Container collecting system, collected container processing apparatus, and recording medium

Abstract

To promote behavior change so that a consumer returns a used container in a clean state.SOLUTION: The collection container processing device includes a cleanliness acquisition unit, a return person specification unit, and a supply unit. The cleanliness acquisition unit acquires cleanliness of a container returned by a return person. The return person specification part specifies a return person. The granting unit grants a privilege to the return person identified by the return person identification unit based on the cleanliness acquired by the cleanliness acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a container collection system, a collection container processing device used in the system, and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to the worsening of environmental pollution, the use of disposable food containers, including food trays, has become a major social issue. In response to this issue, reusable containers, or so-called returnable containers, have been attracting attention in recent years. Returnable containers are containers that are collected from consumers, washed, and reused as food containers. This has the advantage of reducing the burden on the environment by reducing the use of disposable containers. However, even if returnable containers are collected, if they are in a so-called "dirty" state, with some food residue still attached to them at the time of purchase, it is costly to clean them before they can be reused. This is the current situation, which is hindering the widespread use of returnable containers.

[0003] In order to reduce the cost of cleaning returnable containers, it would be best if consumers washed them at home before returning them, so that they would return them in a "clean" state. To achieve this, a mechanism is needed in the collection system to encourage consumers to change their behavior so that they return returnable containers in a clean state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-280676 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a container collection system that encourages consumers to change their behavior and return used containers in a clean condition, as well as a collection container processing device and program for use in the system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the collection container processing device includes a cleanliness acquisition unit, a returner identification unit, and a donor unit. The cleanliness acquisition unit acquires the cleanliness of the container returned by the returner. The returner identification unit identifies the returner. The donor unit provides a reward to the returner identified by the returner identification unit based on the cleanliness acquired by the cleanliness acquisition unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container recovery system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the collection container processing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the container management table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the point management table. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the collection container processing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the collection container processing device according to the first collection container processing program in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a container recovery system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the collection container processing device in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the collection container processing device of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the collection container processing device according to the second collection container processing program in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a container collection system that encourages consumers to change their behavior so that they return used containers in a clean state, a collection container processing device used in the system, and a program for the system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] First Embodiment [Outline of the container collection system] 1 is a schematic diagram of a container collection system 100 according to a first embodiment. The container collection system 100 includes a dirt sensor 10, a container ID reader 20, and a collection container processing device 30. The dirt sensor 10 detects the degree of dirt on a returnable container 1 returned by a returner. The container ID reader 20 reads a container ID from a label 2 attached to the returnable container 1.

[0010] A returnable container 1 is a reusable food container, and is used, for example, as a takeout container at a restaurant. Bottles used for selling drinks are also a type of returnable container 1. A consumer who uses a returnable container 1 to take home food or drink returns the empty returnable container 1 to a designated return location after finishing their meal. In other words, the consumer becomes the returner. The return location may be the restaurant where the food or drink was purchased, or another designated location. The returned used returnable container 1 is collected by a collection company and taken to a dedicated cleaning facility. At the cleaning facility, the collected returnable container 1 is cleaned so that it can be reused as a food container.

[0011] The container collection system 100 of this embodiment is applied to a cleaning facility that cleans returnable containers 1 collected by collection companies. Specifically, a dirt sensor 10 and a container ID reader 20 are provided along a transport path 3 that transports collected used returnable containers 1 one by one to a cleaning process. The dirt sensor 10 detects the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1, and the container ID reader 20 reads the container ID from the label 2 attached to the returnable container 1.

[0012] The container ID is a unique ID code assigned to each returnable container 1 to identify each returnable container 1. The container ID is an example of container identification information. The label 2 is, for example, a wireless tag capable of transmitting the container ID via radio waves. The wireless tag can also be referred to as an IC tag, RF tag, etc. The label 2 may be a barcode label on which a barcode or two-dimensional code representing the container ID is printed. When a wireless tag is used as the label 2, a wireless tag reader is used as the container ID reader 20. When a barcode label is used as the label 2, a barcode reader is used as the container ID reader 20. Note that the label 2 may also be one on which the container ID code is printed directly. In that case, a character recognition device is used as the container ID reader 20.

