Information processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To improve a technique for acquiring information on illegally dumped waste and collecting the waste.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires waste information including position information of the discarded waste. The storage unit stores the waste information acquired from the acquisition unit. The controller generates, based on the waste information, map information to which the position information indicating the position where the waste has been dumped is added.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the use of images captured by satellites has been proposed as a method for locating waste dumping sites (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this method, images captured from the sky at the same location at different times are compared, and the possibility that waste has been illegally dumped is determined by determining changes in spatial characteristics. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-310052 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using satellite images as in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is not always clear whether changes between images taken at different times are due to dumped waste. Also, this method is easily affected by changes in image brightness due to weather, time of day, etc. Furthermore, this method may make it difficult to find small pieces of waste.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of the present disclosure, which has been made with these points in mind, is to improve the technology for obtaining information on illegally dumped waste and recovering the waste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires waste information including location information of dumped waste, a storage unit that stores the waste information acquired from the acquisition unit, and a control unit that generates map information to which the location information of the dumped waste has been added based on the waste information. According to the information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, waste information including location information of dumped waste is acquired and map information to which the location information of the dumped waste has been added is generated, thereby generating highly reliable waste information and enabling waste collection. Therefore, this information processing device can improve technology for acquiring information on illegally dumped waste and collecting waste.

[0007] (2) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (1) above, wherein the waste information can include image information of the waste and its surroundings. With an information processing device having such a configuration, location information of the waste dumped and information about the surroundings of the location where the waste is dumped can be obtained from the image information. This information can be used to determine the urgency or importance of collecting the waste.

[0008] (3) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the control unit can be configured to provide an incentive to a user who has provided the waste information based on the waste information. An information processing device having such a configuration can motivate users to provide waste information, making it easier to collect waste information.

[0009] (4) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (3) above, wherein the waste information includes at least one of information on the amount, type, and size of the waste, and the control unit can determine an incentive to be given to the user based on at least the information on the amount, type, or size of the waste. An information processing device having such a configuration can motivate users to provide information on specific waste, such as waste in urgent need of collection.

[0010] (5) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (4) above, and is capable of determining a route for collecting the plurality of waste items based on the location information of the plurality of waste items. With this information processing device, an efficient route for collecting the waste items can be provided to a waste collector, thereby facilitating waste collection.

[0011] (6) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (5) above, wherein the waste information includes information on the type of waste, and the control unit can determine whether to collect the waste based on the information on the type of waste and the location information. With an information processing device having such a configuration, if it cannot be determined that the item for which waste information has been obtained has been illegally dumped based on the type of waste and the location information, collection can be refused.

[0012] (7) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the acquisition unit can acquire the waste information from a portable information terminal capable of detecting location information. An information processing device having such a configuration makes it possible to collect waste information from a large number of users who own portable information terminals, including smartphones. Therefore, the information processing device can collect a large amount of waste information. Furthermore, since the user visually confirms that the waste is actually illegally dumped, there is a low risk of misidentifying something that is not waste as waste, and the certainty that it is waste is increased.

[0013] (8) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the acquisition unit can acquire the waste information from a vehicle capable of detecting location information. An information processing device having such a configuration makes it possible to collect waste information from many vehicles with a wide range of movement. Therefore, the information processing device can collect a large amount of waste information. Furthermore, since the user driving the vehicle visually confirms that the waste is actually illegally dumped, there is a low risk of misidentifying non-waste as waste, and highly reliable waste information can be generated.

[0014] (9) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the waste may include tires. The information processing device having such a configuration can promote the collection of waste tires that may be illegally dumped and left abandoned.

[0015] (10) A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process including acquiring waste information including location information of dumped waste, storing the waste information, and generating map information to which the location information of the dumped waste is added based on the waste information. According to the program according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device equipped with the program acquires waste information including location information of dumped waste and generates map information to which the location information of the dumped waste is added. This makes it possible to generate and display waste information with high reliability. Therefore, it is possible to improve the technology for acquiring information on illegally dumped waste and recovering waste. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the technology for obtaining information on illegally dumped waste and recovering the waste. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a waste information management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by the information processing device when acquiring waste information. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by an information processing device when a waste collector collects waste. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a waste collection route. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (Overall structure of waste information management system) FIG. 1 shows a waste information management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The waste information management system 1 is a system that collects location information of illegally dumped waste and promotes waste collection. In this disclosure, waste includes illegally dumped tires, home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, bicycles, and furniture products. Waste may or may not have commercial value. Waste may also include solar panels and storage batteries that can no longer be used. Targeting tires as waste can promote the collection of waste tires that may otherwise be illegally dumped and left abandoned.

