Clothing collection system, clothing collection device, and clothing management device

Abstract

To efficiently discriminate fiber type of clothing even if clothing collection amount increases, and achieve clothing sorting according to the discrimination.SOLUTION: A clothing collection system has a clothing collection device 2 to collect and store clothing 7 and a clothing management device 1 to be connected to the clothing collection device 2 and manage the stored clothing 7. The clothing collection system comprises: a measurement part 23 to detect light of the clothing; a spectral part 22 to obtain a wavelength information of the detected clothing 7; a clothing discrimination part 12 to discriminate fiber type of the clothing 7; an output part 34 to output a guide information for guiding operation to obtain the wavelength information by a user 8; and a storage part 28 to store the clothing 7 whose fiber type is discriminated based on operation by the user 8 according to the guide information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for recovering clothing. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there is a problem of mass clothing waste, and in order to create a recycling-oriented society, it is necessary to collect clothing and reuse it (sell it as second-hand clothing) or recycle it (turn it back into fiber or turn it into rags). To do this, clothing needs to be collected and sorted.

[0003] To address these issues, Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed. Patent Document 1 describes the following system for recovering and reusing fibers from waste textile products. This system includes a first disinfection device, a pre-treatment device, a fabric sorting device, a storage device, a textile processing treatment device, and a second disinfection device attached to the textile processing treatment device, and the first disinfection device, pre-treatment device, fabric sorting device, storage device, and textile processing treatment device are arranged along a transport path of the waste textile products.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a material identification process in which the type of material constituting cloth fiber waste is identified using a plastic identification machine consisting of a near-infrared spectrophotometer. This material identification process identifies the type of material constituting cloth fiber waste using a plastic identification machine consisting of a near-infrared spectrophotometer, identifies, sorts, and removes fibers containing 10% by weight or more of cellulose-containing fibers contained in the cloth fiber waste, and then depilates the remaining textile waste from which the fibers containing 10% by weight or more of cellulose-containing fibers have been sorted and removed, and processes it into nonwoven fabric to be recycled as synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, an industrial material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-126806 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-191375 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, clothing is collected by textile businesses and sorted according to its intended purpose. For example, it is sorted to be sold as second-hand clothing, reused, or recycled as rags. If this sorting were done manually, the labor and workload would be excessive depending on the amount of collected clothing.

[0007] Furthermore, when recycling collected clothing, chemical recycling is important in order to completely recycle the clothing. Because chemical recycling methods differ for each type of fiber, fiber type identification is essential, but this is currently not being implemented sufficiently. Possible technologies for identifying fiber types include spectroscopic fiber identification using near-infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and terahertz spectroscopy. However, having people handle the spectroscopic sensors to separate the fibers would further increase the labor required for the sorting work.

[0008] Furthermore, the clothing collection systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have the problem of their large size. When a device becomes large, it takes time and money to develop and install. Therefore, the present invention aims to reduce the man-hours required for sorting, realize a smaller clothing collection device, and realize a clothing collection system that allows for more efficient clothing sorting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided with a guide function that provides guidance to users regarding clothing collection.

[0010] More specifically, it is a clothing collection system having a clothing collection device that collects and stores clothing, and a clothing management device that is connected to the clothing collection device and manages the stored clothing, and has a measuring unit that detects light from the clothing, a spectroscopic unit that acquires wavelength information of the detected light from the clothing, a clothing discrimination unit that identifies the fiber type of the clothing based on the wavelength information, a guidance unit that outputs guidance information that guides the user in the operation to acquire the wavelength information, and a storage unit in which the user operates in accordance with the guidance information and stores the clothing whose fiber type has been identified.

[0011] The present invention also includes a clothing collection method executed by the clothing collection system. The present invention also includes a clothing collection device and a clothing management device that constitute the clothing collection system. Furthermore, the present invention also includes a terminal device connected to the clothing collection device or the clothing management device. The present invention also includes a clothing collection method and a clothing management method executed by the terminal device, the clothing collection device, or the clothing management device.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a program for causing a terminal device or a clothing management device to function as a computer, and a storage medium storing this program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, even if the amount of collected clothing increases, it is possible to efficiently identify the fiber type of clothing and to separate the clothing accordingly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the current process from when clothing is collected until it reaches a reuse-related business such as a reuse business or a recycling business. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the process from when clothing is collected to when it arrives at a reuse-related business in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the process from when clothing is collected to when it arrives at a reuse-related business in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram showing a clothing collection system in a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a clothing management device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6A] 1 is a configuration diagram of a clothing collection device 2 in a first embodiment. [Figure 6B] 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks relating to information processing and control of the clothing collection device 2 in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sensor 203 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sensor 203 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sensor 203 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sensor 203 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7E] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sensor 203 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a processing device 204 in the first embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a processing device 204 in the first embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a processing device 204 in the first embodiment. [Figure 8D] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a processing device 204 in the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] 4 is a graph showing wavelength information used in the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] 4 is a graph showing wavelength information used in the first embodiment. [Figure 9C] 4 is a graph showing wavelength information used in the first embodiment. [Figure 9D] 4 is a graph showing wavelength information used in the first embodiment. [Figure 9E] 4 is a graph showing wavelength information used in the first embodiment. [Figure 9F] 4 is a graph showing wavelength information used in the first embodiment. [Figure 9G]1 is a graph showing the results of analyzing the main components in Example 1. [Figure 9H] 1 is a graph showing the results of analyzing the main components in Example 1. [Figure 10A] 1 is a graph showing the results (wavelength information) of measurements in the mid-infrared wavelength band in Example 1. [Figure 10B] 1 is a graph showing the results of principal component analysis (discrimination of fiber type) using wavelength information measured in the mid-infrared wavelength band in Example 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 9C is a diagram showing boundaries for distinguishing each fiber type in the graph of FIG. 9H in Example 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal device 3 in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing collection information 152 used in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing aggregate information 153 used in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of guidance information for informing measurement positions of clothing 7 in Example 1. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a clothing collection system in a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a clothing collection device 2 in a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In the following, the current framework for clothing collection will be described before explaining an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the current process from when clothing is collected until it reaches a reuse business such as a waste textile business, a reuse business, or a recycling business. In FIG. 1, collection boxes for accepting clothing from consumers are installed in retail stores that sell clothing, apartment buildings, public facilities, etc. Consumers then place their unwanted clothing in the collection boxes. Note that a consumer is an example of a user, and does not necessarily have to be the user of the clothing. For example, the consumer may be a guardian, housekeeper, or agent of a consumer who used the clothing.

[0016] When clothing accumulates in a collection box, the collection box manager pays a delivery fee to a transporter to transport the clothing. The transporter then transports the collected clothing to a waste textile business. The transported clothing is then sorted by the waste textile business. The clothing is then sold to reuse or recycling businesses, where it is reused or recycled. This sorting by waste textile businesses is mainly done manually, and there is an issue of being unable to sort everything when the amount of clothing to be sorted increases significantly. In addition, to accurately separate fibers contained in clothing, it is necessary to identify the fiber type using light wavelength information such as near-infrared spectroscopy, but this will take time to automate.

[0017] As mentioned above, collection boxes are being set up in retail stores, apartment buildings, public facilities, etc. to collect clothing, but the installation of collection boxes is proving difficult. This is because the boxes require regular delivery and, in some cases, the recipient must pay the shipping costs for the clothing, which creates a burden in managing the boxes.

[0018] Therefore, in this embodiment, a clothing collection device having the functionality of a collection box executes a separation support process for separating clothing. This separation support process includes at least one of acquiring wavelength information for identifying fiber types, identifying the fiber types of clothing using the wavelength information, and separating the clothing according to the identified fiber types. The separation support process also includes processes related to the acquisition of wavelength information, fiber type identification, and clothing separation. For example, the separation support process includes transmitting and converting the acquired wavelength information.

[0019] However, if a clothing collection device were equipped with a separation support function that executes the separation support process, the device would likely become larger. Therefore, in this embodiment, fiber type discrimination and clothing separation are achieved with the assistance of the consumer. For this reason, in this embodiment, a guidance function for the consumer, i.e., the user, on how to operate the clothing collection device is provided.

[0020] The framework for clothing collection in this embodiment will be explained below. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the process from when clothing is collected in this embodiment until it arrives at a reuse-related business. In Figure 2, a guidance function is provided to provide consumers with guidance on how to operate the clothing collection device. Furthermore, this clothing collection device is installed in retail stores, apartment buildings, public facilities, etc., like the collection box in Figure 1. However, the installation location of the clothing collection device is not limited to these.

[0021] The clothing collection device then acquires wavelength information of the clothing, which is an example of a sorting support process, by the consumer operating the clothing collection device according to the guidance function. Note that the clothing collection device may use the acquired wavelength information to identify the fiber type of the clothing and sort the clothing according to the identified fiber type.

[0022] In this way, the clothing collected by the clothing recovery device is transported by a transporter to a used textile business, which is an example of a reuse-related business. The clothing transported to the used textile business is then transported to other reuse-related businesses, such as reuse businesses and recycling businesses, where it is reused or chemically recycled, and resources are reused.

