TH41829A - Methods and equipment used to grade uncut gemstones to meet standards. - Google Patents

Abstract

DC 60 (20/01/43) A standardized grading method and auxiliary equipment were provided for the classification of unpolished gemstones. The system measures the spectral response of unpolished gemstones illuminated by a number of incident light sources within the imaging device. The operation of the imaging device is controlled by a set of instructions from the data processor used to control the local station. Optical energy data is captured in the form of pixel transceivers via the charge-coupled (CCD) device of the local station's imaging device. The data processor used to control the local station is linked in a ready state to the analysis station, which contains the data processor for analysis and a large-capacity memory unit. The memory unit provides space for storing the data processor's analysis instructions as well as database records. The analysis station uses the data processor and database model to evaluate the aesthetic and/or monetary value of unpolished gemstones via the pixel transceiver communication method. The quality of the unpolished gemstones is analyzed using a number of light sources. One of the imaging and quantification devices relates to a set of pixel transceivers, modeling the database and recording it for future reference. Methods and auxiliary equipment for standardizing the grading of unpolished gemstones are provided. The system measures the spectral response of unpolished gemstones illuminated by a number of incident light sources within the imaging device. The operation of the imaging device is controlled by a set of instructions from the data processor used to control the local station. Optical energy data is captured in the form of pixel transceivers via the charged-coupled device (CCD) of the local station's imaging device. The data processor used to control the local station is linked in a ready state to the analysis station, which contains the data processor for analysis and a large-capacity memory unit for storing data. The memory unit provides space for storing the data processor's analysis instructions as well as the database records. The analysis station uses the data processor and modeling database to evaluate the aesthetic and/or monetary value of unpolished gemstones using the communicated pixel transceivers. Gemstone quality is then determined. The unpolished pixels are analyzed by a number of light sources of the imaging device and quantified relative to the model pixel dataset of the database and recorded for future reference.

Claims (29)

