JPH01217255A - Grading of internal quality for vegetable - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To inspect internal quality of vegetable automatically, by measuring geometric dimensions of the vegetable in the course of a process of conveying the vegetable to detect a vibration wave when an impact is applied thereon. CONSTITUTION:Vegetable 1 is placed on a tray 2 to be conveyed with a conveying device 3 such as conveyor. In the course of the conveying device 3, a measuring station 4 and an inspection station 5 are arranged. The measuring station 4 measures geometric dimensions of the vegetable 1 while the inspection station 5 applies an impact on the vegetable 1 with an impact unit 62 to detect a vibration wave generated with a sensor unit 63. A signal detected with the sensor unit 63 is sent to a waveform analysis computing processor 9 through an amplifier 7 and a filter 8 to perform a waveform analysis. A size signal 44 of the vegetable 1 inputted from an arithmetic device 43 of the measuring station 4 is used to perform an arithmetic processing for each measuring item.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention provides a method for quality inspection, grading, and sorting of fruits and vegetables based on sorting criteria at a fruit and vegetable collection or shipping site.
This relates to a method of inspecting and grading the presence or absence of internal defects (such as cavities, cracks, or ripeness) that cannot be determined by appearance alone, as well as the degree of defects.

[Conventional technology and issues to be solved] Fruits and vegetables such as watermelons and melons are rolled on an earthen floor or manually tapped on the outside on a fruit sorting conveyor. Grades are determined based on factors such as (overripe, immature), etc., but this work can only be judged by highly skilled people with many years of experience. Furthermore, even for experts, the correct answer rate is about 60-70%, and 30-40%.
% has the problem of erroneous judgments, which causes complaints from consumers and prevents it from getting good reviews in the market.

Additionally, methods for inspecting the internal quality of fruits and vegetables using X-ray X-rays and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) have been presented at academic conferences, but the equipment is expensive and is currently not economically practical.

On the other hand, universities around the country and the Food Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are also conducting experimental research in which fruits and vegetables are subjected to shocks and their sonic vibrations are used to evaluate the hollowness and ripeness of fruits and vegetables, and these studies have been published in journals such as the Journal of the Japanese Society of Agricultural Machinery.

All of these research papers are presentations of basic test methods and results that target limited samples in a laboratory. There are problems that cannot be graded.

In addition to this internal quality, fruit and vegetable sorting facilities also evaluate external color,
An external quality inspection process is also required to check for appearance such as gloss, deformation, malformation, presence of disease or injury, etc. Furthermore, a series of processes can be formed to measure the size of fruits and vegetables and sort them into size classes. There must be.

Fruits and vegetables are generally graded into three levels (A, B, and C).

Grades D and E).

Defects in internal quality (such as cavities and ripeness) are classified into three levels depending on their degree, but there is no scale to indicate their degree.

For this reason, there is a desire for an internal quality grading method that can be applied to sorting facilities that collect and ship fruits and vegetables in large quantities.

[Purpose of the invention]

The present invention has been made under the above circumstances, and provides a method for automatically inspecting and accurately evaluating internal quality that cannot be seen from the outside in the grading inspection process of a fruit and vegetable sorting facility, and grading it. The purpose is to provide

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is a facility for sorting spherical fruits and vegetables, which are natural products and have an infinite variety of variations. A conveyance process in which fruits and vegetables are loaded and conveyed, and during this conveyance process, the shape and dimensions of fruits and vegetables are measured using a dimension measuring device, and a certain impact is applied to a predetermined position obtained from the measurement results, and the impact causes the fruits and vegetables to emit light. A waveform analysis arithmetic processing device that includes a process of detecting vibration waves from a predetermined position with a sensor, measurement items to be measured by analyzing the vibration waves, and a setting section that divides each measurement item into multiple stages of equal lines. A grade grading method is a method that includes the steps of analyzing the waveform of the detected vibration wave using the method, comparing it with a plurality of preset isoline division values, and outputting a signal that ranks the corresponding grade.

