Abstract:
A portable small-object holding device, comprising: a housing, movable gripper jaws configured to grip and hold a small object; at least one hinge and at least one cog-wheel configured to enable rotating said at least one hinge around its longitudinal axis; and wherein the portable small-object holding device is adapted to enable illuminating the small object when being held within said portable small-object holding device, by a beam of light at least one wavelength. The inspection of the small-object is carried out after inserting the portable small-object holding device via an aperture comprised in a portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, and preferably engaging the portable small-object holding device with the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/270,600, filed Dec. 22, 2015, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of object inspection, and more particularly to inspection of small objects, such as for example, gem quality stones. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLSOURE 
       [0003]    Inspection of small objects is widely used in various fields, for example gem stone trade, jewelry, biology and geology. Due to their small size, capturing, holding and inspecting small objects might be a challenge, especially for elderly people or people suffering from disorders affecting their movement capabilities. In addition, capturing, holding and inspecting small objects, such as diamonds and gemstones, either manually or by using tools like tweezers, is time consuming and may result in falling of the diamond or gemstone and even damage or breakage of sharp corners to the diamond or gemstone 
         [0004]    In order to determine the authenticity or identify distinguishing features of objects, and specifically of small objects such as gem quality stones, a number of methods have been used in the art, including the use of a jeweler&#39;s loupe, a magnifying glass, a microscope, or other similar apparatus, which are used in order to magnify the object being inspected or a portion thereof. Yet, the success of these methods depends on a number of factors, including the skill and training of the person viewing the object, the availability of suitable lighting conditions, and the like. 
         [0005]    In many cases, the environment at which the inspection is being held is not satisfactory enough to enable a reliable determination of the objects&#39; authenticity of their proper identification. Also, until recent years, gemological verification and identification was achievable (after appropriate training) using a jeweler&#39;s loupe. For example, a jeweler, through purely visual inspection using a jeweler&#39;s loupe, could distinguish between natural and synthetic diamonds. However, with the recent technological advances in the synthetic production of diamonds, it is no longer possible, or if possible it is very difficult to distinguish between natural and synthetic diamonds, if one were to use a loupe as the inspection means. 
         [0006]    One of the problems associated with carrying out such an inspection is the problem of holding such a very a small object and being able to carry out the full inspection thereof. To do that would require a well experienced person of the art, and/or cumbersome and expensive equipment. 
         [0007]    The present disclosure aims to provide a solution to this problem and to offer an improved method for determining the authenticity or identify distinguishing features of small objects, such as gem quality stones. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLSOURE 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for determining the authenticity or identifying distinguishing features of small objects, and a method for using same. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that enables acquiring an image of a small object being inspected. 
         [0010]    It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a portable device that enables inspecting small objects and is easy to use. 
         [0011]    It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus to which an image capturing device such as foe example a smartphone, for acquiring an image of a small object being inspected. 
         [0012]    Other objects of the disclosure are described in the following description. 
         [0013]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present subject matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
         [0000]    1. According to one aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a portable small-object holding device, comprising:
       a housing comprising an upper portion and the lower portion;   at least one movable gripper jaw configured to grip a small object and to hold it within a space defined by the upper cover and the lower cover;   at least one gripper pad attached to said at least one gripper jaw and to a hinge and adapted to be in contact with a small object;   at least one hinge connected to said at least one gripper pad;   at least one cog-wheel configured to enable rotating said at least one hinge around its longitudinal axis; and   wherein said portable small-object holding device is adapted to enable illuminating the small object when being held within said portable small-object holding device, by a beam of light at least one wavelength.       
 
         [0020]    According to one embodiment, the at least one cog-wheel is configured to be operated by at least one motor. 
         [0021]    In accordance with another embodiment, the portable small-object holding device further comprising at least one motor, configured to enable operating the at least one gripper jaw. 
         [0022]    According to a further embodiment, the portable small-object holding device further comprises a controller adapted to allow controlling the rotation of the at least one hinge. 
         [0023]    According to another embodiment, the at least one cog-wheel is adapted to be manually actuated. 
         [0024]    According to yet another embodiment, the at least one cog-wheel is operative to enable providing to the at least one hinge a 360° rotational movement around its longitudinal axis. 
         [0025]    According to still another embodiment, the portable small-object holding device comprises a plurality of movable gripper jaws and a plurality of cog-wheels, wherein each of said plurality of cog-wheels is connected to a common shaft as the other cog-wheels of said plurality of cog-wheels, thereby operating the cog-wheels simultaneously. 
         [0026]    According to still another embodiment, the at least one movable gripper jaw is made of a semi soft material. 
         [0027]    According to a further embodiment, the portable small-object holding device further comprises a gripper handle operably connected to the at least one gripper jaws, enabling affecting a change position of the at least one gripper jaws. 
         [0028]    According to yet a further embodiment, at least part of the housing is made of a transparent material to enable illuminating the small object and capturing an image thereof, when the small object is being held within said portable small-object holding device, by a beam of light generated by a light source. 
         [0029]    According to still a further embodiment, the portable small-object holding device further comprises one or more shafts to enable its engagement with a portable, small object inspection apparatus. 
         [0030]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, comprising:
       a housing, comprising at least one aperture configured to enable insertion of the portable small-object holding device described herein into the portable apparatus for inspecting a small object, and wherein at least part of the housing is made of a transparent material; and   one or more adaptors configured to couple at least one light source to said housing, in order to illuminate the small object when being held by said portable small-object holding device.       
 
         [0033]    In accordance with another embodiment the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, further comprising at least one motor, configured to enable operation of the at least one movable gripper jaw of said portable small-object holding device. Optionally, the at least one motor is an electrical motor or a motor actuated by an elastic element. 
         [0034]    According to another embodiment, the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, further comprising engagement means for engaging one or more shafts of the portable small-object holding device, thereby enabling the at least one motor to move the at least one cog-wheel of the portable small-object holding device in order to rotate the at least one hinge thereof. 
         [0035]    In accordance with another embodiment, the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects further comprises an imaging device holder, configured to hold an imaging device while acquiring images a small object being held thereat. 
         [0036]    According to one embodiment, the portable apparatus for inspecting a small object further comprises engagement means for engaging one or more shafts of the portable small-object holding device, thereby enabling the at least one motor to move the at least one cog-wheel of the portable small-object holding device in order to rotate the at least one hinge thereof. 
         [0037]    According to still another embodiment, the portable apparatus further comprises at least one lens. 
