JP2006098108A - Internal quality evaluation device for produce - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an internal quality evaluation device for produce obtaining a measured result averaged as the whole pulp of the produce, and a measured result having high sensitivity, in particular, as to an upper side or an outer circumferential part where a degree of sugar or the like is high, when receiving transmission light from an inside of the produce to measure internal quality thereof as to the produce with the internal quality having the degree of sugar or the like omnipresent in the upper side. <P>SOLUTION: This device is provided with a mechanism for switching a height position of a pair of light sources 2a, 2a arranged in a sideway of the produce 1, a mechanism for rotating an emission angle from each of the light sources 2a, 2a, or a mechanism for switching a space between a pair of light sources 2b, 2b emitting measuring light from a diagonal upper side of the produce 1, so as to allow switching between the measuring light emission toward an upper side of the produce 1 and the measuring light emission toward a side part. Alternatively, the device is provided with the pair of light sources 2b, 2b for emitting the measuring light from the diagonal upper side of the produce 1 toward the upper side thereof, and the pair of light sources 2a, 2a for emitting the measuring light from the sideway of the produce 1 toward the side part thereof, and the light sources are selectively switched to emit the measuring light from either of the light sources. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention irradiates measurement light from a light source to fruits and vegetables conveyed on a conveyance line, and receives the transmitted light transmitted through the inside of the fruits and vegetables with a light receiving unit, thereby improving the internal quality such as sugar content and acidity of the fruits and vegetables. The present invention relates to a device for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables to be evaluated, and more particularly, to an improvement in technology for measuring the internal quality of fruits and vegetables in which parts having a high sugar content are unevenly distributed in the pulp.

  Some fruits and vegetables such as fruits and vegetables, when harvested in a fully ripe state, cause a decrease in taste, fleshing of the flesh, browning of the flesh, etc. In order to prevent this, the flesh is hard and fully ripe. Harvested in a state that is not, then ripened by leaving it at a constant temperature to make it suitable for edible use. Conversely, some fruits and vegetables are desirable to be harvested in the ripe state, and the optimum harvest time varies with individual fruits and vegetables. Conventionally, sugar content, acidity, ripeness, and the like have been measured in order to obtain an optimum harvest time standard for individual fruits and vegetables.

  Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for measuring fruit quality such as sugar content, acidity, and ripeness of fruits and vegetables from the outside without destroying the fruits and vegetables. For example, there is known a method of irradiating fruits and vegetables with near-infrared light and detecting reflected light from the fruits or vegetables or transmitted light transmitted through the inside of the fruits and vegetables (Patent Document 1).

  Among these, in the method of measuring the transmitted light that has passed through the inside of the fruit and vegetables, the light irradiated to the fruit and vegetables scatters inside the fruit and vegetables, the transmitted light that has passed through is received by the light receiving part, and the detection signal from the light receiving part is received. The internal quality such as sugar content is measured based on the absorbance obtained by the analysis. By this method, the internal quality of fruits and vegetables such as peach, pear, apple, citrus, melon, watermelon and tomato is measured.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a conventional internal quality evaluation apparatus using the above-described method for measuring transmitted light (showing an arrangement viewed from the front in the transport direction). As shown in the drawing, the measuring light is irradiated from both sides of the fruits and vegetables 1 on the transport line 5 by the pair of light sources 102 and 102. The measurement light incident from the side of the fruits and vegetables 1 toward the center is scattered at the deep part of the pulp, and part of the scattered light is transmitted downward. An opening 4 a is provided at the bottom of the tray 4 on which the fruits and vegetables 1 are placed, and transmitted light that has been scattered and transmitted downward in the fruits and vegetables 1 is received by the light receiving unit 103 that is disposed below the transport line 5. Received light.

The detection signal from the light receiving unit 103 is analyzed by an analysis device (not shown), and by measuring the absorbance in the light wavelength range set according to the type of fruits and vegetables 1, the inside of the range through which the transmitted light passes is averaged Quality (sugar content, acidity, maturity, etc.) is obtained.
JP 2002-139442 A

  However, depending on the type of fruits and vegetables, the sugar content distribution in the pulp may be biased. For example, in peaches, strawberries, citrus fruits, etc., the sugar content near the opposite side (flower fall) often increases locally. . Moreover, in peaches, apples, pears, citrus fruits, etc., the sugar content at the outer periphery is often higher than the fruit center. When such fruits and vegetables are placed and transported on the tray 4 on the transport line 5 in FIG. 13 so that the highest sugar content portion is on the upper side of the fruits and vegetables 1, the maximum amount of the fruits and vegetables 1 in this conventional apparatus is conveyed. There was a problem that the detection sensitivity at the sugar content site was low, and a measurement result that sufficiently reflected this site could not be obtained.

  That is, as shown in the figure, when the measurement light is irradiated from the side to the side of the fruit 1 to detect the transmitted light downward, the downward transmitted light is transmitted to the side of the fruit 1 inside the fruit 1. Since the main component is from the light path passing from the center to the center and scattered downward, the amount of light that has passed through the upper part of the fruit and vegetable 1 is small, and the upper part of the fruit and vegetable 1 that has the highest sugar content is fully reflected. I cannot get the correct signal.

