TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This outstanding disclosure of claimed embodiments of the invention in general relates to systems and methods for recognition of objects and, more particularly, to such object as gemstones, as well as in raw, but especially in processed form. The disclosure relates also to the devices and system using such device in the object recognition accordingly, comprising an imaging device. The disclosure relates also to gemstone imaging in gemstone examination and a system for the examination. Especially the disclosure relates to a gemstone holder arrangement to hold the gemstone during the imaging of the gemstone for recognizing the characteristics of the gemstone.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Gemstones have been used in many ways. Basically in two main ways, as in jewelry industry for making jewels and in industrial applications, where in the latter for example diamonds are used in wear out resistant applications, such as bearings for example. Traditionally gemstones that have pure color, clear appearance and good optical quality, to deflect light with high refractive index, and/or mechanically intact structure with suitable color, have been highly valued in the jewelry industry. The purest diamonds for example are also used as investment instruments, to keep their value against monetary value variations. If the best gemstones do not have too many artifacts, such as cracks, bubbles or shadowing inclusions which could influence to the capability to deflect light, or make the gemstone opaque, the gemstones can be used in jewelry but also as instruments of investments. If the gemstones deflect by their quality requirements for the gemstone specific classification parameters in respect to the artifact tolerances, so much that they do not look as they should do or have more artifacts than allowed, the gemstones may be still used in an industrial task or a process.

[0003] Gemstones are often refined from the raw appearance by honing, for example to give them the appearance of a polyhedron or alike, or a diamond shape, having a crown and pavilion parts. If there were cracks somewhere in the structure, perhaps hiding as micro cracks, or if there were such artifacts that prevent making the edges and/or cones in a desired way in the honing, it be may not worth of making all the work if the gemstone were about to turn out to be not valid for the purpose, if during the work the gemstone cracks in pieces.. Thus, it were useful, if the artifacts and other characteristic features of the object could be found before the expensive and tedious honing or other work phases. Sometimes color artifacts can be revealed by eye, but for example bubbles and cracks, especially micro cracks or micro bubbles may be hiding so that a human inspector does not notice necessarily at all such artifacts. Also the human capability to see from different angles visible cracks is good, but is exhausting to the eyes within the long lasting sessions. In addition, the observation ability varies from an individual to another, and the evaluation may be not repeatable in a required tolerance. Consequently, observed changes in the structure between two evaluation sessions for a gemstone may be not revealed.

[0004] Gemstones as monetary valued instruments need to be recognized and their identity should be reliably enough to get confirmed, so that the value can be also confirmed. However, markets for example can be around the world and the sellers and buyers may be not willing to travel, just for mere inspection or to receive the certificate about an inspection about the targeted object to be recognized correctly. In addition, thre is a trend ofthe markets that the exchange ofthe merchandizes are sifting to the real-time, into e-commercialization.

[0005] Therefore, it is important that the gemstone to be recognized can be identified reliably. In order to do it by imaging, the characteristic features, if not all but an adequate ensemble of such, can be reproducibly found from the gemstone.

Summary

[0006] It is an object of the disclosure of the embodiments of the claimed invention to provide a holder arrangement for the gemstone to be imaged to hold and pivot the gemstone for the imaging so that the holder arrangement as a part of an object recognizing system can support the gemstone during the identification of the characteristic features of the gemstone in the imaging by a disclosed method to recognize an object by an embodied object recognizing system. Such a system comprises an imaging device and a moving assembly to move said imaging device of an imaging system and/or the object in respect to each other, to form a path around said object on an imaginary sphere, the method comprising at least one of the following:

- predefining an imaginary sphere, to surround the object at a distance from its center, to comprise the corresponding imaging locations to correspond said imaging device in the imaging,

- predefining an F-direction increment on said imaginary sphere surface for the movement path ofthe imaging device to follow the imaginary sphere surface in a first imaging plane,

- predefining an Q-direction increment on said imaginary sphere surface for the movement of the imaging device to provide an effect as to follow the imaginary sphere surface in a second imaging plane,

- putting the object to a holder arrangement to be held during the imaging,

- setting at least one starting position to said imaging device to start the imaging,

- collecting image and/or video data about the object from an imaging location into at least one image stack by an imaging device from an imaging location defined by the increments in Q- direction and F-direction to follow the corresponding imaginary sphere location surrounding the object to be imaged,

- storing images of at least one of said image stack corresponding the imaging location of the imaging device, for a virtual model of the object to be recognized,

- selecting a next imaging location for the imaging device to collect a next at least one image stack corresponding an incremental change of at least one of the Q-direction increment and/or the F -direction increment,

- combing images from said at least one image stack with other images from said at least one image stack and/or from another similar at least one image stack for the virtual model of the object to be recognized,

- recognizing and recording measures of character of said object to be recognized from at least one of said images of an image stack,

- repeating image collection and selecting a next imaging location for the imaging device to collect a next at least one image stack corresponding an incremental change of at least one of the Q-direction increment and the F -direction increment until all the predefined imaging locations of the moving assembly around said object to be recognized has been dealt,

- pivoting the object to be measured in the holder arrangement to another viewing position as an option to continue the image collection from said another viewing position of the object,

- comparing the measures of character of the object to be recognized to those of objects in a database in corresponding viewing position,

- giving an identity to said object to be recognized and to said virtual model of it, if no previous similarity found of compared measures of character found from said database.

[0007] According to an embodiment the method comprises post processing of at least one of the obtained images and/or video frames. An imaging method according to an embodiment comprises imaging a target in illumination of radiation by a camera to obtain at least one image of the target in an image stack. According to an embodiment, the imaginary sphere locations can correspond in suitable part to the imaging location of the imaging device in duty, according to an embodiment variant F-direction increments defined locations. According to an embodiment, the imaginary sphere imaging locations are defined by combinations of rotations of the object and/or the imaging device such as camera around the object.

[0008] An imaging system according to the present disclosure is presented in an independent claim directed to the imaging system.

[0009] An imaging system according to an embodiment of the disclosure comprises:

- camera, - camera support to support the camera and facilitate a respective movement of the camera and the target to each other,

- holder arrangement to hold the targeted object and to facilitate a respective movement of the targeted object in respect to the imaging device, such as a camera and/or the camera support or parts thereof.

[0010] According to an embodiment the target is a gemstone to be examined as based on the imaging by the system, the gemstone being held by holder arrangement. According to an embodiment, the imaging system comprises such a camera support and/or holder arrangement that the imaging of the targeted object is made from predefined imaging angles representing imaging positions of a visual model. According to an embodiment, the imaging angles are defined before the actual imaging. According to an embodiment, the imaging angles are selected according to the radiation type selected. According to an embodiment, the imaging system comprises an embodied radiation source. According to an embodiment the radiation source can be arranged to transmit pulsed radiation to be used in the illumination of the target. The radiation can comprise radiation having an ensemble of discrete wavelengths corresponding the camera focus of a dedicated camera unit for at least one wavelength.

[001 1] Some preferable embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, and in embodiment examples in the text. Embodiments are combinable in suitable part.

[0012] Significant advantages can be achieved with the present invention. The need for a human inspector and/or operator is reduced to the minimum, for example, especially in the fully automated embodiments. The gemstones can be examined and/or classified, even so that the examining can be followed in a remote site being remote to the imaging site. The examination is not bound to the geographic location or time. Information network connection can be used between the sites. Machine vision can be used in suitable part in assistance of the examination and/or for the classification of the objects. The identity, given by the system embodied, can be authenticated according to embodiments. The presentation based on the system retrieved images can be authenticated according to the selected images or video frames in the control of the control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figs 1 A to 1H illustrate examples of system elements embodied, hardware and software in suitable part,

[0014] Figs 2A and 2B illustrate example embodiments of information of a visual model,

[0015] Fig 3 illustrates an example embodiment of camera as a piece of hardware as a system element, [0016] Fig 4 illustrates authentication recognition in an example embodiment,

[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of gemstone x-y imaging angles in relation to X-Y axes,

[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates an example of gemstone x 360 imaging angles are based on X-axis. 0 point is on the Y axis,

[0019] Fig. 7 illustrates an example of gemstone y 360 imaging angles are based on Y-axis. 0 point is on the X axis,

[0020] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of gemstone x-y imaging angles ofx=35/y=250; x=90/y=250;

x=90/y=340; x=35/y=340 and x=3 l5/y=45,

[0021] Fig. 9 illustrates an imaging system example according to an embodiment, wherein the embodied imaging system comprises at least a camera, a camera boom and base. The camera boom is arranged rotatable over the base, the base rotates 360 degrees. Gemstones are set on the base and no further securing is needed in the example,

[0022] Fig. 10 illustrates predefining increments for range of imaging angles according to an embodiment,

[0023] Figs 11 and 12 illustrate embodiments related to a method according to an embodiment example, to be used in the example embodiments in suitable part in the present disclosure. According to an embodiment example, the embodied imaging system comprises at least camera, camera boom and base. Therein, camera boom is arranged rotatable over the base, the base can rotate 360 degrees. Gemstones are set on the base and no further securing is needed in the embodiment example, and

[0024] Figs 13, 14 and 15 illustrate embodiments of the disclosure according to the method to recognize an object by an embodied object recognizing system.

[0025] Fig 16 illustrate a system according to an embodiment of the disclosure, comprising a holder arrangement to hold an object to be imaged for recognition of the characteristic features of the object.

[0026] Figs 17, 17B to 21E illustrate the holder arrangement according to the disclosure in the system, utilization in the embodied system to handle the object to be imaged in the system according to the embodied method for recognition of the characteristic features of the object.

[0027] The above descriptions with reference to Figs are for purposes of illustration and are not meant to be limiting, not the dimensions, geometric ratios and/or their mutual relations, not only to that what is apparent from the shown examples. A skilled person in the field can scale the dimensions on the basis of the embodiments for further variants without leaving the scope of the claimed embodiments. Numerous other examples, configurations, processes, etc., may exist, some of which are described in a further detail below. Embodiments of the disclosure are combinable in suitable part. Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims. Example embodiments ofthe present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and devices for recording frames of an object to be recognized.

