Handbook of Research on Food Processing and Preservation Technologies

Volume 3: Computer-Aided Food Processing and Quality Evaluation Techniques

Preeti Birwal, Megh R. Goyal, Monika Sharma

• Publisher: Apple Academic Press
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN:
  9781774630334
• eBook ISBN:
  9781000404920
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Biology
• Index: Biological Sciences

The Handbook of Research on Food Processing and Preservation Technologies is a rich 5-volume collection that illustrates various design, development, and applications of novel and innovative strategies for food processing and preservation. The roles and applications of minimal processing techniques (such as ozone treatment, vacuum drying, osmotic dehydration, dense phase carbon dioxide treatment, pulsed electric field, and high-pressure assisted freezing) are discussed, along with a wide range of other applications. The handbook also explores some exciting computer-aided techniques emerging in the food processing sector, such as robotics, radio frequency identification (RFID), three-dimensional food printing, artificial intelligence, etc. Some emphasis has also been given on nondestructive quality evaluation techniques (such as image processing, terahertz spectroscopy imaging technique, near infrared, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique, etc.) for food quality and safety evaluation. The significant roles of food properties in the design of specific foods and edible films have been elucidated as well.

Volume 3: Computer-Aided Food Processing and Quality Evaluation Techniques of the multi-volume set reports on a number of applications of computer-aided techniques for quality evaluation and to secure food quality. The chapter authors present emerging nonthermal approaches for food processing and preservation including a detailed discussion on color measurement techniques, RFID, 3D-food printing, potential of robotics, artificial intelligence, terahertz spectroscopy imaging technique, instrumentation techniques and transducers, food labeling as marketing and quality assurance tool, detection of pesticides, mathematical simulation of moisture sorption in food products, numerical methods and modeling techniques, concept of phase change materials, and dielectric properties of animal source foods.

Other volumes in the set include:

Volume 1: Nonthermal and Innovative Food Processing Methods

Volume 2: Nonthermal Food Preservation and Novel Processing Strategies

Volume 3: Computer-Aided Food Processing and Quality Evaluation Techniques

Volume 4: Design and Development of Specific Foods, Packaging Systems, and Food Safety

Volume 5: Emerging Techniques for Food Processing, Quality, and Safety Assurance

Along with the other volumes, Handbook of Research on Food Processing and Preservation Technologies provides an abundance of valuable information and will be an excellent reference for researchers, scientists, students, growers, traders, processors, industries, and others.

PART I Virtualization and Computer-Aided Approaches in Food Processing

CHAPTER 1 RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID): BASIC PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

VARSHA KANOJIA, SWATI KAPOOR, and GAGANDEEP KAUR SIDHU

ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on (a) the current scenario of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology; (b) working principles of RFID; and (c) advantages and its applications. This technology has applications in different industrial sectors, sole identification, enhanced read range, and high-speed, traceability of the object, product supply chain management, monitoring, and quality control of food products.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Radio frequency identification (RFID) system is an advanced method of identification based on wireless communication, and it occurs due to radio-frequency waves. In the present era, RFID systems have started to conquer new mass markets due to several advantages compared with other identification systems. RFID technology is used to incarcerate data, which may be allied to diverse identification elements, such as serial number, position, color, date of manufacture, purchasing date, etc., of the articles with RFID device labels or chips. The compilation and collection process of data is based on the swap of electromagnetic waves between RFID device tags and interrogators.

RFID devices help to assign diverse identification codes for analogous items and permit different levels of identification, ensuring enhanced visibility and traceability in logical and mechanized processes. This technique is more appropriate for object reorganization compared to other systems, such as barcodes. RFID devices do not entail visual contact; therefore, it can be fitted in boxes, containers, animals, and entrenched into any object, e.g., passports [15]. It was during Second World War, RFID technology made its phantom for the recognition of acquaintance or antagonists for the military aircraft [22]. The former devices developed were quite passive; and later on, the system was improved and formed as an active apparatus [37].

In comparison to RFID, barcodes have limited capabilities, but they are still in the market due to their lower cost. Nevertheless, RFID systems are advanced and have achieved more popularity in several sectors [22, 30, 45]. Commercially, the first application of RFID was the “electronic article surveillance (EAS),” which was available in the seventies as a theft avoidance system. After the seventies, RFID tags made their use in agriculture and were used for animal tagging [10]. The most potential areas of RFID application is agro-food sector, such as product traceability and assuring quality of foods for human health and safety. It can also be used to trace animal products, food products, or other ingredients at different points of the supply chain, i.e., from the primary source to the end-user; and from the end-user to the primary source [12].

RFID technology is being progressively more used today in food processing methods, supply chain management, cold chain management, and in monitoring and retail markets [33]. It improves liability by executing a metric setting and tracing of the distinctive stockroom, different divisions, and operating conditions during processing. These devices provide current and instantaneous information that helps the retailer and distributor in the delivery of products and allow consumers to ascertain inside conditions of food packages during the supply chain [5, 43].

This chapter focuses on basic principles of RFID technology with its potential applications.

1.2 COMPONENTS OF RADIO-FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) SYSTEM

1.2.1 RFID ANTENNA

The RFID antenna is fabricated into a metal design, which controls the frequency of emission. It is used for capturing and releasing of electromagnetic waves. Since the antenna is a main part of the RFID system, it should be of low cost and eco-friendly, and should have the resistance of the circuit in synchronization to one of the chips for efficient energy transmission.

