Intelligent waste recycling bin

Abstract

The intelligent waste recycling box comprises a box body, the box body is provided with a closed recycling cavity, one or more input openings are formed in the top of the box body, each input opening is provided with a sealing cover capable of being opened and closed, at least one partition plate is located in the box body, and the recycling cavity is divided into different waste storage areas through the partition plates; the pressure sensor is arranged at the bottom of the waste storage area and used for detecting the weight of waste in the area. The image recognition camera is mounted above the feeding port, is connected to the built-in image processing chip and is used for recognizing the type of fed waste products; the central processing unit is connected with the pressure sensor and the image processing chip and used for data processing and system control, and the wireless communication module is connected with the central processing unit and used for data interaction with a remote management server. According to the invention, automatic identification and classification of waste products are realized, the efficiency and accuracy of waste product recovery are improved, and cyclic utilization of resources is promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of waste recycling equipment, and in particular to an intelligent recycling box for low-value paid waste that can automatically identify, classify, crush, weigh and feedback points or amounts. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, as people generate more and more domestic waste in their daily lives, some people will consciously collect waste from domestic waste and take the collected waste to waste recycling stations to trade with waste recyclers in exchange for money. At present, through the manual waste recycling method, waste recyclers may shortchange the waste when weighing it, may maliciously lower the price, and may force purchases and sales. At the same time, the waste recycling process has shortcomings such as unclear classification by users, deliberate mixing, bulky equipment, large floor space, high cost, and the need for workers to conduct secondary sorting. In order to solve these problems, the present invention proposes a low-value paid waste intelligent recycling box, which aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of waste recycling, while providing a paid recycling mechanism to encourage users to actively participate in waste recycling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a low-value paid waste intelligent recycling box that can automatically identify, classify, crush, weigh and feedback the amount, so as to solve the above-mentioned defects in the prior art.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A smart waste recycling box, comprising:

[0006] A box body having a closed recycling chamber, one or more input ports provided at the top of the box body, the input ports being equipped with an openable and closable sealing cover, and at least one partition plate located inside the box body, dividing the recycling chamber into different waste storage areas;

[0007] A pressure sensor is provided at the bottom of the waste storage area and is used to detect the weight of the waste in the area;

[0008] An image recognition camera, which is installed above the input port and connected to a built-in image processing chip to identify the type of waste input;

[0009] A central processing unit (CPU), connected to the pressure sensor and the image processing chip, for data processing and system control;

[0010] And a wireless communication module connected to the central processing unit is used to exchange data with the remote management server.

[0011] Further technology of the present invention:

[0012] Preferably, the method further comprises a crushing device arranged in each waste storage area.

[0013] Preferably, a dust collecting device is further provided inside the box, and the dust collecting device is controlled in linkage with the crushing device and automatically starts when the crushing device is running.

[0014] Preferably, the crushing device is connected to a central processing unit, which controls its start and stop according to preset conditions. At the same time, the central processing unit records the operating time and number of times of the crushing device, and uploads it to the remote management server through the wireless communication module, so as to monitor and maintain the operating status of the equipment.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a display module arranged on the side of the box body, which is connected to the central processing unit and is used to display the type of waste uploaded by the image recognition camera and the weight of the waste uploaded by the pressure sensor.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes an electronic payment module connected to the central processor. When the user completes the waste delivery, the central processor calculates the corresponding remuneration according to the weight and type of the waste and pays it to the user through the electronic payment module.

[0017] Preferably, the surface of the box is coated with an anti-ultraviolet coating.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. It realizes the automatic identification, classification, crushing and weighing of waste, and improves the efficiency and accuracy of waste recycling.

[0020] 2. Provides a paid recycling mechanism to encourage users to actively participate in waste recycling and promote the recycling of resources.

[0021] 3. Compact structure, small footprint, reduced cost, easy to promote and use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smart recycling bin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] like Figure 1 This embodiment provides a waste intelligent recycling box, comprising a box body, a closed recycling chamber, an input port provided at the top of the box body, and an openable and closable sealing cover; five partitions located inside the box body, dividing the recycling chamber into different waste storage areas, Figure 1 The six independent recycling ports of the smart recycling bin are shown, marked as 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e and 1f, corresponding to different types of waste.

