Communication system for a waste disposal facility, method and communication program based on such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system for a waste disposal facility comprising one or more disposal points (DPs), characterized in that it comprises one or more electronic display devices (ADs), each configured to be located at one of said disposal points (DPs), and in that each display device (AD) comprises a first section (S1) for a constant display of the type of waste required for the corresponding disposal point (DP), and a second section (S2) for a variable display of information to be communicated to users of the waste disposal facility, and a means of transmitting the nature of the waste displayed in section S1 to a refuse collection truck. The invention further relates to an installation and a method based on such a system. Abstract figure: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Communication system for a waste disposal facility, method and communication program based on such a system

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste disposal facility, particularly of the raised platform type or for waste collection points on a company park. More specifically, the invention relates to a communication system for such a facility, as well as a corresponding communication method and program.

[0002] It is well known that a waste disposal site mainly comprises a lower access area where waste containers are placed, and an upper area located approximately at the height of the top of the waste containers. Waste disposal site facilities commonly used are called raised platform waste disposal sites.

[0003] Between these two areas, which are substantially horizontal, inclined ramps allow the circulation of users' vehicles.

[0004] Traditionally, the lower platform consists of a horizontal floor covered with concrete or bitumen. The upper platform is most commonly constructed of reinforced concrete, poured "in situ", or is created by installing modular metal or prefabricated concrete platform elements on site.

[0005] At the top of the upper traffic area intended for the vehicles of users coming to deposit their waste, and overhanging the skips placed around the perimeter of the quay on the lower traffic area, a low wall or wheel stop is generally placed, intended to block the wheels of the vehicles and prevent them from falling into the waste skips.

[0006] Signage and communication on waste disposal facilities are generally carried out by means of laminated plastic panels, or screen-printed metal or other printable material, generally including a standardized pictogram designating a type of waste, followed by its name, and in addition, sometimes the logo and name of the community to which the facility belongs.

[0007] Unfortunately, users of the waste disposal site are often prone to errors in addressing and orientation, which leads them to deposit waste in skips not intended for the type of waste deposited.

[0008] Furthermore, when it is necessary to change the display, for example to change the type of waste to be displayed in front of a skip, or to communicate information to users, it is necessary to move the signage from one sorting station to another When technically feasible, the existing signage may even need to be replaced with new signage. This operation must be carried out for each of the affected drop-off points at the waste disposal facility. This translates into a lengthy and tedious task for the waste disposal staff. This is especially true since the information on the type of waste accepted at a given point may remain constant for a while, while the communications may need to evolve to convey multiple messages and information to users.

[0009] A first objective of the present invention is to limit errors in addressing and directing users to the skips corresponding to the type of waste they wish to deposit.

[0010] A second objective is to facilitate the interchange of displays of types of waste, by removing the technical constraint of their movement and interchange.

[0011] A third objective is to increase the amount of information available to users and to make its updating continuous,

[0012] A fourth objective is to create a means of communicating telematically the nature of the waste displayed and assigned to a skip to the collection truck which carries out its removal.

[0013] A fifth objective is to limit the arduousness of the work of the waste disposal site staff with regard to the posting and communication to the users of the waste disposal site.

[0014] To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a communication system for a waste disposal facility comprising one or more disposal stations, characterized in that it comprises one or more electronic display devices configured to be, each, located at one of said disposal stations, and in that each display device comprises - a first section relating to the consistent display of a type of waste required for the corresponding drop-off point, including in particular a standardized pictogram and a title, and - a second section relating to a variable display of information to be communicated to users of the waste disposal facility, for example by a scrolling message.

[0015] Advantageously, the use of electronic display devices allows for a clear display, for example bright, which implies a significant limitation of errors in addressing and directing users to the skips corresponding to the type of waste they wish to deposit.

[0016] According to one variant, the display devices include an internal control web server accessible remotely via the internet or wireless network for control displays and display variations of display devices remotely.

[0017] According to another variant, the communication system further includes a control unit connected to the display devices to centrally control displays and display variations of the display devices.

[0018] Thus, control by a central unit makes it possible to limit human intervention and the efforts of the waste disposal site staff.

[0019] According to other aspects taken individually or combined according to all technically feasible combinations: - the communication system includes a means of sending and / or transmitting information for each drop-off point, to transmit information on the type of waste at the corresponding drop-off point to a skip transport vehicle; and / or - said transmission means is a transmitter of the type, for example, radio waves, more particularly of the type for bidirectional short-range data exchange using UHF radio waves, disposed on the display device; and / or - said transmission means is a screen displaying a QR code near the skip transport vehicle, in particular, a secondary screen at the bottom of the loading dock near the skip transport vehicle displaying a QR code readable either by a reader on board said transport vehicle, or by a mobile interface such as a tablet or mobile phone made available to the driver of said vehicle; and / or - the control unit includes a mobile control device; and / or - the mobile device is a tablet computer, or a mobile phone; and / or - the communication system includes a control unit which is a mobile control device; and / or - the communication system is for depot stations which include a dock edge for the deposit of waste, and said display devices are configured to be arranged at one end of the corresponding dock edges.