         [0038]    According to yet another aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a method for inspecting a small object, the method comprising:
       placing a small object on a surface;   providing a portable small-object holding device that comprises two gripper jaws for gripping and holding the small object;   placing the portable small-object holding device over the small object, and gripping the small object by the two gripper jaws;   inserting the portable small-object holding device with the small object into a portable apparatus for inspecting small objects;   attaching an imaging device to the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects by using an imaging device holder, configured to hold an imaging device for acquiring images of a small object being held thereat;   illuminating the small object being held by said portable small-object holding device, by a beam of light at least one wavelength; and inspecting the small object while rotating it.       
 
         [0045]    According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of acquiring one or more images of the small object at least one position. 
         [0046]    According to another embodiment, the method further comprising a step of magnifying one or more images of the small object by zooming on the small object, using the imaging device. 
         [0047]    According to yet another embodiment, the step of inserting the portable small-object holding device with the small object into a portable apparatus for inspecting small objects further comprises engaging one or more shafts of the portable small-object holding device with one or more motors comprised in the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, thereby enabling the at least one motor of the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, to move the two gripper jaws of the portable small-object holding device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]    Embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms may be embodied in practice. 
           [0049]    In the drawings: 
           [0050]      FIGS. 1 and 2  schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a portable small object holding, rotating, image-acquiring and data transmission facilitating system, in un-assembled and assembled states, respectively. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 3 and 4  schematically illustrate, according to some exemplary embodiments, perspective top views of some embodiments of a small object holder. 
           [0052]      FIG. 5  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an embodiment of a small object holder, illustrating components involved in turning a small object. 
           [0053]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an embodiment of a small object holder, illustrating components involved in gripping and turning a small object. 
           [0054]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates according to some exemplary embodiments, an exploded view of a small object holder, according to exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 8  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder, comprising a motor. 
           [0056]      FIG. 9  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder, comprising a motor and a gear mechanism. 
           [0057]      FIG. 10  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder, comprising a motor, and a hinge knob. 
           [0058]      FIG. 11  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder, comprising a motor, a gear mechanism and a hinge knob. 
           [0059]      FIGS. 12A-B  schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder, comprising a motor, a plurality of gear mechanisms and a hinge knob. 
           [0060]      FIG. 13  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of yet another embodiment of a small object holder. 
           [0061]      FIGS. 14A-B  schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a tray configured to carry various types of small objects. 
           [0062]      FIG. 15  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, an exploded view of an image-acquiring facilitator. 
           [0063]      FIG. 16  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a top view of an imaging device holder. 
           [0064]      FIG. 17  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a bottom view of an image device holder. 
           [0065]      FIG. 18  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a back side view of an image device holder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0066]    Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein in the following examples is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale. 
         [0067]    For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings. 
         [0068]    All the dimensions of parts, specifically stated or inferred from the drawing should be viewed as non-limiting examples. 
       Portable Small Object Holding, Rotating, Image-Acquiring and Data Transmission Facilitating System 
       [0069]    The present subject matter provides a portable small-object holding device, that is configured to inserted within a portable apparatus for inspecting a small object, and the combination of that device when inserted within the apparatus, as exemplified herein, is a rotating, image-acquiring and preferably data transmission facilitating system  1 , occasionally designated hereinafter for the purpose of simplicity, “system  1 ”. The system  1  is aimed at a very simple and fast gripping of a small object, while stably holding the small object. The system  1  is suitable for any small object needed to be inspected and/or photographed, for example but not limited to, gemstone, diamond, piece of jewelry, insect, part of a plant, small geological sample, and the like. Furthermore, the system  1  allows the rotation of the small object in various angles and axes, thus allowing observation, measurement, testing, monitoring and image-acquiring of the small object. The system  1  allows the usage of a magnifying device for producing a magnified image of a small object, for example, a lens, a magnifying glass, and the like. The system  1  further allows the usage of an imaging device, for example, a camera, a digital camera, a mobile device, for example a smartphone, and the like. Preferably, the imaging device is a mobile device, like a smartphone, having the ability to acquire images, controlling the quality of the images, zooming in or zooming out, acquiring either stills or video images, sending the images to a database, for example a cloud system, analyzing the images, for example by comparing the acquired images with images stored in the database, and performing other activities related for example to the trade of gemstones, diamonds and jewelry. When the system  1  of the present subject matter is used in the fields of gemstone, diamond or jewelry trading, the imaging device, for example a smartphone, may allow the operation of application programs used in gemstone, diamond or jewelry trading, for example but not limited to, application programs for gemstone verification, diamond verification, quality assurance—specially for insurance purposes, quality verification, pricing, analysis of the quality of cutting of a gemstone or a diamond, analyzing the shape of a gemstone, diamond or piece of jewelry, color identification of a gemstone, gemstone weighing and size measurement, and the like. In addition, the system  1  may comprise a diamond identification and verification system. The system  1  of the present subject matter also allows controlling of the various functions of the system  1 , using an imaging device, for example a smartphone. Thus, the system  1  of the present subject matter allows inspection and image acquiring of diamonds and gemstones according to standards common in the diamond and gemstone trade market, making the system  1  of the present subject matter suitable for usage in the diamond and gemstone trade market. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 1 and 2  schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a portable small object holding, rotating, image-acquiring and data transmission facilitating system  1 , in un-assembled and assembled states, respectively. According to one embodiment, the system  1  comprises: a small object holder  100 , configured to hold a small object; an image-acquiring facilitator  200 , configured to provide conditions facilitating observation and acquirement of images of the small object; and an imaging device holder  300 , configured to hold an imaging device that is configured to acquire images of the small object. According to one embodiment, the system  1  may be in an un-assembled state, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , wherein the small object holder  100 , the image-acquiring facilitator  200 , and the imaging device holder  300  are separated. The system  1  may be in an un-assembled state, for example, when it is not in use, or when the components are packaged during shipment. According to another embodiment, the system  1  may be in an assembled state, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , wherein the small object holder  100  is installed in the image-acquiring facilitator  200 , and the imaging device holder  300  is attached to the image-acquiring facilitator  200  in a manner that facilitates acquiring images of a small object held by the small object holder  100 . The system  1  may be in an assembled state, for example, when it is operational and used for holding a small object, observing the small object, and acquiring an image of the small object. 
         [0071]    An advantage of the system  1  is its compactness, easy and simple assembly and operation, as well as being easily portable. 
       Small-Object Holder 
       [0072]      FIGS. 3 and 4  schematically illustrate, according to some exemplary embodiments, perspective top views of some embodiments of a portable small-object holder  100  (also referred to herein throughout the specification and claims as a portable small-object holding device). The small object holder  100  is configured to hold a small object. According to one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , the small object holder  100  comprises an upper cover  110  comprising an upper opening  120 , attached to a lower cover  115  (not shown) comprising a lower opening  125 . The upper cover  110  attached to the lower cover  115  define a space, when the upper opening  120  is positioned above the lower opening  125 . 
