WO2015132785A1

WO2015132785A1 - Portable apparatus and system for online presentaion and analysis of small size items

Info

Publication number: WO2015132785A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/050228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amit SIDES; Gal DE LANGE; Oran AVIVI; Tom GONEN
Original assignee: Mamash Production Group Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-03-03
Filing date: 2015-03-03
Publication date: 2015-09-11

Abstract

The subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a portable photographing apparatus configured to allow a user quickly and economically creating a high quality photographs of a small size item by a smartphone camera for professional inspection and analysis of the photographed item on an internet platform, said photographing apparatus comprising at least a photographing chamber configured to allow insertion and extraction of said small size item, said chamber comprising a rotatable stage for positioning said item within the photographing chamber and rotating the item during photographing so as to obtain a full view of the photographed item, and at least one light source for lighting said photographing chamber; said photographing chamber is connected to a power source and to a smartphone holder having a dedicated hole connected to a lens for allowing positioning of a smartphone on said holder in a manner that said smartphone camera is positioned on said hole to obtain a sight view into said photographing chamber for photographing said item. The invention is further directed to a photographing system for small size items configured to allow a creation of an internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items by multiple users, said system comprising at least: (a) a portable photographing apparatus according to the above; (b) a smartphone having an intrinsic camera and a dedicated software application configured to obtain image data from said smartphone camera and upload the data to a server; and (c) a server having at least a web application with advanced image processing techniques for analyzing the uploaded images and creating a database of photographed items.

Description

PORTABLE APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ONLINE PRESENTAION AND ANALYSIS OF SMALL SIZE ITEMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a portable personal apparatus and system for micro photographing of small items via a smartphone, and production of professional presentation platform online that allows 360 degree quality view of the presented item and visualizing of intricate details within the item. The professional presentation platform may further serve as a high quality database for sharing knowledge for example about precious stones, diamonds, and jewels, old coins, and prestigious accessories and as an interface for professionals to exchange data and develop business relations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the last few years the business conduction arena became much more dynamic and accessible than before, as people worldwide are connected to the internet most of the day and do not have to physically meet a product in order to examine it and further purchase it. On line purchasing became a trivial day to day activity and new online sales platforms with secured intelligent commerce systems are introduced every day. However, items having intricate detail, such as diamonds, precious stones, jewels, ancient coins, and prestigious accessories that require thorough examination of the item according to gemology principles are not yet popular, mainly due to lack of a suitable available photographing and presentation platform and quality accessibility. In this particular field, that involves huge sums of money the merchant is usually delivered to a potential buyer personally, and as such, the process is highly expensive, as besides the delivery expenses it requires insurance coverage, the time required for the process is relatively long as the person that delivers the diamonds sometimes needs to travel across countries and the merchant is usually secured to his body to minimize chances of loss and robbery. It is clear from the above that converting at least the first steps of the commerce in this field of trade to electronic commerce (ecommerce), can save huge transportation and insurance costs and precious time, and can serve as a first screening by a potential buyer before purchasing. Some of the available solutions use web cameras or armature cameras with poor lighting and not with standard picture format for uploading the photos of the item to the web. Other available solutions are using professional manpower that makes the process cumbersome and expensive. Some other solutions are based on a complex and expensive equipment that allows photographing of diamonds and precious stones in a dedicated service points by professional people but still require transporting the stones to the service points. In addition, the service points allow a very limited presentation interface. In summary, none of the prior art provides a portable device for personal use that is capable of producing high quality photos of a photographed item created in one standard and processed by the same technological means that is further configured to be connected to an internet platform and satisfy the communicability requirements of the modern connected world. The present invention is aimed to provide such a system and accompanying photographing apparatus.

Some available products that may be relevant to the subject matter of the invention are the Vision 360 (http://v360.in/); Sarine Loupe™ (http://sarine.com/products/sarine-loupe/), Triple D (http ://tripled-experience .com/), Diacam 360 (http://www.diacam360.com/), Segoma (www.segoma.com), and Learlite (http ://www .learlabs .com/# !inspiration/c 1 d64) .

