Deposit item collection device

Abstract

This application relates to a device (1) adapted for the recognition and collection of returnable items (Dn), comprising a placement surface (2), an optical recognition device (10), a storage bin (92), and a means for refunding the deposit. The present invention further covers a method for managing the flow of returnable items using such a device.

Description

Technical domain.

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for recognizing and collecting consigned objects. The present invention further relates to a method for managing such consigned objects. State of the Technique

[0002] Public events such as festivals and cultural or sporting events generate a lot of waste, particularly due to the disposable tableware distributed, such as cups, trays, or cardboard or plastic plates. A deposit system is sometimes implemented. However, each retailer must take charge of returning the deposited items and giving the corresponding change to customers. These cumulative operations can take time and resources.

[0003] In addition, returnable tableware items are becoming increasingly common and numerous, in an effort to limit waste and protect the environment. They are also increasingly varied. Returnable items include different types of plates, dishes, glasses, cutlery, and bottles, which complicates the management of their flow.

[0004] Depending on the organization of the various stands and / or the level of activity, it can sometimes be difficult to properly manage the return of deposits. As a result, some of the deposited items may get lost or remain too long awaiting cleaning or recycling, which can compromise the efficiency of the service. It may then be necessary to account for the stocks of the various deposited items as accurately as possible and on-site, so as to best meet the needs of customers, in particular to determine the number and nature of the deposited items actually collected and potentially available for reuse.

[0005] There is therefore room for improvement in the management of consigned items. In this case, it is necessary to develop solutions that allow the management of an increasing number of consigned items at minimal cost. It is also necessary to master the management of an increasing variety of consigned items. It is also necessary to be able to manage the flow of consigned items in a flexible and mobile manner, suitable for temporary events such as festivals or sporting events. Brief Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aim of the present invention is to provide a device for collecting a varied number of deposited items and returning the corresponding amounts to customers. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a device capable of recognizing different types of deposited items. Another aim of the present invention is to count and list the different deposited items.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to propose a method for managing a variety of consigned items. Such a method aims in this case to facilitate the management of the flow of such items, to facilitate the management of their stocks and / or to minimize the associated costs.

[0008] According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of the independent claims and detailed in the claims which depend thereon.

[0009] This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of limiting the resources required for managing recorded elements, and of making the flow of such elements more reliable and fluid. A brief description of the figures.

[0010] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the following figures: Figure 1 : Schematic perspective representation of a detail of the present invention according to one embodiment, Figure 2: Schematic perspective representation of a detail of the present invention according to one embodiment, Figure 3 : Schematic perspective representation of a subassembly of the present invention according to one embodiment, Figure 4 : External representation of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 : Details of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention Example(s) of an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] In reference to the figure 1 , the device 1 according to the present description comprises a laying surface 2 of recorded elements D1, D2, D3…N, on which a user can deposit one or more consigned items. The collection device 1 further comprises at least one optical recognition device 10 allowing the recognition of the recorded element(s) D1, D2, D3…N, deposited on the laying surface 2.Such an optical recognition device 10 includes at least one optical sensor 100 allowing the image of a recorded item to be captured D1, D2, D3…N, presented in its detection field 110. An optical sensor 100 means any device capable of optically identifying an object such as a CMOS sensor or any equivalent. It may be combined with optical elements such as converging and / or diverging lenses. Several optical sensors 100 can be used in combination, for example at different locations, so as to capture the image of the recorded item from different angles. Optical captures from different optical sensors 100 can be combined to reconstruct a more precise image of the recorded item or a three-dimensional image.

[0012] A recorded item D1, D2, D3…N,can thus be recognized from its two-dimensional profile, or its three-dimensional shape. Alternatively or in addition, a marking can be affixed to the recorded elements D1, D2, D3…N, so that they can be identified by one or more optical sensors 100. Such marking may, for example, specify the nature of the returnable item, whether it is a bottle, a glass, a plate, cutlery or returnable items of any other nature. Alternatively, such marking makes it possible to determine the origin of a returnable item. D1, D2, D3…N, in particular the supplier or distributor. The marking may consist of a visible design on an exterior surface of a consigned item. Alternatively or in addition, it may include a characteristic relief on an exterior surface of a consigned item. Alternatively or in addition, the three-dimensional shape or a portion of the three-dimensional shape serves as a signature of a consigned item D1, D2, D3…N.Alternatively or in addition, fluorescent or phosphorescent stickers can be used.

