JPH01231975A - Method of classing internal quality or the like of vegetables and fruits - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To exactly evaluate the internal quality of vegetables and fruits which is unidentifiable from the appearance by measuring the shapes and sizes of the vegetables and fruits and applying specified impact to the prescribed position obtd. by the measurement, then detecting the oscillation frequencies generated by the vegetables and fruits and classing the same by the measured values. CONSTITUTION:The shapes and sizes of the spherical lumped vegetables and fruits 1 are measured by a measuring instrument 42 and the size information thereof is obtd. The prescribed positions 11A, 11B which are previously determined are then calculated. The impact is applied to the position 11A by an impact unit 62 of a detector 6 and the oscillation frequencies by the impact are detected in the position 11B by a sensor unit 63. The detected oscillation frequencies are inputted together with the above-mentioned size information to a wavelength analyzing and arithmetic processing unit 9 which subjects prescribed measurement items to arithmetic processing by combining the waveform data obtd. by waveform analyses and the above-mentioned size information, decides the values calculated for each of the measurement items by comparing the same with the preset plural stages of the class segment values and classes the vegetables and fruits. As a result, the internal quality which is unidenifiable from the appearance is automatically inspected and is exactly evaluated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention is designed to detect internal defects that cannot be detected by appearance alone, when fruits and vegetables are quality inspected, graded, and sorted based on sorting standards at fruit and vegetable collections and shipping sites. This relates to a method for inspecting and grading the presence of cavities, cracks, or ripeness, as well as the degree of defects.

[Prior art and invention or problem to be solved] Fruits and vegetables such as watermelons and melons are rolled on an earthen floor or are manually struck on the outside on a fruit sorting conveyor, which causes the internal cavities (
The grade is determined based on the presence or absence of cracks in the pulp and the degree of ripeness (overripe, unripe), etc., but this work can only be judged by a highly skilled person with many years of experience; However, the correct answer rate is about 60 to 70%, and 30 to 40% of the time there are erroneous judgments, resulting in complaints from consumers and problems that do not get 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,
It is also necessary to perform external quality inspections such as appearance of gloss, deformation, deformity, presence of disease and injury, etc. Furthermore, it must be possible to form a series of processes from measuring the size of fruits and vegetables to sorting them into three size classes. Must be.

There are generally three grades for fruits and vegetables (excellent, excellent, and good).

average, average, or five grades A, B, C, 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, it is desired that an internal quality grading method be developed that can be applied to sorting facilities that collect and produce large quantities of fruits and vegetables.

[Purpose of the invention]

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

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention transports spherical fruits and vegetables, which are natural products and have an infinite variety, one by one on a tray in a predetermined posture, and measures the shape and dimensions of the fruits and vegetables using a dimension measuring device to obtain size fluctuations. At the same time, a predetermined position is calculated, and the shock unit of the detection device applies a constant shock to the predetermined position, and the sensor unit detects the vibration waves emitted by the fruits and vegetables due to the shock. The information is input to a waveform analysis calculation device, and the waveform data obtained by waveform analysis and the above-mentioned size information are combined to perform calculation processing on a predetermined measurement item, and the values calculated for each measurement item are calculated for each item. Grade grading is a system that ranks each item by comparing it with preset isoline classification values of multiple levels, then comprehensively compares the results, ranks the fruits and vegetables to the corresponding grade based on the comprehensive judgment, and outputs a signal. It's a method.

More specifically, the fruits and vegetables are placed on a tray in a predetermined posture, and while being conveyed one by one, the shape and dimensions of the fruits and vegetables are measured, and the impact unit of the detection device applies an impact to the calculated predetermined position.
Since the vibration waves caused by the impact 1 are detected by a sensor, a transport device that does not cause sudden 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 a predetermined position M (impact position) of fruits and vegetables as a new measurement item. and the detected position (for example, the position of the equator or the position of the shoulder) and outputs the inspection position information signal.

The key point of vibration wave detection is to temporarily stop the tray on which fruits and vegetables are placed, and set the impact unit and sensor unit of the detection device to a predetermined impact position and detection position that change depending on the size of the fruits and vegetables. It is preferable to apply an impact to the object under the same conditions and detect the vibration waves.

