Recent advances in image processing using image texture features for food quality assessment

The use of computer vision technology has been highly successful in food classification problems in the past and it has continued this success in recent times. There does however exist a number of opportunities to progress computer vision technology further, these opportunities are critically examined based on cost and feasibility. A range of hardware options are considered along with a range of software options. The economic cost of implementing new hardware continues to prove a major impediment. Thus future efforts need to be focused on maximising the potential benefits of the existing hardware framework and instead concentrate on developing improved software. Of the improved software available the aspect that offers the greatest promise is more efficient analysis of food surface texture attributes which will lead to more powerful understanding of the relationships between quality factors and experimentally measured food quality.

► We review the use of computer vision technology in food classification. ► We critically examine opportunities to progress computer vision technology further. ► We indicate the need to focus on maximising the potential benefits of software.