[0023] The clothing collection device also notifies the clothing management device of wavelength information acquired by the clothing collection device and collection information for the clothing collected by the clothing collection device. As a result, the clothing management device uses the wavelength information to identify the fiber type of the clothing. The clothing management device also uses the identified fiber type and collection information to create aggregate information for the collected clothing. The clothing management device then notifies the created aggregate information to the destination of the clothing, which is a used textile business, a reuse business, or a recycling business. By using this aggregate information, each business can make appropriate use of the transported clothing (sorting, reuse, or recycling). The aggregate information from the clothing management device is notified to the computer system of each business. However, the aggregate information may be notified from the clothing management device to the destination of the clothing, which is a used textile business, and notified to the reuse business or recycling business by the used textile business.

[0024] The guidance function may be provided in the clothing collection device itself, in a terminal device used by a user, or in a combination of these. Furthermore, the clothing management device may be realized by a computer such as a server.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the flow from when clothing is collected in this embodiment until it arrives at a reuse-related business. The difference from FIG. 2 is that there is no "used textile business operator," and the clothing is transported directly from the transporter to a reuse business or a recycling business. In this case, the aggregate information is also notified to the reuse business or the recycling business. This concludes the explanation of this embodiment, and next, an example will be explained, which is a specific example of this embodiment. [Example]

[0026] In Example 1, guidance information is displayed on a terminal device used by a user represented by a consumer. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a clothing collection system in Example 1. In Figure 4, the clothing collection system includes a clothing management device 1, a clothing collection device 2, and a terminal device 3, which are connected to each other via a network 6. In Example 1, a reuse-related business system 4 and a management terminal device 5 are also connected to other devices via the network 6.

[0027] Furthermore, a user 8 brings unwanted clothing 7 to the clothing collection device 2. The user 8 then operates the clothing collection device 2 according to the guidance information output to the terminal device 3. As a result, wavelength information of the clothing 7 is acquired by the clothing collection device 2. Based on this, the fiber type is then identified. At this time, identification information for identifying the clothing 7 is also acquired.

[0028] Furthermore, the clothing 7 is collected in the clothing collection device 2. Then, the clothing management device 1 notifies the reuse-related trader system 4 of the collected collection information, which includes the identification information and the fiber type, as aggregated information. As a result, the reuse-related trader appropriately reuses (recycles, reuses, etc.) the collected clothing 7 according to the fiber type based on the aggregated information. Each device shown in Figure 4 will be described below.

[0029] First, the clothing management device 1 is a device for managing the clothing collected by the clothing collection device 2. In particular, the clothing management device 1 acquires collection information regarding the clothing collected from the clothing collection device 2, creates aggregate information based on the collection information, and notifies this to the reuse-related business system 4. To this end, the clothing management device 1 has a communication unit 11, a clothing discrimination unit 12, a storage instruction unit 13, an aggregate information creation unit 14, and a memory unit 15.

[0030] First, the communication unit 11 connects to other devices via the network 6. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 11 receives wavelength information and collection information of the clothing 7 from the clothing collection device 2. The communication unit 11 also notifies the reuse-related business system 4 of the created aggregate information.

[0031] The clothing discrimination unit 12 also discriminates the fiber type of the clothing 7 based on the wavelength information received from the clothing collection device 2 via the communication unit 11. The storage instruction unit 13 also generates a collection instruction to store the clothing 7 in the clothing collection device 2, i.e., to collect the clothing 7. This collection instruction is preferably generated when a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition may be, for example, that the fiber type is discriminated or that wavelength information is acquired. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be that the clothing 7 is reusable, i.e., that it is collectable.

[0032] The tally information creation unit 14 tallys up the collection information received from the clothing collection device 2 via the communication unit 11 to create tally information. The storage unit 15 stores a wavelength information-fiber type correspondence table 151, collection information 152, and tally information 153, which will be described later. The clothing management device 1 can be realized by a so-called computer, such as a server. An example of this implementation will be described later.

[0033] Next, the clothing collection device 2 acquires wavelength information of the clothing 7 in response to operation by the user 8 and collects the clothing 7. Although only one clothing collection device 2 is shown in FIG. 4, it is desirable to have multiple clothing collection devices 2, which are installed in retail stores, etc. The clothing collection device 2 has a communication unit 21, a spectroscopic unit 22, a measurement unit 23, a control unit 24, a guidance and instruction unit 25, a collection information creation unit 26, a memory unit 27, and a storage unit 28.

[0034] First, the communication unit 21 connects to other devices via the network 6. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 21 receives specific information about the clothing 7 from the terminal device 3 and notifies the terminal device 3 of guidance information and wavelength information. Furthermore, the communication unit 21 notifies the clothing management device 1 of collection information.

[0035] Furthermore, the spectroscopic unit 22 acquires wavelength information of the light from the clothing 7 detected by the measurement unit 23. The measurement unit 23 detects the light from the clothing 7 to acquire the wavelength information. Here, the light from the clothing 7 refers to scattered light from the irradiated light onto the clothing 7, and the measurement unit 23 detects this scattered light as light. For example, the measurement unit 23 detects Raman scattered light when infrared light is irradiated onto the clothing 7. Furthermore, the light irradiated onto the clothing 7 is emitted from a light source 2032, which will be described later, and the spectroscopic unit 22 acquires wavelength information of this scattered light. Furthermore, the control unit 24 controls the operation of the clothing collection device 2, such as the measurement unit 23 and the storage unit 28.

[0036] The guidance instruction unit 25 also performs processing to instruct the user 8 to collect the clothes 7. For example, the guidance instruction unit 25 creates guidance information that guides the user 8 on an operation to acquire wavelength information. Furthermore, the guidance instruction unit 25 may also create guidance information that guides the user 8 on another operation of the terminal device 3.

[0037] The collection information creation unit 26 also creates collection information including wavelength information and identification information of the clothing 7. The storage unit 27 also stores the identification information, wavelength information, and collection information of the clothing 7. These will be described later along with other information.

[0038] The storage section 28 stores the clothing 7 to be collected. It is desirable that the storage section 28 be composed of a plurality of partial storage sections for each predetermined group, such as by fiber type, but this is not limited to this. The predetermined groups can be based on attributes of the clothing 7, such as fiber type or color, reuse-related businesses, clothing 7 manufacturers, etc. Furthermore, the partial storage sections can be realized as boxes, drawers, shelves, etc.

[0039] More preferably, when the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are met, the storage section 28 is configured to be able to store the clothing 7. In order to enable storage when the predetermined conditions are met, it is desirable to provide the storage section 28 with a storage door or the like.

[0040] Next, the terminal device 3 is used to assist the user 8 in operating the clothing collection device 2 when collecting the clothing 7. For this purpose, the terminal device 3 has a communication unit 31, a specific information acquisition unit 32, an input unit 33, an output unit 34, a memory unit 35, and a clothing collection processing unit 36.

[0041] First, the communication unit 31 connects to other devices via the network 6. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 31 notifies the clothing collection device 2 of specific information and notifies operation instructions to the clothing collection device 2. Furthermore, the communication unit 31 receives collection instructions for the clothing 7 from the clothing management device 1.

[0042] Furthermore, the identification information acquisition unit 32 acquires identification information for identifying the clothing 7. This identification information can be image information of the clothing 7, or identification information recorded on a tag such as an RFID, IC card, or two-dimensional code attached to the clothing 7. For this reason, the identification information acquisition unit 32 can be realized by a camera or a tag reader. In particular, a short-range wireless communication reader can be used as the tag reader.

[0043] Furthermore, the input unit 33 accepts operations from the user 8 and can be realized by an input device such as a keyboard, for example, a touch panel described below. The output unit 34 outputs, particularly displays, information to the user 8 and can be realized by a display device. Here, the information for the user 8 includes guidance information that guides the user on how to operate the clothing collection device 2. Therefore, the output unit 34 functions as a guidance unit. Furthermore, the input unit 33 and the output unit 34 can be configured as an integrated unit, such as a touch panel. Furthermore, the memory unit 35 stores the characteristic information acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 32. Furthermore, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​performs information processing related to clothing collection. The terminal device 3 can be realized by a computer such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC.

[0044] Next, the reuse-related business system 4 is a computer system used by waste textile businesses, reuse businesses, and recycling businesses. Although only one reuse-related business system 4 is shown in Figure 4, it may be provided for each reuse business, or may be shared by these reuse businesses. Furthermore, the reuse-related business system 4 may be configured with multiple computers, or may be configured with a single computer.

[0045] The reuse-related business system 4 then receives aggregate information about the collected clothing, including the clothing 7, from the clothing management device 1. As a result, the reuse business can appropriately reuse the collected clothing based on the aggregate information.

[0046] The management terminal device 5 is a terminal device used by the operator of the clothing management device 1, and can be realized by a computer such as a PC. The management terminal device 5 can check the operating status of the clothing management device 1 and the aggregate information 153. The management terminal device 5 may be connected to the clothing management device 1 without going through the network 6.

