Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (115) for assessment of purity of at least one precious metal, the system (115) configured for:
remote assessment of purity of the at least one precious metal and the system (115) comprising:
a server sub-system (132), an assessment sub-system (112), a user sub-system (142), and a capturing sub-system (114) communicatively coupled to one another through a network (102) wherein;
the capturing sub-system (114) comprising an imaging unit (116) configured for capturing assessment data comprising one or more of audio, video, and image data of operations done on a touchstone and communicating the assessment data to the assessment sub-system (112);
the server sub-system (132) comprising a data store (308), configured for receiving and storing the assessment data received from the assessment sub-system (112) and an assessment feedback data received from the user sub-system (142), in the data store (308); and
the user sub-system (142) configured for receiving the assessment data from one or more of the server sub-system (132) and the assessment sub-system (112) and communicating the assessment feedback data, wherein the assessment feedback data is entered on the user sub-system (142).

2. The system (115) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capturing sub-system (114) comprises one or more lighting units (118) controlled based on instructions from one or more of the user sub-system (142) and the server sub-system (132) for altering one or more of brightness and colour of light from the lighting units (118); and
wherein one or more of zoom and focus of the imaging unit (116) are controlled based on instructions from one or more of the user sub-system (142) and the server sub-system (132).

3. The system (115) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assessment sub-system (112) is configured for detecting a motion of an object of interest by analyzing the assessment data received from the imaging unit (116) for notifying one or more of the user sub-system (142) and the server sub-system (132).

4. The system (115) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assessment sub-system (112) comprises one or more of a presence detector and a motion detector and is configured for notifying one or more of the user sub-system (142) and the server sub-system (132).
5. The system (115) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server sub-system (132) is configured for receiving, from an external source, a request for starting an assessment process and starting an assessment process by communicating the request to the assessment sub-system (112) and a user sub-system (142).
6. The system (115) of claim 1, wherein the server sub-system (132) is configured for receiving assessment data from the assessment sub-system (112) and user feedback from the user sub-system (142) and storing the assessment data and the user feedback.
7. The system (115) of claim 1, wherein the server sub-system (132) is configured for sending a notification to one or more of the user sub-system (142) and the assessment sub-system (112) based on information received from the user sub-system (142), the assessment sub-system (112) or from an API module (302) on the server sub-system (132).
8. A method (600) for remote assessment of purity of a precious metal comprising the steps of:
a step (602) of detecting the motion of an object of interest in the assessment sub-system (112);
a step (606) of notifying a server sub-system (132) and a user sub-system 142 (142) about the start of assessment process based on the detecting of motion;
a step (608) of adjusting one or more of the illumination levels of a lighting unit (118) and zoom and focus of the imaging unit (116) by sending control instructions by one or more of the server sub-system (132) and the user sub-system (142) to the assessment sub-system (112);
a step (610) of sending assessment data to the server sub-system (132) and the user sub-system (142) by the assessment sub-system (112);
a step (612) of assessment of purity of the precious metal, by the user sub-system (142); and
a step (614) of receiving and storing in the data store (308) one or more of the assessment result, the assessment data, user feedbacks, and reports, by the server sub-system (132) from the user sub-system (142).

9. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the notifying a server sub-system (132) and a user sub-system (142) about the start of assessment process is based on a trigger from a third-party application.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for remote assessment of purity of precious metals. Embodiments of the disclosure are related to a system and method in which an assessment sub-system 112 transmits the data on the assessment process of precious metals to a user sub-system 142 and a user sub-system 142 sends a feedback of the assessment based on the assessment viewed from a remote location.

BACKGROUND

[002] Organizations, especially financial organizations, that are involved in accepting precious metals as collateral for loan or purchasing precious metals, use various methods for assessment of purity of precious metals. For example, precious metals such as gold, accepted in the form of ornaments or utensils, are subjected to this evaluation to assess their purity.
