Designing an Image Capturing Box for Red Chilies (Capsicum annuum L.) by Using Smartphone Camera

Abstract

Most of red chili quality is manually analysed. It often gives subjective and inconsistent result. This research’s aim is to design an accurate image capturing box for red chili analysis which is suitable for users. An experiment was conducted to determine the instrument specification on background colour; lighting condition; and smartphone camera setting. Two types of smartphone camera were examined. Colour control patches was used as Red Green Blue (RGB) standard colour. RGB values (1 to 255) were divided into 5 ranges, which were 1-50, 51-101, 102-152, 153-203, and 204-255. Each range was scored 1 to 5 depending on the ideal value for each colour. Based on the scoring system, the closer an RGB value to the score of 5, the better the instrument. Users’ needs were also identified through brainstorming with chili sorting workers to determine the instrument’s specification. The results of the experiment and brainstorming were used to arrange the instrument’s concept. This research managed to set specifications comprising black background, two led bars positioned at the top-edge, camera setting at ISO 100, and auto shutter speed. This combination achieved an average score of 4.6. To meet the users’ needs of portability, price affordability, easiness of use, and comfortability, 2 models of image capturing box were made. These were folding and sections model.