WO2022263293A1 - Method and device for qualifying a mushroom - Google Patents
Method and device for qualifying a mushroom Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2022263293A1 WO2022263293A1 PCT/EP2022/065735 EP2022065735W WO2022263293A1 WO 2022263293 A1 WO2022263293 A1 WO 2022263293A1 EP 2022065735 W EP2022065735 W EP 2022065735W WO 2022263293 A1 WO2022263293 A1 WO 2022263293A1
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- Prior art keywords
- height
- mushroom
- cap
- diameter
- qualifier
- Prior art date
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- 235000001674 Agaricus brunnescens Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 124
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 37
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000012797 qualification Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241001124569 Lycaenidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013473 artificial intelligence Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002361 compost Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004042 decolorization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002195 synergetic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G18/00—Cultivation of mushrooms
- A01G18/80—Accessories for use after harvesting, e.g. scrapers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and device for qualifying a mushroom. More in particular the invention further relates to sorting picked mushrooms based on the qualification.
- mushrooms are grown on beds with compost and casing soil, arranged on beds supported by shelvings.
- the mushrooms are mostly handpicked, although automated picking techniques, machines and robots are known in the art.
- the picking technique is complex however. Numerous variables, parameters and circumstances are to be taken into account when picking mushrooms from a bed. The decision to pick one mushroom and leave the other on the bed may depend on the actual mushroom that is picked, but also on the mushrooms it is surrounded by, and when it comes to size also to the demand from the market. Some periods in time and/or markets require a small mushroom, others a large one. However, to be able to pick large mushrooms, others have to be picked from the bed while they are still small. Since the picked mushrooms leave the cell they are picked from altogether, a sorting process is unavoidable.
- One method applied in the art is a direct sorting on the job by the harvesters. However the decision making is based on memory and rather random and inaccurate.
- the mushrooms may be transported on a conveyor belt or a chain with mushroom holders from the cell they are picked in, to a sorting location.
- a sorting process takes place, mostly manual, sometimes partly automated, wherein a mushroom weight may for instance be determined as a parameter for qualification and the sorting may be based on said weight.
- the invention thereto proposes a method for qualifying a mushroom, in particular a picked mushroom, the mushroom having a cap and a stem, wherein a direction from stem to cap is defined as a height direction, the method comprising the steps of determining the diameter of the cap in a direction perpendicular to the height direction, determining the height of the cap in the height direction, comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and height combinations, each combination having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
- the method may comprise providing predetermined diameter and height combinations, each having a qualifier.
- the qualifier may be a numerical value, indicating the quality of the mushroom, for instance on a scale between 0 and 10, but any other system can be used.
- the main insight the invention is based on is that a qualification on diameter only (or for instance weight only, and even diameter and weight) is insufficient, and that the combination of diameter and height provide the required distinctive features.
- the predetermined qualifications for combinations of diameters and heights may be chosen such that a growing numerical value indicates a better quality.
- the method is based on the insight that a mushroom has various growth stadia, and more in particular a number of stadia it goes through from the moment it is in principle ready for harvest and consumption. These stadia are explained in more detail with reference to figure 1 below.
- the inventors have found out that a combination of the diameter of the cap and its height in general may be used as input parameters for a qualification and a sorting process. More specific use and determination parameters are discussed later in this application.
- the method according to the invention may further comprise assigning a class to the mushroom, based on the qualifier.
- class boundaries may be determined, or amended, for obtaining a desired distribution of mushrooms over classes. For instance, if normally A, B and C class mushrooms are distinguished, class A may comprise all mushrooms with a qualifier of 7 or more, class B is between 5 and 7 and class C is below 5.
- the boundaries may be changed into 8 and 6, when there are more high quality mushrooms than required, or otherwise, all mushrooms with a qualifier above 6 may be considered A, and only below 4 may be considered C.
- the mushroom For preventing damage on a (visible) area on the mushroom, and for a precise determination of its cap height, it is beneficial when the mushroom is supported at a known position on the lower side of its cap at least during determination of the diameter and the height. Mushrooms are normally packed with in particular their caps visible in packages for consumers. Decoloured or brown spots as a result of touching the mushroom in handling are to be avoided.
- the lower side of the cap is a suitable support location on the mushroom. A lower side is defined here with respect to the height direction as defined above in terms of the mushroom.
- this lower side of the cap is also the actual lower side when supporting the mushroom, this facilitates determining both the diameter and the height of the cap are determined with a view from the top side, while supporting the mushroom in a stable position.