Thus, there is a need in the market for a new platform configured to allow simple and convenient examination of diamonds and other precious stones on line, without the need to physically deliver the stones to a potential purchaser and/or to service points, which allows a seller to photograph the stones he offer for sale in his personal space simply by his smartphone's camera and the apparatus of the invention, without transporting the stones out of his place of work, and to further upload the photographs to the web, so as to provide a high quality inspection of the stones offered for sale in a wide interface and to various optional buyers. This need for a platform that allows simple and convenient examination of small items also exist in other industries and fields and mainly in factories and studios that manufacture small intricate components, where the client has to carefully examine the work before production. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a portable photographing apparatus configured to allow a user quickly and economically creating a high quality photographs of a small size item by a smartphone camera for professional inspection and analysis of the photographed item on an internet platform, said photographing apparatus comprising at least a photographing chamber configured to allow insertion and extraction of said small size item, said chamber comprising a rotatable stage for positioning said item within the photographing chamber and rotating the item during photographing so as to obtain a full view of the photographed item, and at least one light source for lighting said photographing chamber; said photographing chamber is connected to a power source and to a smartphone holder having a dedicated hole connected to a lens for allowing positioning of a smartphone on said holder in a manner that said smartphone camera is positioned on said hole to obtain a sight view into said photographing chamber for photographing said item. The portable photographing apparatus may further comprise at least one sensor configured to provide data related to said small size item, for example a weight sensor.

In some embodiments of the invention, the portable photographing apparatus may further comprise a base configured to connect the photographing chamber and the smartphone holder on one plane, said base may further comprise operation buttons, for example, buttons for turning on/off the light source and for operating the rotatable stage.

The photographing chamber may further comprises at least one independent camera, said camera is configured to provide a complementary views of said small size item and to be operated and controlled by a smartphone having a dedicated software application being positioned on said smartphone holder. The photographing chamber may further comprise a softering element for lighting said small size item.

The subject matter disclosed herein is further directed to a photographing system for small size items configured to allow a creation of an internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items by multiple users, said system comprising at least: (a) a portable photographing apparatus according to the above; (b) a smartphone having an intrinsic camera and a dedicated software application configured to obtain image data from said smartphone camera and upload the data to a server; and (c) a server having at least a web application with advanced image processing techniques for analyzing the uploaded images and creating a database of photographed items.

The software application may further be configured to obtain and upload data received from at least one sensor comprised in the portable photographing apparatus.

In some embodiments, the smartphone is configured to control the operation of at least one camera comprised within said photographing apparatus.

The internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items may be created by independent users, each user having a personal user page displaying items that were photographed by the user by said portable photographing apparatus. The internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items may further allow analysis and comparison of similar items that were uploaded by independent users, and may further allow integration with commercial platforms configured to use the database of items in order to offer the items for sale.

The small size items may be for example but not limited to, jewels, rings, bracelet, earrings, pendant, and diamonds. In such scenario, the internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items is configured to allow jewelers to conduct online screening and analysis of items offered for sale. The subject matter disclosed herein is further directed to a method for creating high quality photographs of a small size item by a user via a photographing apparatus as described above and a smartphone camera for professional inspection and analysis of the photographed small size item on an internet platform, said method comprising the steps:

a. Opening a photographing apparatus , positioning an item to be photographed on a rotatable stage, and closing the apparatus;

b. Opening a dedicated software app on a smartphone and login into a personal customer account;

c. Positioning the smartphone on a dedicated place onto the photographing apparatus; d. Focusing on the item to be photographed and setting a starting point for creating a standard of a first picture;

e. Taking pictures of the item through a full one rotation course of the rotating stage;

f. Uploading the pictures to a presentation and analysis platform in a dedicated cloud based server and proprietary internet platform.

The method may further comprise a step of weighing the item and uploading the measured data to the cloud based server of step (f) for further analysis and presentation.

Additionally or alternatively, the method further comprising a step of taking pictures from at least one camera comprised within said photographing apparatus and uploading the image data to the cloud based server of step (f) for further analysis and presentation. The user of this method may examine the pictured item and send it to other users via sharing modalities via the internet platform in a dedicated web site and/or other merchandize sales platforms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples illustrative of embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to figures attached hereto. In the figures, identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with the same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Many of the figures presented are in the form of schematic illustrations and, as such, certain elements may be drawn greatly simplified or not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The figures are not intended to be production drawings. The figures (Figs.) are listed below.

Figure 1A is a schematic isometric view of a photographing apparatus in a closed form ready for operation in accordance with examples of the invention; Figures 1B-1C are side view illustrations of the photographing apparatus of figure 1A in a closed form ready for operation (1A) and in an open form allowing insertion and extrusion of the item to be photographed.

