Electronic system for automatically classifying and quantifying fresh cacao beans with pulp

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic system for classifying and quantifying fresh cacao beans with pulp comprising: a bean separating unit that separates the beans via a vibration process; a processing unit that consists of a transport structure and sensors installed so as to facilitate the acquisition of characteristics of each bean; a storage unit that moves the beans to containers for each defined category; a power unit that provides operation via an electrical outlet and a back-up battery for emergency situations, and a production management unit that provides information transformed into statistics and graphs about the production in historical records or in real time.

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC CLASSIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF FRESH COCOA BEANS WITH PULP.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention is applied to the field of agriculture between the harvesting and fermentation process, where the classification of fresh grains with pulp is required for a separate and uniform process in fermentation.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] The following closest patent documents were found from the background search.

[0006] DI: CN111929410A, for Method for classifying seeds, by Hilscher Elke, Friedhoff Frank, and Hirschmann Christian; published on 13-11-2020. The method uses spectroscopy that, through terahertz radiation, can examine a seed sample. The quality of the seeds it manages to classify is divided into 6 grades: hollow seed, complete, slightly wrinkled, severely wrinkled, twin, and double embryo. The last two are classified as good quality, while the others must be discarded. The use of spectroscopy measures the signal after the transmission of the pulses and assigns its classification; this process is performed every 1 minute for each seed particle.

[0007] D2: CN216857406, for Grain Grading Device; by Yang Baocai; published on 07-01-2022; discloses a grain grading device. The device consists of a semicircular box, a grain agitator, an inclined plate, a fan, and a filter mesh. The various stages of the device, through fan blowing processes and the use of filters, are used to eliminate impurities and remove grain stalks.

[0008] D3: CN109858552, for Method and device that detects targets to classify fine grains, by Chen Haibo; published on 06-07-2019. It discloses a method consisting of a deep learning algorithm that analyzes captured images to obtain features that allow grains to be classified by size. The method is implemented in a device that executes and stores the results obtained. D4: PE20220291Z, Development of a mechatronic system for the automatic grain selection of the Generoso de lea pallar; by: Esteban Rafael Gutiérrez Torres, Hugo Ferrel Injante Infante, and Leonardo Nikolai Vinces Ramos; published on 03-01-2022. It discloses a mechatronic system that automatically selects non-defective dry pallar grains. The system consists of an image processing subsystem to detect defects in the pallars.In addition, they are composed of an electromechanical subsystem that allows the dosing, alignment, and selection of the beans from the pallar. These are controlled by software with control logic implemented in a PLC.

[0009] The problems and limitations found in these inventions are:

[0010] In DI it is oriented towards the classification of vegetable seeds, cereals, etc. where it is not designed for fresh cocoa seeds with pulp.

[0011] In D2, grain sorting involves removing impurities and leaving only clean grains. There is no provision for sorting by category or class of grains. Furthermore, this process is mechanized, using filters, agitators, and fans, but does not capture characteristics using sensors for improved automatic sorting.

[0012] In D3 it is oriented only to the classification of fine grains by size and does not have an enclosure to process and place the grains in enclosures identifiable by classes.

[0013] In D4, it only classifies dry pallar beans of the Generoso de lea type and acquires characteristics from a single type of color camera sensor. Furthermore, classification is restricted to two classes: good and defective, storing only one type and discarding the rest.

[0014] All of the solutions described above focus on the development of methods or devices that classify and / or eliminate impurities from beans other than the shape, texture, and color of cocoa with pulp. In some cases, they only use one type of sensor. This represents a limitation in the process of maximizing uniformity in fermentation and obtaining higher quality in cocoa-derived products. Furthermore, the traditional process for classifying beans with pulp does not involve the use of technology, which makes the classification inaccurate and labor-intensive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] As a solution to the problems mentioned in the previous paragraph, an electronic system for the automatic classification and quantification of fresh cocoa beans with pulp was developed. This system consists of hardware and software for the automatic classification and quantification of cocoa beans with pulp. The invention provides automation of the cocoa bean classification process with pulp to standardize the fermentation process and achieve improved quality in the final products.

