Picking system

Abstract

A sorting processing system has a first sorting system and a central system, the first sorting system has a first sorting device, a first detection unit, a first data storage unit, a first control unit, a first calculation unit and a first determination unit, the central system has a central data storage unit and a central calculation unit, the first determination unit determines whether to send raw material information to the central system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a picking and processing system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a sorting system that sorts mixtures containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object. In such a system, even within the same sorting device, the sorting performance changes if the state of the input raw materials changes. The state of the input raw materials refers to, for example, composition ratio, specific charge, particle size, and input quantity. Sorting performance refers to, for example, recovery rate and purity. To improve sorting performance, it is necessary to determine appropriate sorting conditions based on information detected from the mixture of objects to be sorted. Patent Document 1 discloses using two systems simultaneously when determining the sorting conditions.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4920273 Summary of the Invention

[0005] As in Patent Document 1, in a structure that uses two systems simultaneously to determine the picking criteria, there is a problem that the amount of data communication increases and the maintenance and management burden of the system increases when communication occurs between the two systems each time.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above, and its purpose is to provide a picking system that can reduce the maintenance and management burden of the system in a structure that uses two systems simultaneously to determine picking conditions.

[0007] The picking system according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a first picking system and a central system. The first picking system comprises: a first picking device for picking mixtures containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object; a first detection unit for acquiring raw material information related to the mixture fed into the first picking device; a first data storage unit for storing a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; a first control unit for changing the picking conditions of the first picking device; and a first calculation unit for processing the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the data stored in the first... The central system includes: a central data storage unit that stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; and a central processing unit that outputs an analytical model of setting values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit. The first determination unit determines whether to send the raw material information to the central system based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit.

[0008] The picking system according to the second aspect of this disclosure includes a first picking system and a central system. The first picking system includes: a first picking device for picking mixtures containing multiple types of objects according to the type of objects; a first detection unit for acquiring raw material information related to the mixture fed into the first picking device; a first data storage unit for storing a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; a first control unit for changing the picking conditions of the first picking device; and a first calculation unit for analyzing and outputting set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the first data storage unit. The model, the central system having: a central data storage unit storing a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; a central computing unit having an analytical model for outputting set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit; and a fee setting unit that sets a fee for users who own the first picking system based on at least one of the following indicators during the charging period: the amount of data transmitted from the first picking system to the central system, the amount of raw material information stored in the central data storage unit, and the amount of data processed in the central computing unit.

[0009] According to the first method of this disclosure, the first determination unit determines whether to send raw material information to the central system, thus reducing the frequency of communication between the first picking system and the central system. Therefore, compared to the case where communication occurs between the two systems every time, data communication volume can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to the second method, usage fees can be reasonably recovered from users who use the central system frequently. In this way, by suppressing data communication volume or reasonably recovering usage fees, the maintenance and management burden of the system can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the picking and processing system of Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the first picking system of Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the picking process method involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the picking and processing system of Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Implementation method 1.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and modifications may be made freely within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating the picking system 1 in Embodiment 1. The picking system 1 includes a first picking system 10 and a central system 40. Alternatively, the picking system 1 may also include multiple picking systems different from the first picking system 10. Figure 1 In the example, the picking system 1 has a second picking system 20 and a third picking system 30. However, the number of picking systems in the picking system 1 can be changed.

[0016] The first picking system 10 includes a first detection unit 11, a first picking device 12, and a first processing device 13. The first processing device 13 includes a first data storage unit 13a, a first determination unit 13b, and a first calculation unit 13c. The second picking system 20 and the third picking system 30 may also have the same structure as the first picking system 10. Figure 1In the example, the second picking system 20 includes a second detection unit 21, a second picking device 22, and a second processing device 23. The second processing device 23 includes a second data storage unit 23a, a second determination unit 23b, and a second calculation unit 23c. However, the structures of the second picking system 20 and the third picking system 30 may also differ from those of the first picking system 10.

