Patents Assigned to Gemological Institute of America, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11988610
    Abstract: Systems and methods here may be used for analyzing images of gemstones to automatically assign a haziness and/or fluorescence grade to the gemstone using contrast analysis on pixelated, digital images of the gemstones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Yun Luo, David Nelson, Troy Ardon, Christopher M. Breeding
  • Patent number: 11921051
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for assessing a color characteristic of a gemstone. The apparatus comprises an optically opaque platform for supporting a sample gemstone to be assessed, a daylight-approximating light source to provide uniform illumination to the gemstone, an image capturing component, and a telecentric lens positioned to provide an image of the illuminated gemstone to the image capturing component. Also provided are methods of color analysis based on images collected using such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11915407
    Abstract: A computer-based system and method for taking clarity measurements of a gem, and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions, are provided and include receiving a pixilated image of a gem and identifying pixels representing an inclusion. The method and medium further include determining characteristics of the inclusion as a function of the pixels representing the inclusion, and providing a clarity grade based upon the determined characteristics. Also provided is a method for mapping a gem, and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions, which include receiving a pixilated image of a gem having facet edges, and identifying pixels representing the facet edges. The method and medium further include generating a diagram of the gem, such that the diagram is a function of the pixels representing the facet edges, and superimposing the diagram onto the pixilated image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett, Dirk Nuyts
  • Patent number: 11892405
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for assessing a fluorescence characteristic of a gemstone. The apparatus comprises an optically opaque platform for supporting a gemstone to be assessed, one or more light source to provide uniform UV and non-UV illumination, an image capturing component, and a telecentric lens positioned to provide fluorescent images of the illuminated gemstone to the image capturing component. Also provided are methods of fluorescence analysis based on images collected using such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11879842
    Abstract: Systems and methods here may be used for a setup of image capturing of a gemstone, such as a diamond, exposed to different light sources. Some examples utilize a setup that both sends light and captures the image through multiple dichroic beam splitters at pre-selected timing. The multiple light source and multiple dichroic beam splitter arrangement allows for multiple gemstones to be analyzed using multiple methods with minimal moving, changing, or adjusting the equipment for different samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventor: Tsung-Han Tsai
  • Patent number: 11828703
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takahashi, Pradeep N. Perera
  • Patent number: 11815465
    Abstract: A gem imaging system includes a stage having a platform configured to hold an object. The system further includes a light source configured to illuminate the object. The system further includes a housing configured to at least partially enclose the object. The housing is configured to position a mobile device such that a camera lens of the mobile device is aligned with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Venkat K. Balagurusamy, Brian Pear, Edward J. Maggiacomo, Thomas Picunko, Joseph Ligman, Donna N. Eng Dillenberger
  • Patent number: 11789919
    Abstract: A method and system for generating a clarity grading look-up table includes collecting actual inclusion parameter data for a plurality of gems, where the actual inclusion parameter data includes an actual clarity grade and an actual inclusion parameter data combination. A mathematical relationship between a clarity grade and a particular inclusion parameter combination is then extrapolated from the actual inclusion parameter data. A derived clarity grade is then assigned to a plurality of inclusion parameter combinations as a function of the mathematical relationship and a set of inputted inclusion parameters. Also, a method and system for providing a clarity grade includes receiving a plurality of inclusion characteristics associated with a gem and parameterizing each of the inclusion characteristics, so that a parameter value is assigned to each inclusion characteristic. The parameter values are then input to a mathematical formula so as to provide a parameterized clarity grade for the gem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett, Dirk Nuyts
  • Patent number: 11754506
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Tsung-Han Tsai, Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11674905
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Tsung-Han Tsai, Wuyi Wang
  • Patent number: 11630065
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for assessing a fluorescence characteristic of a gemstone. The apparatus comprises an optically opaque platform for supporting a gemstone to be assessed, one or more light source to provide uniform UV and non-UV illumination, an image capturing component, and a telecentric lens positioned to provide fluorescent images of the illuminated gemstone to the image capturing component. Also provided are methods of fluorescence analysis based on images collected using such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11562473
    Abstract: A computer-based system and method for taking clarity measurements of a gem, and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions, are provided and include receiving a pixilated image of a gem and identifying pixels representing an inclusion. The method and medium further include determining characteristics of the inclusion as a function of the pixels representing the inclusion, and providing a clarity grade based upon the determined characteristics. Also provided is a method for mapping a gem, and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions, which include receiving a pixilated image of a gem having facet edges, and identifying pixels representing the facet edges. The method and medium further include generating a diagram of the gem, such that the diagram is a function of the pixels representing the facet edges, and superimposing the diagram onto the pixilated image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett, Dirk Nuyts
  • Patent number: 11543401
    Abstract: Systems and methods here may be configured for cooling and examining materials. In some example embodiments, the system may include a main thermoconductive body with indentations on the top surface, a bottom surface having legs structures along the edge, wherein the bottom surface and the plurality of leg structures form a partially enclosed bottom chamber, and a center channel connecting the top surface and the bottom chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Lorne Loudin, Mehdi Toosi, Wuyi Wang
  • Patent number: 11499920
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Tsung-Han Tsai, Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11474078
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the examination of gemstones including diamonds, both cut/polished and rough, using the technology of Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy. The resonant frequencies are obtained by mechanically causing the stone to vibrate using a swept sine oscillator, sensing the resonance vibrations, and displaying the spectrum to yield a pattern describing the stone. The resonance fingerprints can be used to both track an individual stone to verify its integrity or to grade a rough stone to establish potential value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: George Wyatt Rhodes, Sally Catherine Magana
  • Patent number: 11346788
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Tsung-Han Tsai, Wuyi Wang
  • Patent number: 11300514
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for assessing a fluorescence characteristic of a gemstone. The apparatus comprises an optically opaque platform for supporting a gemstone to be assessed, one or more light source to provide uniform UV and non-UV illumination, an image capturing component, and a telecentric lens positioned to provide fluorescent images of the illuminated gemstone to the image capturing component. Also provided are methods of fluorescence analysis based on images collected using such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11280743
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for assessing a color characteristic of a gemstone. The apparatus comprises an optically opaque platform for supporting a sample gemstone to be assessed, a daylight-approximating light source to provide uniform illumination to the gemstone, an image capturing component, and a telecentric lens positioned to provide an image of the illuminated gemstone to the image capturing component. Also provided are methods of color analysis based on images collected using such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11156592
    Abstract: Systems and methods here may be configured for cooling and examining materials. In some example embodiments, the system may include a main thermoconductive body with indentations on the top surface, a bottom surface having legs structures along the edge, wherein the bottom surface and the plurality of leg structures form a partially enclosed bottom chamber, and a center channel connecting the top surface and the bottom chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Lorne Loudin, Mehdi Toosi, Wuyi Wang
  • Patent number: 11106648
    Abstract: A method and system for generating a clarity grading look-up table includes collecting actual inclusion parameter data for a plurality of gems, where the actual inclusion parameter data includes an actual clarity grade and an actual inclusion parameter data combination. A mathematical relationship between a clarity grade and a particular inclusion parameter combination is then extrapolated from the actual inclusion parameter data. A derived clarity grade is then assigned to a plurality of inclusion parameter combinations as a function of the mathematical relationship and a set of inputted inclusion parameters. Also, a method and system for providing a clarity grade includes receiving a plurality of inclusion characteristics associated with a gem and parameterizing each of the inclusion characteristics, so that a parameter value is assigned to each inclusion characteristic. The parameter values are then input to a mathematical formula so as to provide a parameterized clarity grade for the gem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett, Dirk Nuyts