DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)

AND

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)

AUTOMATIC PACKAGE ASSORTING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Sahajanand Technologies Private Limited, a company organized and existing under the laws of India, of A1, Sahajanand Estate, Vakhariawadi, Near Dabholi Char Rasta, Ved Road, Surat- 395004, Gujarat, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention in general relates to identification of gemstone packages based on gemstone parameters and in particular relates to a system and a method for automatic assorting of gemstone packages.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a finished gemstone is packed in a gemstone package and on the package, a criterion related to the finished gemstone is usually mentioned. A criterion is a unique combination of multiple parameters related to the finished gemstone that is desired. The parameters related to the desired finished gemstone can be diameter, color, clarity, cut, production lot number, weight etc. For example, if values of three parameters, say diameter, color and cut, are such that the value of diameter ranges from 1-5 mm, the color values are A, B, C, and the cut values are EX, VG, then the possible criteria for this example can be [4-5, C, VG] or [1-2, A, EX] or the like. Typically, the determined criterion related to the desired finished gemstone is mentioned manually on the gemstone package by a finishing or packing team. Conventionally, at the time of assorting the gemstones packages, the assorting team reads the manually mentioned criterion and manually place the packages in the relevant bin out of a plurality of bins. In this method, the bins are manually marked for a specific criterion before putting the gemstone packages in said bin.
[0003] Over the time, the manual method of mentioning the criterion on the gemstone packages is replaced with an automatic method. In such conventional techniques, the criterion related to the finished gemstone is recorded and printed in the form of QR code or Bar code from the bar code printing machine. Subsequentially, at the time of assorting, robotic arms are employed for placing the gemstone packages into different bins.
[0004] However, in conventional methods, each bin must be bound with an assorting criterion, leaving few possibilities of placing the gemstone packages which lead to a plurality of challenges including but not limited to the following:
a. Number of criteria is less or equal to number of bins: In this case, all the packages get assorted in the first pass itself.
b. Number of criteria is more than number of bins: Suppose a lot of five hundred packages needs to be assorted. In such case, the total number of possible criteria is 150. However, it is not known beforehand which criteria is present in those five hundred packages. The criteria present in the packages might be different from the ones pre-assigned to the bins.
[0005] This leads to the following conditions:
a. Partial utilization of available bins: Some of the assigned bin criteria are not present in the given lot of packages. This condition leads to underutilized bins.
b. Multiple passes required to assort given packages: In spite of empty bins, appropriate criteria are not assigned to bins as per the current lot. As a result, the assorting package procedure is repeated until all criteria are met. In this case, each package is processed multiple times, making the process more time-consuming.
[0006] Therefore, the conventional methods as described above are time consuming and hence, affect efficiency of the conventional systems for assorting gemstone packages. Further, as the conventional methods require a large number of bins, the use of large number of bins makes the conventional systems bulky and expensive. Furthermore, the underutilization of the bins affects the productivity of the conventional systems for assorting gemstone packages.
In view of the above, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0007] It is an object of the present subject matter to ensure full utilization of available bins during gemstone package assorting.
[0008] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide the system that uses a smaller number of passes required to assort given packages.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to takes less time to assort the lot containing the gemstone packages.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to avoid pre-assigning bins to specific criteria for gemstone assorting.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present subject matter to assign bins to newly identified gemstone criteria in real time.
[0012] The present subject matter provides a system for assorting gemstone packages, the system comprising a loading and scanning assembly configured to scan one or more gemstone packages placed on a platform; a pick and place assembly configured to pick the scanned gemstone packages placed on the platform and assort the gemstone packages to one or a plurality of bins based on the criteria of the gemstones inside the gemstone packages; and a processing mechanism configured to provide instructions to the loading and scanning assembly and the pick and place assembly.
[0013] In an embodiment, the loading and scanning assembly comprises a loading subassembly configured to load the gemstone packages, a scanner, and a stand.