  Depending on the type and purpose of the fruits and vegetables to be measured, it may be necessary to obtain the average sugar content of the entire pulp, or it may be possible to obtain a sugar content that sufficiently reflects the degree of sugar content at the unevenly distributed highest sugar content site. It may be necessary. It may also be desirable to obtain both sugar content information simultaneously.

  In the present invention, when measuring the fruits and vegetables whose internal qualities such as sugar content are unevenly distributed on the upper side based on the absorbance, an averaged measurement result of the fruits and vegetables as a whole is obtained, and the sugar content and the like are particularly high. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables that can also obtain measurement results having high sensitivity in the upper side or outer peripheral region.

The apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables of the present invention irradiates measurement light from a light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line, and receives the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit, thereby improving the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables. An internal quality evaluation device for fruits and vegetables to be evaluated,
A pair of light sources arranged at lateral positions on both sides of the fruit and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
Light source position switching in which the pair of light sources is moved in the height direction of the fruits and vegetables, and the light sources are switched and arranged at a position at which the measurement light is irradiated onto the fruits or vegetables, or a position at which the measurement light is irradiated onto the sides of the fruits and vegetables. Mechanism,
And an upper light receiving unit that receives transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light from the pair of light sources.

  In the above invention, a mechanism for switching the light source position is provided, and the light sources arranged on both sides of the fruits and vegetables are arranged at the height position where the measurement light is irradiated to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables, and the measurement light is directed to the sides of the fruits and vegetables. It can be arranged at the height position to irradiate.

  These light sources are placed at a height position that irradiates the measurement light to the side of the fruits and vegetables, and the measurement light is irradiated. The average sugar content of the whole pulp can be measured.

  On the other hand, these light sources are placed at a height position where the upper part of the fruits and vegetables is irradiated with the measurement light and irradiated with the measurement light, thereby receiving and analyzing the transmitted light containing a large amount of components that have passed through the upper part of the fruits and vegetables. It is possible to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region on the upper side or the outer periphery having a particularly high sugar content.

  Thus, since the height position of the light source is switched by the light source position switching mechanism, when measuring the fruits and vegetables whose internal quality such as sugar content is unevenly distributed on the upper side based on the absorbance, In addition to obtaining an averaged measurement result as a whole, a measurement result having high sensitivity can be obtained on the upper side where sugar content and the like are particularly high.

  According to the apparatus of the present invention, by switching the height position of the light source according to different types of fruits and vegetables conveyed through the conveyance line, in some fruits and vegetables, the measurement light is radiated to the side portions thereof as the whole fruits and vegetables. By measuring the average sugar content and irradiating measurement light on the upper part of other types of fruits and vegetables, it is possible to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region on the upper side or the outer peripheral portion where the sugar content is particularly high.

  In addition, according to the apparatus of the present invention, both the above-mentioned measurement is performed by switching the height position of the light source on the fruits and vegetables that have been transported on the transport line and reached the measuring section, and each information about the internal quality is obtained simultaneously. Can do.

The apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables of the present invention irradiates measurement light from a light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line, and receives the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit, thereby improving the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables. An internal quality evaluation device for fruits and vegetables to be evaluated,
A pair of light sources arranged at lateral positions on both sides of the fruit and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
The irradiation angle of the measurement light from the pair of light sources is rotated so that the irradiation angle irradiates the measurement light to the upper part of the fruits or vegetables, or the irradiation angle irradiates the measurement light to the sides of the fruits and vegetables. An irradiation angle switching mechanism for switching,
And an upper light receiving unit that receives transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruit and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light to the upper side of the fruit and vegetables.

  In the above invention, a mechanism for rotating the irradiation angle of the measurement light from the light source, preferably a mechanism for rotating the light source, is provided, and the measurement light from each light source disposed on both sides of the fruits and vegetables It can be adjusted to the angular position at which the measurement light is irradiated to the upper part and the angular position at which the measurement light is irradiated to the side part of the fruit or vegetable.

  By irradiating the measurement light from these light sources as the angle at which the side of the fruit and vegetables is irradiated with the measurement light, and receiving and analyzing the transmitted light from a wide area inside the fruit and vegetable flesh The average sugar content of the whole fruit and vegetable flesh can be measured.

  On the other hand, the measurement light from these light sources is used as the angle at which the upper part of the fruits and vegetables is irradiated with the measurement light, thereby receiving and analyzing the transmitted light containing many components that have passed through the upper part of the fruits and vegetables. By doing so, it is possible to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region on the upper side or the outer periphery where the sugar content is particularly high.

  As described above, since the angle of the measurement light is switched by the irradiation angle switching mechanism, when measuring the fruits and vegetables whose internal qualities such as sugar content are unevenly distributed on the upper side based on the absorbance, the whole pulp of the fruits and vegetables As a result, an averaged measurement result can be obtained, and a measurement result having a high sensitivity can be obtained for the upper side or the outer periphery having a particularly high sugar content.

  According to the apparatus of the present invention, by switching the irradiation angle according to different types of fruits and vegetables conveyed through the conveying line, in some fruits and vegetables, the side is irradiated with measurement light, and the average sugar content of the fruits and vegetables as a whole is averaged. In other types of fruits and vegetables, the upper part of the fruit and vegetables can be irradiated with measurement light to measure the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the region on the upper side where the sugar content is particularly high.

  Moreover, according to the apparatus of this invention, about the fruit and vegetables which were conveyed on the conveyance line and reached the measurement part, both said measurement can be performed by switching an irradiation angle, and each information about internal quality can be obtained simultaneously.

The apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables of the present invention irradiates measurement light from a light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line, and receives the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit, thereby improving the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables. An internal quality evaluation device for fruits and vegetables to be evaluated,
A pair of light sources disposed obliquely above both sides of the fruits and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction, and irradiating measurement light to the fruits and vegetables obliquely downward;
The pair of light sources are moved substantially horizontally in the width direction of the transport line so that they are close to or away from each other, and the measurement light is irradiated to the position where the measurement light is irradiated to the upper part of the fruit or vegetables, or to the side of the fruit and vegetables A light source interval switching mechanism that switches and arranges the pair of light sources at the irradiation position;
And an upper light receiving unit that receives transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruit and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light to the upper side of the fruit and vegetables.

  In the above invention, there is provided a mechanism for moving a pair of light sources that irradiate measurement light to the fruits and vegetables from diagonally upward positions on both sides of the fruits and vegetables substantially horizontally so that they are close to or away from each other, The measurement light from these light sources can be arranged at a position for irradiating the upper part of the fruits and vegetables and at a position for irradiating the side parts of the fruits and vegetables.

  These light sources are arranged at intervals to irradiate the side of the fruits and vegetables with measurement light, and irradiated with the measurement light, thereby receiving and analyzing transmitted light from a wide area inside the fruit and vegetable flesh. The average sugar content can be measured.

  On the other hand, these light sources are arranged at intervals to irradiate the measurement light on the upper part of the fruits and vegetables and irradiated with the measurement light, thereby receiving and analyzing the transmitted light containing a large amount of components that have passed through the upper part of the fruit and fruit. It is possible to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region on the upper side or the outer peripheral portion where is particularly high.

  As described above, since the irradiation position of the measurement light to the fruits and vegetables is switched by the light source interval switching mechanism, the fruits and vegetables having the internal quality such as sugar content unevenly distributed on the upper side are measured based on the absorbance. As a result, an averaged measurement result of the whole pulp can be obtained, and a measurement result having a high sensitivity can be obtained on the upper side or the outer peripheral part having a particularly high sugar content.

  According to the apparatus of the present invention, by switching the light source interval according to different types of fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line, in some fruits and vegetables, the side is irradiated with measurement light, and the average sugar content of the fruits and vegetables as a whole In other types of fruits and vegetables, the upper part of the fruit and vegetables can be irradiated with measurement light to measure the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the region on the upper side where the sugar content is particularly high.

  Further, according to the apparatus of the present invention, both the above-mentioned measurements can be performed on the fruits and vegetables that have been transported through the transport line and have reached the measuring section while switching the light source interval, and information about internal quality can be obtained simultaneously.

  In each of the above inventions, instead of the upper light receiving unit, a lower light receiving unit that receives transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruit and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light to the lower side of the fruit and vegetables may be provided.

The apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables of the present invention irradiates measurement light from a light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line, and receives the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit, thereby improving the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables. An internal quality evaluation device for fruits and vegetables to be evaluated,
A pair of obliquely upward light sources for irradiating measurement light from obliquely above both sides of the fruit and vegetables to the upper part of the fruit and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
A pair of side light sources for irradiating measurement light from the sides of the fruits and vegetables to the sides of the fruits and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
An upper light receiving unit that receives transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light from above the fruits and vegetables,
By selectively switching between the oblique upper light source and the side light source, the measurement light is emitted from one of these light sources, and the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables is received by the upper light receiving unit. It is characterized by that.

  In the above invention, a pair of oblique upper light sources that irradiate measurement light onto the upper part of the fruits and vegetables and a pair of side light sources that irradiate measurement light onto the side parts of the fruits and vegetables are provided. The light irradiation is switched to the side portion.

  By irradiating the side of the fruit with measuring light from the side light source, and receiving and analyzing the transmitted light from a wide area inside the fruit and vegetable fruit, the average sugar content of the whole fruit and fruit can be measured.

  On the other hand, by irradiating the upper part of fruits and vegetables with measuring light from an obliquely upper light source, and receiving and analyzing the transmitted light containing a large amount of components that have passed through the upper part of the fruit and vegetables, the region on the upper side or outer peripheral part with a particularly high sugar content It is possible to measure the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the above.

  As described above, since the measurement is performed by switching between the light source for irradiating the upper part of the fruit and vegetables and the light source for irradiating the side part of the fruit and vegetables, these are obtained for the fruit and vegetables whose internal quality such as sugar content is unevenly distributed on the upper side. When measuring based on the absorbance, an averaged measurement result of the whole fruit and vegetable flesh can be obtained, and a measurement result having high sensitivity can be obtained on the upper side or the outer peripheral part having a particularly high sugar content.

  According to the apparatus of the present invention, by switching the light source according to different types of fruits and vegetables conveyed through the conveying line, in some fruits and vegetables, the side light source irradiates the measurement light to the side portion, and the whole fruits and vegetables of the fruits and vegetables The average sugar content is measured, and in other types of fruits and vegetables, measurement light can be irradiated from the obliquely upward light source to the upper portion thereof, and the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the region on the upper side or the outer peripheral portion where sugar content is particularly high can be measured.