[0020] The waste information management system 1 may include an information processing device 10, a user terminal 20, an in-vehicle device 30, and a collector terminal 40, which are communicably connected to each other via a network 50. In Fig. 1, one each of the information processing device 10, the user terminal 20, the in-vehicle device 30, and the collector terminal 40 is shown, but there may be multiple of each.

[0021] The user terminal 20 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or portable information terminal owned by a registered user. The in-vehicle device 30 is a device mounted in a vehicle used by a registered user. The user terminal 20 and the in-vehicle device 30 may be equipped with an application compatible with the waste information management system 1. When a user discovers illegally dumped waste while on foot or in a vehicle, the user can use the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30 to send information about the waste, including location information of the dumped waste, to the information processing device 10.

[0022] By collecting waste information from the user terminal 20, the information processing device 10 can collect waste information from many users who have portable information terminals, including smartphones. Furthermore, the upstream processing device 10 can obtain information on waste dumped in places where vehicular roads are not available. Therefore, the information processing device can collect a large amount of waste information. Furthermore, by collecting waste information from the in-vehicle device 30, the information processing device 10 can efficiently collect waste information from many vehicles with a wide range of movement. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can collect a large amount of waste information. Furthermore, whether waste information is obtained from the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30, the user visually confirms that the waste is actually illegally dumped, so there is little risk of misidentifying something that is not waste as waste. Therefore, waste information can be collected with high reliability.

[0023] The information processing device 10 acquires and sequentially stores waste information. The information processing device 10 manages the waste information. The information processing device 10 can generate map information including the location where the waste has been dumped based on the location information. The information processing device 10 can provide incentives to users who provide waste information. The incentives include various benefits that motivate users to provide waste information to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 can transmit map information showing the location information of the waste to the waste collector terminal 40 of the waste collector that collects the waste, thereby promoting waste collection. The information processing device 10 can transmit efficient routes for collecting the waste to the collector terminal 40.

[0024] Each component of the waste information management system 1 will be described below.

[0025] (Configuration of information processing device) The information processing device 10 is any computer including a PC (Personal Computer) server, a workstation, etc. The information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13, as shown in FIG.

[0026] The communication unit 11 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface may be either a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation), and / or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0027] The communication unit 11 can acquire information about users who provide waste information from the user terminal 20 and / or the in-vehicle device 30. The communication unit 11 functions as an acquisition unit. Users can register their own information in advance in the information processing device 10 from the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30. The communication unit 11 can acquire waste information from the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30 of a registered user or, in some cases, a user before registration. The communication unit 11 can also transmit information about incentives to the user terminal 20 and / or the in-vehicle device 30. Furthermore, the communication unit 11 can transmit map information with location information of waste and / or routes for efficiently collecting multiple waste items to the collector terminal 40.

[0028] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 12 executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 10 while controlling each unit of the information processing device 10.

[0029] The control unit 12 stores the waste information acquired via the communication unit 11 in the memory unit 13. When the control unit 12 acquires waste information from the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30, it determines an incentive to be granted to the user based on the waste information. The incentive may be granted to the user as points. The control unit 12 stores the points granted to each user in the memory unit 13. When a request for exchanging points for a benefit is made by the user terminal 20, the control unit 12 grants the benefit to the user in exchange for part or all of the accumulated points based on the point information stored in the memory unit 13. If the benefit is electronic information, it may be sent to the user terminal 20. If the benefit is an item, the information processing device 10 may execute a process to mail the benefit to the user.

