Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

To enable wastes to be tracked with higher accuracy than before when disposing of wastes.SOLUTION: An aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including a disposal company terminal operated by a disposal company that disposes of wastes, and a server capable of communicating with the disposal company terminal. This information processing system comprises: a first associating unit which, before disposal work on wastes is begun, associates work identification information for identifying disposal work on wastes with container identification information for identifying a prescribed-disposal container that accommodates wastes; and a second associating unit which, after disposal work on wastes is finished, associates the work identification information with container identification information for identifying a post-disposal container that accommodates products generated by disposal work on wastes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to information processing technology related to waste disposal. [Background technology]

[0002] According to the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, industrial waste must be disposed of properly at the company's own risk, and if that disposal is outsourced, the company is obligated to use a manifest to confirm that the waste has been properly disposed of up to final disposal. For this reason, systems have been proposed to track waste throughout the entire processing process, from waste generation to final disposal. For example, in the waste management system described in Patent Document 1, the server assigns a unique primary tracking ID to the waste when it is removed from the waste-generating facility, and if one or more secondary products are generated from the waste during intermediate processing, it assigns one or more secondary tracking IDs to each secondary product indicating its type and stores them in association with the primary tracking ID. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4361070 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1, identification information (tracking ID) is assigned to the waste when it is removed from the generating facility and to the secondary products generated during intermediate treatment. However, simply assigning identification information to the waste and secondary products makes it difficult to track what kind of treatment the waste is to undergo, or what kind of treatment the secondary products were generated from. This is all the more difficult when the waste undergoes multiple treatment processes to obtain the final product.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to enable waste to be tracked more accurately than ever before when it is being treated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including a waste disposal company terminal operated by a waste disposal company that disposes of waste, and a server that can communicate with the waste disposal company terminal, a first association unit that associates work identification information that identifies the waste treatment work with container identification information that identifies a pre-treatment container that accommodates the waste before the waste treatment work is started; a second associating unit that associates the work identification information with container identification information that identifies a post-treatment container that contains a product resulting from the waste treatment work after the waste treatment work is completed; It is an information processing system equipped with the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, waste can be tracked more accurately than ever before when it is being treated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a series of work flows related to waste disposal in relation to a waste management system of an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a series of work flows related to waste disposal in relation to a waste management system of an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring a container ID in a waste management system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic system configuration of a waste management system according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of each part of the waste management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a container master. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of data configurations of a collection work table and a processing work table. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of data configurations of an installation container list, a collection container list, and a processing container list. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of data configurations of a post-processing storage container list and a shipping container list. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of updating a transaction database. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of updating a transaction database. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of updating a transaction database. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of updating a transaction database. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of updating a transaction database. [Figure 15] 1 is a sequence chart showing preparations in advance in a waste management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a sequence chart for waste collection in a waste management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a sequence chart corresponding to receiving and movement within a factory in a waste management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is a sequence chart corresponding to waste treatment in a waste management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 1 is a sequence chart corresponding to shipping in a waste management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a processing work table. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a management application. [Figure 22]10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of transition of screens displayed by a work application. [Figure 23] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of transition of screens displayed by a management application. [Figure 24] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of transition of screens displayed by a work application. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a work application. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a work application. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a work application. [Figure 28] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of transition of screens displayed by a work application. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a work application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings described by the brief description of the drawings.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including a waste disposal company terminal operated by a waste disposal company that disposes of waste, and a server that can communicate with the waste disposal company terminal, a first association unit that associates work identification information that identifies the waste treatment work with container identification information that identifies a pre-treatment container that accommodates the waste before the waste treatment work is started; a second associating unit that associates the work identification information with container identification information that identifies a post-treatment container that contains a product resulting from the waste treatment work after the waste treatment work is completed; It is an information processing system equipped with the above.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the pre-treatment container that holds the waste and the post-treatment container that holds the product are each associated with a treatment operation, allowing the waste to be tracked more accurately than before when treating the waste.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing system described in the first aspect, in which the second association unit associates container identification information of the processed container with at least one of information on the type and weight of the product.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the type and / or weight of products produced by a processing operation can be tracked.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing system described in the first or second aspect, wherein the second association unit associates container identification information of the processed container with the status of the product.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the status of products resulting from processing operations can be tracked.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, an information medium including container identification information is attached to each of the unprocessed container and the processed container, In the information processing system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the recycler terminal acquires container identification information for each of the untreated container and the treated container from the information medium.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an information medium containing container identification information is attached to each container, so that information associated with the container identification information can be tracked based on the information medium at the site where waste or products are handled.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a system including a container management unit that associates container identification information that identifies each of a plurality of containers with the status of the plurality of containers, The container management unit updating the status of the pre-treatment container to indicate that the container is available after the waste is removed from the pre-treatment container to begin the treatment operation; An information processing system described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein after the product is removed from the post-processing container, the status of the post-processing container is updated to information indicating that the container is available.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of containers are used to treat waste, the plurality of containers can be used efficiently.

[0020] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first associating unit associates container identification information of the pre-treatment container with attribute information indicating attributes of the waste, The information processing system includes: An information processing system described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, comprising a first judgment unit that determines whether attribute information of each of the multiple wastes satisfies predetermined standards for mixing the multiple wastes before work identification information identifying the processing work is associated with container identification information of the multiple pre-processing containers that contain each of the multiple wastes.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a determination result as to whether or not a plurality of wastes may be mixed before carrying out a treatment operation.

[0022] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the first associating unit associates container identification information of the pre-treatment container with management identification information that is associated with a reference date for treating the waste and is used to manage the treatment of the waste, the second associating unit associates the container identification information of the treated container with the management identification information after the treatment work on the waste is completed; The information processing system includes: The information processing system described in the third aspect is provided with a second determination unit that determines whether or not the status corresponding to the container identification information associated with the management identification information indicates that the item is other than the shippable item after a predetermined period has elapsed from the reference date.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a determination result as to whether or not unprocessed containers remain even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the reference date associated with the management identification information.

[0024] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the first associating unit associates container identification information of the unprocessed container with location information indicating a storage location of the unprocessed container, the second associating unit associates the container identification information of the treated container with location information indicating a storage location of the treated container; The information processing system includes: The information processing system according to the seventh aspect is provided with a notification unit that notifies the storage location corresponding to the container identification information when the status corresponding to the container identification information associated with the management identification information indicates that the item is other than the shippable item after a predetermined period has elapsed from the reference date.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, if an unprocessed container remains for a predetermined period of time after the reference date associated with the management identification information, the manager or the like can recognize the storage location of the container.

[0026] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a method for managing waste disposal, comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires first management identification information for managing waste disposal; a second acquisition unit that acquires second management identification information for managing processing of the product when the product is further processed, The information processing system is described in any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the second association unit associates the container identification information of the processed container with the first management identification information and the second management identification information.

[0027] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when waste is processed multiple times (for example, when the processing is subcontracted to another intermediate processing company), the multiple processes can be associated using management identification information.

[0028] A tenth aspect of the present invention is an information processing system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, comprising an estimation unit that, when the product contains valuable materials, estimates a recycling rate based on the amount of the waste and the amount of the valuable materials.

[0029] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a manager or the like can grasp the recycling rate for waste.

[0030] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an information processing method between a waste disposal company terminal operated by a waste disposal company that disposes of waste and a server that can communicate with the waste disposal company terminal, The waste disposal company terminal acquires container identification information from a pre-treatment container that accommodates the waste, The server associates work identification information for identifying the waste treatment work with container identification information of the pre-treatment container before the treatment work on the waste is started; The waste disposal company terminal acquires container identification information from a post-treatment container that contains a product generated by the waste disposal work, the server associates the work identification information with the container identification information of the post-treatment container after the treatment work on the waste is completed; It is an information processing method.

