An apparatus for measuring fruit properties, in order to classify fruit
according to internal qualities, measures the sweetness of a fruit sample
using near-infrared spectroscopy. The apparatus includes a pair of
waveguides (12), a pair of optic emitter/sensor assemblies (14), a
light-interrupting unit (20), and a light detector (40). The light
detector calculates the intensity of light, transmitted from a light
source and received by the optical emitter/sensor assemblies, thus
allowing spectral analysis and interpretation for the determination of
sweetness and acidity of a variety of fruits. The light detector controls
the light-interrupting unit to interrupt the optical path when the light
intensity is reduced. The apparatus is suitable for use in an automated
line, for effective and reliable measurement of internal fruit
properties, to improve operational efficiency and precision in fruit
selection.