WO2022084965A1

WO2022084965A1 - System and method for gemstone planning

Info

Publication number: WO2022084965A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/059793
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ashishkumar Dahyabhai DIYORA; Kailashkumar Bhagwanbhai TANDEL; Sandipbhai Madhubhai RADADIYA
Original assignee: Gorobotics Automation Llp
Priority date: 2020-10-23
Filing date: 2021-10-23
Publication date: 2022-04-28

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclsoure provides a system and methods for gemstone planning. The advantageous system and method of the present disclosure takes into consideration, cut-off value(s) pertaining toweight and/or girdle diameter of the finished gemstone, and optionally, sawing feasibility of the gemstones while allocatinggemstones within a rough gemstone making the system and method of the present disclosure robust and economical while decreasing the overall processing and planning time.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GEMSTONE PLANNING

BACKGROUND

Gemstones, such as diamonds or turquoise, need to be cut and polished for placement in jewellery. The most precious gemstone, the diamond, is a colourless mineral made of carbon crystallized in the isometric system as octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and cubes. The quality and value of faceted diamonds are often described in terms of the “Four C's” namely, carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. Approximately two hundred and fifty tons of earth needs to be moved to produce a one carat polished diamond, andit requires on average a 3.5 carat rough diamond to produce a 1 carat polished diamond.

Typically, the first step in processing of the rough gemstone is to scan the rough gemstone to detect flaws or defects (such as inclusions) that may be present within its internal structure. Several methods and apparatus have been proposed so far for detection of internal flaws or defects (such as inclusions). One of the methods, as disclosed in IN271425 (erstwhile, Patent Appl. No. 1606/MUMNP/2009), contents whereof are incorporated in its entirety herein by way of reference, is to immerse the gemstone in an immersion fluid having refractive index close to that of the gemstone under analysis, illuminate the gemstone and take images thereof;the images are then analyzed to detect position and geometry of inclusions that are present within the gemstone;and position and geometry of internal flaws or defects are mapped to the external surface of the gemstone such that a 3D model of the gemstone including the position and geometry of internal flaws may be constructed.

Once scanning of rough gemstone is done, the next step is planning of the rough gemstone i.e. to decide how to saw the rough gemstone such that one or more gemstones may be obtained that can be subjected to further processing (such as bruting and polishing) to obtain finished (bruted and polished gemstone). Key objective of the planning phase is to decide how to saw the rough gemstone such that one or more gemsontes may be obtained therefrom that can fetch maximum value.A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that while deciding on how to saw the rough diamond, several factors needs to be considered, most important being carat (weight), clarity, shape and cut of the potential polished daimond that may be obtained as the end result. Conventionally known and currently available systems and methods only provide basic features, necessitating the operator to manually estimate/decide the plan, and hence, conventional systems and methods rely heavily on the expertise of the Operator. Another disadvantage of the existing methods and systems is that - they fail to provide final solution or ready-to-saw solution, and infact, conventional systemsand methods only provide sawless allocations (i.e. they suggest plausible sawing planes without taking into consideration, actual feasibility of performing sawing operation in accordance to the suggested sawing planes), basis which the operator needs to manually decice how to actually saw the rough gemstone. The inventors of the present disclosure also noticed, during their extensive experimentation, that the conventional systemsand methods could not work with desired accuracy (and efficacy) when more than 3 potential polished diamonds may be obtained from a rough gemstone. The persons skilled in the art would appreciate that in most of the instances, one rough diamond yields 3 or more polished daimonds, rendering the existing systems and methodscommercially non-viable. Accordingly, there remained a long felt need in the art for improved methods and systems for planning of rough gemstones.

OBJECTS

An object of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more disadvantages associated with the conventional gemstone planning system and methods.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a gemstone planning system and method that has high level of accuracy and precision.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of gemstone planning that is less time consuming.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of gemstone planning that makes the gemstone planning cost-effective.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for gemstone planning, the system including: an input unit, said input unit configured to inputone or more parameters, said one or more parameters including a model of the rough gemstone and any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; a gemstone allocation unit, said gemstone allocation unit configured to allocate N number of gemstones within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2, said gemstone allocation unit further configured to assess if each of the allocated gemstones resultinto finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value; and a sawing plane determination unit, said sawing plane determination unitconfigured to determine one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the system further includes: a cut gemstone projection unit, said cut gemstone projection unit configured to generate one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; a clarity estimation unit, said clarity estimation unit configured to estimate clarity grade of the finished gemstone; a yield estimation unit, said yield estimation unit configured to estimate yield of the finished gemstone; and a gemstone value estimation unit, said gemstone value estimation unit configured to estimate value of the finished gemstone.

In an embodiment, the system further includes a sawing feasibility analyzing unit, said sawing feasibility analyzing unit being configured to assess sawing feasibility of the gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone.

Another aspect of the present disclsoure relates to a method of gemstone planning, said method comprising the steps of: inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters including a model of the rough gemstone and any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2; determining, by a gemstone allocation unit, if each of the allocated gemstones result into finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value(s); and determining, by a sawing plane determination unit, one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone. In an embodiment, the step of allocating N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone comprises the steps of: allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; and allocating N number of gemstones of best value, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone comprises the steps of: allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; and allocating N^th gemstone of best value, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value comprises the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of a finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the finished gemstone; and determining, by a gemstone value estimation unit, if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating N number of gemstones of best value comprises the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones of best value; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstones based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones of best value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstones; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstones; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the finished gemstones; and determining if the allocated N number of gemstones are the gemstones of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the N^th gemstone of best value comprises the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a second gemstone of best value within the rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the second gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the finished gemstone; determining, if the allocated second gemstone is the gemstone of best value obtainable from the remainder of the rough gemstone.

Further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of gemstone planning, said method comprising the steps of: inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters including a model of the rough gemstone and any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2; determining, by a gemstone allocation unit, if each of the allocated gemstones result into finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value(s); assessing, by a sawing feasibility analyzing unit, sawing feasibility of the gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone; and determining, by a sawing plane determination unit, one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the step of assessing the sawing feasibility of the gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone comprises any or a combination of: (i) assessing sawing feasibility of the plurality of gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone using a sawing technique; and(ii) determining, if a closest distance between each of the allocated gemstones is equal to or greater than a saw plate thickness.