[003] A few methods are prevailing in determining the purity of gold. Some of them are destructive (fire assay, for example) and others are non-destructive (X-ray fluorescence, for example). Both methods require expensive equipment, special procedures, and a well-lit and well-ventilated area. A third method, a simple and popular method is the “touchstone” method. It is an age-old method that is relatively nondestructive to jewelry and offers quick results. In financial organizations that have many branches spread across the country the third method is popular.
[004] However, irrespective of the method used, organizations face some challenges. For example, a financial organization may have between 1500 and 12,000 outlets. Challenges arise mainly due to the lack of experts at each outlet or due to crimes in which employees are involved. Both may go unnoticed and severely affect the organization financially and damage its reputation. Some of the challenges faced are:

• At the time of first assessment, mostly when the precious metal is taken for assessment as collateral or cash disbursal, either because of not having experts at the outlet or due to insider involvement, the assessment process is not followed correctly, resulting in wrong assessment.

• In case a loan is issued with precious metal as collateral, it is kept in a safe location at the outlet of the organization. During this safe keeping period, the organization must also ensure that no insider involved use of the precious metal takes place. For example, an insider could pledge the precious metal in the outlet’s safe keeping, in another organization for a lesser duration. As another example, the insider could replace the pledged metal with a forged one. As another example, the insider may share the pledged items for interim use for personal or financial benefits. To tackle, this the organization conducts periodic reassessment of the purity of precious metals which are in its safe keeping. However, an insider involvement or lack of expertise would dilute this reassessment process.
[005] Thus, there is a need for a system and method to overcome the above challenges faced by organizations dealing with precious metals through their outlets. The improved system and method should enable organizations to set up at least one review center that has at least one expert who has a system and method to remotely review and guide the process of assessment. Further, the improved system and method should allow existing software applications to integrate into and review the process and outcomes. This disclosure describes a system and a method for remote assessment or reassessment of precious metals.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple manner that is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.
[007] Thus, disclosed is system for assessment of purity of at least one precious metal, the system configured for the remote assessment of purity of the at least one precious metal and the system comprising, a server sub-system, an assessment sub-system, a user sub-system, and a capturing sub-system communicatively coupled to one another through a network wherein, the capturing sub-system comprising an imaging unit configured for capturing assessment data comprising one or more of audio, video, and image data of operations done on a touchstone and communicating the assessment data to the assessment sub-system, the server sub-system comprising a data store, configured for receiving and storing the assessment data received from the assessment sub-system and an assessment feedback data received from the user sub-system, in the data store, the user sub-system configured for receiving the assessment data from one or more of the server sub-system and the assessment sub-system and communicating the assessment feedback data, wherein the assessment feedback data is entered on the user sub-system.
[008] A method for remote assessment of purity of a precious metal comprising the steps of, detecting the motion of an object of interest in the assessment sub-system, notifying a server sub-system and a user sub-system about the start of assessment process based on the detecting of motion, adjusting one or more of the illumination level of a lighting unit and zoom and focus of the imaging unit by sending control instructions by one or more of the server sub-system and the user sub-system to the assessment sub-system, sending assessment data to the server sub-system and the user sub-system by the assessment sub-system, assessment of purity of the precious metal, by the user sub-system, receiving and storing in the data store one or more of the assessment result, the assessment data, user feedbacks, and reports, by the server sub-system from the user sub-system.
[009] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for remote assessment of purity of precious metals, in accordance with the disclosed embodiment of the disclosure;
[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for remote assessment of purity of precious metals, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0012] Figure 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary remote assessment system of Figure 1, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3B is a block diagram of an exemplary remote assessment system of Figure 2, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0014] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary server sub-system of Figure 1 or Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary user sub-system of system Figure 1 or Figure 2, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0016] Figure 6 shows a flowchart pertaining to an exemplary method for remote assessment and reassessment of purity of precious metals, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 7 shows a flowchart pertaining to an exemplary method for remote assessment and reassessment of purity of precious metals, in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0018] Figure 8 shows a flowchart pertaining to an exemplary method for remote assessment and reassessment of purity of precious metals, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0019] Further, persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the joining ring and one or more components of the bearing assembly may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications to the disclosure, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates are deemed to be a part of this disclosure.