[0031] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pre-treatment container that holds the waste and the post-treatment container that holds the product are each associated with a treatment operation, making it possible to track the waste more accurately than before when treating the waste.

[0032] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the terms are defined as follows: "Product" means a substance resulting from processing (processing work) by a processor. "Work in progress" means the product of at least one treatment by a waste processor of waste received at the processor, but which is not yet ready for shipment because further treatment by the processor is required. A "shippable product" is a product that has been completely processed by a processor and is ready to be shipped to another processor or distributor. "Deliverables" are items that are available for shipping at a recycler and are shipped to another recycler for subcontracting of processing. "Valuable items" are items that can be shipped from the recycler and are to be shipped to the seller. "Waste" refers to items that are neither "work in progress" nor "shippable items." "Waste" includes waste that has arrived at a processing company but has not yet undergone any processing, as well as final products that have been fully processed by a processing company but are not eligible for shipping to other companies. "Pre-treatment container" means, with respect to a treatment operation in question, a container that contains waste or work-in-progress prior to treatment operations. "Post-processing container" means, with respect to a subject processing operation, a container that contains the product (waste, shippable, or work-in-progress) of the processing operation.

[0033] First, the flow of work related to waste disposal will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 each conceptually show the multiple stages of work involved in waste disposal, from advance preparation to shipping of the products resulting from waste disposal. Note that while it is possible to outsource disposal work to multiple disposal companies in sequence (for example, outsourcing disposal to another intermediate disposal company), the workflow at each disposal company will generally be the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0034] The waste management system described below manages waste and products by associating a container ID (an example of container identification information) that identifies the container with each container that contains the waste and products. The method for acquiring the container ID from each container is not limited, but in the following, a paper medium on which a two-dimensional code corresponding to the container ID is printed is attached to each container, and the worker operates a scanner to read the two-dimensional code. However, this is not limited to this, and the container ID may also be acquired by attaching a wireless tag that stores the container ID to the container and receiving the container ID with a tag reader. Examples of such wireless tags include NFC tags, BLE tags that use Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, and UHF RFID tags.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, in advance preparation, the recycler registers the container CT as described below and coordinates the dispatch of a vehicle carrying the empty container CT to the waste disposal company. A label PL (container label), which is a paper medium on which a two-dimensional code Cc is printed, is affixed to the container CT. As shown in FIG. 3, the container ID can be read as needed using handheld scanners 7 and 8 owned by the recycler or collection and transportation company. As described below, handheld scanner 7 is operated by the recycler, and handheld scanner 8 is operated by the collection and transportation company. While FIG. 1 shows an example in which one paper medium on which the two-dimensional code Cc is printed is affixed to the container CT, it is preferable from the standpoint of workability to affix two-dimensional codes Cc to all four sides of the container CT. The two-dimensional code Cc may also be configured to be read by a camera (not shown). It is preferable that the label PL has printed on it a character string indicating the contents of the waste contained in the container in addition to the two-dimensional code Cc, so that workers at the waste generating company know what to dispose of in which container.

[0036] When a vehicle arrives, the waste generator sets up an empty container CT (container installation). Workers at the waste generator sequentially store (accumulate) waste in the set empty container CT while monitoring the filling rate of the set container CT. When the filling rate reaches a certain level, the container CT is picked up by the collection and transportation company (container pickup). When the container CT is delivered to the disposal company by the collection and transportation company, the disposal company measures the weight of the container CT using, for example, a forklift-type weighing device. The weight of the waste contained in the container CT is calculated by subtracting the known weight of the container itself from the measured weight. The container CT may be moved within the waste disposal company's plant for waste disposal work. For example, the container CT may be moved to a temporary storage area after arriving at the receiving area, or the waste in the container CT may be sorted or manually dismantled before being disposed of, which may require the container CT to be moved.

[0037] Next, the waste is treated as shown in Figure 2. Waste that does not require sorting is directly put into the treatment process, but sometimes the waste is sorted before being put into the treatment process. In some cases, as shown in Figure 2, there is a one-to-one correspondence between a pre-treatment container CT1 containing waste and a container CT4 containing products generated by treating the waste. However, in many cases, this is not a one-to-one correspondence, and waste contained in multiple pre-treatment containers is mixed and treated, resulting in multiple post-treatment containers containing products generated by the treatment (N-to-N). Figure 2 shows an example in which waste contained in two pre-treatment containers CT2 and CT3 is mixed and treated, and the products generated by the treatment are stored in three post-treatment containers CT5 to CT7. Once the processing work is completed, the processing company measures the weight of the container CT using, for example, a forklift-type weighing device. The weight of the product contained in the container CT is calculated by subtracting the known weight of the container itself from the measured weight.

[0038] The processing work (tasks) performed by recyclers include sorting, cutting, making RPF, shredding, pulverizing, compressing, pressing, melting, dismantling, material recycling, and incineration. RPF (Refuse derived paper and plastics densified fuel) refers to a high-quality solid fuel made primarily from waste paper and waste plastics that are difficult to recycle. The work type, described below, is information that corresponds to a broad classification of the work, and can be, for example, "sorting," "intermediate processing," or "final processing." Work included in "intermediate processing" includes cutting, making RPF, and shredding. Work included in "final processing" includes material recycling and incineration. Although Figure 2 shows the case of a single treatment, waste may be treated multiple times within a treatment company. In this case, the product (work in progress) resulting from the first treatment is treated in the next treatment. When all treatments are completed at the treatment company and the product is ready for shipping, it is shipped to another treatment company or a retailer.

[0039] Next, the system configuration of a waste management system 1 (an example of an information processing system) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the recycler is equipped with a management terminal 2, a recycler terminal 3, and a handheld scanner 7. The waste generator is equipped with a waste generator terminal 4. The collection and transportation business is equipped with a collection and transportation business terminal 10 and a handheld scanner 8. As mentioned above, the handheld scanners 7 and 8 are operated by workers to read the container IDs affixed to containers. The following describes an example in which the container IDs are read using the handheld scanners 7 and 8, but instead of the handheld scanners, cameras capable of communicating with each terminal may be provided and the container IDs may be read using the cameras.

[0041] The management terminal 2 is a terminal that is primarily operated by the administrator of the waste disposal company, and is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. A management application, which will be described later, is installed on the management terminal 2. Note that the following description will be given assuming that the management application is installed on the management terminal 2, but this is not the only case. If the management application is not installed on the management terminal 2, it is also possible to achieve functions equivalent to the management application, which will be described later, by operating on a web browser.

[0042] The recycler terminal 3 is a terminal that is primarily operated by workers at the recycler, and is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. A work application, which will be described later, is installed on the recycler terminal 3. The recycler terminal 3 can communicate with the handheld scanner 7, and acquires the container ID read by the handheld scanner 7. The waste disposal company terminal 4 is a terminal that is mainly operated by an operator of the waste disposal company, and is, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. A work application, which will be described later, is installed on the waste disposal company terminal 4. The collection and transportation company terminal 10 is a terminal that is mainly operated by workers of the collection and transportation company, and is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. A work application, which will be described later, is installed in the collection and transportation company terminal 10. The collection and transportation company terminal 10 is capable of communicating with the handy scanner 8, and acquires the container ID read by the handy scanner 8.