DESCRIPTION

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for gemstone planning, the system including: an input unit, said input unit configured to inputone or more parameters, said one or more parameters including a model of the rough gemstone and any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; a gemstone allocation unit, said gemstone allocation unit configured to allocate N number of gemstones within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2, said gemstone allocation unit further configured to assess if each of the allocated gemstones result into finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value; and a sawing plane determination unit, said sawing plane determination unit configured to determine one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone.

One of more parameters may be fed to the system, for example using an input unit. Such parameters may be model(s) of the rough gemstone, price list for the finished gemstones such as clarity and/or color wise prices for each shape of the finished gemstones (e.g. price list as provided by Rappaport), cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s), cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s), proportions for round and fancy shaped finished gemstones, one or more preferred shapes of the finished gemstone(s) and the likes.

Model of the rough gemstone may include position and/or geometry of internal flaws relative to the outer surface of the gemstone. The model may bea 2D model of the rough gemstone. Alternatively, the model may be a 3D model of the rough gemstone. The 3D model may include information pertaining to size, position and geometry of inclusions, internal stresses and/or other internal defects relative to the outer surface of the gemstone. One of the methods to obtain model of the gemstone is disclosed in IN271425 (erstwhile, Patent Appl. No. 1606/MUMNP/2009), contents whereof are incorporated in its entirety herein by way of reference.

Price list for the finished gemstones such as clarity and/or color wise prices for each shape of the finished gemstones (e.g. price list as provided by Rappaport) may also be fed to the system that may aid in estimation of values of the finished gemstones that may be obtained from the rough gemstone.

Cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s), cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s) or combinations thereof may also be fed to the system. The cut-off values may be user-defined values, such that the system preferably does not make allocations and/or does not suggest sawing planes that would yield the finished gemstones having weight and/or girdle diameter less than that of the cut-off value(s). For example, if the cut-off value of girdle diameter is provided as 0.2 mm, the system preferably does not make allocations and/or does not suggest sawing planes that would give rise to finished gemstones having girdle diameter of less than 0.2 mm.

One or more preferred shapes may also be fed to the system such that the system gives preferance to those allocation and/or to those sawing planes that would yield one or more or all finished gemstones of shapes amongst said one or more preferred shapes.

In an embodiment, the 3D model of the rough gemstone, the price list, proportions for round and fancy shaped finished gemstones, one or more preferred shapes of the finished gemstone(s), and any or a combination of cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone and cutoff value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone are fed to the system.

The gemstone allocation unit may, based on the one or more parameters fed to the system, aid in allocating one or more gemstones within the rough gemstone. The gemstone allocation unit may allocate a master plan i.e. allocation of gemstone of highest value (also referred to as “best value” or “optimal value” synonynously and alternatively thorughout the present disclsoure) within the rough gemstone. While allocating the master plan, the gemstone allocation unit may take into consideration, number, size, position, character and/or geometry of internal defects such as number of inclusions, character of the inclusions, size of the inclusions, location of inclusion(s) with respect to the outer geometry/surface of projected/estimatedfinished gemstone and such other factors that would affect value of the finished gemstone. The allocation of the master plan (i.e. allocation of gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone) may take up more than about 25% of size of the rough gemstone, preferably more than about 30% of size of the rough gemstone, more preferably, more than about 40% of size of the rough gemstone, and most preferably between 30-80% of size of the rough gemstone. During experimentation, it could be noted that the allocation of the master plan (i.e. allocation of gemstone of highest value within the given rough gemstone) generallytakes up 30-60% of size of the rough gemstone. In other words, out of the size of the rough gemstone, the gemstone of highest value may take-up about 30-60% of size or area of the rough gemstone. However, a person skilled inthe art would appreciate that the allocation of the master plan may take up any fraction of the size of the rough gemstone depending on number, size, position, character and geometry of internal defects, size of the rough gemstone and the likes. For example, if the rough diamond is of less than 50 cent and with minimal internal defects, the master allocation may even take up 80-90% of the rough diamond.

The gemstone allocation unit may also suggest one or more further allocations either simulateneously or post allocation of the master plan.

In an embodiment, the gemstone allocation unit allocates 2 gemstones of best value post allocation of the master plan. Simply put, after allocation of the gemstone of the highest value, the gemstone allocation unit may proceed to allocate 2 gemstones within the rough gemstone that may yield 2 finished (bruted and polished) gemstones fetching the highest cumulative value (hereinafter referred to as “2 gemstones of best value”). While allocating the 2 gemstones of best value, the gemstone allocation unit may take into consideration, number, size, position, character and geometry of internal defects such as number of inclusions, character of the inclusions, size of the inclusions, location of inclusion(s) with respect to the geometry of projected/estimated finished gemstone and such other factors that would affect value of the finished gemstones, cutoff values pertaining to weight of the finished gemstones, cut-off values pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstones, and the one of more parameters fed to the input unit. While allocating 2 gemstones of best value, the system may or may not take into consideration, the allocation of the gemstone of the highest value.

Allocation of 2 gemstones of best value can be understood from an examplary scenario - the gemstone allocation unit may, while allocating the master plan, allocate the diamond of 70 Cents and of diameter of 2.5 mm within a rough gemstone of 1 Carat that can fetch USD 500 (i.e. a single diamond obtainable from the rough gemstone that fetches the maximum value). While allocating a 2^nd gemstone within the rough gemstone, without altering the allocation of the gemstone of highest value, it may be found that the 2^nd gemstone of best value (i.e. 2^nd gemstone obtainable from the rough gemstone that would fetch the maximum individual value) that can be allocated within the rough gemstone is of 15 Cents and of 0.8 mm girdle diameter fetching the value of USD 250. Accordingly, the cumulative value of both the gemstones (i.e. the gemstone of highest value and the 2^nd gemstone) would be USD 750. While allocating the 2 gemstones of best value, the gemstone allocation unit, may determine that allocating the 1 ^st of gemstone of 65 Cents and of girdle diameter of 2.5 mm (with value of USD 470), and 2^nd gemstone of 15 Cents and of 1.0 mm girdle diameter (with value of USD 300) would fetch the maximum value, and accordingly, this allocation may be taken further (e.g. for further processing like for determination of sawing planes). Accordingly, allocation of 2 gemstones of best value may not be dependent/reliant on allocation of the master plan, wherein while allocating 2 gemstones of best values, in some instances, the allocation of the master plan (i.e. the gemstone of highest value) may remain valid or hold true, while in the other instances, the allocation of the master plan may not remain valid or may not hold true.