[0013] The dirt sensor 10 is a sensor that detects the amount of food residue adhering to the returnable container 1 as the degree of dirt. For example, the dirt sensor 10 detects the amount of residue by photographing the inside of the returnable container 1 with a camera and comparing the photographed image with a pre-prepared image of the inside of an unused returnable container 1. Alternatively, if a transparent container is used as the returnable container 1, the dirt sensor 10 detects the amount of residue based on the color tone of a color image taken of the exterior of the returnable container. Alternatively, since the weight of the returnable container 1 changes depending on the amount of residue, a weight sensor may be used as the dirt sensor 10, or since residue gives off a foul odor, an odor sensor may be used as the dirt sensor 10.

[0014] The collection container processing device 30 obtains the cleanliness of the returnable container 1 based on the degree of dirt detected by the dirt sensor 10. The less dirt there is, the higher the cleanliness value becomes. The cleanliness value may be a value that changes linearly or in stages depending on the degree of dirt.

[0015] The collection container processing device 30 provides a reward to the consumer who returns the returnable container 1, i.e., the returner, based on the cleanliness of the returnable container 1. The reward is in the form of points from a point service. That is, the collection container processing device 30 determines points based on the cleanliness of the returnable container 1 and awards the points to the returner who returns the returnable container 1.

[0016] The collection container processing device 30 manages the points awarded to each returner. Therefore, consumers who use returnable containers 1 must register as point members with the operating body of the container collection system 100. The method of membership registration is not particularly limited. As is well known, membership registration may be performed using dedicated application software installed on a smartphone or the like, or the membership registration process may be completed at a restaurant or other establishment that uses returnable containers 1. Upon membership registration, a member ID is issued to each consumer. The member ID is a unique code issued to each consumer to identify each registered consumer. The member ID is an example of returner identification information. The member ID is recorded on a card medium, such as an IC card or magnetic card, and given to each consumer. Alternatively, the member ID may be displayed as a barcode or two-dimensional code on the start screen of dedicated application software installed on the consumer's smartphone or the like.

[0017] After completing membership registration, consumers can access the collection container processing device 30 via a communication network 50 such as the Internet using a user terminal 40, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, to check the points they have earned. Consumers can use the points as part of the cost of purchases at restaurants, for example.

[0018] [Configuration of collection container processing device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the collection container processing device 30. The collection container processing device 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a network interface 34, a dirt sensor interface 35, an ID reader interface 36, and a system transmission path 37. The system transmission path 37 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 37 connects the processor 31 to other components and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The collection container processing device 30 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 31 to the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the network interface 34 via the system transmission path 37. The collection container processing device 30 receives a detection signal indicating the degree of dirt from the dirt sensor 10 via the dirt sensor interface 35, and also receives a container ID read by the container ID reader 20 via the ID reader interface 36, and processes the signals using the computer.

[0019] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the collection container processing device 30 in accordance with an operating system or application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 31 may be, for example, a micro processing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processor 31 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0020] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0022] The network interface 34 connects to the communication network 50. The collection container processing device 30 performs data communication with the user terminal 40 and the like connected to the communication network 50 via the network interface 34 in accordance with a preset communication protocol.

[0023] The collection container processing device 30 configured as described above stores a container management table 61 and a point management table 62 in a portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 33. The container management table 61 and the point management table 62 may be stored in the main memory 32 instead of the auxiliary storage device 33. Alternatively, either the container management table 61 or the point management table 62 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 33, and the other may be stored in the main memory 32.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the container management table 61. As shown in the figure, the container management table 61 records a container ID and a member ID in association with each other. The container ID is identification information for the returnable container 1, that is, container identification information. The member ID is identification information for the consumer registered as a point member, that is, returner identification information. The container management table 61 records the member ID of the consumer who purchased the food or beverage contained in the returnable container 1 in association with the container ID of the returnable container 1 in which the food or beverage is contained. In other words, the container management table 61 functions as a recording unit that records returner identification information that identifies the returner who returns the container, in association with the container identification information assigned to each container.