[0030] The waste information may include location information of the dumped waste, image information of the dumped waste, information on the amount of waste, information on the type of waste, and information on the size of the waste. The location information of the waste may be latitude and longitude information. The location information of the waste may be information included in the image information of the waste. The amount of waste includes the quantity and / or weight of the waste. The types of waste include tires, home appliances, bicycles, furniture, etc. The control unit 12 may award points to the user according to the amount, type, and size of the waste. This can motivate the user to provide information on specific waste, such as waste that urgently needs collection. For example, specific waste may include items that, if left unattended, will have a negative impact on the environment.

[0031] The control unit 12 can generate map information by adding location information of where the waste was dumped to the map information stored in the memory unit 13. That is, the control unit 12 can generate a waste map in which the location of the waste is displayed on a map. The control unit 12 can calculate a waste collection route, which is an efficient driving route for a collection vehicle to collect the waste. For example, when the control unit 12 receives a request from the collector terminal 40 via the communication unit 11, it can transmit a waste map in which the waste collection route is displayed to the collector terminal 40. The waste collection route is not particularly limited, and waste selected by specifying criteria and / or classifications such as a specific size of waste, a specific type, amount of waste, urgency, etc. as necessary may be displayed.

[0032] The storage unit 13 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 13 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores programs and data used in the operation of the information processing device 10, and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10. The information stored in the storage unit 13 may be updatable, for example, with information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 11.

[0033] The storage unit 13 includes a waste information DB 14, an incentive information DB 15, and a map information DB 16. Each "DB" means a database. In this embodiment, the database may be a database managed by a database management system, or may be a file in any format that includes tabular information, etc.

[0034] The waste information DB 14 accumulates and manages waste information. The waste information accumulated in the waste information DB may include information such as the date and time the waste was discovered, the location where the waste was dumped, the type of waste, the shape, size, and quantity of the waste, and whether the waste is yet to be collected or has already been collected. Information on the type, shape, size, and quantity of the waste may be automatically recognized from images of the waste captured by the information processing device 10. Furthermore, the waste information may include information on the user who provided the waste information. The user information may include user identification information such as a user ID, and information indicating whether the user is an individual or a business.

[0035] Furthermore, based on the location information and images of the area around the location where the waste was dumped, the information processing device 10 may determine the importance of the waste and / or the urgency of waste collection, and store the results in the waste information DB 14. For example, if waste is dumped on a slope that slopes toward a road close to the road, there is a risk that the waste will roll down onto the road and therefore urgent collection is required. Also, for example, if the waste is located within a river bank, there is a risk that it will be washed away if the river floods, so there is a risk that it will be washed away and therefore urgent collection is required. Furthermore, for example, larger waste may be determined to be more important than smaller waste.

[0036] The incentive information DB 15 manages information on incentives to be granted to users. When incentives are granted to users as points, the incentive information DB 15 manages the acquisition and use of points for each user, as well as the cumulative total of points. The incentive information DB 15 manages, for example, information on grantable benefits and the points required to grant the benefits, as well as historical information on the granting of benefits for each user.

[0037] The map information DB 16 stores map information of the area where waste information is managed by the information processing device 10. The map information DB 16 stores information on roads that can be used by vehicles of waste collectors.

[0038] Although the information processing device 10 in FIG. 1 does not include an input unit and an output unit, the information processing device 10 may further include an input unit and an output unit. That is, the information processing device 10 may receive (input) and transmit (output) information via the communication unit 11, and may also input and output information using the input unit and output unit included in the information processing device 10. The input unit may include one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touch panel, a camera, etc., as well as input interfaces for these devices. The output unit may include one or more of a display, a speaker, a warning light, and output interfaces for these devices or another computer.

[0039] The information processing device 10 may be realized by a single piece of hardware, but the functions and databases of the information processing device 10 may be distributed and arranged across multiple pieces of hardware.

[0040] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by executing a program relating to the information processing method of this embodiment on a processor corresponding to the control unit 12. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 10, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 in accordance with the program.

[0041] In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes non-transitory computer-readable media, such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium, such as a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), on which the program is recorded. The program can also be distributed by storing the program in the storage of an external server and transmitting the program from the external server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0042] (User terminal configuration) The user terminal 20 is a computer including, for example, a tablet computer and a smartphone. The user terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, an input / output unit 23, a position detection unit 24, and a camera 25.

