Method and system for dispensing concrete

Abstract

A method (500, Fig 5) for dispensing concrete and an associated system 100, involves obtaining at least one image (504) of an area / loading bay 4 comprising a concrete dispenser 1. Images are obtaine

Description

The present invention relates to dispensing concrete, specifically to systems and methods used to control the movement of concrete from a dispensing apparatus to a mobile apparatus. Background Concrete mixer trucks play a vital role in the construction industry by transporting concrete from batching plants to construction sites, ensuring the material remains mixed and ready for use upon arrival. At ‘wet batch’ plants, trucks are typically filled by positioning the truck under a mixer containing mixed concrete and aligning a dispensing chute of the plant with a receiving chute of the truck. Concrete is then dispensed into a mixer drum of the truck via the receiving chute. As the concrete is loaded, the drum typically rotates at 11-16 rotations per minute. At ‘dry batch’ plants, trucks are filled from dispensers with suitable amounts of cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), additives and water, and the concrete is mixed in the truck via the rotation of the mixer drum itself. Once filled with concrete, the drum of a concrete mixer truck continues to rotate during transport, generally at a lower speed (e.g. 0.5-1 rotations per minute), to keep the concrete mixed and prevent the concrete from setting before it reaches a construction site. The inside of the mixer drum is provided with a corkscrew or spiral blade such that rotation of the drum in one direction (during loading and transport) causes the concrete to move deeper into the drum, whereas rotation of the drum in the opposite direction (at e.g. 0.5-16 rotations per minute during unloading) causes the concrete to move out of the drum and towards a dispensing chute. Accurate dispensing of concrete at batching plants is crucial for ensuring plant efficiency, product quality and personal safety. Traditional methods for aligning the truck to the loading chute often depend on manual alignment and visual checks, which are susceptible to errors and inefficiencies. Misalignment or improper configuration during dispensing can result in material waste and potential hazards. Moreover, the presence of hazards can pose significant safety risks. Existing 01 08 25 systems do not adequately address the need for precise and safe control of concrete discharge, particularly in dynamic construction environments. Therefore, there is a need for an improved method that incorporates advanced technologies to enhance the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of concrete dispensing operations. 5 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method according to claim 1. Advantageously, this method enhances accuracy and safety by ensuring 10 concrete is only dispensed under optimal conditions, reducing waste and minimizing risks associated with manual alignment errors. Optionally the method further comprises providing one or more notifications when one or more of the conditions have been met. 15 Optionally providing one or more notifications comprises providing one or more visual or audible notifications. Optionally the one or more images correspond to a video feed. Optionally each image corresponds to a frame in the video feed. The analysis of the one or more images comprises using a trained machine learning 20 algorithm. Optionally determining whether a plurality of conditions have been met comprises using a trained machine learning algorithm to determine whether the plurality of conditions have been met. Optionally at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to the position of 25 at least a part of the mobile apparatus with respect to at least a part of the concrete dispensing apparatus. 01 08 25 Optionally at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to the position of a receiving chute of the mobile apparatus with respect to a dispensing chute of the concrete dispensing apparatus. Optionally determining whether a plurality of conditions have been met comprises 5 analysing a plurality of the one or more images to determine the position of a receiving chute of the mobile apparatus with respect to a dispensing chute of the concrete dispensing apparatus. Optionally at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to a configuration of the mobile apparatus. 10 At least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to rotation speed of a mixer drum of the mobile apparatus. Optionally determining whether a plurality of conditions have been met comprises analysing a plurality of the one or more images to determine the rotation speed of the mixer drum of the mobile apparatus. 15 Optionally at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to the presence of one or more hazards in the area. Optionally at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to the presence of one or more persons or vehicles in the area. Optionally enabling discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing 20 apparatus to the mobile apparatus comprises: disabling a locking mechanism; and / or actuating a valve mechanism. Optionally the method further comprises dispensing concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus. Optionally the method further comprises monitoring the discharge of the concrete 25 from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus. Optionally the method further comprises determining whether a blockage has occurred between the concrete dispensing apparatus and the mobile apparatus. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for 30 dispensing concrete, the system comprising: a concrete dispensing apparatus, the concrete dispensing apparatus being located within an area; an image capture device configured for obtaining an image of the area; and a processing means configured for carrying out the method of the first aspect. Advantageously, this system automates the concrete dispensing process, improving precision and reducing the need for manual intervention. Optionally the concrete dispensing apparatus comprises a mixer and a discharge chute. Optionally the area is a loading bay. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a loading bay comprising the system of the second aspect. Advantageously, the loading bay ensures seamless integration with existing infrastructure, facilitating efficient and safe concrete dispensing operations. Any feature or features described in relation to any aspect, embodiment or example may be combined with any one or more features of any other aspect, embodiment or example. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be described by way of example only referring to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a concrete mixer truck reversing into an area; Figure 3 shows further perspective views of the concrete mixer truck of figure 2 while reversing into the area; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the concrete mixer truck of figure 2 in engagement with a concrete dispensing apparatus; Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a method according to the invention; and Figure 6 shows a schematic view of an example processing apparatus. Detailed Description In figure 1 there is shown a system 100 according to an aspect of the invention. The system 100 comprises: a concrete dispensing apparatus 1 located within an area 4; an image capture device 5 configured for obtaining images of the area 4; and a processing arrangement 6. In examples, the area 4 is a loading bay where a concrete mixer truck 10 is able to receive concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1. The concrete dispensing apparatus 1 comprises a mixer 2, a fixed discharge chute 8 and a flexible discharge chute 3. The concrete mixer truck 10 can be located under the flexible discharge chute 3 of the dispensing apparatus 1 and receive concrete therefrom. The mixer 2 is a vessel for mixing concrete and includes a plurality of mixing legs 7, a mixer door 9a and a mixer discharge mechanism 9b. The mixer 2 is configured to receive suitable amounts of cement, aggregates (sand and gravel) and water, and mixing legs 7 are configured to mix these ingredients together to form concrete. As will be appreciated, figure 1 shows an example of a ‘wet batch’ concrete dispensing apparatus 1 but the present invention can equally be applied to ‘dry batch’ plants where cement, aggregates, additives and water are loaded into the rotating mixer drum 11 via the fixed discharge chute 8 and flexible discharge chute 3, and the mixing of these ingredients takes place in rotating mixer drum 11. In the example of figure 1, mixer door 9a can be moved by the action of mixer discharge mechanism 9b to allow mixed concrete to pass out of the mixer 2 and into the fixed discharge chute 8 and the flexible discharge chute 3 under the force of gravity. For this purpose, a suitable aperture is provided in the floor of the mixer 2, and this aperture can be selectively covered by the mixer door 9a. The mixer discharge mechanism 9b may be a pneumatic or hydraulic ram, controlled by e.g. suitable control circuitry, which ‘slides’ the mixer door 9a over the aperture in the wall of the mixer 2. The image capture device 5 is configured for obtaining images of the area 4, as well as the flexible discharge chute 3 of the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 and the concrete mixer truck 10 while located in the area 4. While the image capture device 5 is shown as a single image capture device 5, it will be appreciated that a plurality of image capture devices may be used, each capturing a different view of the area 4. Figure 2 shows the concrete mixer truck 10 while it is reversing into the loading bay area 4. As shown in figure 3 (panels A and B), the driver of the truck 10 manoeuvres the truck 10 until the receiving chute 12 of the truck 10 is positioned underneath the flexible discharge chute 3 of the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 (figure 3, panel B). The flexible discharge chute 3 is a flexible tube, typically made from durable rubber or reinforced plastic. The flexible discharge chute 3 extends downwardly from fixed discharge chute 8 to guide pre-mixed concrete from the fixed discharge chute 8 to the receiving chute 12 of the truck 10, in use. In examples, the bottom of the flexible discharge chute 3 is flexible enough to pass over the sides of the receiving chute 12 during manoeuvring of the truck 10. Flexible chute 3 is of a smaller diameter than the truck receiving chute 12, so once the truck is correctly manoeuvred into position, the flexible chute 3 will be located unobstructed within the truck receiving chute 12. Once the receiving chute 12 is aligned with the discharge chute 3 (figure 3, panel B; figure 4) then pre-mixed concrete can be dispensed from the mixer 2 into the concrete mixer truck 10. Particularly, concrete can be dispensed from the mixer 2 into the mixing drum 11 of the concrete mixer truck 10 via the fixed discharge chute 8, the flexible discharge chute 3 and the receiving chute 12. While the concrete is being loaded into the concrete mixer truck 10, the mixing drum 11 rotates at a certain speed (e.g. 11-16 rotations per minute) to continuously guide the concrete into the drum 11. Once filled, the driver of the truck 10 can drive the truck 10 out of the area 4 and to e.g. a construction site. The mixing drum 11 continues to rotate in the same direction at a reduced speed (e.g. 0.1-1 rotations per minute) during transport, preventing the concrete from setting before the construction site is reached. At site, the concrete may be unloaded by reversing the direction of rotation of the mixing drum 11 such that the concrete moves out of the drum 11 towards a dispensing chute of the truck 10. As will be appreciated, accurate and efficient dispensing of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 into the concrete mixer truck 10 is crucial for ensuring product quality and worker safety. Before loading, the truck 10 must be manoeuvred such that the position and configuration of the truck 10 is suitable for receiving concrete, and it