[0047] Finally, the network 6 is a network that connects the above-mentioned devices and systems, and can be realized by a wide area network such as the Internet. The network 6 may also be realized by a combination of multiple networks.

[0048] 4 has been explained above, and next, an implementation example of the clothing management device 1, clothing collection device 2, and terminal device 3 in Example 1 will be explained. First, Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the clothing management device 1 in Example 1. In Fig. 5, the clothing management device 1 has a processing device 101, a communication device 102, a memory 103, and a secondary storage device 104, which are connected to each other via a communication path.

[0049] First, the processing device 101 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, and executes calculations in accordance with a clothing management program 105 stored in a sub-storage device 104 (to be described later). The clothing management program 105 will be described later.

[0050] The communication device 102 corresponds to the communication unit 11 in FIG. 4, connects to the network 6, and communicates with other devices.

[0051] 4. The memory 103 and the secondary storage device 104 store the clothing management program 105 stored in the secondary storage device 104 and information used for processing by the processing device 101. The secondary storage device 104 can be implemented as a so-called storage device, and stores the clothing management program 105, wavelength information-fiber type correspondence table 151, collection information 152, and total information 153. The secondary storage device 104 may be implemented as a storage medium such as an external hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or memory card, or may be implemented as a device separate from the clothing management device 1, such as a file server.

[0052] Here, the clothing management program 105 is composed of a clothing discrimination module 106, a storage instruction module 107, and a total information creation module 108. Note that each of these modules may be realized as an individual program or a partial combination thereof.

[0053] Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 4, which performs the same functions as each module, is as follows. Clothing discrimination module 106: Clothing discrimination unit 12 Storage instruction module 107: storage instruction unit 13 Aggregate information creation module 108: Aggregate information creation unit 14 Therefore, the processing device 101 executes the processing of the clothing discrimination unit 12, the storage instruction unit 13, and the tally information creation unit 14 in accordance with the clothing management program 105.

[0054] Next, the clothing collection device 2 will be described. Figures 6A and 6B are configuration diagrams of the clothing collection device 2 in Example 1. Figure 6A is a perspective view of the clothing collection device 2, and also shows its internal configuration. In Figure 6A, the clothing collection device 2 has a communication device 201, a spectrometer 202, a sensor 203, and a processing device 204, and the spectrometer 202 and the sensor 203 are connected by an optical fiber 208.

[0055] The clothing collection device 2 is also provided with a plurality of storage shelves 280-1 to 280-3 for storing the collected clothing items 7-1 to 7-3. The plurality of storage shelves 280-1 to 280-3 have storage doors 207-1 to 207-3, respectively.

[0056] First, communication device 201 corresponds to communication unit 21 in FIG. 4 and is connected to other devices. Furthermore, spectrometer 202 acquires wavelength information from light, for example, near-infrared light, detected by sensor 203. The wavelength information includes the spectrum of near-infrared light itself or information obtained by processing the spectrum (information based on the spectrum). In this way, spectrometer 202 corresponds to spectroscopic unit 22 in FIG. 4.

[0057] Furthermore, the sensor 203 detects near-infrared light from the clothing 7. Therefore, the sensor 203 corresponds to the measurement unit 23 in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the processing device 204 is connected to the communication device 201, the spectrometer 202, and the sensor 203, and executes various processes. These processes include creating guide information and collection information. These processes also include controlling the opening and closing of the storage door 207. Furthermore, the optical fiber 208 transmits the light detected by the sensor 203 to the spectrometer 202.

[0058] 4. The plurality of storage shelves 280-1 to 280-3 represent an example in which the storage section 28 is divided into a plurality of stages, and the storage shelves 280-1 to 280-3 are each configured to store clothing 7 of a predetermined fiber type. For this reason, the processing device 204 controls the opening of one of the storage doors 207-1 to 207-3 of the storage shelves 280-1 to 280-3 according to the determined fiber type. At this time, the control to open the storage door is performed according to information based on the fiber type received by the communication device 201. Information based on the fiber type does not simply include information on the fiber type, such as polyester, but also includes processed information such as "stored in storage shelf 280-1 based on the fiber type."

[0059] Furthermore, the clothing collection device 2 of FIG. 6A may be created by adding a communication device 201, a spectrometer 202, a sensor 203, a processing device 204, and an optical fiber 208 to the current collection box (FIG. 1). In this case, it is desirable to divide the current collection box into multiple storage sections, such as multiple storage shelves, instead of the single storage section, and further provide an actuator 206 that opens, closes, or locks / unlocks the storage doors 207-1 to 207-3 in accordance with the processing device 204. As a result, the clothing collection device 2 can be created simply and inexpensively. The clothing collection device 2 uses guidance information and performs its functions with the help of users 8 who bring in clothing 7. For example, to fully automate the collection of clothing 7 in the clothing collection device 2, it is necessary to sort the large amount of clothing 7 that flows in. Therefore, large-scale development is required, such as the introduction of a high-speed hyperspectral camera to acquire wavelength information and a mechanism for sorting based on the identified fiber type. In contrast, in Example 1, the processing and configuration can be simplified with the help of users 8. The number of storage shelves 280-1 to 280-3 is not limited to the number shown in the figure.

[0060] Next, Fig. 6B is a diagram showing functional blocks related to information processing and control of the clothing collection device 2. Fig. 6B shows a communication device 201, a spectrometer 202, a sensor 203, a processing device 204, a memory unit 205, an actuator 206, and a storage door 207. The communication device 201 to the sensor 203 are as described in Fig. 6A.

[0061] The processing device 204 also controls the opening and closing of the storage door 207 and creates guide information and collection information. To this end, the processing device 204 has a control unit 2041, a guide instruction unit 2042, and a collection information creation unit 2043. These correspond to the control unit 24, the guide instruction unit 25, and the collection information creation unit 26 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0062] The processing device 204 can be realized by an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and the control unit 2041, the guidance and instruction unit 2042, and the collection information creation unit 2043 can each be realized by dedicated hardware or software such as a program.

[0063] 4, and stores identification information, wavelength information, and collection information for the clothing 7. The actuator 206 controls the opening / closing or locking / unlocking of the storage door 207 in response to a control command from the control unit 2041. At this time, the control unit 2041 creates a control command in response to a collection command from the terminal device 3 or an operation on the clothing collection device 2 by the user 8. For example, when the control unit 2041 receives a collection command including the identified fiber type from the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 21, it controls the actuator 206 of the storage door 207 in accordance with the fiber type.

[0064] For example, the user 8 may operate the clothing collection device 2 in accordance with the collection instructions displayed on the terminal device 3, and the control unit 2041 may create a control command in accordance with this operation. In this case, the collection instructions include the fiber type, storage door 207, and storage identification number. An input unit (not shown) of the clothing collection device 2 then receives this from the user 8, and the control unit 2041 creates a control command to control the storage door 207 in accordance with the input content.

[0065] As a result, the storage door 207 can be opened according to the fiber type of the clothing 7, and the clothing 7 can be stored in the storage shelf 280 according to the fiber type. As mentioned above, the storage shelf 280 may be provided according to other attributes other than fiber type, such as clothing manufacturer, or a single storage shelf 280 may be provided.

[0066] As described above, the clothing collection device 2 of Example 1 is a simplified device that is designed to be operated with the help of users 8, such as consumers. Therefore, in Example 1, even with the simplified device, users 8 can easily and accurately separate and store clothing 7.

[0067] Next, the configuration and principle for acquiring wavelength information in the clothing collecting device 2 in Example 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7A to Fig. 11. First, the sensor 203 in Example 1 will be described. Fig. 7A to Fig. 7E are diagrams each showing an example of the configuration of the sensor 203 in Example 1.

[0068] 7A is composed of two light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 and a light receiving unit 2033 that receives light, both of which are provided in a housing 2031. The light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 may be light sources that include light in the wavelength range used for fiber type determination.

[0069] Here, near-infrared spectroscopy is effective for fiber type determination. Therefore, for example, tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, LEDs, xenon lamps, or the like that emit near-infrared light can be used as light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2. Lasers may also be used as light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2, although the wavelength range is narrower. However, light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 are not limited to these. LEDs are compact and have a long lifespan, making them suitable for collection devices that will be left in public places for long periods of time. In the case of LEDs, in order to obtain light with a wide wavelength range, it is preferable to use a module that combines an excitation LED with a phosphor that receives the LED light and emits light in a predetermined wavelength range.

[0070] Furthermore, the light emitted from light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 is scattered and reflected by clothing 7, enters light receiving unit 2033 of optical fiber 208, and is guided to spectroscope 202. The configuration shown in Fig. 7A is a configuration for acquiring a reflection spectrum, which is an example of wavelength information, and can also be said to be a configuration for determining absorbance (absorption spectrum) from reflected light.

[0071] Here, the optical fiber 208 is surrounded by the light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 to provide isotropic illumination, but the first embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The wavelength information may be measured with both light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 turned on. For example, only light source 2032-1 may be turned on to measure the light information, and then only light source 2032-2 may be turned on to measure the light information. In this manner, a reflection spectrum according to the light irradiation angle can be obtained. Using such angle dependency reflects the direction in which the fibers of the clothing 7 are woven, thereby improving the accuracy of fiber determination.