More specifically, the conveyance process can be carried out by using a conveyor with trays in which trays are attached to an endless belt at regular intervals, by using a conveyor in which trays loaded with fruits and vegetables are fed one by one onto the conveyor, or by conveying trays on a conveyor table. Any conveyance device may be used, such as an intermittent transfer mechanism such as a feed claw or pusher.

The main point of the conveyance process is to place fruits and vegetables on a tray and convey them one by one. However, during the conveyance process, an impact unit applies an impact to a predetermined position of the fruits and vegetables, and a sensor detects the vibration waves caused by the impact. Since the detection is to be carried out, a conveyance device that does not have the adverse effects of vibration and noise is used.

Although various known dimension measuring devices using cameras, laser beams, beam beams, etc. can be used, the main point of the present invention is to measure the size of fruits and vegetables at a predetermined position (for example, at the equator) as a new measurement item. The object is to calculate the detection position (for example, the equator) and output an inspection position information signal.

The main point of the detection process is preferably to temporarily stop the tray, and to set the impact unit and sensor unit of the detection device at predetermined impact positions and detection positions that change depending on the size of the fruits and vegetables, so that the tray is the same for all fruits and vegetables. It is preferable to apply a shock under certain conditions and detect the vibration waves.

More preferably, the tray is supported in such a way that when the tray is temporarily stopped, the tray and fruits and vegetables are released from the vibrations of the transport device.

The impact unit and sensor unit/nod of the above detection device are:
Preferably, they are operated in pairs.

In order to make the impact unit and the sensor unit correspond to a predetermined position of the fruit or vegetable, the impact unit and the sensor unit are automatically made to follow each other based on the inspection position information signal from the dimension measuring device.

The impact unit and the sensor unit detect the same conditions by contacting the outer peripheral surface of fruits and vegetables under a certain condition or operating from a certain distance in a non-contact manner, regardless of the size of the fruit or vegetable.

The impact unit may be one that uses a vibrator such as a speaker driver to give an impulse with a single pulse signal, or
Alternatively, an impact mechanism may be configured using an actuator such as a solenoid or cylinder to apply an impact.

As the sensor unit for detecting vibration waves, a vibration sensor such as a known pickup or a sonic sensor such as a microphone is used.

When detecting by contacting the outer circumferential surface of fruits and vegetables, preferably a vibrator is used as the impact unit and a pickup is used as the sensor unit.

For non-contact detection, a striking mechanism and a sonic sensor are used.

It is preferable that a plurality of sensor units be arranged around the fruits and vegetables to form a plurality of channels.

The above detection process automatically follows changes in the predetermined position (for example, the height and diameter of the equatorial part) of fruits and vegetables of various sizes that are placed in a predetermined posture on a tray and is transported. The feature is that the detection is performed from the outer circumferential surface under certain same conditions.

The vibration wave detected by the sensor unit is analyzed by a waveform analysis circuit using a power spectrum frequency analysis and an autocorrelation function.

In the waveform analysis method, how to detect a peak frequency using a power spectrum and how to obtain an autocorrelation function is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The main point of the present invention is to provide a standard value setting section that divides the internal quality of fruits and vegetables into multiple levels equally for each measurement item to be analyzed, to preset grade division values, and to calculate the values obtained through calculation processing. It is compared with each grade classification value and ranked into the corresponding grade.

One of the measurement items is characterized by rating based on the peak value calculated by multiplying the peak frequency by a coefficient obtained from the size of the fruit or vegetable. It is characterized by using multiple peak values of the power spectrum for other measurement items.

Furthermore, one of the other measurement items is characterized in that a predetermined waveform area is ranked using a value calculated from a waveform obtained by an autocorrelation function.

More preferably, calculating and grading the degree of disturbance in the degree of attenuation (height of the peak) for each period of the waveform obtained by the autocorrelation function is preferably added to other measurement items.