[0025] For example, when a consumer purchases food or drink in a returnable container 1 at a restaurant, the container ID of the returnable container and the consumer's membership ID are read by a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal. The container ID and membership ID read by the POS terminal are transmitted to the collection container processing device 30 via a communication network 50. The processor 31 of the collection container processing device 30 associates the container ID and membership ID received from the POS terminal and records them in the container management table 61. Alternatively, a consumer who takes home food in a returnable container 1 operates the user terminal 40 to input the container ID of the returnable container 1 and their own membership ID. The container ID and membership ID entered into the user terminal 40 are transmitted to the collection container processing device 30 via the communication network 50. The processor 31 of the collection container processing device 30 associates the container ID and membership ID received from the user terminal 40 and records them in the container management table 61. The timing for inputting the container ID of the returnable container 1 and the consumer's membership ID may be any time before the consumer returns the returnable container 1.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the points management table 62. As shown in the figure, the points management table 62 is an area for recording member IDs and points in association with each other. The member ID is the identification information of the consumer who has registered as a points member, that is, the identification information of the returner. The points are the total points granted to the consumer identified by the corresponding member ID. Note that the points used to pay for the purchase are automatically deducted.

[0027] [Functional explanation of collection container processing device] 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the collection container processing device 30. The collection container processing device 30 has functions as a container information acquisition unit 311, a returner identification unit 312, a cleanliness acquisition unit 313, a point calculation unit 314, and a provision unit 315.

[0028] The container information acquisition unit 311 has a function of acquiring container identification information attached to the returnable container 1 returned by the returner. That is, the container information acquisition unit 311 imports the ID data read by the container ID reader 20 via the ID reader interface 36 and acquires it as a container ID.

[0029] The returner identification unit 312 has a function of identifying the returner who returned the returnable container 1 identified by the container identification information acquired by the container information acquisition unit 311. In other words, the returner identification unit 312 acquires the returner identification information, i.e., the member ID, recorded in the container management table 61 in association with the container identification information, i.e., the container ID, acquired by the container information acquisition unit 311, and identifies the consumer identified by the member ID as the returner.

[0030] The cleanliness level acquisition unit 313 has a function of acquiring the cleanliness level of the returnable container 1 returned by the returner. That is, the cleanliness level acquisition unit 313 receives a signal indicating the degree of dirtiness of the returnable container 1 detected by the dirt sensor 10 via the dirt sensor interface 35, and acquires the cleanliness level of the returnable container 1 based on the degree of dirtiness. As mentioned above, the less dirt there is, the higher the cleanliness level becomes. The cleanliness level may be a value that changes linearly or in stages according to the degree of dirtiness.

[0031] The point calculation unit 314 is a function that calculates points to be awarded as a benefit to the returner identified by the returner identification unit 312, based on the cleanliness level acquired by the cleanliness level acquisition unit 313. For example, the point calculation unit 314 divides the cleanliness level numerical value by a predetermined value and calculates the quotient as an integer as points. Therefore, the point calculation unit 314 calculates higher points the higher the cleanliness level, that is, the cleaner the returnable container 1 is. Note that the point calculation method is not limited to this. For example, points may be calculated in stages, such as 1 point for a cleanliness level of 0 to X (>0), 2 points for X to Y (>X), and 3 points for Y or greater.

[0032] The awarding unit 315 has a function of awarding a benefit to the returner identified by the returner identification unit 312 based on the cleanliness level acquired by the cleanliness level acquisition unit 313. The benefit based on the cleanliness level is points calculated by the point calculation unit 314. In other words, the awarding unit 315 adds the points calculated by the point calculation unit 314 to the points recorded in the point management table 62 in association with the member ID of the returner identified by the returner identification unit 312.

[0033] The functions of the container information acquisition unit 311, the returner identification unit 312, the cleanliness acquisition unit 313, the point calculation unit 314 and the provision unit 315 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 31 in accordance with the first collection container processing program.

