Optical remote sensor for peanut kernel abortion classification

Appl Opt. 2016 May 20;55(15):4005-10. doi: 10.1364/AO.55.004005.

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a simple, inexpensive optical device for remote measurement of various agricultural parameters. The sensor is based on temporal tracking of backreflected secondary speckle patterns generated when illuminating a plant with a laser and while applying periodic acoustic-based pressure stimulation. By analyzing different parameters using a support-vector-machine-based algorithm, peanut kernel abortion can be detected remotely. This paper presents experimental tests which are the first step toward an implementation of a noncontact device for the detection of agricultural parameters such as kernel abortion.