Introduction

The invention is a system for determining the degree of phenolic ripening of grapes directly in the field from colour digital images acquired through a smartphone. The system is composed of a controlled lighting acquisition compartment, an algorithm on server for image processing and mobile and desktop applications for data management and visualisation.

Technical features

The device allows to acquire, through a smartphone, colour images of grape samples in a closed compartment, under controlled lighting conditions: the smartphone becomes a real analysis tool.

The images are sent to a server, using a dedicated app. Here the images are stored and processed: an algorithm correlates the colour of the sample with its chemical-physical properties. The results obtained from the processing on the server are sent back to the smartphone and displayed in real time.

An objective, rapid and low-cost measurement system is therefore obtained for various colour-related parameters indicative of phenolic ripening (content of the main anthocyanins, colour index, tonality, etc.).

It is also possible to store, visualise and re-elaborate data from the desktop, using a web interface which allows to create ripening maps and curves

Possible Applications

• Vineyard
• Winery
• Analysis laboratory

Advantages

• Low-cost and ease of use
• Results in real time
• Reduction of: costs for laboratory consultancy, analysis time and use of reagents
• Visualisation of ripening maps and curves
• Historical data archive and data sharing
• Differentiated harvest and separation of grapes with different maturation