Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of fruit storage and quality control, particularly a method for detecting and quantifying levels of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and ethylene gas in fruit boxes. More specifically, the invention provides a system for measuring the concentration of these gases and a scale for determining the spoilage level of the fruits, allowing for the segregation or quick disposal of overripe or spoiled fruit consignments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Monitoring the health of fruits, especially spoiled fruit in good fruit lot, during storage in bulk quantity is a challenge. Few ripe/spoiled fruits can deteriorate other fruits in the same lot of storage chamber. Detection of spoiled fruit lot cannot be done with nacked eye in a big lot of packed boxes. Traditional methods are not sufficient to sort/segregate the spoiled fruits within the layers of box without physically opening and unloading the entire quantity. It is cumbersome and time taking to check the physically spoiled fruits. Some method need to be developed for rapid detection of spoiled fruit lot/box.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
Present method is disclosed a method for detecting and quantifying the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethylene gas in a fruit storage box, comprising: Measuring the concentration of CO2 within the fruit box using a CO2 sensor positioned near the vent of the box; Measuring the concentration of ethylene gas in the fruit box using an ethylene sensor; Transmitting the measured CO2 and ethylene data to a processing system; Using a predefined scale that multiplies the CO2 and ethylene levels to calculate a decision factor; Comparing the decision factor to a threshold value in the predefined scale to determine if the fruit box contains overripe or spoiled fruits; wherein the CO2 sensor is configured to measure CO2 levels in parts per million (PPM), indicating the metabolic activity of the fruits within the box; wherein the ethylene sensor is configured to measure ethylene levels in parts per million (PPM), indicating the ripening stage of the fruits within the box.
In another embodiment, the processing system includes an artificial nose scale for determining spoilage risk based on the multiplication of CO2 and ethylene levels, resulting in a decision factor that is compared to a predefined threshold.
In another embodiment, the artificial nose scale contains multiple decision thresholds, with each threshold corresponding to specific actions, including safe storage, close monitoring, or isolation and disposal of the fruit box.
In another embodiment, further comprising the step of isolating or disposing of the fruit box if the decision factor exceeds a predefined spoilage threshold value.
In another embodiment, A system for detecting and quantifying the levels of CO2 and ethylene gas in a fruit box to assess spoilage risk, comprising: A CO2 sensor configured to measure the CO2 concentration within the fruit box; An ethylene sensor configured to measure the ethylene concentration within the fruit box; A processing unit configured to receive and process the CO2 and ethylene data; A predefined scale for calculating a decision factor by multiplying the CO2 and ethylene levels; A decision-making mechanism that compares the decision factor to a predefined threshold and outputs a recommendation for isolating or disposing of the fruit box based on the risk of spoilage; wherein the processing unit is configured to automate the calculation of the decision factor and provide real-time feedback on spoilage risks to operators.
In another embodiment, further comprising a data logging feature that records historical gas levels for monitoring trends in fruit spoilage over time; wherein the CO2 and ethylene sensors are integrated into a portable handheld device for convenient measurement at various points in the supply chain.
In another embodiment, the method for preventing spoilage of fruits in storage further comprising: Continuously monitoring the CO2 and ethylene gas levels inside fruit boxes; Using a combination scale that multiplies the CO2 and ethylene levels to generate a decision factor; Segregating or disposing of fruit boxes when the decision factor exceeds a spoilage threshold; Ensuring that fruit boxes with lower decision factors remain in safe storage; wherein the CO2 and ethylene levels are measured at predetermined intervals to assess spoilage trends over time.
In another embodiment, further comprising displaying real-time spoilage risk notifications based on the decision factor to a user through an interface.
In another embodiment, the threshold values in the predefined scale are adjustable based on the type of fruit or storage conditions.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
A new method needs to be devised to detect the level of CO2 and Ethylene levels in the boxes and design a method to quantify to enable decision on segregation/ quick disposal of the overripe/spoiled lot from the good ones.
Over ripe and spoiled fruits liberate substantial amount of CO2 and Ethylene.
Our method will detect both the gases and using the newly developed artificial nose scale, the fruit box having high spoilage chances can be isolated.
