Optics: measuring and testing – Crystal or gem examination
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-20
2004-01-27
Evans, F. L. (Department: 2877)
Optics: measuring and testing
Crystal or gem examination
C356S071000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06683680
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and system for representing a structure of the kind characterized by a specific signature, as well as a device for the structure presentation. The invention is particularly useful for representing such structures as gemstones according to their specific radiation response for marketing purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to use images (e.g., photos) of various items for marketing purposes. Commercial items are typically advertised in printed catalogs or over the Internet. However, for such complicated and expensive structures as gemstones, or structures having sentimental meaning, producing an image of the structure is not adequate for authenticating a gemstone structure (distinguishing it from other similar structures).
There are a number of arrangements for using optical techniques to obtain an optical signature of a gemstone. It has been found that the reflection and refraction characteristics of a gemstone, in particular, a diamond, define a unique pattern for that particular gemstone, which can be used to identify the gemstone. This technique can also be used for synthetic stones, crystal and other structures. Systems for classifying and identifying gemstones are disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,124,935 and 5,828,405.
Gemprint Corporation markets a system and manages a database where the optical responses of gemstones are determined and the optical responses are recorded in a database for future reference. The optical response of gemstones has been determined by courts to be sufficiently unique to distinguish one gemstone from another.
The optical response of a gemstone is influenced by the position that the gemstone is secured in within the device and any misalignment of the axis of the gemstone distorts the optical response. It may also be necessary to rotate and correct the image for distribution to compare one optical response for a gemstone with a previously recorded optical response of the gemstone.
The system commercially available from the Gemprint Corporation allows the comparison of a first optical response with a second optical response and allows both of these responses to be displayed on a computer monitor and appropriately rotated and overlayed. The computer system provides a comparison of the two optical records. The final determination of a match is often confirmed by a skilled person comparing the two optical responses.
The purchaser of a diamond and the determination of the value of a diamond is a function of its size and weight, the cut of the stone, the clarity of the stone, and other features. However, many of these technical features and physical characteristics are difficult to appreciate by the purchaser.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a need in the art to facilitate the representation of a structure having a specific signature, by providing a novel method and system for the structure representation, as well as the structure presentation device, and a method for selling such structures. Additionally, the present invention enables verification of the structure signature to ensure the authenticity of the structure.
The term “specific signature of a structure” used herein signifies a specific radiation response of the structure (e.g., gemstone) to predetermined incident radiation (e.g., defined by the reflection and refraction characteristics of a gemstone). Such a structure may be a crystal (e.g., a fine crystal object), gemstone, logo, symbol, etc., made out of any material. It should be understood that the term “specific” relates to a specific structure (i.e., unique structure such as a diamond), or a structure of a specific kind (i.e., structures that are reproducible, e.g., fine crystal objects, and therefore are characterized by the similar radiation response).
It should also be noted that, in the example of gemstones, the specific signature of the gemstone may and may not be that of the gemstone intended for sale. It is often the case that the gemstone to be sold is a cut and polished gemstone. The specific signature of the gemstone to be sold, however, may be that measured on its rough state, i.e., prior to being cut and polished.
The present invention uses the specific structure signature to produce an output, which is based upon a bitmap corresponding to this specific signature, and includes a non-visual portion derived from the specific radiation response which is sensory perceptible by a human being. Such a non-visual portion of the output may be music (e.g., song), any other audio message, or perfume corresponding to the specific radiation response of a structure obtained by translating a bitmap of the radiation response.
In other words, the output is indicative of at least non-visual, sensory perceptible equivalent of the structure signature. Additionally, the output, which is sensory perceptible by a human being, may also include at least one of the following: specific data related to (selected by) a structure-receiver, a structure-manufacturer, and a structure-vendor.
Generally speaking, the main idea of the present invention consists of providing the entire structure-related data (i.e., data representative of a structure) by determining the specific structure signature (radiation response), and producing an output including a sensory perceptible, non-visual equivalent of the structure signature. Preferably, the output also includes additional information assigned to the specific structure which is selected by a structure-receiver, structure manufacturer and/or structure-vendor.
Thus, the term “structure-related data” used herein signifies data including at least data representative of the structure signature based upon a bitmap thereof, and, optionally, also data representative of at least one of the following: a structure-receiver, structure-manufacturer and structure-vendor.
A gemstone-structure may be a part of a jewelry piece. In this specific example, it should be understood that the term “structure-related data” may signify data representative of the radiation response of at least one of the following: one-gemstone structure, multiple-gemstone structure, and a jewelry piece including one or more gemstone-structures.
The term “structure-receiver” used herein signifies a person purchasing the structure, a person for whom the structure is purchased, or both, as well as the structure-vendor, who also may present a structure-receiver, when purchasing the structure from its manufacturer (or another authorized person on his behalf), and may further sell the structure to another party, i.e., a further structure-receiver. The structure-receiver-related data is selected in accordance with his preferences (priorities). This may, for example, be associated with one or more messages to be presented to the structure-receiver together with the structure (e.g., as a gift). This message may relate to the receiver's birthday and be identified, for example, by corresponding astrological data (e.g., data concerning the position of stars at the receiver's home-place and on his birthday).
The gemstone's signature may be indicative of data (e.g., identification code) engraved or presented by any suitable means on the gemstone's girdle, table (‘Diamond: Natural, Treated or Synthetic?—Identification at the start of the new millenium’, Van Royen J., Van Esbroeck V, Antwerp Facets—Publication of the Diamond High Council, No. 32, September 1999, p. 15), or any other location of the gemstone or a jewelry piece containing the same. The gemstone- or the like structure-related data may include, in addition to data representative of its radiation response, data representative of another character of the structure, such as its weight and/or moment of inertia and/or resonance condition.
There is thus provided, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for representing a structure of a kind characterized by a specific radiation response to a predetermined incident radiation, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) applying the inci
Dinu Nicolae
Tolkowsky Gabi
Tolkowsky Gideon
Tolkowsky Uri
Crystal Beam Melody, Inc.
Evans F. L.
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