[0017] Picking systems 10-30 are configured to pick mixtures containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a group of plastic sheets P is used as an example to illustrate "a mixture containing multiple types of objects". Figure 2 In the example, the plastic sheet group P contains two plastic sheets p1 and p2 of different materials. However, it is also possible for the plastic sheet group P to contain three or more types of plastic sheets. The following explanation uses the case where plastic sheet p1 is ABS and plastic sheet p2 is PS as an example. For example, plastic sheets p1 and p2 are obtained by crushing and drying the casing of a household appliance using a shredder. Plastic sheets p1 and p2 are, for example, formed to a size of approximately 10 mm square.

[0018] Figure 2 The first picking device 12 shown uses electrostatic picking to pick plastic sheets p1 and p2 by type. Figure 2 In the example, the first picking device 12 includes an input section 121, a flashlight 122, a vibrating feeder 123, a first electrode 124, a second electrode 125, a DC power supply 126, a recycling bin 127, and separators 128 and 129. However, Figure 2 The structure of the first picking device 12 is just one example and can be modified.

[0019] The first sorting device 12 is capable of electrostatically sorting a group of plastic sheets P, which consists of multiple types of plastic sheets p1 and p2 with different electrical properties, into plastic sheets p1 and p2.

[0020] The feeding unit 121 includes a hopper 121a and a feeding feeder 121b. Dried plastic sheets P are supplied to the hopper 121a. The hopper 121a supplies a predetermined amount of plastic sheets P to the feeding feeder 121b per unit time. The feeding feeder 121b supplies the plastic sheets P fed from the hopper 121a into the flashlight 122.

[0021] The charged cylinder 122 and the vibrating feeder 123 constitute the charged section. The charged section causes the plastic sheets p1 and p2 to fall with charges. Specifically, the charged cylinder 122 agitates the group of plastic sheets P by rotating. Inside the charged cylinder 122, the various types of plastic sheets p1 and p2, which are mixed in the group of plastic sheets P, become charged through mutual friction. The charged plastic sheets p1 and p2 each have a charge amount of polarity (positive or negative) corresponding to the triboelectric charging sequence. In this example, the ABS sheet p1 is positively charged, and the PS sheet p2 is negatively charged.

[0022] Charged plastic sheets p1 and p2 are fed to the rear end of the upper surface of the vibrating feeder 123. The positively charged plastic sheet p1 and the negatively charged plastic sheet p2 attract each other and pair due to electrostatic force. The vibrating feeder 123 vibrates the plastic sheets p1 and p2 up and down while pushing them forward. This disengages the pairing of plastic sheets p1 and p2, causing them to move forward along the X direction in the figure. Additionally, the plastic sheets p1 and p2 fall from the front end of the vibrating feeder 123.

[0023] Electrodes 124 and 125, along with a DC power supply 126, constitute an electric field generating unit. This unit applies an electrostatic field to each charged plastic sheet, causing them to fall to positions corresponding to their respective charged states. Specifically, electrodes 124 and 125 are formed in a plate shape. Electrodes 124 and 125 are arranged in the X direction of the figure, facing each other and positioned to sandwich the paths through which plastic sheets p1 and p2 fall. A ground voltage GND is applied to the first electrode 124. The DC power supply 126 applies a predetermined DC voltage between the first electrode 124 and the second electrode 125, thereby generating an electrostatic field between them.

[0024] When the plastic sheets p1 and p2, which have been unpaired by the vibrating feeder 123, fall between electrodes 124 and 125, each sheet is attracted to either electrode 124 or electrode 125 simultaneously due to the electrostatic force corresponding to its charged state (polarity, charge). That is, each plastic sheet p1 and p2 falls to a different position along a parabolic trajectory corresponding to its charged state. In this example, plastic sheet p1 is positively charged, so it falls towards the first electrode 124. On the other hand, plastic sheet p2 is negatively charged, so it falls towards the second electrode 125.