[0021] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0022] In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.
[0023] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Similarly, one or more elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements, other structures, other components, additional devices, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0024] 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 disclosure belongs. The components, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0026] Referring to Figure 1 an exemplary block diagram of a system 115 for remote assessment of purity of at least one precious metal. The system 115 comprises one or more sub-systems, such as assessment sub-system 112 along with capturing sub-system 114, at least one server sub-system 132 and at least one user sub-system 142. The network 102 connects the assessment sub-system 112 along with capturing sub-system 114, the at least one server sub-system 132 and the at least one user sub-system 142.
[0027] In one implementation, the system 115 is characterized in such a way that the server sub-system 132 helps to initiate at least one request from a user through any third-party application (such as a billing software, a banking application, or any other financial application) to perform an assessment of a precious metal. The server sub-system 132 stores assessment data and user feedbacks in a data store 134. The user feedbacks are received from the user sub-system 142 after the assessment of the precious metal. The assessment data gets updated in the server sub-system 132 immediately after the assessment of the precious metal from the assessment sub-system 112.
[0028] In another implementation, the assessment sub-system 112 is configured in such a way that whenever a motion of object of interest is detected in the capturing sub-system 114 or when a request is received through the server sub-system 132 from the user sub-system 142, the assessment of the precious metal is initiated. A lid 120 in the capturing sub-system 114 may be opened to place the precious metal inside for assessment. After assessment, the precious metal may be taken out by opening the lid 120. The lighting unit 118, the imaging unit 116, the lid 120 are part of an enclosure 122, which may either be made of materials to achieve transparency or translucency or completely opaque as required.
[0029] The assessment sub-system 112 also comprises the capturing sub-system 114 having an imaging unit 116 and a lighting unit 118 to capture the video and image of the precious metal while the precious metal is being assessed. The assessment data contains the image and video of the assessment which is sent from the assessment sub-system 112 to at least one server sub-system 132 and to at least one user sub-system 142. This assessment data is stored in the data store 134 in the server sub-system 132. The user sub-system 142 verifies the assessment data and submits at least one feedback based on the assessment and sends it to the server sub-system 132.
[0030] The capturing sub-system, comprising the imaging unit 116 and the lighting unit 118, used to take one or more pictures or videos of the precious metals during assessment and the same may be sent to the server sub-system 132 and the user sub-system 142.
[0031] The imaging unit 116 may be a high-performance digital camera and the like, used to capture high quality image/pictures and videos of precious metals. The imaging unit 116 may include a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Network Video Recorder (NVR), an IP camera or any other video capturing or streaming device known in the art. In one example, when the imaging unit 116 is a DVR, an NVR, or an IP camera, the imaging unit 116 records a video clip of the surroundings, in a digital format upon detection of motion in the video, detected with the help of a motion analysis software. In another example, the imaging unit 116 may comprise passive infrared sensors to detect motion based on body heat of humans, for example. Based on the output of the passive infrared sensors, the imaging unit 116 may start recording the video clip. In yet another example, the video received from the imaging unit 116 is analyzed by the motion analyzer for detecting motion of the object of interest in the video.
[0032] The lighting unit 118 may be one or more lighting devices, or similar devices, used in the photography industry, that provide sufficient lighting for image and videos captured by the imaging unit 116. In one example, the lighting unit 118 allows finer controls on light intensity, direction and spread and so on, through the computer readable instructions. In another example, the lighting unit 118 allows finer controls on light intensity, direction and spread and so on, through electro-mechanical controls.
[0033] The user sub-system 142 is responsible for communicating with the server sub-system 132 and the assessment sub-system 112. The reassessment is done by the user sub-system 142 and the feedback of the reassessment is sent to the server sub-system 132 which is stored in the data store 134.
