A novel image processing algorithm to separate linearly clustered kiwifruits

This research work aims at developing a machine vision system capable of distinguishing kiwifruits on plants prior to harvest. The methodology was based on developing an algorithm able to detect each fruit, even when they are clustered in a line. It segments the fruits from the background, counts the number of fruits in each cluster, and identifies the edges of each fruit. After segmentation, the algorithm initially distinguishes between the fruit skin and calyx based on colour differences using selected hue and red channels. Next, a calyx line is drawn to connect all the calyxes in one cluster together. Then, the periphery of each cluster is scanned to find the contact points between the adjacent fruits. Finally, a separating line is drawn between the two closest contact points, provided that this line intersected almost vertically the calyx line. The separating lines determine the borders of each fruit and enable singling them out. The results showed that 93.7% of the fruit calyxes were correctly detected. In night-time with flash, 92.0% of the fruits were separated and counted correctly by the algorithm. (C) 2019 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.