In this manner, from the results of grading each measurement item, the lowest rank is rated as the overall judgment result for the fruits and vegetables, and a signal thereof is output.

The above output signal is shifted in synchronization with the movement of fruits and vegetables during the detection process, or when the fruits and vegetables that have finished the detection process are sent to the next process by a conveying device, and are shifted at a predetermined position for each grade. This signal is used to indicate the grade or to sort.

Further, the output signal is used to count the yield of each grade of fruits and vegetables inspected.

Furthermore, the output signal is used to input the grade into a grade memory (magnetic memory, pushbutton switch, etc.) provided on the tray or grade rank display means.

[Effect]

The present invention transports fruits and vegetables by placing them on a tray in a predetermined posture,
The impact unit of the detection device and the vibration wave detection sensor unit are paired to follow the predetermined position that changes depending on the size of the fruits and vegetables, apply an impact under the same conditions regardless of the size, and detect the vibration wave and analyze the waveform. .

The peak frequency is the value obtained by multiplying the peak frequency of the power spectrum by a coefficient obtained from the size of the fruit or vegetable, so it is possible to make a judgment that is not affected by the size of the fruit or vegetable, and is mainly used to determine the ripeness. Used for judgment.

The first and second peaks of the power spectrum.

The magnitude of the difference from the third peak is mainly used to determine whether the internal quality was uniform, depending on whether there were multiple high peaks.

The waveform obtained using the autocorrelation function uses the value obtained by integrating the waveform area of a predetermined part with respect to the reference line as the measurement result value, so it is important to check whether the period of the waveform is stable and attenuation. It is mainly used to judge cavities based on whether the ratio is in order.

Furthermore, whether the degree of attenuation for each period of the waveform obtained by the autocorrelation function is natural attenuation or attenuation in which the size of the wave is disordered, the degree of disorder is used to determine whether there is an internal defect.

After grading each of the values obtained by analyzing and calculating the vibration waves applied to a plurality of measurement items as described above, the internal quality is graded by comprehensively judging them.

〔Example〕

Below, drawings (Figs. 1 to 1) showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown.
This will be explained based on FIG. 16).

First, to give an overview of the equipment used to inspect the internal quality of fruits and vegetables, in Figs. A roller conveyor is used.

The roller conveyor 3 of the conveying device 3 uses a heald drive system with less vibration and noise, and in this embodiment, the rollers are constantly rotating.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a shape and dimension measurement station provided at a predetermined position in the middle of the transport device 3, and a stop device 41 temporarily stops the saucer 2. Reference numeral 42 denotes a measuring unit as a dimension measuring device for measuring the shape and dimensions of the fruits and vegetables 1, and 43 denotes its arithmetic unit, which outputs a signal 44 indicating the size of the measured fruits and vegetables to various parts described later. At the same time, a predetermined impact position 114 on the fruit or vegetable 1
and the detection position 11B are also calculated and an inspection position information signal 45 is output to the next process.

5 is an inspection station installed next to the measurement station 4, and includes a lift stop device 5 for temporarily stopping the receiving tray 2.
1, a control panel 52 for controlling the operation of each part, and a detection device 6 for inspecting internal quality.

The detection device 6 is configured such that an impact unit 62 that applies an impact to the fruits and vegetables 1 and a sensor unit 63 that detects vibration waves of the fruits and vegetables 1 caused by this impact are attached to a lifting mechanism 61 and are operated in pairs. This detection device 6 receives a predetermined inspection position information signal 45 of the fruits and vegetables 1 measured from the arithmetic device 43 of the measuring station 4, and moves the elevating mechanism 61
are the predetermined impact position 11A and detection position 11B of the fruit or vegetable 1.
It operates accordingly.

What is the sensor 631 of the sensor unit 63? ! [number(
[1i1 t- It is preferable to arrange them appropriately around the fruits and vegetables 1 so as to detect them using a plurality of channels.