[0014] In another embodiment, the loading subassembly comprises a cassette for carrying the gemstone packages and encompassing the platform and the platform is configured to take the gemstone packages upward in Z- direction in proximity to the scanner during operation.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the scanner is mounted on the stand and is configured to scan a tag comprising a QR code or a Bar code or an RFID or an NFC tag, and to send the information related to the gemstone package to the processing mechanism.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the scanner comprises a code reader comprising a QR code reader or a Bar code reader or an RFID reader or an NFC tag reader, and an illumination source for illuminating the code reader of the gemstone package placed on the platform.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the pick and place mechanism comprises a pick and place member configured to move along X-axis and Y-axis, to pick a gemstone package placed on the platform and to place the gemstone package into one of the bins.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, the pick and place mechanism comprises a first mechanism configured to move the pick and place mechanism along X-axis and a second mechanism configured to move the pick and place mechanism along Y-axis.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the pick and place mechanism comprises a gripper, a mechanism for moving the gripper, a plurality of conduits, a plurality of attaching members, and an outer covering.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the processing mechanism comprises a display member for providing an input parameter to the system for assorting the gemstone packages, and a processor configured to fetch and execute data computer-readable instructions stored in a memory or a remote database or a software.
[0021] A method for assorting gemstone packages is also provided herein, the method comprising the steps of scanning one or more gemstone packages placed on a platform by the loading and scanning assembly; picking the scanning the one or more gemstone packages placed on the platform and assorting the gemstone packages one of a plurality of bins based on the criteria of the gemstone inside the gemstone packages placed on the platform; and providing instructions to the loading and scanning assembly and the pick and place assembly by the processing mechanism.
[0022] Also provided herein is a method for assorting the gemstone packages, the method comprising the steps of scanning, by a scanner, a gemstone package placed in a loading subassembly by a scanner; retrieving, by a processing mechanism, the information relating to the assorting criterion of a gemstone placed in the gemstone package upon scanning the gemstone package; checking, by the processing mechanism, if a bin is already assigned for the retrieved information; dropping, by a pick and place assembly, the gemstone package in a previously assigned bin, if a bin is already assigned for the scanned gemstone package; alternately assigning, by the processing mechanism, a new bin for the retrieved information if a bin is not already assigned and dropping, by a pick and place assembly, the gemstone package in the newly assigned bin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] The figures mentioned in this section are intended to disclose exemplary embodiments of the claimed system and method. Further, the components/modules and steps of a process are assigned reference numerals that are used throughout the description to indicate the respective components and steps. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0024] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate front perspective views of an automatic package assorting system in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0025] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the automatic package assorting system in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an automatic package assorting method in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter
[0027] The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following presents a detailed description of various embodiments of the present subject matter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the present subject matter to a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
[0030] The specification may refer to “an”, “one”, “different” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
[0031] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached” or “connected” or “coupled” or “mounted” to another element, it can be directly attached or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0032] In one embodiment of the present subject matter, an automatic package assorting system and method are described. The automatic package assorting system is configured to scan a tag comprising QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag on the gemstone package, classify a gemstone package based on a criterion of a gemstone, assign a bin to the criteria of the gemstone thus classified, and place the gemstone package into the assigned bin. The automatic package assorting system of the present invention is configured to place a plurality of gemstone packages into a plurality of bins based on the criteria of the gemstone without pre-assigning the bins. The criterion can be defined as a unique combination of multiple parameters of the gemstone. The examples of parameters include but are not limited to diameter of the gemstone, color of the gemstone, clarity of the gemstone, cut of the gemstone, production lot number of the gemstone, weight of the diamond etc.
[0033] The present invention provides a fully dynamic package assorting system and method. In the package assorting method, assorting criteria are not bound to bins, but bins are automatically assigned assorting criteria as per the package data. According to the present method, the criteria that matches the first package is assigned to the first unassigned bin. For the purpose of present description, the criteria matching the first package is also referred to as ‘first criteria’. After assigning the first criteria to the first bin, all packages with the same first criteria are dropped in the same first bin. Similarly, all bins are assigned until either all bins get exhausted or all criteria from the current lot of packages are bound to some or the other bin. In a preferred embodiment, the user can define the criteria as per the requirement and enter that criteria using a display of the gemstone assorting system. However, these criteria are not bound to any bin. The present system binds the criteria with bins on the go as per the requirement. This method solves the limitations of the conventional methods as follows:
a. Full utilization of available bins: Assigning the bins in real time based on newly identified criteria ensures that no bin remains empty if some criteria from given lot remains.
b. Less number of passes required to assort given packages: The bins are not pre-loaded with criteria, and only the criteria present in a given lot of the gemstone packages make their way to the bins. This leads to full utilization of the bins and less passes to process packages. Thus, the present invention takes less time to assort the lot containing the gemstone packages.