- a single view side is in general beneficial for keeping a design for a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.
- the top side is one possible choice to implement this feature of the invention.
- the mushroom may be supported in particular by a mushroom conveyor belt with holes for receiving mushroom stems, or a chain with holders for each mushroom, wherein the diameter is determined with a light sensor in case of a moving support or with a camera in general, and wherein the height is determined with a distance meter at a fixed position above the known position of the support. Both the light sensor and the distance meter can be placed on top of the conveyor belt or chain then.
- the distance sensor may continuously determine the distance to the closest object below it, and intermittently detect the conveyor belt or chain (low) and a mushroom cap (higher), when a belt filled with mushrooms is moved along the sensor.
- the light meter may determine either the (reflection of) the colour of the belt (often dark (blue)) and the mushroom, often lighter than the belt) or white. Any contrast with the mushroom colour may do.
- digital image processing or artificial intelligence may be used to determine the diameter.
- a view from a direction perpendicular to the height direction is defined as a side view
- the method comprises taking a side view image of the mushroom, determining the height and the broadest diameter of the cap, comparing the height and the broadest diameter with predetermined height and broadest diameter combinations, each combination having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
- the method comprises taking said side view image of the mushroom, determining the relative height position of the broadest diameter of the cap with respect to the total cap height, comparing the relative height with predetermined relative heights, each predetermined relative height having a qualifier and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches.
- the absolute height of the broadest diameter with respect to the support surface, being the lowest surface of the cap may be used.
- the bottom side of the cap adjacent to the stem, opens in the last phase. From an annular form, the cap changes into a rather planar form.
- the relative height location of the broadest diameter of the cap may change, which is an indication of the growth stage.
- the advantage of both latter embodiments above the earlier described ones is that a single image of a mushroom is sufficient to determine all necessary parameters. Both the cap diameter and its height can be seen from this side.
- the mushrooms may be supported by a harvesting conveyor belt or a chain with holders for mushrooms.
- this has the synergetic advantage that the side view of the belt also serves as a marker of the plane wherein the mushroom cap is supported, which facilitates the digital process of recognizing the mushroom and its cap.
- the side view of the belt is a line in the image, which serves as an easy reference for optical imaging software.
- the invention thus also relates to performing the qualification of a mushroom based on the information from one single image.
- the qualifier thus obtained may be used for sorting mushrooms, wherein mushrooms with different qualifications are routed or packed differently after the qualification stage.
- the method and device according the present invention are already used in the picking process, in particular in an automated picking process. It may also be used to determine or re determine class division or boundaries, in order to obtain a desired division of mushrooms over classes, or the absolute number of mushrooms in a certain class.
- the method and device according to the invention may further be configured to take additional mushroom properties, like size, weight, form or decolourization such as having brown spots into account for determining the qualifier.
- a mushroom volume and/or weight is estimated without actually weighing the mushroom.
- this may be used to base the qualifier on.
- the invention also relates to a device for qualifying mushrooms, comprising a support for mushrooms, in particular a mushroom conveyor belt with holes for receiving mushroom stems or a chain with holders for receiving mushrooms, means for determining the diameter of the cap in a direction perpendicular to the height direction, means for determining the height of the cap in the height direction, processing means configured for comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and height combinations, each combination having a qualifier and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
- the support is preferably a movable support for the bottom of the mushroom cap, the support at a known height position, the device comprising a light sensor a camera mounted above the support and oriented for obtaining an image of the cap taken in the height direction of the mushroom for determining the diameter of the mushroom, and a distance meter at a fixed position above the known position of the support for determining the cap height.
- the device may comprise a camera oriented for taking a side view image of the mushroom, wherein the processing means are configured for determining the relative height position of the broadest diameter of the cap with respect to the total cap height, comparing the relative height with predetermined relative heights, each predetermined relative height having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches.
- the device may further comprise a camera oriented for taking a side view image of the mushroom, wherein the processing means are configured for determining the height and the broadest diameter of the cap, comparing the height and the broadest diameter with predetermined height and broadest diameter combinations, each combination having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the height and broadest diameter combination it matches.
- FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIGs 1A-D shows cross sectional views of various growth stages of respective mushrooms 1-4, chronologic from A-D.
- the mushroom 1 in figure 1A has a so called closed cap C1.
- the figure shows the height H1 of the cap, its diameter D1 , and a height X1 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C1.
- the stem S1 is completely below the cap C1.
