Umbilicated Fruit Orientation via Optical Detection and Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for orienting umbilicated fruits, such as apples and tomatoes, in packaging are inefficient and unreliable, leading to manual orientation in packaging lines despite automation efforts, as they fail to consistently align fruits with their stalks in the same direction and present the most colorful, uniform surface.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-axis rotation system with optical analysis using cameras to detect the umbilicus and adjust fruit orientation, ensuring each umbilicus is aligned in a predetermined plane and the most colorful surface is facing upwards, utilizing a programmable processing unit to control the rotation based on image analysis results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual orientation is used, then reliability of fruit orientation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical orientation with an automated optical-mechanical system. Cameras capture fruit images, a processing unit analyzes umbilicus position, and actuators automatically rotate fruit to correct orientation, eliminating manual labor while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables fruits to self-orient automatically through the automated detection and rotation mechanism, where each fruit is individually analyzed and adjusted without human intervention, improving both productivity and consistency
2Productivity
If automated orientation methods are used, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback where cameras continuously monitor fruit orientation, the processing unit analyzes position accuracy, and actuators make real-time adjustments to achieve precise umbilicus alignment, ensuring high reliability at automated speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical detection (cameras) and computational analysis instead of mechanical sensing, providing more accurate feedback for reliable automated orientation control
3Device complexity
If simple rotation mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement devices with optical cameras and digital image processing, simplifying the physical system while dramatically improving measurement precision through software-based umbilicus position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the fruit and its umbilicus, allowing precise measurement and analysis in the digital domain without requiring complex physical measurement instruments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves near-perfect reliability in fruit orientation, allowing for automatic, efficient, and cost-effective alignment of fruits in industrial packaging, ensuring consistent orientation and presentation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical analysis of an upper surface of the fruit is carried out at least during at least part of the first orientation phase using at least one camera disposed above the fruit capturing images of said upper surface of the fruit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for orienting an umbilicated fruit, in which, during a first orientation phase (22), the presence of at least a portion of an umbilicus is detected in at least one initial image (II), then the fruit is driven (24) in spinning rotation about a first axis of rotation at an angular amplitude of between 5° and 45°, and then the presence of at least a portion of an umbilicus is detected in at least one subsequent image (IU). If at least a portion of an umbilicus is detected in at least one initial image (II) and no longer detected in each subsequent image (IU), the first orientation phase is stopped and the method is continued.