The gemstone allocation unit may also attempt allocation of 3 gemstones of best value post allocation of 2 gemstones of best value. Simply put, after allocation of 2 gemstones of best value, the gemstone allocation unit may proceed to allocate 3 gemstones within the rough gemstone that may yield 3 finished (cut and polished) gemstones fetching the highest cumulative value (hereinafter referred to as “3 gemstones of best value”). While allocating 3 gemstones of best value, the gemstone allocation unit may take into consideration, number, size, position, character and geometry of internal defects such as number of inclusions, character of the inclusions, size of the inclusions, location of inclusion(s) with respect to the geometry of the projected finished gemstone and such other factors that may affect value of the finished gemstones, and the one of more parameters fed to the input unit. Allocation of 3 gemstones of best value may not be dependent/reliant on the allocation of the master plan and the allocation of 2 gemstones of best value i.e. while allocating 3 gemstones of best value, the allocation of master plan and/or the allocation of 2 gemstones of best value may or may not remain valid (or hold true). Similarly, the gemstone allocation unit may allocate N number of gemstones of best value that would fetch the maximum cumulative value, wherein N is a whole integer. The expression “allocate N number of gemstones of best value” denotes allocation of N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone that may yield N number of finished (cut and polished) gemstones fetching the highest cumulative value.

While allocating 2 or more gemstones (i.e. allocation of N number of gemstones, where N>2) within the rough gemstone, the gemstone allocation unit may assess if each of the gemstones are of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight and/or girdle diameter of the finished gemstone. If any or some or all of the 2 or more gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone is/are found to of weight and/or girdle diameter less than the cut-off value(s), such allocation is rejected. The gemstone allocation unit may assess if 2 or more gemstones can be allocated within the rough gemstone without breaching the cut-off value(s) i.e. if all the allocated gemstones are of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cutoff value(s). If the gemstone allocation unit determines that 2 gemstone of best value cannot be allocated without breaching the cut-off value(s), the gemtone allocation unit stops further allocation i.e. the gemstone allocation unit does not proceed to allocate 3 gemstones of best value. Else, the gemstone allocation unit reallocates to get 2 gemstones that would fetch the next best value.

It should be appreciated that any or a combination of: cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone and cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone may be fed to the system by the user. Alternatively, the system (or the gemstone allocation unit) may be pre-configured with a set of cut-off value(s) basis which the assessment may be made. In an exemplary instance, the cut-off value pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone may be stored in memory of the system, and the gemstone allocation unit is configured to assess if all of the allocated gemstones result in finished gemstones that are of weight equal to more than that of the cut-off value. In another exemplary instance, a plurality of cut-off values pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone may be stored in memory of the system (e.g. in form of a table), and the user may select desired cut-off value pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone, basis which the gemstone allocation unit may assess if all of the allocated gemstones result in finished gemstones that are of weight equal to more than that of the cut-off value.

In an alternative embodiment, the gemstone allocation unit allocates second gemstone of best value post allocation of the master plan, in which case, the allocation of the master plan (i.e. gemstone of highest value) is freezed/finalized and no change is attempted and/or effected thereto during the process of allocation of 2^nd gemstone within the rough gemstone. Simply put, the gemstone allocation unit may, after allocating the gemstone of the highest value, proceed to allocate another (2^nd) gemstone within the the remainder of the rough gemstone (after removing the area taken-up by the gemstone of highest value from the rough gemstone) that would fetch the maximum value. While allocating the second gemstone of best value, the gemstone allocation unit may take into consideration, number, size, position, character and geometry of internal defects such as number of inclusions, character of the inclusions, size of the inclusions, location of inclusion(s) with respect to the geometry of projected/estimated finished gemstone and such other factors that would affect value of the finished second gemstone of the best value, the one of more parameters fed to the input unit, and the allocation of the master plan. Allocation of second gemstone of best value may take up about 10-40% of the rough gemstone, generally about 15 -30%. Preferably, while allocating the second gemstone of best value, the gemstone allocation unit may, at least, take into consideration, the allocation of the master plan, and any or a combination ofthe cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s) and the cutoff value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s). Simply put, the gemstone allocation unit may, while allocating the second gemstone of best value, assess if the second gemstone of best value may be allocated within the remainder of the rough gemstone (after removing the area taken-up by the master plan from the rough gemstone) without breaching the cut-off value(s). If the gemstone allocation unit derermines that the second gemstone of best value may not be allocated without breaching the cut-off value(s), the gemtone allocation unit stops further allocation.

Similarly, the gemstone allocation unit may allocate third gemstone of best value post allocation of the second gemstone of best value. Simply put, the gemstone allocation unit may, after allocating the second gemstone of best value, proceed to allocate another (3 ) gemstone within the the remainder of the rough gemstone (after removing the area taken-up by the gemstone of highest value and the second gemstone of best value from the rough gemstone) that would fetch the maximum value. While allocating the third gemstone of best value, the gemstone allocation unit may take into consideration, number, size, position, character and geometry of internal defects such as number of inclusions, character of the inclusions, size of the inclusions, location of inclusion(s) with respect to the geometry of the projected finished gemstone and such other factors that may affect value of the finished gemstone, the one of more parameters fed to the input unit, the allocation of the master plan and the allocation of the second gemstone of best value. Allocation of third gemstone of best value may take up about 5-30% of the rough gemstone, generally about 10-20%. Preferably, while allocating the third gemstone of best value, the gemstone allocation unit may, at least, take into consideration, the allocation of the master plan, the allocation of the second gemstone of best value and any or a combination of the cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s) and the cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s). If the gemstone allocation unit estimates that the third gemstone of best value may not be allocated without breaching the cut-off value(s), the gemtone allocation unit stops further allocation.

The cut gemstone projection unit may, based on the allocation (such as allocation of master plan, allocation of second gemstone of best value or allocation of 2 gemstones of best values etc.), aid in generating one or more virtual models of the cut gemstone. Alternatively, the cut gemstone projection unit may aid in generating one or more virtual models of the finished (cut and polished) gemstone(s), by applying shape and facets thereto. For example, the cut gemstone projection unit may generate virtual models corresponding to Round Brilliant Cut (RBC), Princess Cut, Marquise Cut, Cushion Cut, Emerald Cut or Oval Cut diamond. In an embodiment, the cut gemstone projection unit may generate one or more virtual models of the cut and polished gemstone(s) that resembles the finished gemstone. The cut gemstone projection unit may generate one or more virtual models, while the gemstone allocation unit makes allocation. For example, the gemstone allocation unit, while allocating the master plan, interacts with the cut gemstone projection unit affording generation of the one or more virtual models of the finished gemstone obtainable from the rough gemstone.