[0072] Furthermore, since the photographic information (e.g., photographed images) of the terminal device 3 captures patterns that depend on the direction in which the fibers are woven, analyzing the clothing 7 in combination with such photographic information has the effect of further improving the accuracy of fiber type identification.

[0073] Next, the sensor 203 shown in Fig. 7B is configured to measure light transmitted through the clothing 7. In Fig. 7B, a light source 2032 is placed inside the storage shelf 280. Light emitted by the light source 2032 enters the clothing 7 through a window 2034 that transmits the light, and some of the light is absorbed by the clothing 7, with the remaining light entering the optical fiber 208 from the light receiving unit 2033.

[0074] In this configuration, the light receiving unit 2033 can be placed directly above the light source 2032, so that it is easier to make it larger than when taking a reflection spectrum of the amount of light irradiated onto the measurement area when the number of light sources is the same. Therefore, in this configuration, the amount of light is large, improving the SN ratio (ratio of signal to noise) of the measurement spectrum, and improving the accuracy of fiber type identification.

[0075] Furthermore, although light source 2032 generates heat and the temperature rises, the temperature rise of sensor 203 can be suppressed because it is configured separate from light source 2032. Therefore, the configuration of Fig. 7B has the advantage that the heat is not felt when holding sensor 203, even when operating for a long period of time.

[0076] Next, in the sensor 203 shown in FIG. 7C, the light source 2032 is not disposed inside the housing 2031 of the sensor 203, but light is introduced into the sensor 203 from an external light source 2032 (described later in FIG. 8D) via an optical fiber 208, and the light is emitted from the light emitting unit 2035 toward the clothing 7. In other words, the light emitting unit 2035 illuminates the clothing 7. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the light source 2032 in the sensor 203, and an increase in the temperature of the sensor 203 can be suppressed. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible to omit the installation and adjustment of the window 2034 shown in FIG. 7B.

[0077] Next, sensor 203 shown in Fig. 7D has a configuration in which spectrometer 202 and light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 are incorporated inside housing 2031. This sensor 203 can transmit light wavelength information as an electrical signal to the outside, either wired or wirelessly. To achieve this configuration, it is important to miniaturize each component, so light sources 2032-1 and 2032-2 are preferably LEDs or compact lamps, and spectrometer 202 is preferably configured to include a tunable filter whose transmission wavelength can be controlled by voltage and an InGaAs PIN photodiode. This configuration eliminates the need for optical fiber 208, reducing optical loss.

[0078] Next, the sensor 203 shown in FIG. 7E has an optical sensor 2036 on the side facing the light source 2032. The optical sensor 2036 measures the amount of light reflected from the clothing 7 in the specular reflection direction, and can identify an amount related to the glossiness of the clothing 7. Although the configuration of the sensor 203 shown in FIG. 7A can also measure the scattering characteristics of light, the configuration of FIG. 7E can obtain more information about the scattering intensity in the specular reflection direction than other directions. Because the scattering intensity in the specular reflection direction changes sensitively depending on the scattering characteristics (e.g., haze value), scattering properties can be easily quantified. Therefore, with this configuration, scattering characteristics can be analyzed in more detail, and analysis that reflects these scattering characteristics has the effect of improving the accuracy of fiber determination.

[0079] Next, the processing device 204 and related devices in the first embodiment will be described. FIGS. 8A to 8D are diagrams for explaining the processing device 204 in the first embodiment. First, the processing device 204 shown in FIG. 8A includes a communication device 201 and a spectrometer 202. The spectrometer 202 acquires wavelength-dependent information from incident light guided from a sensor 203. That is, the spectrometer 202 disperses the incident light to acquire a spectrum, which is an example of wavelength information. This spectrometer 202 can be of various types, such as a type using a diffraction grating, a type using interference, or a type using a filter.

[0080] The communication device 201 also communicates with the terminal device 3 and the clothing management device 1. This communication can be performed using short-range wireless communication or wireless LAN. The communication device 201 transmits wavelength information obtained from the spectrometer 202. The communication device 201 may communicate only with the terminal device 3, only with the clothing management device 1, or with both.

[0081] Here, if the terminal device 3 has high computational performance, the fiber type may be determined by the clothing collection device 2 or the terminal device 3 without communicating with the clothing management device 1, and the determined fiber type may be transmitted from the terminal device 3 or the clothing collection device to the clothing management device 1. Furthermore, communication between the terminal device 3 and the communication device 201 may be wired communication using a cable such as a USB.

[0082] 8A, a sensor stand 210 is provided to house the sensor 203. By returning the sensor 203 to a fixed position such as the sensor stand 210, it is possible to periodically (particularly periodically) measure using the bottom surface 2211 of the sensor stand 210 as a reference and confirm that there are no abnormalities in the measured values. In particular, the light source 2032 and the spectrometer 202 may deteriorate over time, resulting in a decrease in accuracy. For this reason, by periodically (particularly periodically) performing reference measurements to monitor the status and notifying the user if an abnormality occurs, it becomes possible to repair the measurement in a timely manner. As a result, it is possible to suppress erroneous fiber type identification.

[0083] Next, Fig. 8B shows an example in which the processing device 204 and sensor 203 are configured as an integrated unit. Fig. 8B shows a configuration in which the communication device 201 is attached to the above-mentioned sensor 203 configuration. In this case, it is difficult to separate the sensor 203 and the processing device 204. However, in this configuration, both are present as a component (unit) since they each have their own functions. The clothing collection device 2 is configured from the components in Fig. 8B and the storage shelf 280.

[0084] Next, the configuration shown in Fig. 8C does not include optical fiber 208, and light is directly incident on the entrance window of spectrometer 202. Compared to the configuration in Fig. 8A, the configuration shown in Fig. 8B can be made smaller and with fewer parts, so it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0085] Next, in the configuration shown in Fig. 8D, the communication device 201 and the spectroscope 202 have the same configuration as in Fig. 7A. However, in this configuration, the light source 2032 is provided outside the sensor 203, and the illumination light for the clothing 7 is guided from the light source 2032 to the sensor 203 via the optical fiber 208. As mentioned in Fig. 7A, the light source 2032 generates heat, so by separating it from the sensor 203, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the sensor 203.

[0086] Next, the wavelength information used in Example 1 and the principle of fiber type discrimination using this information will be described. Figures 9A to 9F are graphs showing the wavelength information used in Example 1. Figures 9A to 9C show the reflectance spectra of polyester, cotton, and acrylic, respectively. In these graphs, the horizontal axis represents the measured wavelength (nm). The wavelength range used for fiber discrimination in these examples is 1600-2200 nm, which is in the near-infrared region (800-2500 nm). The vertical axis represents intensity.

[0087] However, these values ​​are normalized by the maximum value. Furthermore, these graphs are graphs in which noise has been removed from the measured values ​​using the Savitzky-Golay method. Comparing FIGS. 9A to 9C, it can be seen that the spectra differ depending on the material, i.e., the fiber type. In Example 1, this difference is utilized to identify the fiber type.

[0088] Figure 9A shows the results of measuring six polyester fibers of different colors: one beige (0), two grays (1 and 2), one dark gray (3), one ivory (4), and one black (5) (the numbers in parentheses are the numbers in the graph, and the same applies below).

[0089] The cotton colors measured in Figure 9B are one ivory (6) and one reddish ivory (7). Furthermore, the acrylic colors in Figure 9C are one beige (8) and one black (9). Here, in the visible wavelength range of 280-800 nm, each color exhibits a different spectrum. However, the effects of color differences (differences in wavelength in the visible range) are less apparent in the near-infrared range, and are not apparent in this example. Furthermore, because dark-colored plastics such as carbon black are often affected by the near-infrared spectrum and cannot be separated, it is believed that the near-infrared spectrum of textiles is less affected by color in the visible range than plastics.

[0090] Furthermore, as is clearly evident in Figure 9A, the graph slides up and down due to an offset caused by differences in the baseline depending on the measurement environment and clothing 7. To eliminate or reduce the effect of this baseline, each spectrum was subjected to noise removal using the Savitzky-Golay method, and the second-derivative spectra are shown in Figures 9D to 9F. Figures 9D to 9F are the second-derivative values ​​of the spectra shown in Figures 9A to 9C, respectively. In each graph, it can be seen that the effect of the baseline has disappeared and the graphs overlap. Furthermore, it can be seen that the peaks are clearly visible.

[0091] As a result, it is possible to extract features from these graphs and identify the fiber type. For example, the fiber type can be identified from differences in the values ​​of the main peaks. Principal component analysis is an easy and highly accurate method for determining the fiber type.

[0092] Next, the results of principal component analysis using the wavelength information shown in Figures 9A to 9C and 9D to 9F will be described. Figure 9G shows the results of principal component analysis using the wavelength information shown in Figures 9A to 9C. In Figure 9G, the horizontal axis represents the first principal component PC1, and the vertical axis represents the second principal component PC2.

[0093] The three types of fibers analyzed are clustered at different coordinate points and are plotted separately on the graph.