[0034] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate front perspective views of an automatic package assorting system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The automatic package assorting system 100 of the present invention comprises a plurality of components. For example and by no way limiting the scope of the present subject matter, in an embodiment, the automatic package assorting system 100 comprises a loading and scanning assembly 102, a pick and place assembly 104 and a processing mechanism 106. In a preferred embodiment, he loading and scanning assembly 102 is configured to scan a plurality of gemstone packages (not shown) placed on a platform 108. In a preferred embodiment, the pick and place assembly 104 is configured to pick the scanned gemstone packages from the platform 108 and assort the said gemstone packages to a plurality of bins 110 based on the criteria of the gemstones inside the gemstone packages. In a preferred embodiment, the processing mechanism 106 is configured to provide instructions to the loading and scanning assembly 102 and the pick and place assembly 104 to operate said loading and scanning assembly 102 and said pick and place assembly 104.
[0035] In an embodiment, the processing mechanism 106 comprises a display member 154 for providing an input parameter to the system 100 for assorting the gemstone package placed on the platform 108 and transferring the gemstone package placed on the platform 108 to a bin. . In an embodiment, the input parameter may be entered into the display member 154 by a user. In an embodiment, the processing mechanism 106 comprises a processor. The processor, amongst other capabilities, may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory. The processor may also be configured to fetch data from any remote database or from any other software. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. The functions of the various elements shown in the figure, including any functional blocks labelled as “processor(s)”, may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the loading and scanning assembly 102 comprises a plurality of sub-assemblies and components. For example and by now way limiting the scope of the present subject matter, the loading and scanning assembly 102 comprises a loading subassembly 112, a scanner 114, and a stand 116. The loading subassembly 112 is configured to load the gemstone packages placed on the platform 108 in proximity to the scanner 114. In an embodiment, the loading subassembly 112 comprises a guiding bar (not shown) for moving the assembly in Z – direction and a cassette 118 in which the platform 108 slidably moves up and down. The cassette 118 is configured to encompass the platform 108 and the platform 108 carries the gemstone packages up and down inside the cassette 118. During operation, the platform 108 inside the cassette 118 takes the gemstone packages upward in Z – direction in proximity to the scanner 114. In an embodiment, the platform 108 is a metallic plate, which is pushed upward by an electric motor (not shown) located under the loading bin 118. In another embodiment, the cassette 120 may be a metallic plate which is pushed upward by a force exerted by a pneumatic air pressure drive. In yet another embodiment, any known mechanism may be employed to push the cassette 120 upwards so that the gemstone packages placed on the platform are directed towards the location near the scanner 114 so that the scanner may scan the criterion mentioned on the packages. In an embodiment, the gemstone packages are provided with QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag in which parameters of the gemstone inside the respective package are stored.
[0037] The scanner 114 of the loading and scanning assembly 102 is configured to scan the QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag of the gemstone package placed on the platform 108. In an embodiment, the scanner 114 is mounted on the stand 116 and may comprise a code reader comprising a QR code reader or a Bar code reader or an RFID reader or an NFC tag reader to read the QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag respectively of each gemstone package. In an embodiment, the scanner 114 scans the QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag of a gemstone package placed on the platform 108 to obtain the information relating to parameters of the gemstone contained in said gemstone package. The scanner 114 then sends this information related to the gemstone package to the processing mechanism 106 for necessary action. In an embodiment, the scanner 114 also comprises an illumination source for illuminating the QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag of the gemstone package placed on the platform 108.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the pick and place mechanism 104 comprises a pick and place member 122 that is configured to move along X – axis and Y – axis, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The pick and place mechanism 104 further comprises a first mechanism 130, and a second mechanism 140. In an embodiment, the first mechanism 130 is configured to move the pick and place mechanism 104 along X – axis and the second mechanism 140 is configured to move the pick and place mechanism 104 along Y – axis.
