CONTAINER PROVISION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for proving the provision of at least one container which is to be emptied by a waste disposal vehicle, and to a corresponding waste disposal vehicle.

[0002] The correct and complete disposal of waste requires, among other things, that the waste is made fully available to the waste disposal companies so that it can be collected by appropriate collection vehicles. It is therefore common practice for waste producers, such as private households, to make their assigned waste containers accessible and available on time, for example at the roadside, so that they can be emptied quickly and without major inconvenience during the scheduled collection route.

[0003] WO 2017 / 173381 A1 discloses a method for verifying the emptying of individual waste containers, in which the containers can be identified by a waste disposal vehicle and the vehicle's position can be determined.

[0004] US 2020 / 348681 A1 discloses a method for recording an area surrounding a waste disposal vehicle at predetermined positions of the waste disposal vehicle, whether or not an indicator is in the waste disposal vehicle's field of vision.

[0005] US 2014 / 236446 A1 discloses a garbage truck control system and a method for controlling a garbage truck that detects the location of a garbage container and stops the garbage truck at a predetermined position relative to the garbage container.

[0006] US 2007 / 260466 A1 discloses a control system for a waste disposal vehicle and a method for controlling the same, wherein at least one waste container location sensor is used.

[0007] US 10 692 353 B1 discloses a video analysis system for monitoring in the field of waste disposal.

[0008] The document "Data Protection - My Rights", published by the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, January 1, 2019, XP93122119, https: / / www.bfdi.bund.de / SharedDocs / Downloads / DE / Flyer / Datenschutz_MeineRechte.pdf?__ blob=publicationFile&v=6, provides citizens with information on their rights regarding data protection.

[0009] US 2020 / 348681 A1 discloses a waste disposal system comprising an image acquisition system and a data processing unit that controls the image acquisition system to capture an image when a sensor indicates that an indicator is located within the image field. This indicator can show the presence or absence of an object such as a waste container.

[0010] US 10 594 991 B1 discloses a system and a method for organizing waste disposal using optical sensors integrated into a waste disposal vehicle.

[0011] WO 2004 / 094269 A1 discloses a system and a method for waste disposal, comprising a database in which a user profile is stored. This system includes automated invoicing to the user for waste disposal.

[0012] US 2014 / 340197 A1 discloses a waste disposal system in which a waste container can be optically identified.

[0013] WO 2010 / 054232 A1 discloses a method for controlling, tracking and monitoring waste containers using RFID tags.

[0014] US 2022 / 021803 A1 discloses a waste disposal system in which a camera is attached to a waste disposal vehicle, as well as an RFID marking laser for reading RFID markings on the waste containers.

[0015] CA 3 115 475 A1 discloses a waste disposal system in which a drone is used to monitor the disposal status.

[0016] US 2019 / 019167 A1 discloses a device, a system and a method for monitoring, controlling and optimizing waste disposal.

[0017] If a waste disposal company receives a complaint from a waste producer regarding an allegedly missed collection, the company is often obligated to make up for the missed collection by repeating a route the waste collection vehicle has already completed. This leads to increased disposal costs and a worsening of the waste disposal's CO2 footprint. However, there is often suspicion that proper emptying was not possible because the waste producer did not place the container correctly. If this can be proven, the waste disposal company's obligation to make a follow-up collection may be waived, as the waste producer is then at fault for the missed collection. However, there are currently no known methods to verify the correct (or incorrect) placement of a container for collection, and in particular, to reverse the burden of proof regarding placement in favor of the waste disposal company.

[0018] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method that enables the waste disposal company to provide proof of the incorrect provision of at least one container. A further object is the creation of a corresponding waste disposal vehicle.

[0019] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a waste disposal vehicle having the features of claim 11.

[0020] The method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: Provision of identification data for the identification of containers and of geolocal data corresponding to predetermined positions of the containers; recording of image data by a waste disposal vehicle at all predetermined positions of the containers, whereby image data recorded at each predetermined position of a container are assigned to the identification data of that container and stored; execution of an identification process by the waste disposal vehicle by comparing the identification data with an identifier on a container ready for emptying; deletion of the image data, except for those that are assigned to at least one unidentified container.