Figure 2A is an isometric illustration of a portable system configured to allow quality micro photographing of small size item for online presentation via a dedicated platform comprising a three dimension (3D) photographing apparatus and a smartphone positioned on it.

Figure 2B is a schematic side view illustration of the portable system of figure 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is open form with a diamond positioned within it to be photographed and analyzed. Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the 3D photographing apparatus illustrated in figure 1.

Figures 4A-4B are schematic front view illustration and a cross section side view illustration along axis A-A respectively, of another example of a photographing apparatus for obtaining quality micro photographing of small size items and for measuring the items to further allow for online assessment of the photographed items in a close form.

Figure 4C is a schematic cross section side view illustration of the photographing apparatus of figure 4A along B-B axis.

Figure 5A is a schematic flow illustrating the pathway of a new jewelry selected by a user to be photographed until it is displayed in the user web page in a dedicated web platform for professionals in the jewelry field that further allows detailed inspection and professional analysis in its product preview page.

Figures 5B and 5C are close up views of a specific user's personal web page that display the user's items that were photographed by the photographing apparatus of the invention (5B), and a page preview of photographed item displayed in the user page (5C), both are part of a web platform for professionals tradesman in the jewelry field, wherein the web platform is based on data that was created by items that were photographed by the photographing device of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, various aspects of a novel platform for online presentation and analysis of small items such as but not limited to diamonds and precious stones, will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus.

Although various features of the disclosure may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the disclosure may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the disclosure may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways, and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the exemplary ones described herein below. The descriptions, examples and materials presented in the description, as well as in the claims, should not be construed as limiting, but rather as illustrative. Terms for indicating relative direction or location, such as "right" and "left",

"up" and "down", "top" and "bottom", "horizontal" and "vertical", "higher" and "lower", and the like, may also be used, without limitation.

The present invention , in one aspect is aim to provide a novel platform configured and operable to provide a quality 3D online presentation of stones offered for sale, in a manner that provides the person viewing the stones a full 3D view of the item allowing him to examine it as in the real world. In today's environment all people that are being involved with diamonds and precious stones merchant carry a smartphone with a camera in it. However, using the smartphone camera by itself usually results in low quality pictures compared to pictures that are taken by macro cameras. The present invention provides a novel apparatus configured and operable to highly improve the pictures that are taking by the smartphone camera as the pictures are taken through a lens and the photographed item is positioned in a photographing chamber with dedicated light source that results in high quality uniform pictures. The present invention further provides a platform to present the pictures in an instant and friendly manner to an optional buyer by using the dedicated app for processing the images obtained by the camera of the smart device and through the novel apparatus upload the presentation into the internet.

The present invention in a further aspect is aimed to provide a portable mini laboratory platform for online analysis of small items. The portable mini laboratory platform of the invention may be applicable for different markets that may use it as an effective, simple to operate, cost saving working tool. Industries that may use the mini laboratory platform of the invention include without limitation diamonds and precious stones dealers and factories, jewels shops, semiconductors, and other factories that manufacture small components. Currently, factories and designer waste a lot of time and efforts on video chat between the factories to the client for approval of products before production and sometimes there is a need to physically fly and attend the factory in order to perform through analyses of the product to be manufactured. The present invention provides a simple, chip, and fast solution for such situation and remotely allows a comprehensive viewing and examination of miniature items via the laboratory platform provided herein.

When it comes to diamonds and other precious stones merchant that is usually performed in dedicated stocks worldwide that are closed and highly secured places with limited and secured access, the novel laboratory for analyzing small and comprehensive items provided herein, allows the dealer to save huge costs that are currently required for conveying the stones for examination by a potential buyer that further requires high insurance coverage and precious time as mentioned above. Usage of the laboratory platform of the present invention allows inspecting the stones in different views, rotating the picture and obtaining additional information on the viewed item such as weight, size, color, and the like.

The portable mini laboratory platform of the invention preferably comprises three main components: (a) photographing apparatus configured and operable to allow quality photographing of an item positioned on a rotating stage within it by a smart phone and optionally by at least one internal camera, and further to allow additional measurements corresponding to the photographed item; (b) a dedicated proprietary software application installed on the smart phone; the app is configured to instruct the user how to photograph the item, to process the picture/s and/or movies, and to upload it to the internet; and (c) an internet (web) presentation platform configured and operable to allow analysis of the pictures by relevant interfaces to thereby allow a user to view the photographed item in different views, rotate it, and obtain a comprehensive description about the item such as weight, size, true color, and the like, and further to allow users to chats about the item on line.