[0039] In an embodiment, the pick and place member 122 comprises a gripper 124, a mechanism for moving the gripper 124, a plurality of conduits, a plurality of attaching members 126 and an outer covering 128. The pick and place member 122 is configured to pick the gemstone package from the platform 108 and then place the said gemstone package into one of the bins 110. In an embodiment, the bins 110 are also referred to as bowls for storing of gemstone packages. In an embodiment, the gripper 124 comprises a vacuum cup, which uses air pressure for gripping and releasing the gemstone packages. The mechanism (not shown in figures) for moving the gripper 124 is configured to lower the gripper 124 along Z – axis for picking the scanned gemstone package placed on the platform 108. After picking the gemstone package from the platform 108, the mechanism for moving the gripper 124 moves the gripper 124 upwards. In an embodiment, the mechanism for moving the gripper 124 may include any conventional mechanism capable of moving upwards and downwards. For example and by no way limiting the scope of the present subject matter, the mechanism for moving the gripper 124 may include a slider mechanism and the gripper 124 may be connected to the movable component of the slider mechanism so that he gripper 124 is capable of moving upwardly or downwardly with the upward and downward movement of the movable component of the slider mechanism. The plurality of conduits (not shown) of the pick and place member 122 fluidly connects an air pressure generator (not shown in figure) and the gripper 124. The plurality of conduits is configured to provide passage for pressurized air from the air pressure generator to the gripper 124 for picking the gemstone packages from the platform 108 and dropping said gemstone packages into the desired bin one by one.
[0040] The plurality of attaching members 126 of the pick and place member 122 is configured to mounting the pick and place member 122 on one or more parallel transversal members 132 of the first mechanism 130 for enabling the movement of the pick and place member 122 along the X – axis. The outer covering 128 of the pick and place member 122 is configured to encompass the components of the pick and place member 122 and provide a stable support to them. The first mechanism 130 is configured to provide movement to the pick and place member 122. In an embodiment, the first mechanism 130 comprises the one or more transversal members 132, a first cable drag chain 134, a plurality of first holders 136, and a plurality of connectors 138. In an embodiment, the first cable drag chain 134 is configured to carry all the electric cables and pneumatic pipes of the system and travel with the pick and place mechanism 104.
[0041] The one or more parallel transversal members 132 are configured to provide movement to the pick and place member 122 in X – direction and are attached at the opposite ends to the first holders 136. In an embodiment, each of the one or more parallel transversal members 132 comprises a metallic rod. In an embodiment the metallic rod may be hollow or solid. The pick and place member 122 moves in X – direction on the one or more transversal members 132. In an embodiment, an electric motor is provided for movement of the pick and place member 122 along the one or more parallel transversal members 132 in X - direction. In a preferred embodiment, The pick and place member 122 is movably mounted on the one or more parallel transversal members 132 by any conventional means. For example, the pick and place member 122 may be mounted on the one or more parallel transversal members 132 via a threaded mechanism so that with rotation of the one or more parallel transversal members 132 by a motor in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, the pick and place member 122 moves towards left or right or vice versa along X – axis. In an embodiment, the pick and place member 122 may be slidably movable along the one or more parallel transversal members 132 by any known mechanism.
[0042] The first cable drag chain is configured in the system to safeguard the cables that are moving with it. An air pressure generator is provided in the system for creating vacuum in the vacuum cup of the pick and place mechanism 122 for gripping the gemstone package placed on the platform 108. In an embodiment, an external air supply from a compressor may also be employed for creating vacuum in the vacuum cup. In an embodiment, the first cable drag chain 134 comprises a plurality of conduits carrying air for pick and place member 122, more particularly to the gripper 124 for gripping the gemstone package placed on the platform 108. The plurality of holders 136 is configured to hold the one or more transversal members 132 at the opposite ends. Below each of the plurality of first holders 136, the connectors 138 are placed. The connectors 138 are configured to connect the first mechanism 130 with the second mechanism 140.
[0043] The second mechanism 140 is configured to provide movement to the pick and place member 122 along Y - axis. In an embodiment, a pair of second mechanisms 140 is provided at the opposite ends of the first mechanism 130 as shown in Figure 2. For the purpose of the present description, only one second mechanism 140 is described. However, it would be clear to a person skilled in the art that the other second mechanism 140 will have same components and will operate in the similar fashion.