The clarity estimation unit may, basis the one or more virtual models generated by the cut gemstone projection unit, aid in estimation of clarity grade of the finished gemstone(s) (i.e. cut and polished gemstone(s)). Estimation of clarity grade of the finished gemstone(s) may be made under suitable lighting conditions. The suitable lighting conditions may be standard GIA lighting conditions or ambient lighting conditions in which the user/observer may observe the gemstone. During estimatation of the clarity grade, the clarity estimation unit may also generate one or more virtual images resembling the real images that may be observed during a standard (physical) clarity grading process. The clarity estimation unit may also define the clarity grade of finished gemstone to be amongst any of the GIA diamond grading scale, such as, flawless (FL), internally flawless (IF), very very slightly included (VVS1, VVS2), very slightly included (VS1, VS2), slightly included (Sil, SI2), and included (II, 12, 13).

The yield estimation unit may, basis the virtual model(s) and/or the estimated clarity grade of the finished gemstone, aid in estimation of yield of the cut and finished gemstone, such as in terms of carat weight of the finished gemstone.

The gemstone value estimation unit may, basis the price list, and any or a combination of the one or more virtual models, the estimated clarity grade of the finished gemstone and the estimated yield of the gemstone, aid in estimating value of the finished gemstone.

The sawing plane determination unit may, based on the allocation of gemstones, estimate the sawing planes, basis which the rough gemstone may be cut to obtain the gemstones that may further be subjected to one or more processing steps (such as bruting, polishing etc.) to obtain the finished gemstones in accordance with the allocation(s).

The estimated sawing planes, and optionally, other data (such as representation or model showing allocation of master plan and/or further allocations in the rough gemstone) may be provided as output.

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functional components of the system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the system may include one or more processor(s) 102. The one or more processor(s) 102 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 102 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 104 of the system. The memory 104 may store one or more computer - readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory 104 may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like. The system may also comprise an interface(s) 106. The interface(s) 106 may comprise a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 106 may facilitate communication of the system with various devices coupled thereto such as an input unit and an output unit. The interface(s) 106 may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) 108 and database 110.

The processing engine(s) 108 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 108. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 108 may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine -readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 108 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine -readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 108. In such examples, the system may comprise the machine -readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 108 may be implemented by electronic circuitry. The database 110 may comprise data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing engine(s) 108.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processing engine(s) 108 may comprise a gemstone allocation unit 112, a cut gemstone projection unit 114, a clarity estimation unit 116, a yield estimation unit 118, a gemstone value estimation unit 120, a sawing plane determination unitl22, and other units(s) 124.

In another exemplary embodiment, the processing engine(s) 108 may comprise a gemstone allocation unit 112, a cut gemstone projection unit 114, a clarity estimation unit 116, a yield estimation unit 118, a gemstone value estimation unit 120, a sawing feasibility analyzing unitl21, a sawing plane determination unit 122, and other units(s) 124. It should be appreciated that units being described are only exemplary units and any other unit or sub-unit may be included as part of the system. These units too may be merged or divided into super- units or sub-units as may be configured.

One of more parameters may be fed to the system by input unit (or interface(s) 106). Such parameters may be model(s) of the rough gemstone, price list for the finished gemstones such as clarity and/or color wise prices for each shape of the finished gemstones (e.g. price list as provided by Rappaport), cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s), cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s), proportions for round and fancy shaped finished gemstones, one or more sawing techniques by which the rough gemstone may be sawn, saw plate thickness, one or more preferred shapes of the finished gemstone(s) and the likes. Model of the rough gemstone may include position and/or geometry of internal flaws relative to the outer surface of the gemstone. The model may be a 2D model of the rough gemstone. Alternatively, the model may be a 3D model of the rough gemstone. The 3D model may include information pertaining to size, position and geometry of inclusions, internal stresses and/or other internal defects relative to the outer surface of the gemstone. One of the methods to obtain model of the gemstone is disclosed in IN271425 (erstwhile, Patent Appl. No. 1606/MUMNP/2009), contents whereof are incorporated in its entirety herein by way of reference. Price list for the finished gemstones such as clarity and/or color wise prices for each shape of the finished gemstones (e.g. price list as provided by Rappaport) may also be fed to the system that may aid in estimation of values of the finished gemstones that may be obtained from the rough gemstone. Cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s), cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s) or combinations thereof may also be fed to the input unit. The cut-off value(s) may be user-defined values, such that the system preferably does not make allocations and/or does not suggest sawing planes that would yield the finished gemstones having weight and/or girdle diameter less than that of the cut-off value(s). For example, if the cut-off value of girdle diameter is provided as 0.2 mm, the system preferably does not make allocations and/or does not suggest sawing planes that would give rise to finished gemstones having girdle diameter of less than 0.2 mm. One or more preferred shapes may also be fed to the input unit such that the system gives preferance to those allocation and/or to those sawing planes that would yield one or more or all finished gemstones of shapes amongst said one or more preferred shapes. In an embodiment, the 3D model of the rough gemstone, the price list, proportions for round and fancy shaped finished gemstones, one or more sawing techniques by which the rough gemstone may be sawn, saw plate thickness, one or more preferred shapes of the finished gemstone(s), and any or a combination of cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone and cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished diameter are fed to the input unit (or interface(s) 106).

The gemstone allocation unit 112 may facilitate in allocating one or more gemstones within the rough gemstone, based on the one of more parameters fed to the system 100. The gemstone allocation unit 112 may allocate a master plan i.e. allocation of gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone. While allocating the gemstone of highest value, the gemstone allocation unit 112 may take into consideration, number, size, position, character and/or geometry of internal defects such as number of inclusions, character of the inclusions, size of the inclusions, location of inclusion(s) with respect to the outer geometry/surface of projected/estimated finished gemstone and such other factors that would affect value of the finished gemstone (i.e. the cut and polished gemstone obtained from the rough gemstone). While allocating the gemstone of highest value, the gemstone allocation unit 112 may take into consideration the proportions for round and fancy shaped finished gemstone. The gemstone allocation unit 112 may also suggest one or more further allocations either simulateneously or post allocation of the gemstone of highest value. As explained above, the gemstone allocation unit 112 may allocate N gemstones of best value or may allocate N* gemstone of best value, and the same is not repeated herein.

