Development of an automatic sorting system for fresh ginsengs by image processing techniques

Seokhoon Jeong,Sangjoon Lee,Yong-Min Lee

doi:10.1186/s13673-017-0122-5

Seokhoon Jeong, Sangjoon Lee + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13673-017-0122-5

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Abstract

This study was conducted with the objective of implementing a smart IoT (internet of things) factory consisting of an automatic 6-year-old fresh ginseng grade classification device. Conventionally, washed 6-year-old ginseng from farmlands is manually sorted into three grades using classification criteria such as weight and shape. However, the cost associated with this classification process has been on the increase. Consequently, to reduce this associated cost, we developed an automatic ginseng sorting device that classifies 6-year-old ginseng according to weight and shape via image processing and sends the classification results to a factory server over a network. Evaluations conducted of the performance of the developed machine using 100 units of 6-year-old ginseng showed that it has a high recognition rate, with an accuracy of 94% for Grade 1, 98% for Grade 2, and 90% for Grade 3.

Highlights

Ginseng and red ginseng both originate from the Republic of Korea
Red ginseng products manufactured and sold by the Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation are acknowledged around the world for their quality and reliability
The sorting results are displayed on an liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor and transmitted to the factory server through an intranet

Summary

Introduction

Ginseng and red ginseng both originate from the Republic of Korea. Red ginseng products manufactured and sold by the Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation are acknowledged around the world for their quality and reliability. An objective quality classification is required to grade 6-year-old fresh ginseng for the manufacture of red ginseng rather than depending on the human eye or experience [1]. This grading has caused controversy with cultivators every year. Automatic classification for some, if not all, 6-year-old fresh ginseng for the manufacture of red ginseng would significantly reduce inspection costs [2, 3]. To this end, in this study, an automatic 6-year-old ginseng sorting machine was developed. The developed machine sends the 6-year-old ginseng classification results to a factory server that stores the daily classification results, monitors the current classification status, and effectively performs production management

Materials and methods

Experiments and results

Findings

Conclusions