7 is an amplifier for the sensor 631, 8 is a filter, and 9 is a waveform analysis arithmetic processing unit. This waveform analysis arithmetic processing device 9 has a waveform analysis section 91 and a screening standard value setting section 92, and the screening standard value setting section 92 is configured to set and input standard values of multiple stages for each measurement item. It is configured in advance.

10 is an output signal of the grade determined as a result of the overall judgment.

Next, the selection standard value setting section 92 will be explained using FIGS. 4 to 8.

In the figure, P+, Pz...P5 are each measurement item, A1
B, C...Evening is the standard value (divided value) that is divided into equal lines for each measurement item, a, b, c...W is within the range of each standard value above. The grade rank value (weighting value, for example, the top of the grade,
Excellent, Excellent as ■, Good as ■, Average as ■, and Outside as ■).

That is, for each measurement item, the degree of defect and weighting for grading are arbitrarily set.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the comprehensive judgment method, and P1 to P5
The rank assigned for each measurement item is indicated by an asterisk (*), the respective rank values are compared, and the maximum value (lowest) among them is used as the result of the overall judgment to be graded. (The illustrated example shows the 4th grade (average).) To explain in more detail below, as shown in FIG. Use the formed one. Further, a punching hole is provided in the center of the tray 2, and the impact unit 62 can be operated from below through the punching hole for the fruit top (downward) of the fruits and vegetables 1 placed on the tray 2. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, it is preferable to use a saucer 2 that is partially provided with a grade memory (grade display switch) 21 and a grade memory (grade display switch) 22 for storing and displaying grades and ranks. This grade memory 21 has five grade display switches 211 to 215 indicating five grade levels, A (excellent).

Assigned to B (excellent), C (good), D (average), E (excellent),
The other piece 210 is a grade switch indicating that there is a defect in internal quality. Each of these class switches outputs the output signal 1 of the class determined by the waveform analysis arithmetic processing device 9.
0 through an actuator (not shown).

The ten class display switches 220 to 229 of the class memory 22 are operated by an actuator (not shown) based on a signal 44 of a magnitude measured by a measuring unit 42 and outputted from an arithmetic unit 43.

When the tray 2 on which fruits and vegetables 1 are placed is transported to the measurement station 4 by the transport device 3, a detection switch (not shown) is activated.
catches this, and the stop device 41 is activated to temporarily stop the saucer 2.

When the device stops, the measuring unit 42 and calculation device 43 of the dimension measuring device operate to measure and calculate the size of the fruits and vegetables 1, and transmit the size signal 44 of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the class display switch 2 of the saucer 2.
The output is output to an actuator (not shown) that operates 20 to 229, and the corresponding class display switch is operated and displayed.

At the same time, it is output as size information through an interface circuit (not shown) in the waveform analysis arithmetic processing unit 9 in the next step.

Furthermore, at the same time, the calculation device 43 calculates the measured fruits and vegetables 1.
A predetermined impact position 11A (equator, shoulder, or fruit top) and a detection position 11B (equator) are calculated and outputted as an inspection position information signal 45 to the control panel 52 of the inspection station 5 in the next process. This inspection position information signal 45 is shown as the height position of the equatorial portion 11 of the fruit or vegetable 1, but if necessary for the configuration of the impact unit 62 and the sensor unit 63, information on other designated positions or the diameter of the fruit or vegetable 1 can be used. can be issued at the same time.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram in which a known dimension measuring device using a beam beam is used as the measuring unit 42, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram in which a known dimension measuring device using a laser beam is used in the measuring unit 42.

In addition to this, a known camera type shape and dimension measuring device (not shown) can be used as the measuring unit 42.

When the size measurement and class display are completed, the stop device 41 is released, and the tray 2 is transported to the next process by the transport device 3.

When the tray 2 is transported to the inspection station 5, a detection switch (not shown) catches it and activates the lift stop device 51, temporarily stopping the tray 2 and moving it slightly away from the transport surface 31 of the transport device N3. Float and wait. By separating the tray 2 from the conveying surface 31, the vibration of the conveying device 3 is prevented from being transmitted to the fruits and vegetables 1.