In an embodiment, the gemstone allocation unit 112 allocates second gemstone of best value post allocation of the master plan. While allocating the second gemstone of best value, the gemstone allocation unit 112 may take into consideration, number, size, position, character and geometry of internal defects such as number of inclusions, character of the inclusions, size of the inclusions, location of inclusion(s) with respect to the geometry of projected/estimated finished gemstone and such other factors that would affect value of the finished gemstone, the one of more parameters fed to the system, and the allocation of the gemstone of highest value. Preferably, while allocating the second gemstone of best value, the gemstone allocation unit 112 may, at least, take into consideration, the allocation of the master plan, and any or a combination of: cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s); and cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s). Simply put, the gemstone allocation unit 112 may, while allocating the second gemstone of best value, assess if the second gemstone of best value may be allocated within the remainder of the rough gemstone (after removing the area taken-up by the master plan from the rough gemstone) without breaching the cut-off value(s). If the gemstone allocation unit 112 estimates that the second gemstone of best value may not be allocated without breaching the cut-off value(s), the gemtone allocation unit 112 stops further allocation. Similarly, the gemstone allocation unit may keep on allocatingN^thgemstone(s) of best value so far the gemstones may be allocated without breaching the cut-off value(s) and/or so far the allocated gemstones may be determined/estimated to be reliably sawn using the sawing technique(s). While allocating the gemstone, the gemstone allocation unit 112 may take into consideration the proportions for round and fancy shaped finished gemstone(s).

The cut gemstone projection unit 114 may, based on the allocation (such as allocation of gemstone of highest value, allocation of N* gemstone of best value or allocation of N gemstones of best value etc.), aid in generating one or more virtual models of the cut gemstone. Alternatively, the cut gemstone projection unit may generate one or more virtual models of the cut and polished (finished) gemstone(s), by applying shape and facets thereto. For example, the cut gemstone projection unit 114 may facilitate in generating virtual models corresponding to Round Brilliant Cut (RBC), Princess Cut, Marquise Cut, Cushion Cut, Emerald Cut, or Oval Cut diamond. In an embodiment, the cut gemstone projection unit 114 may generate one or more virtual models of the cut and polished gemstone(s) that may resemble the finished gemstone. The cut gemstone projection unit 114 may generate one or more virtual models while the gemstone allocation unit 112 makes allocation. For example, the gemstone allocation unit 112 while allocating the gemstone of highest value interacts with the cut gemstone projection unit 114 affording generation of the one or more virtual models.

The clarity estimation unit 116 may, basis the one or more virtual models generated by the cut gemstone projection unit 114, aid in estimation of clarity grade of the finished gemstone(s) (i.e. cut and polished gemstone(s)) under suitable lighting conditions. The suitable lighting conditions may be standard GIA lighting conditions or ambient lighting conditions in which the user/observer may observe the gemstone. During estimatation of the clarity grade, the clarity estimation unit 116 may also generate one or more virtual images corresponding to the real images that may be observed during a standard clarity grading process. The clarity estimation unit 116 may also define the clarity grade of cut and polished gemstone to be amongst any of the GIA diamond grading scale, such as, flawless (FL), internally flawless (IF), very very slightly included (VVS1, VVS2), very slightly included (VS1, VS2), slightly included (Sil, SI2), and included (II, 12, 13).

The yield estimation unit 118 may, basis the virtual model(s) and/or the estimated clarity grade of the finished gemstone, aid in estimation of yield of the cut and finished gemstone, such as in terms of carat weight of the finished gemstone.

The gemstone value estimation unit 120 may, basis the price list and any or a combination of: the one or more virtual models, the estimated clarity grade of the finished gemstone and the estimated yield of the gemstone, aid in estimating value of the finished gemstone.

The sawing plane determination unit 122 may facilitate estimation of sawing planes, based on the allocation of gemstones, basis which the rough gemstone may be cut to obtain the gemstones that may further be subjected to one or more processing steps (such as bruting, polishing etc.) to obtain the finished (i.e. cut and polished) gemstones in accordance with the allocation(s).

Any or a combination of: the cut gemstone projection unit 114, the clarity estimation unit 116, the yield estimation unit 118, the gemstone value estimation unit 120 and the sawing feasibility analyzing unit 121 may be operatively coupled with the gemstone allocation unit 112 for transfer of data there between. This may aid in allocation of one or more gemstones within the rough gemstone with desired accuracy. In an embodiment, each of the cut gemstone projection unit 114, the clarity estimation unit 116, the yield estimation unit 118, the gemstone value estimation unit 120 and the sawing feasibility analyzing unit 121 works in synchronization with the gemstone allocation unit 112, preferably in real-time. This may afford seamless gemstone allocation within the roguh gemstone.

The estimated sawing planes, and optionally, other data (such as representation or model showing allocations of gemstones) may be provided as output. In an embodiment, the system can be implemented using any or a combination of hardware components and software components such as a cloud, a server, a computing system, a computing device, a network device and the like. Further, the system can interact with any of the entity devices through a website or an application that can reside in the entity devices. In an implementation, the system can be accessed by website or application that can be configured with any operating system, including but not limited to, AndroidTM, iOSTM, and the like. Examples of the computing devices can include, but are not limited to, a computing device associated with industrial equipment or an industrial equipment based asset, a smart camera, a smart phone, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device and the like.

In an embodiment, the system can include one or more processors (interchangeably can be referred to as processors, herein) of control unit which can be communicatively coupled to a memory which can store one or more instructions to be executed by processors. In an embodiment, the system may not be connected to the network at all and may be a standalone device which has alphanumeric character stored on the system itself. The system may be implemented on a mobile communication device.

Further, the network can be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof that can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, and the like. Further, the network can either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network can represent an association of the different types of networks that can use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like.

Second aspect of the present relates to a method of gemstone planning, said method including the steps of: inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters at least including model(s) of the rough gemstoneand any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, one or more gemstones of best value within a rough gemstone; determining, if each of the one or more allocated gemstones is of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s); and determining one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the one or more gemstonesof best value within the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, said one or more parameters at least includes model(s) of the rough gemstone and cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s). In another embodiment, said one or more parameters at least includes model(s) of the rough gemstone and cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s). In another embodiment, said one or more parameters at least includes model(s) of the rough gemstone, cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s), and cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s). In another embodiment, said one or more parameters also includes proportions for round and fancy shaped finished gemstone(s).