[0013] Recognition of a recorded item D1, D2, D3…N, can be done in the visible range. Alternatively or in addition, optical detection in a range such as ultraviolet or infrared is also possible. Mixed detection, allowing optical captures to be combined in several optical ranges among infrared, visible and ultraviolet is possible. For example, an optical marking can be identified exclusively in the ultraviolet or infrared range while the recorded element D1, D2, D3…N, is itself detected in the visible domain.

[0014] An optical sensor 100 may include a laser detection device.

[0015] The optical recognition device 10 may also include a lighting system 101directed towards the recorded item(s) D1, D2, D3…N, so as to obtain a sufficiently precise image. The lighting may, for example, include one or more rays of white light, in particular using LEDs or any equivalent. Lighting in the ultraviolet and / or infrared ranges is also possible. The source of the lighting may be close to the optical sensor(s) 100 and oriented towards the laying surface 2. However, it is possible to separate the lighting source from the optical sensor 100 for more uniform lighting. In this case, the light source(s) are placed at a distance from the optical sensor(s), for example, opposite or above the installation surface.

[0016] The optical recognition device 10 may include a protective device 102 arranged around the optical sensor(s) 100.Such a protective device aims in particular to avoid stray light. The surface and / or color of the protective device 101 can be adapted to direct or diffuse the light from the lighting system 101 to the recorded item(s) D1, D2, D3…N. Alternatively or in addition, the optical recognition device 10 can be protected by a window from possible dirt from the consigned items D1, D2, D3…N. In addition, mirrors acting as angle deflection can be considered to allow the optical recognition device to be oriented. 10 differently, for example, to limit the size.

[0017] The optical recognition device 10 is placed near the laying surface 2. For example, it can be arranged laterally and oriented towards the surface to be laid. 2. It can include several optical sensors 100arranged on either side of the laying surface 2, opposite or at an angle so as to combine several side views. Alternatively or in addition, the optical recognition device 10 can be placed above the laying surface 2. Alternatively, the laying surface 2 can be transparent and allow an optical sensor to take captures from below the mounting surface 2.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the optical sensor(s) 100 of the optical recognition device 10 can be adjusted in height, vertical inclination, and / or lateral orientation. For example, they can be arranged laterally and oriented at right angles to the surface. 2so as to capture the recorded items at 90°, or oriented at a different angle between 30° and 90°, such as 40° or 50°. Alternatively or in addition, they can be placed higher and tilted downwards for a better three-dimensional view of the recorded items arranged on the laying surface.

[0019] The optical sensor(s) 100 can be fixed. Alternatively, the optical sensor(s) 100, or part of them, can be orientable, manually or automatically. In the case of conveying the consigned elements, one or more of the optical sensors 100 can be adapted to automatically track conveyed items over part of their route.

[0020] The optical recognition device 10 includes adequate memory and electronic devices to record optical captures of recorded items D1, D2, D3…N,as well as any markings they contain. It also includes at least one image processing module (not shown) for analyzing optical captures and recognizing recorded elements D1, D2, D3…N. Such image processing includes, for example, measurements of sizes, angles and shapes of the recorded elements. D1, D2, D3…N. Alternatively or in addition, it can determine the light reflection, light diffusion, or color of the recorded elements.

[0021] The laying surface 2 may have at least one location 20 materialized by any suitable means and allowing the recorded element(s) to be correctly placed there D1, D2, D3…N, so that they can be easily identified. The location 20 may be materialized by a luminous indication such as a pointer or any optical projection on the surface of the installation 2.For example, a message such as "drop here" can be projected for the user. Alternatively, the drop-off surface 2 can itself be colored or printed with an indicative message. Alternatively, a debossed relief can be printed in the surface of the support 2 so that the recorded items can be stored there. Depending on needs, several locations 20 can be materialized on the laying surface 2.

