Laser and UV Imaging for Citrus Decay Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Citrus fruits undergoing latent decay are often undetectable during processing, leading to contamination and reduced yield, as both human inspectors and optical imaging systems struggle to identify these changes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the capture of both laser and ultraviolet (UV) images of citrus fruits, which are then analyzed to determine a decay value, enabling the detection of early and late decay, as well as latent decay manifestations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If workers visually inspect citrus fruit for visible defects, then obvious decay can be detected, but latent decay remains undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple independent imaging components: visible light imaging system, UV imaging system, and laser imaging system. Each system captures different aspects of decay detection, with the laser system specifically targeting latent decay through subsurface imaging capabilities, thereby overcoming the limitations of single-method visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the imaging parameters by using different wavelengths of light (visible, UV, and laser) to detect decay. The laser imaging system specifically uses laser light to penetrate and image subsurface structures, revealing latent decay that is invisible to the human eye and conventional optical systems.
2Productivity
If optical imaging systems are used to detect decay, then visible defects can be identified, but latent decay changes remain unnoticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging systems (visible light, UV, and laser) into a single integrated inspection platform. This combination allows the system to maintain high inspection efficiency while simultaneously detecting both visible and latent decay through the complementary capabilities of each imaging modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser imaging system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between visible surface inspection and internal decay detection. By using laser light to penetrate and image subsurface structures, it reveals latent decay information that neither visible light nor UV imaging can detect alone.
3Productivity
If decayed fruit is not detected during processing, then processing speed is maintained, but contamination spreads and yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of latent decay before the fruit progresses further through the processing line. By using laser imaging to identify subsurface decay early in the inspection process, the system enables timely removal of affected fruit, preventing contamination spread while maintaining overall processing speed.
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 effectively improves yield by accurately identifying decayed citrus fruits, preventing contamination, and ensuring higher quality products through timely removal of affected fruits.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a laser image of the food product
Implementation Method 2
obtain an ultraviolet (UV) image of the food product
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining a laser image of a food product. The method may include obtaining an ultraviolet (UV) image of the food product. The method may include determining a decay value of the food product, based on obtaining the laser image of the product and obtaining the UV image of the food product.