[0026] A pressure sensor is installed at the bottom of each storage area to detect the weight of the waste in that area; an image recognition camera installed above the input port is connected to the built-in image processing chip to identify the type of waste input; a central processing unit connected to the pressure sensor and image processing chip is used for data processing and system control; a display module is set on the side of the box to display waste information, recycling prices and operating instructions; and a wireless communication module connected to the central processing unit is used to interact with the remote management server for data.

[0027] The image recognition camera has high-definition shooting capabilities and intelligent recognition algorithms, and can accurately identify common low-value waste, such as waste paper, plastic bottles, and metal products, and transmit the recognition results to the central processing unit; the pressure sensor can accurately measure the weight of the waste in each storage area, and the weight data is transmitted to the central processing unit in real time for storage and calculation.

[0028] How it works: This algorithm is based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture used in deep learning. CNN automatically extracts image features by building multiple layers of convolutional, pooling, and fully connected layers. For the smart recycling bin recognition task, the algorithm utilizes transfer learning techniques, fine-tuning a model pre-trained on large-scale image datasets (such as ImageNet) for low-value waste images. This is because the pre-trained model has already learned a large number of common image features, significantly reducing training time and data requirements while accelerating convergence.

[0029] Algorithm implementation steps:

[0030] Image preprocessing: Scrap images captured by high-definition cameras are first grayscaled, converting color images into single-channel grayscale images. This reduces the amount of data and emphasizes the image's brightness. Next, normalization is performed to unify the image pixel values ​​to the range [0, 1] or [-1, 1]. This ensures that the data features of different images are on the same scale, facilitating subsequent model training and computation.

[0031] Feature Extraction: The convolution layer performs convolution operations on the preprocessed image, extracting low-level features such as edges and textures using different convolution kernels. The pooling layer downsamples the feature maps output by the convolution layer, reducing the amount of data, preserving key features, and lowering computational complexity. After multiple layers of convolution and pooling operations, high-level, abstract features of the image are extracted.

[0032] Classification and Recognition: The extracted features are fed into the fully connected layer, where a softmax classifier is used to classify the features and determine whether the waste belongs to plastic bottles or metal products. The model outputs probabilities for each category, selects the category with the highest probability, and transmits it to the central processing unit.

[0033] Algorithm Advantages: This algorithm boasts high accuracy and robustness, enabling accurate identification of low-value waste in complex backgrounds and under varying lighting conditions. Furthermore, its transfer learning-based approach significantly shortens training cycles and reduces the requirements for hardware computing resources, enabling the intelligent recycling bin to operate efficiently even with limited hardware, meeting the demands of practical application scenarios.

[0034] The recycling bin also includes an electronic payment module connected to the central processing unit, supporting multiple payment methods such as QR code payment and near-field communication payment. When the user completes the waste delivery, the central processing unit calculates the corresponding reward based on the weight and type of waste. It should be noted that the reward is a simple unit price * weight, and the unit price is divided by type. The payment is paid to the user through the electronic payment module.

[0035] The box is made of fireproof, waterproof, rust-proof and durable materials, and can be used for a long time in outdoor environments. It is equipped with a smoke alarm and temperature sensor connected to the central processing unit. When an abnormal situation is detected, an alarm message is immediately sent to the management platform through the wireless communication module, and emergency protection measures are initiated, such as cutting off the power supply and activating the fire extinguishing device.

[0036] Smart recycling bin safety protection solution:

[0037] 1. Hardware composition:

[0038] 1. Smoke Alarm: A highly sensitive photoelectric smoke alarm is installed at the top of the recycling bin. It can quickly detect changes in smoke concentration and generate an electrical signal when the smoke concentration reaches the preset alarm threshold.

[0039] 2. Humidity sensor: A capacitive humidity sensor is installed at the bottom of the recycling bin or in a location susceptible to moisture. It monitors the humidity inside the bin in real time and converts the humidity data into an electrical signal for output.

[0040] 3. Central Processing Unit: It uses a high-performance microcontroller with multiple data interfaces to receive signals from smoke alarms, humidity sensors, and other devices, and processes and analyzes the data according to preset programs to issue corresponding control instructions.

