NEURAL BRUISE PREDICTION MODELS FOR FRUIT HANDLING AND MACHINERY EVALUATION

Neural bruise prediction models based on the degree of fruit damage of the most traded fruit species and varieties were developed for predic tion of the fruits to be accepted or rejected. The prediction relied o n European Community standards. Different models for both quasi-static (compression) and dynamic (impact) loads covering the full commercial ripening period of fruits were developed. A simulation process was de veloped for gathering the information on laboratory bruise models and load sensor calibrations for different electronic devices (IS-100 and DEA-I, for impact and compression loads, respectively). An evaluation method was also designed for acquiring and gathering the information o n the mechanical properties of fruits and the loading records of the e lectronic devices. The evaluation system allowed for determination of the current stage of fruit handling processes and machinery. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.