         [0073]    According to one embodiment, the small object holder  100  further comprises at least one gripper jaw configured to grip a small object in the space defined by the upper cover  110  and the lower cover  115 . According to another embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the small object holder  100  further comprises a first gripper jaw  130  and a second gripper jaw  135 . It should be noted that even though hereinafter at least one gripper jaw ( 130  and/or  135 ) is described, this is only an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Any number of gripper jaws is under the scope of the present subject matter. When the small object holder  100  comprises a first gripper jaw  130  and a second gripper jaw  135 , then according to a further embodiment, at least one of the gripper jaws ( 130  and  135 ) is operably connected to a gripper handle  150 , for example with a connector  155  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) in a manner that enables changing the distance between the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135 . According to one embodiment, the connector  155  is configured to connect the gripper handle  150  with at least one of the gripper jaws ( 130  and  135 ). Movement of the gripper handle  150  is transferred through the connector  155  to at least one of the gripper jaws ( 130  and  135 ) in a manner that when the gripper handle  150  is pressed—the at least one gripper jaws ( 130  and  135 ) move apart one from the other, and when the gripper handle  150  is released—the at least one gripper jaw ( 130  and  135 ) become close one to the other. 
         [0074]    According to one embodiment, in a default state the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135  are close to each other. According to another embodiment, in a default state the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135  are close to each other in a manner that enables tight gripping of a small object by the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135 . Any mechanism known in the art that is configured to maintain a default state of the first gripper jaw  130  close to the second gripper jaw  135  is under the scope of the present subject matter, for example, an elastic element like a spring, a hydraulic mechanism, a magnetic force mechanism, an electric mechanism, and the like.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a gripper elastic member  157  that is configured to hold a first gripper jaw  130  and a second gripper jaw  135  in a default state of being close to each other. 
         [0075]    According to some embodiments, pressing the gripping handle  150  causes movement of at least one gripper jaw ( 130  or  135 ) away from the other. According to another embodiment, the movement of at least one gripper jaw ( 130  or  135 ) away from the other causes a distance between the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135  that is greater than the size of a small object. Thus, pressing the gripping handle  150  causes a distance between the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135  that allow placement of a small object in between the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135 . Alternatively, pressing the gripping handle  150  causes release of a small object, when the small object is gripped by the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135 . 
         [0076]    According to one embodiment, pressing the gripping handle  150  causes distancing of the first gripper jaw  130  from the second gripper jaw  135 , while the second gripper jaw  135  does not change its position. According to another embodiment, pressing the gripping handle  150  causes distancing of the second gripper jaw  135  from the first gripper jaw  130 , while the first gripper jaw  135  does not change its position. According to yet another embodiment, pressing the gripping handle  150  causes distancing of both gripper jaws ( 130  and  135 ) one from the other. 
         [0077]    According to one embodiment, release of the gripping handle  150  causes returning of the first gripper jaw  130  and/or the second gripper jaw  135  to the default state, where they are close one to the other. This may be achieved by the mechanism described above that is configured to maintain a default state of the first gripper jaw  130  close to the second gripper jaw  135 . 
         [0078]    According to some embodiments, the small object holder  100  further comprises a gripper pad attached to at least one of the gripper jaws ( 130  and  135 ). It should be noted that even though up to two gripper pads are described hereinafter, this is only an exemplary embodiment. Any number of gripper pads is under the scope of the present subject matter, namely, the small object holder  100  further comprises at least one gripper pad. According to one embodiment, a first gripper pad  140  is attached to the first gripper jaw  130 , while the second gripper jaw  135  does not comprise a gripper pad. According to another embodiment, a second gripper pad  145  is attached to the second gripper jaw  135 , while the first gripper jaw  130  does not comprise a gripper pad. According to yet another embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a first gripper pad  140  is attached to the first gripper jaw  130 , and a second gripper pad  145  is attached to the second gripper jaw  135 . 
         [0079]    The gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) is configured to be in contact with a small object  10 . According to one embodiment, the gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) comprises an adhesive material that is configured to temporarily adhere to a small object. This embodiment is relevant for example to an embodiment where the small object holder  100  comprises one gripper jaw ( 130  or  135 ). Thus, the gripper pad ( 140  or  145 ) comprising an adhesive material temporarily adheres to a small object, and enables gripping of the small object with only one gripper jaw ( 130  or  135 ). According to another embodiment, the gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) comprises a fine and or semi soft material that is configured to delicately touch a small object. This embodiment is relevant for example in cases where a delicate, or fragile, or sensitive small object is to be gripped by the gripper jaws ( 130  and/or  135 ). According to yet another embodiment, the gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) has a small contact area with a small object compared to the size of the small area. This embodiment is relevant for example in cases where there is a need to inspect or acquire an image of a small object. Thus, the contact area of the gripper pad ( 140  and/ 145 ) should be as small as possible in order to minimize hiding of parts of the small object by the gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ). 
         [0000]    According to another embodiment the gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) are designed in shape of fine small elevations to be able to hold the gem sides in place. 
         [0080]    According to some embodiments, the gripper jaws ( 130  and/or  135 ) are configured to grip a small object. According to some other embodiments, the gripper pads ( 140  and/or  145 ) are configured to be contact points with the small object. Thus, the gripper jaws ( 130  and/or  135 ) are designed in such a manner that they minimally cover the small object they grip, in order to maximize the exposed area of the small object for full observation, inspection, analysis or image acquirement. 
         [0081]    According to another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4 , instead of being attached to a gripper jaw ( 130  and/or  135 ), at least one of the gripper pads ( 140  and/or  145 ) is attached to a hinge. Thus, the small object holder  100  further comprises at least one hinge. It should be noted that even though up to two hinges are described hereinafter—this is only an exemplary embodiment. Any number of hinges is under the scope of the present subject matter. The hinge comprises a longitudinal axis along its length. The hinge is further configured to rotate in up to 360° around its longitudinal axis, thus rotating the gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) attached to hinge. This enables rotation of a small object attached to the gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) in up to 360°. According to another embodiment, the hinge directly grips the small object, without a gripper pad (not shown). 
         [0082]    According to one embodiment, a first hinge  160  is attached to the first gripper pad  140 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , while no hinge is attached to the second gripper pad  145 . According to another embodiment, a second hinge  170  is attached to the second gripper pad  145 , while no hinge is attached to the first gripper pad  140  (not shown). According to yet another embodiment, a first hinge  160  is attached to the first gripper pad  140 , and a second hinge  170  is attached to the second gripper pad  145 . According to some embodiment, the hinge ( 160  and/or  170 ) passes through the gripper jaw ( 130  and/or  135 ), for example through a hole (not shown) in the corresponding gripper jaw ( 130  and/or  135 ). 