The visual item may be analyzed for example, for color content and the results will be processed by advanced image processing technologies such as Main Color extraction to map between pixels in the image.

The photographing apparatus comprises at least: a chamber configured to serve as a photo box, capable of being opened and closed for insertion and extraction of items to be photographed and examined; a rotating stage for positioning the item on it so as to allow 360 degree quality view of the presented items; a hole for the smart phone camera eye piece; at least one camera positioned on the inner space of the apparatus and configured to be operated in correlation with the smart phone's camera, internal lights; macro lens; at least one sensor for measuring differing parameters of the item under examination (e.g. weight); a motor for rotating the stage for obtaining different views of the item; a phone holder configured to allow positioning of the smartphone in a stable and appropriate manner with relative to the hole for the eye piece of the camera. A detailed example of the photographing apparatus is provided with reference to the figures below.

In some embodiment of the invention, other smart devices such as but not limited to, a mini tablet or a phablet may also be used instead of a smartphone, as long as they comprise the appropriate software application and have the ability to connect to the internet.

In accordance with the present invention, the presentation and analysis platform in the internet allows supplementary assessment and inspection of item of interest by connection of the photos to an interface of databases that functionally allows obtaining information about parameters related to the pictured item, such as weight, size, color and the like as described in details with reference to figure 5 below.

The internet platform is friendly to the user and together with the app, the smart phone and the photographing apparatus it is configured and operable to function as a portable laboratory for inspecting intricate details within the photographed item and further as a professional platform for people in this field to review others items offered for sale, to create professional connections with other dealers, designers, and manufactories.

In accordance with one another aspect of the invention a novel platform configured and operable to provide a quality three dimension (3D) online presentation of stones offered for sale, in a manner that provides the person viewing the photographed item a full and quality 3D view of the item that allows him/her to examine the item as in the real world. In today's environment all people that are being involved with diamonds and precious stones merchant carry a smartphone with a camera in it. However, using the smartphone camera as is results in poor quality pictures a drawback that the photographing apparatus of the invention overcome. Thus, the subject matter disclosed herein is aimed to provide a novel apparatus for creating high quality pictures, and a platform for presenting the pictures in a prompt and friendly manner to an optional buyer by using the dedicated software application for processing the images obtained by the smart device and optionally by additional camera positioned within the novel apparatus, and further to upload it into a dedicated web site that may be interfaced with one or more other databases for obtaining additional parameters of the item such as weight, size, and color, wherein the dedicated web site may further allow online chats between different users, share of content, and the like.

Thus, the novel professional online presentation and analysis platform of small items is obtained by photos of items created by the 3D photographing apparatus of the invention that optionally comprises at least one intrinsic camera, and a smartphone having a dedicated software application configured to enable the submission of the obtained data to a cloud based server for further analysis of the uploaded photos and optionally data obtained by additional sensors for creating a unique interface for professionals to present and review items offered for sale worldwide, wherein all the items are photographed and processes by the same apparatus and tools to allow similar standard and true base for comparison between different items.

Figure 1A is an isometric illustration of a portable photographing apparatus 100 configured to allow quality micro photographing of small size items for online presentation. Apparatus 100 comprises a photographing chamber 101 composed of two complementary parts, an upper part 102 (upper cup) and a bottom part 104 (bottom cup) connected to each other at one end by barrel hinge 103 (shown in figs 1C). The upper cup 102 is configured to close the bottom cup 104 in order to provide suitable conditions for photographing. Bottom cup 104 is fixed to a base 108 that contains the electronic components of the apparatus, and to a smartphone holder 106 configured to allow a user to position its smartphone in a proper position to picture an item positioned within the photographing chamber created by upper and bottom cups 102 and 104. Smartphone holder 106 contain a hole 1062 to allow the smartphone camera a proper field of vision to picture the item. In the specific example illustrated in this figure, smartphone holder 106 is made of a flat bi-layer surface having a decorative inner frame 1060. However, it should be clear that other designs of the holder may be applicable and are within the scope of the invention.