1. An apparatus for grading and identifying uncut gemstones, comprising the following components: a casing; a stand mounted within the casing to support the uncut gemstones; a mechanism within the casing to illuminate the uncut gemstones supported by the stand; a mechanism for the stand within the casing; an electronic camera mounted within the casing for viewing the uncut gemstones on the stand. This camera can be adjusted to generate electronic image signals corresponding to the physical characteristics of the uncut gemstones. An electronic data processor is practically connected to the stand, and the electronic camera and its electronic data processor are programmed with a set of instructions to control the stand and the electronic camera and to receive and store the electronic image signals. 2. The device as specified in Claim 1, on which the platform is mounted, and the displacement mechanism shall consist of a mechanism for sliding the platform along the axis of that section and a mechanism for rotating the platform around that axis. 3. The device specified in Requirement 1, which is a first illumination mechanism, shall consist of a first light source placed beneath the platform and a second light source placed above the platform. 4. The device as specified in claim 3, which still comprises the optical guide mechanism placed between the first light source and the first platform, and the optical guide mechanism placed between the second light source and the second platform. 5. The device specified in Claim 1, which shall consist of a transparent section for supporting uncut gemstones, through which light shall be emitted by a illuminating mechanism to allow light to strike the uncut gemstones. 6. The device described in Claim 1, which consists of a display mechanism that is practically connected to the said electronic data processor for displaying images of unpolished gemstones based on electronic image signals. 7. The device specified in Claim 1, which includes a mechanism for replacing the camera on an axis perpendicular to the axis of the platform. 8. The device as specified in Claim 1, which includes the following components: a light filter and a filter support mechanism positioned between the camera and the platform for supporting the said light filter. 9. The device as specified in claim 8, which continues to include a filter replacement mechanism for inserting and removing such light-filtering filter. 10. The device as specified in Claim 1, which includes a motor-driven fan for circulating air within the said enclosure. 11. The device as specified in Claim 1, such enclosure shall consist of an opening and a dust filter placed in such opening. 12. The device, as described in Claim 1, will also include an ultraviolet light source placed within the enclosure to illuminate the unpolished gemstones with ultraviolet light. 13. The device, as described in Claim 1, which is an electronic data processor, will generate a file containing information about the physical characteristics of unpolished gemstones based on electronic image signals, and the electronic data processor, which includes a data storage device for storing the file for later retrieval. 14. The device, as described in Claim 13, which is an electronic data processor, shall contain a mechanism for retrieving files from storage devices and such file media to a second data processor, in which case the second data processor shall generate a total valuation report relating to the unpolished gemstone. 15. The device, as specified in Claim 1, which still contains a second illuminating mechanism housed within the said enclosure for illuminating the back of the unpolished gemstones on the said platform relative to the said electronic camera. 16. An apparatus as specified in claim 15, comprising a third illuminating mechanism housed within such enclosure for illuminating the front of the unpolished gemstones on the pedestal relative to the electronic camera. 17. A system for generating, storing, and retrieving data relating to uncut gemstones, comprising the following components: an electronic microscope for viewing uncut gemstones, adjusted to generate electronic image signals corresponding to the physical characteristics of the uncut gemstones; electronic data processors, practically connected to the electronic microscope to receive electronic image signals and programmed with all the instructions to control the electronic microscope and process the electronic signals to provide data files specifying the physical characteristics of the uncut gemstones; a central processing unit, including a central data processor and a central data storage device; and a communication mechanism for establishing a data communication network between the electronic data processors and the central data processor, where data files specifying the physical characteristics of the uncut gemstones can be transferred between the electronic data processors and the central data processor. 18. A system as described in Claim 17, whereby a central processing unit shall contain a database of information identifying a certain number of unpolished gemstones, and a central data processor shall be programmed to retrieve information from the database identifying the said unpolished gemstones according to the physical characteristics of that part. 19. The system, as described in Claim 18, whereby the said central data processor shall be programmed to compare information identifying unpolished gemstones from the said database with information identifying unpolished gemstones received from the said electronic data processor, whereby unpolished gemstones viewed through an electronic microscope can be accurately identified. 20. A method for grading the fluorescence of unpolished gemstones based on their ultraviolet coloration. This method involves the following steps: Place the unpolished gemstone in a light-free area; simultaneously illuminate it with ultraviolet and scattered light; capture the incident light on the gemstone using a CCD camera and store it in memory as a complete image data set; stop the illumination with ultraviolet light and continue with scattered light; capture the incident light from the continued illumination using the CCD camera and store it in memory as a second image data set; compare the first and second captured data sets; and determine the fluorescence level of the unpolished gemstone using a comparison method. 21. A method for analyzing incident and reflected light data for grading unpolished gemstones. This method consists of the following steps: Place the unpolished gemstone on a pedestal at position one within a light-free area, with a semi-translucent section in the pedestal surrounding the gemstone; position the CCD's response element, with its focal axis aligned to the aforementioned position one on the pedestal, connecting the CCD to the data processor executing the command set; illuminate the bottom side of the unpolished gemstone through the semi-translucent section from beneath the pedestal; illuminate the unpolished gemstone from the side of that section in the direction of the CCD's response element; rotate the pedestal around its central axis according to the data processor's command set; and capture the incident light data with the CCD and store it in memory as shown in the image data transmission diagram. 22. Method for analyzing incident and reflected light data for grading unpolished gemstones. This method consists of the following steps: Place the unpolished gemstone on a first-position platform within a light-free area, and arrange a semi-transparent platform with the unpolished gemstone underneath and around its perimeter; position the CCD data-responsive element, with its focal axis aligned to the aforementioned first-position platform, with the CCD camera connected in a ready state to a data processor executing a set of instructions, where the data processor stores the captured light data in memory; illuminate the unpolished gemstone with an ultraviolet light source; illuminate the unpolished gemstone with a D55 light source from under the semi-transparent platform, and capture the incident light data with the CCD camera, storing it in memory as described in the image data transmission diagram. 23. The method, as specified in claim 22, whereby the light source D 55 is a circular ring light. 24. The method as specified in claim 22, which includes the procedure for moving the CCD camera along the focal axis to a position determined by the processor's instructions. 25. Method for analyzing incident and reflected light data for grading uncut gemstones. This method consists of the following steps: Place the uncut gemstone on a platform at position one within a light-free area. The platform is provided with a semi-transparent section to support the uncut gemstone and surround its edge. Position the CCD data-responsive element, with its focal axis aligned to the aforementioned position one on the platform. The CCD camera is linked in a ready state to a data processor that executes commands and adjusts to move from position one to position two along the focal axis. The data processor stores the captured light data in a memory device. Move the platform upwards, taking into account the focal axis. Position the refracting element, with its refraction angle aligned to the focal axis. Move the camera toward the refracting element along the focal axis to position two. Illuminate the uncut gemstone from a position beneath the semi-transparent section of the platform and capture the incident light data redirected by the refracting element with the CCD camera and store it in the aforementioned memory device. Image transmission and reception diagram. 26. The method as specified in claim 25, where the distance between the first and second camera positions on the focal axis is equal to the distance transported to the platform upwards from the focal axis. 27. A method for analyzing incident and reflected light data for use in grading unpolished gemstones. This method consists of the following steps: Place the unpolished gemstone on a pedestal with a semi-transparent section at position one within a completely light-free area, with the semi-transparent section on the pedestal surrounding the gemstone's edge. Position the CCD data-responsive element, with its focal axis aligned to the aforementioned position one on the pedestal. The CCD camera is linked in a ready state to a data processor executing a set of instructions and adjusted to move from position one to position two along the focal axis. The data processor stores the captured light data in memory. Move the pedestal upwards, considering the focal axis. Position the refracting element, with its refraction angle aligned to the focal axis. Move the camera toward the refracting element along the focal axis to position two. Illuminate the unpolished gemstone from beneath the pedestal. Capture the incident light data redirected by the refracting element with the CCD camera and store it in memory as an image transmission sequence. Turn off the illumination from beneath the pedestal. Illuminate the unpolished gemstone from above the pedestal. Capture the incident light data, redirected by the refracting element, with a CCD camera and store it in memory as a series of images. Turn off the illumination from beneath the pedestal. Illuminate the unpolished gemstone from a second light source beneath the pedestal and capture the incident light data, redirected by the refracting element, with a CCD camera and store it in memory as a series of image transmissions. 28. The method for analyzing incident and reflected light data for use in grading unpolished gemstones consists of the following steps: Place the unpolished gemstone on a platform at position one within a light-free area, with a semi-transparent section surrounding the gemstone. Position the CCD data-responsive element, whose focal axis is aligned to the aforementioned position on the platform. The CCD camera is linked in a ready state to a data processor executing a set of instructions and adjusted to move from position one to position two along the focal axis. The data processor stores the captured light data in a memory device. Lower the platform, taking into account the focal axis. Position the deflecting element, whose angle of deflection is aligned to the focal axis. Move the camera toward the deflecting element along the focal axis to position two. Simultaneously illuminate the unpolished gemstone from both light sources above the platform. Illuminate the unpolished gemstone from a side position, oriented toward the CCD data-responsive element, and capture the incident light data oriented by the deflecting element with the CCD camera and store it in memory. As shown in the data transmission diagram, the image... 29. The method, as specified in Claim 28, in which the procedure for placing the unpolished gemstones on the translucent portion of the stand continues, involves centering the unpolished gemstones on the translucent portion with a laser light source passing through the center of the translucent portion.