         [0083]    Any mechanism known in the art that allow rotation of the hinge ( 160  and/or  170 ) around its longitudinal axis is under the scope of the present subject matter, for example a motor like an electric motor, an elastic member like a spring, a manual mechanism as described hereinafter, and the like. 
         [0084]    According to one embodiment, a manual mechanism for rotating at least one hinge ( 160  and/or  170 ) is attached to the hinge ( 160  and/or  170 ). According to this embodiment, at least one hinge ( 160  and/or  170 ) is attached to a hinge knob extending out of the upper cover  110  and/or the lower cover  115  of the small object holder  100 . The hinge knob is configured to be rotated by a user. Rotation of the hinge knob rotates the hinge ( 160  and/or  170 ) attached to it, and as a result rotates a small object gripped directly by the hinge or gripped by a gripper pad ( 140  and/or  145 ) attached to the hinge. 
         [0085]    According to one embodiment, a first hinge knob  165  is attached to the first hinge  160 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . According to another embodiment, a second hinge knob  175  is attached to the second hinge  170  (not shown). According to yet another embodiment, a first hinge knob  165  is attached to the first hinge  160 , and a second hinge knob  175  is attached to the second hinge  170 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 5  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an embodiment of a small object holder  100 , illustrating components involved in turning a small object. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the small object holder  100  comprises a first gripper pad  140  and a second gripper pad  145 , both configured to be in contact with a small object  10 . According to an exemplary embodiment only, the small object  10  illustrated in  FIG. 5  is a cut gemstone. The first gripper pad  140  is attached to a first hinge  160 , and the second gripper pad  145  is attached to a second hinge  170 . The first hinge  160  is attached to a first elastic element  167 , for example a spring, and the first elastic element  167  is attached to a first hinge knob  165 . There is a first orifice  112  in the upper cover  110 , or the lower cover  115 , or between the upper cover  110  and the lower cover  115  that allows connection of the first hinge knob  165  that protrudes outside the small object holder  100  with the first elastic element  167  that is in the interior of the small object holder  100 . Similarly, the second hinge  170  is attached to a second elastic element  177 , for example a spring, and the second elastic element  177  is attached to a second hinge knob  175 . There is a first second orifice  117  in the upper cover  110 , or the lower cover  115 , or between the upper cover  110  and the lower cover  115  that allows connection of the second hinge knob  175  that protrudes outside the small object holder  100  with the second elastic element  177  that is in the interior of the small object holder  100 . The first elastic element  167  exerts a force that pushes the first hinge  160  towards the small object  10 , and the second elastic element  177  exerts a force that pushes the second hinge  170  towards the small object  10 . Thus, a default state is of gripping the small object  10 . According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the small object  10  is contacted in two contact points, namely contacted by the first gripper pad  140  and the second gripper pad  145 . Furthermore, the first hinge knob  165  allows manual rotation of the first hinge  160  around its longitudinal axis in up to 360°, and the second hinge knob  175  allows manual rotation of the second hinge  170  around its longitudinal axis in up to 360°, thus rotating the small object  10  in up to 360°. 
         [0087]    According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the small object holder  100  further comprises a first inner wall  180  and a second inner wall  190 , which together with the upper cover  110  and the lower cover  115  define a small object compartment  199  (the portable small-object holding device) in which a small object  10  is held above the lower opening  125  and below the upper opening  120 . In the first inner wall  180  there is a first inner orifice  185  through which the first hinge  160  passes through. Similarly, in the second inner wall  190  there is a second inner orifice  195  through which the second hinge  170  passes through. 
         [0088]    According to a further embodiment, the small object holder  100  comprises only the first gripper pad  140 , first hinge  160 , first elastic element  167 , first hinge knob  165 , first orifice  112  and the first inner wall  180  comprises a first inner orifice  185 . Thus, there may not be a second orifice  117  and the second inner wall  190  may not comprise a second inner orifice  195 . According to this embodiment, a small object  10  is held only by contacting the first gripper pad  140 . Thus, according to this embodiment, the first gripper pad  140  is made of, or covered with, a material that allows holding a small object  10  in one contact point, for example but not limited to, an adhesive material. 
         [0089]    According to another embodiment, the small object holder  100  comprises only the second gripper pad  145 , second hinge  170 , second elastic element  177 , second hinge knob  175 , second orifice  117 , and the second inner wall  190  comprises a second inner orifice  195 . Thus, there may not be a first orifice  112  and the first inner wall  180  may not comprise a first inner orifice  185 . According to this embodiment, a small object  10  is held only by contacting the second gripper pad  145 . Thus, the second gripper pad  145  is made of, or covered with, a material that allows holding a small object  10  in one contact point, for example but not limited to, an adhesive material and/or semi soft material such as polymer, rubber with or without small elevations such pins-bumps. 
         [0090]    It should be noted that also according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  where the small object holder comprises a first gripper pad  140  and a second gripper pad  145 , both gripper pads ( 140  and  145 ) may be made of, or covered with, a material that allows holding a small object  10 , for example but not limited to, an adhesive material and or Semi soft material with or without bumps. 
         [0091]    According to a further embodiment, the two gripper pads ( 140  and  145 ) are connected to each other, for example by at least one collapsible or folding arm. 
         [0092]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an embodiment of a small object holder  100 , illustrating components involved in gripping and turning a small object. All the components illustrated in  FIG. 5  are also illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Therefore, they will not be described again. In addition,  FIG. 6  illustrates additional components configured to assist in gripping a small object  10 . 
         [0093]    According to one embodiment, a gripper elastic member  157  is attached to the first gripper jaw  130  and a second gripper jaw  135 , and is configured to maintain the first gripper jaw  130  and a second gripper jaw  135  in a default state of being close to each other in a manner that allow grasping of a small object  10 . According to another embodiment, the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135  are operably connected to a gripper handle  150  in a manner that enables changing the distance between the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135 . The operational connection may be achieved, for example, with a connector  155 . When the gripper handle  150  is pressed, for example by a user&#39;s finger, the movement is transferred through the connector  155  to the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135  and causes them to move apart from each other. When the gripper handle  150  is released, the movement is transferred through the connector  155  to the first gripper jaw  130  and the second gripper jaw  135  and causes them to move back one close to the other, due to the gripper elastic member  157  that tends to return to its default state. 