[0043] Like the communication unit 11 of the information processing device 10, the communication unit 21 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. Like the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10, the control unit 22 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0044] The input / output unit 23 is, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display for display. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, but is not limited to these. The input / output unit 23 may include an input / output interface for connecting to an external device. The external device includes, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, a barcode reader, etc., but is not limited to these. The RFID reader can acquire information about the waste from an RFID tag (IC tag) attached to the waste. Furthermore, the barcode reader can acquire information about the waste from one-dimensional codes such as JAN codes and UPC codes, or two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) and PDF417 codes attached to the waste. For example, in the case of tires, the production date and time, inspection information, etc. are recorded on the RFID tag attached inside.

[0045] The position detection unit 24 detects position information such as the latitude and longitude of the current position. The position detection unit 24 includes, for example, a receiver compatible with the Global Positioning System (GPS). The position detection unit 24 is not limited to this and may include a receiver compatible with any Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The user terminal 20 can transmit the position information detected by the position detection unit 24 to the outside via the communication unit 21. The camera 25 captures images of the outside of the user terminal 20 in response to a user operation. The camera 25 may be used to capture images of illegally dumped waste. The image data of the waste may include position information of the location where the waste was dumped, detected by the position detection unit 24.

[0046] When a user carrying the user terminal 20 finds illegally dumped waste, the user can take an image of the waste with the camera 25 and operate the input / output unit 23 to transmit the captured image to the information processing device 10 together with location information detected by the location detection unit 24. If information can be obtained from an RFID tag attached to the waste using an RFID reader connected to the user terminal 20, the user may transmit information about the waste obtained from the RFID tag, one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, etc. to the information processing device 10.

[0047] (vehicle) The on-vehicle device 30 is mounted on a vehicle. Vehicles that can mount the on-vehicle device 30 include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. Four-wheeled vehicles include, but are not limited to, standard automobiles, including buses, freight vehicles, and large passenger cars; compact automobiles, including small freight vehicles and small passenger cars; light automobiles, including light freight vehicles and light passenger cars; and large or small specialized vehicles. Furthermore, two-wheeled vehicles include, but are not limited to, mopeds, standard motorcycles, large motorcycles, small motorized bicycles, and specified small motorized bicycles. The vehicle may be a private vehicle or a commercial vehicle.

[0048] (Configuration of in-vehicle device) The in-vehicle device 30 is an information device mounted on a vehicle. The in-vehicle device 30 may include a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, an input / output unit 33, a position detection unit 34, and a camera 35. The in-vehicle device 30 may be configured integrally with a navigation system of the vehicle. The communication unit 31, the control unit 32, the input / output unit 33, and the position detection unit 34 may be common components of the navigation system. The camera 35 may be common components of a camera for monitoring the forward direction provided in the vehicle. The communication unit 31, the control unit 32, the input / output unit 33, the position detection unit 34, and the camera 35 are similar to the communication unit 21, the control unit 22, the input / output unit 23, the position detection unit 24, and the camera 25 of the user terminal 20, respectively, and therefore further description will be omitted.

[0049] When a user driving a vehicle finds waste illegally dumped beside the road while driving, the user can operate the input / output unit 33 to capture an image of the waste with the camera 35 and transmit the image to the information processing device 10 together with location information detected by the location detection unit 34. In addition, if the in-vehicle device 30 stores camera images for a certain period of time, the user may be able to search for an image of the waste from the stored images after finishing driving the vehicle and transmit the image to the information processing device 10.

[0050] The same user may have both the user terminal 20 and the in-vehicle device 30. The user can provide waste information to the information processing device 10 using either the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30. The user can acquire a combined incentive by providing waste information using the user terminal 20 and by providing waste information using the in-vehicle device 30. However, if the user provides waste information for the same waste using both the user terminal 20 and the in-vehicle device 30, the user can acquire an incentive based only on the waste information provided by either the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30. Furthermore, if it is determined that the user has provided waste information for the same waste more than once, the user can acquire an incentive only once. Furthermore, if multiple users provide waste information for the same waste, the information processing device 10 may grant each user the same incentive as if each user had provided waste information alone, or may allocate incentives according to the number of users who provided information. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may establish a magnitude relationship between the incentives granted according to user information, etc.