[0025] A recycling bin 127 is positioned below electrodes 124 and 125 to collect plastic sheets p1 and p2 that fall from the vibrating feeder 123 between electrodes 124 and 125. The recycling bin 127 is rectangular in shape with an opening at the top. The opening of the recycling bin 127 is rectangular in shape, with its long side facing the X direction in the figure.

[0026] The partition plates 128 and 129 are also referred to as partition components. The partition plates 128 and 129 are arranged parallel to the YZ plane in the figure within the recycling bin 127 and are configured to move in the X direction in the figure. The X-direction position of each of the partition plates 128 and 129 is controlled by the first control unit 14. The partition plate 128 is located on the side of the first electrode 124, and the partition plate 129 is located on the side of the second electrode 125. The recycling bin 127 is divided by the partition plates 128 and 129 into a recycling chamber 127a on the side of the first electrode 124, a recycling chamber 127b on the side of the second electrode 125, and an intermediate recycling chamber 127c.

[0027] The plastic sheets p1 and p2 that fall from the vibrating feeder 123 between electrodes 124 and 125 are recycled into one of the three recycling chambers 127a to 127c according to their charge state. In this example, plastic sheet p1 is positively charged, so it is recycled into recycling chamber 127a. On the other hand, plastic sheet p2 is negatively charged, so it is recycled into recycling chamber 127b. Plastic sheets p1 and p2 that are not sufficiently charged are recycled into recycling chamber 127c.

[0028] Plastic sheet p1 recycled to recycling chamber 127a, plastic sheet p2 recycled to recycling chamber 127b, and plastic sheets p1 and p2 recycled to recycling chamber 127c are transported by a conveyor (not shown) and housed in different containers.

[0029] A portion of the plastic sheet group P is sampled by the first detection unit 11 at a predetermined frequency. The first detection unit 11 acquires raw material information related to the plastic sheet group P. The first detection unit 11 may include multiple types of sensors. As a specific example, the first detection unit 11 may also detect the composition ratio of plastic sheets p1 and p2. Furthermore, the first detection unit 11 may also detect the specific charge of the plastic sheet group P. That is, the "raw material information" may include both composition ratio and specific charge. In addition, the "raw material information" may include both composition ratio and specific charge, and may also include other types of information.

[0030] The method for identifying the types of plastic sheets p1 and p2 is not particularly limited; for example, an infrared sensor can be used. That is, a portion of the plastic sheet group P is extracted and irradiated with infrared light, and the type of plastic is identified based on the spectrum of the reflected light. Furthermore, by comparing the mass of the plastic sheets p1 and p2 after type identification, the composition ratio of the plastic sheet group P can be calculated. Additionally, by using a charge sensor or the like to measure the charge of plastic sheets p1 and p2 and dividing it by their mass, the specific charge can be calculated. As an example of the composition ratio of the plastic sheet group P, the content of plastic sheet p1 (ABS) could be 60%, and the content of plastic sheet p2 (PS) could be 40%. As an example of specific charge, the specific charge of plastic sheet p1 (ABS) could be +20 nC / g, and the specific charge of plastic sheet p2 (PS) could be -10 nC / g. Such raw material information sometimes changes over time. Therefore, the first detection unit 11 acquires the raw material information of the plastic sheet group P, for example, at certain time intervals.

[0031] The first detection unit 11 inputs the current raw material information it has acquired into the first processing device 13. The raw material information is stored in the first data storage unit 13a. The first data storage unit 13a stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results. The first calculation unit 13c has an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to the picking conditions of the first picking device 12. This analytical model analyzes the set values ​​of the picking conditions in a way that obtains optimal picking accuracy based on the current raw material information detected by the first detection unit 11 and the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a.

[0032] The setting value of the picking conditions, which is the result of the analysis of the first calculation unit 13c, is input to the first control unit 14. The first control unit 14 controls the picking conditions of the first picking device 12 based on the setting value input from the first calculation unit 13c. For example, the first control unit 14 may also control the position of the separators 128 and 129 in the X direction. Alternatively, the first control unit 14 may also control the rotational speed or tilt of the flashlight 122, the voltage applied by the DC power supply 126 to the second electrode 125, etc. That is, the "setting value" is the position of the separators 128 and 129 in the X direction, the rotational speed or tilt of the flashlight 122, the voltage of the DC power supply 126, etc. Multiple parameters may be included in the "setting value".

[0033] Picking systems 10-30 are capable of communicating with the central system 40. Picking systems 10-30 are connected to the central system 40 via the cloud or the like. Details will be described later. The first determination unit 13b determines whether the first picking system 10 is communicating with the central system 40. Similarly, the second determination unit 23b determines whether the second picking system 20 is communicating with the central system 40.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the central system 40 includes a central data storage unit 41 and a central computing unit 42. The central data storage unit 41 stores a database (hereinafter referred to as big data) related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking accuracy. This big data may include data obtained from picking systems 10-30, as well as data obtained from other picking systems or simulation results. To obtain such big data, the central system 40 may periodically communicate with picking systems 10-30. Alternatively, the administrators of the central system 40 may manually collect data from picking systems 10-30 and store it in the central data storage unit 41.

[0035] The central processing unit 42 calculates the setpoints related to the optimal picking conditions in each of the picking systems 10-30 based on the large data stored in the central data storage unit 41 and the current raw material information received from the picking systems 10-30. This calculation is performed using an analytical model possessed by the central processing unit 42. The setpoints related to the picking conditions calculated by the central processing unit 42 are then sent to the picking systems 10-30.

[0036] The analytical models of the first calculation unit 13c and the central calculation unit 42 can, for example, use multiple regression analysis. Alternatively, the analytical models of the first calculation unit 13c and the central calculation unit 42 can also use machine learning. These analytical models analyze a combination of past raw material information, picking condition settings, and picking accuracy to output picking condition settings suitable for the current raw material information. The analytical models of the first calculation unit 13c and the central calculation unit 42 can be the same or different.

[0037] Here, the central data storage unit 41 of the central system 40 stores large amounts of data related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking accuracy from multiple picking systems 10-30. Therefore, compared to each picking system 10-30 individually determining the setting values ​​of the picking conditions, it is more likely that good picking accuracy can be obtained when the central processing unit 42 of the central system 40 uses large amounts of data to determine the setting values ​​of the picking conditions. In addition, for example, considering the case where a supercomputer is used as the central processing unit 42, the performance of the analytical model of the central processing unit 42 is higher than that of the first processing unit 13c. In this case, it is also possible that better picking accuracy can be obtained when the setting value determined by the central processing unit 42 is compared with the setting value determined by the first processing unit 13c. On the other hand, if the picking systems 10-30 communicate with the central system 40 and have the central processing unit 42 perform calculations every time they determine the picking conditions, the problem of increased data communication volume arises.

[0038] In addition to the above, when the picking conditions in the picking systems 10-30 are determined in the central system 40 each time, the following issues are also considered. Specifically, there is a time lag from the time the material information is obtained from the picking systems 10-30 until it is sent to the central system 40 and the picking conditions are returned to the picking systems 10-30. Furthermore, the processing load and maintenance costs of the central system 40 increase. Additionally, when the owners of the picking systems 10-30 are different, the security risks of theft and tampering of information related to each owner increase.

[0039] In order to alleviate the problems described above while determining appropriate picking conditions based on raw material information, the picking processing system 1 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 3 Process it as shown in the flowchart. Furthermore, Figure 3 The flowchart is merely an example and does not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] First, in step S1, the first detection unit 11 acquires the current raw material information. The first detection unit 11 inputs this raw material information to the first determination unit 13b. In step S2, the first determination unit 13b compares the current raw material information with the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a. Furthermore, it determines whether to send the current raw material information to the central system 40. Specific examples of this determination include the following first determination method and second determination method.

