초록 ▼

A firmness measuring method and device for non-destructive testing of objects (such as fruits) is disclosed. The device comprises the following components: a means to affect the size and/or shape of the object(s) through application of a compressive force (such as increased liquid, fluid, or mechani

A firmness measuring method and device for non-destructive testing of objects (such as fruits) is disclosed. The device comprises the following components: a means to affect the size and/or shape of the object(s) through application of a compressive force (such as increased liquid, fluid, or mechanical pressure); or an expansive force (such as decreased liquid, fluid, or mechanical pressure); a means to measure or infer the volumetric change of the object(s) caused by application of the force; and/or measurement of surface deformation; an analyzer to utilize the volume change and/or amount of deformation of the surface caused by the applied force to infer the firmness of the object(s); a controller to coordinate the application of force, the measurement of object(s) response and the inference of firmness or firmness. Inference of firmness may also use additional information on the object(s) such as harvest date, manufacture date, weight, variety, chemical concentration, or water content.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A firmness measuring device for non-destructive testing of deformable test objects, comprising:a. a test object measuring chamber to receive the test object within which a force is applied to the test object;b. a force generating component to generate a deforming force th

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A firmness measuring device for non-destructive testing of deformable test objects, comprising:a. a test object measuring chamber to receive the test object within which a force is applied to the test object;b. a force generating component to generate a deforming force that can be applied uniformly over all or substantially all of the surface area of the test object;c. a measuring component to(i) determine the magnitude of the deforming force and the variation of the deforming force(ii) measure the initial volume of the test object before application of the deforming force,(iii) measure the volume of the test object after application of the deforming force;(iv) measure the weight or density of the test object before and after the application of the deforming force;(v) measure the rate of deformation of the volume of the test object in response to the deforming force, and (vi) response to the deform force and(vi) measure the rate of recovery of volume of the test object after the application of the deforming force has ceased,d. an analyzing component responsive to a signal generated by the measuring component to compare the variables in (i) through (iv) above to determine the firmness of the object under test;e. a logic and control component to control the variables of (i) through (iv) above.