At the moment, there are some inaccuracies in manual classification for tobacco leaf quality selection, which are influenced by some factors, such as human fatigue or poor lighting. These cases lead to the need for another method that is more consistent, faster and reliable. This research is an implementation of CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) in the classification of fresh tobacco leaves in terms of maturity grades. The primary objective is to develop an efficient CNN model capable to automize the classification of tobacco leaves into three maturity criteria: immature, mature, and old. This methodology consists of some key factors, including color thresholding strategies to purge the noise from the background, Basic Image Manipulation approaches, the systemized screening of different input sizes, and CNN models to enhance the results. The result of this research proves that the developed CNN model has 97.9 % accuracy achieved following 200 training sessions. The model is trained on a dataset comprising 1,249 fresh leaf photos, with a balanced 80:10:10 for train, validation and test ratio. However, the study emphasizes that the CNN model has successfully supported the tobacco leaf discrimination on a Jetson Nano Single-Board Computer with a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU). The study extends beyond the mere theoretical contribution to practical applications in sorting “Gagang Rejeb Sidi” tobacco leaf, the highest quality tobacco variety in South Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Classification using a webcam as an input device shows the fastest processing time of 203.17 ms and the maximum is 1,363 ms. This CNN model algorithm will be applied to a tobacco leaf selector machine, which has a high-speed conveyor and a three-position selector arm. The machine will be operated close to the field in post-harvest time under uniform lighting conditions. Overall, the result of this research is highly relevant in terms of the short duration and accuracy for understanding the commodity classification. It provides a new angle toward speeding up the classification process and improving Indonesian tobacco quality
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