An electronic portable device design to spectroscopically assess fruit quality

Abstract

As a rapid and nondestructive sensing technique, reflection spectroscopy is useful in monitoring and managing horticultural production; in other words, the ripening of fruits and vegetables can be evaluated using reflection spectroscopy. Based on laboratory data obtained from an ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared (UV/Vis/NIR) spectrophotometer with a diffuse reflectance accessory, we developed a prototype handheld device. The device operates at a range of 400 nm to 1100 nm (blue, green, red, and NIR). LEDs, photodiodes, a microcontroller, digital-to-analog converters, a graphical LCD display, and a keypad were used for instrumentation. With our user-friendly software interface, measurements can be performed and controlled in real time, and measured data can be transferred to a computer using Bluetooth technology. This method of processing and evaluating data is easily managed.