[0043] The waste management server 5 can communicate with each of the management terminal 2, the processing company terminal 3, the waste generator terminal 4, and the collection and transportation company terminal 10 via the network NW, and serves as the core of information processing in the waste management system 1. The electronic manifest management server 6 is an external server that manages electronic manifests (industrial waste management slips) in accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Act, and is capable of communicating with the management terminal 2, the processing company terminal 3, and the waste generator terminal 4 via the network NW. The network NW is not limited to, but may be, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a mobile communication network, or the like.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the management terminal 2 and the waste disposal company terminal 4 each include a control unit 21, a storage 22, an operation input unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The control unit 21 is mainly configured with a CPU, and the CPU included in the control unit 21 executes a management application. The storage 22 is a non-volatile memory, such as an SSD, flash memory, etc. The storage 22 stores data acquired by executing a management application, for example. The operation input unit 23 is, for example, a touch panel type input device provided on the display panel of the management terminal 2 and the waste disposal company terminal 4. The operation input unit 23 notifies the management application of operation inputs made to the display panel. The display unit 24 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel, and displays the execution results of the management application. The communication unit 25 is a communication interface for communicating with the waste management server 5 and the electronic manifest management server 6.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the waste disposal company terminal 3 and the collection and transportation company terminal 10 each include a control unit 31, a storage 32, an operation input unit 33, a display unit , a communication unit 35, and an external device interface . The control unit 31 is mainly configured with a CPU. The CPU included in the control unit 31 executes a work application. The storage 32 is a non-volatile memory, such as an SSD, flash memory, etc. The storage 32 stores data acquired by executing a work application, for example. The operation input unit 33 is, for example, a touch panel type input device provided on the display panel of the waste disposal company terminal 3 and the collection and transportation business terminal 10. The operation input unit 33 notifies the work application of operation inputs made to the display panel. The display unit 34 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel, and displays the execution results of the work application. The communication unit 35 is a communication interface for communicating with the waste management server 5. The external device interface 36 includes an interface circuit for inputting data acquired by the handy scanner 7, the handy scanner 8 and the weight measuring instrument into the waste disposal company terminal 3 and the collection and transportation company terminal 10, respectively.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the waste management server 5 includes a control unit 51, a storage 52, and a communication unit 53. The control unit 51 is mainly configured with a CPU, and controls the entire waste management server 5. For example, the CPU included in the control unit 51 loads and executes a server program recorded in the storage 52. The storage 52 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores the server program as well as a collection work table, a processing work table, a transaction database, an installation container list, a collection container list, a processing container list, a post-processing storage container list, a shipping container list, and a container master, which will be described later. The various tables, lists, and databases stored in the storage 52 are accessed by the control unit 51 as appropriate when the server program is executed. The communication unit 53 is a communication interface for communicating with the management terminal 2, the recycler terminal 3, and the waste disposal company terminal 4.

[0047] In the control unit 51, the server program cooperates with the management application and the operation application to execute information processing in the waste management system 1. In this case, the control unit 51 functions as a first association unit and a second association unit. Before the processing work on the waste is started, the first associating unit associates a processing work ID (described later) that identifies the processing work on the waste with a container ID that identifies the pre-processing container that will hold the waste. As described later, the first associating unit directly or indirectly associates various data other than the processing work ID with the container ID of the pre-processing container. After the waste treatment work is completed, the second associating unit associates the treatment work ID with a container ID that identifies a post-treatment container that contains the product resulting from the waste treatment work. As will be described later, the second associating unit directly or indirectly associates various data other than the treatment work ID with the container ID of the post-treatment container.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the electronic manifest management server 6 has a manifest database. The manifest database associates multiple registered manifest numbers with corresponding manifest information. When a waste generator applies for registration of manifest information, a unique manifest number (an example of management identification information) is assigned to the manifest information for managing waste disposal. After registration, the manifest information can be queried from, for example, the management terminal 2 using the manifest number as a key. The manifest number is associated with the registration date (an example of a reference date) when disposing of waste. Under the manifest system, waste generators must confirm that waste disposal has been completed within 90 days of the registration date.

[0049] Next, various tables, lists, and databases stored in the storage 52 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the container master. The container master is a database in which containers used by recyclers are registered in advance. Container registration is carried out in the advance preparation stage, which will be described later. Furthermore, the data for each container registered in the container master is updated as the situation of each individual container changes. In the example shown in Figure 6, each record in the container master corresponds to the data of one container and includes values ​​for the following fields: "Container Name," "Container ID," "Container Type," "Container Weight," "Total Weight," "Content Weight," "Content Type," "Contents," "Content Status," "Storage Company," "Storage Location," and "Last Updated Date and Time."

[0051] "Container type" is the type of container. "Container weight" is the weight (kg) of the container itself, without waste or product. "Total weight" is the total weight (kg) of the container including the waste or product. "Content weight" is the weight of the contents (waste or product) contained in the corresponding container, calculated by subtracting the container weight from the total weight. "Type of content" refers to the type of content (waste or product) contained in the corresponding container as determined by the government, such as waste oil, rubbish, waste plastic, etc. "Contents" refers to the specific contents, such as waste or products, contained in the corresponding container. Values ​​in the "Contents" field include, for example, acid waste liquid, synthetic polymer compounds, cuttings, brick chips, wood chips, etc. "Content Status" indicates the state of the contents contained in the corresponding container, and is either "waste," "work in progress," or "shippable." "Storage company" indicates the company that stores the corresponding container, and is, for example, the name of the waste generator or the waste disposal company. "Storage location" indicates the location where the corresponding container is stored in the storage company. The "last updated date and time" indicates the date and time when the value of any field of the corresponding record was updated.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows an example of the data structure of the collection work table and the processing work table. The collection work table is a table for managing collection work in which a disposal company collects containers containing waste from waste generators. When a disposal company collects a container, it is assigned a collection work ID that identifies the collection work. Each record in the collection work table shown in Figure 7 is associated with an individual collection work ID and includes values ​​for the fields "manifest number," "container ID," and "transaction ID." The value in the "manifest number" field is the manifest number obtained when the collected waste is registered in the manifest by the waste generator. The transaction ID is associated with the corresponding container ID in the transaction database, which will be described later.

[0053] The waste disposal work table is a table for managing waste disposal work carried out by waste disposal companies, and associates disposal work with containers. When a recycler starts a processing operation, it is assigned a processing operation ID (an example of operation identification information) that identifies the processing operation. Each record in the processing operation table shown in Figure 7 is associated with an individual processing operation ID, and includes values ​​for the following fields: "manifest number," "container ID" and "transaction ID" of the container before processing, "operation type," "operation content," and "container ID" and "transaction ID" of the container after processing.

[0054] Figure 8 shows examples of the data structure of the installation container list, recovery container list, and processing container list. Figure 9 shows examples of the data structure of the post-processing storage container list and shipping container list. One record in each container list is data corresponding to one container.

[0055] The installed container list is a database for managing containers installed at the location of waste generating businesses for waste collection.

[0056] The collection container list is a database for managing containers containing waste collected from waste generators. In the collection container list, the value of the "Staff" field indicates the person in charge at the disposal company in charge of collection. The value of the "Scheduled collection date" field indicates the scheduled collection date of the waste.

[0057] The processing container list is a database for managing unprocessed containers that are the subject of processing work.

[0058] The post-processing storage container list is a database for managing post-processing containers that have completed processing work and are storing the products (waste, shippable products, or work-in-progress) generated by the processing work. In the post-processing storage container list, the value of the "processing registration date" field indicates the date on which the processing results of the product were registered.

[0059] The shipping container list is a database for managing containers containing shippable items that are shipped from a processor to another processor or distributor. The value of the "Shipping Date" field in the shipping container list indicates the date on which the shipping registration for the shippable items contained in the corresponding container was made.