This lift stop device 51 is provided in connection with the structure of the transfer device 3, and when the transfer device 3 uses the above-mentioned intermittent transfer mechanism to transfer onto a transfer platform (fixed sliding platform), the lift stop device 51 is Instead, a simple fixed position stopping mechanism (stopping device) may be used.

At the same time as the saucer 2 stops at a fixed position, the elevating mechanism 61 of the detection device 6 operates to move the impact unit 62 and sensor unit 63 to a predetermined impact position of the fruits and vegetables 1 given by the inspection position information signal 45 through the control panel 52. 11A corresponds to the detection position 11B, and at the same time the impact unit 62 applies an impact to a predetermined impact position ML 11A of the fruit or vegetable, the sensor unit 63 receives and detects the vibration wave emitted by the fruit or vegetable 1 from the predetermined detection position 11B; The waveform signal is input through an amplifier 7 and a filter 8 to a waveform analysis arithmetic processing device 9 along with a clock signal.

These operations are performed by a sensor (for example, a cylinder with an encoder, etc., not shown) that detects the origin position and each movement amount of the lifting mechanism 61, and a sensor that detects that the impact unit 62 and sensor unit 63 correspond to a predetermined inspection position. It is automatically activated by the control panel 52 through sensing sensors (eg, proximity or contact switches, etc., not shown).

In this embodiment, the elevating mechanism 61 is provided above the conveying device 3 so that it is lowered during inspection. However, when the tray 2 is transferred, the impact unit 62 and the sensor unit 63 are provided with a mechanism that retreats from the conveying track of the fruits and vegetables 1. If so, it may be a transversely movable elevating mechanism or other similar mechanism.

To explain in more detail, the impact unit 62 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 15, it consists of an impact head 621, a position sensor 622, and an actuator 623 that directs and retracts these toward a predetermined inspection position on the fruits and vegetables 1. The impact head 621 is provided in combination with an actuator 624 such as a cylinder or solenoid. , position sensing sensor 6
Upon detection of 22, an actuator 624 is actuated to cause the impact head 621 to protrude.

The sensor unit 63 includes the sensor 6 as shown in FIG.
31, a position sensing sensor (not shown), and an actuator 632 that moves these toward a predetermined inspection position of the fruits and vegetables 1.

At least one sensor unit 63 may be used, and in FIG. 2, three sensor units 63 are appropriately arranged around the outer periphery of the fruits and vegetables 1.

The impact unit 62 and the sensor unit 63 each correspond to a predetermined inspection position, and when all the detection sensors have completed detection, the impact head 621 is activated and applies an impact to the fruits and vegetables 1, and at the same time, the sensor 631 detects the vibration wave at this time. reception is detected for a predetermined period of time.

The reception and detection time of the vibration wave is controlled by the control panel 52, and is either at the same time as the detection ends, or after the grade display switch 21 is operated when the output signal 10 of the judgment result from the waveform analysis processing unit 9 is received. Each part of the detection device 6 retreats to its original position, and the lift stop device 51 descends to open the tray 2 and send it out to the next process.

On the other hand, the waveform analysis processing unit 9 analyzes the waveform signal inputted from the sensor unit 63 of the inspection station 5 through the amplifier 7° filter 8, and
Arithmetic processing is performed for each measurement item using the size signal 44 of the fruits and vegetables 1 input from the arithmetic unit 43 of the measuring station 4 through the interface.

The peak value P of measurement item No. 1 is determined by multiplying the peak frequency obtained by waveform analysis by the coefficient obtained from the magnitude signal 44.

Measurement item m2. The plurality of peak values P2+ Pl of lk3 are the difference in power level between the first peak frequency and the second or third peak frequency as a measurement value of P2+ P*.

For the autocorrelation function waveform P4 of the measurement item ND4, the measurement value of P4 is the size of the waveform area connecting the peak points of each cycle of the waveform.