- Mushroom 2 in figure 1 B has a so called vealed cap C2, having a diameter D2, a height H2 and a height X2 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C2.
- the stem S2 is still fully below the cap C2.
- Mushroom 2 in figure 1B has a so called vealed cap C2, having a diameter D2, a height H2 and a height X2 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C2.
- the stem S2 is still fully below the cap C2.
- Mushroom 3 in figure 1C has a so called open cap C3, having a diameter D3, a height H3 and a height X3 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C3.
- the stem S3 extends partly within the cap C2.
- Mushroom 4 in figure 1 D also has an open cap C4, having a diameter D4, a height H4 and a height X4 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C4.
- the stem S4 again extends fully below the cap C2 again.
- Figure 2 shows a device 5 according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a support 6 for mushrooms, formed by a mushroom conveyor belt 6 with holes 7 for receiving mushroom stems 8, a camera 11 for determining the diameter in a direction D perpendicular to the height direction H of the cap 9 of the mushrooms 10, a light sensor 12 for determining the height of the cap in the height direction H, processing means (not depicted) configured for comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and height combinations, each combination having a qualifier and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
- Figure 3 shows a side view image 13 as taken by a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the processing means are configured for determining the relative height position X / H of the broadest diameter D of the cap C with respect to the total cap height H, measured from the support 6, comparing the relative height X / H with predetermined relative heights, each relative height having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches.
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Abstract
Device for qualifying mushrooms (10, 14), the mushroom (1, 2, 3, 4) having a cap (9, C1, C2, C3, C4) and a stem (S1, S2, S3, S4), wherein a direction from stem (S1, S2, S3, S4) to cap (9, C1, C2, C3, C4) is defined as a height (H1, H2, H3, H4, X1, X2, X3, X4) direction and a view from a direction perpendicular to the height (H1, H2, H3, H4, X1, X2, X3, X4) direction is defined as a side view, the device comprising: - A support (6) for mushrooms (10, 14), in particular a mushroom conveyor belt (6) with holes (7) for receiving mushroom stems (8); - Means, for determining the diameter (D1, D2, D3, D4) of the cap (9, C1, C2, C3, C4) in a direction perpendicular to the height (H1, H2, H3, H4, X1, X2, X3, X4) direction; - Means for determining the height (H1, H2, H3, H4, X1, X2, X3, X4) of the cap (9, C1, C2, C3, C4) in the height (H1, H2, H3, H4, X1, X2, X3, X4) direction; - Processing means configured for Comparing the determined diameter (D1, D2, D3, D4) and height (H1, H2, H3, H4, X1, X2, X3, X4) with predetermined diameter (D1, D2, D3, D4) and height (H1, H2, H3, H4, X1, X2, X3, X4) combinations, each combination having a qualifier;o Qualifying the mushroom (1, 2, 3, 4) with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
Description
Method and device for qualifying a mushroom
The present invention relates to a method and device for qualifying a mushroom. More in particular the invention further relates to sorting picked mushrooms based on the qualification.
At the industrial scale to which the present invention relates, mushrooms are grown on beds with compost and casing soil, arranged on beds supported by shelvings. The mushrooms are mostly handpicked, although automated picking techniques, machines and robots are known in the art. The picking technique is complex however. Numerous variables, parameters and circumstances are to be taken into account when picking mushrooms from a bed. The decision to pick one mushroom and leave the other on the bed may depend on the actual mushroom that is picked, but also on the mushrooms it is surrounded by, and when it comes to size also to the demand from the market. Some periods in time and/or markets require a small mushroom, others a large one. However, to be able to pick large mushrooms, others have to be picked from the bed while they are still small. Since the picked mushrooms leave the cell they are picked from altogether, a sorting process is unavoidable. One method applied in the art is a direct sorting on the job by the harvesters. However the decision making is based on memory and rather random and inaccurate.
Therefore, once picked or harvested, the mushrooms may be transported on a conveyor belt or a chain with mushroom holders from the cell they are picked in, to a sorting location. There a sorting process takes place, mostly manual, sometimes partly automated, wherein a mushroom weight may for instance be determined as a parameter for qualification and the sorting may be based on said weight.
The sorting methods and devices according to the art have in general appeared to be slow and inaccurate, and where performed manually, also cumbersome and costly. A demand for a more effective, faster and further automated sorting process is therefore a long felt need. It is a goal of the present invention to provide such improved process, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.