[0044] In an embodiment, the second mechanism 140 comprises one or more parallel longitudinal members 142, a second cable drag chain 144 and a plurality of second holders 146. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first mechanism 130 is mounted on the one or more longitudinal members 142 of the second mechanism 140 by the means of connectors 138. The second drag chain is configured in the system to safeguard the cables that move with it. In an embodiment, the second cable drag chain 144 carries a plurality of conduits for providing air to the belt drive and electric cables. The plurality of holders 146 is provided at the opposite ends of the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142 and is configured to hold the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142.
[0045] In an embodiment, an electric motor is provided for movement of the first mechanism 130 and hence, the pick and place mechanism 122 mounted on the first mechanism 130 along the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142 in Y - direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first mechanism 130 is movably mounted on the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142 by any conventional means. For example, the first mechanism 130 may be mounted on the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142 via a threaded mechanism so that with rotation of the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142 by a motor in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, the first mechanism 130 moves along the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142 in the Y – axis. In an embodiment, the first mechanism 130 may be slidably movable along the one or more parallel longitudinal members 142 by any known mechanism.
[0046] The automatic package assorting system 100 may comprise one or more external devices such as but not limited to a keyhole 148 for switching the system 100 ON or OFF, a switch 150 for starting the operations of the system 100, an indicator 152 to provide an indication of status of the automatic package assorting system 100, a stand 156 for attaching the display member 154 and a bottom plate 158 for supporting the stand 156. In an embodiment, the display member 154 comprises a tablet. For starting the automatic package assorting system 100, the key is inserted into the keyhole 148 and the switch 150 is pressed. The indicator 152 provides an indication of status of the automatic package assorting system 100. In an embodiment, the glowing light in the indicator means that the automatic package assorting system 100 is ON. For displaying the parameters related to the assorting system, the display member 154 is provided in the automatic package assorting system 100. The display member 154 is also configured to provide inputs to the automatic package assorting system 100. In an embodiment, the inputs given to the system 100 via the display member 154 include but are not limited to start, stop, pause, calibration and so on. In an embodiment, the display member 154 is mounted on the automatic package assorting system 100 at one end of the stand 156, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The other end of the stand 156 is attached with the bottom plate 158.
[0047] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the automatic package assorting system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown herein, the system 100 further comprises a panel 120 for operating the pneumatic components. In an embodiment, the panel 120 for pneumatics holds certain components such as pressure monitor, a plurality of actuators, plurality of air filters, solenoids, vacuum generators etc. All these components work in synchronized manner to provide air pressure for all the movements of the moving parts of the automatic package assorting system 100.
[0048] During operation, a lot containing gemstone packages is brought at the loading subassembly 112 of the loading and scanning assembly 102. Then the QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag etc. on the first gemstone package is scanned by the scanner 114 to obtain the information related to the assorting criterion of the gemstone placed in the first gemstone package. This information related to the first gemstone package thus obtained by the scanner 114 is sent to the processing mechanism 106. The processing mechanism 106 then instructs the pick and place mechanism 104 to pick the scanned first gemstone package from the loading subassembly 112 and place the scanned first gemstone package into one of the bins 110. As the first gemstone package is placed into a bin 110, said bin is assigned an assorting criterion of the gemstone present in that placed first gemstone package. Similarly, a second bin is assigned with an assorting criterion of the second gemstone package, if the criterion of the second gemstone package is not same as that of the first gemstone package, and the process goes on. If a gemstone package arrives at the loading subassembly 112, which has the same criterion as already assigned to one of the bins, then the pick and place mechanism 104 places said gemstone package in the already assigned bin. In this way, all the gemstone packages of the lot containing the gemstone packages are assorted in the bins.