[0060] 10 to 14 show the transaction database. The transaction database is a database for managing each task performed by a waste disposal company for each container. Each task is registered by a task application or a management application. Figures 10 to 14 show examples of the transaction database after each task, such as container registration, container installation, collection request, collection, arrival, container movement, start of processing, container cleaning, and processing completion, has been performed. These exemplary transaction databases will be referenced later when explaining the operation of the waste management system 1.

[0061] 10 to 13 show, as an example, a transaction database corresponding to a container with a container ID of "0011." Fig. 14 shows, as an example, a transaction database corresponding to a container with a container ID of "0035." As shown in Figures 10 to 13, records corresponding to transaction IDs for identifying work at the recycler related to the corresponding container are added one by one as work progresses within the recycler. One record in the transaction database corresponds to one work related to the corresponding container. In the examples shown in Figures 10 to 14, each record in the transaction database includes values ​​for the following fields: "Total Weight," "Content Weight," "Container Status," "Storage Company," "Storage Location," "Contents," "Content Status," "Grade," "Staff," and "Registration Date."

[0062] In the transaction database, the value of the "Total Weight" field is the weight (kg) of the container including the waste or product for the corresponding container. The container status indicates the state of the corresponding container. The container status changes depending on the progress of the work related to the corresponding container. The value of the "container status" field is a value indicating the specific state of the corresponding container, such as "empty," "arrived," or "loaded." When the container status is "empty," it indicates that the corresponding container is available to store waste or products. The value of the "content status" field indicates the status of the contents contained in the corresponding container, and can take one of the following values: "waste," "work in progress," or "shippable." The value in the "Grade" field indicates the grade (an example of attribute information) of the waste or work-in-progress contained in the container. The grade may be a value indicating the material quality of the waste or work-in-progress, or a value indicating the source of the waste or work-in-progress (such as the company that generated the waste). The value of the "Registration Date" field indicates the date on which the corresponding work was registered.

[0063] Next, with reference to the sequence charts of Figures 15 to 19, the information processing of the waste management system 1 in accordance with the series of work flows related to waste disposal shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be described. In this regard, Figures 21 to 29 will be referenced for the screens displayed on each terminal by the work application or management application. In the sequence charts of Figures 15 to 19, when a screen is displayed by each application in relation to a specific process, the reference numeral of that screen is shown.

[0064] (I) Advance preparation (Figure 15) Before starting work related to waste disposal, the disposal company registers the containers to be used for the work as a preliminary step. Container registration is the process of registering the container in the container master. When registering a container, the management application of the management terminal 2 receives a container registration instruction in response to an operation by the administrator of the recycler (step S2). To issue a container registration instruction, the administrator of the recycler performs operations on a screen displayed in the management application. Specifically, the administrator selects the "Container" tab from tab group 100 on screen G1 in Fig. 21, and enters data for each item in the list of items for container registration 101, including the container name, container type, storage company, storage location, and container weight, and then operates the register button b1. Data for each item is either entered directly using input means such as a keyboard, or selected from a pull-down menu. When the container registration instruction is accepted, the waste management server 5 issues a new container ID and updates the container master and transaction database (step S4).

[0065] In the container master update in step S4, a record corresponding to the new container ID is added to the container master. The new container master record reflects the data entered on screen G1 (Fig. 21) for each of the items: container name, container type, storage company, storage location, and container weight, as values ​​in the corresponding fields.

[0066] In updating the transaction database in step S4, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "1") is created for the container ID to be processed (newly issued container ID), as shown in the transaction database (after container registration) in Fig. 10. In this new record, the data for each item, storage company and storage location, entered on screen G1 (Fig. 21), is reflected as values ​​in the corresponding fields. Additionally, the value of the "Container Status" field is "empty" because the corresponding container contains nothing. The value of the "Registration Date" field is the date the container registration instruction was received. The other fields do not contain corresponding values, but are entered as necessary as the work progresses.

[0067] After issuing the container registration instruction, the administrator connects the management terminal 2 to a printer (not shown) to print a container label (step S6), and affixes the container label to the registered container. The container label is a label on which a two-dimensional code Cc is printed, as shown in FIG. The administrator then arranges for a vehicle to transport the registered container to the waste generator, and the collection and transportation company transports the registered empty container to the waste generator.

[0068] When a vehicle carrying a registered empty container arrives at the waste disposal company, an employee of the collection and transportation company issues an instruction to set up the container. In response to an operation by the employee of the collection and transportation company, the work application of the collection and transportation company terminal 10 accepts the instruction to set up the container (step S8).

[0069] To issue a container installation instruction, the worker of the collection and transportation company selects the "Install empty container" tab in the work application to display screen G2 (Fig. 22) including an item list 102. After the worker inputs data for each item, such as the storage company and storage location, in item list 102 on screen G2, the worker is then required to scan or manually input the container ID on screen G3 (Fig. 22). To scan the container ID, the worker of the collection and transportation company uses handheld scanner 8 to read the two-dimensional code Cc on the container label affixed to the container, as shown in Fig. 3. As a result, the work application on collection and transportation company terminal 10 connected to handheld scanner 8 acquires the container ID. Next, the worker loads the waste into the container and inputs data corresponding to the waste to be loaded into the container into the items of content type, content, and content status in the item list 103 on the screen G3. The waste disposal company's workers will gradually store (accumulate) waste in the empty containers installed at the waste disposal company. At that time, the filling rate of the installed containers will be monitored.

[0070] When a container installation instruction is accepted in response to an operation of the button b2 on the screen G3, the waste management server 5 updates the container master and transaction database (step S10).

[0071] In updating the container master in step S10, when data is entered or updated on screens G2 and G3 (Figure 22), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field in the record corresponding to the container ID being processed.

[0072] In updating the transaction database in step S10, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "2") is created for the container ID being processed, as shown in the transaction database (after container installation) in Figure 10. When data is entered or updated on screens G2 and G3 (Figure 22), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the record that is created. In addition, the value of the "container status" field becomes "installing," and the value of the "registration date" field becomes the date the container installation instruction was received.

[0073] Next, the waste management server 5 updates the installed container list (see FIG. 8) (step S12). When updating the installed container list, a record corresponding to the container ID of the target container is added. When data is input or updated on screens G2 and G3 (FIG. 22), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field in the added record.

[0074] (II) Waste collection (Figure 16) 16, when the filling rate of the installed container becomes sufficiently high, the waste generator applies for manifest registration before requesting waste collection. Although not shown, the work application of the waste generator terminal 4 applies for registration of a manifest (in this case, a primary manifest) including manifest information to the electronic manifest management server 6 in response to a predetermined operation by the worker (step S20). The electronic manifest management server 6 issues a manifest number (an example of first management identification information) in response to the manifest registration application (step S22) and notifies the work application of the number (step S24). When the manifest number is acquired, the work application of the waste generator terminal 4 transmits a collection request including the container ID and the manifest number to the management terminal 2 of the waste disposal company in response to an operation by the worker (step S26). The container ID included in the collection request is the container ID of the container that the waste disposal company is requested to collect, and is acquired in advance by, for example, the handy scanner 8. Upon receiving the collection request from the waste generating business operator, the administrator of the waste disposal company issues a collection work registration instruction on the management application in order to collect (take over) the waste (step S28).

[0075] To issue a collection work registration instruction, the administrator of the recycler operates button b3 ("Collection work registration"), which is displayed by selecting the "Collection work" tab on screen G4 (Fig. 23) of the management application. This displays screen G5 (Fig. 23). Note that a list of collection works can be viewed by operating button b4 ("Collection work list").