The invention thereto proposes a method for qualifying a mushroom, in particular a picked mushroom, the mushroom having a cap and a stem, wherein a direction from stem to cap is defined as a height direction, the method comprising the steps of determining the diameter of the cap in a direction perpendicular to the height direction, determining the height of the cap in the height direction, comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and height combinations, each combination having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches. The method may comprise providing predetermined diameter and height combinations, each having a qualifier. The qualifier may be a numerical value, indicating the quality of the mushroom, for instance on a scale between 0 and 10, but any other system can be used. The main insight the invention is based on is that a qualification on diameter only (or for instance weight only, and even diameter and weight) is insufficient, and that the combination of diameter and height provide the required distinctive features.
The predetermined qualifications for combinations of diameters and heights may be chosen such that a growing numerical value indicates a better quality. The method is based on the insight that a mushroom has various growth stadia, and more in particular a number of stadia it goes through from the moment it is in principle ready for harvest and consumption. These stadia are explained in more detail with reference to figure 1 below. The inventors have found out that a combination of the diameter of the cap and its height in general may be used as input parameters for a qualification and a sorting process. More specific use and determination parameters are discussed later in this application.
The method according to the invention may further comprise assigning a class to the mushroom, based on the qualifier. However, alternatively, based on a number of qualifiers thus provided, class boundaries may be determined, or amended, for obtaining a desired distribution of mushrooms over classes. For instance, if normally A, B and C class mushrooms are distinguished, class A may comprise all mushrooms with a qualifier of 7 or more, class B is between 5 and 7 and class C is below 5. Depending on the distribution of qualifiers, the boundaries may be changed into 8 and 6, when there are more high quality mushrooms than required, or otherwise, all mushrooms with a qualifier above 6 may be considered A, and only below 4 may be considered C.
For preventing damage on a (visible) area on the mushroom, and for a precise determination of its cap height, it is beneficial when the mushroom is supported at a known position on the lower side of its cap at least during determination of the diameter and the height. Mushrooms are normally packed with in particular their caps visible in packages for consumers. Decoloured or brown spots as a result of touching the mushroom in handling are to be avoided. In order thereto, the lower side of the cap is a suitable support location on the mushroom. A lower side is defined here with respect to the height direction as defined above in terms of the mushroom.
When this lower side of the cap is also the actual lower side when supporting the mushroom, this facilitates determining both the diameter and the height of the cap are determined with a view from the top side, while supporting the mushroom in a stable position. A single view side is in general beneficial for keeping a design for a device for carrying out the method according to the invention. The top side is one possible choice to implement this feature of the invention.
Therefore, in an embodiment, the mushroom may be supported in particular by a mushroom conveyor belt with holes for receiving mushroom stems, or a chain with holders for each mushroom, wherein the diameter is determined with a light sensor in case of a moving support or with a camera in general, and wherein the height is determined with a distance meter at a fixed position above the known position of the support. Both the light sensor and the distance meter can be placed on top of the conveyor belt or chain then. The distance sensor may continuously determine the distance to the closest object below it, and intermittently detect the conveyor belt or chain (low) and a mushroom cap (higher), when a belt filled with mushrooms is moved along the sensor. The light meter may determine either the (reflection of) the colour of the belt (often dark (blue)) and the mushroom, often lighter than the belt) or white. Any contrast with the mushroom colour may do. In a more sophisticated embodiment, digital image processing or artificial intelligence may be used to determine the diameter.
In an alternative embodiment, a view from a direction perpendicular to the height direction is defined as a side view, and the method comprises taking a side view
image of the mushroom, determining the height and the broadest diameter of the cap, comparing the height and the broadest diameter with predetermined height and broadest diameter combinations, each combination having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
In a more sophisticated embodiments with the possibility to qualify in a yet more specific manner, the method comprises taking said side view image of the mushroom, determining the relative height position of the broadest diameter of the cap with respect to the total cap height, comparing the relative height with predetermined relative heights, each predetermined relative height having a qualifier and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches. As an alternative to determining the relative height, the absolute height of the broadest diameter with respect to the support surface, being the lowest surface of the cap, may be used.
As shown in figure 1 , during its growth process, the bottom side of the cap, adjacent to the stem, opens in the last phase. From an annular form, the cap changes into a rather planar form. Hereby, the relative height location of the broadest diameter of the cap may change, which is an indication of the growth stage. Although this method is preferred, when it comes to speed the earlier described approach taking only the height into account may be chosen, as described below.