[0022] The location 20 is arranged so as to present the recorded element(s) in front of the optical recognition device 10 optimally. In this case, the location 20 ensures that the recorded element(s) appear entirely within the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the laying surface 20may include one or more supports specifically designed for a type of returnable item. In this case, a support may be presented to arrange cutlery vertically rather than directly on the surface 2.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the laying surface 2 is fixed, so that the recorded elements are directly deposited in the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10. Under these conditions, a scanning or switching device (not shown) can be activated after recognition of the recorded element to move it from the laying surface 2 to a storage bin. This arrangement is not preferred, however.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laying surface 2is mobile. It allows you to place a recorded item in one location and transfer it into the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10. The laying surface 2 may be for this purpose one or more mobile platforms in translation from a drop-off site to the detection field 110. Alternatively, the placement surface includes a conveyor belt or other automated conveying element for conveying the consigned item(s) in one direction X, from a drop-off site to the detection field 110. Preferably, such a conveying element is reversible so as to convey the consigned element(s) in the direction opposite to the direction X. In the case of a treadmill, the surface area 2 preferably has several locations 20 materialized. The different locations 20can be materialized so as to leave sufficient distance between them and thus allow easy recognition of the recorded elements placed on each of them.

[0026] Transport of consigned items D1, D2, D3…N can be carried out continuously, whereby the recorded elements are detected and identified continuously as they pass through the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10. According to such a provision, the optical recognition device 10 can remain fixed so as to take one or more images of the recorded element from the same viewing angle as it passes through the detection field 110. Alternatively, the conveying can be carried out step by step, allowing the recorded elements to be immobilized in the detection field. 110 of the optical recognition device 10the time of their identification. Alternatively, several stops can be planned within the detection field of the optical recognition device 10. When stopping the laying surface 2, a new location 20 can be materialized at a drop-off site in order to receive other recorded elements.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the optical recognition device 10 can be movable in rotation so as to follow the path of the recorded element in the direction X. This allows multiple captures to be taken from different viewing angles. This arrangement can be implemented for both continuous transport and transport with multiple stops. In this case, the detection field 110 is widened. For example, it extends over a portion of the route X greater than the detection width of the optical recognition device10.

[0028] The conveyance of the consigned elements, if applicable, can be rectilinear. It can nevertheless be circular so as to limit the size of the device 1. According to one embodiment, the optical recognition device(s) 10 can be installed inside a conveyor curve so that the recorded items remain in the detection field longer 110. A circular conveyor also makes it possible to return any unrecognized object without having to reverse the direction of travel of the placement surface. 2. In this case, the object deposited at the placement site circulates in a loop, passing through the detection field 110 and continuing until finding the installation site.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the collection device 1 includes in addition to the optical recognition device 10,at least one passage detector 3 ( figure 2 ) allowing the detection of the passage of a consigned element during its transport. The figure 2 shows an example of a passage detector 3 including two supports 30, 31 arranged opposite each other on either side of the laying surface 2 one comprising at least one light source 32 and the other comprising at least one detection cell 33 of the emitted light. Thus, the interruption of the light signal by the passage of a recorded element can be detected by the detection cell(s) 33 corresponding. The light sources 32 and detection cells 33 can be arranged at several different heights so as to assess the size of the recorded item as it passes in front of the passage detector 3. Such a passage detector 3can be advantageous for detecting the hand of a user placing a recorded item on the location 20 in the detection field of the optical recognition device 10. In the case where the laying surface 2 is mobile, the passage detector 3 allows the presence of the recorded element to be detected before or after its passage through the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10. In this case, the passage detector is placed upstream or downstream of the optical recognition device 10 in the direction of movement of the laying surface. Other detection systems can nevertheless be used. For example, reflective detection can be implemented.