[0021] When providing identification data for a container and geolocal data corresponding to a predetermined position of the container, such data can be stored locally in a linked form. A single set of geolocal data can thus uniquely correspond to a single individual container. The geolocal data can, for example, be in the form of GPS data (Global Positioning System).

[0022] Image data can be captured by a waste collection vehicle when it is on its predetermined route to empty multiple containers and thus passes their predetermined positions. This image data can be, for example, video data, where the images captured at a predetermined container position can correspond to a video sequence. This data is then assigned to the identification data of the respective container and stored. This storage can take place, at least temporarily, in a memory device located, for example, on board the waste collection vehicle or externally.

[0023] The recorded image data allows the location where a container is expected for emptying and its surroundings to be determined. The image data assigned to a container thus reveals whether the container was actually located there or not. For example, the waste collection vehicle can be equipped with a side-mounted camera that captures the area next to the vehicle. As the waste collection vehicle completes its emptying route, the predetermined positions of the containers to be emptied are visited one after the other and successively recorded. This image data is then stored by associating it with the identification data of the containers, regardless of whether the containers were actually located at the respective predetermined position or not. Multiple assignments are also possible in this context, insofar as image data that, for example,The data collected in the overlapping area of ​​the surrounding areas of two predetermined container positions will also be assigned to the identification data of both containers.

[0024] When the waste collection vehicle reaches a container to be emptied, an identification process is carried out by comparing identification data with an identifier on the container. This ensures that a correctly placed container is identified. The identification process can, for example, be performed while the container is being emptied, allowing the identifier to be detected by sensors on the waste collection vehicle.

[0025] For data protection reasons, all recorded image data is deleted, except for those images associated with at least one unidentified container. Because the container cannot be identified during collection, it must be assumed that it was not placed out correctly. The image data associated with this container's identification can therefore serve as proof for the waste disposal company that the waste generator failed to place the container correctly. If image data is associated with multiple containers, it will only be deleted if all of these containers were identified by the collection vehicle. However, if at least one of the associated containers was not identified and therefore was not present, this image data will remain stored and will not be deleted.

[0026] This approach solves the data protection problem that, depending on the legal situation, indiscriminate data storage may not be permissible, at least not over an extended period. Within the framework of the inventive method, however, all image data for all predetermined positions of all containers can initially be temporarily stored, and after checking whether image data exists to which at least one unidentified container has been assigned, the remaining image data can be deleted.

[0027] The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to record evidence of containers not ready for emptying without violating legal regulations.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the geolocal data comprises an area of ​​a predetermined size. This area can, for example, be a so-called geofencing area, i.e., an area with a predetermined radius around a predetermined position of a container. This can be used to limit the area in which image data is acquired by the waste collection vehicle at the predetermined position of the at least one container. The image data acquired there then represent at least a part of the geofencing area. Furthermore, the waste collection vehicle, whose position can be located by a GPS system, crossing the boundary of a geofencing area can trigger the acquisition of image data within this geofencing area, and conversely, this acquisition can be terminated when the waste collection vehicle leaves this geofencing area.This approach avoids recording a large amount of image data in the area between containers, particularly during emptying routes where the predetermined container positions are widely spaced. This data is irrelevant for the purpose of determining whether containers have been placed. Image capture is then limited to the relevant areas, essentially where the containers are intended to be. This significantly reduces storage effort and space requirements.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identifier on the container comprises a purely optical and / or electronically readable means. An optically readable means could, for example, be a QR code that is read by a corresponding scanner on the waste collection vehicle. An electronically readable means could, for example, be an RFID chip that is read by a corresponding reading device on the waste collection vehicle. This device could, for example, be provided on a receptacle for a container for emptying, so that the identification process is carried out when a container is attached to the waste collection vehicle for emptying. However, other optical and / or electronically readable means are also possible.

[0030] Preferably, the undeleted image data can be retrieved wirelessly from a central data management unit. This data can then be stored centrally and, for example, linked to personal data representing the identity of a waste generator.