1.2.2 RFID TAG

The RFID tag consists of a small-sized chip, which stores the data, an antenna to receive and transmit the data, and a substrate. The tag size is usually ascertained by the antenna size because the microchip is too petite in size [6]. Tags are present in various shapes, sizes, and protective coverings. The petite tags feasible in the market are usually in the size of 0.4 × 0.4 mm² and are even thinner than a paper sheet [32].

1.2.2.1 PASSIVE TAG

Passive tags do not need an exterior power source and stimulate as they become in close proximity to the area of a RFID reader. The reader’s electromagnetic field supplies power to the passive tag due to which the tag activates and backscatters the information hoard in the chip. The passive tag has a petite read range of 10 m, which depends on the on the frequency [39]; and the data transportation rate depends on working frequency. Several tags can be read simultaneously. The single-chip can be scanned many times, so the data is written once and can be read multiple times. The fascinating features of these tags are: low in cost, infinite working life, small in size, and light in weight. These features make them attractive and appealing for manufacturing inexpensive devices.

1.2.2.2 SEMI-PASSIVE TAG

The semi-passive tag uses a battery to supply power to the chip only. In contrast to the active tags, they use an electromagnetic field produced by the reader for transmission. The battery inactivates and awaits the activation signal from a reader. In this way, battery power is saved and tag life is increased. Sometimes, the battery present on the semi-passive tag might supply power to the sensor that is interfaced to the chip for recording.

1.2.2.3 ACTIVE TAG

Active tags are powered by an embedded battery due to which they are active all the time. These tags can correspond to the RFID reader at any time. They are bulky and more expensive due to the embedded battery. Active tags provide reading and writing amenities with an enhanced read range of 30 m or greater [39]. The rate of transmission of data and the number of tags that can be read concurrently is higher compared with passive tag. The service-life of the tag depends on the battery life.

1.2.3 OPERATING FREQUENCY OF RFID TAGS

The functioning range and intrusion viability depend on the frequency range at which tags work [47]. Different tags use diverse frequency bands. Organizations, such as ISO, and EPC-global standards are working on Ultra High-Frequency bands for enhancing the frequencies based on international standards [26]. Each frequency has its benefits and drawbacks relative to its potential (Table 1.1). A single frequency is not perfect for all applications.

1.2.3.1 LOW-FREQUENCY BANDS

They fulfill a short array of application requirements and are not suitable for metal or liquid products as they only work at half of the high-frequency range [16]. Low frequency (LF) works on 125 to 135 kHz [3]. It is suitable for animal tracking as the tag is fitted into the animal body (generally ears).

1.2.3.2 HIGH-FREQUENCY BANDS

It has a working range of 1 m. It can be entrenched to thin objects, such as papers; because of this property, it is mostly used in sale points. The frequency of 13.56 MHz is mostly used for working purpose, and it is less expensive to execute [3, 36]. It is also used in cold chain monitoring.

1.2.3.3 ULTRA-HIGH FREQUENCY

It enhances reading rates, and a huge number of UHF tags can be identified and read at a single time. It tends to read tags ranges of 3 m. However, the range can get reduced in a wet environment. The operational frequencies of UHF range from 860 to 930 MHz [36]. It is most widely used in the supply chain, logistics, and distribution for its capability of efficient read range, quick data transfer, and good anti-collision capability.

Table 1.1 Applications of Low Frequency, High Frequency, Ultra High Frequency, and Super High Frequency

Type	Frequency Range	Conventional Frequency	Application Field
Low frequency	30–300 kHz	125 kHz, 135 kHz	Animal identification, product authorization, close read of items with high water content.
High frequency	3–30 MHz	13.56 kHz	Building access control, airline baggage, libraries, item-level
Ultra-high frequency	3000 MHz–2 GHz	433 MHz, 866–960 MHz	Supply chain, pallet identification, box identification, industrial production control.
Super high frequency	Above 2 GHz	2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHz	Vehicle identification, automated toll collection, supply chain

1.2.4 RFID READER

The RFID Reader is a data capturing apparatus responsible for communicating with tags attached to the objects and computer networks. The reader is outfitted with antennas for delivering and getting signals, a receiver, and a processor, which can code and interpret data. It detects and identifies the information of the tag through tag ID, provided by the chip manufacturer [22]. In passive tags, the RFID reader transfers an energy field, which activates the tag and provides powers to its chip, facilitating it to transfer or save the data. Active tags can transfer a signal from time to time to capture the data by several readers dispersed throughout a facility.

Readers are generally moveable, convenient terminals or fixed devices positioned at tactical points, such as at the entry point of store, assembly line, and tollbooth. Readers can have Personal Computer, Memory Card/International Association Cards to be connected to computers, usually powered by the battery or by the vehicle on which they are placed, and typically is a wireless correspondence unit.

1.2.4.1 COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR DATA STORAGE

A laptop or computer is employed to gather and store information congregated from the interrogation schedules carried out by the reader [2, 12, 32]. It can also be used for controlling the reader in some cases, when required.

1.2.5 ELECTRONIC PRODUCT CODE (EPC)

The EPC connects the barcodes and the wo...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Contributors
• Abbreviations
• Preface
• Part I: Virtualization and Computer-Aided Approaches in Food Processing
• Part II: Sensor-Based Evaluation Methods for Food Quality
• Part III: Mathematical Simulation of Food Properties for Quality Control
• Index