[0041] In the first determination method, the optimal picking conditions are determined based on the current raw material information and the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a, and the picking accuracy under these conditions is predicted. Picking accuracy refers to, for example, recovery rate, purity, etc. If the predicted picking accuracy exceeds a threshold, the raw material information is not sent to the central system 40, and the process proceeds to step S3 (step S2: "No"). If the predicted picking accuracy is below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S5, and the raw material information is sent to the central system 40 (step S2: "Yes").

[0042] In the second determination method, the determination is made based on whether the current raw material information is within a predetermined numerical range. For example, the "predetermined numerical range" is determined based on past picking results in a way that achieves the desired picking accuracy. The "past picking results" can be the picking results in the first picking system 10 or the picking results in other picking systems. For example, the raw material information for which satisfactory picking accuracy was not achieved according to past picking results in the first picking system 10 may not be included in the "predetermined numerical range." If the current raw material information is within the predetermined numerical range, the raw material information is not sent to the central system 40, and the process proceeds to step S3 (step S2: "No"). If the current raw material information is outside the predetermined numerical range, the process proceeds to step S5, and the raw material information is sent to the central system 40 (step S2: "Yes").

[0043] The following is a specific example of the second determination method. Here, the "predetermined numerical range" for ABS is assumed to be as follows: a composition ratio of 40-80% and a specific charge of 10-30 nC / g. Regarding the current raw material information detected by the first detection unit 11, if the composition ratio of ABS is 60% and the specific charge is 20 nC / g, it falls within the "predetermined numerical range." Therefore, the first determination unit 13b determines not to send the raw material information to the central system 40. Regarding the current raw material information detected by the first detection unit 11, if the composition ratio of ABS is 90% and the specific charge is 15 nC / g, it falls outside the "predetermined numerical range." Therefore, the first determination unit 13b determines to send the raw material information to the central system 40.

[0044] However, the numerical range of the specific example mentioned above related to the second determination method is merely one example. Furthermore, the first determination unit 13b may also combine the first determination method and the second determination method to perform the determination.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In step S3, the first calculation unit 13c outputs the set values ​​of the picking conditions based on the current raw material information and the database stored in the first calculation unit 13c. In step S6, the central calculation unit 42 outputs the set values ​​of the picking conditions based on the current raw material information and the database (big data) stored in the central data storage unit 41. In step S4, the first control unit 14 controls the picking conditions of the first picking device 12 based on the set values ​​output by the first calculation unit 13c or the central calculation unit 42.

[0046] That is, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the selection condition settings are input to the first control unit 14 via either the first path R1 or the second path R2. The first determination unit 13b determines which path, the first path R1 or the second path R2, to select. If it is predicted that a satisfactory selection result can be obtained even without going through the central system 40, the first path R1 is selected. If a satisfactory selection result should be obtained via the central system 40, the second path R2 is selected.

[0047] Although details are omitted, the same process can be performed in the second picking system 20. That is, the second determination unit 23b can also determine whether to send the current raw material information obtained by the second detection unit 21 to the central system 40.

[0048] As described above, the picking system 1 according to the embodiment includes a first picking system 10 and a central system 40. The first picking system 10 includes: a first picking device 12, which picks a mixture (plastic sheet group P) containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object (plastic sheet p1, p2); a first detection unit 11, which acquires raw material information related to the mixture fed into the first picking device 12; a first data storage unit 13a, which stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; a first control unit 14, which changes the picking conditions of the first picking device 12; a first calculation unit 13c, which is equipped with an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit 11 and the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a; and a first determination unit 13b. The central system 40 includes: a central data storage unit 41, which stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; and a central processing unit 42, which is equipped with an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit 11 and the database stored in the central data storage unit 41. The first determination unit 13b determines whether to send raw material information to the central system 40 based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit 11.