[0029] In one embodiment, the object of being recognized, is imaged by making a visual model about it by photographing the object by using at least one camera in a camera unit, from positions corresponding around the object an imaginary sphere corresponding locations, so that the taken frames (by the at least one camera) form the visual model of the object to recognized in such a manner that the ensemble of the frames allow a user to observe, inspect and/or retrieve the object on-line and rotate and/or magnify the object and/or its measures of character and/or authenticity, in a manner to allow to give an e-certificate about the object to be recognized to a user at the user site. According to an embodiment, the images can form a stack of frames to be used in the recognition and/or certificate formation.

[0030] Certain embodiments may be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Other embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a computer- readable storage device, which may be read and executed by at least one processor to perform the operations described herein. A computer-readable storage device may include any non-transitory memory mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a computer-readable storage device may include read-only memory (ROM), random- access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices, and other storage devices and media. In some embodiments, the communication unit may include one or more processors and may be configured with instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device memory.

[0031] Examples, as described herein, may include or may operate on logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules are tangible entities (e.g., hardware) capable of performing specified operations when operating. A module can include hardware. In an example, the hardware may be specifically configured to carry out a specific operation (e.g., hardwired). In another example, the hardware may include configurable execution units (e.g., transistors, circuits, etc.) and a computer readable medium containing instructions where the instructions configure the execution units such as a microprocessor for example, to carry out a specific operation when in operation. The configuring may occur under the direction of the executions units or a loading mechanism. Accordingly, the execution units are communicatively coupled to the computer-readable medium when the device is operating. Although the Figs are showing some examples on embodiments, it is not intended to limit the dimensions, geometric ratios and/or their mutual relations only to the shown examples used in the Figs. A skilled person in the field can scale dimensions based on the embodiments for further variants without leaving the scope of the claimed embodiments. Embodiments of the invention are combinable in suitable part.

[0032] FIG. 1 A depicts a schematic illustrating an example of a system parts as piece of hardware using a camera as an imaging device to take images and/or video frames from the object to be recognized on a base. The camera can rotate along an exemplified path in the F-direction with incremental (DF) position movements. Fig 9 gives a further example of an embodied implementation example. The object to be recognized has been embodied as a diamond-shaped gemstone with the crown (height he), pavilion (height hp), culet and mesa, the mesa part of the object being drawn as on the base, illustrated by the line. The object being enabled to get rotated in the ©-directions in a plane incrementally (DQ) as illustrated in FIG 1B. The rotation and the camera movement can be implemented so that the images and/or video frames would form such an effect that the images and video frames would have been taken from an imaginary sphere or dome surface around the object.

[0033] FIG 1C depicts a schematic illustrating tilting of the base in an embodiment, so that the camera path could be also embodied as in FIG 1A, but by constant path, but in an enabling manner to produce paths in inclined planes in the object-centered coordinate system for the dome.

[0034] FIG 1D depicts an illustrative manner coordinate systems such as Spherical (Sph), Cylindrical (Cyl) and Cartesian (Car) coordinate systems. The arrows Trl , Tr2 and Tr3 illustrate coordinate transformations from one coordinate system to another. The opposite direction pointing near-arrows illustrate the respective inverse transformations (Trl ¹ , Tr2 ^_1 , Tr3 ^_1 ). In addition to the coordinate systems, the FIG 1D illustrates also respective optional illumination geometries to illuminate accordingly the object to be recognized. This is also used in the FIG 1G, to show the geometries for diffuse illumination through the opaque screens respectively following the geometry in the FIG 1G indicated by the dashed lines. According to an embodiment, Trl and Trl ¹ , with reference to FIG 1D, are considered between a cylindrical and a spherical coordinate of an arbitrary point P transformations: Trl : P(0,r,h) => R(Q,F,G) and inversely the Trl ¹ R(Q,F,G) => P(0,r,h). According to an embodiment transformations Tr2 and Tr2 ^_1 are considered between a Cartesian and a cylindrical coordinate of the point P transformations: Tr2: P(x,y,z) => P(0,r,h) and Tr2 ^_1 : P(0,r,h) => P(x,y,z). According to an embodiment transformations Tr3 and Tr3 ^_1 are between a Cartesian and a spherical coordinate of the point P transformations: Tr3: P(x,y,z) => P(0,O,r) and Tr3 ^_1 : P(0,O,r) => P(x,y,z). The symbols r denotes to radius and h to height coordinate. Particularly in spherical or a dome or part thereof, the r can be considered as the camera distance from the object to be recognized. Transformations can be used in image corrections where applicable in suitable part, even so that image distortions, origo mismatch, translatory discrepancies etc. can be corrected inside a same coordinate system, (i.e. from Spherical to Spherical or from Spherical to Cartesian, for example), when needed. The transformation can be made by a computer, in a microprocessor belonging in to the system, as well as the increment calculations and/or transformations relating to such where needed.

[0035] FIG 1E depicts an illustrative manner an object holder, the object to be held in the illumination chamber as in FIG 1 G with an embodied geometry. The object is positioned between the plates, plate 1 and plate2 so that the inclined plate 1 holds the object in the position. The plates can be made of transparent material, and could be coated in suitable part against scratches. Examples of suitable materials can be boron nitride and/or DLC with over 90% of sp3 orbital structured bonds between the carbon atoms. In an embodiment example, the base has means for damping vibrations, passively by shock absorption means, in another variant a transducer for active damping in counter phase, in suitable part in addition or alternative, to produce counter-phased vibrations. The base can be also tilted in suitable part in respect of the chassis (FIG 1G), and/or the base can be rotated. The base can be in an embodied system. The system can tilt and/or rotate the base and/or the object in suitable part for different kind of paths of the camera in respect to the object, in the control of the control unit.

[0036] In FIG 1F an object to be recognized is illustrated as such on a base. In this optional embodiment the object can be in a different starting position than in the FIG 1E. The base can be in an embodied system. The system can tilt and/or rotate the base and/or the object in suitable part.

[0037] In FIG 1G the imaging device is embodied with at least one camera, as a camera unit that is illustrated to be schematically connected to an arm (as seen above, illustrated by a black dot), to facilitate the movement along the path (cf. FIG 1 A for example, and FIG 9 alternatives) around the object. The camera is positioned so that it illustrates taking frames, images and/or video, so that there can be also the background Bgmd in suitable part. The background can be chosen to dark, gray, colored otherwise or white, to enhance the contrast of the object’s visual appearance, and/or to distinguish the measures of character of the object. The object and the background can be embodied to tilt together in an embodiment variant. The object can be on a base according to the disclosure (i.e. as in FIG 1E, 1F, 1H, for example, also as in FIG 9), positioned on chassis holding the whole system with the base. The camera can be connected to the measurement device MD as illustrated by the line between the rectangle surrounding the embodied parts therein and the camera. The rectangle can be functionally connected to the chassis, camera and to the arm for the controls thereof in an example of an embodiment. According to an embodiment, the measurement device MD can comprise control unit Contr arranged to control the operations of the measurement device, for example, in the control of the microprocessor mR, which also can be used to collect the images and/or video frames into the memory Mem that can comprise in suitable part volatile and/or permanent memory. Microprocessor also is responsible to authenticate the frames by using authentication means AuthG to generate authentication tag to the suitably predefined frames to form an authentication code for the virtual model of the object to be recognized. The pictorial data formed from the frames is embodied being stored into the database DB that is exemplified as an internal database to the system. However, in suitable part the pictorial data of the virtual model can be also communicated to external databases Ext DB in suitable part by the communication means Com, arranged to communicate with the user via a user interphase and/ or to communicate between suitable system elements, such as the control unit. The other system parts such as motor drivers (Servo) and sensing elements (Sense) can provide data to the microprocessor for the frames, i.e. position etc. The data so exemplified can be in suitable part stored to the memory, to the local database, and/or to the remote, external database, Ext DB. According to an embodiment at least one of the databases, (Ext DB for example and/or Memory Mem can be embodied by a cloud. The ADC DAC element in the system is used in digital conversions between analog and digital signals, in measurements and/or in control commands. Robo is illustrative of a control means to control an industrial robot to be used as a manipulator to handle object to the chamber, on to the base and back to the depository of the objects, gemstones according to an embodiment, etc mechanical operations and/or position changes. According to an embodiment the measurement device comprises a computer provided with software capable to the operations as illustrated in FIG 1G, with the help of interfaces to the hardware parts of the measurement system, arranged according to an embodiment to do the imaging of an object to be imaged, by taking frames, when the object is held by a holder arrangement embodied in the disclosure.

[0038] The authentication generator AuthG as such can provide authentication tags to the frames in the control of the microprocessor and an algorithm to control the measurement and/or the object recognition in the embodiments in suitable part. The authentication generator can produce tags according to a known algorithm as such to produce a number queues as such, from a suitable starting number to suitable ending number for the tag frames, for example. The so formed code, authentication code (Auth code) can be communicated via the communication means also in suitable part to the external database for example, so that a similar generator can dismantle the code from the meant frames and recognize the virtual model to be an authentic from the communicated authentication code, or its preselected parts for the recognition. The coding can vary according to a predefined scheme as such as used in the network protocols in the communications used. The number queues for the tags can be cumulative built so that the next number in queue is a sum of the previous two formers, for example, and/or cumulative in such a manner that all the numbers are summed for the next number. A skilled person knows based on the embodiments, when read and understood many ways to implement the tags . According to an embodiment, the AuthG can calculate also the location of the frames that are to be provided with the tag, according to the same queue for an embodiment variant, but according to another variant from a different number queue. The number queues can be communicated between the producing site and reading site in a coded and/or secrete form, over the used media, i.e. an information network, so that the authentication can be proven when exists. Authentication code can be communicated via secure channel between the communications sites.

[0039] Servo illustrates hardware (and software built in suitable part) to drive the arm and the camera along the path around the object, but also to drive the tilting and/or rotation of the base, so that the increments DQ and DF can map the imaginary sphere locations to provide the view to the object to be recognized as viewed from the camera distance, corresponding the imaginary sphere, in an object recognition event, in recordings and/or retrievals. Servos can also control operation of various motors and/or transducers in the embodiments, especially the ones related to the camera unit movements corresponding the imaginary sphere locations to acquire frames about the object to be recognized.