[0030] The passage detector(s) described here may have several detection heights, in particular thanks to several superimposed light sources. A first light source may be arranged at the height of the installation surface 2 to detect thin objects such as flatware. A second light source can be placed at a height of around 2 to 5 centimeters to detect thicker objects such as a plate or dish. A light source can be placed at a higher height of around 10 to 15 centimeters, allowing the detection of larger objects such as glasses or cans. A fourth light source can be provided at a height of around 20 centimeters or more to detect objects such as bottles. Other arrangements can of course be considered. In particular, more than 4 light sources can be used to refine the level of detection.

[0031] The height of the light sources can be determined so as to detect objects of calibrated height. Detection of an object that does not correspond to any calibrated height may lead to the object being rejected.

[0032] In the case where the upper or intermediate light sources are obscured without the lowest light source being obscured, this may correspond to an attempt at fraud where the user passes his hand in front of the passage detector in an attempt to retrieve the object he has deposited.

[0033] Detection of the passage of a recorded item using a passage detector 3 can be used to automatically activate or deactivate one or more devices, in this case the optical recognition device 10. Alternatively or in addition, the conveyance may be interrupted or resumed following the passage of an object.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the collection device 1 includes a first passage detector 3 including a first set of supports 30, 31 provided with a first set of light sources 32 and a first set of detection cells 33 or equivalent detection systems such as reflective type detectors or infrared transmitter and receiver sets.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the collection device 1 further includes a second passage detector 3' including a second set of supports 30', 31' equipped with a second set of light sources 32' and a second set of detection cells 33' or equivalent detection systems such as reflective type detectors or sets of infrared transmitters and receivers.

[0036] The first 3 and second 3'passage detectors can be arranged in one direction X, the first being upstream of the optical recognition device 10 and the second being downstream. In other words, the optical recognition device 10 is arranged between the first 3 and the second 3' passage detectors. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case where the installation surface 2 is mobile in this direction X. Thus, the detection of the passage of a recorded element in front of the first passage detector 3 can for example initiate the stopping of the conveyance so as to keep the recorded element in the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10. Such detection may concomitantly activate the optical recognition device 10to capture the image of the recorded item. When recognition is performed, or after a predetermined pause time, the conveyance by the placement surface 2 can be resumed. Detection of passage in front of the second passage detector 3', downstream of the optical recognition device 10, can initiate the shutdown of the optical recognition device 10, so as to limit energy consumption. It can also initiate one or more other devices, such as a second conveyor element to evacuate the deposited element once recognized, or to return it in the event of non-recognition, or a coin mechanism or a credit card reader to reimburse the user for the deposit.

[0037] When passing in front of the second passage detector 3', a comparison can be made with the passage in front of the first passage detector 3for the same deposited item. If the detection height remains unchanged, for example, the deposit can be confirmed and refunded to the user. On the contrary, if the detection height varies between the first passage detector 3 and the second passage detector 3', an additional operation can be initiated. For example, the laying surface 2 can be moved in the opposite direction to the direction X to replace the consigned item D1, D2, D3…N in the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10 to confirm its three-dimensional shape. Alternatively, an error message may be issued or the activation of the coin mechanism may be blocked. If no passage is detected in front of the second passage detector 3', the same or other actions can be initiated. Thus, possible fraud can be detected and / or prevented.

[0038] In addition to the height of objects passing in front of the passage detector(s), 3, 3', the width of objects can be determined for example on the basis of the occultation time of the light source 31, 31' corresponding or the detection time by any equivalent means such as reflective type detectors or sets of infrared transmitters and receivers. The width of the object can for example be deduced from the speed of progression of the conveyor. The passage detector(s) 3, 3' are for this purpose connected to an image or signal processing module, making it possible at least to detect the passage of an object, to identify its height and / or its width and to compare the images captured by two separate passage detectors. Such an image processing module may be the one used in the processing of captures made by the optical recognition device 10 or another image processing module.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first 3 and / or the second 3' passage detectors have a double row of light sources 32, 32' and a double row of detection cells 33, 33' arranged vertically on their support 30, 30' respective, or equivalent detection systems such as reflective type detectors or sets of infrared transmitters and receivers. Thus, the stability of the recorded element(s) can be determined. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case where the laying surface is mobile, in particular when it rests on a conveyor device such as a conveyor belt. A signature of the recorded element(s) can be obtained when passing between a pair of supports 30, 31, 30', 31'. The signatures obtained by the two sets of light sources 32, 32' and detection cells 33, 33'of the same medium can be compared. A signature divergence may indicate a lack of stability of the recorded element(s). The signature of a recorded element here designates its profile as detected by the corresponding light sources and detection cells.