Base 108 may comprise at least one operation button. In the specific example illustrated in this figure, base 108 comprises button 112 for turning On/Off the light within the photographing chamber 101, and button 114 for rotating a stage 116 (shown in fig. 1C) for obtaining a 360 degree view of the item. Figures IB and 1C are side view illustrations of the 3D photographing apparatus 100 in a close form (IB) and in an open form allowing insertion and extrusion of the item to be photographed (1C). When the photographing chamber 101 is open the user may position an item to be photographed on a rotating stage 116. The stage is positioned within bottom cup 104 and connected to a motor and gear so as to allow the user to rotate the stage in order to obtain full 360 degree view of the item. For obtaining optimal lighting conditions for photographing, a light source such as but not limited to LED 122 is positioned above stage 116 and attached to the inner surface of phone holder 106. Also attached to the inner surface of phone holder 106 above stage 116 are lens 128 connected by lens bionet connection 1288, and softering element 120.

Figures 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of the portable photographing system 200 of the invention, wherein, figure 2A is an isometric view of photographing apparatus 100 of Figure 1 in a close form with a smartphone 50 positioned on it and showing a picture of a diamond 40' that is positioned within it on the stage ready for being photographed. The portable photographing system 200 is configured to operate with any smartphone that has an intrinsic camera 55 and dedicated software application. The item to be photographed is positioned on the rotating stage within the 3D photographing apparatus 100. The user via its smartphone and the dedicated software application installed on it, preferably enters a web interface so as to upload the photos of the item, analyze them, and present the item on the user's virtual pictures library on a dedicated cloud. Detailed description of the photographing apparatus and method of use are provided with reference to figure 3 below. Figure 2B is a schematic side view illustration of the portable system 200 of figure 2A, wherein the 3D photographing apparatus is open having an item to be photographed such as diamond 40 positioned within it on a stage 116, and a smartphone 50 positioned on the smartphone holder 106.

Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the 3D photographing apparatus 100 of the invention. Apparatus 100 mainly comprise a light chamber 101 composed of upper cup 102 and bottom cup 104, connected to each other at one end by hinge 103, the hinge is positioned in dedicated structural notches 1032 and 1034 in upper and bottom cup 102 and 104 respectively. When cups 102 and 103 are closed one on the other they create a closed dark environment that can be lighted by a desired artificial lighting. Light chamber 101 comprises a 360 degree rotating stage 116 configured to allow positioning of an item to be photographed on it, the stage is connected to a motor and gear 126, said motor is assembled in within a motor base 127 having a dedicated notch 126' for motor 126. The base is attached to bottom cup 102. Stage 116 may have a bottom surface 1161 for attaching the stage to the motor 126 so as to allow rotation of the stage 360 degree around the motor axis 1261 so as to give a 3D presentation of the photographed item. Light chamber 101 further contains at least one light source such as LED 122, lens 128, and a softring element 120 to allow high quality photographing of the item by the smartphone camera. Light chamber 101 is positioned on a base 108 comprising the electronic components of apparatus 100. The base may comprise dedicated niches for operation buttons. In the specific example illustrated in this figure, base 108 comprises niche 1141 for button 114 (On/Off button for rotating the stage), niche 1121 (not shown in this view) for button 112 (On/Off buttons for the light). Apparatus 100 further comprises a stand for a smartphone 106 having a dedicated hole 1062 to allow field of view to the camera of the smartphone. In the specific example illustrated herein, phone holder 106 is composed of two layers, outer layer 106' on which the smart phone is positioned, and inner layer 106" that is partially connected to bottom cup 104 and constitute part of the light chamber 101, wherein the upper part of the holder that is part of the light chamber 101 is attached to Led 122, to softring element 120, and to lens 128 that is mounted on the apparatus via lens bionet connection 1288. Lens 128 is configured to improve the function of the smartphone camera so as to obtain a better focus of the item, while the light projected from LED 122 through the light diffuser (softring element) 120 further improve the environmental conditions at the photographing chamber.

One optional method of using apparatus 100 may be as follows:

At first step the user opens the 3D photographing apparatus, positioned an item to be photographed on the stage, and closes the apparatus (step 001);

The user opens a dedicated app on the smartphone (step 002);

The user opens a personal customer account and login (step 003);

Camera of the smart device is opened automatically (step 004);

User positions the smartphone on the 3D photographing apparatus on a dedicated stand (step 005);

The app displays a message "long pressing" for focusing on the item to be photographed (step 006);

User presses on "long pressing" (step 007);

Camera focuses on item (step 008);

The software app displays a message: "take a picture" (step 009);

User presses on "starting point" for creating a standard of a first picture (i.e. the item will be pictured in frontal view) (step 010);

The app displays a message: "take a picture" (step 011);

The user presses on the picture viewed in the smartphone and pictures are being taken through a full one rotation course of the rotating stage (step 012);

User can move the picture right and left and rotate 360 degrees to check the pictures (step 013);

User approves the picture (step 014);

Pictures are uploaded to a presentation and analysis platform in a dedicated cloud based server and proprietary internet platform (step 015);

User may examine the pictured item and send it to other users via sharing modalities via the internet platform in a dedicated web site and/or other merchandize sales platforms (step 016). In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the 3D photographing apparatus of the invention further comprises at least one integral camera and sensor configured to allow more accurate data about the photographed item and quality presentation online, so as to serve as a mini laboratory for analyzing jewels and precious stones. An example of such embodiment is illustrated with reference to figure 4A-4C.

