A continuous sea cucumber texture detection device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of continuous sea cucumber texture detection device, belong to sea cucumber processing technical field, it includes data processing control mechanism, and respectively with its electricity connection, communication connection's conveying mechanism, multimode detection mechanism, sorting execution mechanism, data processing control mechanism is set outside conveying mechanism, multimode detection mechanism is set on conveying mechanism, is located in the top of conveying mechanism feed side, sorting execution mechanism is set on the side of conveying mechanism, is located in the rear end of multimode detection mechanism;Multimode detection mechanism includes cover body, chemical composition detection unit, image acquisition unit and height acquisition unit are sequentially arranged in the top of cover body inside, cover body covers and is equipped in the feed side of conveying mechanism, and the data acquisition end of chemical composition detection unit, image acquisition unit and height acquisition unit respectively points to the conveying surface of conveying mechanism.The utility model is on-line nondestructive, continuous intelligent detection to sea cucumber texture, is suitable for promoting in sea cucumber processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of sea cucumber processing technology, and relates to a sea cucumber detection device, especially a continuous sea cucumber texture detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Sea cucumber, a highly nutritious and valuable marine food, owes its quality primarily to its texture, such as hardness, elasticity, and chewiness. During processing, key parameters like boiling, salting, and drying directly affect protein denaturation, gel network formation, and water distribution, ultimately determining the quality of its texture. Therefore, accurate texture testing of sea cucumber is crucial for optimizing processing techniques, achieving standardized product grading, ensuring product quality stability, and enhancing market competitiveness.

[0003] Currently, the industry mainly relies on two methods for the detection and evaluation of sea cucumber texture: one is manual sensory evaluation, which suffers from inconsistent standards, large quality fluctuations, and low efficiency; the other uses a texture analyzer to perform mechanical tests such as compression and puncture on the samples, simulating oral chewing, to obtain quantitative parameters such as hardness, elasticity, and cohesion. Although the results of this method are relatively objective, it still has some inherent limitations: 1. Destructive testing. The testing process requires applying mechanical force to the sample, which will damage the sea cucumber after testing, making it unsellable and inedible, resulting in wasted costs.

[0004] 2. Low sampling rate. Because it is a destructive test, only a very small number of samples can be drawn from the batch of products for testing. Sea cucumbers exhibit natural differences in shape and size, making it difficult for sampling results to accurately and comprehensively reflect the quality level of the entire batch.

[0005] 3. Low efficiency. The testing process includes sampling, fixation, testing, data recording and cleaning, which is cumbersome and cannot achieve rapid, high-frequency testing.

[0006] 4. Inability to achieve online and automated processing. Existing texture analyzers are all offline benchtop devices, with the testing process separated from the production line, which seriously affects the continuity of the processing flow and the level of automation in sea cucumber texture testing.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a device that can non-destructively, continuously, rapidly, online, and automatically detect the texture of sea cucumbers, so as to conduct on-site evaluation and precise grading of each sea cucumber on the production line and improve the quality control of sea cucumber processing and grading. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a continuous sea cucumber texture detection device to solve the technical problems of existing technologies, such as the need for destructive testing of sea cucumbers, low sampling rate, low efficiency, and inability to perform online and automated testing.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A continuous sea cucumber texture detection device includes a data processing and control mechanism, and a conveying mechanism, a multimodal detection mechanism, and a sorting execution mechanism that are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. The data processing and control mechanism is located outside the conveying mechanism, the multimodal detection mechanism is located on the conveying mechanism at the top of the conveying mechanism on the feeding side, and the sorting execution mechanism is located on the side of the conveying mechanism at the rear end of the multimodal detection mechanism. The multimodal detection mechanism includes a cover, and a chemical composition detection unit, an image acquisition unit, and a height acquisition unit are sequentially arranged on the top of the inner side of the cover. The cover covers the feeding side of the conveying mechanism, and the data acquisition ends of the chemical composition detection unit, the image acquisition unit, and the height acquisition unit point to the conveying surface of the conveying mechanism, respectively.

[0010] The chemical composition detection unit includes a near-infrared spectral sensor, which is electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism.

[0011] The image acquisition unit includes an industrial camera and a machine vision light source that are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism, respectively. The industrial camera is a high-resolution industrial camera, and the machine vision light source is a linear machine vision light source. The extension direction of the machine vision light source is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism and is arranged adjacent to the industrial camera.