[0016] The team performs an analysis using various sensors that automatically classify cocoa beans with pulp, reducing labor costs and improving the level of uniform, unbiased accuracy. In addition, for product management, the weight and quantity of each type of cocoa are quantified, providing statistical information for decision-making.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1: The block diagram of the operation of the electronic system for automatic classification and quantification of fresh cocoa beans with pulp and its interaction with the different units of the system is shown.

[0019] Figure 2: The parts of the grain separation unit are shown. The enumeration description is as follows:

[0020] • Grain entry (101)

[0021] • Vibration container (102)

[0022] • Thrust actuator (103)

[0023] • Vibration module (104)

[0024] Figure 3: The parts of the processing unit are shown. The enumeration description is as follows:

[0025] • Narrow lane (201)

[0026] • Color sensors (202)

[0027] • Rotating bed (203)

[0028] • RGB cameras (204)

[0029] • Spindle motor (205)

[0030] • Rail to bed thrust actuator (206)

[0031] • Algorithm processing and execution module (207) • Thermal camera (208)

[0032] • Control module (209)

[0033] Figure 4: The energy unit is shown. The enumeration descriptions are as follows:

[0034] • Outlet (301)

[0035] • Power Controller (302)

[0036] • Battery (303)

[0037] Figure 5: The parts of the storage unit are shown. The enumeration description is as follows:

[0038] • Cabins directed for storage (401)

[0039] • Duct for air blower (402)

[0040] • 20 kg load cells in each container (403)

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] As a solution to the problems mentioned above in the background, the present invention was developed, which refers to an electronic system for the automatic classification and quantification of fresh cocoa beans with pulp.

[0043] The invention is made up of the following units:

[0044] A grain separation unit featuring a mesh container, which vibrates to allow for initial separation of fresh, pulpy grains. It also consists of an actuator to push the grains from the container onto a narrow track with a conveyor belt to transport them to the processing unit.

[0045] A processing unit that collects information from two color sensors that measure wavelength, an industrial RGB camera, and a thermal camera, positioned adjacently to obtain characteristics such as colors, edges, shapes, etc. The data is analyzed using intelligent, low-computational algorithms implemented in a small-board processor, yielding relevant characteristics for classifying and counting fresh cocoa beans with pulp. The counting results by bean type and the obtained weight are transmitted to an application and / or a cloud database that stores the information by date and time.This unit also includes four spectroscopic sensors located at the end of the narrow lane to collect additional information and improve the identification of cocoa types with pulp. Electronic control mechanisms are used to transport the beans to the next stage or storage unit.

[0046] A storage unit consisting of an actuator to move the grains to each storage bin. This unit is configurable depending on the number of grain classes to be sorted and the configuration process defined in the central processing unit. The weight of the sorted grains for each class is recorded in this unit.

[0047] A data management subsystem that allows interaction with a mobile or web application to view the informative report on the weight data for each segment of grains entered, along with the count and final weight for each class. The data collected by the central processing unit is sent to the cloud via an internet connection. Otherwise, the central processing unit has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules to connect to any device through an application and store the data in memory. The information stored in memory or in the cloud is translated into graphs and statistics that provide information on productivity by harvest or a date history that allows interaction in the application with range searches.

[0048] A power unit that manages storage and distributes energy to all electronic components. This unit operates in two ways: first, using conventional electricity, and second, using clean energy that utilizes wind and / or solar power to increase energy harvesting efficiency. All energy harvested, whether conventional or clean, is stored in a battery for autonomous operation.

[0049] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The embodiment described here is part of the different embodiments that can be executed from the description of the present invention.

[0051] The electronic system for automatic grading and quantification of fresh cocoa beans with pulp comprises: A cocoa bean separation unit, a central processing unit, a power unit, a storage and weighing unit, and a data management unit.

