Digital image gemstone verification with filters
View Patent ↗Systems and methods here may be used for capturing images of sample gemstones under structured, filtered illumination for later comparison and image matching for authentication using networked computer systems.
1. A method comprising:
by a computer with a processor and memory, the computer in communication with a networked comparison server computer, a digital camera and a structured, filtered light source,
causing the light source illuminate gemstone in a holder, wherein the gemstone includes an inscription, and wherein the light source includes a structured filter;
by the computer, receiving a digital image of the gemstone and at least one identifier for the gemstone;
by the computer, retrieving at least one previously stored digital image and its identifier using the received identifier, wherein the previously stored image and its identifiers includes an inscription on a gemstone and its unique features;
by the computer, comparing the received digital image of the gemstone and/or identifiers with the at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier(s),
wherein the comparing the received digital image of the gemstone and/or identifier(s) with the at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier(s);
if the comparison matches, indicating to a user interface, a match; and
if the comparison does not match, indicating to the user interface, no match.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the light source filter is a horizontal filter.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the light source filter is a vertical filter.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the light source filter is a grid filter.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the light source filter is a circular filter.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the light source filter is a square filter.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the light source filter is in a particular shape correlated to a geometry of the gemstone.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the structured, filtered light source includes lines with spacing and size and linewidth that is proportional to at least one of, a distance between the structured, filtered light source to the gemstone, a diameter of the gemstone, a spatial distance between facet junctions of the gemstone, and a height of the gemstone.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the structured, filtered light source is an optical display/projector/monitor/LEDs.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital camera and the light source are desk top units which are remote from the computer used for comparing with previously stored images.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital camera and the structured, filtered light source are in a same mobile unit which are remote from the computer used for comparing with previously stored images.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital camera and light source are directed along a same axis to the gemstone by a dichroic beam splitter.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital camera and light source are directed at opposite sides of the gemstone to provide a back light image.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the comparing the received digital image of the gemstone and/or identifier(s) with the at least one previously stored digital image retrieved using the identifier(s), includes comparing gemstone girdle profile in the images.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the comparing the previously stored digital image of the gemstone and/or identifier(s) can be replaced with a newly acquired digital image of the same gemstone and/or identifier(s).
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the matching server generates a digital certificate/record of gemstone after a successful matching and the resulting digital certificate/record can be provided to a user(s).
17. The method of claim 1 wherein a thickness of lines in the structured, filtered light can be vary from 1 nm to 100 mm and a spacing of lines in the structured, filtered light can be vary from 1 nm to 100 mm.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein lines in the structured, filtered light have a sinusoidal gradation.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein lines in the structured, filtered light are binary without gradation.