[0034] The first collection container processing program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the first collection container processing program into the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The first collection container processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via the communication network 50 and installed into the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0035] [Explanation of the first collection container processing program] 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 31 of the collection container processing device 30 in accordance with the first collection container processing program. When the first collection container processing program is started, the processor 31 waits in ACT1 for the container ID reader 20 to read the container ID on the label 2 attached to the returnable container 1. Once the container ID has been read, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT2. In ACT2, the processor 31 acquires the container ID read by the container ID reader 20. The acquired container ID is temporarily stored in the main memory 32.

[0036] After acquiring the container ID, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 3. In ACT 3, the processor 31 waits for the dirt sensor 10 to detect the degree of dirtiness of the returnable container 1. When the degree of dirtiness is detected, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 4. In ACT 4, the processor 31 acquires the cleanliness level of the returnable container 1 based on the degree of dirtiness. The algorithm for acquiring the cleanliness level is the same as that used in the explanation of the cleanliness level acquisition unit 313. The acquired cleanliness level is temporarily stored in the main memory 32.

[0037] After obtaining the cleanliness level, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 5. In ACT 5, processor 31 calculates points to be given to the person returning the item as a reward based on the cleanliness level. The algorithm for calculating the points is the same as that used in the explanation of point calculation unit 314. The calculated points are temporarily stored in main memory 32.

[0038] After calculating the points, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 6. Processor 31 identifies the returner in ACT 6. That is, processor 31 searches container management table 61 using the container ID stored in main memory 32. Processor 31 then identifies the member ID recorded in container management table 61 in association with the container ID as the member ID of the returner.

[0039] Processor 31 determines whether the returner has been identified in ACT7. For example, if the container ID is not recorded in container management table 61, or if the member ID associated with the container ID is not recorded in container management table 61, the returner cannot be identified. If the returner cannot be identified, processor 31 returns to ACT1. Processor 31 waits again for the container ID to be read. Then, once the container ID is read, processor 31 executes the processing from ACT2 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0040] On the other hand, if the returner can be identified, processor 31 proceeds to ACT8. In ACT8, processor 31 awards points to the returner. That is, processor 31 adds the points stored in main memory 32 to the points recorded in point management table 62 in association with the returner's member ID. In ACT9, processor 31 also deletes the container ID stored in main memory 32 and the member ID associated with that container ID, i.e., the returner's member ID, from container management table 61. Then, processor 31 returns to ACT1. Processor 31 waits again for the container ID to be read. Thereafter, processor 31 repeatedly executes the processes of ACT2 to ACT9 each time a container ID is read.

[0041] Here, processor 31 realizes the function of container information acquisition unit 311 by processing ACT1 and ACT2. Processor 31 realizes the function of returner identification unit 312 by processing ACT6. Processor 31 realizes the function of cleanliness acquisition unit 313 by processing ACT3 and ACT4. Processor 31 realizes the function of point calculation unit 314 by processing ACT5. Processor 31 realizes the function of provision unit 315 by processing ACT7 and ACT8.

[0042] In addition, the container information acquisition unit 311, the returner identification unit 312, the cleanliness acquisition unit 313, the point calculation unit 314 and the donation unit 315 can be rephrased as a container information acquisition means, a returner identification means, a cleanliness acquisition means, a point calculation means and a donation means, respectively.

[0043] [Explanation of the container collection system] As described above in detail, the container collection system 100 uses the container ID reader 20 to read the container ID from the label 2 attached to the returnable container 1 before the cleaning process for cleaning the returnable container 1 collected from the consumer. The container collection system 100 also uses the dirt sensor 10 to detect the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1. The container collection system 100 inputs the container ID read by the container ID reader 20 and the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1 detected by the dirt sensor 10 into the collected container processing device 30.

[0044] The collection container processing device 30 has a container management table 61 that records the container ID of the returnable container 1 in association with the member ID of the consumer who purchased the food or drink contained in that returnable container 1. The collection container processing device 30 also has a points management table 62 that records the total points awarded to each consumer in association with the member ID of that consumer.