[0041] 4. Wireless communication module: Select 4G or 5G communication module, connect to the central processor, send alarm information and equipment status data to the management platform, and ensure the timeliness and stability of data transmission.

[0042] 5. Emergency defense equipment: including fire extinguishing devices (such as dry powder fire extinguishers, connected to electric valves, and opened by the central processor) and power cut-off devices (such as relays, connected in series in the power circuit of the recycling box, receiving instructions from the central processor to cut off the power supply).

[0043] 2. Software Program:

[0044] 1. Data acquisition program: The central processing unit regularly reads the signal data from the smoke alarm and humidity sensor, and performs analog-to-digital conversion and data calibration to ensure data accuracy.

[0045] 2. Threshold judgment program: Preset smoke concentration alarm thresholds and humidity abnormality thresholds. The collected data is compared with the thresholds. Once the smoke concentration exceeds the alarm threshold or the humidity exceeds the normal range, the alarm program is triggered.

[0046] 3. Alarm program: The central processing unit sends the alarm information (including alarm type, time, recycling bin number, location, etc.) to the management platform through the wireless communication module in accordance with the specific communication protocol, and starts the emergency defense program at the same time.

[0047] 4. Emergency defense procedure: The central processing unit sends a command to the power cut-off device to cut off the power supply to the recycling box; sends a signal to the electric valve of the fire extinguishing device to activate the fire extinguishing device to suppress the spread of fire.

[0048] 3. Management Platform:

[0049] 1. Receiving and displaying: The management platform receives the alarm information sent by the smart recycling bin in real time, marks the location of the recycling bin that issued the alarm on the map, and reminds the management personnel in the form of pop-up windows, sounds, etc.

[0050] 2. Data storage and analysis: Store alarm information and equipment status data, perform data analysis, and count alarm conditions in different areas and at different times to provide data support for fire prevention and equipment improvement.

[0051] 3. Remote control: Managers can remotely confirm and perform secondary control of the alarm recovery box on the management platform and adjust emergency measures according to actual conditions.

[0052] The wireless communication module is connected to the remote management server to achieve remote monitoring and management functions. The server can obtain the waste inventory, weight data, and equipment status of the recycling bin in real time, and can remotely operate the recycling bin, such as adjusting the recycling price, updating the recognition algorithm, and sending maintenance instructions.

[0053] At the same time, the recycling box has a fault self-detection function. When a hardware failure or software abnormality is detected, it automatically sends a fault report to the server, including the fault type, occurrence time and location information, so that timely maintenance can be carried out.

[0054] The outer shell of the box is designed in accordance with ergonomics, making it easy for users to put in waste. Specifically:

[0055] Recycling bin opening height and angle design:

[0056] Design: The bin opening is set between 1 and 1.3 meters above the ground, a height that's comfortable for most adults with their arms extended when standing naturally. The opening is tilted forward 10-15 degrees and forms a trapezoidal shape, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, measuring 50-60 cm at the top and 30-40 cm at the bottom.

[0057] Ergonomically designed: The 1-1.3-meter height eliminates the need for users to bend too low or lift their hands excessively to place waste, reducing pressure on the waist and shoulders. The forward-tilted angle eliminates the need for users to lean forward, making it easier to place waste accurately into the recycling bin. The trapezoidal opening is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, facilitating user operation. The wide top allows for large items to be dropped in, while the narrow bottom prevents small items from falling, aligning with human operating habits and visual perception.

[0058] Operation area design:

[0059] Design form: An independent operation area is set up on the front side of the recycling bin. The height of the operation area is between 0.8-1.1 meters and is equipped with clear large-screen operation instructions and operation buttons.

[0060] Ergonomically designed: The 0.8-1.1m operating area allows for easy operation without excessive bending or standing on tiptoe. Different colors distinguish functions, utilizing the principles of color psychology to facilitate quick identification and reduce operational errors, in line with human cognitive habits.

[0061] Weight prompt and feedback design:

[0062] Design: An electronic display (display module) is installed in the operating area, showing the real-time weight of the waste deposited. When the weight reaches 80% of the bin's capacity, a yellow light illuminates; at 95%, a red light illuminates and a gentle beep sounds. Furthermore, the bin emits a gentle beep each time a certain amount of weight (e.g., 0.5 kg) is added.

