Optical Sensor Unit for In-Line Sugar Spike Detection in Potatoes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting 'sugar spike' defects in potatoes are inefficient, as they require heating test samples, leading to material loss and increased processing time, and cannot reliably identify defects in-line during potato processing, which affects product quality and safety due to potential acrylamide formation during cooking.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor unit that irradiates potatoes with light at multiple locations, records light measurement signals, and determines classification features from the spectra to identify 'sugar spike' defects, allowing for in-line detection and treatment of affected potatoes, either by sorting or trimming, using broadband light and photo sensors with multiple wavelengths to analyze reflected and transmitted light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heating test samples is used to detect sugar spike defects, then detection accuracy is improved, but material loss increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal heating method with an optical detection system using light sources and sensors to detect sugar spike defects. The sensor unit irradiates potatoes with light and measures reflected or transmitted light properties to identify defects without heating, thereby eliminating material loss from heating test samples while maintaining detection accuracy through optical property analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to detect sugar spike defects. By using light sources and sensors, the system indirectly detects the presence of sugar spikes through changes in light reflection or transmission properties caused by the defect, avoiding direct contact or heating of the potatoes and thus preventing material loss.
2Measurement precision
If heating test samples is used to detect sugar spike defects, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming thermal heating process with instant optical detection. The sensor unit uses light sources and detectors to measure optical properties of potatoes in real-time, eliminating the heating time required for traditional detection methods while maintaining detection accuracy through spectral or intensity analysis of the reflected or transmitted light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs detection before any processing or heating steps by using optical properties to identify sugar spike defects in raw potatoes. This preliminary optical screening allows defects to be detected in their natural state without requiring subsequent heating steps, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Productivity
If in-line detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor unit that integrates light sources, optical sensors, and signal processing capabilities into a single device capable of detecting sugar spike defects in-line. This universal device performs multiple functions (illumination, detection, analysis) simultaneously, enabling high-speed in-line detection that improves productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to autonomously detect and identify sugar spike defects without requiring manual intervention or complex external systems. The integrated system self-regulates by emitting light, measuring optical properties, and automatically identifying defects based on predetermined criteria, thereby improving in-line detection efficiency and productivity while keeping the control system relatively simple.
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 reliable, real-time detection of 'sugar spike' defects in potatoes, reducing material loss and processing time while ensuring product quality by preventing unsightly discoloration and acrylamide formation, allowing for continuous potato processing without the need for labor-intensive trimming or sample heating.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the potatoes with light using the incident light method and the light reflected from the potatoes is recorded
Implementation Method 2
measuring the light transmitted through the fruit or vegetable
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, a sensor unit and a machine for detecting “sugar end” defects in potatoes. The method comprises irradiating potatoes with at least one light source, for a plurality of locus points on each potato, wherein locus points lie on the end regions of the potato and other locus points lie in a central region of the potato. The light reflected from and/or transmitted through the respective locus points is selectively projected onto at least one photo sensor which generates light measurement signals for each locus point from the received light. At least one classification feature is determined from the light measurement signals. If at least one classification feature corresponds to a predefined “sugar end” criterion the respective potato is classified as having “sugar end” defects.