[0031] Ideally, the image data that has not been deleted will be automatically checked for critical content, and any critical content within the image data will be automatically obscured. This can be done by software using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Such critical content could include, for example, information that could reveal the identity of individuals. This could involve, for instance, the automatic recognition of faces, license plates, house numbers, or similar features, rendering them unrecognizable within the image data. This check could be performed by software in the waste collection vehicle before transmission to a central data management unit, thus preventing data containing critical content from being transmitted in the first place.

[0032] Preferably, the image data is examined and anonymized using artificial intelligence. For example, a neural network can be used that, through machine learning, is capable of recognizing critical content. A suitable computing system can therefore be provided, which includes software with such artificial intelligence.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the position of the container being identified during the emptying process is compared with the predetermined position. This makes it possible to determine whether the container undergoing the identification process is located at the predetermined position or not. This information can be used to determine how far the actual position and the expected (predetermined) position of the container deviate from each other. If necessary, for a future emptying trip, the predetermined position of the container can be adjusted to a position actually determined during an identification process carried out on a previous trip.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the position of the identification process of the container prepared for emptying is stored if there is a deviation from the predetermined position.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the position of the container identified during the emptying process is provided as an updated predetermined position of that container for a subsequent repetition of the process. Thus, on each emptying tour, the predetermined positions of the containers can be updated and adjusted to the positions where they are usually provided by the waste producers.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the identification data includes user-related data that corresponds to the identity of a user of the corresponding container.

[0037] The present invention further relates to a waste disposal vehicle equipped for carrying out the method according to the invention, as well as preferred embodiments of such a waste disposal vehicle.

[0038] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0039] The Figures 1 to 3 These are schematic representations of the geographical area of ​​an emptying tour of a waste disposal vehicle, including predetermined positions of the containers to be emptied, to illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0040] Fig. 1Figure 1 schematically shows a street section 10, on which houses 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E are located, each corresponding to a waste container (hereinafter referred to as "container"). Houses 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are single-family homes, and each of these houses corresponds to a container. Each container is assigned a position on street 10, corresponding to a predetermined location where the container is expected to be emptied by a waste disposal company. Predetermined location 14A corresponds to house 12A, predetermined location 14B to house 12B, predetermined location 14C to house 12D, and predetermined location 14E to house 12E. House 12E is a multi-family house, so house 12E is assigned two predetermined positions 14E1 and 14E2, corresponding to two different containers.

[0041] Each container is identifiable in a manner to be described later. Corresponding identification data for the container are stored together with geolocal data corresponding to its predetermined position. In the present embodiment of the method, the geolocal data further includes an area of ​​a predetermined size, corresponding to a geofencing area. The geofencing areas of the containers are defined in the Figures 1 to 3 The geofencing area is defined by circles 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E1, and 16E2, at the centers of which lie the predetermined positions 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, and 14E2 of the containers. The predetermined positions of the containers and the geofencing areas can be represented by GPS (Global Positioning System) data.

[0042] These geofencing areas 16A to 16E2 represent areas where the corresponding container may presumably be located, i.e. at the expected predetermined position 14A to 14E2 with a tolerated deviation corresponding to the radius around the predetermined position 14A to 14E2.

[0043] The representation in Fig. 2 corresponds to that from Fig. 1The diagram also shows the actual container positions. Container 18A is positioned differently from its predetermined position 14A, but within its geofencing area 16A. The same applies to container 18B, which is positioned differently from its predetermined position 14B, but within its geofencing area 16B. Container 18D is located outside its geofencing area 16D, i.e., at a distance from its predetermined position 14D that is greater than the radius of its geofencing area 16D. The container corresponding to the predetermined position 14C does not exist. Its geofencing area 16C is therefore shown with a dashed line.

[0044] Furthermore, the container whose predetermined position is designated 14E2 is also not present, but the container 18E1 is, which in turn is located within its geofencing area 16E1 at a short distance from its predetermined position 14E1.

[0045] As in the Figures 1 and 2 As can be seen, geofencing areas 16A and 16B overlap. Furthermore, geofencing areas 16E1 and 16E2 overlap in an area designated by the reference number 20. The remaining portion of geofencing area 16E1 that does not overlap with geofencing area 16E2 is designated by the reference number 22, and the remaining portion of geofencing area 16E2 that does not overlap with geofencing area 16E1 is designated by the reference number 24.