[0012] The height acquisition unit includes a low-power linear laser and a linear CCD that are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism, respectively. The extension direction of the low-power linear laser is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism, and the linear CCD is located on the side of the laser reflection when the low-power linear laser scans the sea cucumber.

[0013] The data processing control mechanism includes an industrial computer or an embedded high-performance processor, and the data processing control mechanism has a pre-stored texture prediction model.

[0014] The conveying mechanism is a conveyor belt conveying mechanism, which includes a low-speed feeding section and a fast detection section connected along the material conveying direction; A position sensor A is installed on the low-speed feeding section. The position sensor A is located near the feeding end of the low-speed feeding section and is electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. The rapid detection section is equipped with position sensor B and position sensor C, which are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism, respectively. Position sensor B and position sensor C are located at the feed end and discharge end of the cover, respectively.

[0015] The sorting execution mechanism includes a primary sorting unit, a secondary sorting unit, and a tertiary sorting unit arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. The primary sorting unit and the secondary sorting unit have the same structure and are respectively arranged on the side plate of the conveying mechanism. The tertiary sorting unit is the discharge end of the conveying mechanism.

[0016] The primary sorting unit and the secondary sorting unit each include a pushing cylinder, a guide plate, and a guiding slide. The guiding slide is located outside the conveying mechanism and is inclined downwards. The side plate of the conveying mechanism has a sorting port, and the feeding end of the guiding slide is connected to the sorting port. The guide plate and the pushing cylinder are located on the opposite side of the guiding slide. The guide plate is located inside the side plate of the conveying mechanism, with one end fixed to the side plate of the conveying mechanism. The pushing cylinder is located outside the conveying mechanism and opposite to the guiding slide. The telescopic end of the pushing cylinder is fixedly connected to the movable end of the guide plate.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a continuous sea cucumber texture detection device. By integrating a chemical composition detection unit, an image acquisition unit, and a height acquisition unit into a multimodal detection mechanism, a non-contact detection scheme is constructed, abandoning the traditional destructive mechanical detection mode using texture analyzers, and enabling non-destructive testing of sea cucumbers. By setting the multimodal detection mechanism on the conveying mechanism, seamless integration of detection and production is achieved, thereby enabling 100% online, continuous, and non-destructive testing of every sea cucumber on the conveying mechanism. The tested sea cucumbers are intact and can be directly entered into the sales stage, realizing a revolutionary leap from "sampling inspection" to "100% inspection", greatly improving the quality control and product grading level of products.

[0018] This invention's multimodal detection mechanism enables high-speed data acquisition from sea cucumbers, completing the acquisition of full-dimensional information for a single sea cucumber within milliseconds. The detection speed perfectly matches the high-speed cycle of the production line. Combined with a sorting execution mechanism, it automates the process from texture detection to product grading, reducing the labor intensity of workers. Furthermore, by setting a texture prediction model within the data processing and control mechanism, this invention eliminates the subjectivity of human sensory evaluation and the human error of traditional sampling and testing. The detection standards are objective and uniform, and the data is reliable and repeatable, providing stable and trustworthy data support for the accurate grading of sea cucumbers.

[0019] The technical solution provided by this utility model realizes online, non-destructive, continuous, and intelligent detection and sorting of sea cucumber texture, solving the long-standing problem of the sea cucumber processing industry relying on offline, destructive, and inefficient texture detection. It is suitable for promotion and application in automated and intelligent production lines of the sea cucumber processing industry. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the multimodal detection mechanism of this utility model.

[0021] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Low-speed feeding section; 2. High-speed detection section; 3. Side plate; 4. Cover; 5. Near-infrared spectral sensor; 6. Industrial camera; 7. Machine vision light source; 8. Low-power linear laser; 9. Linear CCD; 10. Position sensor A; 11. Position sensor B; 12. Position sensor C; 13. Push cylinder; 14. Guide plate; 15. Guide slide; 16. Sorting port. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this utility model, a more detailed description of this utility model is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model provides a continuous sea cucumber texture detection device, which includes a data processing and control mechanism, and a conveying mechanism, a multimodal detection mechanism, and a sorting execution mechanism that are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. The data processing and control mechanism is located outside the conveying mechanism and is used to predict the hardness, elasticity, and chewiness of each sea cucumber that has passed through the multimodal detection mechanism to collect data, and to control the sorting execution mechanism to sort the sea cucumber.