[0063] Ergonomically designed: Real-time weight display allows users to understand the delivery status, meeting their need for feedback on operational results. Light and sound prompts at different stages leverage both visual and auditory perception to provide timely reminders, helping to avoid over- or under-delivery, in line with human perception and information reception.

[0064] The surface of the box is coated with an anti-UV coating to prevent material aging caused by long-term sunlight exposure; the equipment adopts a low-power design and automatically enters a sleep state after a period of inactivity, and quickly starts when waste is input or an external command wakes it up; the display module uses an energy-saving screen that can automatically adjust the brightness according to the ambient light to reduce energy consumption; in addition, the bottom of the recycling box is equipped with drainage holes and moisture-proof devices to prevent rainwater accumulation from damaging the internal equipment, ensuring stable operation under various weather conditions.

[0065] Equipment hardware design:

[0066] 1. Power Management Module: Utilizes a highly efficient step-down regulator to convert input power to the stable voltage required by each system module. A rechargeable lithium battery serves as a backup power source, ensuring system operation during utility power outages. The power management module features intelligent charge and discharge control to prevent overcharging and over-discharging, extending battery life.

[0067] 2. Microcontroller Unit (MCU): A low-power, high-performance microcontroller is used to control and process data for the entire recycling bin system. The MCU has multiple interrupt pins for receiving external trigger signals, such as waste input detection signals and external command reception signals.

[0068] 3. Sensor: An infrared sensor is installed at the recycling bin's inlet to detect the presence of waste. When an object blocks the infrared light, the sensor's output level changes, generating a trigger signal. A wireless communication module (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4G) is also included to receive external commands and implement remote wake-up functionality.

[0069] Equipment software design:

[0070] 1. Sleep Control Routine: During system initialization, a timer is set. If the system detects no activity (including the insertion of scrap and receipt of external commands) within a preset time (e.g., 10 minutes), the timer overflows, triggering an interrupt. In the interrupt service routine, the MCU places most system modules (such as the display and motor driver) into low-power mode, shuts down unnecessary peripherals, and enters sleep mode. At this point, the MCU itself also switches to low-power operation, retaining only critical interrupt functionality to reduce system power consumption.

[0071] 2. Wake-up Mechanism: When the infrared sensor detects the presence of waste, it generates a level change signal that acts as an external interrupt signal and is fed into the MCU. Upon receiving the interrupt signal, the MCU immediately exits sleep mode, resumes normal operation of all system modules, and activates related devices (such as the motor driver module to transport waste to a designated location). Simultaneously, when the wireless communication module receives an external command, it also generates an interrupt signal. The MCU also responds to the interrupt, waking the system and executing the corresponding command, such as opening the recycling bin door or querying device status.

[0072] The recycling bin also includes a crushing device arranged in each waste storage area, which is connected to the central processing unit and is controlled by the central processing unit to start and stop according to preset conditions; the crushing device is driven by a low-noise, high-torque motor and is equipped with sharp and durable crushing cutters, which can crush the input waste, such as plastic bottles, waste paper, etc., to reduce the volume of waste and improve storage efficiency; the particle size of the crushed waste does not exceed

[10] mm, and the dust generated during the crushing process is collected and filtered by a dust collection device installed inside the box to avoid dust from being blown out and polluting the environment; the dust collection device is linked to the crushing device and automatically starts when the crushing device is running to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the inside of the recycling bin. At the same time, the central processing unit records the operating time and number of the crushing device and uploads it to the remote management server through the wireless communication module to monitor and maintain the operating status of the equipment.

[0073] It should be noted that the specific scheme for the linkage between the dust collecting device and the crushing device in the above structure is:

[0074] Hardware Connection

[0075] 1. Electrical Connection: Connect the motor controllers for the dust collector and pulverizer to a central control unit (such as a PLC or microcontroller) and transmit control signals via control lines. For example, an RS485 communication interface can be used to connect the communication ports of the motor drivers for the dust collector and pulverizer to the RS485 communication module of the central control unit to achieve bidirectional data transmission.

