# A Non-Destructive Detection and Grading Method of the Internal Quality of Preserved Eggs Based on an Improved ConvNext

## TL;DR

This paper introduces an improved ConvNeXt model for non-destructively detecting and grading the internal quality of preserved eggs, offering a more efficient and accurate alternative to manual inspection.

## Contribution

The novel ConvNeXt_PEgg model integrates multi-scale feature fusion and a global attention mechanism, achieving high accuracy with reduced parameters.

## Key findings

- The improved model achieved 92.6% classification accuracy across five preserved egg categories.
- Grading accuracy reached 95.9% across three levels, with a 24.5% reduction in model parameters.
- The model outperformed classical models in internal quality detection of preserved eggs.

## Abstract

As a traditional delicacy in China, preserved eggs inevitably experience instances of substandard quality during the production process. Chinese preserved egg production facilities can only rely on experienced workers to select the preserved eggs. However, the manual selection of preserved eggs presents challenges such as a low efficiency, subjective judgments, high costs, and hindered industrial production processes. In response to these challenges, this study procured the transmitted imagery of preserved eggs and refined the ConvNeXt network across four pivotal dimensions: the dimensionality reduction of model feature maps, the integration of multi-scale feature fusion (MSFF), the incorporation of a global attention mechanism (GAM) module, and the amalgamation of the cross-entropy loss function with focal loss. The resultant refined model, ConvNeXt_PEgg, attained proficiency in classifying and grading preserved eggs. Notably, the improved model achieved a classification accuracy of 92.6% across the five categories of preserved eggs, with a grading accuracy of 95.9% spanning three levels. Moreover, in contrast to its predecessor, the refined model witnessed a 24.5% reduction in the parameter volume, alongside a 3.2 percentage point augmentation in the classification accuracy and a 2.8 percentage point boost in the grading accuracy. Through meticulous comparative analysis, each enhancement exhibited varying degrees of performance elevation. Evidently, the refined model outshone a plethora of classical models, underscoring its efficacy in discerning the internal quality of preserved eggs. With its potential for real-world implementation, this technology portends to heighten the economic viability of manufacturing facilities.