Image analysis implementation for evaluation of external potato damage

The aim of this work was the implementation of an identification and evaluation methodology for external potato damage detection. A system for automatic image recognition was used and a methodology validation, by comparison with human visual selection, was performed. The potato surface image was acquired with a monochromatic video camera that operated in the visible spectrum and in the near infrared. This device was connected to a frame grabber card, interfaced to a PC, for image acquisition and elaboration. The software for the image elaboration has enabled the definition of algorithms for the automatic recognition and measurement of the damaged area. The obtained data were compared with the human visual evaluation demonstrating an adequate level of reliability of the applied methodology