[0040] Sense illustrates sensors means (and software built in suitable part), to measure the ambient conditions of temperature, pressure, humidity, lighting, but also in suitable part pressure of grasp of the robot and/or weight of the object, as well as to take part in measuring electric fields, with respective measuring means for, magnetic fluxes, gas flows, acoustic frequencies, and/or gas pressures, in a maintaining loop and/or adjustment of the conditions in an object recognition event, in recordings and/or retrievals.

[0041] MV illustrates Mechanical Vibration damping system controller to control the damping system embodied that can be based in suitable part in passive layers in the base to absorb shocks in an embodiment, but in another embodiment in suitable part active transducers in the base to produce counter-phased vibrations to cancel the mechanical vibrations.

[0042] The FIG 1H illustrates such a base that holds the object in a levitated position, as based on a force field F to cancel the weight of the object G. In an embodiment the force field F can be based on electric field, to combine static and/or dynamic fields to counter-balance the gravity. The force field component F can be produced by the transducer Tf, as being connected to a suitable source, such as a voltage source for example to produce the force field component. The same Tf symbol also illustrates magnetic field based transducer to produce a magnetic field to contribute to the levitation effect. According to an embodiment the transducer can in addition or alternative being used to produce flow to utilize Bernoulli-principle to hold the object in the flow. According to an embodiment variant, the transducer Tf can comprise also in suitable extent an acoustic means to make the object levitate in an acoustic ultrasound filed.

[0043] In FIG 1H the force field components Rl , R2, R3 and R4 illustrate radial force components in the cross sectional scheme of FIG 1H. The radial components can be produced by the ring -type transducer T to center the object to the ring center, that is in such an embodiment also the center of the imaginary sphere of the camera path, so being to minimize needs for the corrections in the imaging, so saving processor time in the image processing.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates the visual model of the object to be recognized as a composition of images and/or video frames. Images and frames are illustrated by Fr, being taken from a position defined by the incremental positions of the path on the imaginary sphere (Q _h , F _h ) locations, so that each location n, a stack (Sti, St ₂ ...St _n ) of frames (Fr) has been recorded by the camera, so that there is at least one frame Fr in each stack St _n corresponding the location so that they surround the object to be recognized by the frames. The dashed line rectangles tagl , tag2 and tagn illustrate tags on such frames that have been provided with the corresponding authentication tag. The tags form an authentication code, being formed in the control of the microprocessor in FIG 1 G, by the authentication generator AuthG, and the related algorithm to produce authentication code. Although the example in FIG 2A is indicative that the authentication code for the virtual model can be formed from the composition of the tags (1, 2, ...n for the position in the stacks) (indicated by the sigma- character), also pre-determined parts of the ensemble of the tags can be used to form the authentication code as such. If needed, the exemplified transformations of Fig 1D can be used between transformations of various coordinate systems.

[0045] FIG 2B illustrates example about information of a visual model in a file about the object to be recognized as collected and/or as read for retrieval by a user. According to an embodiment the information can comprise such measures of character as cracks Cr, Color Anomalies CoA, shadows Sh, inclusions I, bubles Bbl, and/or other features that can be observable from the frames taken around the object to be recognized from the positions to correspond the imaginary sphere. The measures of characters can be used in suitable part as measures of authentication in suitable part, if not all are so considered. The measures of character (and/or as used as measures of authentication of inbound origin) can be shown with their location and measured size, and/or where applicable also with composition.

[0046] According to an embodiment, an authentication code can be shown in such a mode that a remote user can also recognize the authentication status, although the authentication code as such in an explicit mode and/or the tagged frames as such were not used to be shown to the user. The authentication code as such also confirms with the measures of authentication of inbound origin that a gemstone as such as an object to be recognized is an authentic object. According to an embodiment, measures of authenticity can include also the authentication code. According to an embodiment, authentication code and/or other measures of authenticity can be partly, in suitable part, communicated to a remote user, so that the remaining measures not yet being communicated can be reserved for purposes of further verification ofthe user and/or site in the communication loop between the parties involved in the retrieval. Also geometric measures, for a gemstone as such, as Crown (diameter, height), Crown (mesa, dia), Pavilion (height), Refraction index, Weight, Found (place, who, when), Honed (place, who, when), Owned, and/or repository location can be recorded and/or shown to a user. The object record (FIG 2B) can form an electric Certificate in suitable part of the shown information.

[0047] According to an embodiment a user can graphically make a selection as based on the measures of authentication on a certain range on the object to be recognized, in the example of FIG 2B a diamond, the selection being indicated by the circular dashed line. According to an embodiment the user has found from the data bases such a diamond that has in the selected area/volume four inclusions (black dots) and two bubles (hollow circles). The diamond has also outside the area a shadowed volume Sh, and a crack Cr extending to the selected area, and another crack outside the selection. There is also a color anomaly CoA outside the selection and some inclusions, and a bubble outside the selection. According to an embodiment the size of the measures of authentication can be user selectable for the size to be included into the retrieval, if not all those that which have been recognized in the frames were not wanted to be considered in the retrieval and/or for the certificate.

[0048] FIG 3 illustrates a scheme of an example of a camera comprising three camera units (camera unit 1 , camera unit 2, and camera unit 3). It is understood that a camera as such can be considered as a camera unit, as a camera unit as such comprises at least one camera in embodiments of disclosure. Therefore camera and camera unit are considered more or less synonyms, but the use difference is intended to the purpose of only to indicate local respective compositional relationship between the camera and camera unit according to the example in question, as a skilled person understands from the embodiments. The camera unit 3 is a double camera unit having in this example two imaging surfaces (imaging surface 3 and imaging surface 4). The camera unit 1 and camera unit 2 have respective imaging surfaces 1 and 2, to be used in recording the frames into the corresponding frame-stacks Stl , St2, St3 and St4. Each of the camera units can be focused to its own focal plane in the object to be recognized. The additional focal planes are indicated with a lens shaped symbol with the corresponding focus reference Focl, Foc2 and Foc3 referring to the respective camera unit and the focal plane according to the indicated number. According to an embodiment variant, the camera units can have each a filter (optionality indicated by the dashed lines), so that the camera unit can pick certain ranges of the illumination wave lengths to the images at the focal plane of the camera unit. The filters can be passive units in suitable part, but according to an embodiment, can comprise for example an etalon-based structure to pass a certain wavelength range of the illumination to the imaging surface, according to a further variant in a controllable manner by the control unit (FIG 1 G). The SPF(%%)-objects are indicative of splitting the incoming illumination with the number indicated percentage. For example, SPF(25) mirrors 25 % of the illumination to the imaging surface 1 , via the filter 1 , at the focus Focl focused to the corresponding focal plane in the object to be recognized. SPF(33) mirrors 33 % of the illumination to the imaging surface 2, via the filter 2, at the focus Foc2 focused to the corresponding focal plane in the object to be recognized. SPF(50) mirrors 50 % of the illumination to the imaging surface 3 via the filter 3 at the focus Foc3 focused to the corresponding focal plane in the object to be recognized. The rest of the illumination coming to the camera is received by the imaging surface 4. Although any further filter not shown, a skilled person in the art understands that the illumination can be also filtered in suitable part in an embodiment variant.

[0049] According to a further embodiment variant, the focus of the camera to produce focal depth in the object can be varied so that a single camera unit can be used to produce an ensemble of corresponding frame stacks with varying focal point with the corresponding focal plane in the object to be recognized at a camera location (Q _h , F _h ).

[0050] Fig 4 illustrates recognition of authenticity of an object at a remote site via a user given certificate. The certificate has been given about an object to be recognized at a recognizing site, as based on the information in the database DB, the visual model being formed from the object with an associated authentication code å tag _n (O _n ,® _n )· The remote site, being able to recognize the code and the tag locations and the tag values, can then acknowledge (Ackn) the recognition site via a communications network, such as an Internet, for example, that the visual model was received and stated to be authenticated correctly so that an e-certificate could have been formed. According to an embodiment, the authentication code can be communicated between the sites in a secure channel, and/or as encrypted.

[0051] In the examples referring to the Fig 5 to 8, they are using a Cartesian coordinate type of notation when referring to the planes of camera path in the recordings of the frames, with a solution based on an embodied system, non-secured gemstones can be photographed thoroughly without any visible attachments. According to an embodiment, it is based on predefined X-Y axes of the gemstone, predefined gemstone x-y imaging angles based on these axes and/or calculating needed camera angle to position the camera on a gemstone imaging angle. The coordinates can be transformed as illustrated by the Fig 1D.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the gemstone’s X-Y axes are defined

[0053] a. X-axis is perpendicular to the gemstone’s tablet, a mesa, (as illustrated for an example in Fig 1)

[0054] b. according to an embodiment, Y -axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and in alignment with a marker. According to an embodiment the marker can be at least one of the following: a character of authenticity, a chosen edge of the gemstone, which position is controlled throughout the photography process, some visible feature of the gemstone and external marker, e.g. UV-pen which is then detected in UV-light.

[0055] According to an embodiment, also a temporary thermal hot point can be used as a marker, being made and/or maintained by a suitable laser for example to be used for making such, that is about to cool down by its own, without any trace or damage after the process of imaging. However, for repeatability such a marker can be made in respect to a feature of the gemstone for a re-imaging.

[0056] Fig 6 embodies an example according to which there are shown by the numbers angles in degrees for planes of camera paths (imaging paths) in combination to base positions, according to which an imaging is made for example. The shown degree values between 0 and 360 are not limiting the imaging used planes only to the shown values (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 279, 315). Gemstone 506 as an object to be imaged and also recognized (in the middle) x 360 imaging angles are based on X axis. 0 point is on the Y axis. The X-axis is common in the example to the planes. Also other angles can be used in the increment formations according to the coordinate system in use.

[0057] Fig 7 embodies an example according to which there are shown by the numbers angles in degrees for planes of camera paths (imaging paths) in combination to base positions, according to which an imaging can be made. The shown degree values between 0 and 360 are not limiting the imaging used planes only to the shown values (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 279, 315). Gemstone 506 as an object to be imaged and also recognized (in the middle) x 360 imaging angles are based on Y axis. 0 point is on the X axis. The Y-axis is common in the example to the planes.

