Computer vision system for characterization of Canadian pulses

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Canada is the second largest producer of pulses in the world. In 2016, it exported around 6 million tonnes of pulses (more than 80% of production) valued at $ 4.2 billion to over 150 countries. At present, in the international pulse trade, around 3 out of 10 contracts results in disputes requiring arbitration between buyers and sellers, which is mainly due to differences in methodology and nomenclature in quality standards. The countries that grow and export pulse have been asked to develop innovative methods to measure and define its quality in order to strengthen certification systems. According to Pulse Canada, delivering "Canada brand" pulses to the international market and maintaining a competitive position is an ongoing challenge. The widely varying values given to the quality parameters by importing countries severely affects Canadian farmers and traders in terms of grading, packing and certification. Therefore, an objective system for measuring the surface and internal attributes of pulses, and determining the grades based on customer specifications, is urgently required to maintain Canada's share in the international pulse market. Computer vision (CV) is a non-destructive method in which images of an object (static or moving) are taken and analyzed to obtain the target quality objectively. In this proposed program, the CV techniques will be developed to characterize the primary quality determinants as defined by the Canadian Grain Commission (damage, degree of soundness, foreign material and mix of other pulse classes) for the top three pulses (lentils, dry peas and dry beans) in Canada. The CV system for the monochrome camera, red-green-blue (RGB) color camera, and near infrared (NIR) camera with optimized illumination, image processing, feature extraction, machine learning algorithms and classification models will be developed and tested. The developed algorithms will be used to implement an automated online grading system for the pulse handling facilities of Canada. This will assist in ensuring the validity of the "Guaranteed Canadian Pulse" stamping in the international market. Also, the developed protocols will beneficially supplement other on-going Canadian pulse research programs such as those focused on storage (color degradation) and breeding (pattern recognitions in varietal purity). Capacity building and knowledge dissemination: Ten HQP (1 PDF, 1 PhD, 3 MSc and 5 UG) will be trained in automated, non-destructive inspection procedures for food safety and quality. The training received in this area will be transferable to similar research or industrial applications involving other food products. A workshop will be organized for the farmers, processors and traders in the Canadian pulse sector, in order to disseminate the developed technologies.