[0052] The bean separation unit separates the fresh cocoa beans, as the viscosity of the mucilage clumps them together. The separated beans are transported to a processing unit, which uses image sensors and sensor data to provide information to an algorithm capable of classifying the bean type. Each classified bean is transported to a container, where it is stored and weighed.

[0053] The data obtained from the classification of each grain and the weight of the containers are transmitted to a database for managing incoming weight, quantity of grains for each class, weight of each class, and relevant description of the harvest.

[0054] The set of equipment of the grain classification system comprises the following elements: a grain separation unit (100), a processing unit (200) for grain classification, an energy unit (300) and a storage unit (400) for the collection of the different types of classified fresh grains.

[0055] The grain separation unit (100) is made up of an inlet structure (101) of conical shape with a diameter of 0.3 m and a cylindrical outlet with a diameter of 0.15 m to allow the entry in an adequate and localized manner into the container; a square vibration container (102) with dimensions 0.35 mx 0.35 m and separate vertical walls that allows the grains to be degrouped, since the mucilage and the compact structure of the cob makes the grains together; a vibration module (104) configured at a movement frequency between 1 Hz to 100 Hz such that it allows the grains to be separated, this module is conditioned under the container for the vibration movement; a 12v linear actuator (103) that is responsible for moving the grains from the vibration container to the processing unit.

[0056] The processing unit (200) is made up of a narrow lane (201) with a moving belt for transporting the separated beans; an industrial RGB camera (204) and a thermal camera (208) conditioned adjacently to obtain captures from the same plane and superimpose the sensed characteristics of the beans to increase the information, with this preliminary results are obtained in the detection of classes of cocoa beans with pulp; four AS7265x spectroscopy sensors (202) arranged at the end of the narrow lane (201) to collect additional information and improve the result of the identification of the classes of cocoa with pulp;a NVIDIA Jetson Orí small board computer (207) that through sensor communication via USB, Ethernet, SPI and I2C interfaces allows all the required information to be collected and the processing algorithms to be executed with the different types of sensors to identify the types of fresh cocoa beans with pulp through shape, color and temperature; an actuator (206) that pushes the beans in an orderly manner; a rotating bed containing grids (203) where each bean sits and the turning motor (205) allows each bean to be quickly moved to the storage ducts for each type. All electronic systems are managed by a control module (209) allowing order in the wiring of interfaces and switches for the activation of each electronic device.

[0057] The power unit (300) is comprised of a power controller (302) designed to exchange between an electrical power source and a battery backup (303), this storage medium being supplied with power by a power cable through a charging socket (301). The power backup allows for extended operation in the event of a domestic power outage.

[0058] The storage unit (400) comprises a nozzle for the air blower (402) that pushes the cocoa beans into the ducts defined for each class; five duct structures for storing the cocoa beans by class (401); five load cells (403) of 20 kg equipped with HX711 modules to know the weight of each type of cocoa selected, this allows obtaining production results by harvest.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An electronic system for grading and quantifying fresh cocoa beans with pulp; characterized in that it comprises: a) A cocoa bean separation unit, which has a mesh screen, a vibrating device to separate the cocoa beans from the pulp b) a central processing unit, which has a control unit to control the transport of the beans to the following units, a reduced plate processor, two color sensors, an RGB camera, where algorithms are installed in the processor to classify and count the cocoa beans c) a power unit comprising an electrical power supply and alternatively wind and solar energy; d) a storage and weighing unit comprising an actuator to move the beans to storage containers and a scale to weigh the cocoa beans in each storage container.e) a data management unit to interact with a mobile or web application to view the information report on the weight data for each storage vessel; data collected by the central processing unit is sent to the cloud via an internet connection, or via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules to connect to any device via an application and store the data in a memory.

2. An electronic system for grading and quantifying fresh cocoa beans with pulp according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage and weighing unit is configurable depending on the requirement for the types of cocoa beans needed.

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