         [0094]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates according to some exemplary embodiments, an exploded view of a small object holder  100 , according to exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 .  FIG. 7  illustrates exemplary shapes of the following: a small object holder upper cover  110  having an upper opening  120 , a small object holder lower cover  115  having a lower opening  125 , a first gripper jaw  130  and a second gripper jaw  135 , a first gripper pad  140 , a gripper handle  150 , a first hinge  160 , a connector  155 , and a gripper elastic member  157 . 
         [0095]    According to the previously described embodiments, the hinges ( 160  and/or  170 ) are actuated manually by using the corresponding hinge knobs ( 165  and/or  175 ). According to some other embodiments, illustrated hereinafter, the hinges ( 160  and/or  170 ) are actuated by corresponding motors, optionally through corresponding gear mechanisms. 
         [0000]      FIG. 8  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder  100 , comprising a motor. For the sake of simplicity only,  FIG. 8  shows only the small object compartment  199 . According to this embodiment, a small object  10  is held by a gripper pad  140 , which is attached to a hinge  160 . The hinge  160  is connected to a motor  166 , for example an electrical motor, a motor actuated by an elastic element, for example a spring, or manual and the like. The motor can be part of the small object holder device and or part of the Image-acquiring facilitator where hinge  160  has a fast engagement coupling gear to the said motor. The motor  166  rotates the hinge  160  in up to 360°, thus rotating the small object  10  attached to the gripper pad  140 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 9  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder  100 , comprising a motor and a gear mechanism. For the sake of simplicity only,  FIG. 9  shows only the small object compartment  199 . According to this embodiment, a small object  10  is held by a gripper pad  140 , which is attached to a hinge  160 . The hinge  160  is attached to a gear mechanism  168 , which in turn is connected to a motor  166 , for example an electrical motor, a motor actuated by an elastic element, for example a spring, and the like. The motor  166  rotates the gear mechanism  168 , which in turn rotates the hinge  160  in up to 360°, thus rotating the small object  10  attached to the gripper pad  140 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 10  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder  100 , comprising a motor, and a hinge knob. For the sake of simplicity only,  FIG. 10  shows only the small object compartment  199 . According to this embodiment, a small object  10  is held by a first gripper pad  140 , which is attached to a first hinge  160 . The first hinge  160  is connected to a motor  166 , for example an electrical motor, a motor actuated by an elastic element, for example a spring, and the like. The motor  166  rotates the first hinge  160  in up to 360°, thus rotating the small object  10  attached to the first gripper pad  140 . The small object  10  is also held by a second gripper pad  145 , which is attached to a second hinge  170 . The second hinge  170  is attached to a second hinge knob  175 , that allows manual rotation of the second hinge  170  in up to 360°, thus rotating the small object  10  attached to the second gripper pad  145 . Thus, according to this embodiment, the small object  10  may be rotated either mechanically by using the motor  166 , or manually by using the second hinge knob  175 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 11  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder  100 , comprising a motor, a gear mechanism and a hinge knob. For the sake of simplicity only,  FIG. 11  shows only the small object compartment  199 . According to this embodiment, a small object  10  is held by a first gripper pad  140 , which is attached to a first hinge  160 . The first hinge  160  is attached to a gear mechanism  168 , which in turn is connected to a motor  166 , for example an electrical motor, a motor actuated by an elastic element, for example a spring, and the like. The motor  166  rotates the gear mechanism  168 , which in turn rotates the first hinge  160  in up to 360°, thus rotating the small object  10  attached to the first gripper pad  140 . The small object  10  is also held by a second gripper pad  145 , which is attached to a second hinge  170 . The second hinge  170  is attached to a second hinge knob  175 , that allows manual rotation of the second hinge  170  in up to 360°, thus rotating the small object  10  attached to the second gripper pad  145 . Thus, according to this embodiment, the small object  10  may be rotated either mechanically by using the motor  166 , or manually by using the second hinge knob  175 . 
         [0099]    According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the small object  10  is held by a first gripper pad  140  and a second gripper pad  145 , that are both rotated by a motor  166  as described above. However, according to some other embodiments, the small object  10  is held and rotated only by one gripper pad ( 140  or  145 , for example), that is rotated by a motor  166  as described above. 
         [0100]      FIGS. 12A-B  schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of an additional embodiment of a small object holder  100 , comprising a motor, a plurality of gear mechanisms and a hinge knob. All the components illustrated in  FIG. 11  are also illustrated in  FIGS. 612A-B . Therefore, they will not be described again. 
         [0101]    According to one embodiment, in addition to the components illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the small object holder further comprises a plurality of gear mechanisms. A first gear mechanism  168  connects the motor  166  to the first hinge  160 , as described in  FIG. 11 . A second gear mechanism  182  is connected to the first hinge  160 , a third gear mechanism  184  is connected to the second hinge  170 , and the first gear mechanism  182  is connected to the second gear mechanism  184  through a shaft  186 . According to one embodiment, this allows rotation of the first hinge  160  actuated by the motor  166 , the rotation is transferred to the second hinge  170  by the second gear mechanism  182 , the third gear mechanism  184 , and the shaft  186  connecting them. According to another embodiment, this allows rotation of the second hinge  170  actuated by a user manually rotating the second hinge knob  175 , the rotation is transferred to the first hinge  160  by the third gear mechanism  184 , the second gear mechanism  182 , and the shaft  186  connecting them. This rotation, either actuated by the motor  166  or manually by second hinge knob  175 , ultimately results in rotation of the small object  10  held in between the first gripper pad  140  and the second gripper pad  145 . 
         [0102]    The difference between  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B  is the orientation in with the small object is held. A diamond as an exemplary small object  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-B . In  FIG. 12A , the diamond  10  is held in a horizontal orientation, facilitating observation and image acquiring of color, cuts, and internal as well as external defects of the diamond. In  FIG. 12B , the diamond is held in a vertical orientation, allowing observation and imaging of inscriptions made on a horizontal peripheral plane of the diamond  10 . An example of such an inscription is a diamond certified number. 
         [0103]      FIG. 13  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side cross-section view of an interior of yet another embodiment of a small object holder  100 . For the sake of simplicity,  FIG. 13  shows only the small object compartment  199 . According to this embodiment, a gripper pad  140  is located at the bottom of the small object compartment  199 . The gripper pad  140  may be in U-shape, with spring walls, or non-detached adhesive, which is attached to the small object  10  at one point only, while the small object  10  stands vertically. Rotation of the gripper pad  140  is enabled by a motor  166 , for example an electrical motor or spring mechanism. Alternatively, the motor  166  may be replaced by a knob, which enables manual rotation of the gripper pad. The motor  166  is connected to a first gear mechanism  168 , which is connected to a hinge  160 , which in turn is substantially connected to a second gear mechanism  169 , which is connected to the gripper pad  140 . The second gear mechanism  169  is configured to change an axis of rotation from a horizontal rotation axis of the hinge  160  to a vertical rotation axis of the gripper pad  140 . The motor  166  rotates the first gear mechanism  168 , which in turn rotates the hinge  160  in 360°, which in turn rotates the second gear mechanism  169 , thus rotating the small object  10  attached to the gripper pad  140 . 