[0076] The administrator of the waste disposal company inputs data for each item, such as the container ID, manifest number, staff member, and scheduled collection date, on screen G5 (Fig. 23) containing a list of items 104 for collection work registration, and operates button b5. Here, the container ID and manifest number are included in the collection request received from the waste generating business operator's terminal 4. The staff member and scheduled collection date data are input directly using input means such as a keyboard, or are selected and input using a pull-down menu. After obtaining the container ID, the management application obtains data for items that have already been registered in the container master corresponding to the container ID from the waste management server 5 and displays the data for the corresponding items in the item list 104 on screen G5.

[0077] When the registration button b5 on the screen G5 is operated and a collection work registration instruction is received, the waste management server 5 adds a record corresponding to the new collection work ID to the collection work table (step S30). The waste management server 5 further updates the container master and transaction database (step S32).

[0078] The record added to the collection operation table (see FIG. 7) includes the manifest number and container ID entered on screen G5 (FIG. 23) in association with the collection operation ID. This record also includes the transaction ID (transaction ID: "3", as described below) added in updating the transaction database in step S32.

[0079] In step S32, when data on the items of, for example, the storage company or storage location is entered on screen G5 (FIG. 23) in the record corresponding to the container ID to be processed, the container master can be updated. In updating the transaction database in step S32, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "3") is created for the container ID to be processed, as shown in the transaction database (after collection request) in FIG. 11. When data is entered or updated for any item in the item list 104 on screen G5 (FIG. 23), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the new record in the transaction database. In addition, the value of the "container status" field becomes "collection request pending," and the value of the "registration date" field becomes the date on which the collection work registration instruction was received.

[0080] After the collection registration is completed, the administrator of the waste disposal company will arrange for a vehicle to collect the container. The collection and transportation company will transport the vehicle arranged for collection to the waste generating company. When the vehicle arrives at the waste generating business, a worker from the collection and transportation business loads the container containing the waste onto the vehicle and issues an instruction for collection registration (step S34).

[0081] To issue a collection registration instruction, the worker of the collection and transportation business operator selects the "Waste Collection" tab in the work application to display screen G6 (Fig. 24), and selects the collection job ID to be processed in the item list 105. When the collection job ID is selected, the work application obtains data corresponding to the container ID associated with the collection job ID (data on the storage company, storage location, etc.) from the waste management server 5, and displays it as data for each item in the item list 105. This allows the worker to confirm whether the selected collection job ID is appropriate. When the worker inputs data for items such as staff, work registration date, and collection date in the item list 105 as necessary and then operates the enter button b6, a screen G7 (FIG. 24) is displayed.

[0082] Screen G7 includes a list of items 106 for collection registration. On screen G7, the work application obtains data for items that are already registered in the container master or collection work table corresponding to the container ID associated with the collection work ID to be processed from the waste management server 5, and displays it as data for the corresponding items in the item list 106 on screen G7. When the button b8 on the screen G7 is operated and the collection registration instruction is accepted, the waste management server 5 updates the collection work table (step S36). The waste management server 5 further updates the container master and transaction database (step S38), and updates the collection container list (FIG. 8) so that a new record is added (step S40).

[0083] When updating the collection work table (see Figure 7) in step S36, the transaction ID is changed in the record corresponding to the collection work ID selected in the work application of the collection and transportation company terminal 10 (as described below, transaction ID: "3" → "4").

[0084] In step S38, the container master can be updated when data is entered or updated in the item list 106 on screen G7 (Figure 24) for the record corresponding to the container ID to be processed (container ID corresponding to the recovery work ID). In updating the transaction database in step S38, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "4") is created for the container ID to be processed, as shown in the transaction database (after collection is completed) in FIG. 11. When data is entered or updated for any item in the item list 106 on screen G7 (FIG. 24), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the new record. In addition, the value of the "container status" field becomes "collection completed," and the value of the "registration date" field becomes the date the collection registration instruction was received.

[0085] In the update of the collection container list in step S40, a record corresponding to the container ID to be processed is added. When data is input or updated in the item list 106 on screen G7 (FIG. 24), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the added record.

[0086] (III) Receiving goods and moving goods within the factory (Figure 17) When the vehicle carrying the container collected by the collection and transportation company arrives at the disposal company, the disposal company unloads the container containing the waste from the vehicle and measures the weight of the container using, for example, a forklift-type weighing device.

[0087] Next, the recycler registers the arrival of the item. When registering the arrival of the item, the worker at the recycler issues an arrival registration instruction on the work application of the recycler terminal 3 (step S42). To issue an incoming goods registration instruction, the waste disposal company worker selects the "Incoming Goods" tab in the work application to display screen G8 (Fig. 25) and scans or manually enters the container ID. To scan the container ID, the waste disposal company worker uses the handheld scanner 7 to read the two-dimensional code Cc on the container label affixed to the container, as shown in Fig. 3. After obtaining the container ID, the work application obtains data for items that have already been registered in the container master or collection work table corresponding to the container ID from the waste management server 5 and displays the data as the corresponding item in the item list 107 on screen G8. When the worker enters data for the following items in the item list 107 on screen G8: grade, storage company (his own company), storage location (e.g., receiving area), total weight (weight measured at the time of arrival), and arrival date, and operates button b9 ("Register arrival"), an arrival registration instruction is sent to the waste management server 5.

[0088] The grade is a value that indicates the material quality of the waste contained in the received container, or the source of the waste (such as the company that generated it). The material quality of the waste can be obtained using a known material discrimination device. Data on the source of the waste can be obtained from the manifest information associated with the manifest number of the waste to be processed. Data on the grade of waste may be entered by an operator of the waste generating business on screen G3 (FIG. 22), for example, and may be associated in advance with the container ID. Although it is not mandatory to enter the waste grade, by associating the waste grade with the container ID, the grade check described below can prevent the mixing of waste of different material qualities or waste from different waste-generating companies during processing work.

[0089] When the arrival registration instruction is accepted, the waste management server 5 updates the container master and transaction database (step S44). In step S44, when data is input or updated in the item list 107 on the screen G8 (FIG. 25) for the record corresponding to the container ID to be processed, the container master can be updated.

[0090] In updating the transaction database in step S44, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "5") is created for the container ID to be processed, as shown in the transaction database (after arrival completion) in Fig. 12. When data is entered or updated for any item in the item list 107 on screen G8 (Fig. 25), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the new record. The value of the "Container Status" field of the new record will be "Arrival Completed," the value of the "Grade" field will be the value entered on screen G8, and the value of the "Registration Date" field will be the date the arrival registration instruction was accepted. In other words, when a grade is entered on screen G8, the waste management server 5 associates the container ID of the target container with the grade in the transaction database. The value in the "contents weight" field of the new record will be the total weight entered in the item list 107 on screen G8 minus the container weight of the container to be processed.

[0091] After the container arrives, the worker of the waste disposal company moves the container within the factory for waste disposal work. At that time, the worker of the waste disposal company issues a movement registration instruction on the work application of the waste disposal company terminal 3 (step S46). To issue a transfer registration instruction, the waste disposal company worker selects the "Transfer" tab in the work application to display screen G9 (Figure 26) and scans or manually enters the container ID. To scan the container ID, the waste disposal company worker uses the handheld scanner 7 to read the two-dimensional code Cc on the container label affixed to the container, as shown in Figure 3. After obtaining the container ID, the work application obtains data for items that have already been registered in the container master or collection work table corresponding to the container ID from the waste management server 5 and displays the data as the corresponding item in the item list 108 on screen G9. When the worker enters data for the storage location (i.e., the location after movement) and movement date in the item list 108 on screen G9 and operates button b10 ("Movement registration"), a movement registration instruction is sent to the waste management server 5.