[0034] Figure 2 illustrates another variant of the system 115. This variant consists of the assessment sub-system 112 along with the capturing sub-system 114with at least one imaging unit 116, the user sub-system 142, the server sub-system 132, and all connected through the network 102. Unlike system 100 in Figure 1, the assessment sub-system 112 in Figure 2 is connected directly to the imaging unit 116 which captures the assessment of the precious metal. This variant of the system does not have components such as a lighting unit 118, lid 120 with the enclosure unlike the system in Figure 1. The assessment data is sent to the server sub-system 132 and is then stored in the data store 134 of the server sub-system 132.
[0035] The assessment sub-system 112 may also comprise at least one processor, at least one memory and I/O interface. The at least one processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitry, or any of the devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory. The memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The I/O interface may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. Further, the I/O interface may enable the assessment sub-system 112 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, and so on, and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to at least one of the server sub-system 132 or to at least one of the capturing sub-systems the assessment sub-system 112 or at least one of the user sub-system 142. Although the present disclosure is explained by considering that the assessment sub-system 112 is implemented as server sub-system 132, it may be understood that the assessment sub-system 112 may also be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a mainframe computer, mobile, single board computer, and the like.
[0036] In one implementation, the network 102 may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network 102 may be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network 102 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network 102 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.
[0037] The server sub-system 132 may also comprise of at least one processor, at least one memory and I/O interface. At least one processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitry, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, at least one processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory. The memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The I/O interface may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. Further, the I/O interface may enable the server sub-system 132 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, and so on, and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to at least one assessment sub-system 112 or at least one user sub-system 142. Although the present disclosure is explained by considering that the server sub-system 132 is implemented as server, it may be understood that the server sub-system 132 may also be implemented in a variety of computing devices, such as a mainframe computer, mobile, single board computer, and the like.
[0038] The user sub-system 142 may also comprise of at least one processor, at least one memory and I/O interface. At least one processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitry, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, at least one processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory. The memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The I/O interface may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. Further, the I/O interface may enable the user sub-system 142 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, and so on, and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to the server sub-system 132 or the capturing sub-system 114the assessment sub-system 112. Although the present disclosure is explained by considering that the assessment sub-system 112 is implemented as server sub-system 132, it may be understood that the user sub-system 142 may also be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a mainframe computer, mobile, single board computer, and the like.
[0039] The user using the user sub-system 142 remotely may also verify the process of assessment of the precious metal and conducts a final review of the outcomes of steps and submit, to the server sub-system 132, a feedback (with comments and markings) and the verification results. This feedback is based on the observations of the process of assessment of the precious metal. The server sub-system 132 saves images, video and remarks as well as communicates to third party applications or systems.
[0040] The server sub-system 132 allows third-party applications to access stored assessment data, initiate the assessment process as well as check status and progress of assessment process. Further the server sub-system 132, allows third-party applications to provide instructions on object of interest types to be monitored by the assessment sub-system 112.
[0041] The assessment sub-system 112 includes different modules, the capturing sub-system 114 comprising the imaging unit 116 to capture at least one process of the assessment of the precious metal and a lighting unit 118 to illuminate the precious metal and assessment methods executed in the enclosure 122. Referring to Figure 3A, the imaging unit 116 of Figure 1 or Figure 2 may be controlled using a zoom and focus controls 204 and helps to zoom and focus. Further control of the assessment of the precious metal will take place according to the control information from the user sub-system 142, the server sub-system 132 or both. The video and image taken together may be referred as the assessment data and gets stored in the server sub-system 132 and the user sub-system 142 shall get live view of the assessment process and sends a feedback to the server sub-system 132.
[0042] A lighting control sub-system 202 is used to control illumination level of the lighting unit 118 based on the control information from the user sub-system 142 or the server sub-system 132. The lighting control sub-system 202 helps to control the ambient light within the capturing sub-system 114.