[0058] In Fig 8 example, gemstone x-y imaging angles of x=35/y=250; x=90/y=250; x=90/y=340; x=35/y=340 and x=3l5/y=45 were used to define the planes of camera paths (imaging paths) in combination to base positions. According to an embodiment, for example only five different gemstones imaging angles were presented in Fig 8. In practice, the imaging angles are defined in an embodiment in 2 or 4-degree increments (DQ, DF, cf FIG l a and lb) to capture gemstone movement accurately enough in respect to the imaging camera. This results in 4096 or 16 200 total images per single gemstone.

[0059] In Fig 9, an embodied imaging system 500 device example in terms of hardware of moving assembly has been illustrated as an example. The system device is supported by a support 501 to the ground surface or the chassis of the system. Although a two-beam four-leg support is embodied in the example, it is not intended to limit the support only to the shown example. To the support 501 there is connected a beam 508 by a joint 504 that is such a joint that facilitates rotation of a second beam, a camera supporting beam 507 to pivot in a plane defined by the movement path of the pivoting. Examples in suitable part for illustration are shown in Figs 6 to 8. The camera 503 is attached to the camera boom 502 acting as an arm, between the beams 507, so that the position of the camera can be moved. According to an embodiment the parts part 505, part 508, part 504, part 507 and the camera 503 dimensions set an example of a value to the distance r from the gemstone 506 for the imaginary sphere. Although a straight camera boom 502 has been given as an example, it is also possible to use curved geometry, for the camera beam 502 but also for the beams 507 so that the camera position can be moved according to the curved path along the camera boom 502, thus providing accordingly an alternating distance to the gemstone 506. The camera 503 can be embodied so that it has 3D-rotation facilities at the attachment assembly to the camera boom 502, to point to the target 506, which in this example is embodied as a gemstone 506, for example an emerald, but is not limited only to the named type of gemstone. The gemstone 506 is positioned on the base 505, which is arranged to rotate to any position of a circular path as illustrated by the arrow in the plane, as explained also in accordance ofFig 1B.

[0060] The base 505 is shown as to be positioned on the beam 508 so that the pivotable joint 504 and the beam 508 facilitate the camera 503 to point to the middle of the base 505 positioned gemstone 506 for imaging for taking frames. According to an embodiment, the movements can be made by suitable electromechanical actuators, such as for example motors and/or sprocket wheels to be used in the positioning. These means for the positioning can be controlled by a computer by electrical control signals in a control of a control unit. The system can also comprise necessary switches and/or position detectors to facilitate monitoring of the path when recording/taking the frames, in accordance of the control signals, but also for making a log on the imaging of the gemstone 506 individual, to be recorded for the visual model of such an object to be recognized.

[0061] A robot that can be used in the embodiments as a manipulator for the feeding the base and/or exiting the gemstone as such, but is not shown in the Fig 9. The holding arrangement in the example 7 can be used in suitable part, to hold and prepare the object to be imaged, for a recognition, for example. According to an embodiment variant example, a mechanical hand with few fingers can be used for the purpose. According to an embodiment variant the fingers can be arranged to operate as picking pins. According to an embodiment, the picking pins can be hollow, for arranging a suction line for under pressure at the tip of the picking pin/finger, so to attach the object to be imaged to the tip, for holding, pivoting/rotating and/or transporting in the system. According to an embodiment the imaging, the gemstone set and take-outs are synchronized with the camera movement start and/or stop by the computer controlling the system. According to an embodiment illumination being used and/or controlled, can be implemented via the base 505 in suitable part, to hold the gemstone as the object to be recognized, but also other options to provide an embodied radiation for the illumination can be used in accordance of the examples.

[0062] However, according to an embodiment variant the illumination can be diffuse as such, even in one variant pulsed, having duration of the illumination at a certain first separate wavelength and a pitch there between of the same first separate wavelength having pulse to follow. According to a further embodiment variant similar illumination pulses with another second separate wavelength can be arranged to the pitches between said two following first separate wavelength illumination pulses. According to a further variant, wavelengths of pulsed illumination can be more than two. According to an embodiment the timing of said first and second separate wavelength illumination pulses are not necessarily interdigitally timed to the mutual pitches, but can occur at least partly simultaneously. This is considered to have different focal planes in the object to be held for the imaging and recognition, the timing adjustment aiming to the freedom of the operator to fine-tune the illumination conditions for the image combining for sharp images in different focal depths for the details in the object to be imaged. The holder arrangement has been coated with illumination absorbing material to decrease the stray light to its minimum from unwanted surfaces, also in such a case the illumination were embodied diffuse.

[0063] In Fig 10 there is illustrated a gemstone 506 on the base 505. The Fig illustrates by the non limiting examples DC and DU (according to the Cartesian notation, which can be transformed to other coordinate system with the coordinate system compatible increments) the imaging system axis in such a case that they differ from the corresponding axis of the gemstone 506, that is tilted in respect to the Cartesian axis. According to an embodiment the method can comprise a transformation step in which the tilt is straightened. However, the same symbols also illustrate in a schematic way such embodiments that make the imaging in a stepwise manner to increment the photographing angles by the As. Although D- symbol used for both X and Y-axis, the increments need not to be necessarily the same for the incrementing of the imaging positions of the predefined angles. [0064] According to an embodiment, before taking image frames, the tilt of gemstone is measured as illustrated in Fig 10. In an embodied method (Fig 1 1) according to an optional imaging method, the imaging system checks 701 for the further operations embodied according to the method 1300 (Fig 13) for example:

- if the predefined gemstone-imaging angle is possible in terms of limitation to the camera boom

502 (Fig 10):

if not, then this gemstone-imaging angle is saved for next gemstone position,

if possible, the camera boom 502 and/or the base 505 are rotated 702 in respect to each other, according to an embodiment variant, by moving at least one of the following: the camera, gemstone holder, gemstone, and a mirror (according to an embodiment variant a pivotable mirror for optical path provision for the camera) in the system provided for dead-angle-inspection, the camera holder mechanics in suitable part, according to set the camera 503 on that gemstone-imaging angle,

for each image (Fr) taken the amount of rotation is also calculated 703 for image post processing (708): with the rotation, the gemstone is“straightened” so that it looks like the gemstone has been in straight position during the photography,

when all the possible predefined imaging angles, in respect to the predefined scheme of imaging, have been completed as predefined, the holding mechanisms of the gemstone and/or camera holding mechanism with the boom, the gemstone position is changed 704 in respect to the camera and its DC and DU are measured again, (the X-Y notation referring to Cartesian coordinate embodiment as such). According to an embodiment, the gemstone can be rotated (DQ) and/or allowed to rotate in a continuous manner for video recording by the camera, from which video file of the recording the gemstone images can be extracted according to an extraction algorithm.

According to an embodiment variant the video recording is time stamped and/or an ensemble of frames (Fr) provided with a predefined authentication code Auth code (å tagn(0n,On)), and in alternative or supplement embodiment variant, according to a gemstone feature paired with an ID, for the gemstone recognition and/or classification.

gemstone position in respect to the camera can be changed n times 705 for completing all the predefined (according to the microprocessor control) gemstone imaging angles, with the appropriate base positions (DQ) for the imaginary sphere locations, according to the predefined scheme of imaging. According to an embodiment variant the value of n can be considered in approximation as a continuous quantity for image extraction from video recording,

positioning 706 the gemstone on the base, positon changes and DC and DU measurements are done automatically by the imaging system, a single gemstone is photographed 707 in both bright field and dark field illuminations.

[0065] Figs 13, 14 and 15 illustrate embodiments of a method (1300) to recognize an object by an object recognizing system (500) comprising an imaging device such as camera and a moving assembly to move said imaging device around said object. According to the embodiment the method comprises at least one of the following: predefining (1301) an imaginary sphere to comprise at least one path to the imaging locations of said imaging device such as camera, predefining (1302) an F- direction increment (DF) on said sphere surface for the movement path of the imaging device to follow the sphere surface in a first imaging plane, predefining (1303) an Q-direction increment (DQ) on said sphere surface for the movement of the imaging device to provide an effect as to follow a second path of the sphere surface in a second imaging plane, setting (1304) at least one starting position to said imaging device to start the imaging, collecting (1305) image and/or video data (Fr) (5ΐh(Qh,Fh)) about the object from an imaging location (n, (Qh,Fh)) into at least one image stack (5ΐh(Qh,Fh)) by an imaging device from an imaging location defined by the increments (DQ), (DF) in Q-direction and F-direction to follow at least one path of the imaginary sphere, storing (1306) images (Fr) of at least one of said image stack (5ΐh(Qh,Fh)) corresponding the imaging location of the imaging device (n, (Qh,Fh)), for a virtual model of the object to be recognized, selecting (1307) a next imaging location (n+l , (Qh+DQ,Fh+DF)) for the imaging device to collect a next at least one image stack (5ΐh+1(Qh+1,Fh+1)) corresponding an incremental change of at least one of the Q-direction increment (DQ) and the F-direction increment (DF), combing (1308) images (Fr) from said at least one image stack with other images from said at least one image stack and/or from another similar at least one image stack for the virtual model (åStn(0„,®„)) of the object to be recognized, recognizing and recording (1309) measures of character (Cr, CoA, Sh, 1, Bbl, Auth code) of said object to be recognized from at least one of said images (Fr) of an image stack (Stn), repeating (1310) image collection and selecting a next imaging location for the imaging device to collect a next at least one image stack (Stl(0 ₂ ^ ₂ )) corresponding an incremental change of at least one of the Q-direction increment (DQ) and the F-direction increment (DF) until all the predefined (mR) imaging locations ofthe moving assembly (500) around said object to be recognized has been dealt, comparing (131 1) the measures of character (Cr, CoA, Sh, 1, Bbl, Auth code) to those in a database, and giving (1312) an identity (ID) to said object to be recognized and to said virtual model of it (ID), if no similarity of compared measures of character found from said database in an inspection (1315). The index n+l refers to a next position according to the predefined scheme of imaging, with an increment in use in the scheme, according to the used coordinate system. Thus, n has been used as an arbitrary index in illustrating.

