Abstract
In this study, the acoustic response technique was applied to evaluate the maturity of melon nondestructively. The acoustic response signals through melon were obtained by microphone and signal conditioner with the lapse of days after fruit set. The acoustic parameters such as resonant frequencies and the spectrum energy ratio were analyzed. To investigate the relation between acoustic parameters and firmness of melon, the compression test was performed. Three resonant frequencies representing f1, f2 and f3 were 150 to 250 Hz, 300 to 400 Hz, and 450 to 550 Hz, respectively. The resonant frequencies were shifted to the lower frequencies and the magnitude of spectrum decreased as the maturity of melon increased. Some significant correlations were found between melon firmness and the spectrum energy ratio in some frequency ranges. It is possible to estimate the maturity of melon by acoustic response technique.
