Patents by Inventor Marc Verboven

Marc Verboven has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • 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
  • Publication number: 20230418801
    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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT, Dirk NUYTS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20230116908
    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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT, Dirk NUYTS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210357381
    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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT, Dirk NUYTS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210082106
    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: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT, Dirk NUYTS
  • Patent number: 10891724
    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: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett, Dirk Nuyts
  • Publication number: 20190324956
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT
  • Publication number: 20190213732
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT, Dirk NUYTS
  • Patent number: 10318515
    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: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA, INC. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett
  • Patent number: 10275870
    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: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett, Dirk Nuyts
  • Publication number: 20180204318
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT, Dirk NUYTS
  • Patent number: 9953406
    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: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett, Dirk Nuyts
  • Publication number: 20170046372
    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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Marc VERBOVEN, Troy BLODGETT
  • Patent number: 9366638
    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: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA, INC. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett
  • Patent number: 8760758
    Abstract: A reflected dark field structure includes a bottom plate, a support tube, a light unit, a diffuser structure, and a reflector unit that provides reflected dark field illumination, such that a gem held by the support tube and surrounded by the diffuser structure is illuminated and viewable through an aperture in the reflector unit. A method for imaging and analyzing a gem includes placing the gem onto a support tube where it is illuminated with dark field and reflected dark field illumination, and viewing the gem via an aperture located on a top reflector unit, which provides a top cover for the gem. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for obtaining images of a gem includes a dark field stage, a reflector unit, and an image-acquiring device, such that a gem placed in the dark field stage is illuminated, and such that the reflector unit covers the dark field stage and provides reflected dark field illumination, and such that the image-acquiring device is directed towards an aperture in the reflector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett
  • Patent number: 8724217
    Abstract: A reflected dark field structure includes a bottom plate, a support tube, a light unit, a diffuser structure, and a reflector unit that provides reflected dark field illumination, such that a gem held by the support tube and surrounded by the diffuser structure is illuminated and viewable through an aperture in the reflector unit. A method for imaging and analyzing a gem includes placing the gem onto a support tube where it is illuminated with dark field and reflected dark field illumination, and viewing the gem via an aperture located on a top reflector unit, which provides a top cover for the gem. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for obtaining images of a gem includes a dark field stage, a reflector unit, and an image-acquiring device, such that a gem placed in the dark field stage is illuminated, and such that the reflector unit covers the dark field stage and provides reflected dark field illumination, and such that the image-acquiring device is directed towards an aperture in the reflector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett
  • Patent number: 8402066
    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: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
    Inventors: Marc Verboven, Troy Blodgett