[0043] A motion analyzer module 206 is used to detect any motion of objects of interest taking place inside the enclosure 122. If any motion is detected, the motion analyzer module 206 makes sure that at least one image or video is obtained from the imaging unit 116 and notify the user sub-system 142 and the server sub-system 132. A video transmitter module 208 helps in transmitting the assessment data to the server sub-system 132 and the assessment data is stored in the data store module 134 and the user sub-system 142. The motion analyzer 206 is used to detect one or more motion of the object of interest in the assessment sub-system 112 by analyzing the assessment data obtained from the imaging unit 116.
[0044] The motion analyzer module 206 in one implementation, uses statistical methods to arrive presence of assessment object and process. In statistical method, the motion analyzer module 206 compares video frames generated for pixel differences beyond a threshold. If difference is above a threshold, it is confirmed that a motion has happened. The threshold comes with a default value and may be re-configured by user.
[0045] The motion analyzer module 206 in another implementation uses machine learning or artificial intelligence to categorize objects in field of view of camera. If object classification results in finding object of interests (like ornaments, utensils, solid objects representing previously known form of precious objects), assessment process is triggered and the server sub-system 132 and the user sub-system 142 are notified.
[0046] In another implementation, the motion analyzer module 206 may notify the server sub-system 132 or the user sub-system 142 or both, through an edge remote notifier module 209, about the presence of a particular type or form or size of precious metal. Such notification sent by the edge remote notifier module 209 may be referred as assessment notification. The criteria for such selective notification may be set by either the server sub-system 132 based on from third party applications via the API module 302 or from the user sub-system 142. In one implementation the motion analyzer module 206 uses Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence to do pattern matching of these criteria and trigger the next steps.
[0047] The remote trigger control module 210 is used to send and receive control or status information between assessment sub-system 112, the user sub-system 142 and the server sub-system 132. The remote trigger control module 210 may also receive trigger from the server sub-system 132. The assessment sub-system 112 starts assessment process of the precious metal upon receiving the trigger signal from the remote trigger control module 210. The remote trigger control module 210 may receive control information for zoom and focus control 204 and lighting control module 202 from the user sub-system 142 or the server sub-system 132 or both. The remote trigger control module 210 may also send status messages or notifications to the user sub-system 142 or the server sub-system 132 or both with additional support from the edge remote notifier module 209.
[0048] The video transmitter module 208 transmits video and images received in assessment sub-system 112, as assessment data, to at least one server sub-system 132 or at least one user sub-system 142 or both. In one implementation, the video transmitter module 208 supports store and forward to complement and tackle to network congestions in real-time.
[0049] The edge remote notifier module 209 helps to send notification to the user sub-system 142 or the server sub-system 132 or both. In one implementation the remote notifier sends notifications to at least one user sub-system 142 or at least one server sub-system 132, or both, with different status of the assessment such as, but not limited to, object of interest recognized, motion of object of interest found, start of assessment, end of assessment, and so on.
[0050] In Figure 3B, another variant of the assessment sub-system 112 which includes different types of modules or sub-systems, starting with zoom and focus control module 204, which coordinates zoom and focus of the connected the imaging unit 116, for example, a camera. Further, control of the assessment of the precious metal takes place according to the control information from the user sub-system 142, the server sub-system 132 or both. The video and image taken together may be referred as the assessment data which gets stored in the server sub-system 132 and the user sub-system 142 shall get live view of after assessment process and sends a feedback to the server sub-system 132.
[0051] In Figure 3B, motion analyzer module 206, is used to detect motion of object of interests taking place. If any motion is detected, the motion analyzer module 206 makes sure that at least one image or video is obtained from the imaging unit 116 and notify the user sub-system 142 and the server sub-system 132. A video transmitter module 208 helps in transmitting the assessment data to the server sub-system 132 and the assessment data is stored in the data store module 134 and the user sub-system 142.
[0052] In one implementation, the motion analyzer module 206 uses statistical methods to arrive at the conclusion off the presence of assessment object and process. Using a statistical method, the motion analyzer module 206 compares video frames generated for pixel differences beyond a threshold. If the difference is above a redetermined threshold, it is confirmed that a motion has happened. The threshold comes with a default value and may be configured by user.
