Portable high-resolution gem imaging system

Abstract

A gem imaging system includes a stage having a platform configured to hold an object. The system further includes a light source configured to illuminate the object. The system further includes a housing configured to at least partially enclose the object. The housing is configured to position a mobile device such that a camera lens of the mobile device is aligned with the object.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system, comprising:
 a stage to receive a sample gemstone under evaluation;   a microlens adapter in a housing, the housing including the stage,
 wherein the microlens adapter having a ball lens; 
   a coupling system for a mobile device having a digital camera, the coupling system included in the housing,
 wherein the coupling system configured to align the mobile device digital camera with the stage. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the ball lens has a focal length from 0.5 to 2 mm. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the coupling system includes an opening for light to enter the ball lens. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the coupling system includes an outer recess for an insert with an aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the aperture has a diameter of 0.9 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the housing includes a movable arm configured to change a distance between the mobile device coupling system and the stage. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the housing includes a dome reflector proximate to the stage. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the dome reflector includes a top opening. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  further including a light source configured to illuminate through the dome reflector top opening. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the stage includes a motor configured to move the stage relative to the coupling system. 
     
     
         11 . A method, comprising:
 placing a sample gemstone on a stage;   mounting a mobile device in a coupling system on a housing, the housing including the stage and the housing including a microlens adapter with a ball lens;   aligning a digital camera in the mobile device in the coupling system with the sample gemstone on the stage;   adjusting a z height between the stage and the microlens adapter using a stage motor;   capturing a digital image using the mobile device digital camera, of the sample gemstone on the stage through the ball lens on the microlens adapter.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the ball lens has a focal length from 0.5 to 2 mm. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the coupling system includes an opening for light to enter the ball lens. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the coupling system includes an outer recess for an insert with an aperture. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the aperture has a diameter of 0.9 mm. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the housing includes a movable arm configured to change a distance between the mobile device coupling system and the stage. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the housing includes a dome reflector proximate to the stage. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the dome reflector includes a top opening. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  further including a light source configured to illuminate through the dome reflector top opening. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the stage includes a motor configured to move the stage relative to the coupling system.