Berry Maturity Analysis via Optical Imaging and Colorimetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing grape maturity in viticulture are inadequate as they do not fully capture the complexity of maturation processes and are often subjective or rely on chemical assays, failing to provide comprehensive insights into the ripening process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for analyzing berries using visual characteristics, such as geometric and colorimetric features, which involve image acquisition, contour identification, and determination of volume and heterogeneity factors, allowing for temporal monitoring and prediction of berry changes, including withering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical dosage techniques are used to measure sugar or acid concentration in grape berries, then measurement precision of maturity parameters is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical dosage systems with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of grape berries, and image processing algorithms extract geometric characteristics (volume, surface area, sphericity) and colorimetric characteristics (RGB values, color indices) to assess maturity. This substitution eliminates complex chemical laboratories while achieving comprehensive maturity evaluation through visual features that correlate with biochemical composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct chemical parameter measurement (sugar concentration, acid concentration) to indirect optical parameter measurement (image geometry, color values). The system captures images and processes them to derive maturity indicators through geometric and colorimetric parameters, fundamentally changing the measurement domain from chemical to optical while maintaining assessment accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple chemical assays are performed to fully understand maturity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate chemical assays into a single integrated imaging operation. Instead of performing separate measurements for sugar content, acid content, and other maturity parameters, the system captures one image and simultaneously extracts all relevant geometric and colorimetric characteristics. This consolidation provides comprehensive maturity characterization in a single rapid operation, eliminating the time required for multiple sequential chemical tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming chemical assay procedures with rapid optical imaging and digital image processing. The system captures images and processes them through algorithms that simultaneously determine multiple maturity parameters, reducing analysis time from potentially hours or days of chemical work to seconds or minutes of imaging and computation.
3Ease of operation
If subjective tasting methods are used to assess berry maturity, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human tasting with objective optical imaging and automated image processing. The system captures images and uses algorithms to extract precise geometric and colorimetric measurements, eliminating human subjectivity. The automated processing provides consistent, reproducible results based on measurable visual characteristics rather than variable human sensory interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the assessment basis from subjective sensory parameters (taste, smell) to objective optical parameters (image geometry, color values, light reflection). This transformation enables precise, quantifiable measurement of maturity characteristics through visual features that can be consistently measured and processed by computer algorithms.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive chemical analysis is performed on all berries, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces labor-intensive chemical analysis with rapid optical imaging that can process large numbers of berries quickly. The imaging system captures images of multiple berries simultaneously or in rapid succession, and automated image processing extracts characteristics for each berry without manual intervention. This dramatically increases throughput while maintaining precise measurement of geometric and colorimetric parameters for all analyzed berries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single imaging operation. Instead of performing separate chemical tests on each berry, the system captures one image and simultaneously measures volume, surface area, sphericity, color, and other characteristics for multiple berries. This merging of functions maintains comprehensive data collection while dramatically increasing analysis productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for analysing berries, said method being characterised in that: berries are arranged on an analysis plate, an image of the berries is recorded, said image consisting of pixels of at least one component of an elementary colour, the contours of the berries are identified, and geometric and/or colorimetric characteristics of the berries are determined. The number of berries can then be determined, or a volume, a surface area, a surface area to volume ratio, and a characteristic concentration for each berry can be determined, in addition to an average, for all of the pixels inside the contour of a defined berry, of the values of a component of an elementary colour of a component of interest. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said method. The invention especially relates to viticulture and to the analysis of the maturity of the grape.