Determining the dimensional characteristics of blueberries
¹ Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Department of Agricultural and Production Engineering, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 56, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
² Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Department of Physics, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 56, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
³ Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Horticulture, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 5, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: kaarel.soots@emu.ee
Abstract:
The smoothly adjustable belt drums of belt sorters can be used in the processing of harvested blueberries. Previous tests with the smoothly-adjustable belt drums of belt sorters indicates the fact that further improvements are required to increase their sorting efficiency and uniformity. For this, the relationship between the dimensional characteristics of blueberries needs to be studied. The aim of this study is to determine connections between the dimensional characteristics of blueberries. To fulfil this aim, the length, diameter, mass, and volume are measured in an experimental group of blueberries. Based on these measuring results, mathematical equations are compiled in order to describe the connections between the dimensional characteristics of blueberries. The mathematical equations obtained are tested with a control group of blueberries. The results show that the volume of blueberries can most accurately be estimated by using a mathematical equation which takes into account the mass of blueberries. The mass of blueberries can most accurately be estimated with a mathematical equation which takes into account the diameter and length of the blueberries. Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that blueberry dimensional characteristics are linked and that these links can be used for various purposes.
Key words:
3D reconstruction, belt, modeling, shape description, sorters, volume measuring