[0051] (Collector terminal) The collector terminal 40 includes a tablet computer and a smartphone carried by a waste collector. The waste collector belongs to, for example, a business operator or a local government that collects waste. The collector terminal 40 may also be an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle driven by the waste collector. The collector terminal 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, an input / output unit 43, and a position detection unit 44. The communication unit 41, the control unit 42, the input / output unit 43, and the position detection unit 44 are similar to the communication unit 21, the control unit 22, the input / output unit 23, and the position detection unit 24 of the user terminal 20, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] A waste collector can obtain location information of dumped waste from the information processing device 10 using the collector terminal 40. The collector terminal 40 can obtain map information showing the location of the waste from the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 41. The collector terminal 40 can display a map including marks or icons indicating the dumped waste on a display that is the input / output unit 43. The collector terminal 40 can detect the location of the collector terminal 40 using the position detection unit 44 and display it superimposed on the map showing the location of the waste on the input / output unit 43. The collector terminal 40 can also display an efficient collection route for collecting the waste.

[0053] (Procedure for obtaining waste information) 2 shows a procedure executed by the information processing device 10 when waste information is acquired from a user. The process executed by the information processing device 10 is a process executed by the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 using the communication unit 11 and the storage unit 13.

[0054] When a user discovers illegally dumped waste while on foot or in a vehicle, the user transmits waste information to the information processing device 10 using the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30. The waste information includes location information indicating the location where the waste has been dumped. Preferably, the user captures an image of the area around the location where the waste, including the waste, has been dumped and transmits the image to the information processing device 10. The waste information may further include information such as the type, amount, shape, and / or size of the waste input by the user using the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30. The waste information may include information acquired from the waste using an RFID reader, a barcode reader, or the like. In this way, the information processing device 10 acquires the waste information (step S101). The information processing device 10 does not necessarily acquire waste information from the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 30. The information processing device 10 may acquire waste information from any other information source.

[0055] When the information processing device 10 acquires the waste information, the information processing device 10 stores the acquired waste information in the waste information DB 14 of the storage unit 13 (step S102). Information based on the acquired images of the waste and the images of the surroundings of the waste may be added to the waste information and stored in the waste information DB14.

[0056] Next, the information processing device 10 determines whether the waste information is valid (step S103). If the information processing device 10 determines that the waste information is invalid (step S103: No), the information processing device 10 may terminate processing related to the waste information without proceeding to step S104. For example, if the same user provides waste information about the same type of waste within a short period of time, the information processing device 10 may determine that the information is invalid and issue warning information. For example, if the same user repeatedly provides information about illegally dumped waste tires to the information processing device 10, there is a concern that the user is illegally removing the waste tires from a waste collection site or the like in order to earn incentives. In this case, the operator of the information processing device 10 may individually inquire with the user. Even if the information processing device 10 issues warning information, if the operator of the information processing device 10 confirms with the user and determines that there is no problem, the information processing device 10 may proceed to the next step S104.

[0057] Furthermore, if the information processing device 10 estimates from the surrounding image and map information including the waste that an item identified as waste may not be waste, it may determine that the waste information is invalid (step S103: No). The information processing device 10 may determine whether to collect the waste based on information on the type of waste and location information. For example, furniture, home appliances, etc. placed near a garbage collection site may be simply bulky waste that has been properly disposed of, such as by prior application, and is waiting for collection, and may not be illegally dumped waste. A bicycle placed next to the road may simply be temporarily parked. If the information processing device 10 cannot necessarily determine that the item for which waste information has been acquired is illegally dumped based on the type of waste and location information, it may not collect the item. In such cases, the information processing device 10 may suspend its determination that the item is waste. When the information processing device 10 acquires waste information related to the same waste on multiple different days, it may determine in step S103 that the waste should be collected.

[0058] If it is determined in step S103 that the waste information acquired from the user is valid (step S103: Yes), the information processing device 10 calculates an incentive to be given to the user (step S104). The incentive may be calculated according to the amount, type, and size of the waste. For example, a larger incentive may be given for four waste tires than for one waste tire. In this case, to encourage collection, an incentive greater than or equal to the amount may be given. For example, an incentive five times larger may be given for four tires than for one tire. Furthermore, for example, a larger incentive may be given for larger waste. Furthermore, a larger incentive may be given for waste in places with little foot traffic that are difficult to find. The incentive may be given as points that can be accumulated by each user. Part or all of the accumulated points may be exchangeable for rewards. Rewards may include various items such as cash vouchers, gift certificates, discount coupons for products, coupons for travel or other benefits, and point exchange for other reward services.