[0024] The multimodal detection mechanism is mounted on the conveying mechanism, located at the top of the feed side, and is used to collect data on the chemical composition, size, shape, color, thickness, and other characteristics of each sea cucumber on the conveying mechanism, and send the collected information to the data processing and control mechanism. The sorting execution mechanism is mounted on the side of the conveying mechanism, located at the rear of the multimodal detection mechanism, and is used to execute the sorting instructions output by the data processing and control mechanism, sorting the corresponding sea cucumbers into the corresponding channels. Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the multimodal detection mechanism in this embodiment includes a cover 4, and a chemical composition detection unit, an image acquisition unit, and a height acquisition unit are sequentially arranged on the top inner side of the cover 4. The cover 4 covers the feeding side of the conveying mechanism to provide a darker environment for the detection area. The data acquisition ends of the chemical composition detection unit, the image acquisition unit, and the height acquisition unit are respectively pointed to the conveying surface of the conveying mechanism, thereby facilitating the collection of relevant data of sea cucumbers.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, the chemical composition detection unit includes a near-infrared spectral sensor 5, which is electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. In this embodiment, the near-infrared spectral sensor 5 is selected as an NIRS probe. The NIRS probe emits near-infrared light and receives the spectral information diffusely reflected back from the sea cucumber, enabling rapid and non-destructive acquisition of chemical components such as water content, protein structure, and polysaccharide composition within the sea cucumber. This process is error-free, provides objective and consistent detection standards, and ensures reliable data.

[0026] The image acquisition unit includes an industrial camera 6 and a machine vision light source 7, both electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. The industrial camera 6 is a high-resolution industrial camera, and the machine vision light source 7 is a linear machine vision light source. The extension direction of the machine vision light source 7 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism and is arranged adjacent to the industrial camera 6. The machine vision light source 7 provides a professional and uniform exposure environment for the sea cucumbers passing beneath it, avoiding reflections and shadows, and improving the clarity of the images captured by the industrial camera 6. The industrial camera 6 photographs the sea cucumbers, collecting information such as surface color, surface texture, and contour features, and provides this information to the data processing and control mechanism.

[0027] Overcooked sea cucumbers may have an abnormally dark color and a soft texture. The degree of overcooking can be indirectly determined by the color distribution on the sea cucumber's surface, such as average brightness and the depth of red / brown hues. Information such as the depth, thickness, and regularity of the wrinkles and grooves on the sea cucumber's surface is collected to judge its texture: numerous, deep, clear, and regular wrinkles indicate a dense internal protein gel network structure with strong contraction. Such sea cucumbers have a chewy and firm texture, while smooth surfaces with shallow and sparse wrinkles indicate a loose internal structure, poor contraction, and often a poorer texture. Furthermore, sea cucumbers with significant size differences will have varying degrees of firmness even when bitten with the same force. Collecting the sea cucumber's outline information to determine its size can help correct the results of the texture analysis. Generally, plump sea cucumbers have a better texture. In this embodiment, data such as the aspect ratio, area, and ratio of the smallest bounding rectangle are used to determine whether the sea cucumber is "thick" or "shriveled."

[0028] Furthermore, the height acquisition unit includes a low-power linear laser 8 and a linear CCD 9 (i.e., a linear charge-coupled device) that are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. The extension direction of the low-power linear laser 8 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism, and the linear CCD 9 is positioned on the side where the laser is reflected when the low-power linear laser 8 scans the sea cucumber. The thickness, fullness, and elasticity of the sea cucumber are strongly correlated. By combining the low-power linear laser 8 and the linear CCD 9, a laser triangulation ranging system is formed. The low-power linear laser 8 emits a linear laser beam that sweeps across the sea cucumber, and the linear CCD receives the deformation data of the laser beam. This allows the data processing and control mechanism to calculate the maximum thickness of the sea cucumber's cross-section in real time, assisting in judging the fullness and elasticity of the sea cucumber.