  Further, according to the apparatus of the present invention, the fruits and vegetables that have been transported on the transport line and have reached the measurement unit are switched between the side light source and the diagonally upper light source, and both of the above measurements are performed. Can be obtained at the same time. In this case, for example, it is preferable to provide a light source switching unit that is configured by an electronic circuit, a computer, or the like that works with an analysis unit that analyzes a signal from the light receiving unit, and that instructs switching of the light source.

  In the above invention, instead of the upper light receiving part, a lower light receiving part for receiving transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruit and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light to the lower side of the fruit and vegetables is provided, and the oblique upper light source and the side are provided. The light source may be selectively switched, and measurement light may be emitted from one of these light sources, and the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables may be received by the lower light receiving unit.

  In the present specification, the “internal quality” of fruits and vegetables includes fruit quality such as sugar content, acidity, ripeness, and honey amount of fruits and vegetables. In particular, the present invention can be suitably used for fruits and vegetables in which a region having a high sugar content is unevenly distributed.

  In the present specification, the “fruits and vegetables” includes all fruits and vegetables to which the present invention can be applied. Examples of the fruits and vegetables to which the present invention can be suitably applied include peaches, pears, apples, and citrus fruits. The apparatus of the present invention is suitably used for these sugar content measurements.

  In this specification, “upper part of fruits and vegetables” means an unevenly distributed region having the highest sugar content or the like in the pulp of fruits and vegetables placed on a tray or the like for conveyance or measurement, or this region is directly irradiated with measurement light. This represents the height range of the fruits and vegetables and depends on the kind of the fruits and vegetables. Usually, the height range h2 shown in FIG. 12 is within 50% of the total height h1 of the fruits and vegetables 1.

According to the internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables of the present invention, for fruits and vegetables whose internal quality such as sugar content is unevenly distributed on the upper side or the outer periphery, an average measurement result of the whole fruit and vegetable flesh can be obtained, and the sugar content and the like can be obtained. In particular, a measurement result having high sensitivity can be obtained for a high upper side or outer periphery.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables according to the present invention (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). Hereinafter, a case where the sugar content of fruits such as peaches is measured will be described. As shown in the figure, this internal quality evaluation apparatus includes a pair of side light sources 2a and 2a for irradiating the fruits and vegetables 1 with the measurement light from both sides of the fruits and vegetables 1 with respect to the conveyance direction of the conveyance line 5 and the measurement light. And an upper light receiving portion 3a for receiving the transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the irradiated fruits and vegetables 1 upward to the fruits and vegetables 1.

  As the side light source 2a, a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp or the like can be used, and near infrared light is mainly used. The measurement light may be spot light collected by arranging a slit plate, a lens, or the like, or substantially parallel light.

  The pair of side light sources 2a and 2a can move in the height direction. As a mechanism for moving these height positions and switching the arrangement position, for example, an actuator 6 by pressure driving, electromagnetic driving or the like attached to the side light sources 2a, 2a can be used. By operating, the arrangement of the side light sources 2a can be switched at a desired timing as required.

  By the operation of the actuator 6, the side light source 2 a can be arranged at the height position in FIG. 1 that irradiates the measurement light to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 and the height position in FIG. It is like that. When the direction of the measurement light from the side light source 2a is slightly obliquely downward, the height position in FIG. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a rotating member (not shown) attached to the side light source 2a is rotated to move the side light source 2a in the height direction along a circumferential path, or in the height direction. By rotating the angle of the side light source 2a itself after the movement, the angle of the measurement light from the side light source 2a may be different at each height position before and after the movement.

  When the pair of side light sources 2a and 2a are arranged at the height position in FIG. 1, they are placed on the tray 4 arranged at a predetermined interval on the conveyance line 5 and conveyed on the conveyance line 5 to the measuring unit. Measuring light is irradiated to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1. The main component of the measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered through the upper region having a high sugar content, and a part of this scattered light is directed upward and emitted from the upper portion of the fruits and vegetables 1 as transmitted light. It enters the part 3a.

  The upper light receiving unit 3a includes a photomultiplier tube, a photodiode, a CCD camera, and the like, and receives the light after separating the transmitted light through a spectroscopic device or the like as necessary. In addition, the fruits and vegetables 1 are irradiated with measurement light obtained by chopping light from the light source at a predetermined frequency, and when receiving light, only the frequency component synchronized with the chopping frequency is selected by a filter, so that it is less susceptible to disturbance light. It can be measured with a high S / N ratio. It is also possible to reduce the influence of noise by synchronizing the phase and performing lock-in amplification.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving unit 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to an analysis device (not shown) through an amplifier, an AD converter, and the like.
The sugar content of the fruits and vegetables 1 is determined by measuring the absorbance in the light wavelength range set according to the type of the fruits and vegetables 1 and comparing it with the data input in advance to the analyzer, and the value is displayed on a predetermined display unit. Is done.

  In this way, the side light source 2a is arranged at a height position where the measurement light is irradiated to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1, and the measurement light is irradiated, thereby receiving the transmitted light containing a lot of components that have passed through the upper part of the fruit and vegetables 1. Therefore, the sensitivity is high in the region on the upper side or the outer peripheral portion where the sugar content is particularly high, and the sugar content sufficiently reflecting this region can be measured.