[0059] The information processing device 10 grants the calculated incentive to the user (step S105). For example, the information processing device 10 stores data on points held by each user in the incentive information DB 15 of the information processing device 10. When waste information is provided from a user, the information processing device 10 increases the number of points held by that user in the incentive information DB 15. Some or all of the points held by the user can be exchanged for the above-mentioned benefits based on a request from the user at any time.

[0060] If the information processing device 10 determines that the waste information is valid in step S103, and then grants an incentive or benefit to the user in steps S104 and S105, and then finds that the waste information is invalid, it can subtract the incentive calculated in step S104.

[0061] As described above, the information processing device 10 provides an incentive to users who provide waste information, so when users discover illegally dumped waste, they are motivated to provide waste information to the information processing device 10. This promotes the discovery of illegally dumped waste. It also makes it easier for the information processing device 10 to collect waste information.

[0062] Furthermore, the waste information stored in the waste information DB is used in various ways to reduce illegal dumping of waste. For example, the information processing device 10 may be configured to be able to extract locations where waste has been dumped a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period. The business operator or local government that operates the information processing device 10, or the local government that has received a notice from the business operator that operates the information processing device 10, may place signs prohibiting illegal dumping of waste or install surveillance cameras in such locations.

[0063] (Procedures for waste collection) FIG. 3 shows a procedure that the information processing device 10 executes when it receives an inquiry about the waste dumping status from the waste collector terminal 40 of the waste collector.

[0064] First, the information processing device 10 receives a request to send waste information from the waste collector terminal 40 of a waste collector who is heading out to collect waste (step S201).

[0065] The information processing device 10 generates a waste map based on the waste information stored in the waste information DB 14 and the map information stored in the map information DB 16, and transmits it to the collector terminal 40 (step S202). The waste map indicates the locations where uncollected waste has been dumped. The information processing device 10 adds a display of the waste included in the waste information to the map stored in the map information DB 16. The collector terminal 40 displays the waste map transmitted from the information processing device 10 on a display, which is the input / output unit 43.

[0066] After step S202, the information processing device 10 waits for an instruction as to whether or not to display the waste collection route (step S203). The waste collector looks at the waste location information displayed on the input / output unit 43 of the collector terminal 40 and considers the route for collecting the waste. The waste collector can operate the collector terminal 40 to instruct the display of the waste collection route. For example, the collector terminal 40 receives input of the start point and end point for collecting the waste by the waste collector, and instructs the information processing device 10 to display the waste collection route.

[0067] When the information processing device 10 receives an instruction to display a waste collection route (step S203: Yes), it calculates an optimal route for collecting the waste (step S204). The optimal route for collecting the waste is, for example, the shortest route for collecting waste dumped in a set area during a set period. For example, the optimal route is the shortest route for collecting waste within the area of ​​a specific administrative unit such as a city, town, or village within one day. The optimal route may also be the shortest route that minimizes the estimated time required to collect the waste. If the waste dumped within a specific administrative unit cannot be collected in one day, the information processing device 10 may further divide the area and calculate optimal routes for collecting the waste over multiple days. When selecting the waste to be collected in one day, the information processing device 10 may consider the importance of the waste and / or the urgency of collecting the waste. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may request, based on input from the waste collector, that specific waste be excluded from the route.

[0068] When the information processing device 10 calculates the optimum route, it transmits it as the optimum waste collection route to the collector terminal 40 (step S205). The collector terminal 40 displays this waste collection route on the collector terminal 40.

[0069] Fig. 4 shows an example of a waste map 60 displayed on the collector terminal 40 and a waste collection route 64 shown on the waste map 60. The waste map 60 shows roads 61 and rivers 62 that are passable by vehicles collecting waste. In the example of Fig. 4, waste W1 to W6 that have been dumped within the area shown on the waste map 60 are displayed based on information from the waste information DB 14. It is assumed that the information processing device 10 has reserved judgment on whether waste W6 is illegally dumped waste.

