The evolution of color in tomatoes samples, during ripening under refrigeration or at room temperature, was studied by Computer Vision System (CVS). CVS consisted in a lighted stage, a CCD digital camera and a computer (Laptop), all calibrated. The digital processing of images was performed with the Adobe<span name="style_sup">®</span> Photoshop<span name="style_sup">®</span>  CS3 Extended software, with which averaged images on L*, a* and b* coordinates were obtained. The proceeding tested, using CVS, allowed to study the variations of color during  the  ripening  of  tomatoes  from  images, by  means  of  rectangular  coordinates  (L*,  a*, b*). The ratio a*/b* and polar coordinates (c*, hº), showing statistically significant differences between samples determined (p&lt;0,05).  CS3 Extended software, with which averaged images on L*, a* and b* coordinates were obtained. The proceeding tested, using CVS, allowed to study the variations of color during  the  ripening  of  tomatoes  from  images, by  means  of  rectangular  coordinates  (L*,  a*, b*). The ratio a*/b* and polar coordinates (c*, hº), showing statistically significant differences between samples determined (p<0,05).

Color spaces; image processing techniques; <span name="style_italic">Lycopersicum esculentum </span>Mill.Mill.; measurement of color in tomatoes; Photoshop<span name="style_sup">®</span>