Abstract
Hybrid robust image processing algorithm to extract visual features of melon during the cultivation was developed based on a wireless tele-operative interface. Features of a melon such as size and shape including position were crucial to successful task automation and future development of cultivation data base. An algorithm was developed based on the concept of hybrid decision-making which shares a task between the computer and the operator utilizing man-computer interactive interface. A hybrid decision-making system was composed of three modules such as wireless image transmission, task specification and identification, and man-computer interface modules. Computing burden and the instability of the image processing results caused by the variation of illumination and the complexity of the environment caused by the irregular stem and shapes of leaves and shades were overcome using the proposed algorithm. With utilizing operator's teaching via LCD touch screen of the display monitor, the complexity and instability of the melon identification process has been avoided. Hough transform was modified for the image obtained from the locally specified window to extract the geometric shape and position of the melon. It took less than 200 milliseconds processing time.