[0045] The collection container processing device 30 obtains the cleanliness level of the returnable container 1 based on the degree of dirt detected by the dirt sensor 10. Then, based on the cleanliness level, the collection container processing device 30 calculates points to be awarded as a benefit to the person who returns the returnable container 1. At the same time, the collection container processing device 30 identifies the person who returned the returnable container 1. That is, the collection container processing device 30 searches the container management table 61 using the container ID of the returnable container 1 and identifies the member ID associated with the container ID as the member ID of the returner. Then, the collection container processing device 30 adds the points calculated based on the cleanliness level to the points recorded in the point management table 62 in association with that member ID.

[0046] According to this embodiment, consumers can earn points as a benefit each time they return a returnable container 1. The cleaner the returnable container 1, the greater the points earned. Therefore, many returners will likely wash the returnable container 1 at home or elsewhere and return it in a so-called "clean" state. That is, it is possible to provide a container collection system 100, a collection container processing device 30 used in the system, and a program therefor (first collection container processing program) that encourage consumers to change their behavior so that they return used returnable containers 1 in a clean state. As a result, the cost required for cleaning returnable containers 1 can be reduced, which is expected to increase the popularity of returnable containers 1 and significantly contribute to solving the problem of environmental pollution.

[0047] Second Embodiment [Outline of the container collection system] 2 is a schematic diagram of a container collection system 200 according to the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts that are common to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] The container collection system 200 includes a dirt sensor 10, a container ID reader 20, and a collection container processing device 80. The dirt sensor 10 and the container ID reader 20 are incorporated into a return box 4 for returnable containers 1. The return box 4 is installed at a return location where consumers return empty returnable containers 1.

[0049] The return box 4 has an insertion port 5 for the returnable container 1. A dirt sensor 10 detects the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1 inserted through the insertion port 5. A container ID reader 20 reads the container ID from the label 2 attached to the returnable container 1 inserted through the insertion port 5.

[0050] Return box 4 is equipped with a member ID reader 70 near slot 5. Member ID reader 70 reads the member ID from recording medium 6 of the member ID issued to a consumer who has registered as a point member with the operating body of container collection system 200. Recording medium 6 is an IC card, a magnetic card, a smartphone, or the like. If recording medium 6 is an IC card, member ID reader 70 is an IC card reader. If recording medium 6 is a magnetic card, member ID reader 70 is a magnetic card reader. If the recording medium is a smartphone and the member ID is displayed as a barcode on its screen, member ID reader 70 is a barcode reader. Furthermore, if member ID data is wirelessly transmitted using the smartphone's short-range wireless communication function, member ID reader 70 is a short-range wireless communication receiver. Note that any one device may be equipped as member ID reader 70, or two or more types of devices may be equipped as member ID readers 70.

[0051] A signal indicating the degree of dirt of the returnable container 1 detected by the dirt sensor 10, data indicating the container ID read from the label 2 attached to the returnable container 1 by the container ID reader 20, and data indicating the member ID read from the recording medium 6 by the member ID reader 70 are all input into the collection container processing device 80.

[0052] Like the collection container processing device 30 of the first embodiment, the collection container processing device 80 awards points as a reward to consumers who return returnable containers 1, i.e., so-called returners, based on the cleanliness of the returnable containers 1. Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, consumers who have completed membership registration can check the points they have been awarded by accessing the collection container processing device 80 via a communication network 50 such as the Internet using a user terminal 40, such as a smartphone, tablet device, or PC. Consumers can use the points as part of the price of purchases at restaurants, for example.

[0053] As described above, the container collection system 100 of the first embodiment is applied to a washing facility that washes returnable containers 1 collected by collection companies, while the container collection system 200 of the second embodiment is applied to a return location where consumers return empty returnable containers 1. Incidentally, the returnable containers 1 returned to the return box 4 are collected by collection companies and taken to a dedicated washing facility. At the washing facility, the collected returnable containers 1 are washed so that they can be reused as food containers.

