Patent ID: 7751034
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A ray tracing method useful in evaluating an optical property of a gemstone, said method comprising the steps of: providing a model gemstone comprising a plurality of facets, each facet being identified by a facet identifier; providing a pattern of successive contact points on the surface of said gemstone, said pattern being such that the connection of successive contact points with a line generates an expanding rotational path; selecting a model light ray, said ray having an initial location and direction such that said ray impinges upon a contact point comprised by said pattern; providing a path set comprising an ordered sequence of at least one facet identifier, said path set sequence corresponding in whole or in part to a sequence of facets impinged upon by a ray propagated through said gemstone prior to propagation of said selected ray through said gemstone; propagating said selected ray through said gemstone utilizing said path set as a source for identifying a predicted facet of impingement for said selected ray; creating a subsequent ordered path set comprising at least one facet identifier corresponding to a facet impinged upon by said selected ray during propagation through said gemstone; repeating said steps of selecting a model light ray, providing a path set, propagating said selected ray, and creating a subsequent ordered path set; determining at least one optical property of said gemstone based on an analysis of said selected rays.