[0040] According to one embodiment, each of the first 3 and second 3' passage detectors have a double row of light sources 32, 32' and detection cells 33, 33'.

[0041] The collection device according to the present description may further comprise a frame 40 ( Figure 3 ) surrounding the laying surface 2. Such a frame includes several side walls 41, 42 surrounding the laying surface 2. It may also include an upper wall 44 overlooking the laying surface 2. One of the side walls includes a window 43near the laying surface 2 to allow a user to deposit a consigned item there. The window 43 consists of an opening in the side wall, of a size suitable for the passage of the consigned items. It can be reduced to a simple opening. Alternatively, the window can be obscured by a protective screen or a pane of glass that can be opened to place the consigned items on the surface. 2. For example, the protective screen may be in the form of a screen that slides upwards or laterally. It may be manually activated or motorized so that it opens and closes automatically. The window or the protective screen may be equipped with sensors so as to detect the opening of the window and initiate one or more operations such as the activation of the passage detectors. 3, 3' or optical recognition device 10.

[0042] Preferably the window 43 is offset from the detection field of the optical recognition device 10. In other words, the recognition of the recorded elements is carried out behind one of the side walls 42. The drop-off site is then separate from the detection field 110. According to one embodiment, a flexible panel or protective strips may be arranged on the passage of the consigned elements. D1, D2, D3…N, so as to completely obscure the optical recognition device 10 from the window 43 without hindering the transport of the consigned items. Alternatively, a rigid panel can be provided, which can be retracted as the consigned items pass through and obscure access to the detection field 110after their passage. A user is then unable to retrieve the recorded items by extending their arm towards the detection field of the optical recognition device 10.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises one or more input sensors 5 arranged at window level 43, or the drop-off site, and allowing the detection of the passage of an object or a user's hand crossing the window 43. Such sensors may be optical sensors of reflective or infrared type or other type. The deposition of an object on the surface of the laying 2, or its removal where applicable, can then be detected.

[0044] According to one embodiment, one or more presence sensors 6 are placed between the object drop-off site and the detection field 110 of the optical recognition device 10.In this way, the passage of the user's hand towards the detection field can be detected. Such presence sensors 6 may be the same or different from the input sensors 5.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the collection device according to the present description comprises a preview device 7, oriented towards the drop-off site. Such a preview device 7 can be incorporated or integrated into one of the side walls 41, 42 or higher 44 of the collection device 1. Such a preview device 7 may be the same or similar to the optical recognition device 10, but oriented differently. The image captured by the preview device 7 at the drop-off site can thus be compared to that captured in the detection field 110.These two images can be combined if necessary for better detection quality. Alternatively, only two-dimensional images are taken by the preview device. 7 and by the optical recognition device 10. The two devices being oriented orthogonally can allow good recognition of the deposited object. In the case where the shapes detected by the preview device 7 and the optical recognition device 10 are divergent, an error message or a refusal to consider the corresponding object may be issued.

[0046] Alternatively, the preview device 7 is different from the optical recognition device 10. The preview device 7can allow a snapshot to be taken of the deposited object, in particular to keep a record of it in the event of a dispute or uncertainty, without however replacing the optical recognition device 10. Alternatively, the preview device 7 can be adapted to record a film allowing the path of the deposited object to be traced. The preview device 7 can be used as a replacement or addition to any of the input sensors 5 and presence sensor 6, or both.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the collection device described here comprises a projection device 8 allowing the location to be materialized 20 on the laying surface 2. Light projection onto the installation surface 20may be static and take the appearance of a test pattern or a written indication or a logo or any other graphic representation. Alternatively, the projection may be dynamic so as to project, for example, the representation of different recorded elements or any other animation. The projection device is preferably of the laser type. Other arrangements may nevertheless be suitable depending on the needs. The light projection of the location 20 allows more flexibility than materializing the location 20 directly on the laying surface 2. In other words, the location is materialized at the drop-off site regardless of the position of the placement surface. 2. Otherwise, the laying surface 2 must be arranged so as to make the location coincide 20 with the drop-off site.