A combination scale has been developed based on the CO2 and Ethylene levels in a box of fruits, which will be used for decision on isolating the over ripe/spoiled consignment from the other good fruit boxes
Procedure
1. Measure CO2level in a box from the vent of the fruit box
2. Measure Ethylene level in a fruit box in PPM
3. Data will be captured in system having the newly developed scale
4. The newly developed scale is shown in Table 1
5. Examples of combination of CO2 and Ethylene are given in the table. However while measuring the levels of both gases, any combination of the two gases need to be multiplied and the multiplied number need to be checked with the decision factor given.
[ 0-10= Very Safe]
[10-100= Safe]
[100-500= Un safe]
[Above 500 =Highly unsafe]
Table 1: *DRB Co2-Ethylene scale . [Combined scale decision factor for storage/disposal]
*DRB : D Ramesh Babu
S No Co2 level (%) Ethylene (PPM) Combination scale *DRB Co2-Ethylene scale
[Combined scale decision factor for storage ]

[ 0-10= Very Safe]
[10-100= Safe]
[100-500= Un safe]
[Above 500 =Highly unsafe]
1 0.25 25 6.25 Very safe
2 0.5 50 25 Safe
3 1 75 75 Safe
4 1.5 100 150 Unsafe
5 2 125 250 Unsafe
6 2.5 150 375 Unsafe
7 3 175 525 Highly Unsafe
8 3.5 200 700 Highly Unsafe
9 4 225 900 Highly Unsafe
10 4.5 250 1125 Highly Unsafe
11 5 275 1375 Highly Unsafe

The present invention discloses a method and system for detecting the levels of CO2 and ethylene gases in a fruit box to assess the risk of fruit spoilage. The invention provides a new artificial "nose" scale that allows for the quantification of these gases and uses this information to determine whether the fruit box contains overripe or spoiled fruits. The system measures the levels of both gases and uses a predefined scale to multiply the concentrations of the gases to produce a decision factor. Based on this factor, a decision can be made to segregate or quickly dispose of the spoiled or overripe fruit box.
1. Components of the System:
• CO2 Sensor: A sensor is used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide inside the fruit box. This sensor is placed near the vent of the box to detect the gaseous levels.
• Ethylene Sensor: A separate sensor measures the concentration of ethylene gas inside the fruit box in parts per million (PPM). Ethylene concentration is a critical marker of the ripening stage of the fruit.
• Artificial Nose Scale: A newly developed scale is used to quantify the spoilage risk by combining the levels of CO2 and ethylene gases. The concentration levels of both gases are multiplied, and the resultant product is compared with predefined thresholds for spoilage risk.
2. Methodology:
• Step 1: Measure CO2 Levels
The CO2 concentration in a fruit box is measured using a CO2 sensor placed near the box vent. The sensor captures the real-time concentration of CO2 within the box, providing an indication of metabolic activity and potential spoilage.
• Step 2: Measure Ethylene Levels
The ethylene concentration is measured using an ethylene sensor in PPM (parts per million). Since ethylene accelerates ripening, its presence in high levels is an indicator of overripe fruits.
• Step 3: Data Capture and Analysis
The data captured from the CO2 and ethylene sensors is processed and recorded in a system. The system multiplies the CO2 and ethylene levels to calculate a decision factor.
• Step 4: Application of the Artificial Nose Scale
The newly developed scale (as shown in Table) provides different thresholds for the combination of CO2 and ethylene levels. These thresholds help determine the spoilage risk. The multiplication of CO2 and ethylene concentrations yields a numerical product, which is then checked against the decision factor in the scale.
• Step 5: Decision-Making
If the resultant product (CO2 x Ethylene) exceeds the threshold value for spoilage in the artificial nose scale, the system recommends isolating or disposing of the box. If the product falls below the threshold, the box is considered safe for storage or transportation.
3. Artificial Nose Scale (Table 1): The scale provides a range of thresholds based on empirical data gathered from testing different fruit boxes. The table includes various combinations of CO2 and ethylene levels and their corresponding decision factors.