The impact unit and sensor unit of the detection device are preferably 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.

As an impact unit, use an exciter such as a speaker driver to give an impulse with an l 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 peripheral 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 vibration wave detection described above 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 on a tray in a predetermined posture and transported. The feature is that the detection is performed from the outer peripheral surface of fruits and vegetables under certain same conditions.

The vibration wave detected by the sensor unit is analyzed by the waveform analysis circuit using a frequency analysis using a power spectrum 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 use a waveform analysis F4 calculation processing device equipped with a plurality of measurement items and a standard value setting unit that classifies each measurement item into a plurality of grades in order to inspect the internal quality of fruits and vegetables. Set grade division values in advance in the setting section, compare and judge the values obtained through calculation processing with each grade division value,
This is where they are graded into the appropriate 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 information of the fruits and vegetables. It is characterized by using the difference in levels of multiple peak frequencies of the power spectrum for other measurement items.

Furthermore, one of the other measurement items is characterized in that the waveform area of the waveform obtained by the autocorrelation function is calculated using a predetermined method, and the calculated value is used to rank the waveform.

More preferably, the method is characterized in that the other measurement items include calculating and ranking the degree of disturbance in the degree of attenuation (mountain depression) for each period of the waveform obtained by the autocorrelation function.

Based on the results of grading each measurement item in this way, the grade ranked lowest is ranked as the overall judgment result of 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 when they are in the detection device section, or when the fruits and vegetables that have completed the detection process are sent to the next process by the conveyance device, and are shifted for each grade. This signal is used for isoline display or sorting at a predetermined position.

[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 together to follow the predetermined position that changes depending on the size of the fruit or vegetables, and regardless of the size (apply impact under the same conditions, detect the vibration wave and analyze the waveform) do.

The peak value is the value calculated by multiplying the peak frequency of the power spectrum by a coefficient obtained from the size information 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 based on ripeness. It is used for the determination of

The magnitude of the difference between the first and second peaks or the first and third peaks of the power spectrum mainly determines whether the internal quality is uniform depending on whether there are multiple high peaks. used for.

For the waveform obtained by the autocorrelation function, the measurement result is the value obtained by integrating the area of the waveform in a predetermined part with respect to the time axis reference line, so it is difficult to determine whether the period of the waveform is stable. , is mainly used for determining cavities based on whether the attenuation rate 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 item based on the values obtained by analyzing and calculating the vibration waves applied to the shock for multiple measurement items as described above, they are comprehensively judged and an internal quality rating is given, and the signal is output. do.

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

Further, the output signal is used to input the grade into a grade memory (magnetic memory, pushbutton switch, etc.) provided in the saucer, transport device, etc. or grade rank display means.

〔Example〕

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, to give an overview of the equipment used to inspect the internal quality of fruits and vegetables, in Figs. A belt-driven roller conveyor with low vibration and noise is used.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a shape and dimension measurement station installed at a predetermined position in the middle of the conveyance device 3. When the tray 2 on which fruits and vegetables 1 are placed is conveyed, a detection switch (not shown) catches this, and the dimension measurement device 42 measuring unit 421 and arithmetic device 422 operate to measure shape 1 dimension of fruit or vegetable 1,
The size and predetermined position 11 (impact position 11A and detection position 11B) are calculated and a size information signal 43 is output to each section described later, and a predetermined inspection position information signal 44 is sent to the control panel of the inspection station 5 in the next process. Output to 52.

As the dimension measuring device 42, a known beam-based dimension measuring device, a laser beam-based dimension measuring device, a camera-type shape and dimension measuring device, or the like is used.

The dimension measuring device 42 includes one that measures the fruits and vegetables 1 while being transported, and one that measures the fruits and vegetables 1 non-stop while the fruits and vegetables 1 are being transported, and either of them may be used. - If the system is to be stopped temporarily, a stop device 41 may be provided to temporarily stop the system.