[0049] According to the picking processing system 1 configured as described above, when the picking conditions can be properly set within the first picking system 10, the first picking system 10 does not communicate with the central system 40. That is, the frequency of communication between the first picking system 10 and the central system 40 can be reduced. Therefore, compared to the case where communication occurs between the two systems every time, data communication volume can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the picking conditions cannot be properly set within the first picking system 10, communication with the central system 40 is possible, and the setting values ​​of the picking conditions determined by the central processing unit 42, which have higher accuracy, can be used. In other words, according to the picking processing system 1, both data communication volume and picking accuracy can be ensured simultaneously.

[0050] Furthermore, the first determination unit 13b can also make a determination based on at least one of the following information: the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit 11, the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a, and the picking result predicted by the first calculation unit 13c. Based on this structure, it is possible to determine whether to send raw material information to the central system 40 based on whether the first picking system 10 can obtain satisfactory picking results independently.

[0051] Alternatively, the second picking system 20 may have the same structure as the first picking system 10. That is, the second picking system 20 may also include: a second picking device 22 that picks mixtures containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object; a second detection unit 21 that acquires raw material information related to the mixture fed into the second picking device 22; a second data storage unit 23a that stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; a second control unit 24 that changes the picking conditions of the second picking device 22; a second calculation unit 23c that has an analytical model for outputting set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the second detection unit 21 and the database stored in the second data storage unit 23a; and a second determination unit 23b. The second determination unit 23b may also determine whether to send raw material information to the central system 40 based on the raw material information acquired by the second detection unit 21.

[0052] Implementation method 2.

[0053] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. The basic structure of the picking and processing system 1 in Embodiment 2 is the same as that in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions are omitted; the different parts will be described. Figure 4 As shown, the central system 40 according to Embodiment 2 has a charge setting unit 43.

[0054] The fee setting unit 43 sets fees corresponding to the usage of the central system 40 for the owners of the picking systems 10-30, based on the fee unit period. The fee unit period refers to the period during which the fee is determined. For example, if the fee is determined on a monthly basis, the fee unit period is one month. If the fee is determined on a weekly basis, the fee unit period is one week. The fee can also be set based on the amount of data transmitted from the first picking system 10 to the central system 40. Alternatively, the fee can be set based on the amount of data stored in the central data storage unit 41 regarding material information sent from the first picking system 10. Alternatively, the fee can be set based on the amount of data processed in the central processing unit 42 regarding material information sent from the first picking system 10.

[0055] That is, the fee setting unit 43 can also set the fee for users who own the first picking system 10 based on at least one of the following indicators during the charging period: the amount of data transmitted from the first picking system 10 to the central system 40, the amount of raw material information stored in the central data storage unit 41, and the amount of data processed in the central computing unit 42. According to this structure, a fee corresponding to the usage of the central system 40 can be set for each user. Therefore, maintenance costs of the central system 40 can be reasonably recovered. This reduces the burden of system maintenance and management.

[0056] Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0057] For example, the functions of the first determination unit 13b, the second determination unit 23b, the first arithmetic unit 13c, the second arithmetic unit 23c, the central arithmetic unit 42, the fee setting unit 43, etc., are implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in the program memory. Some or all of these functions can be implemented by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0058] Furthermore, the functions of the first determination unit 13b and the first arithmetic unit 13c can also be implemented using the same hardware. The functions of the second determination unit 23b and the second arithmetic unit 23c can also be implemented using the same hardware. The functions of the first data storage unit 13a, the second data storage unit 23a, and the central data storage unit 41 can also be implemented using storage devices such as RAM, flash memory, and HDD.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the "mixture containing multiple types of objects" picked by the picking systems 10-30 was described using a group of plastic sheets P as an example. However, the picking systems 10-30 can also pick mixtures of objects other than plastic sheets. In this case, this disclosure also helps to solve the problems that arise when multiple systems are used simultaneously to determine the picking conditions.

[0060] Furthermore, the above embodiments describe the case of picking plastic sheets using electrostatic picking. However, the picking method is not limited; for example, it can be either gravity picking or optical picking. Gravity picking is a picking method that utilizes the property that plastic sheets have different specific gravities according to their type. For example, when a group of plastic sheets is vibrated or floated in a medium, heavier plastic sheets sink and lighter plastic sheets rise.

