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Development and application of a model for the automatic evaluation and classification of onions (Allium cepa L.) using a Deep Neural Network (DNN)
Three-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (3D-CNN) in the Classification of Varieties and Quality Assessment of Soybean Seeds (Glycine max L. Merill)
The precise identification, classification, sorting, and rapid and accurate quality assessment of soybean seeds are extremely important in terms of the continuity of agricultural production, varietal purity, seed processing, protein extraction, and food safety. Currently, commonly used methods for the identification and quality assessment of soybean seeds include morphological analysis, chemical analysis, protein electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, spectral analysis, and image analysis. The use of image analysis and artificial intelligence is the aim of the presented research, in which a method for the automatic classification of soybean varieties, the assessment of the degree of damage, and the identification of geometric features of soybean seeds based on numerical models obtained using a 3D scanner has been proposed. Unlike traditional two-dimensional images, which only represent height and width, 3D imaging adds a third dimension, allowing for a more realistic representation of the shape of the seeds. The research was conducted on soybean seeds with a moisture content of 13%, and the seeds were stored in a room with a temperature of 20–23 °C and air humidity of 60%. Individual soybean seeds were scanned to create 3D models, allowing for the measurement of their geometric parameters, assessment of texture, evaluation of damage, and identification of characteristic varietal features. The developed 3D-CNN network model comprised an architecture consisting of an input layer, three hidden layers, and one output layer with a single neuron. The aim of the conducted research is to design a new, three-dimensional 3D-CNN architecture, the main task of which is the classification of soybean seeds. For the purposes of network analysis and testing, 22 input criteria were defined, with a hierarchy of their importance. The training, testing, and validation database of the SB3D-NET network consisted of 3D models obtained as a result of scanning individual soybean seeds, 100 for each variety. The accuracy of the training process of the proposed SB3D-NET model for the qualitative classification of 3D models of soybean seeds, based on the adopted criteria, was 95.54%, and the accuracy of its validation was 90.74%. The relative loss value during the training process of the SB3D-NET model was 18.53%, and during its validation process, it was 37.76%. The proposed SB3D-NET neural network model for all twenty-two criteria achieves values of global error (GE) of prediction and classification of seeds at the level of 0.0992.
Evaluation of the Quality and Possible Use of a New Generation of Agricultural Nets for Packing Bulk Materials in Terms of the Aspect of Reducing the Environmental Burden
In modern agriculture, packaging materials are becoming an important means of production in the technologies for harvesting bulk materials. The agricultural net currently used for this purpose is usually made of HDPE—high-density polyethylene. The aim of the study was to evaluate the agricultural net produced in light technology under the commercial name of Covernet. Based on the tests conducted for nine variants of different models of round balers and different bulk materials collected by them, it can be concluded that, in each case, the net (Tama LT) wrapped the cylindrical bales well or very well. The mean elongation of COVERNET during bale wrapping was over 8% for the tested machines and harvested materials. The tests confirmed the usefulness of the new generation of agricultural nets (Tama LT) for wrapping various agricultural bulk materials of various humidities. There is an urgent need to develop and implement in practice a technology for recovering used agricultural nets and converting them into granules that can be used again in their production.
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Model for the Classification of Varieties of Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
The popularity and demand for high-quality date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have been growing, and their quality largely depends on the type of handling, storage, and processing methods. The current methods of geometric evaluation and classification of date palm fruits are characterised by high labour intensity and are usually performed mechanically, which may cause additional damage and reduce the quality and value of the product. Therefore, non-contact methods are being sought based on image analysis, with digital solutions controlling the evaluation and classification processes. The main objective of this paper is to develop an automatic classification model for varieties of date palm fruits using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on two fundamental criteria, i.e., colour difference and evaluation of geometric parameters of dates. A CNN with a fixed architecture was built, marked as DateNET, consisting of a system of five alternating Conv2D, MaxPooling2D, and Dropout classes. The validation accuracy of the model presented in this study depended on the selection of classification criteria. It was 85.24% for fruit colour-based classification and 87.62% for the geometric parameters only; however, it increased considerably to 93.41% when both the colour and geometry of dates were considered.
Evaluation of the Operating Parameters of Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters During Maize Silage Harvest
Abstract This study aims to determine and evaluate the operating parameters of three modern self-propelled forage harvesters during maize silage harvest. The machines were equipped with operator assistance systems. Field tests were conducted for three self-propelled forage harvesters: Claas Jaguar 870, Claas Jaguar 950, KroneBiG X 650. The tests were conducted in large-scale farms located in Wielkopolskie and Pomorskie voivodeships. Maize was harvested at the beginning of the full-grain maturity stage. A complete time study covering four control shifts in accordance with BN-76/9195-01 was performed to determine operating ratios and indicators. Fuel consumption was determined using the full tank method. The Claas Jaguar 950 forage harvester had the highest effective mass performance: 141.3 Mg·h-1. The same machine also achieved the lowest fuel consumption per tonne of fresh matter (FM) harvested: 0.51 kg·Mg-1. Labour expenditure for the self-propelled forage harvesters tested during the total time of change ranged from 0.38 to 0.62 labour hour per hectare. The tested machines also had very high technical and technological reliability.
Performance Analysis of a Solar-Powered Pulverizing Aerator
The global energy crisis is associated with the need to search for low-energy technical solutions. Such solutions are also introduced in the field of protection and restoration of surface waters. The aim of this work was to determine the efficiency of the AS15000 pulverizing aerator powered by solar energy. The innovative solutions of the aerator presented in this manuscript are subject to a patent application. A simulation was carried out taking into account the efficiency of the aerator pump and the sunlight conditions for the indicated location. The analysis was carried out for the location of an artificial reservoir—Zalew Średzki in Środa Wielkopolska (Poland). The simulation showed that during 6515 h of aerator operation, the pulverizing system pumped as much as 97,725 m3 of lake water. The amount of pure oxygen introduced into the water during the operation of the device can be as much as 1074.98 kg. The minimum daily value of sunlight enabling continuous operation of the device (24 h a day) with maximum efficiency is 1.43 kW/m2. Deoxygenated water in the pulverizing aeration process is taken from the bottom zone, transported to the surface and sprayed in the atmospheric air. Oxygenated water is intercepted and discharged to the bottom zone. Developing artificial aeration methods for lakes in combination with renewable energy sources is very important for improving water quality. The use of solar power allows the device to be used when it is far from the power infrastructure. This also allows the installation of aerators in the middle of the lake. In accordance with the Water Framework Directive, we should strive to improve the water quality of many European lakes as quickly as possible.
Convolutional neural network model for the qualitative evaluation of geometric shape of carrot root
The main objective of the study is the development of an automatic carrot root classification model, marked as CR-NET, with the use of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). CNN with a constant architecture was built, consistingof an alternating arrangement of five Conv2D, MaxPooling2D and Dropout classes, for which in the Python 3.9 programming language a calculation algorithm was developed. It was found that the classification process of the carrot root images was carried out with an accuracy of 89.06%, meaning that 50 images were misclassified. The highest number of 21 erroneously classified photographs were from the extra class, of which 15 to the first class, thus not resulting in significant loss. However, assuming the number of refuse as the classification basis, the model accuracy greatly increases to 98.69%, as only 6 photographs were erroneously assigned.