[0049] Figure 4 illustrates a method 200 for automatic assorting of gemstone package in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 200 includes the step 202 of scanning a QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag on a gemstones package placed on a platform 108 by a scanner 114. The method 200 further includes the step 204 of retrieving, by a processing mechanism, the information related to the assorting criterion of the gemstone placed in the gemstone package upon scanning the QR code or Bar code or RFID or NFC tag. The method 200 further includes the step 206 of checking, by the processing mechanism, if a bin is already assigned for the retrieved information related to the assorting criterion. The method 200 further includes the step 210 of assigning a new bin for scanned package of the gemstones by the processing mechanism if it is identified by the processing mechanism that a bin is not already assigned for the scanned gemstones package 208. The method 200 further includes the step 212 of dropping the package of the gemstones in the newly assigned bin by a pick and place assembly 104. The method 200 also includes the step 216 of dropping the package of the gemstones in the previously assigned bin by the pick and place assembly 104 if it is identified by the processing mechanism that a bin is already assigned for the scanned gemstones package 214.
[0050] The automatic package assorting system and method provides full utilization of available bins and assorting of a given lot containing gemstone packages in less time and hence, provides better efficiency.
[0051] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
,CLAIMS:I/WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for assorting gemstone packages, the system (100) comprising:
a loading and scanning assembly (102) configured to scan one or more gemstone packages placed on a platform (108);
a pick and place assembly (104) configured to pick the scanned gemstone packages placed on the platform (108) and assort the gemstone packages to one or a plurality of bins (110) based on the criteria of the gemstones inside the gemstone packages; and
a processing mechanism (106) configured to provide instructions to the loading and scanning assembly (102) and the pick and place assembly (104).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loading and scanning assembly (102) comprises a loading subassembly (112) configured to load the gemstone packages, a scanner (114), and a stand (116).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the loading subassembly (112) comprises a cassette (118) for carrying the gemstone packages and encompassing the platform (108) and the platform (108) is configured to take the gemstone packages upward in Z- direction in proximity to the scanner (114) during operation.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the scanner (114) is mounted on the stand (116) and is configured to scan a tag comprising a QR code or a Bar code or an RFID or an NFC tag, and to send the information related to the gemstone package to the processing mechanism.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the scanner (116) comprises a code reader comprising a QR code reader or a Bar code reader or an RFID reader or an NFC tag reader, and an illumination source for illuminating the code reader of the gemstone package placed on the platform (108).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pick and place mechanism (104) comprises a pick and place member (122) configured to move along X-axis and Y-axis, to pick a gemstone package placed on the platform (108) and to place the gemstone package into one of the bins (110).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pick and place mechanism (104) comprises a first mechanism (130) configured to move the pick and place mechanism (104) along X-axis and a second mechanism (140) configured to move the pick and place mechanism (104) along Y-axis.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pick and place mechanism (122) comprises a gripper (124), a mechanism for moving the gripper (124), a plurality of conduits, a plurality of attaching members (126), and an outer covering (128).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing mechanism (106) comprises a display member (154) for providing an input parameter to the system for assorting the gemstone packages, and a processor configured to fetch and execute data computer-readable instructions stored in a memory or a remote database or a software.
10. A method (200) for assorting gemstone packages, the method comprising:
scanning one or more gemstone packages placed on a platform (108) by the loading and scanning assembly (102);
picking the scanning the one or more gemstone packages placed on the platform (108) and assorting the gemstone packages one of a plurality of bins (110) based on the criteria of the gemstone inside the gemstone packages placed on the platform (108); and
providing instructions to the loading and scanning assembly (102) and the pick and place assembly (104) by the processing mechanism.

11. The method (200) for assorting the gemstone packages, the method comprising:
scanning, by a scanner, a gemstone package placed in a loading subassembly by a scanner;
retrieving, by a processing mechanism, the information relating to the assorting criterion of a gemstone placed in the gemstone package upon scanning the gemstone package;
checking, by the processing mechanism, if a bin is already assigned for the retrieved information;
dropping, by a pick and place assembly (104), the gemstone package in a previously assigned bin, if a bin is already assigned for the scanned gemstone package;
alternately assigning, by the processing mechanism, a new bin for the retrieved information if a bin is not already assigned and dropping, by a pick and place assembly (104), the gemstone package in the newly assigned bin.

Dated this 22nd day of September 2023

______________________
ABHISHEK MAGOTRA
IN/PA No. – 1517
of MS LAW PARTNERS
Agent for the Applicant