[0046] Each container is equipped with an identifier comprising an electronically readable means, in this case an RFID chip. This RFID chip can be read by a suitable reading device on a waste collection vehicle. However, other means of identification are also possible, such as optical means like a QR code or the like, in contrast to the present embodiment.

[0047] If a waste disposal vehicle (not shown in detail in the figures) passes along street 10, it records image data in a manner that will be described in more detail later. For this purpose, the vehicle may, for example, be equipped with a video camera. In the following description, it is assumed that the waste disposal vehicle travels along street 10 along the route shown in the figures. Fig. 1 in the direction indicated by arrows A, starting with geofencing area 16A, and then geofencing areas 16B → 16C → 16D → 16E1 → 16E2.

[0048] If the waste collection vehicle, traveling along road 10 (arrow A), crosses the outer boundary of the first geofencing area 16A, image data is automatically captured. The vehicle can be equipped with a GPS transmitter to determine its current position. Image data captured at the predetermined position 14A of container 18A, specifically within geofencing area 16A, is assigned to the identification data of that container 18A and stored within the waste collection vehicle. Thus, image data captured by the waste collection vehicle at each predetermined position 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, and 14E2 is assigned to the identification data of that container and stored, including the predetermined positions of containers that do not exist. In this embodiment, this applies to the predetermined positions 14C and 14E2, for which no container exists.The waste collection vehicle nevertheless records image data upon reaching geofencing area 16C at the predetermined position 14C of a non-existent container, and stops recording upon leaving this geofencing area 16C. The same applies to geofencing area 16E2, corresponding to the predetermined position 14E2.

[0049] Furthermore, the waste collection vehicle performs identification procedures during its emptying route, comparing the identifiers of containers 18A, 18B, 18D, and 18E1 with the identification data. If such a comparison is successful, a container is considered identified. In this way, it can be determined that a container expected at a given location was indeed ready for emptying by the waste collection vehicle.

[0050] In this example, container 18A is initially ready for the waste collection vehicle once it has entered its geofenced area 16A. The identification process can be carried out, for example, when the container is attached to the waste collection vehicle for emptying. A reader located there reads the RFID chip, which is attached to container 18A as an electronically readable identifier. Container 18A is thus identified. A corresponding process is carried out when the vehicle reaches the next container, 18B.

[0051] However, when passing through geofencing area 16C at the predetermined position 14C, no container is found. The identification process therefore cannot be carried out. The container corresponding to the predetermined position 14C is thus considered undetected, and it can be determined that this container was not made available for emptying.

[0052] Container 18D, which is located outside its geofencing area 16D, is also identified. In this embodiment, the identification occurs regardless of whether it takes place inside or outside the geofencing area of ​​the identified container. Optionally, it can be provided that if a container (such as container 18D here) is identified before reaching its geofencing area 16D, image data acquisition is not triggered upon reaching the geofencing area 16D. Furthermore, a container can also be identified even if its geofencing area has already been passed through and left by the waste collection vehicle.

[0053] When the waste disposal vehicle finally reaches container 18E1, it is also identified, while for the predetermined position 14E2 no container can be identified because it does not exist.

[0054] After passing the depicted street section 10, image data is available for all geofencing areas 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E1, and 16E2, which were captured at the predetermined positions 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, and 14E2. Image data captured at the predetermined position of a container is assigned to the identification data of that container and stored. This also applies to containers that were not identified by the waste collection vehicle, i.e., were not present. Similarly, image data from geofencing areas (such as geofencing areas 16C and 16E2) whose containers were not present are also assigned to the corresponding identification data of these missing containers.

[0055] A deletion process then takes place in which all stored image data is deleted, except for those that are assigned to at least one unidentified container.

[0056] For example, the image data captured at the predetermined position 14C and within its geofencing area 16C is assigned to an unidentified container. This image data will not be deleted and will be retained.