[0092] When the movement registration instruction is accepted, the waste management server 5 updates the container master and transaction database (step S48). In step S48, when data is input or updated in the item list 108 on the screen G9 (FIG. 26) for the record corresponding to the container ID to be processed, the container master can be updated. In updating the transaction database in step S48, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "6") is created for the container ID to be processed, as shown in the transaction database (after movement) in Figure 12. When data is entered or updated for any item in the item list 108 on screen G9 (Figure 26), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the new record. For example, the value of the "storage location" field indicates the storage location after movement. The value of the "registration date" field is the date on which the movement registration instruction was received.

[0093] (IV) Waste Disposal (Figure 18) Next, the waste stored in the container before treatment is put into the treatment facility for treatment. Before carrying out the treatment work, the worker of the treatment company registers the treatment work. When registering the treatment work, the worker of the treatment company issues a treatment work registration instruction on the work application of the treatment company terminal 3 (step S50).

[0094] To issue a processing work registration instruction, the worker at the waste disposal company selects the "Processing Work" tab in the work application to display screen G10 (Figure 27), and scans or manually enters the container ID. To scan the container ID, the worker at the waste disposal company uses the handheld scanner 7 to read the two-dimensional code Cc on the container label affixed to the container, as shown in Figure 3. After obtaining the container ID, the work application obtains data for items that have already been registered in the container master corresponding to the container ID from the waste management server 5, and displays the data as the corresponding items in the item list 109 on screen G10. When the worker selects or manually enters data for each item, such as work type, work content, and processing start date, in the item list 109 on screen G10 and operates button b12 ("Register processing work"), a processing work registration instruction is sent to the waste management server 5.

[0095] When the processing job registration instruction is accepted, the waste management server 5 adds a record corresponding to the new processing job ID to the processing job table (step S52). The waste management server 5 further updates the container master and transaction database (step S54) and updates the processing container list (FIG. 8) (step S56).

[0096] The record added to the processing work table (see FIG. 7) in step S52 includes the container ID acquired on screen G10 (FIG. 27) as the container ID corresponding to the unprocessed container, as well as the manifest number corresponding to that container ID. The container ID and the manifest number are associated in the collection work table. Note that if the container ID to be processed corresponds to a container containing work-in-progress, the container ID and the manifest number have already been associated in the processing work table during the previous processing work. The added record includes the data for each item of "Work type" and "Work content" entered on screen G10 (Fig. 27). The added record also includes the transaction ID corresponding to the pre-processing container (transaction ID: "7", as described below).

[0097] In step S54, when data is input or updated in the item list 109 on the screen G10 (FIG. 27) for the record corresponding to the container ID to be processed, the container master can be updated. In updating the transaction database in step S54, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "7") is created for the container ID to be processed, as shown in the transaction database (after processing has started) in Figure 13. When data is entered or updated for any item in the item list 109 on screen G10 (Figure 27), that data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the new record. The value of the "container status" field becomes "entered," and the value of the "registration date" field becomes the date the processing work registration instruction was received. In updating the processing container list in step S56, a record corresponding to the container ID of the processing target is added. When data is input or updated in the item list 109 on screen G10 (FIG. 27), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the record added to the processing container list.

[0098] In one embodiment, after the waste contained in the container before treatment is input into the treatment facility, the container is cleaned as necessary. After cleaning, in response to an instruction from an operation application (not shown), the container master and transaction databases are updated so that the container status of the container becomes "empty" (step S58). An example of the transaction database at this point is shown in the transaction database (after cleaning) in Figure 13. If the container does not need to be washed, in step S54, the value of the "container status" field corresponding to transaction ID: "7" in the transaction database may be set to "empty" instead of "loaded."

[0099] There are cases where multiple containers are input into the same processing facility for processing. In such cases, steps S50 to S58 in Fig. 18 are executed for each of the multiple containers. As a result, multiple container IDs (container IDs of multiple unprocessed containers) are associated with the same processing job ID.

[0100] In one embodiment, when multiple pre-treatment containers are placed in the same treatment facility for treatment, the control unit 51 (an example of a first judgment unit) of the waste management server 5 performs a grade check before associating the container IDs of the multiple pre-treatment containers with the same treatment work ID. The grade check is a process for determining whether the grades of the multiple waste materials contained in each of the multiple pre-treatment containers meet a predetermined standard for mixing multiple waste materials. For example, if each grade of waste material indicates the same material quality or if the waste materials are generated by the same waste-generating company, the predetermined standard is determined to be met. This prevents waste materials of different material qualities from being mixed and input into the same treatment facility, or prevents waste materials from different waste-generating companies from being mixed and input into the same treatment facility.

[0101] When the processing work is completed, the product produced by the processing work is placed in a container (post-processing container), and the weight of the container is measured using, for example, a forklift-type weighing device. Next, the worker at the recycler registers the processing results. When registering the processing results, the worker at the recycler issues a processing result registration instruction on the work application of the recycler terminal 3 (step S60).

[0102] To issue a processing result registration instruction, the worker at the waste disposal company selects the "Processing Results" tab in the work application to display screen G11 (Fig. 28), and selects the processing job ID to be processed in the item list 110. When the processing job ID is selected, the work application obtains data associated with the processing job ID (data on the job type, job content, etc.) from the waste management server 5 and displays it as data for each item in the item list 110. This allows the worker to confirm whether the selected processing job ID is appropriate. When the worker selects or manually inputs data for each item of staff and processing start date in the item list 109 on the screen G11 and operates the decision button b13, the screen G12 (FIG. 28) is displayed.

[0103] The screen G12 includes a list of items 111 for registering processing results. Screen G12 requires the user to scan or manually enter the container ID of the processed container that will hold the product. To scan the container ID, the worker at the recycler uses the handheld scanner 7 to read the two-dimensional code Cc on the container label affixed to the container, as shown in Figure 3. After obtaining the container ID, the work application obtains data for items that have already been registered in the container master in correspondence with the container ID from the waste management server 5, and displays the data as the corresponding items in the item list 111 on screen G12. When a worker inputs new data into the item list 111 or changes data that is already displayed, the worker can input the data directly using an input means such as a keyboard, or can select and input using a pull-down menu. In the item list 111, the worker inputs data for each of the following items: processing result registration date, content type, content (content corresponding to the product), storage company, storage location (location where the processed container is placed), total weight (measured weight value of the processed container), and content status. The content status (an example of the status of the product) is one of the values ​​"waste," "work in progress," or "shippable item." Furthermore, when the worker operates the button b15 ("Register processing result"), an instruction to register the processing result is sent to the waste management server 5.

[0104] When the processing result registration instruction is accepted, the waste management server 5 updates the processing work table (step S62). The waste management server 5 further updates the container master and transaction database (step S64) and updates the post-processing storage container list (FIG. 9) (step S66).

[0105] In updating the processing work table in step S62, the container ID acquired from the handy scanner 7 is recorded as the value of the "container ID" field of the processed container in the record corresponding to the work processing ID of the processing target. In addition, the transaction ID corresponding to the processed container (transaction ID: "2", as described below) is recorded in the record.

[0106] In step S64, when data is input or updated in the item list 111 on the screen G12 (FIG. 28) for the record corresponding to the container ID to be processed, the container master can be updated.