[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the conveying mechanism is a conveyor belt conveying mechanism, which includes a low-speed feeding section 1 and a high-speed detection section 2 connected along the material conveying direction. The low-speed feeding section 1 is used to control the feeding speed of sea cucumbers entering the high-speed detection section 2, and a multi-modal detection mechanism is set above the high-speed detection section 2. Specifically, a position sensor A10 is installed on the low-speed feeding section 1. The position sensor A10 is located near the feeding end of the low-speed feeding section 1 and is electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. At the same time, position sensors B11 and C12 are installed on the high-speed detection section 2 and are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism, respectively. The position sensors B11 and C12 are located at the inlet and outlet ends of the cover 4, respectively.

[0030] In the initial state, the rapid detection section 2 runs continuously. After the sea cucumber is conveyed to position sensor A10, the conveyor belt of the low-speed feeding section 1 stops running. When position sensors B11 and C12 detect that no sea cucumber has passed, the low-speed feeding section 1 starts and conveys sea cucumber to the rapid detection section 2. After position sensor B11 senses that the sea cucumber has passed, it sends a signal to the data processing control mechanism. The data processing control mechanism controls the multimodal detection mechanism to start detection and simultaneously controls the low-speed feeding section 1 to start running, feeding the next sea cucumber to be inspected to position sensor A10. After the sea cucumber has completed the inspection, it passes through position sensor C12 and enters the grading process. The data processing control mechanism controls the low-speed feeding section 1 and the rapid detection section 2 to repeat the above actions.

[0031] In this embodiment, in order to avoid multiple sea cucumbers entering the enclosure 4 for detection at the same time, the conveyor speed of the low-speed feeding section 1 is set to be lower than the conveyor speed of the fast detection section 2. Position sensors A10, B11, and C12 are all through-beam position sensors.

[0032] Furthermore, the sorting mechanism is configured according to the grade and quantity of sea cucumbers. In this embodiment, the sea cucumbers are divided into three grades. Therefore, the sorting mechanism includes a primary sorting unit, a secondary sorting unit, and a tertiary sorting unit arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. The primary and secondary sorting units have the same structure and are respectively arranged on the side plate 3 of the conveying mechanism. The tertiary sorting unit is the discharge end of the conveying mechanism. The primary sorting unit is used to transfer secondary sea cucumbers, the secondary sorting unit is used to transfer primary sea cucumbers, and the tertiary sorting unit is used to transfer premium-grade sea cucumbers. The sea cucumbers enter the subsequent production line through the primary, secondary, or tertiary sorting units.

[0033] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the primary sorting unit and the secondary sorting unit each include a pushing cylinder 13, a guide plate 14, and a guide chute 15. The guide chute 15 is located outside the conveying mechanism and slopes downwards. A sorting port 16 is provided on the side plate 3 of the conveying mechanism. The feeding end of the guide chute 15 connects to the sorting port 16, and the lower end connects to the subsequent production line for sea cucumber production. The guide plate 14 and the pushing cylinder 13 are located on the opposite side of the guide chute 15. The guide plate 14 is located inside the side plate 3 of the conveying mechanism, with one end fixed to the side plate 3. The pushing cylinder 13 is located outside the conveying mechanism, opposite to the guide chute 15, and its telescopic end is fixedly connected to the movable end of the guide plate 14. In this embodiment, to ensure that the guide plate 14 can swing and reset normally under the action of the pushing cylinder 13, a plate with good elasticity is selected for the guide plate 14.

[0034] When the primary or secondary sorting unit is activated, the data processing control mechanism controls the corresponding pusher cylinder 13 to extend, causing the rear end of the corresponding guide plate 14 to swing and connect with the corresponding sorting port 16. The sea cucumber slides into the corresponding guide slide 15 under the conveying action of the conveyor belt and the guiding action of the guide plate 14.

[0035] Furthermore, the data processing control mechanism is used to perform timestamp alignment and feature extraction on the multi-dimensional data acquired by the NIRS probe, industrial camera 6, and linear CCD 9 to form a comprehensive feature vector. To achieve this function, the data processing control mechanism in this embodiment uses an industrial computer or an embedded high-performance processor, and a texture prediction model trained by machine learning algorithms is pre-stored within the data processing control mechanism.