The autocorrelation function waveform P5 of the measurement item 1005 has a value obtained by integrating the area surrounded by the time axis reference line and the waveform as the measured value of P5.

In addition, the above measurement item Na4 or 5 specifies the period of the waveform or the point on the time axis, and determines whether it is the specified period or not.
Alternatively, it is also possible to measure the area between specified points on the time axis as the calculation range.

Each of the above measured values is compared with standard values a, b, c, d, e, etc. set in advance for each measurement item in the standard setting section 92, and determined. ... Each measurement item is graded according to the grade rank value (■, ■, ■, ■) set in W.

The lowest rank value among the rank values rated for each measurement item is the overall judgment grade for that fruit or vegetable 1, and when the measurement item is an item to be inspected for a pre-specified internal defect, an internal defect signal is detected. 101 and the grade rank signal 1'02 are combined to produce an output signal 10. This output signal 10 is sent to the inspection station 5 or the next station (not shown) through the interface circuit, and uses an actuator (not shown) to operate the grade display switch of the grade memo IJ21 of the saucer 2. saucer 2
Displays the grade of the internal quality inspection results of fruits and vegetables 1 placed on the table.

That is, when there is an internal defect (for example, a cavity) and the grade rank value is ■ (average), the grade switches 210 and 21 of the saucer 2
4 is displayed for operation. When the output signal 10 does not include the internal defect signal 101 and the grade rank value is ■ (average), only the grade switch 214 is displayed for operation and 210 is not operated.

Therefore, even if they are in the same lower grade, it is possible to visually determine whether they were ranked lower because of an internal defect (cavity) or whether they were ranked lower because of poor quality in other measurement items by looking at the saucer grade memory 21. . Of course, it can also be automatically determined using a reading sensor.

Further, the output signal 10 is shifted to the subsequent process together with the magnitude signal 44 output from the arithmetic unit 43 of the measuring station, and the sorting is used as a number coefficient for parts and output.

In addition, as a method of comprehensive judgment, if the highest rank value is only for one item among each measurement item, this is not considered as a judgment result, and the It is also possible to use a rank value as the grade of the overall judgment result. This method can prevent erroneous determinations when the waveform is distorted due to an abnormality in the sensor or the like. As a method for this comprehensive determination, other different combination determination methods can be obtained based on FIG.

The above description and the accompanying drawings are illustrative only and do not limit the invention, and the invention may be applied to other shapes and arrangements as long as it is within the scope of the claims. Of course.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The present invention measures the shapes and dimensions of fruits and vegetables of random sizes during the transportation process, applies a certain impact to the predetermined position obtained by the measurement, and the vibration waves generated by the fruits and vegetables due to the impact are transmitted to the predetermined position. Detection, inspection and measurement of multiple measurement items using waveform analysis, and grading into multiple levels based on the measured values, so accurate internal quality grading results can be obtained and it can be incorporated into sorting facilities in mass production areas. This has the effect of improving consumer confidence and product value in the fruits and vegetables being shipped.

In particular, in the waveform analysis of the present invention, one of the measurement items is not just a peak frequency, but a peak value multiplied by a coefficient obtained from the size of fruits and vegetables, eliminating differences caused by the size of fruits and vegetables. Tekijuku, no matter how good or bad the internal quality is, overripe.

(Imature) can be determined.

Furthermore, as one of the other measurement items, internal quality defects were measured by the difference in waveforms obtained by an autocorrelation function, so the existence and extent of internal defects (cavities) can be accurately determined.