         [0104]    In another embodiment, the gripper pad  140  is placed on a sensitive weighing mechanism configured to weigh the small object  10 . 
         [0105]    In yet another embodiment, the gripper pad  140  may be moved up and down, thus enabling the acquiring of an image of a small object  10  at 360°, as well as in other directions, or vectors. 
         [0106]    According to a further embodiment, the rotation of the small object  10  is smooth. According to yet a further embodiment, the rotation of the small object  10  is stepwise. Thus, according to this embodiment, the rotation mechanism described above—either a rotation actuated by a motor  166 , or a rotation manually actuated by a hinge knob ( 165  and/or  175 ), or a combination of the same, is configured to rotate the small object  10  in steps. According to a preferred embodiment, when the small object  10  is a diamond or a gemstone, the stepwise rotation of the diamond or gemstone allows inspection and image acquiring of various properties of the diamond or gemstone, like defects of the diamond or gemstone, degree of symmetry of the diamond or gemstone, as well as inscriptions made on the diamond or gemstone—for example a diamond certified number. The rotation, particularly the stepwise rotation of the small object  10 , further allows inspection and image acquiring of the aforementioned properties in various positions on and/or inside the small object  10 , and in various angles. 
         [0107]      FIGS. 14A-B  schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a tray  400  configured to carry at least one small object. According to one embodiment, the tray  400  is configured to be placed inside the small object holder  100 , and is configured to allow observation and image acquiring of small object placed on the tray  400 . 
         [0108]    According to one embodiment, the tray  400  comprises a base  410 . The base  410  may have any shape, for example circular, triangular, quadrangular, rectangular as illustrated in  FIGS. 14A-B , and the like. The base  410  of the tray  400  comprises a first surface  412  and a second surface  414 . The tray  400  further comprises at least one wall, each wall attached to an edge of the base  410  and extending from the first surface  412 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the tray  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A-B  comprises three walls  422 ,  424  and  426 , each attached to an edge of the rectangular base  410 . The walls  422 ,  424  and  426  are vertical to the base  410  and extend from the first surface  412  of the base  410 . 
         [0109]    According to another embodiment, the tray  400  is configured to carry small objects that are not suitable to be held by the gripper pads  140  and/or  145 , for example very small objects  10 . 
         [0110]    Several embodiments are available for usage of the tray  400  for holding s  10  that are not suitable to be held by the gripper pads  140  and/or  145 , for example very small objects  10 . According to one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 14A , the tray  400  stands on the walls  422 ,  424  and  426  while the second surface  414  of the base  410  of the tray  400  is exposed. Very small 20 objects  10  are placed on the second surface  414  for observation or image acquiring. According to another embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 14A , the tray  400  further comprises at least one slot  430  on the second surface  414  of the base  410 . The at least one slot  430  is configured to bear very small objects  10  in order to prevent their movement during observation or image acquiring. According to this embodiment, a plurality of very small objects  10 , for example very small diamonds or gemstones  10 , are place on the slot  430 , thus allowing simultaneous observation and image acquiring of a plurality of objects  10 . 
         [0111]    According to a further embodiment, the tray  400  allows observation and image acquiring of small objects in the form of tiny objects  10 , for example objects in the form of powder, or dust, or sand, or the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the tray  400  is configured to allow observation and image acquiring of diamond sand. Thus, according to this embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 14B , the tray  400  stands on the base  10 , while the walls  422 ,  424  and  426  extend upwards, and the first surface  412  of the base  410  is exposed. According to an additional embodiment, objects in the form of powder, or dust, or sand, or the like, are poured on the first surface  412  of the base  410  for observation or image acquiring (Not shown). According to yet an additional embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 14B , the tray  400  further comprises a shelf  440  configured to be attached to the walls  422 ,  424  and  426 , for example by making corresponding slots on opposite walls, for example wall  422  and wall  424 , when the slots allow placement of the shelf  440 . According to this embodiment, objects in the form of powder, or dust, or sand, or the like, are poured on the shelf  440  for observation or image acquiring. 
       Image-Acquiring Facilitator 
       [0112]      FIG. 15  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, an exploded view of a portable apparatus for inspecting small objects  200  which comprises image-acquiring holder, comprising an outer shell  210 , and a back cover  212  that may be attached to the outer shell  210  by using at least one screw  213 . The outer shell  210  comprises a lens-adapted opening  215 , through which at least one lens  220  is installed. 
         [0113]    Any type of lens and with any magnification factor known in the art is under the scope of the present subject matter. According to a preferred embodiment, the lens  220  is a magnifying glass. According to another preferred embodiment, the lens  220  is has a magnification factor of ×10. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the lens  220  is a standard magnifying glass in the diamond industry. Thus, the lens  220  enables a standard practice of the diamond industry of inspection and image acquiring of diamonds and gemstones. As a result, the system  1  of the present subject matter may be adapted to standards of the diamond and gemstone industry in terms of image acquiring of diamonds and gemstones and transfer of acquired images and other data to a database and/or third parties. 
         [0114]    The lens  220  may be connected to a control system (not shown) that controls the position of the lens  220 , for example for focusing on a small object  10 . The outer shell  210  further comprises a small object holder-adapted opening  217 , through which a small object holder  100  is inserted. The portable apparatus for inspecting small objects  200  may further comprise a capsule  230  into which the small object holder  100  is inserted. One side of the capsule  230  is open in order to allow entrance of the small object holder  100  into the capsule  230 . The capsule is attached to a light source compartment  240 , to which at least one light source  245  is attached. The inner side of the light source compartment  240  is made of a material, and has a color, that does not reflect light and maintains homogeneous lighting inside the light source compartment  240 . The at least one light source  245  is any light source known in the art, for example but not limited to, a white light source, an ultra-violet light source and an infra-red light source. The at least one light source  245  may be positioned in every possible location in the light source compartment  240 , for example at the top, the bottom and side of the light source compartment  240 , at any position and height available. When the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects  200  is assembled, the lens-adapted opening  215 , the lens  220  and the light source compartment  240  are aligned in such a manner that when the small object holder  100  is inserted through a small object holder-adapted opening  217  into the capsule  230 , the small object  10  that is gripped by the small object holder  100  is positioned under the lens  220  and lighted by the at least one light source  245 . 