must also be ensured that the area 4 is free from any hazards such as persons. Traditional methods often depend on manual alignment and visual checks, which are susceptible to errors and inefficiencies. The present invention provides an automatic method to enhance accuracy and safety by ensuring concrete may only be dispensed into the truck 10 under optimal conditions, reducing waste and minimizing risks associated with manual alignment errors. In figure 5 there is shown a method 500 according to an aspect of the invention. The method 500 comprises: obtaining one or more images of an area comprising a concrete dispensing apparatus (step 504); analysing the one or more images (step 506); determining whether a plurality of conditions relating to a mobile apparatus in or near the area have been met (steps 510-514); optionally providing one or more notifications when one or more of the conditions have been met (step 516); and enabling discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus when each of the conditions have been met (step 518). The method 500 may further comprise: monitoring the discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus (step 522); determining whether issues (e.g. a blockage) has occurred in the concrete dispensing apparatus (step 522); and providing one or more notifications when an issue has occurred (step 524). In examples, the method 500 is carried out at the system 100. For example, the processing arrangement 6 of the system 100 may be configured to carry out the method 500 based on images of the area 4 captured by the image capture device 5. The image capture device 5 is configured for obtaining images of the area 4, for example while a truck 10 is reversing / manoeuvring and also while the truck is stationary, before, during and after receiving concrete. The processing arrangement 6 is configured to enable discharge of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 based on an analysis of images of the area 4 captured by the image capture device 5. The method 500 begins at step 502 and proceeds to step 504 where one or more images are obtained. The images may be images of an area comprising a concrete dispensing apparatus, such as loading bay 4 comprising concrete dispensing apparatus 1. In examples, the one or more images obtained at step 504 correspond to a video feed received from the image capture device 5, each image corresponding to a frame in the video feed. The images obtained at step 504 may be of the loading bay 4 only, or may also include a concrete mixer truck 10 which is e.g. driving into, reversing into, located at a stationary position in, or driving out of, the loading bay 4. At step 506 the method 500 comprises analysing the one or more images. Particularly, a trained machine learning algorithm is used to automatically analyse the images to allow the determination of whether a plurality of conditions relating to a concrete mixer truck 10 in the loading bay 4 have been met. In examples, these conditions relate to whether concrete can or should be safely discharged from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1. In examples, determining whether a plurality of conditions relating to a concrete mixer truck 10 in the loading bay 4 have been met comprises using a trained machine learning algorithm to determine whether the plurality of conditions have been met. The trained machine learning algorithm may be any kind of suitable trained machine learning algorithm, such as a trained machine learning algorithm based on a neural network or a Markov chain. The machine learning algorithm is designed to enhance decision-making by accurately identifying key factors such as the presence and alignment of the truck, the absence of hazards, and the optimal configuration for discharge. The algorithm is trained on a comprehensive dataset of images capturing various scenarios and conditions, enabling it to recognize patterns and make real-time assessments. In illustrative examples, the training data includes images collected by e.g. the image capture device 5 of a plurality of vehicles which manoeuvre in the area 4 and receive concrete from the apparatus 1. This approach not only improves precision in concrete dispensing but also minimizes human error, ensuring that operations are conducted safely and efficiently. The machine learning algorithm may be configured to continuously learn from new data being collected. By continuously learning from new data, the system adapts to changing environments, further optimizing the dispensing process over time. In examples, the machine learning algorithm used at step 506 to analyse the images obtained at step 504 has been trained with appropriate training data (i.e. a corpus of images / videos) and is able to recognise objects such as persons and concrete mixer trucks in the area 4, including the positions and configurations of such concrete mixer trucks. The output of the machine learning algorithm is used to determine whether a mobile apparatus (such as the truck 10) is detected in the area 4 and whether the mobile apparatus is in a suitable configuration for receiving concrete. In examples a mobile apparatus may be stationary or moving within the area when it is detected. At step 510 the method 500 comprises determining whether the area is free from hazards. In particular, the machine learning algorithm is used at step 506 to analyse the images obtained at step 504. The output of the machine learning algorithm is used to determine whether a hazard (such as a person) is detected in the area. At this stage the hazard may be stationary or moving within the area. The condition at step 510 relates to the presence of one or more hazards, such as persons, in the area 4. Such hazards may be detected to ensure the safety of all personnel and equipment, prevent potential accidents, and maintain the integrity of the dispensing process. By identifying and addressing hazards at step 510, it is possible to make informed decisions to either proceed with or delay the concrete discharge, thereby optimizing operational safety and efficiency. If one or more hazards are detected