Figure 4A is a schematic front view illustration of an example of a photographing apparatus 400 comprising in addition to the components illustrated with reference to photographing apparatus 100 of figs 1-3, two integral cameras and a weight sensor. Photographing apparatus 400 is configured to operate as a "mini laboratory" for obtaining quality photographs of small size items and further to allow measurements for online assessment of the item via the dedicated platform as mentioned above and illustrated in details with reference to figures 5A-5C. In this view, photographing device 400 looks similar to photographing device 100 and comprises upper cup 102 and bottom cup 104 that compose a close light chamber 101, base 108 with buttons 112 and 114 for turning on a light source inside the light chamber, and for rotating a stage with the item positioned on it for obtaining 360 degree view of the item, respectively. Also shown in this view are phone holder 106 with hole 1062 for providing a the smartphone's camera sight view into the light chamber, lens 128 assembled on lens bionet connection 1288. Also shown in this figure is section A-A that illustrates the position of the cross section view of figure 4B, while section B-B illustrated in figure 4B illustrates the position of the cross section view of figure 4C.

Figures 4B and 4C are schematic cross section views of the photographing apparatus 400 operable as a "mini laboratory" for obtaining accurate details about the photographed item for further analyzes along A-A axis and B-B axis respectively.

In accordance with the specific example illustrated in these figures, the mini lab photographing apparatus 400 comprises a bottom cup 104 and an upper cup 102 that when they are closed one on the other a closed dark chamber 101 is created that can be illuminated by a desired artificial light source such as LEDs 122. A hinge 103 such as a barrel hinge may be used to connect bottom cup 104 with upper cup 102, at one end, and further to allow opening and closing of the apparatus so as to allow insertion and extraction of an item to be photographed and assessed. A rotating stage 116 is positioned within the chamber 101 and attached to lower cup 104 in a similar manner as illustrated above with reference to figures 1-3. Stage 116 is connected to a motor and a gear 126 positioned on a motor base 127 configured to allow rotation of stage 116 in a 360 degrees, around axis 1261, so as to give a 3D presentation of the photographed item. Artificial lighting of the inner chamber may be created by LEDs 122 or by any other suitable light source. Photographing apparatus 400 further comprises at least one internal camera. In the example illustrated in the figures, device 400 comprises two Wi-Fi cameras 130, each connected to a macro lens 128. Lens 128 may be mounted on the apparatus via connecters, such as but not limited to bionet connectors 1288 as illustrated above. Lens 128 is configured to focus the light projected from the LEDs 122 through a light diffuser (softring) 120. Smartphone holder 106 may be composed from a universal silicon smartphone holder or may be a proprietary component. Photographing apparatus 400 further comprise at least one sensor that allows obtaining measurements of the item. For example, a miniature weight sensor 170 may be embedded in stage 116. Wi-Fi cameras 130 may be positioned on top of the stage, and 90 degrees profile to the stage, while a third camera, for example the smartphone' s camera is positioned in between them at 45 degree with reference to the stage. Figure 4C further illustrates operation button 20 that allows turning the apparatus On/Off, and dedicated structural notch 1034 in bottom cup 104 for hinge 103. Apparatus 400 further comprise a base 108 for housing the electronic components of the apparatus that may further contain operation buttons for rotating the stage and turning On/Off the lights within the closed chamber. The operation of apparatus 400 may be synchronized to the smartphone operation via the dedicated app. In a specific embodiment, the smart device functions as a remote control of the photographing apparatus, wherein pictures are taken only by the internal cameras.