[0094] FIG. 9H shows the results of principal component analysis of the second-derivative spectra (FIGS. 9D to 9F). In the plane of FIG. 9H, the three types of fibers are plotted in a small range at more distant positions. This indicates that the feature amount of each fiber is emphasized by the second derivative, and the fiber types are accurately separated. In other words, the second derivative has the effect of improving the accuracy of fiber type discrimination. Although an example of fiber type discrimination using near-infrared spectrum has been described above, Example 1 is not limited to this.

[0095] As mentioned above, fibers are less susceptible to color in the visible range than plastics. However, some black fibers have a low near-infrared spectrum, making it difficult to identify. In such cases, the fiber type can often be identified by using the mid-infrared spectrum (2.5-25 μm). Figure 10A shows the results (wavelength information) of measurements of the same fiber measured in the near-infrared range, but in the mid-infrared wavelength range. In Figure 10A, the horizontal axis represents wavelength, with the wavelength used for identification being 6000-15000 nm. The vertical axis represents the second derivative of the absorption spectrum.

[0096] Next, principal component analysis (discrimination of fiber type) using wavelength information measured in the mid-infrared wavelength band shown in Fig. 10A will be described. Fig. 10B is a graph showing the results of principal component analysis (discrimination of fiber type) using wavelength information measured in the mid-infrared wavelength band in Example 1. In this example, separation by fiber is also possible, as with near-infrared. Therefore, not only near-infrared but also mid-infrared can be used to discriminate fiber type. Note that determination using spectra is also possible with far-infrared and terahertz.

[0097] However, the longer the wavelength, the more expensive and difficult to handle detectors (electromagnetic wave sensors) and light sources (electromagnetic wave sources) are required. Identifying fiber types using near-infrared spectra is the most practical method because it can identify the fiber types of many fibers, and it is versatile (available) and easy to handle.

[0098] In all of the above-mentioned discrimination methods, noise is removed from the spectrum, which is the measured wavelength information, before discrimination is performed. In this way, noise removal enables more accurate discrimination. This noise removal is particularly important when using measurements from collection boxes in various environments. Furthermore, in the above example, the Zavitzky-Golay method was used as the noise removal method, but noise removal is not limited to this and smoothing methods such as moving averages and Gaussian filters may also be used. Furthermore, while signal processing such as second derivatives was used to improve discrimination accuracy, there are various other methods such as first derivatives and difference spectra.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above example, principal component analysis was used to discriminate fiber types. However, this is not the only method, and an AI that has learned the relationship between spectra and fiber types may also be used, or an AI that has learned the relationship between the results of principal component analysis and fiber types may also be used.

[0100] Furthermore, the confidence level can be quantified as a measure of the certainty of the discrimination result, and the confidence level may also be used as a basis for the discrimination judgment. For example, when the confidence level is above a certain threshold such as 80%, the clothing 7 is stored according to the discrimination result of the fiber type such as polyester, but when it is lower than the threshold, it may be stored in the storage shelf 280 for manual sorting later. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the misclassification of the clothing 7.

[0101] Here, an example of quantifying the confidence level will be described using FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the boundaries in the discrimination of each fiber type for the graph of FIG. 9H in Example 1. The quantification of the confidence level can be done by the distance from the boundary.The distance (length) at which the distance between the boundary and the data point is minimized is defined as the distance between the data point and the boundary. And by assuming that the smaller this distance and the closer the data point is to the boundary, the lower the confidence level, the confidence level can be quantified based on this distance. In FIG. 11, since D1 < D0, it can be quantified that the confidence level of point B is lower. Note that this is just an example, and there are various other methods for quantifying the confidence level.

[0102] Next, an implementation example of the terminal device 3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram of the terminal device 3 in Example 1. In FIG. 12, the terminal device 3 includes a camera 301, a tag reader 302, a touch panel 303, a processing device 304, a communication device 305, and a storage device 30, and these are connected to each other via a communication path.

[0103] [[ID=First, camera 301 is an example of identification information acquisition unit 32 in Fig. 4, and captures an image of clothing 7 and acquires image information. Tag reader 302 is also an example of identification information acquisition unit 32 in Fig. 4, and reads tag information identifying clothing 7 from a tag attached to clothing 7, such as an RFID tag. For this reason, tag reader 302 can be realized by, for example, a short-range wireless communication receiving function. Note that either camera 301 or tag reader 302 may be used, or camera 301 may read a two-dimensional code and be used as a tag reader.

[0104] The touch panel 303 also functions as the input unit 33 and output unit 34 of FIG. 4, accepting operations by the user 8 and displaying various information such as guidance information. For this reason, in FIG. 12, the guidance unit is realized by the touch panel 303. The touch panel 303 may be configured as an input device and an output device. The processing device 304 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and performs calculations in accordance with a clothing collection program 307 stored in a storage device 306, which will be described later.

[0105] The clothing collection program 307 is a program for executing the same functions as the clothing collection processing unit 36. Therefore, the processing device 304 executes the processing of the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​in accordance with the clothing collection program 307.

[0106] The storage device 306 also stores a clothing collection program 307 , photography information 308 , and tag information 309 .

[0107] Furthermore, the photographic information 308 is photographic information of the clothing 7 photographed by the camera 301. Furthermore, the tag information 309 is tag information read by the tag reader 302. Therefore, it is sufficient to use at least one of the photographic information 308 and the tag information 309. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the photographic information 308 and the tag information 309, information about the clothing 7 input by the user 8 to the touch panel 303 may be used as identification information.

[0108] The storage device 306 may be realized by a main storage device such as a memory and a secondary storage device (storage medium) that is a so-called storage. The secondary storage device may be realized by an external hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), memory card, or the like.

[0109] This concludes the description of the configuration of Example 1, and next, a description will be given of information used in Example 1. First, the wavelength information-fiber type correspondence table 151 is definition information that associates wavelength information with fiber types, and can be used to determine the fiber type from the wavelength information.

[0110] Next, the collection information 152 is information including specific information about the collected clothing 7, and is created by the collection information creation unit 26 of the clothing collection device 2. The collection information 152 is then notified to the clothing management device 1 from the clothing collection device 2. Therefore, the collection information 152 is stored in the clothing collection device 2 and the clothing management device 1.

[0111] FIG. 13 shows the collection information 152 used in Example 1. The collection information 152 has items such as a clothing ID and identification information for each piece of clothing 7. The clothing ID is an item that identifies the target clothing 7, and is assigned when the identification information or wavelength information is acquired. Therefore, the clothing ID does not need to identify the clothing 7 itself, but only needs to be able to identify the fiber type determination process.

[0112] The identification information is information about the clothing 7 acquired by the terminal device 3, and may be photograph information or tag information. Information input by the user 8 may also be used as the identification information. For example, a number written on a tag on the clothing 7 may also be used. Furthermore, the clothing ID and the identification information may be the same.

[0113] Next, the aggregated information 153 is information created based on the collection information 152. More specifically, the aggregated information 153 is information showing the results of aggregating the collection information 152 for each collection location. Figure 14 shows the aggregated information 153 used in Example 1. The aggregated information 153 has the following items for each collection location: clothing ID, identification information, wavelength information, fiber type, and reuse-related business. The collection location indicates the location where the clothing in question was collected. It is desirable to include information about the collected clothing collection device 2 as the collection location. This is particularly suitable when multiple clothing collection devices 2 are installed at the collection location.

[0114] Furthermore, the clothing ID and identification information, wavelength information, and fiber type are the same items as those in the collection information 152, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. The reuse-related business indicates the reuse-related business that will reuse each piece of clothing 7. This concludes the explanation of the information used in Example 1, and next, the processing flow of Example 1 will be explained.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the first embodiment. Note that, below, each step in FIG. 15 will be explained mainly using the configuration in FIG. 4. First, in step S31, the identification information acquisition unit 32 of the terminal device 3 acquires identification information of the clothing 7 to be collected in accordance with the operation of the user 8. For example, the camera 301 acquires photographic information of the clothing 7, and the tag reader 302 reads tag information. This identification information can be acquired anywhere, such as the user 8's home or the location where the clothing collection device 2 is installed.

[0116] Then, the user 8 carries the terminal device 3 and moves the clothes 7 to the location where the clothing collection device 2 is installed. At this time, in steps S32 and S21, pairing is performed between the terminal device 3 and the clothing collection device 2 according to the operation of the user 8 on the terminal device 3. Note that this step is not essential, and it is sufficient if the terminal device 3 and the clothing collection device 2 can execute the steps described below in which they work together.

[0117] In step S22, the guidance instruction unit 25 of the clothing collection device 2 creates guidance information that guides the user 8 on how to operate the clothing collection device 2 to acquire wavelength information, and notifies the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 21. This notification can be performed via short-range wireless communication or wireless LAN. The same applies to the communication between the clothing collection device 2 and the terminal device 3 described below.

[0118] Furthermore, in step S33, the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 receives guidance information from the clothing collection device 2. Then, in step S34, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​uses the output unit 34 to display the guidance information received by the communication unit 31. In this manner, the output unit 34 displays the guidance information. That is, the output unit 34 functions as a guidance unit. As this guidance information, for example, the installation position of the clothing 7, how to apply the measurement unit 23 to the clothing 7 (including the measurement position), and how to operate it can be used.