at step 510 then the method 500 proceeds via the ‘N’ branch from step 510 to step 508 where the method pauses for a predetermined wait time, for example 1 second, 5 seconds, 50 seconds, 1 minute or 5 minutes, etc, before returning to step 504. The predetermined wait time may be selected so that the system conserves resources while allowing sufficient time for the apparatus / area to be properly configured for dispensing of concrete, ensuring efficient operation without unnecessary delays. Conversely, if no hazards are detected at step 510 then the method 500 proceeds via the ‘Y’ branch from step 510 to step 512. At step 512 the method 500 comprises determining whether the position of the mobile apparatus in or near the area is acceptable. This condition relates to the configuration of the mobile apparatus, particularly the position of a receiving chute 12 of the mobile apparatus 10 with respect to the flexible dispensing chute 3 of the concrete dispensing apparatus 1. The one or more images obtained in step 504 are analysed using the machine learning algorithm to determine the position of the receiving chute of the mobile apparatus (i.e. the mobile apparatus 10 in the area 4) with respect to a dispensing chute of the concrete dispensing apparatus. Particularly, the machine learning algorithm is used at step 506 to analyse the images obtained at step 504 and the output of the machine learning algorithm is used to determine whether the receiving chute of the mobile apparatus is in a suitable position for receiving concrete via the dispensing chute of the concrete dispensing apparatus (c.f. the position shown in figure 1). If the position of the mobile apparatus is found not to be acceptable at step 512 then the method 500 proceeds via the ‘N’ branch from step 512 to step 508 where the method pauses for a predetermined wait time before returning to step 504. Conversely, if the position of the mobile apparatus is found to be acceptable at step 512 then the method 500 proceeds via the ‘Y’ branch from step 512 to step 514. At step 514 the method 500 comprises determining whether the rotation of the mixing drum 11 is acceptable. In particular, it is determined whether the rotation speed of the mixing drum 11 is acceptable. The condition at step 514 relates to the configuration of the mobile apparatus, particularly to the rotation speed of the mixer drum of the mobile apparatus. For typical concrete mixer trucks, the loading rotation speed of the mixer drum should be between 11 and 16 rotations per minute. At step 514 a plurality of the images obtained in step 504 are analysed to determine the rotation speed of a mixing drum of the mobile apparatus. Particularly, the machine learning algorithm is used at step 506 to analyse the images obtained at step 504 and the output of the machine learning algorithm is used to determine whether the rotation speed of the mixing drum is acceptable and appropriate for receiving concrete. At step 516 the method 500 comprises providing one or more notifications. In examples, providing one or more notifications comprises providing one or more visual or audible notifications to users, for example users within or near the area 4. The notifications may be provided via any suitable means. For example, notifications may be provided in the form of audible alarms, visual indications on display screens, or messages sent via networks to user devices such as mobile phones or computers. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, notifications may be provided to the driver of the truck 10, for example via a display screen located within the loading bay area 4, when each of the conditions at steps 510-514 have been satisfied. The driver of the truck 10 may be guided by the notification(s) e.g. when reversing the truck into the loading bay 10 to alert when the loading chute 3 is in the correct position within the truck receiving chute 12, when the loading system is waiting on the truck mixing drum 11 to be rotating at the correct speed and when the mixing drum is rotating at the correct speed. In the example shown in figure 5, notifications are provided after all of the conditions at steps 510, 512 and 514 are satisfied. However, in alternative examples one or more notifications can be provided when any one or more of the conditions have or have not been met. For example, a first notification may be provided when it has been determined that there are no hazards present in the area at step 510. Yet further notifications may be provided in response to finding that the position and configuration of the mobile apparatus are found to be acceptable at steps 512 and 514. In this way, an operator may be given a clear indication when all of the requirements for dispensing concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus are met. Additionally or alternatively, notifications may be provided when any or all of the conditions at steps 510, 512 and 514 are not satisfied, for example on reaching step 508. At step 518 the method 500 comprises enabling discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus. As will be appreciated, step 518 can only be reached when each of the conditions listed at steps 510-514 have been met. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer conditions may be used, and the conditions may be provided in an alternative order to that shown. In particular examples, enabling discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 to the mobile apparatus 10 may involve disabling a locking mechanism (i.e. a locking mechanism which would otherwise prevent concrete from being dispensed from the chute) and / or actuating a valve mechanism (i.e. a valve mechanism which limits the flow of concrete from the chute). At step 518, the processing arrangement 6 may be configured to send e.g. a command or message to the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 and thereby enable discharge of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1. In response to the message or command received from the processing arrangement 6, the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 may cause concrete to be discharged from the mixer 2. In an example, the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 may include control circuitry for controlling mixer discharge mechanism 9b. When said control circuitry receives a command or message from the processing arrangement 6 at step 518, the control circuitry may actuate mixer discharge mechanism 9b to move mixer door 9a, allowing mixed concrete to pass out of the mixer 2 and into the fixed discharge chute 8 and the flexible discharge chute 3 under the force of gravity. After step 518 concrete will be dispensed from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus. At this stage, each of the conditions at steps 510-514 have been met, and therefore the mixer truck 10 is in a suitable position and configuration for receiving concrete and no hazards are present in the area 4. Dispensing of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 into the truck 10 may only commence when e.g. a user sends a command to the concrete dispensing apparatus 1. For example, a user may press a ‘concrete release’ control arrangement, and / or may send a command from a user device to any suitable device which controls release of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1. At step 520 the method 500 comprises monitoring the discharge of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus. For example, one or more of steps 504-514 may be repeated during step 520. If it is found that any of the conditions shown in steps 510-514 are no longer satisfied then the discharge of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 may be immediately disabled and / or a notification (such as an audible or visual notification of the type described above with respect to step 516) may be provided. In addition, at step 520 the method 500 comprises monitoring the flexible dispensing chute 3 of the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 and the receiving chute 12 of the truck 10 to identify any issues during the discharge of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 to the mobile apparatus 10. Particularly, the machine learning algorithm may be trained to recognise issues which can negatively affect the safe and efficient discharge of concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 to the mobile apparatus 10. These issues may include but are not limited to: 1) Reduced concrete flow: The flow of concrete slowing down and starting to block the dispensing chute 3 and truck receiving chute 12, which may result in the processing arrangement 6 communicating to the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 to close the mixer door 9a either fully or proportionately and alerting the truck driver of this status; 2) Blockages: A blockage developing in the dispensing chute 3 and truck receiving chute 12 where the processing arrangement 6 will communicate to the concrete batching system to close the mixer door 9a and alerting the truck driver of the status; 3) Excessive splashing of high viscosity: high slump concrete which may result in the processing arrangement 6 communicating to the concrete batching system to close the mixer door either fully or proportionately and alerting the truck driver of this status. One or more images obtained from the image capture device 5 during step 520 are analysed using the machine learning algorithm to monitor the concrete discharge process and communicate to the control circuitry of the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 to optimise the safe and time efficient discharge from the mixer to the truck 10. In the case of blockages for example, rapid expansion and contraction of the flexible discharge chute 3 during discharge may indicate that a blockage is developing or has developed. Such visual indications can be interpreted by the trained machine learning algorithm (i.e. the machine learning algorithm which has been trained using a suitable corpus of training data) which can provide suitable alerts in response. At step 522 the method comprises determining whether any issues (such as the issues listed above during discussion of step 520) have been detected. For example, if a blockage in the flexible discharge chute 3 has been detected by the machine learning algorithm, then the method 500 will proceed via the ‘Y’ branch from step 522 to step 524 where one or more notifications may be provided. The one or more notifications may be similar to the notifications discussed above with respect to step 516. The one or more notifications may be provided to e.g. the driver of the truck 10 to alert the driver to the issue, and / or to the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 which may suitably actuate the mixer discharge mechanism 9b and / or prevent further discharge of concrete. If no issues are detected at step 522 then the method 500 returns to step 520 where the discharge will continue to be monitored. Step 526 is reached once steps 518-520 (at least) have been processed at least once and the truck 10 leaves the loading bay 4. Note the concrete loading process may follow steps 518-524 multiple times. Step 526 can also be reached via communication of e.g. a notification or a signal received by the processing arrangement 6 from the concrete dispensing apparatus 1 that the concrete dispensing process is complete. In figure 6 there is shown a processing arrangement 600 according to an aspect of the invention. The processing arrangement 600 is similar to the processing arrangement 6 shown in figure 1. Particularly, the processing arrangement 600 may be used to implement the processing arrangement 6 shown in figure 1, and may be used to carry out the method 500 shown in figure 5. The processing arrangement 600 comprises a processor 602, computer-readable memory 604, a communication interface 606 and a display unit 608. In examples, the communication interface 606 and / or the display unit 608 may be used to provide one or more notifications at e.g. step 516, and the communication interface 606 may be used at e.g. steps 518 and 526 to communicate with and send commands to the concrete dispensing apparatus 1. 8 25