[0066] According to an embodiment the method comprises as a predefinition (1301, 1302, 1303) at least one of defining a coordinate transformation between the object centric and imaginary sphere centric coordinates (Trl, Tr2, Tr3), defining a correction between said coordinates if no match observed, correcting the location of the object to be recognized to the center of said imaginary sphere, and adjusting the focus (Focl , Foc2, Foc3) of said imaging device such as Camera (503) according to the correction to the focus of the camera unit.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the method comprises retrieving (1313) said database (DB) by a user given identity, to search a virtual model corresponding said identity of a gemstone. According to a variant the method comprises defining (1314) an area or volume of an object to be recognized with a selection (Selection) of measures of characters in said area or volume, to be used as a search criteria in a search from a database (DB) comprising data about similar objects as the one to be recognized with their measures of characters in the inspection (1315). According to an embodiment database retrieving can be made optionally or in addition in the post analysis phase 708, in suitable part.

[0068] According to an embodiment, in the imaging, by the photographing/taking video frames that can be made also repeatedly. According to an embodiment, the illumination can be made also with an illumination that is outside of the wavelength range of visible light. According to an embodiment, the illuminations outside visible range can be made simultaneously, but in another embodiment in series.

[0069] According to an embodiment the location of the gemstone under inspection is provided with geographic co-ordinates, to be used as a measure of authenticity for the identity of the gemstone, user and/or the location of the user and/or the gemstone. In an embodiment, the geographic co-ordinates are compared to the co-ordinates of the photographing service provider's location, to provide a source of authenticity signal, made with help of at least one of the following: geographic coordinates, imaging device serial number, imaging device's co-ordinates, signal to noise level, signal quality of a broad band connection used in the connections in the image and/or video data transference and information network bound location of the imaging service provider and/or the device ID in operation. According to an embodiment, several kinds of illuminations can be varied for getting a better contrast about the features of the gemstone to the photographs. According to an embodiment a selection of wavelength ranges are selected for optimization for a specific gemstone feature to be revealed. According to an embodiment at least one of the following can be adjusted in the imaging a gemstone: polarization of a source providing the illumination to the background, polarization of a source providing the illumination to the gemstone, polarization of a camera providing image of the gemstone. [0070] Images are post-processed 708 according to an embodiment as method steps of the embodied method. According to an embodiment, post-processing comprises at least one of the following being completed (Fig 12):

- background removal 708a: everything else except the gemstone is removed from the image, however, gemstone features that belong to the gemstone are not removed,

- rotation 708b: gemstone is“straightened”, if experienced necessary because of the ambient conditions, for example

- centering 708c: gemstone is set in the middle of the image canvas, in suitable extent

- shadowing 708d: for enhancing 3D experience adding a shadow to an image and

- new background 708e: a background with required color is added.

[0071] According to an embodiment variant, the gemstone features found from the images are marked and/or listed 708f. According to an embodiment the identification to the list is relative in respect a location of a feature or an ensemble of such features in the gemstone. According to an embodiment variant, also the illumination properties are listed with observed features 708g, and in alternative or in supplement, the authentication signal is saved 708h with the feature, for post analysis purposes to check the authenticity of the observed feature, and/or to add the feature to the feature list of the features of the gemstone under inspection. The operations and processes described and shown above may be carried out or performed in any suitable order as desired in various implementations. Additionally, in certain implementations, at least a portion of the operations may be carried out in parallel, according to an embodiment in parallel in suitable part during applicable method steps of the imaging method 1300. Furthermore, in certain implementations, less than or more than the operations described may be performed..

[0072] The coordinate systems can be matched so that imaging can be performed smoothly and quickly. These can be also made in a measuring geometry coordinate system, or in an object’s own coordinate system or in suitable part afterwards, so that each frame need not to be matched individually between the coordinates and thus saving time for the imaging. However, the ID in the database may use the a coordinate system with its origo fixed to a position in respect of a selected characteristic measure of the object when describing the characteristic features, although in the measurement the coordinates used by the system were using differently defined origo in the measurement system. Where applicable coordinate transformations can be made according to embodiments.

[0073] The optical solution in accordance of an embodiment gives the facility for a depth of field of 10 mm or more is accomplished with a single image using macro magnification. [0074] According to an embodiment, for each gemstone, the photographs taken are processed to form at least one of the following: a 3D applet and predefined video.

[0075] According to an embodiment, a gemstone imaging angle has been stored to every image/frame and they can be lined up with many ways for a 3D applet or video processing. According to an embodiment variant this kind of processing can be added to the authenticity signal at the appropriate moment of occurrence. This makes possible to show gemstone movement in the visual model much more ways than just a normal rotation, and respective embodiments to provide a checking facility to examine, what has happened to the gemstone under the inspection, i.e. add to a history log details about the gemstone and its characteristic features. According to an embodiment, the examination can be done via an ordinary normal web browser as such. According to an embodiment of the invention the examination can be thus made at the same location as the photographing according to an embodiment, but alternatively or in addition also in a remote location via a communications network, such as Internet even in a different country, or according to an embodiment in various countries according to the selection of the desired parties to participate to the examination. In such embodiments the authenticity signal can be used for an indication of authenticity of the event, in which the signal is sent and/or for the authenticity of the target under the inspection.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the observed features of an examined gemstone are identified, and the gemstone is classified according to the standards available on the classification according to the features representative of the class. If artifacts found, they are also considered in the classification if applicable in the classification. The artifacts are also reported to the gemstone history log, and according to an embodiment such artifacts are marked to the images and/or video, according to a variant embodiment to be used as measures of authenticity.

[0077] According to a further embodiment the post processing algorithm has an evaluator machine, as programmatically implemented in communication with other system elements, to evaluate the gemstone volume in respect to the revealed features and/or such features that are held as artifacts, to evaluate a recommendation for cutting and/orhoning further the gemstone. According to an embodiment the algorithm in the system attaches that estimate to the gemstone log, for an individual identifiable gemstone, or, for a class suitable limits to characterize the class via the statistical information previously attached to the class.

[0078] The scope of the invention is determined by the attached claims together with the equivalents thereof. The skilled persons will again appreciate the fact that the explicitly disclosed embodiments were constructed for illustrative purposes only, and the scope will cover further embodiments, embodiment combinations and equivalents that better suit each particular use case of the invention.

Example 1

[0079] In an embodiment, the radiation source for the illumination provisions comprises a bright field source and/or a dark field source. In an embodiment, the radiation source is adjustable. In an embodiment, the adjusting is implemented in step-wise lighting filed levels, but according to a further embodiment on continuous basis. In an embodiment, there are at least two or more radiation sources, from which to select to at least one with a bright source illumination level or at least one with a dark field source illumination level. In an embodiment, also more than one illumination geometries can be use in accordance of Fig 1G. In an embodiment, the illumination is provided by an opaque screen in an embodied geometry. In an embodiment, variant polarization of at least one of said illumination sources was adjusted to enhance the visibility of features of the gemstone under inspection. In an embodiment, the bright source had a different polarization than the dark field source. In an embodiment, at least one of the source had polarization selected from the following, elliptical polarization, circular polarization, linear polarization, the chirality being selected for the elliptical and/or circular polarization from left-handed and right-handed chirality. In an embodiment, at least one of the mentioned illumination sources has a polarization feature provided to the transmitted radiation and the camera has a polarizer arranged to an analyzer to identify the polarization of the incoming illumination, at least from the gemstone under inspection by the image/video recording.

[0080] In an embodiment, the quality of the radiation is diffuse, i.e. indirect illumination from a radiation source embodied, with an embodied geometry. In an embodiment, in addition or alternative, a radiation source can be embodied by such embodied source that has a spotted source to the target. According to a further variant, there can be a combination of various radiation sources to be used in illumination in an embodiment. In an embodiment variant, the base of the imaging system was used for directing illumination to the target gemstone. In an embodiment, the directing was made as diffuse illumination, to be brought to the object to be imaged via an opaque screen. In an embodiment variant, illumination is embodied as spotted illumination to the whole object.

[0081 ] In an embodiment of the invention, the radiation source is a source of light in optical range. In an embodiment variant, the radiation source comprises at least one of the following: an X-ray source, ultraviolet source, infrared source for providing illumination according to the illumination type just mentioned. According to a further embodiment variant, the radiation source is a single source or an ensemble of such as selected for the wavelength range of camera, but can comprise also another radiation source. [0082] In an embodiment, in the ensemble of illumination sources, there is at least one source that has a polarization feature to emit polarized light. In an embodiment the light is referring to Ultra Violet (UV) and/or InfraRed (IR) radiation. In an embodiment, the radiation to be used for the illumination is monochromatic and/or coherent. In an embodiment, the illumination is a composition of selected monochromatic and/or coherent radiations as such, to provide illumination from several monochromatic illumination sources as a sparse wavelength illumination.

[0083] In an embodiment, the illumination is white light, so comprising the wavelength range of the light in the visible optical range between the ultraviolet and infrared. However, similar way for the other type of illuminations the white light can be used as broad wavelength range illumination. In an embodiment, it is possible also to select such an illumination source that is monochromatic to provide where necessary, monochromatic illumination taken photographs. In an embodiment several monochromatic illumination sources can be used together to provide a sparse wavelength comprising illumination, which can be used to highlight certain features of the gemstone. Polarization of at least a source of illumination as embodied and/or camera with analyzer of the polarization state can be used, for the gemstone feature enhancement and/or identification and/or to focus different focal planes inside the gemstone as the object to be recognized.

Example 2.

[0084] An imaging system was used for photographing a gemstone thoroughly, without any visible attachments to interfere the optical ray passage between the targeted gemstone and the camera. An optical solution according to the embodied system for achieving at least lOmm depth of field with single image using macro magnification was achieved with an embodied camera. The system was used for observing the photographed gemstone as the target in a three-dimensional manner. In an embodiment, the images of the gemstone were processed to form a 3D applet, and to form a video from the frames to be used in retrieval of the visual model from the gemstone. In an embodiment, at least some of the images were filtered to exclude glare from a phase of the gemstone. In an embodiment, a polarizer for polarization of the illumination was used in the glare removal. In an embodiment, the gemstone was also treated by a sharpener algorithm, and/or the features were marked to the image. In an embodiment, the algorithm estimated the volume of the gemstone, according to a further variant, estimated such a volume that would be left if found features were cut and/or honed away. In an embodiment, the algorithm also estimated the work to be made for such a procedure. In an embodiment, the gemstone was a raw diamond or alike precious stone.

Example 3.