  On the other hand, when the pair of side light sources 2a and 2a is arranged at the height position of FIG. The measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered from a wide area inside the pulp including the vicinity of the center of the pulp, and a part of the scattered light is directed upward and emitted as transmitted light from the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1, and received upwardly. It enters the part 3a.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving unit 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to the analyzer through the amplifier, the AD converter, etc., and the sugar content is determined from the absorbance.
In this way, the side light source 2a is arranged at a height position where the measurement light is irradiated to the side of the fruits and vegetables 1, and the measurement light is irradiated, thereby receiving and analyzing transmitted light from a wide area inside the fruit and vegetable flesh. By doing so, it is possible to measure the average sugar content of the whole fruit and vegetable flesh.

  The fruit and vegetable internal quality evaluation apparatus in this embodiment can be used by the following two methods. The first method is applied to a case where different types of fruits and vegetables are transported and measured in a single transport line. That is, the fruits and vegetables that are transported from the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region of the upper side or the outer periphery with a particularly high sugar content to the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the average sugar content of the whole pulp. When the type is changed, the illustrated actuator 1 is operated to move the height position of the side light source 2a from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. In this case, for example, the height position of the side light source 2a corresponding to the fruits and vegetables is set in the computer in advance, and the measurement arrangement is simply changed to a predetermined height position by operating the actuator 6 in accordance with an instruction from the computer. Can do.

  The second method is to measure the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the upper side area where the sugar content is particularly high, and to measure the average sugar content of the whole pulp as to the fruits and vegetables that have been transported through the transport line and have reached the measuring section. Applies to That is, in the state where the side light source 2a is arranged at the position shown in FIG. 1, measurement is performed by irradiating measurement light onto the upper part of the fruit 1 that has reached the measurement unit, and then the actuator 6 is operated to turn off the side light source 2a. It arrange | positions in the position of FIG. In this case, by automatically performing a series of operations of conveying the fruits and vegetables 1, the measurement by the light source arrangement of FIG. 1, the operation of the actuator 6, and the measurement by the light source arrangement of FIG. Each information about the internal quality can be obtained quickly.

  1 and 2, the light receiving unit 3a is installed above the fruits and vegetables 1. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower light receiving unit 3b is installed below the tray 4 on which the fruits and vegetables 1 are placed. You may make it receive the transmitted light which permeate | transmitted below from the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 which the measurement light from the direction light source 2a was irradiated.

  In this case, an opening 4a is provided at the bottom of the tray 4, and light transmitted downward from the fruits and vegetables 1 is guided to the lower light receiving unit 3b through the opening 4a. The tray 4 is made of, for example, a material having flexibility, such as a rubber material. By bringing the fruit 1 into close contact with the inverted conical tapered surface, stray light can be prevented from entering the bottom opening 4a.

  5 and 6 are diagrams showing another embodiment of the fruit and vegetable internal quality evaluation apparatus of the present invention (showing the arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). As shown in the figure, this internal quality evaluation apparatus is a pair of side light sources that irradiate the fruits and vegetables 1 with measurement light from the sides on both sides of the fruits and vegetables 1 with respect to the conveyance direction of the conveyance line 5 as in the embodiment described above. 2a and 2a, and an upper light receiving portion 3a that receives transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 irradiated with the measurement light to above the fruits and vegetables 1.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of side light sources 2a and 2a are respectively rotated so that the irradiation angle of the measurement light can be switched. As a mechanism for rotating the side light sources 2a, 2a, for example, a mechanism for rotating the shaft member 7 attached thereto by driving a motor can be used. By operating a motor (not shown) according to an instruction from a computer, If necessary, the angle of the side light source 2a can be changed at a desired timing. The mechanism for rotating the side light sources 2a, 2a is not limited to this, and other mechanisms may be used.

  By the operation of the rotation mechanism, the side light source 2a rotates from the angular position of FIG. 5 that irradiates the measurement light to the upper part of the fruit 1 to the angular position of FIG. It can be arranged at any one of these angular positions.

  When the pair of side light sources 2a and 2a are arranged at the angular positions in FIG. 5, the fruits and vegetables are placed on the tray 4 arranged on the conveyance line 5 and spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and conveyed on the conveyance line 5 to the measuring unit. 1 is irradiated with measurement light. The main component of the measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered through the upper region having a high sugar content, and a part of the scattered light is emitted upward as transmitted light from the upper portion of the fruits and vegetables 1 and received upward. It enters the part 3a.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving unit 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to an analysis device (not shown) through an amplifier, an AD converter, and the like.
The sugar content of the fruits and vegetables 1 is determined by measuring the absorbance in the light wavelength range set according to the type of the fruits and vegetables 1 and comparing it with the data input in advance to the analyzer, and the value is displayed on a predetermined display unit. Is done.

  In this way, the side light source 2a is irradiated with the measurement light as an angular arrangement in which the measurement light is irradiated to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1, thereby receiving and analyzing the transmitted light containing a large amount of components that have passed through the upper fruit pulp of the fruits and vegetables 1. Therefore, the sensitivity in the region on the upper side or the outer peripheral portion where the sugar content is particularly high is high, and the sugar content sufficiently reflecting this region can be measured.