An example of usage of photographing apparatus 400 as a "mini lab" system may be as follows:

At first step the user opens the upper portion of the mini lab apparatus 400 and positions a tiny item to be photographed on stage 116 preferably but not necessarily by using a dedicated tweezers, and closes the apparatus (step 001); The user opens a dedicated software application on the smartphone (step 002);

The user opens a personal customer account and log in (step 003);

The user registers the new item, by providing its name and general characters that should be assessed (step 004);

The user places the smartphone on phone holder 106 and follows the instructions presented on the smartphone screen and and/or orally played by the app (step 005);

The software app shows all the cameras view in real time and reset them (step 006);

The user presses a button and the internal stage of the apparatus begins to rotate to thereby allow review of the item at 360 degrees around (step 007);

The software app receives, via a sensor inside the apparatus, data about the weight of the assessed item. This figure may be measured by using a tiny weight embedded within the stage and transmitted to the app by wireless means such as Bluetooth, IR,

NFC and the like (step 008);

The user clicks on "start" through the app so as to create a standard of initial photography (i.e., the item to be assessed is being placed in front of the smartphone (the outer) camera (step 009);

The user clicks again on the image shown on the smartphone' s screen for optimizing the focus of the image (step 010);

The user clicks on the "Photo" button through the app and each of the cameras takes shots of the item from several angles/take and/or a video movie of a full rotation round of the stage (360 degree), wherein the smartphone' s camera is used for controlling all other cameras installed within the apparatus (step 011);

The video movies are delivered to the smartphone and the app integrates all the videos obtained from the different cameras that provide different observation angles of the item to be assessed (step 012);

The user is now able to preview the outcome videos and further be able to rotate the image of the item in all possible axes and to inspect it 360 degrees around (step 013);

In the next step, the user approves the images (step 014);

After the photos/videos are approved, the software app is configured to upload the data to a server in order to allow presentation and analysis platform to professionals in the field and further to potential buyers (step 015).

In this step the photos will be formatted in a quality manner and will be assimilated in smart technological interfaces in the dedicated web site for on-line assessment of the photographed item. Figure 5A is a schematic flow 500 illustrating the pathway of a new jewelry

5204 selected by a user to be photographed until it is displayed in the user web page in a dedicated web platform for professionals in the jewelry field that further allows detailed inspection and professional analysis in its product preview page.

At the start point the user chooses an item, for example ring 5204 to upload to its web page (phase 510). The user then opens a dedicated software application on its smartphone enters details such as email and password and login (phase 512). In the next phase (514) the user inserts ring 5204 into the photographing apparatus of the invention and positions its smartphone onto the smartphone holder of the photographing apparatus. At this stage, ring 5204 is displayed on the smartphone screen and the photographing and optionally the measuring process of the item in 360 degrees starts. At the next phase (516) the data obtained is transmitted to a cloud server for storage, analysis and further presentation. The user then logs into the server platform (phase 518) preferably but not necessarily via a computer or a tablet and enters into its personal user page (phase 520) in which the new item, i.e. ring 5204 is displayed. By clicking on the ring an item page is opened (phase 522) containing processed photos and data related to ring 5204.

Figures 5B and 5C are close up views of a specific user's personal web page (phase 520) that display the user's items that were photographed by the photographing apparatus of the invention (fig. 5B), and a page preview of the photographed item (phase 522) displayed in the user page (fig. 5C), both are part of a web platform for professionals tradesman in the jewels field, wherein the web platform is based on data that was created by different users upon photographing their items by the photographing apparatus of the invention and uploading the data of each item for further analysis in a dedicated cloud server. It should be clear that the professional database may be in a different field then jewelry and precious stones according to the nature of the photographed items. In any case, the platform proposed herein functionally enables the creation of a unique database of items by professionals in a specific field of occupation that enhances upon addition of users each uploading data about various items so as to create a high quality universal catalog of items in a specific field that enjoys and enhanced by the wisdom of crowds, all items are being photographed in one standard by the photographing apparatus of the invention and processes by the same processing algorithms. The photographing apparatus of the invention is easy and friendly to use, portable and having light weight, adapted for personal use at the working place or at home, operated with a standard smartphone, and relative to photographing boxes available in the marked is tremendously none expensive. These characters together with the high quality photos obtained by the apparatus make it available to every jewelry dealer and/or jewelry trading house.