[0053] In another implementation, the motion analyzer module 206 uses Machine Learning or Artificial intelligence to categorize objects in the field of view of the camera. If object classification results in finding object of interests (like ornaments, utensils, solid objects representing previously known form of precious objects), assessment process is triggered and the server sub-system 132 and the user sub-system 142 are notified.
[0054] In another implementation, the motion analyzer module 206, may notify the server sub-system 132 or the user sub-system 142 or both, through the edge remote notifier module 209, about the presence of particular type or form or size of the precious metal. The criteria for such selective notification may be set by either the server sub-system 132 based on from third party applications via the API module 302 or from the user sub-system 142 112. In one implementation the motion analyzer module 206 uses Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence to do pattern matching of these criteria and trigger the next steps.
[0055] In Figure 3B, the remote trigger control module 210 is used to send and receive control or status information between assessment sub-system 112, the user sub-system 142 and the server sub-system 132. The remote trigger control module 210 may also receive trigger from the server sub-system 132. The assessment sub-system 112 starts assessment process of the precious metal upon receiving the trigger signal from the remote trigger control module 210. The remote trigger control module 210 may receive control information for zoom and focus control sub-system module 204 and lighting control sub-system module 202 from the user sub-system 142 or the server sub-system 132 or both. The remote trigger control module 210 may also send status messages or notifications to the user sub-system 142 or the server sub-system 132 or both with additional support from the edge remote notifier module 209.
[0056] In Figure 3B, the edge remote notifier module 209 helps to send notification to the user sub-system 142 132 or the server sub-system 132 or both. In one implementation the remote notifier sends notifications to at least one user sub-system 142 132 and at least one server sub-system 132, or both, with different statuses of the assessment sub-system 112 like but not limited object of interest recognized, motion of interested found, start of assessment, end of assessment and so on.
[0057] In Figure 3B, the video transmitter module 208 transmits video and images received in assessment sub-system 112 to at least one server sub-system 132 or at least one user sub-system 142 or both. In one implementation, the video transmitter module 208 supports store and forward to complement and tackle to network congestions in real-time.
[0058] In one embodiment of disclosure, as shown in Figure 4, the server sub-system 132 consists of the Application Programming Interface (API) or API module 302, the first transmitter receiver module 304, the remote notifier module 310, the first flow controller module 306 and the data store module 308.
[0059] The API module 302 supports external requests made from third party applications such as, but not limited to, billing software, banking applications, or any financial management software and triggers a notification through the remote notifier 310 to at least one assessment sub-system 112 or to at least one user sub-system 142 or both. In one implementation of API module 302 authentication is supported via secure channels like HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). In another implementation API module 302 supports any programming language interfacing using technologies such as REST (Representational State Transfer), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation).
[0060] In one example the API module 302 receives a request from a third-party application to initiate an assessment. In another example the API module 302 sends back data the progress off assessment or completion status to third party applications. In another example, a third-party application may retrieve previous assessment data from the data store 308 through the API module 302.
[0061] In another implementation, the API module 302 gets inputs from third-party applications for setting filter criteria in the motion analyzer module 206 in the assessment sub-system 112. In one implementation third party application reads supported objects type through the API module 302 and based on the list sets interested filter criteria.
[0062] In another implementation third-party application may, with the understanding of the special conditions, trigger an assessment of the precious metal involved through the API module 302. In one example, high value transaction initiation in third party application will automatically invoke the API module 302 and trigger an assessment.
[0063] The transmitter and receiver module 304 is used for communicating with at least one user sub-system 142 or at least one assessment sub-system 112 or both. The transmitter and receiver module 304 may also be used for receiving the assessment data from the assessment sub-system 112 and transfer to data store 308.