[0020] The invention further relates to a waste storage facility comprising a communication system according to the invention.

[0021] Another object of the invention relates to a communication method for a waste storage facility comprising at least one storage station, by means of a communication system according to the invention, the communication method comprising steps for - to display on said drop-off point, a constant display of the type of waste required for the corresponding drop-off point; and - display on said deposit station, a variable display of information to be communicated to users of the waste deposit facility.

[0022] Preferably, the communication method further includes a step to transmit information on the type of waste received at the targeted drop-off point, corresponding to the nature of waste displayed in the first section, to a skip transport vehicle.

[0023] The invention further relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the communication method according to the invention, when said program is running on a computer.

[0024] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures, among which: - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a communication system according to a preferred variant of the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the communication system of [Fig.1] in a waste disposal facility; - [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a close-up view of the front of a display device of the communication system of [Fig. 2]; and - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a close-up view of the back of a display device of the communication system of [Fig.3].

[0025] The invention relates to a communication system primarily for a waste disposal facility, in particular of the raised platform type, or for waste collection points on a company park. The invention further relates to a corresponding communication method and program.

[0026] The communication system is configured to be mounted in a waste disposal facility which includes one or more PD drop-off stations, namely at least two PD drop-off stations or preferably more as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.

[0027] According to the invention, the communication system includes electronic DA display devices, for example of the type with a luminous display screen, such as LCD, LED, liquid crystal or others.

[0028] Each of the DA display devices is configured to be placed at one of the corresponding PD drop-off stations. For example, a mounting means is provided for fixing each DA display device to a part of the corresponding PD drop-off station, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. The DA display devices are preferably mounted at the edge of the platform, near a drop-off area for the waste container B. They are preferably positioned at a height approximately equal to the platform of the drop-off station, more preferably above an average height of one person.

[0029] Furthermore, each DA display device comprises two distinct display sections, namely a first SI section relating to a constant display of a type of waste required for the corresponding PD drop-off point, generally illustrated by a standardized pictogram and a generic title, preferably on an upper part of the DA display device; and a second section S2 relating to a variable display of information to be communicated to users of the waste disposal facility, preferably on a lower part of said DA display device, and generally in the form of a scrolling message.

[0030] The terms "constant" and "variable" are interpreted in this document in a relative sense, meaning that the constant display is maintained for a longer period than the variable display. Of course, the constant display can be modified according to the user's needs, and so can the variable display.

[0031] The first section SI may be specific to the PD drop-off point and indicate the type of deposit for the corresponding container B, for example, "bulky waste", "cardboard", "electronics", "green waste", etc., preferably with its associated standardized pictogram. The second section S2 may contain community communications for users, for example, regarding risks associated with certain waste or warnings, or advertisements, or information of a local policy nature, or combinations of at least two of these types of information.

[0032] Furthermore, the communication system may include a CT control unit connected to the DA display devices. This is, in particular, a mobile control device such as a tablet computer or a simple mobile phone. The CT control unit is configured to implement centralized control of the displays and display variations on the DA display devices.

[0033] Thus, the CT control unit can control on the one hand such a constant display determined specific to the PD depot station, in each of the first SI sections of the DA display devices; and on the other hand a variable display determined, specific or common to the PD depot station(s), on each of the second S2 sections of the DA display devices.

[0034] Alternatively or in combination, a web server can be mounted in each DA display device, as an optional additional layer, and thus they can be controlled from anywhere on the basis of the IP address or an internet address for example, in supervisor mode, from any computer or mobile interface accessing the internet, advantageously that of the on-site operating personnel using the CT control unit for this purpose.

[0035] Advantageously, the use of electronic DA display devices allows for a clear display, for example bright, which implies a significant limitation of addressing errors and errors in orientation of users towards the B bins corresponding to the type of waste they wish to deposit.

[0036] Variable communication can allow the same communication information to be transmitted to several users at the same time, preferably by varying or scrolling it to be dynamic and attract the attention of users.

[0037] The CT control unit reduces the physical strain on waste disposal site staff. Using a mobile device as the CT control unit minimizes staff movement compared to a fixed central control unit.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the communication system further comprises a transmission or emission means El for each collection point PD. The transmission means El is configured to transmit information on the type of waste at the corresponding collection point PD to a specific refuse collection vehicle VA. In particular, said transmission or emission El is either configured to be automatically received by a system on board the refuse collection vehicle VA, or consists of a display at the bottom of the loading dock near the refuse collection vehicle VA, for example in the form of a QR code, of this information readable either by an automatic reading system on board the collection truck, or by a mobile interface such as a tablet or mobile phone available to the driver of the refuse collection vehicle VA.