[0048] The collection device described herein may comprise or be connected to a database referencing the accepted deposited elements. Such a database may, for example, list the three-dimensional shape and / or two-dimensional representations of such objects according to different viewing angles. The database may further comprise representations of several mixed deposited elements, such as cutlery on a plate or a glass lying on a plate or several nested glasses. The database may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more markings that may be accepted, whether graphic, embossed, colored or visible in ultraviolet or infrared ranges.The database may also include unacceptable representations of the consigned items, corresponding to broken items or items not accepted for recycling, so as to systematically reject any object corresponding to such representations. The database may also allow the consigned items to be categorized.

[0049] The image processing module of the collection device 1 can be adapted to compare the image captures collected in the detection field 110 with representations from one or more databases. The image processing module may include or be connected to an artificial intelligence and / or deep learning module or any equivalent device for automatically recognizing recorded elements D1, D2, D3…N.Preferably, recognition of such consigned elements is possible even when they are mixed and / or placed in bulk. According to one embodiment, the consigned elements D1, D2, D3…N can be recognized even when dirty or not emptied. Alternatively, the consigned items must be at least emptied, if not cleaned, to be recognized and / or accepted. For this purpose, the preview device 7 can be used to check the cleanliness of the deposited objects and authorize their optical recognition or not. According to one embodiment, the state of the recorded elements D1, D2, D3…N may be inspected, in particular to check their integrity. If they are broken, chipped or split, they may be rejected. However, they may be accepted and considered unusable and therefore deducted from stock. The preview device 7can be used to verify the integrity of recorded items, if applicable. Alternatively, the optical recognition device 10 can be used for this purpose. According to one embodiment, the artificial intelligence module can be used to determine a degree of correspondence with one or more representations in a database. Depending on the degree of correspondence of a recorded element with one of the representations in the databases, it can be accepted or rejected.

[0050] The database(s) may be created on the basis of previously taken snapshots. Alternatively or in addition, they may be created or supplemented on the basis of optical captures taken by the optical recognition device. 10 or by the preview device 7. Objects recognized as consigned elements can be the subject of learning.

[0051] The collection device1 preferably includes a container 9 including a frame 90 and an interaction surface 91. The container can accommodate the elements presented above, in this case the installation surface 2, the optical recognition device 10 as well as the building 40, passage detectors 3, 3', input sensors 5 and presence 6, the preview device 7, the projection device 8 when they are present. The interaction surface 91 may for example represent a removable protection, such as a lockable door, allowing access to these elements for the purposes of control, adjustment or maintenance. Such a container makes it easy to move the present collection device to make it available for cultural events.

[0052] The interaction surface 91has an opening opposite the window 43, allowing an object to be placed on the surface 2, at the drop-off site. The opening can be decorated with indicators 913such as indicator lights of different colors to indicate the availability of the collection device. According to a preferred embodiment, the shape or dimensions of the opening are not specific to a deposited item. In other words, a wide variety of different deposited items can be deposited through the opening, as well as a set of several deposited items such as cups, plates, dishes etc. The opening can thus be rectangular, or square or circular. A red light can for example mean that the collection device is malfunctioning and a green light means that it is working properly. Alternatively, a red light can indicate that the integrity and / or cleanliness of the deposited object, as determined by the preview device 7, are not correct and the object collection will not be initiated. The interaction surface 91may include a digital display screen. Such a display screen may be touch-sensitive or accompanied by a numeric keypad (not shown) for selecting items from a menu. Messages may be presented to the user, in particular relating to the acceptance or rejection of the object that he has deposited.

