Television – Special applications – Manufacturing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-16
2001-05-08
Kelley, Chris (Department: 2613)
Television
Special applications
Manufacturing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06229564
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of jewelry making and more particularly to an auto-trace jewelry holder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technology has entered many fields including the field of jewelry. It is now possible to use techniques learned in computer aided drafting and design and apply them to the design of jewelry. One such system that does this is GEMVISION, sold by GemVision Corporation of Bettendorf, Iowa. GEMVISION is a computer-aided design system for the designing of jewelry. In operation, a video camera takes an image of a loose stone or a ring or other piece of jewelry and the image is converted into a digital image. An operator can then manipulate the digital image using a computer and the appropriate software. For example, an operator can have the computer overlay an image of a loose stone over various ring settings so that a customer can preview how the stone will look in a setting before actual production. Similarly, the system can acquire an image of a ring and an operator could design a new setting for the stone in the ring or an enhancement to that ring.
In order for the system to work properly, it must acquire a sharp, well-defined image of the ring, stone, or other item. In the present system, it is sometimes difficult to get a quality image of a shinny object, such as a ring, because the ring tends to reflect the background of the holder holding it in position. This makes it difficult for the computer program to distinguish background from the piece of jewelry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a jewelry holder for a computer aided jewelry design system that enhances the computer's ability to image jewelry. In accordance with the present invention, a jewelry holder for a computer aided jewelry design system is provided which substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with prior jewelry holders.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a system for capturing an image of a piece of jewelry includes a camera for capturing an image of a piece of jewelry and a computer, coupled to the camera and operable to analyze images from the camera. Also included is a dark reflector located around the camera. A jewelry holder is located at the focus of the camera. The jewelry holder has reflective elements attached to it such that the reflective elements reflect the image of the dark reflector directly back to the camera. This provides a contrasting dark background around the image of the piece of jewelry at the camera.
The present invention provides various technical advantages over conventional jewelry holders. For example, one technical advantages is increasing the contrast between the background and the piece of jewelry, thus allowing the computer to detect the edges of the jewelry. The computer can then automatically, or semi-automatically, trace the image of the jewelry to separate it from the background. Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims.
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Ching Alexander B.
Kelley Chris
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