         [0115]    According to one embodiment, the light source compartment  240  comprises an upper light source  245  and a lower light sourcing. According to a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower light sources  245  enable inspection and image acquiring of a heart and arrow of a diamond. 
         [0116]    According to another embodiment, the light source compartment  240  comprises an upper light source  245 , for example a light-emitting diode (LED) that is configured to blink. According to another preferred embodiment, the blinking light source  245  is configured to demonstrate beauty of a diamond or a gemstone. 
         [0117]    According to yet another preferred embodiment, the light source compartment  240  comprises a light source  245  that allows fluorescence imaging of a small object  10 , for example ultra-violet fluorescence or any other color that elicits fluorescence of the small object  10 , preferably a diamond or a gemstone. 
         [0118]    According to one embodiment, the light source  245  that is the light source compartment  240  is an ultra violet light source  245 . According to another embodiment, the light source  245  is an infra-red light source  245 . Both ultra violet and infra-red light sources  245  allow allocation of various faults, air bubbles, dirt spots and cracks in a diamond, or gemstone or crystal examined with the system  1  of the present subject matter, as well as identification of minerals present in a diamond, or a gemstone, or a crystal. 
         [0119]    According to one embodiment, the light source  245  id direct, namely the light source  245  emits light directly on the small object  10 . According to another embodiment, the light source  245  is indirect, namely the light emitted from the light source  245  passes through a screen. According to one embodiment, the screen is semi-transparent. According to another embodiment, the screen is circular. According to yet another embodiment, the screen allows passing of light from the light source through the periphery of the screen. 
         [0120]    According to a one embodiment, the color of the inner side of the light source compartment  240  is white. According to another embodiment, other parts of the light source compartment are white. According to a preferred embodiment, the color of the inner side of the light source compartment  240  is a white color that may be considered as a standard light color in the diamonds and gemstones industry, thus allowing inspection and image acquiring of diamonds and gemstone according to standards of the diamond and gemstone trade industry. 
         [0121]    The outer shell  210  further comprises at least one switch  250  for controlling the operation of the system  1 . For example, but not limited to, there may be a switch  250  for switching on and off the at least one light source  245 , or a switch  250  for operating a motor  166  for rotating the small object  10 , or any combination of the same. The outer shell  210  further comprises at least one imaging device holder-adapted slot  219 , for facilitating the attachment of the imaging device holder  300  to the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects  200 . 
         [0122]    According to a preferred embodiment, an electrical motor, a motor actuated by an elastic element, for example a spring, and the like or manual (not shown) is part of the image acquiring facilitator and has a fast coupling connector to the hinge  160  of the small object holder device. 
       Imaging Device Holder 
       [0123]      FIG. 16  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a top view of an imaging device holder  300 . In one embodiment, the imaging device holder  300  comprises an imaging device support  310  configured to hold an imaging device, namely on which an imaging device is placed. The imaging device support  310  is a sheet made of any material known in the art suitable for supporting a fragile device, like an imaging device, and preventing sliding of the fragile device, for example but not limited to, rubber, silicon, and the like. According to another embodiment, the imaging-device holder  300  further comprises at least one protrusion  320  in one side, which corresponds to the at least one imaging device holder-adapted slot  219  of the imaging-acquiring facilitator  200 , thus allowing assembly of the imaging device holder  300  with the image-acquiring facilitator  200 . 
         [0124]      FIG. 17  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a bottom view of an image device holder  300 .  FIG. 18  schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a backside view of an image device holder  300 . In another embodiment, the imaging device holder  300  further comprises a first wing  330  and a second wing  340 , which are attached to the imaging device support  310 . The first wing  330  and the second wing  340  allow folding of the image device holder  300  along an axis  335  between the first wing  330  and the second wing  340 . 
         [0125]    In another embodiment, (not shown) the image device holder is made of two parts connected with at least one hinge to the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, thereby enabling the image holder to fold over the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects. 
         [0000]    Method for Gripping. Image-Acquiring, Scanning and Defining Details of a Small Object 
         [0126]    A method for gripping a small object and acquiring an image of the small object, using the system  1  of the present subject matter, may comprise:
       placing a small object on a surface;   grasping by hand a small object holder;   pressing a gripper handle at the small object holder, in order to move apart two gripper jaws of the small object holder, for example against an elastic force of an elastic member attached to the gripper jaws;   placing the small object holder over the small object, wherein the small object is entered into the small object holder through an opening of the small object holder, and wherein the small object is placed between the moved apart gripper jaws;   releasing the gripper handle, thus causing the gripper jaws to move back one towards the other, for example by the elastic force exerted by the elastic member attached to the gripper jaws; thus grasping the small object by the gripper jaws;   assembling an imaging device holder with an image-acquiring facilitator;   placing an imaging device on the imaging device holder;   inserting the small object holder into the image-acquiring facilitator;   switching on a light source in the image-acquiring facilitator;   observing the small object through at least one lens of the image-acquiring facilitator, or through the imaging device;   rotating the small object;   inspecting the small object while rotating the small object;   acquiring stills or video images of the small object while turning the small object;   storing acquired still or video images of the small object in a data storage system.       
 
         [0141]    According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: during the rotating of the small object, increasing or decreasing light intensity, or changing type of light; 
         [0142]    According to one embodiment, the imaging device is any imaging device known in the art that is configured to acquire images of a small object, for example a camera, a digital camera, a mobile device, and the like. 
         [0143]    According to a preferred embodiment, the imaging device is a smartphone. 
         [0144]    According to another embodiment, the light source is any type of light source known in the art, for example a white light source, an ultra-violet light source, an infra-red light source, a laser light source, and the like. 
         [0145]    According to yet another embodiment, the data storage system is any data storage system known in the art that is configured to store data acquired by an imaging device, for example, a storage member in the system  1 , a storage member in the imaging device, a secured or open cloud storage via the internet, an external storage device connected to the system  1  or the imaging device, and the like. 
         [0146]    According to still another embodiment, the turning of the small object is by manually turning a hinge, or actuated by a motor. 
         [0147]    According to a further embodiment, operation of the system  1  may be controlled by a dedicated software. The software is configured to perform activities like: turning the small object, changing focus, increasing the magnification level of a lens, running a video in slow motion, take stills images, identifying cut faults of a gemstone or a diamond, detecting impurities in a gemstone or diamond, analyzing the colors of the small object, and the like. 