[0085] In an embodiment, the gemstone was classified and/or it was identified with the features, and the gemstone was given an identity as based on the observed features, to be used in a later identification of the gemstone for retrieval of the images and/or the video for a later examination and/or remote examination. If the features of the gemstone are not sufficiently distinct for an individual characterization of the gemstone, it is classified to a larger ensemble of similar gemstone with similar features. In an embodiment, also raw gemstones can be examined. In an embodiment, the classification was re-estimated after a cut/honing as a processing being made at least partly completed, in comparison to the situation before the made cut/honing with the related estimate.

Example 4.

[0086] In an embodiment, the system comprises an automated feeder and/or removal unit so that the imaging system can be fully automated to be operative without a human operator, except if errors or mal- function situation occur, such as electricity cut off for example. In an embodiment, the feeder can feed a pre-classified targeted gemstones to the base for the imaging. In an embodiment feeder can be used to pivot or turn the targeted gemstone for another part of imaging sphere to be completed. In an embodiment the removal unit, which can be in an embodiment be the same as the feeder, to be operated inversely, is arranged to remove the targeted gemstone to the location of evaluated/imaged gemstones. If the examination result is available on line in the embodiment in use, the removal function can also comprise a classification action according to the examination result to the corresponding class.

Example 4B.

[0087] The gemstone holder can be also embodied alternatively in the system as such by an electrodynamic holder to capture (Fig 1H, the components Rl to R4 being electrodynamic field originating and/or F) the gemstone into an electric closure as such. The gemstone can be launched by an electric needle top or tube by an electric field towards an electrodynamic holder comprising a two ring- electrode structure to capture the gemstone, or just simply drop as charged. Such a holder can make the gemstone photographing to be implemented touchlessly. According to an embodiment, the gemstone can be sucked when ready the imaging, and removed from the filter arranged to pick the gemstone into an airflow, the airflow being synchronized to suck the gemstone when the electrodynamic fields are switched off.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the light source comprises at least such a light source that is arranged to emit light at the visible range of light with the corresponding wave length. According to an embodiment the wave length range can comprise also such light that has at least partly such wave lengths that belong to the ultraviolet and/or infrared, according to a variant of an embodiment especially near-ultraviolet and/or infrared range of the optical radiation. In an embodiment, the light source is an ambient light being guided via an opaque screen to the object. [0089] According to an embodiment, the gemstone holder as the base (considered also as a sample holder within the embodiments) comprises a vibration suppression arrangement, which is arranged to damp the vibrations that may be interfering the gemstone photographing, especially in such embodiments, in which small sized details are to be detected via the photographing. Small size refers to the detection limit of an eye on average basis. Anyhow, vibrations can make the photographs fuzzy and blur, also in a larger scale and thus a damping mechanism in a base improve the gemstone imagining. According to an embodiment, the vibration suppression comprises a transient damping part, which may suppress also continuously occurring vibrations too, irrespective are they harmonic or not. According to an embodiment variant, the gemstone holder can be situated on a piezo-element or similarly vibrating actuator under control, so that the vibration damping is made in an active way, i.e. by counter vibrations, to be produced and/or sensed by a suitable actuator for the purpose, to sense acoustically or similar way connecting vibrations to the gemstone holder base.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the suppression is achieved by an obtained microphone (or similar transducer originating) signal being amplified and phased to be lead to the actuator so that the acoustically coupling noise or similar vibrations are damped in the control of the microprocessor by produced counter phased vibrations to the obtained signal. According to an embodiment, such a damping system can comprise also a vibration sensitive diffractometer that is arranged to be responsive to a scattering of laser light interference patterns detection, the change responsive signal to be used in the counter-vibration production by the suitable actuator in the control of the measurement device (MD). According to an embodiment, the vibration data can be sensed by a sensor and stored into memory, so that the vibration data is available for a later processing of the photographs, for improvement of the photograph quality, especially the sharpness by a software algorithm, in suitable part, in use in an embodied system.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the light source can comprises at least one fixed light source that is fixed in at least one of its respects as its position in respect to the gemstone holder, wavelength, illumination brightness and power. Even if in such embodiment further variants fixed or adjustable wavelength light sources were used. According to an embodiment variant, the light source comprises such an additional light source that is positioned to an angle in respect of the detector device. According to an embodiment, the additional light source is arranged into backscattering geometry with the detector comprising device. According to an embodiment variant, the additional light source is arranged into forward-scattering geometry with the detector comprising device. According to an embodiment variant the additional light source is arranged into specular- reflection geometry with the detector comprising device, i.e. into an angle that corresponds an angle between the back-scattering geometry and forward-scattering geometry, i.e. in the range of 45° to 135° from a horizontal plane, as considered being measured to the direction towards the normal of the horizontal plane. According to an embodiment of the invention variant at least some of the light for the gemstone illumination is brought to the target via the sample holder, or in addition or alternative, via an structural part supporting the detector carrying mechanical part. According to an embodiment variant at least part of the illumination is diffuse, and/or indirectly addressed to the gemstone under study. According to an embodiment, the illumination in the imaging mainly used is diffuse, as introduced to the gemstone via an opaque vessel and/or screen.

Example 5

[0092] At a remote site, a user, as an examiner, being observing a gemstone being imaged with images processed in a computer, according to the embodied method, to comprise a visual model, cited also as virtual model, by the embodied system. In an embodiment, the images are user retrievable to be observed as a stream of image frames as a video, for a rotation of the object for example. In to an embodiment, visual model comprises also images taken with the embodied system in another illumination. In an embodiment, an examiner is a machine vision provided robot. In an embodiment, the examiner is making a list of the characteristic features at for a classification and/or for a fingerprint of the gemstone to be used as measures of character (1315) and/or measures of authentication in the inspection. In an embodiment, the gemstone with the ID as identified with the fingerprints is added to a gemstone database, with the appropriate classification. In an embodiment the visual model comprises an authentication code/signal for the authentication of the gemstone identification event so that the parties involved the gemstone and/or the devices present in the performance can state the authentic ID of said entities. In an embodiment the remote site connection is provided by a network connection between computers or similar terminal devices, with help of a suitable software.

Example 6

[0093] Various embodiments may be implemented at least partially with help of software and/or firmware. This software and/or firmware may take the form of instructions contained in or on a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium. Those instructions may then be read and executed by one or more processors to enable performance of the operations described in the embodiments. The instructions may be in any suitable form for computer execution. Such a computer-readable medium may include any tangible non-transitory medium for storing information in a form readable by one or more computers, such as but not limited to read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; a flash memory, etc.

[0094] The term“machine-readable medium” may include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine comprising a microprocessor mR and that cause the machine with th e m R to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting machine -readable medium examples may include solid-state memories and optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of massed machine-readable media may include non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD- ROM disks.

[0095] The instructions, for example to how to provide certain frames with authentication code tag, may further be transmitted or received over a communications network using a transmission medium via the network interface device/transceiver utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (ETDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.).

[0096] Example communications networks may include, in suitable part, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), plain old telephone (POTS) networks, wireless data networks (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1 1 family of standards known as Wi-Fi®, IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax®), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, among others. Recognizing site, database and a remote site can use a communications network according to the disclosure, for example via Internet in suitable part for the communication, but also for secure channel for dedicated information exchange such as for the authentication code key, according to an embodiment encrypted form, for example.

[0097] The terms “computing device,” “computer”, “terminal device” “user device,”

“communication station,”“station,”“handheld device,”“mobile device,”“wireless device” and “user equipment” (EGE) as used herein refers to a wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a tablet, a netbook, a wireless terminal, a laptop computer, a femtocell, a high data rate (HDR) subscriber station, an access point, a printer, a point of sale device, an access terminal, or other personal communication system (PCS) device, in an applicable part. The device may be either mobile or stationary. According to an embodiment, the remote site can be a mobile site (Fig 4). Although described as wireless, also wired can be used in suitable part for functional a connection.

[0098] Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with various devices and systems for connections to communications network, such as Internet, for example, a personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, a handheld device, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld PDA device, , a mobile or portable device, an audio-video (A/V) device, a wired or wireless network, a wireless area network, a wireless video area network (WVAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a personal area network (PAN), a wireless PAN (WPAN), and the like.

[0099] Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one way and/or two-way radio communication systems, cellular radio-telephone communication systems, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a personal communication system (PCS) device, a PDA device which incorporates a wireless communication device, a mobile or portable global positioning system (GPS) device, a device which incorporates a GPS receiver or transceiver or chip, digital video broadcast (DVB) devices or systems, multi-standard radio devices or systems, a wired or wireless handheld device, e.g., a smartphone, a wireless application protocol (WAP) device, or the like.

[00100] Some embodiments may be used in suitable part in conjunction with one or more types of wired and/or wireless communication signals and/or systems for embodied recognition system communications, following one or more wired and/or wireless communication protocols in suitable part, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi, Wi- Max, ultra-wideband (UWB), global system for mobile communications (GSM), 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, fifth generation (5G) mobile networks, 3GPP, long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced, enhanced data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), or the like. Other embodiments may be used in various other devices, systems, and/or networks.

[00101] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives“first,” “second,”“third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicates that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[00102] As used within this document, the term“communicate” is intended to include transmitting, or receiving, or both transmitting and receiving. The term“communicating” as used herein with respect to a wired and/or wireless communication signal includes transmitting the communication signal and/or receiving the communication signal, for embodying the communications between the sites involved in the visual model retrieval event. Some embodiments may relate to wireless networks that operate in accordance with one of the IEEE 802.1 1 standards.

[00103] Aspects of the disclosure are described above with reference to block and flow diagrams of systems, methods, an ensemble of apparatus, and/or computer program products according to various implementations. It will be understood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and the flow diagrams, respectively, may be implemented by computer-executable program instructions. According to some implementations, some blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to be performed in the order presented, or may not necessarily need to be performed at all.

[00104] These computer-executable program instructions may be loaded onto a special-purpose computer or other particular machine, a processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. In an embodiment an algorithm can be considered as computer executable program, also in embodiments that are used in controlling an embodied system operations, taking frames for images, making authentication code, controlling camera etc. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage media or memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage media produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. As an example, certain implementations may provide for a computer program product, comprising a computer-readable storage medium having a computer-readable program code or program instructions implemented therein, said computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide elements or steps for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks for the operations of the embodied system.