Furthermore, the present invention has a plurality of sensors arranged around fruits and vegetables, and a plurality of measurement items are analyzed and processed for grading, so even if there are differences in the position or shape of internal defects, the grading can be done accurately. As a result, not only can consumers gain confidence in the quality of their products, but producers can also gain a high reputation from the market, which has great economic effects.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Each of the drawings shows an example of implementation of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a front view of an apparatus implementing the present invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof, Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, and Figs. 4 to 8 are a selection standard value setting section. , FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall judgment method, FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams of the saucer, FIGS. 12 and 13 are explanatory diagrams of the measurement unit,
14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams of the impact unit, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the sensor unit. ■...Fruits and vegetables 11...Equatorial region 11
A...Impact position 11B...Detection position 2
...Saucer 21...Grade memory (grade display switch) 210~
215...Grade display switch 22...Grade memory
(Class display switch) 220-229...Class display switch 3...Transportation device 31...Transportation surface 4...Measurement station 41...Stop device 42...Measurement unit 43...Arithmetic device 44・
... Size signal 45 ... Inspection position information signal 5 ... Inspection station 51 ... Lift stop device 52 ... Control panel 6 ... Detection device 61 ... Lifting mechanism 6
2... Impact unit 621... Impact head 622.
...Position sensing sensor 623...Actuator 624...Actuator 63...Sensor unit 631...Sensor 632...Actuator 7...Amplifier 8...Filter 9...Waveform analysis calculation processing unit 91...Waveform analysis section 9
2... Screening standard value setting unit 10... Output signal 101... Internal defect signal 102... Grade rank signal cusp b c d
e81-, A-Yohiki JL Anti-8P Ops Procedural Amendment May 19, 1999 1, Indication of the case 1988 Patent Application No. 43391 2, Name of the invention Internal quality grading of fruits and vegetables is method 3 , Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Patent applicant name Maki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. 4, Agent 6, Claims column of the specification subject to amendment Amendment to the detailed description of the invention column of the specification We will correct the following matters in this document. Note 1: The scope of claims is amended as shown in the attached sheet. 2. On page 7, line 12, ``Or my J'' is corrected to ``or my that detects sound waves.'' 3. On page 12, lines 7 and 8, "It is a station, and it stops when... 4. In the third line of page 14, the word "class" is corrected to read "grade." 5. On the 1st to 2nd lines from the bottom of page 15, it says, ``Catch,......--stop.'' Correct it as ``Catch. J.'' 6, Page 16, 1 In the first line, the sentence ``Stop the method's measuring device'' is corrected to ``And by this detection switch (not shown).'' 7. On page 16, line 6, add the following sentence next to "Display." ``This class display operation can be performed by temporarily stopping the saucer 2 using, for example, the stop device 41.'' 8. Delete ``Size measurement'' on the 6th line of page 17. 9. On page 22, line 4, correct the phrase "that measurement item" to "the measurement item of that rank value." 10. On page 23, lines 2 and 3, the phrase "saucer grade memory" is corrected to "saucer grade memory". Claim 1: A conveyance process in which fruits and vegetables are placed on a tray in a predetermined posture and conveyed, and during the conveyance process, the shapes and dimensions of the fruits and vegetables are measured, and an impact is applied to a predetermined position, and vibrations generated by the fruits and vegetables due to the impact are measured. A detection process that detects waves from a predetermined position using a sensor, a waveform analysis of the detected vibration waves using a waveform analysis processing unit, and calculation processing of predetermined measurement items related to internal quality from the obtained data. A method for internal quality grading of fruits and vegetables, characterized by comprising the steps of: comparing and judging with a plurality of preset isoline division values, grading the corresponding grade, and outputting a signal thereof. Left Shoyu

Claims (1)

[Claims] A conveyance process in which fruits and vegetables are placed on a tray in a predetermined posture and conveyed, and during the conveyance process, the shape and dimensions of the fruits and vegetables are measured, and an impact is applied to a predetermined position, and the impact causes the fruits and vegetables to emit light. A detection process in which vibration waves are detected from a predetermined position using a sensor, a waveform analysis of the detected vibration waves is performed using a waveform analysis processing unit, and predetermined measurement items related to internal quality are calculated from the obtained data. A method for internal quality grading of fruits and vegetables, comprising the steps of processing, comparing and determining with a plurality of preset grading classification values, grading into a corresponding grade, and outputting a signal.