The magnitude information signal 43 is outputted to a waveform analysis arithmetic processing device 9 (described later) through an interface circuit (not shown), and is also outputted as a class sorting signal and a coefficient data summation signal, respectively.

The predetermined inspection position information signal 44 indicates the impact position 11A.
and the detection position 11B are at the same height around the equator of the fruit or vegetable 1, or the impact position 11A is at the shoulder of the fruit or vegetable and the detection position 11B is different from the equator in both height and radial direction.
Provides predetermined location information.

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 so that an impact unit 62 that applies an impact to the fruits and vegetables 1 and a sensor unit 63 that absorbs the vibration waves of the fruits and vegetables 1 caused by this impact are attached to a lifting mechanism 61 and are operated in pairs. .

When the tray 2 carrying the fruits and vegetables 1 is transported from the measurement station run 4 to a predetermined position of the inspection station 5, a detection switch (not shown) catches this, and the lift stop device 51 is activated to remove the fruits and vegetables 1. At the same time, the detection device 6 receives a predetermined inspection position information signal 44 of the fruit or vegetable l from the calculation device 422 of the measurement station 4 through the control panel 52, and the elevating mechanism 61 moves the impact unit 62 and the sensor unit 63 to the fruit or vegetable l. After making it correspond to the predetermined impact position 11A of 1 and the detection position ff1lB,
The impact unit 62 and the sensor unit 63 operate, and at the same time the impact head 621 applies an impact to the fruits and vegetables 1, the sensor 631 detects vibration waves emitted by the fruits and vegetables, and the waveform signal is analyzed together with the clock signal through the amplifier 7 and filter 8. Input to the arithmetic processing device 9.

Preferably, a plurality of sensor units 63 are appropriately arranged around the fruits and vegetables 1 so as to detect the fruits and vegetables 1 through a plurality of channels.

This waveform analysis arithmetic processing device 9 has a waveform analysis section 91 that analyzes waveforms for a plurality of measurement items, and a grade standard value setting section 92 that classifies the grades. It is configured in advance so that the standard values for each grade in multiple stages can be set and input.

The waveform analysis unit 91 performs frequency analysis using a power spectrum and waveform analysis using an autocorrelation function, and performs arithmetic processing on a plurality of measurement items P+, Pz, P3+P4, and P, which will be described below.

Pl is a peak value, and the first peak frequency PIh obtained from the power spectrum and the dimension measuring device 4
The value obtained by multiplying by the coefficient β obtained from the magnitude information signal 43 outputted from the arithmetic unit 422 of No. 2 is set as the measured value of the peak value P1. (See Figure 4) P2 is the power level difference between the first peak frequency P1h and the second peak frequency Pth obtained from the power spectrum, and P+ h P
Let t h =Pt be the measured value. (See FIG. 4) P is the power level difference between the first peak frequency Plh and the third peak frequency 7t1 obtained from the power spectrum, and P+ h P3h = Ps is the measured value. (See FIG. 4) P4 is the peak point area of the autocorrelation function waveform, and the measurement value of P4 is the size of the area connecting the peak points of each period of the gradually attenuating waveform. (See FIG. 5) In the measurement of P4, the period of the waveform may be limited to a predetermined period, and the size of the area where the waveform is attenuated may be calculated and used as the measurement value.

P is the sum of the area surrounded by the time axis reference line of the autocorrelation function waveform and the waveform, and the resulting value is taken as the measured value. (Refer to Figure 6) In addition to the above P4+ pS, the autocorrelation function waveform analysis is based on the waveform whose height at each period with respect to the time axis reference line is sequentially attenuated. An item for calculating the degree of disorder, which is low or high, may be added.

Next, the grade standard setting section 92 shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 will be explained.

p1 in the figure. Pg, Ps, P4. PS has 41 items for each measurement item.

