorescence grading for gemstones, particularly those with irregular or fancy shapes, and lack the ability to automatically determine fluorescence hue, leading to incorrect manual input and human error.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a rotatable platform and telecentric lens system that captures gemstone images from multiple angles under uniform UV illumination, combined with image processing to quantify fluorescence characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If human visual perception is used for fluorescence grading, then judgment and fine distinctions can be made, but the process is time-consuming and involves multiple rounds of inspection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence grading accuracyVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical human visual inspection system with an automated optical measurement system. A UV light source illuminates the gemstone to induce fluorescence, and a camera captures the emitted light. Image processing algorithms then analyze the fluorescence characteristics, automatically determining grade and hue without requiring multiple human inspection rounds, thus reducing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the gemstone and the final grading result. The system uses a camera to capture fluorescence images, then applies digital image processing techniques to extract quantitative measurements of fluorescence intensity and hue. This intermediary processing layer automates the evaluation process, eliminating the need for repeated manual inspections while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If current fluorescence measuring devices are used, then some fluorescence measurement is possible, but consistent and reproducible grading cannot be provided for fancy shape cut stones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence grading consistencyVSAvoidapplicability to fancy shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal fluorescence measurement system that can handle various gemstone shapes including fancy shapes. The apparatus uses a rotatable platform to position any gemstone type in the optimal orientation, and the image processing algorithms are shape-agnostic, analyzing fluorescence characteristics regardless of the gemstone's geometric form. This universal approach enables consistent and reproducible grading across all gemstone types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a rotatable platform that dynamically adjusts the gemstone's position during measurement. The platform rotates the gemstone to optimal orientations that maximize fluorescence visibility and ensure consistent measurement angles. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to any gemstone shape while maintaining measurement reliability and reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If manual color input is required, then operator judgment is used, but incorrect grading occurs due to difficulty in seeing weak fluorescence color

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence hue accuracyVSAvoidweak fluorescence detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual color assessment with automated digital image processing. The system captures fluorescence images using a camera with controlled lighting conditions, then applies image processing algorithms to objectively measure fluorescence hue and intensity. This substitution eliminates human limitations in detecting weak colors, providing accurate quantitative measurements of fluorescence characteristics that would be difficult or impossible to assess visually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides accurate, consistent, and reproducible fluorescence grading for gemstones of various shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing human error.

Implementation Method 1

designed to provide uniform ultraviolet (UV) radiation to the gemstone on the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Light

Implementation Method 2

certain gemstones produce fluorescence emission under UV illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250321189A1Apparatus and method for fluorescence grading of gemstones

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA INC

AI summary

Provided herein is an apparatus for assessing a fluorescence characteristic of a gemstone. The apparatus comprises an optically opaque platform for supporting a gemstone to be assessed, one or more light source to provide uniform UV and non-UV illumination, an image capturing component, and a telecentric lens positioned to provide fluorescent images of the illuminated gemstone to the image capturing component. Also provided are methods of fluorescence analysis based on images collected using such an apparatus.