8-17 FB Apple on Camera

 We all know the story about how much trouble one bad apple can cause, but thanks to a new patented camera system, tainted and damaged produce won't so easily upset the apple cart.  Hi, I'm David Sparks, and before I mutilate another metaphor, stay  tuned for a minute and find out how picture perfect produce is ready for it's close-up.

According to the publication ScienceDaily, there is a High-Tech Approach which Uses Lights, Action and Camera to Scrutinize Fresh Produce. High-tech tactics to carefully examine apples and other fresh produce items as they travel along packinghouse conveyor belts will help ensure the quality and safety of these good-for-you foods. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists in Beltsville, Md., have developed and patented an experimental, cutting-edge optical scanning system that would use two different kinds of lighting, a sophisticated camera and other pieces of equipment to scrutinize produce-section favorites while they are still at the packinghouse.

The system would provide, in a single image, evidence of certain kinds of defects or contaminants. Defects could include cuts and bruises. Contaminants might include specks of fertilizer from orchard or field soil.

The system combines information from two forms of illumination into a single image with contaminant and defect results.