C... Evening is the standard value divided into equal lines for each measurement item (equal line division value), a, b, c...W is within the range of each standard value above. 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 can be arbitrarily set.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the comprehensive judgment method, and shows P, ~P
The rank assigned for each measurement item of , is indicated with 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, the saucer 2 is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, the upper surface is formed so as to stably hold the fruits and vegetables 1 so that they will not be transferred during transportation. 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 the figure, the saucer 2 has a grade memory (grade display switch) 2 that stores and displays grades and ranks.
1 and a class memory (class display switch) 22 are preferably used. This grade memory 21 stores five grade display switches 211 to 215 in three grades, A.
(Excellent) 1 Assigned to B (excellent), C (good), D (average), and E (excellent), and the other one 210 is set as a grade switch indicating that there is a defect in internal quality. Each of these class switches is operated through an actuator (not shown) by an output signal 10 of the class determined by the waveform analysis arithmetic processing unit 9.

The ten class display switches 220 to 229 in the class memory 22 are measured by a measuring unit 421 and actuated by an actuator (
(not shown).

When the tray 2 loaded with fruits and vegetables 1 is transported to the measurement station 4 by the transport device 3, a detection switch (not shown) catches this, and the measurement unit 421 of the dimension measurement device 42 and the calculation device 422 It operates to measure the size of the fruits and vegetables 1, outputs the size information signal 43 of the fruits and vegetables 1 to an actuator (not shown) that operates the class display switches 220 to 229 of the saucer 2, and switches the corresponding class display switch. Operate and display.

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 arithmetic unit 422 calculates a predetermined impact position 11A (the equator, the shoulder, or the top of the fruit) and the detection position 11B (the equator) of the measured fruit or vegetable l, and outputs the inspection position information signal 44. Is there a system for inspection station 5 in the next process? Output to 111!1152. This inspection position information signal 44 is shown as the height position of the equatorial portion 11 of the fruit or vegetable l, but if necessary for the configuration of the impact unit 62 and the sensor unit 63, other specified positions or information on the diameter of the fruit or vegetable l may be used. can be issued at the same time.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram in which a known beam-based dimension measuring device is used as the measuring unit 421, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram in which a known laser beam-based dimension measuring device is used in the measuring unit 421, and the saucer 2 is temporarily stopped by the stop device 41. An explanatory diagram for measurement is shown.

In addition to this, a known camera-type shape and dimension measuring device (not shown) can be used as the measuring unit (421).

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

When the tray 2 is conveyed 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 lifting it slightly from the conveying surface 31 of the conveying device 3. 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 A fixed position stopping mechanism (stop device) may also be used.

At the same time as the saucer 2 stops at the fixed position, the lifting mechanism 61 of the detection aff6 operates to send the inspection position information signal 4 to the impact unit 62 and sensor unit 63 through the control panel 52.
Predetermined impact position 11A of fruits and vegetables 1 given by 4
and the detection position 11B, and at the same time the impact unit 62 applies an impact to the predetermined impact position 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, and the waveform signal is transmitted. Amplifier 7
and a clock signal through a filter 8 to a waveform analysis arithmetic processing device 9.

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 lateral mechanism such as a horizontally movable lifting mechanism.

To explain in more detail, the impact unit 62 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 18, it consists of an impact head 621, a position sensor 622, and an actuator 623 that moves 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 a solenoid. The actuator 624 is actuated upon detection by the position sensor 622, and the impact head 621 is caused 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 fruit or vegetable 1.

At least one sensor unit 63 may be used, and in the second @, 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 throat 621 is activated and applies an impact to the fruits and vegetables.At the same time, the sensor 631 detects the vibration at this time. A wave is received and detected for a predetermined period of time, and the waveform signal is inputted to a waveform analysis calculation device 9 through an amplifier 7 and a filter 8.

At the same time as the detection is completed, or after receiving the output signal lO of the judgment result from the waveform analysis processing unit 9 and operating the grade display switch 21, each part of the detection device 6 retreats to the origin position, and The device 51 descends to open the saucer 2 and send it to the next process.

On the other hand, the waveform analysis arithmetic processing device 9 analyzes the waveform of the manually inputted waveform signal, and also receives the size information signal 43 of the fruit or vegetable l inputted from the arithmetic device 422 of the measuring station 4 through an interface (not shown). The above-mentioned arithmetic processing is performed for each measurement item.