[0070] For this reason, the information processing device 10 calculates the shortest collection route 64 from the route that starts from the business establishment 63 of the business operator collecting the waste, collects the waste W1 to W5, and returns to the business establishment 63, and displays the route on the collector terminal 40.

[0071] For waste W6, when the user provides waste information on another day indicating that the waste has been illegally dumped, the information processing device 10 may determine that the waste is likely to be waste because it has been left there for multiple days. The information processing device 10 may be configured to ask the operator of the information processing device 10 to determine whether an item is waste for which it is difficult to determine whether it is illegally dumped waste.

[0072] In step S203, if an instruction to display the waste collection route is not received from the collector terminal 40 (step S203: No), the information processing device 10 does not need to calculate and transmit the optimal collection route.

[0073] The waste collector collects the waste according to the waste map 60 displayed on the collector terminal 40. The information processing device 10 may sequentially acquire information on the waste collected by the waste collector from the collector terminal 40 (S206). For example, an application installed on the collector terminal 40 may cause the collector terminal 40 to display a screen confirming to the waste collector that the waste has been collected when the collector terminal 40 stops near the location of the waste shown on the waste map 60.

[0074] While the waste collector is collecting the waste, or after the waste collector has collected all the waste, the information processing device 10 updates the waste information stored in the waste information DB 14. In particular, the information processing device 10 may change information related to collected waste that has been marked as "before collection" to "collected."

[0075] After the waste has been collected by the waste collector, the information processing device 10 may send any text to the user terminal 20 of the user who provided the waste information. For example, the information processing device may send a text such as "Thanks to the information you provided, we were able to collect the dumped waste. Thank you for your cooperation in providing the information." to the user terminal 20. The application of the user terminal 20 may display the text received from the information processing device 10, for example, in a pop-up window on the input / output unit 23.

[0076] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a waste collector can obtain information on the waste map 60 and information on the optimal waste collection route 64 for waste from the information processing device 10 to the collector terminal 40. This enables the waste collector to collect waste efficiently.

[0077] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described mainly in terms of an apparatus, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be realized as a method including steps executed by each component of the apparatus. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be realized as a method executed by a processor included in the apparatus, a program, or a storage medium on which a program is recorded. It should be understood that these are also encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] The SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. One embodiment of the present invention is expected to contribute to the achievement of "No. 9 - Building infrastructure for industry and technological innovation." [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. Waste Information Management System 10. Information processing equipment 11. Communication Department (Acquisition Department) 12 Control Unit 13 Storage section 14 Waste Information Database 15 Incentive Information DB 16 Map Information DB 20 User terminal 21 Communications Department 22 Control Unit 23 Input / output section 24 Position detection unit 25 Camera 30 Onboard equipment 31 Communications Department 32 Control section 33 Input / output section 34 Position detection unit 35 Camera 40 Collector terminal 41 Communications Department 42 Control Unit 43 Input / output section 44 Position detection unit 50 Network 60 Waste Map 61 Road 62 Rivers 63 Offices 64 Waste Collection Routes W1~W6 Waste

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires waste information including location information of dumped waste; a storage unit that stores the waste information acquired from the acquisition unit; a control unit that generates map information to which the location information of the waste dumped is added based on the waste information; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the waste information includes image information obtained by capturing an image of the waste and its surroundings.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to provide an incentive to the user who provided the waste information based on the waste information.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the waste information includes at least one of information on the amount, type, and size of the waste, and the control unit determines an incentive to be given to the user based on information on at least the amount, type, or size of the waste.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines a route for collecting the plurality of waste objects based on position information of the plurality of waste objects.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the waste information includes information on a type of waste, and the control unit determines whether or not to collect the waste based on the information on the type of waste and the location information.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the waste information from a portable information terminal capable of detecting location information.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the waste information from a vehicle whose position information can be detected.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the waste material includes tires.

10. Obtaining waste information including location information of dumped waste; storing the waste information; generating map information to which the location information of the waste dumped is added based on the waste information; A program that causes a computer to execute a process including the above.

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