[0057] Furthermore, this also applies to image data captured within geofencing area 16E2. Outside the overlap area 20 of geofencing area 16E2 with geofencing area 16E1, i.e., within the remaining area 24, the image data of geofencing area 16E2 is exclusively assigned to an unidentified container, while the image data within this overlap area 20 is assigned both to the identified container 18E1 and simultaneously to the unidentified container corresponding to the predetermined position 14E2. Thus, this is data that is assigned to both an identified and an unidentified container at the same time. Such image data is also not deleted.

[0058] Therefore, only the image data corresponding to geofencing areas 16E2 and 16C, as shown in Fig. 3 depicted.

[0059] These un-deleted image data can be wirelessly retrieved from the waste collection vehicle by a central management unit, where further processing takes place. Before such transmission or retrieval, software in the waste collection vehicle can check the un-deleted image data for sensitive content, automatically blurring, for example, faces, license plates, or other data. This can be done using artificial intelligence software, such as a neural network trained through machine learning. However, such a check of the un-deleted image data for sensitive content can also be performed by the central management unit itself after retrieval.

[0060] During the identification process of a container described above, the container's actual position can be determined, and any deviation from a predetermined position can be recorded and evaluated later. This can be useful for adjusting the container's predetermined position if there is a significant discrepancy between the predetermined position and the actual, determined position. Thus, the stored predetermined position of the container can be updated by replacing it with the container's position determined during the current emptying process. On subsequent emptying runs (i.e., when the process is repeated), the container will then be recorded as the predetermined, or expected, position.

Claims

1. Method for detecting the provision of at least one container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is to be emptied by a disposal vehicle, comprising the following steps: - providing identification data for identifying containers (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) and geolocal data which correspond to predetermined positions (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of the containers (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1), - recording image data by a disposal vehicle at all predetermined positions (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of the containers (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1), wherein image data recorded at each predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of a container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) are assigned to the identification data of this container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) and are stored, - carrying out an identification operation by the disposal vehicle by comparing the identification data with an identifier on a container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying, - deleting the image data, except for those which are assigned to at least one unidentified container.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the geolocal data comprise an area (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E1, 16E2) with a predetermined size.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identifier on the container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) comprises an optically and / or electronically readable means.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the undeleted image data are retrieved wirelessly by a central data management unit.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the undeleted image data are automatically checked for critical contents and critical contents within the image data are automatically made unrecognizable.

6. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the checking and making the image data unrecognizable takes place via an artificial intelligence.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the identification operation of the container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying is compared with the predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2).

8. Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that the position of the identification operation of the container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying is stored in the event of a deviation from the predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2).

9. Method according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the position of the identification operation of the container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying is provided as an updated predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of this container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) for a subsequent renewed carrying out of the method.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification data comprise user-related data which correspond to the identity of a user of the corresponding container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1).

11. Disposal vehicle which is set up to carry out a method for detecting the provision of at least one container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is to be emptied by the disposal vehicle, which method comprises the following steps: - locally storing identification data for identifying containers (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1), together with geolocal data which correspond to predetermined positions (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of the containers (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1), - recording image data by the disposal vehicle at all predetermined positions (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of the containers (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1), wherein image data recorded at each predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of a container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) are assigned to the identification data of this container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) and are stored, - carrying out an identification operation by the disposal vehicle by comparing the identification data with an identifier on a container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying, - deleting the image data, except for those which are assigned to at least one unidentified container.

12. Disposal vehicle according to Claim 11, characterized in that the undeleted image data are automatically checked for critical contents and critical contents within the image data are automatically made unrecognizable.

13. Disposal vehicle according to Claim 12, characterized in that the checking and making the image data unrecognizable takes place via an artificial intelligence.

14. Disposal vehicle according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the position of the identification operation of the container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying is compared with the predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2).

15. Disposal vehicle according to Claim 14, characterized in that the position of the identification operation of the container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying is stored in the event of a deviation from the predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2).

16. Disposal vehicle according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the position of the identification operation of the container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) which is provided for emptying is provided as an updated predetermined position (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E1, 14E2) of this container (18A, 18B, 18D, 18E1) for a renewed carrying out of the method.