[0064] The first flow controller module 306 is used to control the data flow from at least one assessment sub-system 112 to at least one user sub-system 142 and to at least one data store module 308. In one implementation, the first flow controller module 306 ensures that the video and image data from the assessment sub-system 112 are seamlessly transmitted to the user sub-system 142. In another implementation the first flow controller module 305 enables direct connection between the assessment sub-system 112 and the user sub-system 142. In another implementation the first flow controller module 305 ensures the remarks, feedbacks and markings transmitted from the user sub-system 142 is redirected to the data store 308.
[0065] The remote notifier module 310 helps to send notification to the user sub-system 142 132 or the assessment sub-system 112 or both. In one implementation the remote notifier sends notifications to at least one user sub-system 142 132, at least one assessment sub-system 112 or both when a new request for assessment is received through the API module 302. In another implementation, the remote notifier module 310 sends completion status to at least one of the user sub-system 142s 132 or at least one of the assessment sub-system 112. In another implementation the remote notifier module 310 notifies the assessment sub-system 112 about the precious metal classification criteria set through the API module 302.
[0066] The data store 308 may store all the assessment data obtained from assessment sub-system 112 during assessment. The assessment data may comprise, but not limited to, comments, feedbacks, reports, videos, or images originated in the assessment sub-system 112, during the process of the assessment.
[0067] Referring to Figure 5, the user sub-system 142 consists of the second transmitter and receiver module 402 for communicating with the server sub-system 132 and the assessment sub-system 112 and for receiving the assessment data from at least one of the server sub-system 132. The user sub-system 142 also gets the notification from the server sub-system 132 through the second transmitter and receiver module 402.
[0068] The second flow controller module 404 is used to control the process of the assessment by sending the control information to at least one of the assessment sub-system 112 or to at least one of the server sub-system 132 or both. In one implementation the second flow controller 404 ensures the video and image data from the assessment sub-system 112 seamlessly is transmitted to the live view sub-system 406. In another implementation the second flow controller 404 ensures the remarks, feedbacks and markings transmitted from the user sub-system 142 is redirected to the server sub-system 132.
[0069] The live view sub-system 406 displays the process of the assessment of the precious metal as transmitted from the assessment sub-system 112. The live view sub-system 406 also allows the user to enter comments, feedback. and markings with the help from the commit sub-system 408. The assessment authority or user of the user sub-system 142, using a commit sub-system 408, may store the assessment results, the assessment data, add comments, add feedbacks, generate reports, videos, or images of the precious metal in the data store of the server sub-system 132.
[0070] Disclosed is a method 600 for remote assessment of purity of precious metals as shown in Figure 6. The server sub-system 132may initiate a start of the process of assessment of the precious metal, at step 604, based on an input from the API module. The process of assessment may also be initiated when a motion of an object of interest is detected in the assessment sub-system 112, at step 602. Upon detecting motion of an object of interest in the video received from the imaging unit, the motion analyzer in the assessment sub-system 112 sends notification to the server sub-system 132using the edge remote notifier. The server sub-system 132 then notifies the user sub-system 142 about the start of the process of the assessment and also notifies the server sub-system 132 to initiate storage in the data store 134, at step 606. At step 608, the user sub-system 142 adjusts the zoom and lighting in the assessment sub-system 112 for better viewing of the assessment process. The lighting adjustment at step 608, shall be applicable to assessment sub-system 112 that supports lighting control. At step 610, the assessment sub-system 112 transmits the assessment data comprising the live video and image of the assessment process to the user sub-system 142. The assessment data that comprises the image and video of the assessment is also sent to the server sub-system 132. The user may remotely verify the process of assessment of precious metal and does final review of outcomes of steps and submits the feedback (with comments and markings) and thus verification result is generated, at step 612. The results are submitted to the server sub-system 132. This feedback is based on the process of assessment of the precious metal. The server sub-system 132stores images, video and remarks in the data store and also communicates the same to third party applications or systems, as at step 614.