[0054] [Configuration of collection container processing device] 8 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the collection container processing device 80. The collection container processing device 80 includes a processor 81, a main memory 82, an auxiliary storage device 83, a network interface 84, a dirt sensor interface 85, a first ID reader interface 86, a second ID reader interface 87, and a system transmission path 88. The system transmission path 88 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 88 connects the processor 81 to each of the other components and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The collection container processing device 80 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 81 to the main memory 82, the auxiliary storage device 83, and the network interface 84 via the system transmission path 88. The collection container processing device 80 then receives a detection signal indicating the degree of dirt from the dirt sensor 10 via the dirt sensor interface 85, receives the container ID read by the container ID reader 20 via the first ID reader interface 86, and receives the member ID read by the member ID reader 70 via the second ID reader interface 87, and processes them using a computer.

[0055] The processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary memory device 83 and network interface 84 are equivalent to the processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary memory device 33 and network interface 34 of the collection container processing device 30 in the first embodiment, so detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0056] The collection container processing device 80 configured as described above stores a point management table 62 similar to that of the first embodiment in a portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 33. It does not store the container management table 61. The point management table 62 may be stored in the main memory 82 instead of the auxiliary storage device 83.

[0057] [Functional explanation of collection container processing device] 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the collection container processing device 80. The collection container processing device 80 has functions as a container information acquisition unit 811, a returner information acquisition unit 812, a returner identification unit 813, a cleanliness acquisition unit 814, a point calculation unit 815, and a provision unit 816.

[0058] The container information acquisition unit 811 has a function of acquiring container identification information attached to a returnable container 1 that has been returned to the return box 4. That is, the container information acquisition unit 311 imports the ID data read by the container ID reader 20 via the first ID reader interface 86 and acquires it as a container ID.

[0059] The returner information acquisition unit 812 has a function of acquiring the returner identification information of the returner who returned the returnable container 1 to the return box 4. That is, the returner information acquisition unit 812 imports the ID data read by the member ID reader 70 via the second ID reader interface 87 and acquires it as the member ID.

[0060] The returner identification unit 813 has a function of identifying the returner who returned the returnable container 1 identified by the container identification information acquired by the container information acquisition unit 811. In other words, the returner identification unit 813 identifies the consumer identified by the member ID acquired by the returner information acquisition unit 812 as the returner.

[0061] The cleanliness level acquisition unit 814, the point calculation unit 815, and the providing unit 816 are the same as the cleanliness level acquisition unit 313, the point calculation unit 314, and the providing unit 315 in the first embodiment. That is, the cleanliness level acquisition unit 814 acquires the cleanliness level of the returnable container 1 returned to the return box 4 based on the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1 detected by the dirt sensor 10. The point calculation unit 815 calculates points to be provided as a benefit to the returner identified by the returner identification unit 813, based on the cleanliness level acquired by the cleanliness level acquisition unit 814. The providing unit 816 adds the points calculated by the point calculation unit 815 to the points recorded in the point management table 62 in association with the member ID of the returner identified by the returner identification unit 813.

[0062] The functions of the container information acquisition unit 811, returner information acquisition unit 812, returner identification unit 813, cleanliness acquisition unit 814, point calculation unit 815 and donation unit 816 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 31 in accordance with the second collection container processing program.

[0063] The second collection container processing program is a type of application program stored in main memory 82 or auxiliary storage device 83. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the second collection container processing program in main memory 82 or auxiliary storage device 83. The second collection container processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via communication network 50 and installed in main memory 82 or auxiliary storage device 83. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0064] [Explanation of the second collection container processing program] 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 81 of the collection container processing device 80 in accordance with the second collection container processing program. When the second collection container processing program is started, the processor 81 waits in ACT11 for the container ID reader 20 to read the container ID on the label 2 attached to the returnable container 1. Once the container ID has been read, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT12. In ACT12, the processor 81 acquires the container ID read by the container ID reader 20. The acquired container ID is temporarily stored in the main memory 82.

