The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 26, 2016
Filed:
Nov. 02, 2010
James Gordon Charters Smith, Buckinghamshire, GB;
Graham Ralph Powell, Berkshire, GB;
James Gordon Charters Smith, Buckinghamshire, GB;
Graham Ralph Powell, Berkshire, GB;
De Beers UK Ltd., London, GB;
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating a 3D model of and/or detecting inclusions in a polished gemstone such as diamond is described. The gemstone () is rotated in a series of discrete increments. At each rotational position of the gemstone, the gemstone () is illuminated with collimated light () and a silhouette image recorded. At each rotational position, the gemstone () is also (before further rotation) illuminated with diffuse light (), and a diffuse image recorded. The images are analyzed to obtain a 3D model of the surface of the gemstone. Features may then be identified in the diffuse images and tracked between subsequent diffuse images. The tracked features may be located relative to the 3D model of the gemstone, taking into account reflection and refraction of light rays by the gemstone. Some or all of the located features may then be identified as inclusions.