The advantage of both latter embodiments above the earlier described ones is that a single image of a mushroom is sufficient to determine all necessary parameters. Both the cap diameter and its height can be seen from this side. Also in this embodiment the mushrooms may be supported by a harvesting conveyor belt or a chain with holders for mushrooms. In this embodiment, this has the synergetic advantage that the side view of the belt also serves as a marker of the plane wherein the mushroom cap is supported, which facilitates the digital process of recognizing the mushroom and its cap. The side view of the belt is a line in the image, which serves as an easy reference for optical imaging software. The invention thus also relates to performing the qualification of a mushroom based on the information from one single image.
The qualifier thus obtained may be used for sorting mushrooms, wherein mushrooms with different qualifications are routed or packed differently after the qualification stage. However it is also possible that the method and device according the present invention are already used in the picking process, in particular in an automated picking process. It may also be used to determine or re determine class division or boundaries, in order to obtain a desired division of mushrooms over classes, or the absolute number of mushrooms in a certain class.
The method and device according to the invention may further be configured to take additional mushroom properties, like size, weight, form or decolourization such as having brown spots into account for determining the qualifier.
It is further possible, that based on the diameter and the cap height, a mushroom volume and/or weight is estimated without actually weighing the mushroom.
Directly or indirectly, this may be used to base the qualifier on.
The invention also relates to a device for qualifying mushrooms, comprising a support for mushrooms, in particular a mushroom conveyor belt with holes for receiving mushroom stems or a chain with holders for receiving mushrooms, means for determining the diameter of the cap in a direction perpendicular to the height direction, means for determining the height of the cap in the height direction, processing means configured for comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and height combinations, each combination having a qualifier and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
The support is preferably a movable support for the bottom of the mushroom cap, the support at a known height position, the device comprising a light sensor a camera mounted above the support and oriented for obtaining an image of the cap taken in the height direction of the mushroom for determining the diameter of the mushroom, and a distance meter at a fixed position above the known position of the support for determining the cap height.
The device may comprise a camera oriented for taking a side view image of the mushroom, wherein the processing means are configured for determining the
relative height position of the broadest diameter of the cap with respect to the total cap height, comparing the relative height with predetermined relative heights, each predetermined relative height having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches.
The device may further comprise a camera oriented for taking a side view image of the mushroom, wherein the processing means are configured for determining the height and the broadest diameter of the cap, comparing the height and the broadest diameter with predetermined height and broadest diameter combinations, each combination having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the height and broadest diameter combination it matches.
The invention will now be elucidated in more detail with reference to the following figures, wherein:
- Figures 1A-D show various growth stages of mushrooms;
- Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention; and
- Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention.
Figures 1A-D shows cross sectional views of various growth stages of respective mushrooms 1-4, chronologic from A-D. The mushroom 1 in figure 1A has a so called closed cap C1. The figure shows the height H1 of the cap, its diameter D1 , and a height X1 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C1. The stem S1 is completely below the cap C1. Mushroom 2 in figure 1 B has a so called vealed cap C2, having a diameter D2, a height H2 and a height X2 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C2. The stem S2 is still fully below the cap C2. Mushroom 2 in figure 1B has a so called vealed cap C2, having a diameter D2, a height H2 and a height X2 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C2. The stem S2 is still fully below the cap C2. Mushroom 3 in figure 1C has a so called open cap C3, having a diameter D3, a height H3 and a height X3 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C3. The stem S3 extends partly within the cap C2. Mushroom 4 in figure 1 D also has an open cap C4, having a diameter D4, a height H4 and a height X4 from (a support at) the bottom level of the cap C4. The stem S4 again extends fully below the cap C2 again.
Figure 2 shows a device 5 according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a support 6 for mushrooms, formed by a mushroom conveyor belt 6 with holes 7 for receiving mushroom stems 8, a camera 11 for determining the diameter in a direction D perpendicular to the height direction H of the cap 9 of the mushrooms 10, a light sensor 12 for determining the height of the cap in the height direction H, processing means (not depicted) configured for comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and height combinations, each combination having a qualifier and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
Figure 3 shows a side view image 13 as taken by a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the processing means are configured for determining the relative height position X / H of the broadest diameter D of the cap C with respect to the total cap height H, measured from the support 6, comparing the relative height X / H with predetermined relative heights, each relative height having a qualifier, and qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches.