Table 2
CO2 Level (PPM) Ethylene Level (PPM) Decision Factor (CO2 x Ethylene) Action
< 1000 < 10 < 10,000 Safe for storage
1000 - 3000 10 - 50 10,000 - 150,000 Monitor closely
> 3000 > 50 > 150,000 Isolate or dispose
Examples of Use:
• Example 1:
In a fruit box, the CO2 level was measured at 1500 PPM, and the ethylene level was 30 PPM. Multiplying these values yields a decision factor of 45,000. According to the artificial nose scale, this box should be monitored closely for signs of spoilage.
• Example 2:
In another box, the CO2 level was measured at 4000 PPM, and the ethylene level was 60 PPM. The resulting decision factor is 240,000. According to the scale, the box should be isolated or disposed of immediately as it contains overripe or spoiled fruits.
4. Advantages of the Invention:
• Quantitative Decision-Making: The method provides an objective, data-driven approach to assessing the risk of fruit spoilage, eliminating reliance on subjective visual inspection.
• Real-Time Monitoring: The system allows for continuous monitoring of CO2 and ethylene levels, enabling early detection of spoilage and timely segregation of overripe fruits.
• Automation: The system automates the process of spoilage detection, reducing manual labor and enhancing efficiency in managing large consignments of fruits.
, C , Claims:1. A method for detecting and quantifying the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethylene gas in a fruit storage box, comprising:
• Measuring the concentration of CO2 within the fruit box using a CO2 sensor positioned near the vent of the box;
• Measuring the concentration of ethylene gas in the fruit box using an ethylene sensor;
• Transmitting the measured CO2 and ethylene data to a processing system;
• Using a predefined scale that multiplies the CO2 and ethylene levels to calculate a decision factor;
• Comparing the decision factor to a threshold value in the predefined scale to determine if the fruit box contains overripe or spoiled fruits;
wherein the CO2 sensor is configured to measure CO2 levels in parts per million (PPM), indicating the metabolic activity of the fruits within the box;
wherein the ethylene sensor is configured to measure ethylene levels in parts per million (PPM), indicating the ripening stage of the fruits within the box.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing system includes an artificial nose scale for determining spoilage risk based on the multiplication of CO2 and ethylene levels, resulting in a decision factor that is compared to a predefined threshold.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the artificial nose scale contains multiple decision thresholds, with each threshold corresponding to specific actions, including safe storage, close monitoring, or isolation and disposal of the fruit box.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of isolating or disposing of the fruit box if the decision factor exceeds a predefined spoilage threshold value.
5. A system for detecting and quantifying the levels of CO2 and ethylene gas in a fruit box to assess spoilage risk, comprising:
• A CO2 sensor configured to measure the CO2 concentration within the fruit box;
• An ethylene sensor configured to measure the ethylene concentration within the fruit box;
• A processing unit configured to receive and process the CO2 and ethylene data;
• A predefined scale for calculating a decision factor by multiplying the CO2 and ethylene levels;
• A decision-making mechanism that compares the decision factor to a predefined threshold and outputs a recommendation for isolating or disposing of the fruit box based on the risk of spoilage;
wherein the processing unit is configured to automate the calculation of the decision factor and provide real-time feedback on spoilage risks to operators.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a data logging feature that records historical gas levels for monitoring trends in fruit spoilage over time; wherein the CO2 and ethylene sensors are integrated into a portable handheld device for convenient measurement at various points in the supply chain.
7. The method for preventing spoilage of fruits in storage as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
• Continuously monitoring the CO2 and ethylene gas levels inside fruit boxes;
• Using a combination scale that multiplies the CO2 and ethylene levels to generate a decision factor;
• Segregating or disposing of fruit boxes when the decision factor exceeds a spoilage threshold;
• Ensuring that fruit boxes with lower decision factors remain in safe storage;
wherein the CO2 and ethylene levels are measured at predetermined intervals to assess spoilage trends over time.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising displaying real-time spoilage risk notifications based on the decision factor to a user through an interface.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold values in the predefined scale are adjustable based on the type of fruit or storage conditions.