  On the other hand, when the pair of side light sources 2a and 2a is rotated to have the angular arrangement shown in FIG. The measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered to a wide area inside the pulp including the vicinity of the center of the pulp, and a part of the scattered light is directed upward and emitted from the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 as transmitted light. It enters the part 3a.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving portion 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to the analysis device through the amplifier, the AD converter, etc., and the sugar content is determined from the absorbance.
In this way, the side light source 2a is irradiated with the measurement light as an angular arrangement for irradiating the side of the fruit and vegetable 1 with the measurement light, thereby receiving and analyzing the transmitted light from a wide area inside the fruit and vegetable fruit, The average sugar content of the whole fruit and vegetable flesh can be measured.

  The vegetable and fruit internal quality evaluation apparatus according to this embodiment can also be used in the following two methods, as in the above-described embodiment. The first method is applied to a case where different types of fruits and vegetables are transported and measured in a single transport line. That is, the fruits and vegetables that are transported from the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region of the upper side or the outer periphery with a particularly high sugar content to the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the average sugar content of the whole pulp. When the kind of the fruit and vegetables is changed, the arrangement angle of the side light source 2a is rotated by θ from the angle of FIG. 5 to the angle of FIG. Measure. In this case, for example, the angle arrangement of the side light sources 2a corresponding to the fruits and vegetables can be set in the computer in advance, and the motor can be operated in accordance with an instruction from the computer to easily change to the predetermined angle arrangement.

  The second method is to measure the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the upper side or the outer periphery of the fruits and vegetables that have been transported through the transport line and reach the measuring section, and the average sugar content of the whole pulp is measured. Applicable when measuring. That is, in the state where the side light source 2a is arranged at the angle shown in FIG. 5, measurement is performed by irradiating measurement light onto the upper part of the fruit 1 that has reached the measurement unit, and then the side is driven by the operation of the motor via the shaft member 7. The direction light source 2a is arranged at an angle shown in FIG. 6, and measurement is performed by irradiating the side of the fruit 1 with measurement light. In this case, each fruit and vegetables conveyed through the conveyance line by automatically performing a series of operations of conveying the fruit 1, measuring with the light source arrangement of FIG. 5, operating the rotation mechanism, and measuring with the light source arrangement of FIG. 6. Each information about the internal quality can be obtained quickly.

  5 and 6, the light receiving unit 3 a is installed above the fruits and vegetables 1, but the lower light receiving unit 3 b (see FIG. 4) below the tray 4 on which the fruits and vegetables 1 are placed, as in the above-described embodiment. And the transmitted light transmitted downward from the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 irradiated with the measurement light from the side light source 2a may be received.

  7 and 8 are views showing another embodiment of the fruit and vegetable internal quality evaluation apparatus according to the present invention (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the conveying direction). As shown in the figure, this internal quality evaluation apparatus is a pair of oblique upper light sources that irradiate measurement light at an angle θ from obliquely upward on both sides of the fruits and vegetables 1 toward the fruits and vegetables 1 obliquely downward with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying line 5. 2b, 2b, and an upper light receiving portion 3a that receives transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 irradiated with the measurement light to the upper side of the fruits and vegetables 1.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of side light sources 2b, 2b moves substantially horizontally in the width direction of the transport line 5 so that they are close to or away from each other, and irradiates the measurement light on the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 in FIG. These intervals are switched between the position (interval L1) and the position (interval L2) in FIG. As a mechanism for moving the obliquely upper light sources 2b, 2b, for example, a mechanism for operating the actuator 8 attached thereto can be used. By operating the actuator 8 according to an instruction from a computer, a desired timing can be obtained as necessary. Thus, the interval between the oblique upper light sources 2b, 2b can be changed from L1 to L2. The mechanism for moving the oblique upper light sources 2b, 2b is not limited to this, and for example, the oblique upper light sources 2b, 2b may be moved on a predetermined path, or members attached thereto may be moved horizontally.

  When the arrangement of the pair of obliquely upper light sources 2b, 2b is set to the interval shown in FIG. 7, the fruits and vegetables are placed on the tray 4 arranged at a predetermined interval on the conveyance line 5 and conveyed to the measurement unit on the conveyance line 5. 1 is irradiated with measurement light. The main component of the measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered through the upper region having a high sugar content, and a part of this scattered light is directed upward and emitted from the upper portion of the fruits and vegetables 1 as transmitted light. It enters the part 3a.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving unit 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to an analysis device (not shown) through an amplifier, an AD converter, and the like.
The sugar content of the fruits and vegetables 1 is determined by measuring the absorbance in the light wavelength range set according to the type of the fruits and vegetables 1 and comparing it with the data input in advance to the analyzer, and the value is displayed on a predetermined display unit. Is done.

  In this way, the oblique upper light sources 2b and 2b are irradiated with the measurement light as an interval position for irradiating the measurement light to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1, thereby receiving and analyzing the transmitted light containing a lot of components that have passed through the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 Therefore, the sensitivity in the region of the upper side or the outer peripheral portion where the sugar content is particularly high is high, and the sugar content sufficiently reflecting this region can be measured.

  On the other hand, when the arrangement of the pair of oblique upper light sources 2b and 2b is set to the interval in FIG. The measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered to a wide area inside the pulp including the vicinity of the center of the pulp, and a part of the scattered light is directed upward and emitted from the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 as transmitted light. It enters the part 3a.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving unit 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to the analyzer through the amplifier, the AD converter, etc., and the sugar content is determined from the absorbance.
In this way, the obliquely upward light sources 2b and 2b are irradiated with the measurement light as an interval at which the side of the fruit and vegetable 1 is irradiated with the measurement light, thereby receiving and analyzing transmitted light from a wide area inside the fruit and vegetable 1 Thus, the average sugar content of the whole fruit and vegetable 1 can be measured.