Claims

1. A method for dispensing concrete, the method comprising:obtaining one or more images of an area comprising a concrete5 dispensing apparatus;determining, based on analysis of the one or more images, whether a plurality of conditions relating to a mobile apparatus in or near the area have been met, wherein the analysis of the one or more images comprises using a trained machine learning algorithm, wherein the plurality of conditions relate to10 the position and configuration of the mobile apparatus and wherein at leastone condition of the plurality of conditions relates to rotation speed of a mixer drum of the mobile apparatus; andenabling discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus when each of the conditions have been15 met.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:providing one or more notifications when one or more of the conditions have been met.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein providing one or more notifications comprises providing one or more visual or audible notifications.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more images25 correspond to a video feed.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein each image corresponds to a frame in the video feed.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein determining whether a plurality of conditions have been met comprises using the trained machine learning algorithm to determine whether the plurality of conditions have been met.3001 08 257. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to the position of at least a part of the mobile apparatus with respect to at least a part of the concrete dispensing apparatus.5 8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one condition of theplurality of conditions relates to the position of a receiving chute of the mobile apparatus with respect to a dispensing chute of the concrete dispensing apparatus.10 9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein determining whether a pluralityof conditions have been met comprises analysing a plurality of the one or more images to determine the position of a receiving chute of the mobile apparatus with respect to a dispensing chute of the concrete dispensing apparatus.1510. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to a configuration of the mobile apparatus.11.The method of any preceding claim, wherein determining whether a plurality 20 of conditions have been met comprises analysing a plurality of the one ormore images to determine the rotation speed of the mixer drum of the mobile apparatus.

12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one condition of the25 plurality of conditions relates to the presence of one or more hazards in thearea.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one condition of the plurality of conditions relates to the presence of one or more persons or 30 vehicles in the area.

14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein enabling discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus to the mobile apparatus comprises:01 08 25disabling a locking mechanism; and / or actuating a valve mechanism.

15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises:5 dispensing concrete from the concrete dispensing apparatus to themobile apparatus.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: monitoring the discharge of the concrete from the concrete dispensing10 apparatus to the mobile apparatus17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the method further comprises: determining whether a blockage has occurred between the concrete dispensing apparatus and the mobile apparatus.

18. A system for dispensing concrete, the system comprising:a concrete dispensing apparatus, the concrete dispensing apparatus being located within an area;an image capture device configured for obtaining an image of the area;20 anda processing means configured for carrying out the method of any preceding claim.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the concrete dispensing apparatus25 comprises a mixer and a discharge chute.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the area is a loading bay.

21. A loading bay comprising the system of claim 18 or claim 19.

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