[00105] According to an embodiment, imaginary sphere defined location in the imaging can be completed in applicable part by an ensemble of domes, if necessary for the imaging of a complete gemstone all around for its identification. According to an embodiment variant, imaginary sphere comprises at least one sphere half of the imaginary sphere for the ID-recognition of the gemstone. According to an embodiment, then the path of the imaging device around the gemstone to being imaged, follows accordingly at least one dome in such an ensemble of domes. According to an embodiment the gemstone can be re-positioned, i.e. turned or pivoted for another imaginary sphere dome for the imaging such parts that have not been already imaged, in such cases in which such would be required for the imaging, in the identification via the imaginary sphere parts of domes for the recognition. The frames, can be obtained from the gemstone positions, obtained with the help of the measurement device and/or imaging device.

[00106] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions for an embodied system and/or system elements, operations to be made alone and/or in combination with other system elements. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, may be implemented by special-purpose, hardware -based system elements that perform the specified functions, elements or steps, or combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[00107] Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will be apparent having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Example 7

[00108] Example 7 illustrates such embodiments of the invention in the disclosure according to which the object to be imaged has been exemplified as a diced and honed cut diamond D. According to the embodiment in the example 7 the system being used in the imaging in accordance of the computer controlling the operation according to the computer readable instructions on a suitable media, a holder to hold the object to be imaged can be hold during the preparations for the imaging. The object can be taken from a repository and brought according to an embodiment, as the diamond to be positioned onto a holder plate Pl in Fig 16 .This can be connected to a feeding pin 1609, to be used for bringing the object (D) to picking pins (161 1H) in the arrangement. According to an embodiment the plate Pl can be rotatable around an axis parallel to the normal of the plate plane, but is not limited only to free rotation or pivot according to a motor control in under computer instructions and surveillance. According to an embodiment, the rotating axis is rotatable around the axis in planar symmetry, i.e. as the rotation axis would be placed at the plate Pl center. According to an alternative embodiment the axis has been arrange to non-axial geometry, so that there would be a possibility for an adjustment of the position of the object. Especially, if the object were deflecting from ordinary symmetrical diamond geometry, or, were irregularly shaped raw stone, it might be useful to have such a facility to a re -position of the object for the further placement in the holder arrangement of example 7 according to the disclosure, even at the entry phase to the arrangement, for a better contact of the picking pins.

[00109] According to an embodiment, in the system there can be both types of plates at a dedicated placement bar, so that the system can be tuned to different purposes accordingly.

[001 10] In an embodiment according to the example, a coordinate of the plate Pl is adjusted by a feeding pin 1609. The position of the plate Pl in respect to the feeding pin holder 1610 can be adjustable, the holder 1610 being embodied for example by a motor in the feeding pin holder 1610. The feeding pin holder can be supported to the chassis by supports (S). The supports has been denoted in a general manner by letter S, irrespective of the precisely embodied position in the system. The supports S can have different measures in their geometries, without any intention to limit the measures only to the examples in the Figs. The feeding pin (1609) as well as the placement bar (1613) movement back and worth along the length dimension, can be used in the positioning of the object to be imaged to the reach of the picking pins 1611H and/or when taking back towards to the route to the repository of the objects to be imaged.

[001 1 1] According to an embodiment the diamond can be picked from the holder plate Pl by at least a horizontal picking pin 161 1H in a pair of such. In the example, the picking pin pair is arranged to operate in co-operation, linearly and co-axially in the pair, the members of the pair being arranged to be adjusted in a horizontal support structure 1612H, resembling a western letter“U” at the top of the U-branches 1612. The distance of the ends of each pin to the pin holder branches 1612 are adjustable by a motor, for example, provided with the bearings at the corresponding U-branches, so that the diamond D for example, as the object to be imaged, can be adjustably squeezed and held between the pair members of the picking pins 1611H. According to an embodiment the picking pins 1611H are synchronized to pick and pivot or rotate the diamond D in the grip. According to an embodiment the position of the diamond can be quite freely selected in direction of the 1612H horizontal part between the 1612H branches 1612 in the grip of the picking pin pair co-operatively operated. According to an embodiment, the picking pins 1611H can be coated at the grasping parts by layers to form a pressure sensitive sensor for measuring the squeezing force in the grip. The sensng layers can be electrically connected to the system’s computer for measurement of the squeezing force. The practical implementation can be based on strain gauges and/or piezoelectric coatings for the sensitive parts, in suitable part.

[001 12] According to an embodiment, the diamond can be further picked from the picking pin pair 1611H. In such an example, the further picking can be made by a vertical picking pins 161 IV comprising pair, the picking pin pair comprising pins 161 IV being arranged to operate linearly co-axially in the pair, the members of the pair being arranged to be adjusted in a support structure 1612V, resembling a western letter“U” at the top of the U-branches 1612. The distance of the ends of each pin to the pin holder branches 1612 are adjustable by a motor for example, so that the diamond D, or other gemstone, as the object to be imaged can be squeezed and held between the pair members of the picking pins 161 IV. According to an embodiment the picking pins 161 IV are synchronized to pick and pivot or rotate the diamond D in the grip. According to an embodiment the position of the diamond D can be freely selected between the 1612V branches 1612 in the grip of the picking pin 161 IV pair as co-operatively operated. According to an embodiment the piciking pins ( 161 IV) can be coated by layers to form a pressure sensitive sensor for measuring the squeezing force in the grip. The practical implementation can be based on strain gauges and/or piezoelectric coatings for the sensitive parts, in suitable part.

[001 13] The horizontal picking pin pair and the vertical picking pin pair are so positioned in the holder arrangement geometry that they can handle a same object, i.e. to hold and pivot or rotate the object. Therefore, according to an embodiment the operational axis of the vertical picking pins in their length dimension is arranged in a perpendicular direction to that of the vertical picking pin pair. According to an embodiment, the picking pins can be hollow in suitable part, for arranging a suction line (Fig 17B) as a tunnel for under pressure, at the tip of the picking pin/finger, so to attach the object to be imaged to the tip, for holding, pivoting/rotating and/or transporting in the system. The tunnel can have holes at the tip of a holder (161 1H) member for pointing the underpressure to the object to be manipulated. Although may provide a redundant holding concept for holding the object to be imaged while placing to the imaging place, the object can be held by a single picking pin, when provided a suction via the picking pin for under pressure to counter balance the weight of the object to be imaged.

[001 14] According to an embodiment the holder comprises a cradle C for holding a pair of plates like the holder plates Ll and L2 that has been arranged perpendicularly in respect to the cradle but mutually parallel so that the object to be imaged can be squeezed gently there between the holder plates during the imaging. According to an embodiment, the squeezing force is measurable and/or computer controllable, in such an embodiment that comprises a coating at the holder plate Ll, L2 attachment parts to the cradle C. The cradle has means to move the plates Ll and L2 towards each other according to the control so that the object to be imaged can be picked from a picking pin pair (1611H), horizontal and/or vertical one to the space between the plates Ll and L2. The implementation can be based on strain gauges and/or piezoelectric coatings for the sensitive parts to form a sensor being electronically readable, in suitable part by a computer interface. The cradle can be attached to a placement bar (1613), arranged to move for further feeding the object to be imaged (D) to the reach of a picking pin and/or a pair of such.

[001 15] According to the disclosure the plates Ll and L2 are transparent at the area where the object to be imaged has been held. According to an embodiment variant at least one of the holder plates Ll and L2 is arranged to polarize. According to a further embodiment variant both are similarly polarizing. According to an embodiment variant at least one of the holder plates Ll and L2 is arranged to polarize linearly or elliptically the light in the illumination. According to an embodiment the plates Ll and L2 are exchangeable. According to an embodiment variant the holder plates can comprises a wear out resistant coating. According to an embodiment the wear-out resistant coating comprises DLC (diamond like carbon). According to an embodiment the DLC comprises sp ³ -bonds less than 90 % in the DLC structure.

[001 16] According to an embodiment the cradle C can be arranged e pivotable and/or rotatable in at least one or two axis so that the plates Ll and L2 can be even get rotated with the object to be imaged, in respect to a solid arbitrary momentary imaging unit / camera position. The freedom of the rotation and tilt can be arranged to two directions, which can be defined by mutually perpendicular planes. The rotation can be applied to the cradle under the instructions by a computer in the system, driving the related actuators for the movement. The tilt illustrated in the FIG 1C can be thus achieved by sliding the cradle to the tilted position, as also illustrated in FIG 1E, with the intermediate positions available in the FIG 1C, if so desired.

[001 17] According to an embodiment the plates Ll and L2 and the object to be imaged there between as well as the cradle are transported by a motor in the placement bar support 1613S so that the placement bar 1613 can be positioned to the imaging volume, so that the object to be imaged can be placed to the center of the imaging volume, when acquiring the images and/or frames.

[001 18] The imaging unit 1607 to be used to image the object to be imaged can be an imaging unit according to an embodiment. In the example 7, the imaging unit has three cameras l607a, l607b and 1607c, that are attached to the imaging unit 1607. In the imaging unit the light coming from the light entry side LE can be divided according to the wave lengths, so that the cameras can each be focused to a particular wave length of the light coming from the object to be imaged according to the illumination scheme. The division can be embodied by splitters, that allow a certain fraction of the coming light to penetrate and reflects the rest of it. As the cameras are computer driven in an embodiment, the images can be collected and combined in suitable part so that the object to be imaged can be recognized according to its characteristic features, probably residing in different focal depths in the obj ect to be imaged, and so captured by the cameras focused to the corresponding focal depths.

[001 19] The imaging unit 1607 can be supported by a imaging unit support 1606. According to an embodiment the imaging unit support 1606 is attached to a motor 1605 that can pivot and/or rotate the support 1606 in the control of the computer conducting the imaging system in which the holder arrangement is a part, so that the imaging unit moves accordingly, along a path for the imaginary sphere locations.

[00120] The imaging unit support can be further supported by supporting arms l604a and l604b, or optionally a combined supporting arm, to a motor 1602 to turn and/or pivot the supporting arm l604a in the example, and so to move the imaging unit 1607 accordingly around the object to be imaged.