  The vegetable and fruit internal quality evaluation apparatus according to this embodiment can also be used in the following two methods, as in the above-described embodiment. The first method is applied to a case where different types of fruits and vegetables are transported and measured in a single transport line. That is, the fruits and vegetables that are transported from the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region of the upper side or the outer periphery with a particularly high sugar content to the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the average sugar content of the whole pulp. When the type of is changed, the actuator 8 shown in the figure moves the oblique upper light sources 2b, 2b from the arrangement interval shown in FIG. 7 to the arrangement interval shown in FIG. Do. In this case, for example, the arrangement interval of the obliquely upper light sources 2b, 2b corresponding to the fruits and vegetables is set in the computer in advance, and the actuator 8 is operated in accordance with an instruction from the computer to easily change the measurement arrangement to the predetermined arrangement interval. Can do.

  The second method is to measure the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the upper side or the outer periphery of the fruits and vegetables that have been transported through the transport line and reach the measuring section, and the average sugar content of the whole pulp is measured. Applicable when measuring. That is, in the state where the diagonally upper light sources 2b, 2b are arranged at the interval of FIG. The oblique upper light sources 2b and 2b are arranged so that the measurement results are obtained by irradiating the side of the fruit 1 with measurement light. In this case, a series of operations of conveying the fruits and vegetables 1, measurement at the light source interval in FIG. 7, operation of the actuator 8, and measurement at the light source interval in FIG. For fruits and vegetables, information on internal quality can be obtained quickly.

  7 and 8, the light receiving unit 3a is installed above the fruits and vegetables 1. However, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the lower light receiving unit 3b is disposed below the tray 4 on which the fruits and vegetables 1 are placed (see FIG. 4). May be installed so as to receive the transmitted light transmitted downward from the inside of the fruit 1 irradiated with the measurement light from the obliquely upper light source 2b.

  9 and 10 are diagrams showing another embodiment of the fruit and vegetables internal quality evaluation apparatus of the present invention (showing the arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). As shown in the figure, this internal quality evaluation apparatus includes a pair of obliquely upward light sources 2b and 2b that irradiate measurement light from obliquely upward on both sides of the fruit and vegetable 1 to the upper part of the fruit and vegetable 1 with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying line 5, and fruits and vegetables. 1. A pair of side light sources 2a and 2a that irradiate the side of the fruit 1 with measurement light from both sides of the light 1, and the transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruit 1 irradiated with the measurement light to above the fruit 1 And an upper light receiving portion 3a.

  By switching between a pair of obliquely upper light sources 2b and 2b and a pair of side light sources 2a and 2a and irradiating measurement light from either one of the light sources, irradiation to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 and side portions of the fruits and vegetables 1 To switch to irradiation.

As shown in FIG. 9, when a pair of obliquely upper light sources 2b, 2b are used, they are placed on the tray 4 arranged at a predetermined interval on the transport line 5 and transported on the transport line 5 to the measuring unit. Measuring light is irradiated to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1. The main component of the measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered through the upper region having a high sugar content, and a part of the scattered light is emitted upward as transmitted light from the upper portion of the fruits and vegetables 1 and received upward. It enters the part 3a.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving unit 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to an analysis device (not shown) through an amplifier, an AD converter, and the like.
The sugar content of the fruits and vegetables 1 is determined by measuring the absorbance in the light wavelength range set according to the type of the fruits and vegetables 1 and comparing it with the data input in advance to the analyzer, and the value is displayed on a predetermined display unit. Is done.

  As described above, the measurement light is irradiated from the obliquely upper light sources 2b, 2b to the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1, and thus the transmitted light containing a large amount of components that have passed through the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 is received and analyzed. Sensitivity in a high upper side or outer peripheral region is high, and the sugar content sufficiently reflecting this region can be measured.

  On the other hand, when a pair of side light sources 2a, 2a is used as shown in FIG. The measurement light incident on the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 is scattered to a wide area inside the pulp including the vicinity of the center of the pulp, and a part of the scattered light is directed upward and emitted from the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 as transmitted light. It enters the part 3a.

The transmitted light incident on the upper light receiving unit 3a is photoelectrically converted, and the electric signal is sent to the analyzer through the amplifier, the AD converter, etc., and the sugar content is determined from the absorbance.
In this way, the side light source 2a, 2a irradiates the side of the fruit 1 with measurement light, and thereby receives and analyzes the transmitted light from a wide area inside the fruit and fruit fruit, so that The average sugar content can be measured.

  The vegetable and fruit internal quality evaluation apparatus according to this embodiment can also be used in the following two methods, as in the above-described embodiment. The first method is applied to a case where different types of fruits and vegetables are transported and measured in a single transport line. That is, the fruits and vegetables that are transported from the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the sugar content that sufficiently reflects the region of the upper side or the outer periphery with a particularly high sugar content to the fruits and vegetables that need to measure the average sugar content of the whole pulp. When the type of is changed, the light source to be used is switched from the obliquely upper light sources 2b, 2b to the side light sources 2a, 2a, and the freshly conveyed fruits and vegetables 1 are measured. Thus, the irradiation position of the measurement light with respect to the fruits and vegetables 1 can be changed simply by switching the light source to be used, for example, according to an instruction from the computer.