[0053] The present device further comprises at least one means of reimbursing the customer who has returned one or more consigned items. According to one embodiment, the interaction surface 91 may include an electronic reader for this purpose 912 contactless such as an RFID reader or any equivalent, allowing interaction with a smart card, a smart watch, a telephone or an appropriate badge. The amount corresponding to the deposit can then be credited to it. Alternatively or in addition, the interaction surface 91 may include a coin mechanism 911allowing the distribution of coins corresponding to the deposit. Other means of reimbursement can be considered.

[0054] Other elements may be provided, such as a return bin for objects that have not been recognized as consigned items.

[0055] In addition to the elements described above, the container 9 may include other elements such as one or more storage bins 92, allowing the recorded elements to be grouped together D1, D2, D3…N collected. According to an advantageous embodiment, the recorded elements D1, D2, D3…N are grouped by type after their recognition by the optical recognition device 10, so as to facilitate their handling.

[0056] The consigned item(s) can be directly directed into a storage bin 92after their recognition and acceptance. When the placing surface is a conveyor, it can convey the returnable items directly into a bin. Alternatively, the collection device according to the present description may comprise one or more sorting elements for effectively collecting the accepted returnable items. According to one embodiment, a sorting element may consist of a conveyor element 21 ( figure 1 ), allowing the transfer of the recognized recorded elements from the laying surface 2 to the storage bin 92. Such a conveying element may, for example, convey the consigned element(s) in one direction Y different from the direction X taken by the placing surface 2. Alternatively or in addition, the sorting element may include a brush or a pusher element driving the consigned item out of the placing surface 2 to the storage bin 92.In the case where the laying surface 2 is a circular conveyor, the consigned item can be chased into a storage bin if it is accepted or left on the conveyor until its return to the drop-off site. According to one embodiment, a combination of several sorting elements can be envisaged, in particular in the case where the consigned items are grouped by type in different storage bins 92. For example, several conveyor elements 21 can be provided with a system for routing accepted returnable items. In this case, it is preferable to deposit the returnable items D1, D2, D3…N one by one or already grouped by type on the laying surface 2.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the storage backend(s) 92 are compatible with a washing machine. According to one embodiment, the collected returnable items are stored in one or more storage bins92 so that they can be washed directly.

[0058] The device described here also makes it possible to account for the recorded items. D1, D2, D3…N accepted. It may also record returnable items not accepted due to deterioration or dirt. Stocks of returnable items D1, D2, D3…N can thus be monitored in real time. When a storage bin 92 is full or when it includes a certain level of recorded elements, the collection device 1 can send a message to the operator of the recorded elements.

[0059] The present invention further covers a method or process for managing logged items D1, D2, D3…N. The method comprises in this case a step of depositing one or more recorded elements D1, D2, D3…N on a laying surface 2.The method may include a step of previewing the recorded item(s) using the preview device. 7 described here and proceed to the subsequent steps or refuse to proceed to the subsequent steps. The method may include a step of materializing one or more locations 20 where to deposit the consigned item(s). The method may comprise one or more steps of detecting the deposit or removal of an object on the depositing surface 2, in particular by means of an entry detector 5.

[0060] The method comprises a step of optical recognition of the deposited recorded element(s), in particular by means of the optical recognition device 7 described above. The method may first comprise a step of detecting the passage of one or more recorded elements towards the detection field. 110,in particular by means of one or more passage detectors. The method may comprise detecting the passage of the recorded element(s) beyond the detection field 110. The method may include a step of comparing the recorded elements as they pass in front of several passage detectors. 3, 3'.

[0061] The method includes a step of accepting or rejecting the recorded element(s) as they pass through the detection field. 110. Acceptance or rejection is carried out according to the methods set out above, in particular with the contribution of an image processing module and / or artificial intelligence. Such elements may be included, integrated into, or connected to the optical recognition device. 10. Alternatively, the refusal step may occur before the presentation of the element(s) recorded in the detection field.