[0107] In updating the transaction database in step S64, as shown in the example of FIG. 14, a new record (a record corresponding to transaction ID: "2") is created for an already registered processed container (for example, "0035" as the container ID obtained from the handheld scanner 7). Data entered or updated for any item in the item list 111 on screen G12 (FIG. 28) is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the new record. The value of the "container status" field becomes "intermediate processing completed," and the value of the "registration date" field becomes the date on which the processing result registration instruction was received. The new record associates the container ID of the processed container with the content status (either "waste," "work in progress," or "shippable"), allowing the content status of the product resulting from the processing operation to be tracked.

[0108] In FIG. 14, the value in the "Content Weight" field of the new record in the transaction database is the total weight entered in the item list 111 on screen G12 minus the container weight of the processed container. That is, in the new record, the container ID of the processed container is associated with the type and weight of the contents (e.g., recycled plastic). This makes it possible to track the type and weight of the product produced by the processing work. Note that at least one of the type and weight of the contents may be recorded in the transaction database. Note that the container ID of the processed container may be associated with at least one of the type and weight of the contents.

[0109] In step S66, when updating the post-processing storage container list, a record corresponding to the container ID of the post-processing container is added. The data entered or updated in the item list 111 on screen G12 (FIG. 28) is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the added record.

[0110] In some cases, products resulting from processing performed in the same processing facility are distributed and stored in multiple containers. In such cases, steps S60 to S66 in Figure 18 are performed for each of the multiple containers. As a result, multiple container IDs (container IDs of multiple processed containers) are associated with the same processing job ID.

[0111] If the waste received from the waste generator is a work in progress resulting from the processing work, at least one additional processing work will be carried out until the work in progress becomes a shippable product or waste. In this case, each processing work is assigned a separate processing work ID and managed in the processing work table (Figure 7).

[0112] (V) Shipping (Figure 19) If the product generated in the waste disposal process (IV) is a shippable product, the product is shipped to another disposal company or a distributor. When shipping the product, the disposal company worker issues a shipping registration instruction on the work application of the disposal company terminal 3 (step S70).

[0113] To issue a shipping registration instruction, the processor's worker selects the "Shipping" tab in the work application to display screen G13 (Figure 29), and either scans the container ID of the container to be processed (processed container) or selects and inputs the container ID in the item list 112. After acquiring the container ID, the work application acquires data of items that are already registered in the container master or processing work table corresponding to the container ID from the waste management server 5, and displays the data as data of the corresponding items in the item list 112 on the screen G13. Here, the worker inputs data of the shipping destination company (another processing company or distributor) and the shipping date, for example.

[0114] When the shipping registration instruction is accepted, the waste management server 5 updates the shipping container list (Fig. 9) (step S72). Specifically, the waste management server 5 adds a record corresponding to the container ID of the processed container to the shipping container list. When data is input in the item list 112 on screen G13 (Fig. 29), the data is reflected in the value of the corresponding field of the added record.

[0115] If the waste is subcontracted to another waste processor, the processor's workers must apply for secondary manifest registration. 19, the administrator of the recycler applies for registration of a (secondary) manifest including manifest information to the electronic manifest management server 6 in accordance with a predetermined operation on the management application (step S74). In response to the manifest registration application, the electronic manifest management server 6 issues a secondary manifest number (an example of second management identification information for managing the processing of the product) (step S76) and notifies the management application (step S78). Next, in response to a predetermined operation by the administrator, the management application instructs the waste management server 5 to register the secondary manifest number (step S80). Upon receiving the instruction, the waste management server 5 updates the processing work table by associating the secondary manifest number acquired from the management application with the processing job ID of the processing target (step S82). An example of the processing work table in which the secondary manifest number is associated is shown in Figure 20. As shown in Figure 20, the processing work table associates the container ID of the processed container, the primary manifest number (obtained in step S24 (Figure 16)), and the secondary manifest number. The primary manifest number in the processing work table of Figure 20 is the same as the manifest number listed in the processing work table of Figure 7. In other words, when multiple processing operations are performed on waste, the multiple processing operations are associated, so the traceability of the waste is not impaired.

[0116] As described above, in the waste management system 1, the waste management server 5 performs a process of associating the containers that hold waste and the products generated by the treatment work on the waste with the treatment work. Specifically, before the treatment work on the waste begins, the waste management server 5 associates a treatment work ID that identifies the treatment work on the waste with a container ID that identifies the pre-treatment container that holds the waste. Furthermore, after the treatment work on the waste is completed, the waste management server 5 associates the treatment work ID with a container ID that identifies the post-treatment container that holds the products generated by the treatment work on the waste. This makes it possible to track the waste and the products before and after the treatment work.

[0117] Even if waste contained in multiple pre-treatment containers is mixed and treated, and the products resulting from the treatment are dispersed into multiple post-treatment containers, all containers are associated with a common treatment work ID, so the traceability of the waste or products is not compromised.

[0118] For example, the processing work table and the recovery work table are used to track (trace back) what processing operations the contents of a container of interest (a container of interest) have undergone in the past, or to track (trace forward) what processing operations the contents of a container of interest will undergo in the future. In the processing work table, for a specific manifest number, container IDs are sequentially associated with each other in one or more records each time a processing operation is performed. For example, a record corresponding to the first processing operation for waste is associated with the container ID of the container before the first processing and the container ID of the container after the first processing, and a record corresponding to the second processing operation is associated with the container ID of the container before the second processing (= the container after the first processing) and the container ID of the container after the second processing, and so on. In other words, the processing work table has a data structure in which multiple container IDs related to one or more processing operations performed for a specific manifest number are linked like a chain. Therefore, using the container ID of a pre-processing container at a certain point in time (e.g., a certain record in the processing work table) as the reference, it is possible to trace the association between container IDs in the past (toward the first processing operation). Similarly, using the container ID of a post-processing container at a certain point in time (e.g., a certain record in the processing work table) as the reference, it is possible to trace the association between container IDs in the future (toward subsequent processing operations).

[0119] As mentioned above, the container IDs of multiple pre-processing containers may be associated with the container IDs of multiple post-processing containers for one processing job (N to N). In that case, multiple records (N x N) are created for the same processing job ID, and in each record, the container ID of the pre-processing container is associated one-to-one with the container ID of the post-processing container. Therefore, there is no problem in performing traceback or traceforward. Furthermore, even if multiple processing operations are performed on waste by the same processing company, the container IDs before and after each processing operation are associated with the processing operation ID associated with each of the multiple processing operations, so the traceability of work in progress within the processing company is not impaired.

[0120] In the waste management system 1, as illustrated in Figures 10 to 14, the waste management server 5 functions as a container management unit that associates container IDs with container statuses in the transaction database. This allows the administrator to grasp the status of each container via a management application. As shown in Fig. 13, after the waste is removed from the pre-treatment container, for example by loading the waste into the treatment facility to start the treatment work, the waste management server 5 updates the container status of the pre-treatment container to "empty" (an example of information indicating that the container is available for use). Also, after the product resulting from the treatment work is removed from the post-treatment container, for example for shipping, the waste management server 5 updates the container status of the post-treatment container to "empty." In the waste management system 1, when a manager or worker selects a container to assign to a task in the management application or work application, the manager or worker can select a container with a container status of "empty" from among multiple containers registered in the container master. This allows the waste disposal company to efficiently use the multiple containers available to it.

[0121] As described above, in the processing work table (FIG. 7), the container ID of the unprocessed container is associated with the manifest number, and the container ID of the processed container is associated with the manifest number. As mentioned above, the manifest system requires waste generators to confirm that waste disposal has been completed within 90 days of the manifest registration date. Therefore, it is preferable for the waste management server 5 to determine whether or not there are any untreated containers containing waste within the disposal company after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 90 days minus a few days) has passed since the manifest registration date for the waste. This allows the disposal company to take measures such as prioritizing disposal work for untreated containers. Specifically, the control unit 51 (an example of a second judgment unit) of the waste management server 5 determines whether the content status corresponding to the container ID associated with the manifest number indicates an item other than one that can be shipped (i.e., waste or work in progress) after a predetermined period has elapsed from the date of manifest registration.