  The second method is to measure the sugar content sufficiently reflecting the upper side or the outer periphery of the fruits and vegetables that have been transported through the transport line and reach the measuring section, and the average sugar content of the whole pulp is measured. Applicable when measuring. That is, after the measurement is performed by irradiating the measurement light onto the upper part of the fruits and vegetables 1 reaching the measurement unit using the diagonally upper light sources 2b and 2b as shown in FIG. 9, the used light source is the side light source as shown in FIG. Switching to 2a and 2a, measurement is performed by irradiating the side of the fruit 1 with measurement light. In this case, each fruit and vegetables conveyed through the conveying line is automatically performed by carrying out a series of operations of conveying the fruits and vegetables 1, measuring with the oblique upper light sources 2b and 2b, switching the light sources, and measuring with the side light sources 2a and 2a. Each information about internal quality can be obtained quickly.

  9 and 10, the light receiving unit 3a is installed above the fruits and vegetables 1, but as shown in FIG. 11, the lower light receiving unit 3b is installed below the tray 4 on which the fruits and vegetables 1 are placed. You may make it receive the transmitted light permeate | transmitted below from the inside of the fruits and vegetables 1 irradiated with the measurement light from upper light source 2b, 2b or side light source 2a, 2a.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the irradiation angle of the measurement light may be changed by a method other than rotating the side light sources 2a and 2a. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the side light source 2a and the oblique upper light source 2b may be composed of a plurality of light sources, and the intensity of the measurement light from the side light source 2a and the oblique upper light source 2b is different. May be.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables according to the present invention (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the conveying direction). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the light source is moved from FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1 (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1 (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the fruit and vegetables internal quality evaluation apparatus according to the present invention (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which the light source is rotated from FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the fruit and vegetables internal quality evaluation apparatus according to the present invention (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the light source interval is increased from FIG. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables of the present invention (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where the light source is switched from FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 9 (showing an arrangement viewed from the front side in the transport direction). FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the upper range of fruits and vegetables. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a conventional internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables (showing an arrangement viewed from the front in the transport direction).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fruit and vegetables 2a Side light source 2b Oblique upper light source 3a Upper light-receiving part 3b Lower light-receiving part 4 Tray 4a Bottom opening 5 Conveyance line 6 Actuator 7 Shaft member 8 Actuator

Claims (6)

An apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables by evaluating the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables by irradiating measurement light from the light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line and receiving the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit. ,
A pair of light sources arranged at lateral positions on both sides of the fruit and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
Light source position switching in which the pair of light sources is moved in the height direction of the fruits and vegetables, and the light sources are switched and arranged at a position at which the measurement light is irradiated onto the fruits or vegetables, or a position at which the measurement light is irradiated onto the sides of the fruits and vegetables. Mechanism,
An internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables, comprising: an upper light receiving unit that receives transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables irradiated with measurement light from the pair of light sources and that is transmitted upward from the fruits and vegetables. An apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables by evaluating the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables by irradiating measurement light from the light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line and receiving the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit. ,
A pair of light sources arranged at lateral positions on both sides of the fruit and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
The irradiation angle of the measurement light from the pair of light sources is rotated so that the irradiation angle irradiates the measurement light to the upper part of the fruits or vegetables, or the irradiation angle irradiates the measurement light to the sides of the fruits and vegetables. An irradiation angle switching mechanism for switching,
An internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables, comprising: an upper light-receiving unit that receives transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light from above. An apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables by evaluating the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables by irradiating measurement light from the light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line and receiving the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit. ,
A pair of light sources disposed obliquely above both sides of the fruits and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction, and irradiating measurement light to the fruits and vegetables obliquely downward;
The pair of light sources are moved substantially horizontally in the width direction of the transport line so that they are close to or away from each other, and the measurement light is irradiated to the position where the measurement light is irradiated to the upper part of the fruit or vegetables, or to the side of the fruit and vegetables A light source interval switching mechanism that switches and arranges the pair of light sources at the irradiation position;
An internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables, comprising: an upper light-receiving unit that receives transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light from above.   4. The light receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising a lower light receiving portion that receives transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruits and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light to the lower side of the fruits and vegetables instead of the upper light receiving portion. The internal quality evaluation apparatus for fruits and vegetables described in 1. An apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables by evaluating the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables by irradiating measurement light from the light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line and receiving the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit. ,
A pair of obliquely upward light sources for irradiating measurement light from obliquely above both sides of the fruit and vegetables to the upper part of the fruit and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
A pair of side light sources for irradiating measurement light from the sides of the fruits and vegetables to the sides of the fruits and vegetables with respect to the conveying line direction;
An upper light receiving unit that receives transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light from above the fruits and vegetables,
By selectively switching between the oblique upper light source and the side light source, the measurement light is emitted from one of these light sources, and the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables is received by the upper light receiving unit. A device for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables. Instead of the upper light receiving unit, a lower light receiving unit that receives transmitted light transmitted from the inside of the fruits and vegetables irradiated with the measurement light to the lower side of the fruits and vegetables,
By selectively switching between the oblique upper light source and the side light source, measurement light is emitted from any one of these light sources, and transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables is received by the lower light receiving unit. The apparatus for evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables according to claim 5.

Images