Measurement of fruit particles
First Claim
Patent Images
1. Apparatus for the measurement of fruit particles in a matrix without removing the fruit particles from this matrix, comprising:
- a substantially opaque cabinet;
a sample tray adapted to receive a fruit matrix of fruit particles which are within a matrix selected from the group consisting of a sugar matrix, a starch matrix or a sugar and starch matrix, said fruit matrix being of the kind used in fruit fillings, toppings, dairy products or cooked food products;
a camera in the upper portion of said cabinet for taking an image of the fruit particles while they remain within the fruit matrix;
a light source in said cabinet; and
a computer with image analyzing software which analyzes said image of the fruit particles in order to measure the fruit particles without having removed them from the fruit matrix.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods to characterize and measure fruit pieces in food products are provided. A sample is spread on a viewing cell and illuminated. The image is captured by a camera and fed to a computer with imaging software. Information useful for quality control purposes and process control is obtained.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. Apparatus for the measurement of fruit particles in a matrix without removing the fruit particles from this matrix, comprising:
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a substantially opaque cabinet; a sample tray adapted to receive a fruit matrix of fruit particles which are within a matrix selected from the group consisting of a sugar matrix, a starch matrix or a sugar and starch matrix, said fruit matrix being of the kind used in fruit fillings, toppings, dairy products or cooked food products; a camera in the upper portion of said cabinet for taking an image of the fruit particles while they remain within the fruit matrix; a light source in said cabinet; and a computer with image analyzing software which analyzes said image of the fruit particles in order to measure the fruit particles without having removed them from the fruit matrix. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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10. Apparatus for the measurement of fruit particles in a matrix without removing the fruit particles from this matrix, comprising:
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a substantially opaque cabinet with a non-reflecting inside surface; a sample tray with a light-transmitting bottom, said sample tray adapted to receive a fruit matrix of fruit particles which are within a matrix selected from the group consisting of a sugar matrix, a starch matrix or a sugar and starch matrix, said fruit matrix being of the kind used in fruit fillings, toppings, dairy products or cooked food products; a camera in the upper portion of said cabinet for taking an image of the fruit particles while they remain within the fruit matrix; a light box with light intensity adjusting switches; an incident light source; and a computer with image analyzing software which analyzes said image of the fruit particles in order to measure the fruit particles without having removed them from the fruit matrix.
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11. A process for the measurement of fruit particles in a matrix without removing the fruit particles from this matrix comprising:
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placing in a sample tray a fruit matrix, said fruit matrix being fruit particles which are within a matrix selected from the group consisting of a sugar matrix, a starch matrix or a sugar and starch matrix, said fruit matrix being of the kind used in fruit fillings, toppings, dairy products or cooked food products; illuminating said fruit matrix so that an image may be obtained in which the fruit particles are distinguishable from the background; capturing a computer-readable image of at least a portion of said illuminated fruit matrix; and using a computer and an image analyzing software program to analyze said image and obtain information concerning said fruit particles without removing the fruit particles from the fruit matrix. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification