Pepper De-stemming via Machine Vision and Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The harvesting and processing of whole peppers are labor-intensive, with increasing labor costs and diminishing availability of low-cost labor, necessitating a mechanized solution for de-stemming to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
Mechanized de-stemming systems utilizing mechanical, laser, machine vision, or combinations thereof to recognize the pepper's shoulder or interior density for precise removal of the stem and calyx, minimizing manual labor and waste while maintaining pepper freshness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hand grading and de-stemming are used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but processing cost increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pepper de-stemming system uses machine vision to automatically detect pepper orientation and shoulder location, then triggers a cutting mechanism to perform de-stemming without human intervention. The system serves itself by using sensors to guide the entire process from detection to execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical de-stemming with an automated system combining machine vision (optical detection) and mechanical cutting. The vision system substitutes human visual inspection, while the automated cutter replaces hand operations
2Ease of manufacture
If de-stemming is done in foreign countries, then labor cost decreases, but transportation cost increases and freshness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables local processing by automating de-stemming equipment that can operate independently without requiring foreign labor. The automated system performs the function previously dependent on external labor resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces foreign labor with automated de-stemming machinery, substituting human workers from other countries with local automated equipment, thereby eliminating transportation requirements
3Productivity
If automated de-stemming is implemented, then productivity increases, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine vision system continuously monitors pepper position and orientation, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables precise adjustment of cutting timing and position based on actual pepper characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation of the pepper's physical characteristics through machine vision imaging. This optical copy allows the control system to analyze and plan the cutting action before execution, ensuring precision
Data Source
AI summary
A way of dealing with challenges to the pepper processing industry and pepper growers is to mechanize pepper processing, including the de-stemming of whole peppers. The present example provides a method for mechanically de-stemming whole peppers. The method provides for the recognition of a pepper's shoulder and or interior regions and stem in order to generate a control signal to initiate a process to de-stem the pepper. In particular, several implementations of the method are provided that may include a mechanical system, a laser system, a machine vision system, a combination of a machine vision system and the laser system, and other equivalent implementations. Additionally disclosed, are methods of processing whole peppers utilizing automated de-stemming.