[0119] Then, the user 8 operates the clothing collecting device 2 according to the guidance information. As a result, in step S23, the spectroscopic unit 22 acquires wavelength information of the light detected by the measuring unit 23. Also, in step S24, under the control of the control unit 24, the communication unit 21 notifies the terminal device 3 of the acquired wavelength information.

[0120] Here, regarding steps S22 to S24, the guidance information, a method for obtaining wavelength information using the guidance information, and specific examples of this notification will be described. The guidance information includes the position at which the measurement unit 23 is to be placed on the clothing 7. Note that, although the configuration in which the guidance information is displayed by the output unit 34 has been shown in the first embodiment, the guidance information may be output by voice instead of or in addition to this.

[0121] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of guidance information for informing the measurement positions of the clothing 7 in Example 1. FIG. 16 shows measurement positions 70-1 to 70-3 in the clothing 7 measured by the measurement unit 23. The guidance information is created by the guidance instruction unit 25 based on the identification information. However, the identification information may be notified to the clothing management device 1, and the clothing management device 1 may create the guidance information. Furthermore, when photographing information is used as the identification information, the measurement positions 70-1 to 70-3 are superimposed on the photographing information (clothing 7), so that the guidance information shown in FIG. 16 can be created.

[0122] In the example shown in FIG. 16, measurement positions 70-1 to 70-3 are used for the lining, outer fabric, and pocket of the garment 7, respectively. This is because the lining, outer fabric, and pocket are determined to be made of different fibers. Specifically, the garment collection device 2 measures wavelength information (spectroscopic measurements such as near-infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and terahertz spectroscopy). To do this, the user 8 must easily and accurately position the measurement unit 23 at a predetermined location on the garment 7. However, garments 7 are not made from a single fiber; for example, in the case of a dress shirt, the pocket and collar may have different fibers.

[0123] For this reason, measurements must be taken at multiple locations, but it is difficult for the user 8 to determine where to measure. Furthermore, since it is expected that the clothing collection device 2 will be installed in various locations, it is necessary to reduce the influence of environmental light, such as sunlight. To achieve this, measurements must be taken after reducing these influences to a level that allows accurate discrimination. It is not easy for all users 8 to carry out these considerations. In other words, determining the measurement location and reducing the environmental influence become issues when identifying fiber types using light wavelength information in the clothing collection device 2. To solve these problems, the above-mentioned guidance information can be presented to the user 8, who can then follow the instructions to perform operations to obtain wavelength information.

[0124] Then, the user 8 places the measurement unit 23 at the measurement positions 70-1 to 70-3 on the clothing 7 and presses the sensing instruction button. This sensing instruction button may be displayed on the output unit 34 of the terminal device 3, or may be provided on the measurement unit 23, storage unit 28, etc. of the clothing collection device 2. In the former case, a measurement instruction is sent from the terminal device 3 to the paired clothing collection device 2. This measurement instruction is preferably sent via a short-range wireless communication function or wireless LAN.

[0125] Furthermore, in Example 1, wavelength information, which is the measurement result of the measurement unit 23, is notified to the terminal device 3, but it may also be notified to the clothing management device 1. Furthermore, a measurement instruction may be notified from the terminal device 3 to the clothing management device 1. In this case, the clothing management device 1 may acquire wavelength information from the clothing collection device 2 using this measurement instruction as a trigger. This is an example of another acquisition method for step S11, which will be described later. As described above, in Example 1, it is possible to convey a measurement instruction and acquire wavelength information in various ways.

[0126] Furthermore, when acquiring wavelength information, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​of the terminal device 3 may determine that the measurement unit 23 is placed at the measurement positions 70-1 to 70-3 from image information acquired from a camera, which is an example of the identification information acquisition unit 32. If the measurement unit 23 is not placed correctly when the sensing instruction button of the terminal device 3 is pressed, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​will output information to the output unit 34 informing the correct position. Here, the correct position means that the position of the measurement unit 23 is within a predetermined range from the measurement positions 70-1 to 70-3.

[0127] Furthermore, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​notifies the clothing management device 1 of the photographic information at the time the sensing button was pressed via the communication unit 31. The clothing management device 1 can then determine whether the measurement was performed correctly based on the wavelength information and the notified photographic information. In other words, by notifying the clothing management device 1 of the photographic information when the sensing instruction button was pressed and using it to guide the user 8 in obtaining wavelength information, the user 8 can perform the measurement operation accurately.

[0128] Furthermore, the acquisition of wavelength information in step S23 may be affected by external light. Therefore, a method for suppressing this effect will be described. Depending on how the measuring unit 23 is directed at the clothing 7, external light may enter the measuring unit 23 and affect the wavelength information. In cases where sunlight also enters the collection box or where halogen lamps are used as indoor lights, infrared light is included in the spectrum. For this reason, depending on the measurement conditions, such as when the measuring unit 23 is not in close contact with the clothing 7, external light may enter through the light receiving unit 2033 and affect the measurement results.

[0129] Therefore, as a method for correcting the effects of external light, the photographic information obtained when measuring wavelength information is utilized. The type of external light that is shining on the clothing 7 can be determined from the color of the clothing collection device 2 around the clothing 7 during measurement. Therefore, the effect of the color of the external light on the sensing data (near-infrared or mid-infrared) is quantified in advance and stored in the memory unit 27. For example, the control unit 24 obtains a correlation between the wavelength information and the color change of the clothing collection device 2 when there is no clothing 7 (or when a reference is being measured) while changing the external light. When the clothing 7 is actually measured, the control unit 24 utilizes this correlation to correct the acquired wavelength information or the measured light.

[0130] Furthermore, when photographic information of the clothing 7 is used as identification information, it is affected by external light. For this reason, it is preferable that a reference measurement object be located near the clothing 7 to be photographed. When photographing clothing 7 using the clothing collection device 2, it is sufficient to have a reference portion on the platform of the clothing collection device 2. Furthermore, if the entire platform of the clothing collection device 2 is painted a single color, or if a certain section is painted a single color, this can serve as the reference. Therefore, by checking how the color of the reference changes, it is possible to reduce the influence of external light. Furthermore, by measuring a photo of just the background and an image, which is an example of photographic information when clothing 7 is placed, and utilizing these, the accuracy of clothing identification can be improved. It is preferable that the reference be a scattering object. If the reference is a scattering object that scatters external light isotropically, it is possible to reduce the influence of external light that changes depending on the position at which the reference is photographed.

[0131] Returning to FIG. 15, the processing from step S35 onwards will be described. Then, in step S35, the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 receives wavelength information from the clothing collection device 2. Also, in step S36, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​of the terminal device 3 associates the received wavelength information with the identification information acquired in step S31. Then, in step S37, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​notifies the clothing management device 1 of the associated wavelength information and identification information using the communication unit 31. This notification may be via a mobile phone network or via the Internet via a wireless LAN. The same applies to notifications from the clothing management device 1, the terminal device 3 and the clothing collection device 2 below.

[0132] In step S11, the communication unit 11 of the clothing management device 1 receives the notified wavelength information and identification information. Then, in step S12, the clothing discrimination unit 12 discriminates the fiber type of the clothing 7 based on the received wavelength information. This discrimination can be achieved as described in FIGS. 9A to 11.

[0133] The fiber type determination in step S12 may also be performed using imaging information, which is specific information. First, even in near-infrared light, it is difficult to distinguish between cellulosic fibers, such as rayon and cotton, or between protein fibers, such as wool and silk. Therefore, the accuracy of the determination can be improved by also using imaging information. The clothing identification unit 12 predicts the likely fibers used in the clothing 7 based on the shape, gloss, and drape of the clothing 7 obtained from the imaging information, and determines the fibers in combination with the results obtained from the near-infrared wavelength information. Therefore, in step S37, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​also notifies the communication unit 31 of the imaging information. Furthermore, gloss may be quantified from the signal value of the sensor 203 in the configuration shown in FIG. 7E, rather than the imaging information. Therefore, the signal value of the sensor 203 is notified from the clothing collection device 2 to the clothing management device 1. In this case, the notification may be sent via the terminal device 3 in step S37.

[0134] 11, the fiber type is determined taking into consideration the confidence factor, but the confidence factor may also be calculated taking into consideration the image capture information. For example, since dark-colored clothing 7 is prone to misidentification, the confidence factor threshold may be dynamically set higher. In other words, by determining the fiber type using the image capture information and the confidence factor, it is possible to further improve the determination accuracy.

[0135] Then, in step S13, the clothing discrimination unit 12 notifies the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 11 of an instruction to collect the clothing 7, including the identified fiber type of the clothing 7. Note that step S13 may be executed to notify the instruction to collect the clothing 7 on the condition that the fiber type has been identified in step S12 or that the clothing of the identified fiber type is collectible.