Among the rank values rated for each measurement item, the lowest rank value is used as the overall judgment grade for that fruit or vegetable 1. If the measurement item of that rank value is an item for inspecting internal defects that have been confirmed in advance, the internal An output signal 10 which is a combination of a defective signal 101 and a grade rank signal 102 is output.

This output signal 10 is sent to the inspection station 5 or the next station (not shown) through an interface circuit, and operates the grade display switch of the grade memo IJ21 of the saucer 2 using an actuator (not shown).
The grade of the internal quality inspection result of the fruits and vegetables 1 placed on the tray 2 is displayed.

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, by looking at the grade memory 21 of the saucer 2, you can visually determine whether the grade was ranked lower because of an internal defect (cavity) or whether it was ranked lower because of poor quality in other measurement items, even if it is in the same lower grade. Can be done.

Of course, it can also be automatically determined using a reading sensor.

Furthermore, the output signal 10 is shifted to the subsequent process together with the magnitude phase signal 43 output from the arithmetic unit 422 of the measurement station 4, and the sorting is used for the number coefficient of 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.

In this example, the dimension measuring device 1! ! 42 and detection device 6
and are provided separately in two stations, but they may be provided in the same station.

The above description and the attached drawings both show an example of implementation and do not limit the invention, and it goes without saying that the content described in the claims can be applied to other devices. .

〔Effect of the invention〕

The present invention measures the shape and dimensions of fruits and vegetables, applies a constant shock to the predetermined position obtained by the measurement, detects vibration waves emitted by the fruit and vegetables at the predetermined position due to the impact, and uses waveform analysis to generate multiple vibration waves. Since items are inspected and graded into multiple levels based on the measured values, accurate internal quality grading is carried out, which has the effect of improving consumer confidence and product value in the fruits and vegetables 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, which eliminates the difference caused by the size of fruits and vegetables. It is possible to accurately determine whether the internal quality is good or bad (overripe, overripe, unripe) regardless of the quality.

Furthermore, since we measured the difference in waveforms obtained by the autocorrelation function as one of the other measurement items, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence and extent of internal defects (cavities).

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 a device 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 FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of frequency analysis using a power spectrum.
Figures 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams of the autocorrelation function waveform, and Figures 7-
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the selection standard value setting section, FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the comprehensive judgment method, FIGS. 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams of the saucer, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the selection standard value setting section. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the measurement unit, FIGS. 17 and 18 are explanatory diagrams of the impact unit, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the sensor unit. l...Fruits and vegetables 11...Position 11A...Impact position 11B...Detection position 2...Saucer 21...Grade memory (Grade display switch) 210~
215...Isoline display switch 22...Class memory
(Class display switch) 220-229...Class display switch 3...Transportation device 3I...Transportation section 4...Measurement station 41...Stop device 42...Dimension measurement device 421...Measurement Unit 422...Arithmetic device 43...Size information signal 44...Inspection position information signal 5...Inspection station 51...Lift stop device 52...Control panel 6...
・Detection device 61... Lifting mechanism 62...
Impact unit 621...impact head 622.
...Position sensing sensor 623, 624...Actuator 63...Sensor unit 631...Sensor 632...Actuator 7...Amplifier 8...Filter 9...Waveform analysis arithmetic processing unit 91...・Waveform analysis unit 92...Grade standard value setting unit lO...Output signal 101...Internal defect signal 102...Grade rank signal (07!-ram to H-7!-Ram) Match (Hz) E c d
eA J, n ″-th f
O day PI Hi S f, (7F aJ”■

Claims (1)

[Claims] The shape and dimensions of the spherical fruits and vegetables are measured with a measuring device to obtain size information, and a predetermined position is calculated, and the impact unit of the detection device applies an impact to that part, and the sensor unit uses the impact to generate information. A vibration wave is detected, the detected vibration wave is inputted to a waveform analysis processing unit together with the above-mentioned size information, and a predetermined measurement item is determined by combining the waveform data obtained by waveform analysis and the above-mentioned size information. A method for internal quality grading of fruits and vegetables, which performs arithmetic processing and compares and determines the values calculated for each measurement item with preset grading values in multiple stages to determine the grade.