[0039] This helps to limit the arduousness of the work of skip carriers in the context of monitoring the recycling stages of waste which must be recorded in slips, in particular for regulatory purposes.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the transmission means El is a radio wave transmitter, more particularly a short-range, two-way UHF radio wave transmitter. Specifically, it is a Bluetooth™ transmitter. This technology enables communication within a short range and is compatible with commercially available mobile devices. This therefore limits interoperability issues without limiting the scope of the invention with respect to the use of other information communication methods, whether radio waves or not.

[0041] The transmitting means El is preferably located on the rear face of the display device DA, and close to said platform edge. This allows for a compact system while limiting the interference that would occur if transmitters were used far from their specific display devices DA.

[0042] Alternatively or in combination, a QR code can be displayed at the bottom of the loading docks on the skip side, for example on a screen, and which could be read by a QR code reader, either mounted on the skip transport vehicle VA, or of the mobile type such as a smartphone, tablet, etc. Advantageously, these are means of short-range communication that can provide sufficient local information, the QR code being able to give the date / time, location and nature of the waste for example.

[0043] The invention also relates to a waste collection center installation equipped with a communication system as described above. Preferably, but not exclusively, the waste collection center installation is modular. For example, the PD drop-off point forms a modular structure configured to be assembled with other modules to form the waste collection center installation. This allows for rapid installation of the modules, thus limiting the need for multiple trades involved in the construction and public works sector.

[0044] The invention can also be implemented for an industrial company having collection points on a park for example, for a collection of waste of different kinds according to local needs (workshop waste, construction / renovation of a building etc.).

[0045] Another object of the invention relates to a communication method for a waste disposal facility which includes one or more PD drop-off points, by means of a communication system as described above.

[0046] The communication method includes steps to display, on several PD drop-off stations, a constant display of a type of waste required for the corresponding PD drop-off station.

[0047] In addition, the communication method includes steps for displaying on said PD drop-off stations, a variable display of information to be communicated to users of the waste disposal facility.

[0048] Preferably, the communication method further includes a step to transmit information on the type of waste from the corresponding PD drop-off point, which information transmitted is directly linked to the nature of waste displayed at the time of transmission in the SI space, to a specific VA skip transport vehicle, itself generally equipped with a device for capturing this information which is added to the other information automatically acquired on site, such as the geolocation of the site, the truck, the identification of the "collected" customer, etc.

[0049] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of a communication method as described above, when said program is running on at least one computer. The program can be implemented in a control unit CT serving as a computer. The program can also be partially implemented in a local controller in each display device DA, serving as a computer, for example in the form of an electronic card incorporating a web server.

Claims

Claims

1. Communication system for a waste disposal facility which comprises several disposal stations (PD), characterized in that it comprises several electronic display devices (DA) of the LCD, LED or liquid crystal display screen type, configured to be, each, arranged at one of said disposal stations (PD), and in that each display device (DA) comprises - a first section (SI) relating to a constant display of a type of waste required for the corresponding disposal station (PD), and - a second section (S2) relating to a variable display of information to be communicated to users of the waste disposal facility, and in that each display device (DA) comprises a transmission and / or transmission means (El) for each disposal station (PD), for automatically transmitting information on the type of waste of the selected disposal station (PD),corresponding to the nature of waste displayed in the first section (SI), to a skip transport vehicle (VA).,

2. Communication system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the display devices (DA) comprise an internal control web server accessible remotely via the Internet or wireless network to control displays and display variations of the display devices (DA) remotely.

3. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmission means (El) sends a transmission which is either configured to be automatically picked up by a system on board the skip transport vehicle (VA), or consists of a display at the bottom of the platform near the skip transport vehicle (VA), for example in the form of a QR code, of this information readable either by an automatic reading system on board the collection truck, or by a mobile interface of the tablet or mobile phone type available to the driver of the skip transport vehicle (VA).

4. Communication system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said emission and / or transmission means (El) is a transmitter of the radio wave type, more particularly of the short-distance two-way data exchange type using UHF radio waves, arranged on the display device (DA), or a screen displaying a QR code near the dump truck (VA).

5. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (CT) being a mobile control device.

6. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, for deposit stations (PD) which comprise a platform edge for the deposit of waste, characterized in that said display devices (DA) are configured to be arranged at one end of the corresponding platform edges.

7. Waste depot installation comprising a communication system according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Communication method for a waste disposal facility which comprises at least one disposal station (PD), by means of a communication system according to one of claims 1 to 6, the communication method comprising steps for - displaying on said disposal station (PD), a constant display of a type of waste required for the corresponding disposal station (PD); and - displaying on said disposal station (PD), a variable display of information to be communicated to users of the waste disposal facility.

9. Communication method according to the preceding claim, further comprising a step for transmitting information on the type of waste received at the targeted deposit station (PD), corresponding to the nature of waste displayed in the first section (SI), to a skip transport vehicle (VA).

10. A computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the communication method according to one of claims 8 to 9, when said program operates on a computer.

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