Color assessment of the eggs using computer vision system and Minolta colorimeter

• Published in: Journal of food measurement & characterization 2021-12, Vol.15 (6), p.5097-5112
• Main Authors: Milovanovic, Bojana, Tomovic, Vladimir, Djekic, Ilija, Solowiej, Bartosz G., Lorenzo, Jose M., Barba, Francisco J., Tomasevic, Igor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Albumen; Aquatic birds; Calibration; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chemistry/Food Science; Color; Computer vision; Egg shells; Eggs; Engineering; Food Science; Original Paper; Vision systems; Waterfowl; Yolk
• ISSN: 2193-4126; 2193-4134
• DOI: 10.1007/s11694-021-01085-4

The scientific journal articles (n = 150) were examined to obtain instrumental egg color data published in the period 2009–2020. The majority of articles originated from Asia (42.0%), investigated yolk color (45.3%), selected Minolta device (65.3%). The greatest part of papers failed to include parameters such as port size (92.0%), observer (90.0%), illuminant (84.0%), technical replicates (70.0%) and calibration method (66.7%), and, therefore, this represents a key matter in conducting comparative research to ensure equivalence in order to trace and compare different research data. Furthermore, the usage of a computer vision system (CVS) for egg color analysis was investigated. The color of five egg species (chicken, goose, duck, quail and turkey) was estimated using a CVS and a traditional colorimeter. The CVS-produced color was highly similar to the actual color of egg sample (ranging from 75.0 to 100.0%). The color of eggshell gathered through the Minolta depicts brighter, less “red” and more “yellow” appearance than CVS. Regarding the color of yolk samples, Minolta had lighter (except the goose's yolk), more “green” and less “yellow” color, whereas CVS indicated the appearance of albumen as lighter (except quail's), more “red” and less “yellow” than colorimeter. Those results read by Minolta showed a non-real color of egg samples, whereas CVS-obtained color was highly similar to the actual egg color sample. Considering these results, it could be concluded that the CVS is a superior alternative for replacing traditional devices by providing better accuracy.