Figure 5B is a specific example of a user page 520 displaying to other users the specific user name of this page and a brief profile of the user 5202. Additional details for those who wish to learn more about this user is available upon clicking on icon 5208 having a more comprehensive description of this specific user. The user page is further configured to display items that the user uploaded such as 5204, 5206, and 5207, wherein the new item that was just uploaded to the platform ring 5204 may optionally appear in a bold frame carrying the title "New item". In order to view a specific item in more details, the user should click on the specific item to open the item page 522. The user page further allows conducting a search 5201. It should be clear that the features illustrated herein are only an example and should not construe as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Figure 5C is a close up view of an example of an item page 522 showing ring 5204 the item page allows a user to obtain general data about the item either by watching a movie by function 5224 or reading the details appearing on the page as of his catalog number, size, measurements, available colors, and materials that the ring may be made of. Additionally, the item page may present number of views of this page. In addition to the basic details about the item the item page allows detailed inspection and analysis of ring 5204 by using function 5221 for viewing the ring in 360 and/or watching a high definition video of the ring illustrating it in different views, zooming in and out by using function 5225, watching analytics related to the ring 5222 such as number of people visited this site, how many are returning visitors and how many are new, the demographic distribution of the visitors, and the like, and further to share the information by function 5223 with others by simple sharing platforms. The item page further allows returning to main user page by function 5226 and contacting with the user displaying this item by function 5227.

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope. It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.

Claims

A portable photographing apparatus configured to allow a user creating a high quality photographs of a small size item by a smartphone camera for professional inspection and analysis of the photographed item on an internet platform, said photographing apparatus comprising at least a photographing chamber configured to allow insertion and extraction of said small size item, said chamber comprising a rotatable stage for positioning said item within the photographing chamber and rotating the item during photographing so as to obtain a full view of the photographed item, and at least one light source for lighting said photographing chamber; said photographing chamber is connected to a power source and to a smartphone holder having a dedicated hole connected to a lens for allowing positioning of a smartphone on said holder in a manner that said smartphone camera is positioned on said hole to obtain a sight view into said photographing chamber for photographing said item.

A portable photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor configured to provide data related to said small size item. A portable photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said sensor is a weight sensor.

A portable photographing apparatus according to claims 1-3, further comprising a base configured to connect said photographing chamber and smartphone holder on one plane, said base further comprising operation buttons for turning on/off said light source and operating said rotatable stage. A portable photographing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said photographing chamber further comprises at least one independent camera, said camera is configured to provide a complementary views of said small size item and to be operated and controlled by a smartphone having a dedicated software application being positioned on said smartphone holder.

A portable photographing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said photographing chamber further comprises a softering element for lighting said small size item.

7. A photographing system for small size items configured to allow a creation of an internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items by multiple users, said system comprising at least:

a. A portable photographing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims;

b. A smartphone having an intrinsic camera and a dedicated software application configured to obtain image data from said smartphone camera and upload the data to a server; and

c. A server having at least a web application with advanced image processing techniques for analyzing the uploaded images and creating a database of photographed items.

8. A photographing system for small size items according to claim 7, wherein said software application is further configured to obtain and upload data received from at least one sensor comprised in said portable photographing apparatus.

9. A photographing system for small size items according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said smartphone is controlling the operation of at least one camera comprised within said photographing apparatus.

10. A photographing system for small size items according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items is created by independent users, each user having a personal user page displaying items that were photographed by the user by said portable photographing apparatus.

11. A photographing system for small size items according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items further allows analysis and comparison of similar items that were uploaded by independent users.

12. A photographing system for small size items according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items further allows integration with commercial platforms configured to use the database of items in order to offer the items for sale.

13. A photographing system for small size items according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said small size items are selected from the group consisting of: jewels, rings, bracelet, earrings, pendant, and diamonds, and wherein said internet platform for professional inspection and analysis of photographed items is configured to allow jewelers to conduct online screening and analysis of items offered for sale.

14. A method for creating a high quality photographs of a small size item by a user via a photographing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims and a smartphone camera for professional inspection and analysis of the photographed small size item on an internet platform, said method comprising the steps:

a. Opening a photographing apparatus , positioning an item to be photographed on a rotatable stage, and closing the apparatus; b. Opening a dedicated software app on a smartphone and login into a personal customer account;

c. Positioning the smartphone on a dedicated place onto the photographing apparatus;

d. Focusing on the item to be photographed and setting a starting point for creating a standard of a first picture;

15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising a step of weighing the item and uploading the measured data to the cloud based server of step (f) for further analysis and presentation.

16. A method according to claims 14 and 15, further comprising a step of taking pictures from at least one camera comprised within said photographing apparatus and uploading the image data to the cloud based server of step (f) for further analysis and presentation.

17. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said user may examine the pictured item and send it to other users via sharing modalities via the internet platform in a dedicated web site and/or other merchandize sales platforms.