[0071] Figure 7. Shows the disclosed method 700 for remote assessment of purity of precious metals. A third-party application detects a suspicious or high value transaction, as at step 704. It triggers a remote assessment process through the API module 302 of the server sub-system 132, at step 706. At step 708, the server sub-system 132notifies at least one of the user sub-system 142 via the second transmitter receiver module 402 about the start off the assessment process and further notifies the assessment sub-system 112 to initiate the process via the remote trigger control module 210. At step 710, user starts remote review of the process using assessment data transmitted from the assessment sub-system 112 using the video transmitter module 208. The user does a detailed review of the assessment using the live view module 406 and adds feedbacks, comments, markings, using the commit module 408 of the user sub-system 142. The assessment data along with user feedbacks, comments, markings are stored in the data store module 308 of the server sub-system 132. At step 712, the third-party application is made aware of the progress and completion of assessment process through notifications from the edge remote notifier module 209 received by the server sub-system 132 and shared to third party application through the API module 302. Further the third-party application, may retrieve the assessment data along with feedbacks and comments from the user sub-system 142 through the API module 302 of the server sub-system 132. At step 714, the third-party application has all detailed information about the assessment of the precious metal and further actions may be taken accordingly. Just as an example, the start of a transaction of high value t is detected by banking application which is a third-party application. Then, the banking application may trigger an assessment of a purity of a precious metal through an API. Once the assessment data and user feedback are received, that can be processed by the third-party application as per its business logic for accepting the loan process or rejecting it or tag it for further reviews.
[0072] A method 800 for remote assessment of purity of precious metals is disclosed as shown in Figure 8. At step 804, a third-party application may retrieve a list of precious metals supported such as, but not limited to, form, size, and so on, through the API module 302 of the server sub-system 132. The server sub-system 132 reads this information from the data store module 308, which were received from all the connected assessment sub-system 112 s 112. At step 806, the third-party application narrows down the list of objects of interest, made of one or more precious metal objects, and submits the selection to the server sub-system 132 through the API module 302. At step 808, the server sub-system 132 sends this information to one or more motion analyzer modules 206 of the assessment sub-system 112 via the remote trigger control module 210. At step 810, during an assessment process in the assessment sub-system 112, if the motion analyzer 206 detects the presence of objects of interest and it triggers notifications to the server sub-system 132 and subsequently to the user sub-system 142, through the edge remote notifier module 209. At step 812, upon receiving the notification, the user at the user sub-system 142 starts reviewing the assessment. The user then submits the user’s assessment data to the server sub-system 132. The server sub-system 132 on receiving the notification, initiates storage of the videos, images, and assessment feedbacks from the user into the data store module 308, at step 814. At step 816, the edge remote notifier module 209 of the assessment sub-system 112 keeps updating the third-party application about the detection, assessment progress, and completion though API module 302 of the server sub-system 132. As per business process needs the third-party application may take necessary steps based on the notifications and data from the data store module 308. The necessary steps may be, one or more actions such as, in person field verification, real time approvals, and marked for additional verifications or reassessments according to the banks standard operating procedures.
[0073] It will be appreciated that variations of the system and method disclosed above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be advantageously combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, variations, or improvements are also deemed to be encompassed by the following claims.
[0074] The following has to be note here. A person trained in the assessment of purity of a precious metal assesses the purity of the precious metal using a touchstone, in a known way, at branches where such persons are available. This may be verified in real-time by another trained person, watching the assessment process on the user sub-system 142, for adherence to norms or standard practices and also the results obtained. However, since one or more of images, videos and audios are stored in the data store 308 of the server sub-system 132, a trained person may also verify the original assessment at any time later, by watching the video for instance on the user sub-system 142, retrieving the stored video, for example. The user sub-system may be in the same branch as where the assessment is carried out or at a geographically different location – at the head office, for example. The processes of assessment and reassessment are identical except that the term assessment, as used in this disclosure, is applied when the purity of a precious metal assessment for the first time during a transaction. All subsequent assessments, to ensure that the precious metal has not been tampered with in anyway in the intervening period, are referred to as reassessment.
[0075] Although embodiments of the current disclosure have been described comprehensively in considerable detail to cover the possible aspects, those skilled in the art would recognize that other versions, of the disclosure are also possible.
[0076] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0077] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.