[0136] Then, in step S38, the communication unit 31 of the terminal device 3 accepts the collection instruction. Furthermore, in step S39, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​uses the output unit 34 to display the collection instruction accepted by the communication unit 31. Here, it is desirable that this collection instruction include information indicating the fiber type and information specifying one of the storage shelves 280-1 to 280-3 corresponding to the fiber type. As a result, the user 8 can store the clothing 7 in the storage shelf 280 corresponding to the fiber type. The collection instruction may also include information specifying one of the storage doors 207-1 to 207-3. In this way, the collection instruction is a type of guidance information, and the output unit 34 can function as a guidance unit.

[0137] The storage of the clothing 7 in the clothing collection device 2 may be performed as follows: The clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​of the terminal device 3 notifies the clothing collection device 2 of a collection instruction via the communication unit 31. Then, the control unit 24 of the clothing collection device 2 controls the actuator 206 in accordance with the collection instruction received by the communication unit 21 to open or unlock the storage door 207 corresponding to the identified fiber type. As a result, the user 8 can store the clothing 7 in the storage shelf 280 corresponding to the fiber type. Incidentally, lighting such as LEDs may be installed on the storage shelf 280 or storage door 207 of the clothing collection device 2, and the control unit 24 may turn on the lighting corresponding to the identified fiber type to guide the user 8 to the storage location.

[0138] In addition, in step S390, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​notifies the clothing collection device 2 via the communication unit 31 of the clothing ID, identification information, and fiber type of the target clothing 7.

[0139] Then, in step S25, the communication unit 21 of the clothing collection device 2 receives the clothing ID, the identification information, and the fiber type. Then, in step S26, the control unit 24 determines whether the clothing 7 has been collected, i.e., stored in the storage shelf 280. To do this, the control unit 24 may detect that the storage door 207 has been closed or locked, or may detect storage using a sensor provided on the storage shelf 280. The control unit 24 may also receive a notification from the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 21 that the clothing has been stored, and determine that the clothing has been stored.

[0140] As a result, if the clothing 7 has been collected (YES), the process proceeds to step S27. If the clothing 7 has not been collected, step S26 is repeated to continue determining whether the clothing 7 has been collected.

[0141] In step S27, the collection information creation unit 26 uses the received clothing ID, identification information, fiber type, and wavelength information acquired in step S23 to create collection information 152. Then, in step S28, the collection information creation unit 26 notifies the clothing management device 1 via the communication unit 21 of the created collection information 152.

[0142] In step S14, the communication unit 11 of the clothing management device 1 receives collection information 152. The collection information 152 is stored in the memory unit 15. In step S15, the aggregate information creation unit 14 creates aggregate information 153 based on the collection information 152. That is, multiple pieces of collection information 152 are aggregated, and the collection location and reuse-related business are added to create the aggregate information 153. Here, the collection location can be identified by the source of the notification in step S28. The reuse-related business can be identified by the fiber type and clothing ID included in the collection information 152. Information about the reuse-related business may be determined in a prior step, or may be assigned in step S15 based on some kind of contract. Alternatively, the information may be left blank in step S15, and the reuse-related business may decide to accept the garment based on the aggregate information after step S41.

[0143] Furthermore, in step S16, the aggregated information creation unit 14 notifies the relevant aggregated information 153 to the reuse-related business system 4 via the communication unit 11. That is, the aggregated information creation unit 14 extracts the aggregated information 153 of the relevant reuse-related business from the aggregated information 153, and notifies the relevant reuse-related business system 4 of the extracted information.

[0144] Then, in step S41, the reuse-related business system 4 receives the tally information creation unit 14. As a result, the reuse-related business can reuse or recycle the collected clothing 7.

[0145] Here, specific examples of steps S39 to S41 will be described. For example, in step S39, the output unit 34 displays a collection instruction saying, "Put the clothing 7 in the storage shelf 280-1." If there is only one storage shelf 280 and no selection is required, the display may say, "Put the clothing 7 in the storage shelf," or if a tag such as an RFID tag is to be attached to the clothing 7, the display may say, "Attach an RFID tag and put it in the storage shelf." After these instructions are displayed, the user 8 places the clothing 7 in the storage shelf 280.

[0146] When the clothing 7 is placed in the storage shelf 280, the weight sensor detects it. Then, the communication unit 21 notifies the clothing management device 1 of the collection information 152. Here, the collection information 152 may be information different from that described above. In other words, the clothing ID, weight, and identification information of the clothing collection device 2 (clothing collection device in FIG. 14) are transmitted.

[0147] The tally information creation unit 14 of the clothing management device 1 then associates this collection information with the fiber type and creates the tally information 153. At this time, the amount of each fiber type stored in the multiple clothing collection devices 2 is tallied. The tally information creation unit 14 then notifies the reuse-related trader system 4 of the amount of fiber already collected or planned, as indicated in the tally information 153. As a result, the reuse-related trader adjusts the production volume of fiber raw materials based on this amount of fiber. Note that it is not necessary to detect that the clothing 7 has been stored in the storage shelf 280, but it is better to do so to ensure traceability. This method does not necessarily rely on weight detection, but may also utilize images captured by a terminal, etc.

[0148] Furthermore, it is desirable for the storage unit 15 of the clothing management device 1 to store collection amount information indicating the collection amount of a single fiber, such as polyester or cotton. This information can be included in the aggregate information 153. Using the collection amount information, the collection amount of materials that are easy to chemically recycle can be determined. Therefore, reuse-related businesses can adjust production volume through chemical recycling in accordance with this collection amount information. In other words, by disclosing the aggregate information 153 and collection information to reuse-related businesses such as chemical recyclers, production adjustments can be easily made. Furthermore, even blended fibers, such as cotton and polyester, can be chemically recycled. Therefore, providing collection amount information promotes chemical recycling. Furthermore, the amount of collected clothing 7 is the amount of raw material for recycling businesses. For this reason, it is important to promptly upload the determination results to the clothing management device 1 and make the collection amount information and aggregate information 153 public.

[0149] Furthermore, by offering incentives such as points or coupons to users 8 who store clothing 7 in the clothing collection device 2, it is possible to motivate users 8 and increase the amount of clothing collected. Users 8 can obtain some kind of benefit by earning points or coupons, such as by charging them as electronic money, exchanging them for goods, or receiving services. In this example, points can be awarded via the terminal device 3 of the user 8, but this is not limiting and points can also be awarded to a point card or the like that is created and points can be awarded to the card.

[0150] The terminal device 3 may be a terminal device attached to the clothing collection device 2, but by using it as a personal terminal device of the user 8, the user 8 can take photos of the clothing 7 without hesitation at home rather than in a public place (privacy is protected). In addition, by using a personal terminal device, points can be awarded easily, history can be viewed, etc.

[0151] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. First, another example of acquiring specific information in step S31 will be described. If the clothing 7 has a tag, the specific information acquisition unit 32 captures an image of the clothing 7 including the tag. In this case, the guidance and instruction unit 25 of the clothing collection device 2 or the clothing management device 1 specifies a measurement position taking into consideration the tag information.

[0152] Also, acquisition of the specific information in step S31 may be omitted. Also, the storage shelf 280 storing the clothing 7 may be determined based on the image captured by the measurement unit 23.

[0153] Furthermore, when storing clothing 7, user 8 may attach a tag such as an RFID tag to clothing 7 to identify the clothing ID. If tags are attached and a waste textile business is involved as shown in Figure 2, the waste textile business can sort the clothing 7 based on the clothing ID on the tag. For this reason, it is not necessary to separate storage shelves 280 by fiber type as shown in Figure 6A. If the waste textile business sorts clothing 7 according to the clothing ID on the tag, the process of sorting clothing 7 using a sensor or the like can be omitted, reducing the burden on the waste textile business.

[0154] In step S26, the clothing collection device 2 may determine that the clothing 7 has been collected by detecting a change in weight or by detecting with an optical sensor that the corresponding storage door 207 has opened and the clothing 7 has been placed inside. Furthermore, the clothing collection device 2 may determine that the clothing 7 has been placed by detecting the user 8's placement from a video or still image taken by the terminal device 3. This concludes the description of the first embodiment. [Example]

[0155] In the second embodiment, guidance information is displayed by the clothing collection device 2. In the second embodiment, communication between the clothing collection device 2 and the terminal device 3 is performed via a wireless LAN using a communication device 9. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. First, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the clothing collection system in the first embodiment. In FIG. 17, compared to the clothing collection system of the first embodiment, a communication device 9 that can be realized by a router or the like is added. Also, a guidance unit 29 is added to the clothing collection device 2. These are described below.

[0156] First, the communication device 9 is a device that constitutes a wireless LAN and mediates communication between the clothing collection device 2 and the terminal device 3. In other words, communication between the clothing collection device 2 and the terminal device 3 can be performed via the communication device 9. Furthermore, communication between the clothing collection device 2 and the terminal device 3 and the clothing management device 1 via the network 6 is also performed via the communication device 9.

