Abstract:
A gem microscope according to the invention includes a focus column, a stage, and a quick disconnect mechanism that facilitates removable coupling of the focus column to the stage. The focus column and the stage have compatible features that establish the proper mounting plane and lateral alignment of the focus column relative to the stage. In the example embodiment, the quick disconnect mechanism includes a threaded element on the focus column and a compatibly threaded thumbwheel that rotates within the stage to connect/disconnect the focus column to/from the stage.
Abstract:
The present embodiments relate to a modular system to sort and analyze melee sized gemstones in an automated manner. The system can use a rotating tabletop design to separate gemstones for individual analysis and sorting. For instance, a feeder subsystem can obtain gemstones, and a singulation subsystem can orient the gemstones for further processing. The gemstone can move between subsystems due to the rotation of the table. A set of metric subsystems disposed about the table can process aspects of the gemstone to derive metrics for the gemstone. Further, a sorting subsystem can sort the gemstone into a corresponding bin based on the derived metrics for the gemstone.
Abstract:
Systems and methods here may be used for a setup of fluorescence image capturing of a gemstone, such as a diamond placed on a flat stage. Some examples utilize a setup that both sends light and captures the image from the table side of the gemstone by passing ultraviolet (UV) light between 10 nm and 400 nm to the gemstone and capturing the excited fluorescence image for analysis through a dichroic beam splitter. In some examples, the cutoff is 300 nm. The dichroic beam splitter arrangement allows for the camera to focus on the same interface of the stage and gemstone over and over for ease of use and without moving, changing, or adjusting the equipment for different samples.
Abstract:
Systems and methods here may be used for a setup of image capturing of a gemstone, such as a diamonds that are of high clarity grades. The present embodiments can provide methods to capture a diamond surface and internal clarity features from a diamond table and through and of other facets. Systems and methods may be used to convert gemstone dimension information into azimuth, slope, and distance information and adjust the motorized stage accordingly for surface imaging. Further, a calibration method can consider the offsets between design and actual system alignment. A calibration process can be used to compensate the offsets. Further, an additional conversion can be derived to compensate the offset caused by the geometry of the gemstone. The methods can automatically capture surface reflection images on facets of the gemstone and internal features taken through facets of the gemstone.
Abstract:
Systems and methods here may be used for automated alignment and focus adjustment for one or multiple sample gemstones on a stage, including determining gemstone sample tilt based on image data, automatically moving a stage to align the tilted sample, determining a focal plane that overlaps a focal point of a camera with the gemstone, and automatically moving a stage to the focal plane.
Abstract:
Systems and methods here may be used for a laser inscriber or engraver of a gemstone using software feedback loops and multiple cameras to auto focus the system and automate the inscription.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
Systems and methods here may be used for a setup of fluorescence image capturing of a gemstone, such as a diamond placed on a flat stage. Some examples utilize a setup that both sends light and captures the image from the table side of the gemstone by passing ultraviolet (UV) light between 10 nm and 400 nm to the gemstone and capturing the excited fluorescence image for analysis through a dichroic beam splitter. In some examples, the cutoff is 300 nm. The dichroic beam splitter arrangement allows for the camera to focus on the same interface of the stage and gemstone over and over for ease of use and without moving, changing, or adjusting the equipment for different samples.
Abstract:
Systems and methods here may be used for capturing and analyzing spectrometer data of multiple sample gemstones on a stage, including mapping digital camera image data of samples, for both reflective and transmission modes.
Abstract:
Some examples herein include systems and methods of creating standards of gemstones of various classifications, which may display certain characteristics of the various classifications when excited by ultraviolet radiation and fluoresce in response. In some examples, a set of standards are created using fluorescent material, filters, and a radiation source to compare against a sample gemstone. In some examples, specific Light Emitting Diodes are selected to illuminate the gemstone samples under analysis.