A mobile discrimination system for improper cured tobacco leaves based on machine vision and lightweight machine–deep learning methods

During the tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaf flue‐curing process, various types of nonconforming tobacco leaves are often produced due to the influence of multiple factors, significantly reducing the usability value of cured tobacco leaves. Based on different formation mechanisms, defective tobacco leaves can be broadly categorized into eight types, including steamed slice, black‐rotten leaf, waterlogged vein/slice, greenish‐yellow leaf, mold‐damaged leaf, over‐reddened cured leaf, gray‐spotted leaf, and toxicant‐damaged leaf. Traditional manual sensory classification methods are highly subjective and error‐prone, hindering early detection and intervention of curing defects. To improve the accuracy, convenience, and automation of defective tobacco leaves sorting, a mobile intelligent recognition application integrating machine vision with machine and deep learning technologies was developed in this study. The application adopted an innovative dual‐mode architecture: an offline mode utilizing the random forest algorithm for operation without network connectivity with the classification accuracy of 85.8%, and an online mode employing the visual self‐supervised pretraining (VIMER‐CAE) model through cloud collaboration with 90.4% recognition accuracy. In addition to precise identification, the application combined cause analysis with preventive recommendations, requiring no specialized equipment or manual intervention beyond a smartphone. Compared to traditional empirical methods, this application replaces subjective judgment with machine vision analysis and provides process optimization guidance to reduce tobacco leaf quality losses. Its portable, high‐precision, and intelligent design offers an innovative solution for curing process control, helping tobacco farmers improve production efficiency and economic benefits while promoting the standardization and intelligent development of tobacco cultivation.