In an embodiment, said one or more parameters at least includes: (i) model(s) of the rough gemstone, (ii) any or a combination of: cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight of the finished gemstone(s) and cut-off value(s) pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s), and (iii) any or a combination of: sawing technique(s) and saw plate thickness.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the one or more gemstones of best value within the rough gemstone comprises any or a combination of: (a) allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; (b) allocating N number of gemstones of best value within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2; and (c) allocating N^th gemstones of best value, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the one or more gemstones of best value within the rough gemstone comprises allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone. In an embodiment, the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value includes the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the finished gemstone; and determing if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone. In an embodiment, the step of allocating the one or more gemstones of best value within the rough gemstone comprises: (a) allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone;and (b) allocating N number of gemstones of best value, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value includes the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the finished gemstone; and determing if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating N number of gemstones of best value includes the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones of best value; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstones based on the allocation of the N gemstone of best value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstones under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstones; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the finished gemstones; and determing if the allocated gemstones are the gemstones of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the one or more gemstones of best value within the rough gemstone comprises:(a) allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; and(b) allocating N* gemstones of best value, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating N* gemstones of best value includes the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N^th gemstone of best value; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the N* gemstone of best value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstones under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the finished gemstone; and determing if the allocated gemstones are the gemstones of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flow chart depicting the steps of method of gemstone planning in accordance with an embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the method of gemstone planning 200 includes: at step 202, inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters at least include model(s) of the rough gemstone, and cut-off value(s) pertaining to any or a combination of: weight of the finished gemstone(s) and diameter of the finished gemstone(s); at step 204, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a plurality of gemstones of best value within a rough gemstone; at step 206, determining, if each of the plurality of allocated gemstones of best value is of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than the cut-off value(s); and at step 208, determining one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the plurality of gemstones of best value within the rough gemstone.

As an also be seen from FIG. 2, if, at step 206, any of the allocated gemstones of best value is found to be of weight and/or girdle diameter less than the cut-off value(s), at step 206a, it is determined if it is possible to obtain plurality of gemstones of best value of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s). If at step 206a, it is determined that plurality of gemstones of best value of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s) can be obtained, steps 204-206 may be repeated. Else, the process ends.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate that processing of gemstones (such as cutting and polishing of the gemstones) is a labour intensive activity (often involving significant manual intervention) and accordingly, incurs significant cost therefor. Accordingly, different stake holders may have different preferances towards gemstone planning such that the finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter higher than a predetermined value may be obtained. For example, stake holder/party A may, based on his estimated charges for processing of the rough diamonds, prefer that he does not want to process (e.g. brute and/or polish) diamonds that would yield finished diamonds of weight less than 5 cents. Similarly, for example, stake holder/party B may, based on his estimated charges for processing of the gemstones, prefer that he does not want to process (e.g. brute and polish) diamonds that would yield finished diamonds of diameter less than 0.2 mm. Accordingly, the provision of determining, if the allocated gemstone is of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than the cut-off value(s) confers several fold technical advantages in that - it not only saves the resources but also significantly decreases the overall processing time. In absence of such provision, numerous gemstone allocations may be made, irrespective of the weight and/or girdle diameter of the finished gemstone (which in the end, may turn out to be futile and/or commercially non-viable for the stake holders to process).

Third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of gemstone planning, said method including the steps of: inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters at least include model(s) of the rough gemstoneand any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a plurality of gemstones within a rough gemstone; determining, if each of the plurality of allocated gemstones resultinto finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s); assessing sawing feasibility of the plurality of allocated gemstones; and determining one or more sawing planes based on the allocations of the plurality of gemstones within the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the plurality of gemstones within the rough gemstone comprises the step of allocating N number of gemstones, N being a whole integer, and equal to or more than 2.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the plurality of gemstones within the rough gemstone comprises the steps of: (a) allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; and (b) allocating N number of gemstones of best value, N being a whole integer, and equal to or more than 2.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value includes the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within a rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the finished gemstone; and determing if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone. In an embodiment, the step of allocating N number of gemstones of best value includes the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, 2 gemstones of best value; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstones based on the allocation of the 2 gemstone of best value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstones under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstones; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the finished gemstones; and determing if the allocated gemstones are the gemstones of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

In an embodiment, the step of allocating the plurality of gemstones within the rough gemstone comprises the steps of: (a) allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; and (b) allocating N* gemstone of best value, N being a whole integer, and equal to or more than 2. In an embodiment, the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value includes the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within a rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the finished gemstone; and determing if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone. In an embodiment, the step of allocating the N^th gemstone of best value includes: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a second gemstone of best value within the rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the second gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the finished gemstone; de terming if the allocated second gemstone is the gemstone of best value obtainable from remainder of the rough gemstone (i.e. if the allocated second gemstone is the gemstone of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone after removing the area taken-up by the gemstone of highest value).

In an embodiment, the step of assessing the sawing feasibility of the plurality of gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone comprises any or a combination of: (i) assessing sawing feasibility of the plurality of gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone using a sawing technique; and (ii) determining, if a closest distance between each of the allocated gemstones is equal to or greater than a saw plate thickness.

The sawing technique may be one or more pre-defined techniques (such as laser assisted gemstone sawing technique or such other sawing techniques as known to or appreciated by the persons skilled in the art). Such sawing technique(s) may be input, as one of the one or more parameters. Alternatively, the system may be pre-configured with one or more sawing techniques basis which the sawing feasibility is assessed. In an embodiment, the sawing technique is a laser assisted gemstone sawing technique.