[0076] 2. Sensor Connection: Install a dust sensor at a suitable location inside the pulverizing unit to detect dust concentration generated during the pulverizing process. Connect the dust sensor's signal output to the analog input of the central control unit, transmitting the detected dust concentration data to the control unit for analysis and processing. Install a pressure sensor in the dust collection duct near the pulverizing area to detect negative pressure within the duct. This pressure sensor is also connected to the analog input of the central control unit.

[0077] Software control logic

[0078] 1. Startup Linkage: When a user places waste into the recycling bin and triggers the shredding process, the central control unit first sends a start signal to the shredder's motor controller, initiating the shredder's operation. Simultaneously, based on pre-set linkage rules, the central control unit sends a start signal to the dust collector's motor controller, activating the dust collector simultaneously. When the dust collector starts, the motor runs at the default initial speed, ensuring that the generated dust is immediately extracted while the shredder begins operating.

[0079] 2. Coordinated Adjustment During Operation: During the pulverization process, dust sensors monitor the dust concentration in the pulverization area in real time and transmit this data to the central control unit. If the dust concentration rises above a set threshold, the central control unit, based on a pre-set adjustment algorithm, sends a command to the suction unit's motor controller to increase the suction motor speed, enhancing suction capacity and rapidly reducing dust concentration. Conversely, if the dust concentration falls below the set lower threshold, the central control unit reduces the suction motor speed to conserve energy. Simultaneously, a pressure sensor monitors the negative pressure in the suction duct in real time. If the negative pressure falls below the normal operating range, indicating poor suction performance and possible duct blockage, the central control unit sends an alarm to the suction unit, prompting personnel to conduct an inspection. The central control unit may also increase the suction motor speed to restore the negative pressure to normal. If the negative pressure exceeds the safe range, the central control unit reduces the suction motor speed to prevent damage to the equipment.

[0080] 3. Stop linkage: When the crushing work is completed, the central control unit first sends a stop signal to the crushing device. After the crushing device completely stops running (confirmed by detecting that the speed of the crushing motor is zero), it delays for a certain time (such as 5-10 seconds to ensure that the residual dust in the pipeline is sucked away), and then sends a stop signal to the dust collection device to stop working.

[0081] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0082] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they may refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0083] The above content is merely an example and explanation of the structure of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or replace them in a similar manner. As long as they do not deviate from the structure of the invention or exceed the scope defined by the claims, they should all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart waste recycling box, characterized in that: include: A box body having a closed recycling chamber, one or more input ports provided at the top of the box body, the input ports being equipped with an openable and closable sealing cover, and at least one partition plate located inside the box body, dividing the recycling chamber into different waste storage areas; A pressure sensor is provided at the bottom of the waste storage area and is used to detect the weight of the waste in the area; An image recognition camera, which is installed above the input port and connected to a built-in image processing chip to identify the type of waste input; A central processing unit (CPU), connected to the pressure sensor and the image processing chip, for data processing and system control; And a wireless communication module connected to the central processing unit is used to exchange data with the remote management server.

2. The intelligent waste recycling box according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a crushing device disposed in each waste storage area.

3. The intelligent waste recycling box according to claim 1, characterized in that: A dust collecting device is also provided inside the box body, and the dust collecting device is controlled in linkage with the crushing device and automatically starts when the crushing device is in operation.

4. The intelligent waste recycling box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The crushing device is connected to the central processing unit, which controls its start and stop according to preset conditions. At the same time, the central processing unit records the operating time and number of times of the crushing device, and uploads them to the remote management server through the wireless communication module to monitor and maintain the operating status of the equipment.

5. The intelligent waste recycling box according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a display module arranged on the side of the box body, which is connected to the central processing unit and is used to display the type of waste uploaded by the image recognition camera and the weight of the waste uploaded by the pressure sensor.

6. The intelligent waste recycling box according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an electronic payment module connected to the central processing unit. When the user completes the waste delivery, the central processing unit calculates the corresponding remuneration based on the weight and type of the waste and pays it to the user through the electronic payment module.

7. The intelligent waste recycling box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the box is coated with an anti-ultraviolet coating.

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