Fruit modeling and application based on 3D imaging technology: a review

The 3D imaging-based model reconstruction technology is being applied in various aspects of fruit planting management, picking, transportation, and promoting fruit industry automation development. The fruit model based on 3D imaging technology is closer to the external characteristics of the fruit itself. More accurate data is obtained when the model is imported into a computer for simulation and analysis for growth prediction, quality grading, and mechanical damage. The reconstructed fruit models can also be used to calibrate the parameters of the robot's vision system, optimize the grasping strategy of the picking machinery, and improve the identification sorting and picking accuracy. Some articles have been published on the principles of 3D imaging technology, and there are also numerous studies on the practical application of fruit models. However, no review article exists on applying 3D reconstruction and modeling of fruits using 3D imaging techniques. This paper will focus on the acquiring and processing of 3D data and analyzing the application of imaging principles and technologies such as triangulation, time-of-flight(TOF), interferometry, electromagnetic radiation(EMR), and ultrasound imaging(US). Also, this paper summarizes the application of fruit models for quality assessment, mechanical property study, and picking machinery. Finally, the latest progress in the application of fruit models is prospected.