[0061] Optical sorting is a sorting method that utilizes the different light reflection characteristics of different types of plastic sheets. In optical sorting, a detection light is shone onto a group of plastic sheets, and their reflected light is detected. Various wavelengths of light, such as infrared or X-rays, can be used as the detection light. By detecting the spectrum of the reflected or Raman scattered light, the plastic sheets can be distinguished by type. After this separation, the plastic sheets can also be sorted using methods such as air purging.

[0062] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the determination by the first determination unit 13b, etc., is not a necessary condition. That is, in Embodiment 2, the first determination unit 13b may not be required.

[0063] In addition, it is possible to combine the variations mentioned in the embodiments, or to appropriately modify or omit the structural elements in the embodiments.

[0064] Explanation of symbols

[0065] 1: Picking processing system; 10~30: Picking system; 10: First picking system; 11: First inspection unit; 12: First picking device; 13a: First data storage unit; 13b: First judgment unit; 13c: First calculation unit; 14: First control unit; 20: Second picking system; 21: Second inspection unit; 22: Second picking device; 23a: Second data storage unit; 23b: Second judgment unit; 23c: Second calculation unit; 24: Second control unit; 40: Central system; 41: Central data storage unit; 42: Central calculation unit; 43: Fee setting unit.

Claims

1. A picking and processing system, wherein, The picking and processing system includes a first picking system and a central system. The first picking system has: The first picking device picks the mixture containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object. The first detection unit obtains raw material information related to the mixture fed into the first sorting device; The first data storage department stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results. The first control unit changes the picking conditions of the first picking device; The first processing unit is equipped with an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit and the database stored in the first data storage unit; and First Judgment Division, The central system has: The central data storage department stores databases related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results; and The central processing unit is equipped with an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit. The first determination unit determines whether to send the raw material information to the central system based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit.

2. The picking and processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The first determination unit makes the determination based on at least one of the following: the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit, the database stored in the first data storage unit, and the picking results predicted by the first calculation unit.

3. The picking and processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The central system has a fee setting department. The fee setting unit sets the fee for users who own the first picking system based on at least one of the following indicators during the charging period: the amount of data transmitted from the first picking system to the central system, the amount of raw material information stored in the central data storage unit, and the amount of data processed in the central computing unit.

4. The picking and processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The picking system also includes a second picking system. The second picking system has: The second picking device picks the mixture containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object. The second inspection unit obtains raw material information related to the mixture fed into the second sorting device; The second data storage department stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results. The second control unit changes the picking conditions of the second picking device; The second processing unit is equipped with an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the second detection unit and the database stored in the second data storage unit; and Second Judgment Division The second determination unit determines whether to send the raw material information to the central system based on the raw material information obtained by the second detection unit.

5. The picking and processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first picking device picks the mixture by electrostatic picking.

6. The picking and processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The mixture is a group of plastic sheets, and the object is made of plastic.

7. A picking and processing system, wherein, The picking and processing system includes a first picking system and a central system. The first picking system has: The first picking device picks the mixture containing multiple types of objects according to the type of object. The first detection unit obtains raw material information related to the mixture fed into the first sorting device; The first data storage department stores a database related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results. The first control unit changes the picking conditions of the first picking device; as well as The first calculation unit is equipped with an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit and the database stored in the first data storage unit. The central system has: The Central Data Storage Department stores databases related to past raw material information, picking conditions, and picking results. The central processing unit is equipped with an analytical model that outputs set values ​​related to the picking conditions based on the raw material information obtained by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit; and Fee Setting Department The fee setting unit sets the fee for users who own the first picking system based on at least one of the following indicators during the charging period: the amount of data transmitted from the first picking system to the central system, the amount of raw material information stored in the central data storage unit, and the amount of data processed in the central computing unit.

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