[00121] The motor 1602 with the attached supporting part 1604a and the devices therewith are even further supported to a further motor 1601 via the axels 1603a and l603b. The axels 1603a and l603b are each supported and have bearings so that the motor 1601 can rotate also the motor 1602 as a part of the imaging unit suspension, around the center of the imaging volume, where the object to be imaged is to be placed, during the imaging, by the plates Ll and L2. The motors 1601 and 1602 are connected to each other by supports S and the axels l603a and the movement facilitated by the axel l603b as well as by the connecting pieces l60la, 160lb and l60lc, so that the with the help of the motor 1605 the imaging unit 1607 can be placed at a position around the center of the imaging volume, corresponding an imaginary sphere position for taking frames to be recorded and authenticated accordingly as disclosed in the disclosure. According to an embodiment, motors can be controlled by computer via interfacing hardware and software dedicated to the purpose in the system.

[00122] In the example 7 and embodiments in the disclosure, motor is used to refer electromechanical device that produces mechanical movement by electric interaction. The movement can be rotational, pivot, and/or translatory in suitable part. A motor can comprise also a gear to adjust the rotational speed and/or the torque of the motor in question, and/or to gain precision for repeatability for imaging unit positions. Servo as such refers to a device capable to drive a motor for example in the control of a computer. Expression to rotate refers angular movement in general, pivot as such also to angular movement, but to a turn less than 360°.

[00123] According to an alternative embodiment at least one of the picking pins can be arranged to produce under-pressure based suction to hold the object to be imaged. Therefore, in such an embodiment a pair of picking pins with the under-pressure suction feature can be used for redundancy to hold the object, although one would be sufficient for holding the object to be imaged. The suction can be directed to the object to be held via small holes on the top pf the contact surface. The holes can be drilled holes in an embodiment variant, but in another embodiment variant a result of a porous material at the tip of the picking pin. Such picking pins can be used in the horizontal picking pins and/or in vertical picking pins. According to an embodiment the computer in the measurement device (FIG 1G), as a system computer, according to an embodiment can control the operations of holder arrangement in the system according to disclosure. The movement control of the camera unit on the path corresponding the imaginary sphere locations as well as the taking frames and image acquiry can be controlled with the computer in the system are examples of the computing capacity included items, in addition to the algorithm use in the measurement data analysis and/or authentication code generation. Although an arm 507 shown in FIG 1G, a further sophisticated imaging unit/camera movement structure can be used as in the FIG 16 embodied for the imaging unit that comprises several cameras in the example 7 to move along the imaging unit. Although operations in the system can be handled by a single computer according to an embodiment variant, the number of the computers, microprocessors or memories in use of the processors present in the system are not limited. According to an embodiment the computing capability has been diversified between an ensemble of microprocessors that are located according to the network structure to provide the functionality to the system and its parts.

Example 8

[00124] Example 8 illustrates examples of embodiments in which they can be used according to the disclosure of the system and the related method. An imaging unit can be embodied as a camera unit, which can have several cameras for the imaging, the number of the sub-structures of the camera unit is not limited.

[00125] According to an embodiment, the method (1300) to recognize an object by an object recognizing system (500) comprising an imaging device such as camera and a moving assembly to move said imaging device of an imaging system and/or the object in respect to each other, to form a path around said object on an imaginary sphere, the method comprises at least one of the following:

- predefining (1301) an imaginary sphere to comprise at least one path to the imaging locations of said imaging device such as camera,

- predefining (1302) an F-direction increment (DF) on said sphere surface for the movement path of the imaging device to follow the sphere surface in a first imaging plane,

- predefining (1303) an Q-direction increment (DQ) on said sphere surface for the movement of the imaging device to provide an effect as to follow a second path of the sphere surface in a second imaging plane,

setting (1304) at least one starting position to said imaging device to start the imaging,

- preparing the object to be imaged to the holder arrangement, - holding the object to be imaged by the holder arrangement, at least during the imaging collecting (1305) image and/or video data (Fr) (Stn(0n,On)) about the object from an imaging location (n, (Qh,Fh)) into at least one image stack (Stn(0n,On)) by an imaging device from an imaging location defined by the increments (D0), (DF) in 0- direction and F-direction to follow at least one path of the imaginary sphere, storing (1306) images (Fr) of at least one of said image stack (5ΐh(0h,Fh)) corresponding the imaging location of the imaging device (n, (0h,Fh)), for a virtual model of the object to be recognized,

selecting (1307) a next imaging location (n+1, (0h+D0,Fh+DF)) for the imaging device to collect a next at least one image stack (5ΐh+1(0h+1,Fh+1)) corresponding an incremental change of at least one of the 0-direction increment (D0) and the F-direction increment (DF),

combing (1308) images (Fr) from said at least one image stack with other images from said at least one image stack (5ΐ1(0i,Fi)) and/or from another similar at least one image stack for the virtual model (S5ΐp(0 _h ,F _h )) of the object to be recognized,

- recognizing and recording (1309) measures of character (Cr, CoA, Sh, 1, Bbl, Auth code) of said object to be recognized from at least one of said images (Fr) of an image stack (Stn),

repeating (1310) image collection and selecting a next imaging location for the imaging device to collect a next at least one image stack (5ΐ1(0 ₂ ,F ₂ )) corresponding an incremental change of at least one of the 0-direction increment (D0) and the F-direction increment (DF) until all the predefined (mR) imaging locations of the moving assembly (500) around said object to be recognized has been dealt,

- comparing (1311) the measures of character (Cr, CoA, Sh, 1, Bbl, Auth code) to those in a database,

giving (1312) an identity (ID) to said object to be recognized and to said virtual model of it (ID), if no similarity of compared measures of character found from said database.

[00126] The According to an embodiment variant, the method can comprise as predefinition (1301 , 1302, 1303) at least one of

- defining a coordinate transformation between the object centric and imaginary sphere centric coordinates (Trl , Tr2, Tr3),

- defining a correction between said coordinates if no match observed,

- correcting the location of the object to be recognized to the center of said imaginary sphere, and

- adjusting the focus (Focl , Foc2, Foc3) of said imaging device such as Camera (503) according to the correction. [00127] According to an embodiment, the method comprises retrieving (1313) said database (DB) by a user given identity, to search a virtual model corresponding said identity. According to an embodiment, the method comprises defining (1314) an area or volume of an object to be recognized with a selection (Selection) of measures of characters in said area or volume, to be used as a search criteria in a search from a database (DB) comprising data about similar objects as the one to be recognized with their measures of characters .According to an embodiment, the method comprises inspection of measures (1315) of character from said virtual model (Cr, CoA, Sh, 1, Bbl, Auth code) from a screen.

[00128] According to an embodiment, the measures of character comprises at least one of the following having a location in the object to be recognized:

- an ensemble of inclusions (I), each inclusion having a location in the object to be recognized,

- an ensemble of cracks (Cr), each crack having a location in the object to be recognized,

- an ensemble of shadow formation (Sh), each shadow formation having at least one of location, size and opacity,

- color

- an ensemble of color anomalies (CoA), each anomaly if any,

- index of refraction,

- an ensemble of local anomalies in index of refraction, each anomaly if any,

- a number of facets if any,

- geometric measures of the object in 3D (such as length width and depth),

- regularity in shape,

- measures of regular forms if any, comprising at least one of crown dimensions and pavilion

dimensions; and

- opacity.

[00129] According to an embodiment, in the method the recognition is based at least partly on a predefined selection of an ensemble of said measures of characters.

[00130] According to an embodiment, the method comprises accessing to such a reference data in a data base location that is outside the imaging device’s control unit location. According to an embodiment, in the method said data base location is at least one of Internet or similar information network defined network location and/or a geographic location.

[00131] According to an embodiment, the method comprises adding an authentication tag (tagl , tag2, tagn) and/or code (Auth code å tagn(0n,On)) to the virtual model (åStn(0 _n ,O _n )) of the object to be recognized or its part thereof. According to an embodiment, in the method, the tag and/or code is added to a selected image or frame (Fr) that is an image or frame of an ensemble of selected images and respective frames to be marked by said tag and/or code. According to an embodiment, the method said tag (tagn) and/or code is a steganographic marking.

[00132] According to an embodiment, the method comprises defining the image (Fr) and/or frame (Fr) to be marked by a first series of selected Fibonacci numbers and/or defining the tag in the image by a second series of selected Fibonacci numbers.

[00133] According to an embodiment, in the method the tag/or code comprises in addition or optionally at least one of geographic coordinates of the virtual model (åStn(0 _n F _n )) recording location, date of recording and operator identity.

[00134] According to an embodiment, in the method, the imaging device (503, Camera, Camera unit, 1607, 1607a, 1607b, l607c) in the system comprises a camera and an adjustable focusing optics (Focl, Foc2, Foc3) to the optical axis. According to an embodiment, said optics comprises at least one of the following:

- a co-axial beam splitter (SPL 25, SPL33, SPL50) to split between a camera unit and an additional camera unit of the camera the image to be recorded from different depths (Focl , Foc2, Foc3) accordingly,

[00135] - an ensemble of co-axial beam splitters in series (SPL 25, SPL33, SPL50) to split the image to be recorded between an ensemble of additional camera units of said camera, wherein each additional camera unit has an additional-camera-specific optics (Filterl, Filter2) to focus according to the adjustment to additional-camera-specific-depth (Focl, Foc2, Foc3) into the object to be recognizedAccording to an embodiment, in the method, the optics comprises an interferometer (Filter 1 , Filter 2, Filter 3) to filter to the image of a camera unit the illumination used in the illumination of the object to be recognized.

[00136] According to an embodiment, in the method the at least one image stack (Stl , St2, St3) of each camera is processed in each thread in an individual pipeline utilized in the virtual model (åStn(0 _n ,O _n )) formation.

[00137] According to an embodiment, the method comprises making and giving a certification Certificate about the object to be recognized according to the identity (ID) being recognized, in an electric form and/or on paper or corresponding media.

[00138] According to an embodiment, in the method, the object to be recognized is a gemstone, a gemstone cut into form, a raw gemstone, a diamond, a piece of jewelry, an industrial stone or diamond or a like.

[00139] According to an embodiment, the method comprises defining the increments (D0, DF) in Cartesian co-ordinates.