The saw plate thickness may be one or more values or range(s) of values. The saw plate thickness may be input, as one of the one or more parameters. Alternatively, the system may be pre-configured with the saw plate thickness basis which the sawing feasibility is assessed. For example, the saw plate thickness may be defined 0.8 mm, in which case it is determined if the closest distance between the allocated gemstones is equal to or greater than 0.8 mm such that the rough gemstone may be sawn without any deliterous effects or damage to the nearly gemstone while actually effecting sawing of the rough gemstone.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart depicting the steps of method of gemstone planning in accordance with an embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the method of gemstone planning includes: at step 302, inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters at least include model(s) of the rough gemstoneand any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; at step 304, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a plurality of gemstones within a rough gemstone; at step 306, determining, if each of the plurality of allocated gemstones is of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s), at step 308, assessing sawing feasibility of the plurality of gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone using a sawing technique; and at step 310, determining one or more sawing planes based on the allocations of the plurality of gemstones within the rough gemstone. As an also be seen from FIG. 3, if, at step 306, it is determined that any of the plurality of allocated gemstones is of weight and/or girdle diameter less than the cut-off value(s), at step 306a, it is assessed if plurality of gemstones can be allocated without breaching the cut-off value(s). If, at step 306a, it is determined that plurality of gemstones can be allocated without breaching the cutoff value(s), the plurality of gemstones are reallocated to fetch the best value, wherein each of the plurality of allocated gemstones resultinto finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s), else the process ends. As an also be seen from FIG. 3, if, at step 308, it is determined that the allocated gemstones cannot be sawn using the sawing technique, it is determined, at step 308a, if it is possible to obtain a plurality of gemstones of best value that can be sawn using the sawing technique. If it is possible to obtain a plurality of gemstones of best value that can be sawn using the sawing technique, steps 304-308are repeated.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate that there are limitations with the currently available sawing machines/techniques. For example, in case of laser assisted sawing machines, it is not feasible to control depth of the sawing. Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate an exemplary gemstone allocation, wherein it is not feasible to saw the rough gemstone using the existing laser assisted gemstone sawing machines. Similarly, for example, it may not be feasible to effect sawing of gemstones without damaging the nearly gemstone in case the closest distance between the allocated gemstones is below a certain value e.g. 0.1 mm. Figs. 7 to 11 illustrate exemplary gemstone allocations showing separation of allocated gemstones with highlighted plates/lines of pre-determined thickness. Accordingly, the provision of determining, if the allocated gemstones within the rough gemstone be sawn using the sawing technique and/or if the closest distance between the allocated gemstones is equal to or greater than the saw plate thickness affords several fold technical advantages, in that - it not only saves the resources but also significantly decreases the overall processing time. In absence of such provision, numerous gemstone allocations may be made, irrespective of actual sawing feasibility thereof, which in the end, may turn out to be futile and/or commercially non-viable for the stake holders to process, necessitating the reiteration of the whole gemstone allocation process to plausibly arrive at a statisfactory gemstone allocation that may be sawn to get the gemstones that may further be processed to obtain the finished gemstones (e.g. bruted and polished gemstones).

FIGs. 4A-4C illustrate an exemplary flow chart depicting the steps of method of gemstone planning 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen from FIG. 4A, the method of gemstone planning 400 includes: at step 402, inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters at least include: model(s) of the rough gemstone, and cut-off value(s) pertaining to any or a combination of: weight of the finished gemstone(s) and girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s); at step 404, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within a rough gemstone; at step 406, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a second gemstone of best value within the rough gemstone; optionally, at step 408, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a N^th gemstone of best value within the rough gemstone; and at step 410, determining, by a sawing plane determination unit, one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of gemstones.

As can be seen from FIG. 4B, the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value 404 includes the steps of: at step 404-1, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within a rough gemstone; at step 404-2, generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of cut and polished (finished) gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; at step 404-3, estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; at step 404-4, estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and finished gemstone; at step 404-5, estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the cut and polished gemstone(s); and at step 404-6, determing if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

As can be seen from FIG. 4C, the step of allocating the second gemstone of the best value 406 includes: at step 406-1, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a second gemstone of best value within a rough gemstone; at step 406-2, determining, if the allocated second gemstone of best value is of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight and/or girdle diameter. In an embodiment, the step 406 further includes: at step 406-3, determining, if a second gemstone, of weight and/or diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s), can be allocated within the rough gemstone. In an embodiment, the step 406 further includes: at step 406-4, generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of cut and polished (finished) gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of second highest value; at step 406-5, estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; at step 406-6, estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and polished gemstone; at step 406-7, estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the cut and polished gemstone(s); at step 406-8, determing if the allocated gemstone is the second gemstone of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone with weight and/or diameter (e.g. girdle diameter) equal to or greater than the cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight and/or diameter; and at step 406-9, assessing sawing feasibility of the allocated gemstones using a sawing technique.

FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate an exemplary flow chart depicting the steps of method of gemstone planning 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen from FIG. 5A, the method of gemstone planning 500 includes: at step 502, inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters at least include: model(s) of the rough gemstone, and cut-off value(s) pertaining to any or a combination of: weight of the finished gemstone(s) and girdle diameter of the finished gemstone(s); at step 504, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within a rough gemstone; at step 506, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, 2 gemstones of best value within the rough gemstone; optionally, at step 508, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N gemstones of best value within the rough gemstone; and at step 410, determining, by a sawing plane determination unit, one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of gemstones.

As can be seen from FIG. 5B, the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value 504 includes the steps of: at step 504-1, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within a rough gemstone; at step 504-2, generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of cut and polished (finished) gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; at step 504-3, estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; at step 504-4, estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and finished gemstone; at step 504-5, estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the cut and polished gemstone; and at step 5404-6, determing if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone.

As can be seen from FIG. 5C, the step of allocating 2 gemstones of the best value 506 includes: at step 506-1, allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, 2 gemstones of best value within a rough gemstone; at step 506-2, determining, if each of the allocated second gemstones of best value are of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight and/or girdle diameter. In an embodiment, the step 506 further includes: at step 506-3, determining, if 2 gemstones, of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than cut-off value(s), can be allocated within the rough gemstone. In an embodiment, the step 506 further includes: at step 506-4, generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of cut and polished (finished) gemstones based on the allocation of the gemstones; at step 506-5, estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the cut and polished gemstones under suitable lighting conditions; at step 506-6, estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the cut and polished gemstones; at step 506-7, estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the the cut and polished gemstones; at step 506-8, determing if the allocated gemstonesare the gemstones of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone with weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or greater than the cut-off value(s) pertaining to weight and/or girdle diameter; and at step 506-9, assessing sawing feasibility of the allocated gemstones using a sawing technique.

FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary allocation of gemstone of highest value (marked as “Polish 1”) within the rough gemstone in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary allocation of second gemstone of best value (marked as “Polish 2”) within the rough gemstone along with sawing planes (602) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 8A and 8B illustrate an exemplary allocation of third gemstone of best value (marked as “Polish 3”) within the rough gemstone along with sawing planes (702) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary allocation of fourth gemstone of best value (marked as “Polish 4”) within the rough gemstone along with sawing planes (802) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate an exemplary allocation of fifth gemstone of best value (marked as “Polish 5” and highlighted in red) within the rough gemstone in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen therefrom, such gemstone allocation cannot be sawn along the sawing planes (902), and accordingly, the gemstone of next best value is allocated, as shown in FIGs. 10A and 10B.

FIGs. 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary reallocation of fifth gemstone of best value (marked as “Polish 5”) within the rough gemstone along with sawing planes (1002) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary computer system 1200 to implement the proposed systme in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, a computer system can include an external storage device 1210, a bus 1220, a main memory 1230, a read only memory 1240, a mass storage device 1250, communication port 1260, and a processor 1270. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system may include more than one processor and communication ports. Examples of processor 1270 include, but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, FortiSOC™ system on a chip processors or other future processors. Processor 1270 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present invention. Communication port 1260 can be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. Communication port 1260 may be chosen depending on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which computer system connects. Memory 1230 can be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. Read only memory 1240 can be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static information e.g., start-up or BIOS instructions for processor 1270. Mass storage 1250 may be any current or future mass storage solution, which can be used to store information and/or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or Firewire interfaces), e.g. those available from Seagate (e.g., the Seagate Barracuda 7102 family) or Hitachi (e.g., the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000), one or more optical discs, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage, e.g. an array of disks (e.g., SATA arrays), available from various vendors including Dot Hill Systems Corp., LaCie, Nexsan Technologies, Inc. and Enhance Technology, Inc.

Bus 1220 communicatively couples processor(s) 1270 with the other memory, storage and communication blocks. Bus 1220 can be, e.g. a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), USB or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front side bus (FSB), which connects processor 1270 to software system.

Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g. a display, keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to bus 1220 to support direct operator interaction with computer system. Other operator and administrative interfaces can be provided through network connections connected through communication port 1260. External storage device 1210 can be any kind of external hard-drives, floppy drives, IOMEGA® Zip Drives, Compact Disc - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disc - Re -Writable (CD-RW), Digital Video Disk - Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM). Components described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned exemplary computer system limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ... . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES The present disclosure provides a system and method for gemstone planning that overcomesone or more disadvantages associated with the conventional gemstone planning systems and methods.

The present disclosure provides a gemstone planning system and method that has high level of accuracy and precision. The present disclosure provides a method of gemstone planning that is less time consuming.

The present disclosure providesa gemstone planning system and method that precludes human intervention in the gemstone planning.

The present disclosure provides a method of gemstone planning that makes the gemstone planning cost-effective.

Claims

34 We Claim:

1. A system for gemstone planning, the system comprising a processor to execute one or more instructions stored in a memory that is operatively coupled to the processor, wherein upon execution of the one or more instructions by the processor, the system: receives, through an input unit, one or more parameters including a model of a rough gemstone, and any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone, and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone, said model of the rough gemstone being obtained based on a plurality of images of the rough gemstone; allocate, through a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2, wherein the gemstone allocation unit assesses if each of the allocated gemstones result into finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value(s); and determine, through a sawing plane determination unit, one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system further comprises: a cut gemstone projection unit to generate one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; a clarity estimation unit to estimate clarity grade of the finished gemstone; a yield estimation unit to estimate yield of the finished gemstone; and a gemstone value estimation unit to estimate value of the finished gemstone.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further includes a sawing feasibility analyzing unit to assess sawing feasibility of the gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone.

4. A method of gemstone planning, said method comprising the steps of: 35 receiving, through an input unit, one or more parameters including a model of the rough gemstone, and any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone, and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; allocating, through a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2; determining, through a gemstone allocation unit, if each of the allocated gemstones resultinto finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value(s); and determining, through a sawing plane determination unit, one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of allocating N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone comprises the steps of:

(a) allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; and

(b) allocating N number of gemstones of best value, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of allocating N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone comprises the steps of:

(a) allocating a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; and

(b) allocating N^th gemstone of best value, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2. The method as claimed in any of claim 5 and claim 6, wherein the step of allocating the gemstone of highest value comprises the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a gemstone of highest value within the rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of a finished gemstone based on the allocation of the gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the finished gemstone; and determining, by a gemstone value estimation unit, if the allocated gemstone is the gemstone of highest value obtainable from the rough gemstone. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of allocating N number of gemstones of best value comprises the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones of best value; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstones based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones of best value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstones; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstones; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the finished gemstones; and determining if the allocated N number of gemstones are the gemstones of best value obtainable from the rough gemstone. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the step of allocating the N* gemstone of best value comprises the steps of: allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, a second gemstone of best value within the rough gemstone; generating, by a cut gemstone projection unit, one or more virtual models of finished gemstone based on the allocation of the second gemstone of highest value; estimating, by a clarity estimation unit, clarity grade of the finished gemstone under suitable lighting conditions; estimating, by a yield estimation unit, yield of the finished gemstone; estimating, by a gemstone value estimation unit, value of the finished gemstone; determining, if the allocated second gemstone is the gemstone of best value obtainable from the remainder of the rough gemstone. A method of gemstone planning, said method comprising the steps of: inputting, by an input unit, one or more parameters, said one or more parameters including a model of the rough gemstoneand any or a combination of: a cut-off value pertaining to weight of a finished gemstone and a cut-off value pertaining to girdle diameter of the finished gemstone; allocating, by a gemstone allocation unit, N number of gemstones within a rough gemstone, N being a whole integer and equal to or more than 2; determining, by a gemstone allocation unit, if each of the allocated gemstones resultinto finished gemstones of weight and/or girdle diameter equal to or more than the cut-off value(s); assessing, by a sawing feasibility analyzing unit, sawing feasibility of the gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone; and determining, by a sawing plane determination unit, one or more sawing planes based on the allocation of the N number of gemstones within the rough gemstone. The method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the step of assessing the sawing feasibility of the gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone comprises any or a combination of:

(i) assessing sawing feasibility of the plurality of gemstones allocated within the rough gemstone using a sawing technique; and 38

(ii) determining, if a closest distance between each of the allocated gemstones is equal to or greater than a saw plate thickness.