[0062] The method comprises a step of returning the refused consigned item(s) to the drop-off site or transferring the accepted consigned item(s) to a storage bin. 92. The method comprises a step of reimbursing a user following the collection of one or more recognized and accepted deposited items, in particular by means of a coin changer or a digital reader described above. The method may comprise a step of counting the deposited items accepted and collected and / or refused. The method may comprise a step of storing the images of the deposited items in databases, in particular for learning and / or image processing purposes.

[0063] All the steps of the method are explained using the different elements of the recognition and collection device described here.

[0064] The various embodiments described herein are not intended to be mutually exclusive. They may be combined or associated at least partially as required and within the technically feasible limits.

[0065] The returnable items are described herein as exemplary crockery items. However, the returnable items are not limited to such crockery items. The device and method may be applied to other items requiring return, such as items returned and examined after a rental period and for which a deposit may be refunded rather than a deposit, or loan items.

[0066] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" apply to the direction of movement of the recorded elements in the X direction of their restitution. Reference numbers used on figures

[0067] 1Collection device 10Optical recognition device 100Optical sensor 101Lighting system 102Protection device 103 110Detection field 2Placing surface 20Location 21Conveyor element 3, 3'Passage detectors 30, 30', 31, 31'Supports 32, 32'Light sources 33, 33'Detection cells 40Frame 41, 42Side walls 43Window 5Entrance sensor 6Presence sensor 7Preview device 8Projection device 9Container 90Frame 91Interaction surface 911Coin mechanism 912Electronic reader 913Indicators 92Storage bin D1, D2, D3, DnRecorded elements X, YConveying directions

Claims

1. Device (1) adapted for the recognition and collection of deposited elements (Dn) comprising: - a placing surface (2) capable of receiving one or more deposited elements (Dn) at a placing site, - an optical recognition device (10) defining a detection field (110) and comprising at least one optical sensor (100) making it possible to recognize said one or more deposited elements, - one or more storage bins (92) making it possible to group together said one or more deposited elements recognized by the optical recognition device (10), and - at least one means of reimbursing the deposit corresponding to said one or more deposited elements.

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one location (20) materialized on said placing surface (2), intended to present said one or more elements recorded in the detection field (110).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, said placing surface (2) being movable and adapted to convey said one or more recorded elements in a direction (X) from the placing site towards the detection field (110).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, said placing surface (2) being a conveyor belt adapted to convey said one or more recorded elements from the deposit site to the detection field (110), said device further comprising at least one passage detector (3, 3') arranged opposite each other on either side of said conveyor belt, so as to detect said one or more recorded elements as they pass.

5. Device according to claim 4, said at least one passage detector comprising a first passage detector (3) and a second passage detector (3') such that the optical recognition device (10) is arranged between said first (3) and second (3') passage detectors.

6. Device according to claim 5, one or both of the first (3) and second (4) passage detectors comprising a double set of light sources (32, 32') arranged on a first support (30, 30') and a double set of detection cells (33, 33') arranged on a second support opposite the first support.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, said optical recognition device (10) further comprising a lighting system (101) and / or a protection device (102).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one image processing module adapted to analyze the image captures made by said optical recognition device (10).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising one or more elements from a preview device (7) oriented towards the placement site, an entry detector (5) arranged at the placement site and a presence detector (6) arranged between the placement site and the detection field (110).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a container (9) provided with an interaction surface (91) comprising an opening opposite the deposit site and said at least one means of reimbursing the deposit corresponding to said one or more deposited elements.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising one or more sorting elements making it possible to group together said one or more elements stored in said one or more storage bins.

12. Method for managing one or more deposited items by means of the device according to one of claims 1 to 11 comprising the steps of: - depositing one or more deposited items on the placement surface (20) at the deposit site, - optical recognition of the deposited item(s) by means of the optical recognition device (10), - accepting or refusing said one or more deposited items on the basis of said optical recognition, where the items not recognized as deposited items are refused and where the items recognized as deposited items are accepted, - transferring the accepted deposited item(s) to the storage bin (92), and - reimbursing the deposit corresponding to said one or more accepted deposited items by means of a reimbursement means.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of accounting for said one or more accepted logged items.

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