[0122] As described above, in the processing work table (Fig. 7), the container ID of the container before processing is associated with the manifest number, and the container ID of the container after processing is associated with the manifest number. Furthermore, each container ID is associated with the storage location data (an example of location information) of the corresponding container in the container master or transaction database. Therefore, in one embodiment, when a predetermined period of time has passed since the manifest registration date and the content status corresponding to the container ID associated with the manifest number indicates that the content is not shippable (i.e., waste or work in progress), the control unit 51 (an example of a notification unit) of the waste management server 5 notifies the management application of the storage location corresponding to the container ID. This allows the manager or the like to recognize the storage location of unprocessed containers.

[0123] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the grade of the waste is associated with the container ID of the pre-treatment container that holds the waste before the waste is treated, but this is not limited to this. The grade of the product generated by the waste treatment work may also be associated with the container ID of the post-treatment container that holds the product. For example, if the product is a valuable resource, an appropriate selling price for the valuable resource can be set by associating the container ID of the post-treatment container that holds the valuable resource with the grade of the valuable resource.

[0124] In one embodiment, when a product resulting from processing work on waste contains valuable materials, the control unit 51 (an example of an estimation unit) of the waste management server 5 estimates a recycling rate based on the amount of waste and the amount of valuable materials before processing. This allows a manager or the like to grasp the recycling rate for waste. Here, the estimated value of the recycling rate is calculated, for example, by dividing the amount (for example, weight) of valuable materials by the amount (for example, weight) of waste.

[0125] In one embodiment, an imaging device that captures images of the container is installed at the waste generator or disposal company, and the amount of waste contained in the container is estimated from the captured image using automatic recognition technology. This makes it possible to visualize how much and what type of waste has accumulated at each waste generator, and to predict the amount of waste that needs to be processed. By predicting the amount of waste that needs to be processed, disposal companies can ensure a stable supply of recyclable materials obtained through their processing operations.

[0126] One embodiment is an information processing method between a waste disposal company terminal 3 operated by a waste disposal company that disposes of waste and a waste management server 5 that can communicate with the waste disposal company terminal 3, and includes the following steps. (I) Step in which the waste disposal company terminal 3 acquires a container ID from a pre-treatment container that contains waste. (II) A step in which the waste management server 5 associates a processing work ID that identifies the processing work on the waste with the container ID of the pre-processing container before the processing work on the waste is started. (III) A step in which the recycler terminal 3 acquires a container ID from a post-treatment container that contains a product resulting from the waste treatment work. (IV) A step in which the waste management server 5 associates the processing job ID with the container ID of the processed container after the processing job on the waste is completed.

[0127] Although the embodiments of the information processing system and information processing method of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, various improvements and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, at least some of the functions of the waste management server 5 may be realized by software of the management terminal 2, the waste disposal company terminal 3, the waste disposal company terminal 4, or the collection and transportation company terminal 10, or at least some of the functions of the management terminal 2, the waste disposal company terminal 3, the waste disposal company terminal 4, or the collection and transportation company terminal 10 may be realized by software of the waste management server 5. Furthermore, the functions of each terminal and the functions of the waste management server 5 may be distributed and realized between each terminal and the waste management server 5 as necessary. The functions executed by the waste management server 5 may be distributed and executed by a plurality of devices. For example, a database server having a database stored in the storage 52 may be provided separately from the waste management server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. Waste management system 2. Management terminal 21...Control unit 22…Storage 23...Operation input section 24...Display section 25…Communications Department 3...Disposer terminal 31...Control unit 32…Storage 33...Operation input section 34…Display section 35…Communications Department 36...External device interface 4...Disposer terminal 5...Waste management server 51...Control unit 52…Storage 53…Communications Department 6...Electronic manifest management server 7,8...Handy scanner 10...Collection and transportation company terminal 100...tabs 101~112...Item list Cc...2D code CT: Container PL…Label NW...Network

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a waste disposal terminal operated by a waste disposal company, and a server capable of communicating with the waste disposal terminal, Before the processing work on the waste is started, a first association unit associates work identification information that identifies the processing work on the waste with container identification information that identifies the pre-processing container containing the waste. A second association unit associates the work identification information with the container identification information that identifies the post-processing container containing the products generated by the waste processing work after the waste processing is completed. An information processing system equipped with [the following features].

2. The second association unit associates the container identification information of the processed container with at least one of the information of the type and weight of the product. The information processing system described in claim 1.

3. The second association unit associates the container identification information of the processed container with the status of the product. The information processing system described in claim 1.

4. Each of the pre-processing container and the post-processing container is fitted with an information medium containing container identification information. The processing terminal acquires container identification information for the pre-processing container and the post-processing container from the information medium. The information processing system described in claim 1.

5. It includes container identification information that identifies each of multiple containers, and a container management unit that associates the status of the multiple containers, The aforementioned container management unit, After the waste has been removed from the pre-processing container in order to begin the processing operation, the status of the pre-processing container is updated to indicate that the container is available. After the product has been removed from the post-processing container, the status of the post-processing container is updated to indicate that the container is available. The information processing system described in claim 1.

6. The first association unit associates the container identification information of the container before processing with attribute information indicating the attributes of the waste, The aforementioned information processing system is Before the work identification information identifying the processing operation is associated with the container identification information of the plurality of pre-processing containers containing each of the plurality of wastes, the system includes a first determination unit that determines whether the attribute information of each of the plurality of wastes meets predetermined criteria for mixing the plurality of wastes. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first association unit associates the container identification information of the container before processing with management identification information that is associated with the reference date for processing the waste and for managing the processing of the waste, The second association unit, after the processing work on the waste is completed, associates the container identification information of the processed container with the management identification information. The aforementioned information processing system is A second determination unit is provided to determine whether or not the status corresponding to the container identification information associated with the management identification information indicates that the item is not ready for shipment, after a predetermined period has elapsed from the aforementioned reference date. The information processing system described in claim 3.

8. The first association unit associates the container identification information of the container before processing with location information indicating the storage location of the container before processing. The second association unit associates the container identification information of the processed container with location information indicating the storage location of the processed container. The aforementioned information processing system is After a predetermined period has elapsed from the aforementioned reference date, if the status corresponding to the container identification information associated with the management identification information indicates that the item is not shippable, the system includes a notification unit that notifies the storage location corresponding to the container identification information. The information processing system described in claim 7.

9. A first acquisition unit that acquires first management identification information for managing the processing of the aforementioned waste, The system includes a second acquisition unit that acquires second management identification information for managing the processing of the product when the product is further processed, The second association unit associates the container identification information of the processed container with the first management identification information and the second management identification information. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. If the product contains valuable materials, the system includes an estimation unit that estimates the recycling rate based on the amount of waste and the amount of valuable materials. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. A method for processing information between a waste disposal terminal operated by a waste disposal company and a server that can communicate with the said waste disposal terminal, The aforementioned processing operator terminal obtains container identification information from the pre-processing container containing the waste, Before the processing operation for the waste is initiated, the server associates work identification information that identifies the processing operation for the waste with container identification information of the container before processing. The aforementioned processing operator terminal obtains container identification information from the post-processing container containing the products generated by the processing work on the waste, The server associates the work identification information with the container identification information of the processed container after the processing of the waste is completed. Information processing methods.

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