         [0148]    According to one embodiment, the acquiring stills or video images of the small object while turning the small object is done in various magnifications, for example but not limited to, ×10, ×20, ×30×40. These magnifications allow better inspection of the small object  10 , determine characteristics of the small object, and in a case where the small object  10  is a diamond or a gemstone—define a finger print of the small object. 
         [0149]    According to one embodiment, a software, for example an application program, is used for scanning and analyzing images of a small object  10  acquired by the system  1 . According to one embodiment, the software is installed in a smartphone to which the system  1  is connected. 
         [0150]    According to one embodiment, the software is configured to scan images of the small object  10 . According to another embodiment, the software is configured to utilize electro-optical technology for evaluating parameters of the small object  10 . In cases where the small object  10  is a diamond or a gemstone the parameters that are evaluated by the software include cuts, symmetry of the cuts, symmetry of the diamond or gemstone, and faults. The parameters of a 20 diamond or a gemstone are evaluated by the software using methods known in the art. 
         [0151]    According to one embodiment, symmetry of a diamond or a gemstone is evaluated by comparing the structure of the diamond or gemstone as revealed by images acquired by the system  1  with a predetermined standard or ideal symmetrical structure. This evaluation is done by methods known in the art. The software is further configured to store a drawing of the diamond or gemstone, and its cuts, compared to a predetermined ideal structure. 
         [0152]    According to another embodiment, the software is configured to automatically allocate and record an identification number curved on a diamond or gemstone, for example with laser. According to a preferred embodiment, the identification number may be seen when using a ×10 magnification during image acquiring of the diamond or gemstone with the system  1  of the present subject matter. 
         [0153]    According to yet another embodiment, the software is configured to determine the color of a diamond or a gemstone by methods known in the art. 
         [0154]    According to still another embodiment, the software is configured to determine the level of cleanliness of a diamond or a gemstone by methods known in the art. More particularly, the software is configured, based on images acquired with the system  1  of the present subject matter, to analyze faults in the diamond or gemstone, determine the number of the faults and their locations, as well as record them on a drawing of the diamond or gemstone 
       Software Application 
       [0155]    In one embodiment, the system  1  further comprises a software application installed on a mobile computing device, for example, a smartphone, an iphone, a tablet, and the like. 
         [0156]    Embodiments of the software application include: 
         [0157]    An algorithm for operating an imaging device configured for acquiring images of a gemstone or a diamond. 
         [0158]    An algorithm for uploading an image of a gemstone or diamond to a database, while specifying various properties of the diamond, for example: diamond shape, carat, color, clarity, source of certificate, cut quality, fluorescence properties, symmetry quality, and polish quality. 
         [0159]    An algorithm for sharing images of gemstone and diamonds with third parties. 
         [0160]    A diamond search algorithm for searching a specific diamond image in a database, including selecting desired specifications of the searched diamond, for example: shape, carat, color, clarity, source of certificate, cut quality, fluorescence properties, symmetry quality, polish quality and country of the diamond trader. The search results include prices of the diamonds found during the search. 
         [0161]    An algorithm for calculating a value of a diamond. 
         [0162]    An algorithm for managing a diamond inventory. 
         [0163]    A mail box for communicating with third parties, for example other diamond traders. 
         [0164]    An algorithm for searching and purchasing gemstones and diamonds in online shops. 
         [0165]    An algorithm enabling the trading of gemstones and diamonds. 
         [0166]    An algorithm enabling direct communication by chat with prospect customers. 
         [0167]    An algorithm enables the searching and viewing of diamond certificates. 
       Additional Embodiments of the Portable Small Object Holding, Rotating, Image-Acquiring and Data Transmission Facilitating System 
       [0168]    The present subject matter provides a system  1  for gripping a small object and facilitating image acquiring of the small object. 
         [0169]    The present subject matter further provides a method for gripping and image acquiring of a small object. 
         [0170]    According to one embodiment, the small object may be rotated at 360°. 
         [0171]    According to another embodiment, the small object may be rotated in three vectors. 
         [0172]    According to yet another embodiment, the system  1  further comprises at least one magnifying glass. 
         [0173]    According to still another embodiment, at least one magnifying glass has a magnification factor of ×10. 
         [0174]    According to an additional embodiment, a plurality of magnifying glasses comprises a set of magnifying glasses. 
         [0175]    According to yet an additional embodiment, the plurality of magnifying glasses are configured to move one relative to the other. 
         [0176]    According to one embodiment, at least one imaging device is placed on top of the at least one magnifying glass. 
         [0177]    According to another embodiment, an imaging device may further be a three dimensional (3D) imaging device, a stereo imaging device, and the like. 
         [0178]    According to yet another embodiment, the system  1  is configured to measure dimensions of the small object, directly or by image analysis. According to still another embodiment, the system  1  is further configured to analyze properties of the small object, directly or by image analysis. Any picture engineering and technology known in the art that is suitable for measuring dimensions of the small object and/or analyze properties of the small object, directly or by image analysis, is under the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0179]    According to an additional embodiment, the imaging device is a digital imaging device. 
         [0180]    According to yet an additional embodiment, the system  1  is configured to enable acquiring of an image of a small object by using an external imaging device. 
         [0181]    According to still another embodiment, the external imaging device is a smartphone. 
         [0182]    According to one embodiment, the system  1  further comprises at least one software program and at least one algorithm for controlling the operation of the system  1 . 
         [0183]    According to another embodiment, the system  1  is configured to acquire an image of a small object in completeness. This is achieved by the ability of the system  1  to rotate the object in 360°, in at least one axis of rotation. 
         [0184]    According to a further embodiment, the system  1  is configured to enable identification of impurities in a diamond or a gemstone. 
         [0185]    According to yet a further embodiment, the system  1  is configured to enable identification of different cuttings and/or quality of a diamond or a gemstone. 
         [0186]    According to still a further embodiment, the system  1  is configured to enable precise measurement of different two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) structures and shapes of cuts of a diamond or gemstone. 
         [0187]    According to an additional embodiment, the system  1  is configured to enable identification of different colors of a diamond or gemstone. 
         [0188]    According to yet another embodiment, the system  1  is configured to enable determining a volume of a small object. 
         [0189]    According to still another embodiment, the system  1  is configured to enable determining a weight of a small object. 
         [0190]    According to a further embodiment, the system  1  is configured to acquire stills images of a small object. 
         [0191]    According to a further embodiment, the system  1  is configured to acquire video images of a small object. 
         [0192]    According to still a further embodiment, the system  1  is configured to store acquired pictures. 
         [0193]    According to an additional another embodiment, the system  1  is configured to send an image to a third party. 
         [0194]    It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. 
         [0195]    Although the subject matter has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments 20 thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.