[0157] The guidance unit 29 also outputs guidance information created by the guidance instruction unit 25. The guidance information may be displayed or output as audio, as in the first embodiment. However, the following description will be given using an example in which the information is displayed. Other devices, information, wavelength information, etc., such as the clothing management device 1, the terminal device 3, and the reuse-related business system 4, are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0158] Next, FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of the clothing collecting device 2 in Example 2. Compared to FIG. 6A, the clothing collecting device 2 shown in FIG. 18 has an additional guide device 290. This configuration corresponds to the guide unit 29 in FIG. 17, and can be realized by a display device that displays guide information. The displayed content is the same as that displayed by the output unit 34 in Example 1. Note that, with regard to the functional blocks related to information processing and control of the clothing collecting device 2 in Example 2 corresponding to FIG. 6B, only the guide device 290 has been added compared to Example 1 (FIG. 6B), and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0159] Next, a description will be given of the processing flow in Example 2. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in Example 2. First, in step S301, similar to step S31, the specific information acquisition unit 32 of the terminal device 3 acquires specific information of the clothing 7 to be collected in accordance with the operation of the user 8.

[0160] Furthermore, in step S302, the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​notifies the clothing collection device 2 of the acquired specific information using the communication unit 31. At this time, the notification of the specific information may be performed via the communication device 9. Furthermore, in step S201, the communication unit 21 of the clothing collection device 2 receives the specific information. Furthermore, in step S202, similar to step S22, the guidance instruction unit 25 creates guidance information that guides the user 8 on the operation of the clothing collection device 2 to acquire the wavelength information. Then, in step S203, the guidance instruction unit 25 displays the created guidance information on the guidance unit 29. This guidance information itself is the same as in Example 1.

[0161] Then, similar to the first embodiment, the user 8 operates the clothing collection device 2 according to the guidance information. That is, in step S203, the clothing collection device 2 accepts the operation of the user 8. As a result, in step S204, similar to step S23, the spectroscopic unit 22 acquires wavelength information of the light detected by the measurement unit 23.

[0162] Furthermore, in step S205, the control unit 24 associates the identification information received in step S201 with the wavelength information acquired in step S204. This can be performed by processing similar to step S36 executed by the clothing collection processing unit 36 ​​in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in step S206, the control unit 24 notifies the communication device 9 of the associated wavelength information and identification information using the communication unit 21. In response to this, in step S901, the communication device 9 transfers the wavelength information and identification information to the clothing management device 1. As a result, the clothing collection device 2 notifies the clothing management device 1 of the wavelength information and identification information via the communication device 9.

[0163] Then, the same processes as in step S11 to step S13 are executed as in embodiment 1. However, in step S13, a collection instruction is notified to the communication device 9. Therefore, in step S902, the communication device 9 transfers the collection instruction to the clothing collection device 2.

[0164] In step S207, the communication unit 21 of the clothing collection device 2 receives a collection instruction. In step S208, the control unit 24 displays the collection instruction on the guidance unit 29. This process can be performed in the same manner as step S39 in the first embodiment. Then, the same process as step S26 in the first embodiment is performed. The clothing ID and identification information used in these steps can be obtained in step S201. The fiber type may be included in the collection instruction received in step S207, or may be obtained separately from the clothing management device 1.

[0165] This concludes the description of Examples 1 and 2, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, each process in Examples 1 and 2 may be performed by any of the clothing management device 1, the clothing collection device 2, and the terminal device 3. In particular, each process may be performed by each of these devices alone, or may be performed by two devices in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, at least a part of each process in Examples 1 and 2 may be performed by another device. Therefore, the components (units) that make up each device may be provided in another device.

[0166] Furthermore, in the future, it is possible that clothing recycling will be considered from the design stage of clothing 7, and clothing 7 will be manufactured using a single fiber. In this case, there will be no need to photograph clothing 7 to determine multiple measurement points. However, photographing clothing 7 has various advantages, such as suppressing the influence of external light, identifying the fiber type in combination with photographing information from the terminal device 3, and detecting the sorting and storage of clothing 7. In such a case, step S31 in Example 1 and step S301 in Example 2 can be omitted. Furthermore, acquisition of wavelength information in step S23 in Example 1 and step S204 in Example 2 can be simplified. For example, photographing for determining the influence of external light or the type of clothing can be performed in step S23 or step S204.

[0167] Furthermore, the photographing for storage detection can be performed when the user 8 stores the clothing 7 in the storage shelf 280. Furthermore, by attaching the terminal device 3 to the clothing collection device 2, the pairing of steps S32 and S21 can be omitted. Furthermore, although some steps may be omitted depending on the condition of the clothing 7, using the terminal device 3 has the effect of making it easier to identify the fiber type. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1...Clothing management device, 11...Communication unit, 12...Clothing discrimination unit, 13...Storage instruction unit, 14...Aggregated information creation unit, 15...Memory unit, 151...Wavelength information-fiber type correspondence table, 152...Collection information, 153...Aggregated information, 2...Clothing collection device, 21...Communication unit, 22...Spectroscopic unit, 23...Measuring unit, 24...Control unit, 25...Guidance instruction unit, 26...Collection information creation unit, 27...Memory unit, 28...Storage unit, 29...Guidance unit, 3...Terminal device, 31...Communication unit, 32...Specific information acquisition unit, 33...Input unit, 34...Output unit, 35...Memory unit, 36...Clothing collection processing unit, 4...Reuse-related business system, 5...Management terminal device, 6...Network, 7...Clothing, 8...User, 9...Communication equipment

Claims

1. A clothing collection system having a clothing collection device that collects and stores clothing, and a clothing management device that is connected to the clothing collection device and manages the stored clothing, a measuring unit that detects light from the clothing; a spectroscopic unit that acquires wavelength information of the detected light from the clothing; a clothing discrimination unit that discriminates the fiber type of the clothing based on the wavelength information; a guidance unit that outputs guidance information that guides a user in an operation for acquiring the wavelength information; The clothing collection system has a storage unit that stores clothing whose fiber type has been determined when the user performs an operation in accordance with the guidance information.

2. The clothing collection system according to claim 1, Further, a storage instruction unit is provided for creating instructions for storing the clothing in the storage unit according to the fiber type, The guidance unit is a clothing collection system that outputs the storage instruction.

3. The clothing collection system according to claim 2, the storage instruction unit determines whether the clothing can be stored according to the fiber type; The guidance unit is a clothing collection system that outputs guidance information indicating whether the clothing can be stored.

4. The clothing collection system according to claim 3, The clothing collection system further includes a control unit that controls the storage unit to allow the clothing to be stored when the storage instruction unit determines that the clothing can be stored.

5. The clothing collection system according to claim 2, The storage unit has a plurality of storage areas for each fiber type, The storage instruction unit creates the storage instruction, which instructs storage in a storage area according to the determined fiber type.

6. The clothing collection system according to claim 1, moreover, a clothing identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information for identifying the clothing; A clothing collection system having a memory unit that stores the specific information and the fiber type in association with each other.

7. The clothing collection system according to claim 6, A clothing collection system in which the clothing identification information acquisition unit is a photographing unit that photographs the clothing and acquires image information of the clothing as the identification information, or a reading unit that reads the identification information of the clothing attached to the clothing as the identification information.

8. The clothing collection system according to claim 6 or 7, The memory unit is a clothing collection system included in the clothing management device.

9. The clothing collection system according to claim 7, a terminal device having a communication unit that communicates with the photographing unit, the guidance unit, and the clothing collection device; the terminal device receives the wavelength information from the clothing collection device; The clothing identification unit is a clothing collection system that identifies the fiber type of the clothing based on the received wavelength information.

10. The clothing collection system according to claim 9, the communication unit connects to the clothing management device and notifies the clothing management device of the wavelength information; The clothing management system includes a clothing discrimination unit that discriminates the fiber type of the clothing based on the wavelength information.

11. The clothing collection system according to claim 9, The terminal device is a clothing collection system having the clothing discrimination unit.

12. The clothing collection system according to claim 1, The guide unit is a clothing collection system provided in the clothing collection device.

13. The clothing collection system according to claim 1, Further, a light source for irradiating the garment with irradiation light is provided, the measuring unit detects scattered light of the irradiated light as light from the clothing; The spectroscopic unit acquires wavelength information of the scattered light.

14. A clothing collection device that collects and stores clothing, and is connected to a clothing management device that manages the stored clothing, a sensor for detecting light from the clothing; a spectroscopic unit that acquires wavelength information of the detected light from the clothing; a guidance unit that outputs guidance information that guides a user in an operation for acquiring the wavelength information; a communication unit that notifies the clothing management device of the wavelength information and receives information based on the fiber type of the clothing determined by the clothing management device based on the wavelength information; The clothing collection device has a storage unit that stores the clothing whose fiber type has been determined when the user performs an operation in accordance with the guidance information.

15. A clothing management device that is connected to a clothing recovery device that collects and stores clothing and manages the stored clothing, a communication unit that receives wavelength information of the clothing from the clothing collection device, the wavelength information being acquired in accordance with a user's operation indicated by guidance information output by a guidance unit of the clothing collection device; a clothing discrimination unit that discriminates the fiber type of the clothing based on the received wavelength information; The communication unit notifies the clothing collection device of the fiber type, The clothing collection device is a clothing management device having a storage section for storing the clothing whose fiber type has been identified.

Images