[0036] The training method for the texture prediction model is as follows: using a large number of sea cucumber samples, multimodal feature data is first collected through this device. Then, a traditional texture analyzer is immediately used to perform destructive testing on the samples to obtain the actual values ​​of hardness, elasticity, etc., and these values ​​are input into the data processing and control mechanism to establish a mapping relationship model between "feature data" and "actual texture values". This mapping relationship model is the texture prediction model for sea cucumbers. On the production line, the data processing and control mechanism inputs the multimodal feature vectors such as near-infrared spectra, images, and thickness collected in real time into this prediction model, which can instantly output key texture parameters such as predicted hardness, predicted elasticity, and predicted chewiness in milliseconds.

[0037] It is understood that this utility model has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Furthermore, under the teachings of this utility model, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A continuous sea cucumber texture detection device, characterized in that: It includes a data processing and control mechanism, and a conveying mechanism, a multimodal detection mechanism, and a sorting execution mechanism that are electrically and communicatively connected to it respectively. The data processing and control mechanism is located outside the conveying mechanism, the multimodal detection mechanism is located on the conveying mechanism and at the top of the conveying mechanism on the feeding side, and the sorting execution mechanism is located on the side of the conveying mechanism and at the rear end of the multimodal detection mechanism. The multimodal detection mechanism includes a cover (4), a chemical composition detection unit, an image acquisition unit, and a height acquisition unit arranged sequentially on the top of the inner side of the cover (4). The cover (4) covers the feeding side of the conveying mechanism, and the data acquisition ends of the chemical composition detection unit, the image acquisition unit, and the height acquisition unit point to the conveying surface of the conveying mechanism, respectively.

2. The continuous sea cucumber texture detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chemical composition detection unit includes a near-infrared spectral sensor (5), which is electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism.

3. The continuous sea cucumber texture detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image acquisition unit includes an industrial camera (6) and a machine vision light source (7) that are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing control mechanism. The industrial camera (6) is a high-resolution industrial camera (6), and the machine vision light source (7) is a linear machine vision light source (7). The extension direction of the machine vision light source (7) is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism and is arranged adjacent to the industrial camera (6).

4. The continuous sea cucumber texture detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height acquisition unit includes a low-power linear laser (8) and a linear CCD (9) that are electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing control mechanism, respectively. The extension direction of the low-power linear laser (8) is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism, and the linear CCD (9) is located on the side of the laser reflection when the low-power linear laser (8) scans the sea cucumber.

5. The continuous sea cucumber texture detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data processing control mechanism includes an industrial computer or an embedded high-performance processor, and the data processing control mechanism has a pre-stored texture prediction model.

6. The continuous sea cucumber texture detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism is a conveyor belt conveying mechanism, which includes a low-speed feeding section (1) and a fast detection section (2) connected along the material conveying direction. A position sensor A (10) is provided on the low-speed feeding section (1). The position sensor A (10) is located near the feeding end of the low-speed feeding section (1) and is electrically and communicatively connected to the data processing and control mechanism. The rapid detection section (2) is equipped with position sensor B (11) and position sensor C (12) which are electrically connected and communication connected to the data processing control mechanism, respectively. Position sensor B (11) and position sensor C (12) are located at the feed end and discharge end of the cover (4), respectively.

7. The continuous sea cucumber texture detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sorting execution mechanism includes a first-level sorting unit, a second-level sorting unit and a third-level sorting unit arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. The first-level sorting unit and the second-level sorting unit have the same structure and are respectively arranged on the side plate (3) of the conveying mechanism. The third-level sorting unit is the discharge end of the conveying mechanism.

8. The continuous sea cucumber texture detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first-level sorting unit and the second-level sorting unit respectively include a pusher cylinder (13), a guide plate (14) and a guide slide (15). The guide slide (15) is located outside the conveying mechanism and is inclined downward. The side plate (3) of the conveying mechanism has a sorting port (16). The feeding end of the guide slide (15) is connected to the sorting port (16). The guide plate (14) and the pusher cylinder (13) are located on the opposite side of the guide slide (15). The guide plate (14) is located inside the side plate (3) of the conveying mechanism, and one end is fixed to the side plate (3) of the conveying mechanism. The pusher cylinder (13) is located outside the conveying mechanism and opposite to the guide slide (15). The telescopic end of the pusher cylinder (13) is fixedly connected to the movable end of the guide plate (14).

Images