Optical Imaging for Sugar Beet Quality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the quality of sugar beets after harvest are time-consuming and require trained personnel, delaying the adaptation of sugar production processes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile system equipped with an optical image capture system and near-infrared spectroscopy device for contactless detection and analysis of sugar beets, allowing for rapid determination of suitable and unsuitable portions, enabling immediate adaptation of production processes without the need for trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trained personnel inspect sugar beets and samples are examined in a laboratory, then quality parameters can be determined, but processing time is extended and personnel effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection by trained personnel and laboratory analysis with an automated optical image capture system. The system uses cameras and image processing algorithms to automatically determine quality parameters such as sugar content, color, and defects, eliminating the need for mechanical manual sampling and laboratory examination while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the sugar beets using image capture devices, which are then processed digitally to determine quality parameters. This copying approach replaces the need for physical sampling and laboratory analysis, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accurate quality assessment.
2Measurement precision
If trained personnel inspect sugar beets, then quality parameters can be determined, but personnel effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the optical image capture system automatically performs quality assessment without requiring trained personnel. The system captures images, processes them through algorithms, and determines quality parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for human inspection effort while maintaining precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical process of manual inspection by trained personnel with an automated optical system. The image capture devices and processing algorithms replace human eyes and expertise, determining quality parameters automatically without requiring any personnel effort for inspection.
3Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis is performed to determine sugar content, then accurate quality parameters are obtained, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying (imaging) of the sugar beets to determine sugar content and other quality parameters. The image capture system takes photographs of the beets, and image processing algorithms analyze color, texture, and other visual characteristics to estimate sugar content, replacing time-consuming laboratory analysis with rapid optical assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and chemical processes of laboratory analysis with an optical system. The image capture devices and digital image processing substitute for physical sampling, chemical reagents, and laboratory equipment, providing rapid sugar content determination without the time delays associated with traditional laboratory methods.
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
Enables quick and efficient determination of sugar beet quality, allowing for immediate process adjustments in sugar production, reducing processing time and personnel effort while improving the accuracy of sugar content analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical image capture system that is used to determine at least one useful portion of the sugar beet that is suitable for sugar production and/or to determine at least one residual portion of the sugar beet that is not suitable for sugar production
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mobile system for harvesting and/or transporting and/or loading sugar beets, comprising an optical imaging system (70) configured to determine at least a useful portion of the sugar beets suitable for sugar production and/or to determine at least a residual portion of the sugar beets not suitable for sugar production. The invention further relates to a sugar production system with such a mobile device (51, 52, 53) and with a sugar production system which is set up to set at least one process parameter depending on the useful portion and/or residual portion determined with the optical image capture system (70). The invention further relates to a method for sugar production, wherein sugar beets are harvested and/or transported and/or loaded using a mobile system (51, 52, 53), wherein with an optical image capture system (70) of the mobile system (51, 52, 53) at least one useful portion that is suitable for sugar production and/or at least one residual portion of the sugar beet that is not suitable for sugar production is determined, wherein at least one process parameter is set in a sugar production plant depending on the useful portion and/or the residual portion determined with the optical image capture system.