The above examples are for illustration purposes only and do not limit the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. Method for qualifying a mushroom, in particular a picked mushroom, the mushroom having a cap and a stem, wherein a direction from stem to cap is defined as a height direction, comprising:
- Determining the diameter, in a direction perpendicular to the height direction, of the cap;
- Determining the height of the cap in the height direction;
- Comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and height combinations, each combination having a qualifier;
- Qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the mushroom is supported at a known position on the lower side of its cap at least during determination of the diameter and the height.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both the diameter and the height of the cap are determined with a view from the top side.
4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the mushroom is supported in particular by a mushroom conveyor belt with holes for receiving mushroom stems or a chain with holders for mushrooms, wherein the diameter is determined with a light sensor in case of a moving support or with a camera in general, and wherein the height is determined with a distance meter at a fixed position above the known position of the support.
5. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein and a view from a direction perpendicular to the height direction is defined as a side view, the method comprising:
- T aking a side view image of the mushroom;
- Determining the height and the broadest diameter of the cap;
- Comparing the height and the broadest diameter with predetermined height and broadest diameter combinations, each combination having a qualifier;
Qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the height and broadest diameter combination it matches.
6. Method according to claim 5, comprising: - Determining the relative height position of the broadest diameter of the cap with respect to the total cap height;
- Comparing the relative height with predetermined relative heights, each predetermined relative height having a qualifier;
- Qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches.
7. Method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:
- T aking a side view image of the mushroom;
- Determining the broadest diameter of the cap; - Determining the absolute height of the broadest diameter with respect to the support surface, being the lowest surface of the cap,
- Comparing the absolute height and the broadest diameter with predetermined absolute height and the broadest diameter combinations, each combination having a qualifier; - Qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the absolute height and the broadest diameter combination it matches.
8. Method according to claim 5, 6 or 7, comprising performing the classification of a mushroom based on the information from one single image.
9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising sorting mushrooms based on the qualifier thus obtained.
10. Device for qualifying mushrooms, the mushroom having a cap and a stem, wherein a direction from stem to cap is defined as a height direction and a view from a direction perpendicular to the height direction is defined as a side view, the device comprising:
- A support for mushrooms, in particular a mushroom conveyor belt with holes for receiving mushroom stems or a chain with holders for the mushrooms;
- Means, for determining the diameter of the cap in a direction perpendicular to the height direction;
- Means for determining the height of the cap in the height direction;
- Processing means configured for comparing the determined diameter and height with predetermined diameter and heights, each predetermined diameter and height having a qualifier;
- Qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined diameter and height it matches.
11. Device according to claim 9, wherein the support is a movable support for the bottom of the mushroom cap, the support at a known height position, the device comprising a light sensor, a camera mounted above the support and oriented for obtaining an image of the cap taken in the height direction of the mushroom for determining the diameter of the mushroom, and a distance meter at a fixed position above the known position of the support for determining the cap height.
12. Device according to claim 10, comprising a camera oriented for taking a side view image of the mushroom, wherein the processing means are configured for: a. determining the relative height position of the broadest diameter of the cap with respect to the total cap height; b. comparing the relative height with predetermined relative heights, each predetermined relative height having a qualifier; c. qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the predetermined relative height it matches.
13. Device according to claim 10, comprising a camera oriented for taking a side view image of the mushroom, wherein the processing means are configured for:
- Determining the height and the broadest diameter of the cap;
- Comparing the height and the broadest diameter with predetermined height and broadest diameter combinations, each combination having a qualifier;
Qualifying the mushroom with a qualifier belonging to the combination it matches.
14. Device according to any of claims 10-13, comprising sorting mushrooms based on the qualifier thus obtained.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2028448 | 2021-06-14 | ||
| NL2028448A NL2028448B1 (en) | 2021-06-14 | 2021-06-14 | Method and device for qualifying a mushroom |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2022263293A1 true WO2022263293A1 (en) | 2022-12-22 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/065735 WO2022263293A1 (en) | 2021-06-14 | 2022-06-09 | Method and device for qualifying a mushroom |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2028448B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2022263293A1 (en) |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0957213A (en) * | 1995-06-12 | 1997-03-04 | Dainippon Printing Co Ltd | Quality deciding device and assorting device for mushrooms |
-
2021
- 2021-06-14 NL NL2028448A patent/NL2028448B1/en active
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2022
- 2022-06-09 WO PCT/EP2022/065735 patent/WO2022263293A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0957213A (en) * | 1995-06-12 | 1997-03-04 | Dainippon Printing Co Ltd | Quality deciding device and assorting device for mushrooms |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NL2028448B1 (en) | 2022-12-21 |
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