[0065] After acquiring the container ID, processor 81 proceeds to ACT 13. In ACT 13, processor 81 checks whether the member ID has been read by member ID reader 70. If the member ID has not been read, processor 81 proceeds to ACT 14. In ACT 14, processor 81 checks whether a predetermined timeout period has elapsed since the container ID was acquired. The timeout period is a period of time, such as 30 seconds, that is sufficient to assume that the person who returned the returnable container 1 to return box 4 has left without having their member ID read by the member ID reader.

[0066] If the time that has elapsed since the container ID was acquired has not exceeded the timeout period, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT 15. The processor 81 checks whether a new container ID has been read in ACT 15. If a new container ID has not been read, the processor 81 returns to ACT 13. In this way, the processor 81, which acquired the container ID in ACT 12, waits in ACT 13 to ACT 15 until the member ID is read, the time that has elapsed since the container ID was acquired has exceeded the timeout period, or a new container ID is read.

[0067] If a new container ID is read before the time elapsed since the container ID was acquired reaches the timeout time, the processor 31 returns to ACT 12. That is, the processor 81 acquires the container ID read by the container ID reader 20. The acquired container ID is stored in the main memory 82, overwriting the previously stored container ID.

[0068] Furthermore, if the timeout period has elapsed without a new container ID being read, the processor 81 returns to ACT 11. That is, the processor 81 waits for a container ID to be read by the container ID reader 20. When a container ID is read, the processor 81 acquires the container ID in ACT 12. The acquired container ID is stored in the main memory 82, overwriting the previously stored container ID.

[0069] In this way, after a consumer returns a returnable container 1 to the return box 4, if the timeout period elapses or if another consumer returns a returnable container 1 to the return box 4, the container ID of the previously returned returnable container 1 becomes invalid.

[0070] On the other hand, if the member ID is read by member ID reader 70 during the standby state of ACT13 to ACT15, that is, if the returnable container 1 is returned to return box 4 and the member ID recorded on recording medium 6 is read by member ID reader 70, processor 81 proceeds to ACT16. Processor 81 acquires the member ID from the member ID data captured from member ID reader 70 in ACT16.

[0071] After acquiring the member ID, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT 17. In ACT 17, the processor 31 waits for the dirt sensor 10 to detect the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1. When the degree of dirt is detected, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 18. In ACT 18, the processor 31 acquires the cleanliness level of the returnable container 1 based on the degree of dirt. The algorithm for acquiring the cleanliness level is the same as that used in the explanation of the cleanliness level acquisition unit 313. The acquired cleanliness level is temporarily stored in the main memory 82.

[0072] After obtaining the cleanliness level, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 19. In ACT 19, processor 31 calculates points to be awarded as a reward to the person returning the item based on the cleanliness level. The algorithm for calculating the points is the same as that used in the explanation of point calculation unit 314. The calculated points are temporarily stored in main memory 82.

[0073] After calculating the points, processor 31 proceeds to ACT20. In ACT20, processor 31 awards the points to the person returning the item. That is, processor 81 adds the points stored in main memory 82 to the points recorded in point management table 62 in association with the member ID of the person returning the item. After that, processor 81 returns to ACT11. Processor 81 waits again for the container ID to be read. Thereafter, processor 81 repeatedly executes the processes of ACT12 to ACT20 each time a container ID is read.

[0074] Here, the processor 81 realizes the function of a container information acquisition unit 811 by processing ACT11 or ACT15 and ACT12. The processor 81 realizes the function of a returner information acquisition unit 812 and a returner identification unit 813 by processing ACT13 and ACT16. The processor 81 realizes the function of a cleanliness acquisition unit 814 by processing ACT17 and ACT18. The processor 31 realizes the function of a point calculation unit 815 by processing ACT19. The processor 31 realizes the function of a provision unit 816 by processing ACT20.

[0075] In addition, the container information acquisition unit 811, the returner information acquisition unit 812, the returner identification unit 813, the cleanliness acquisition unit 814, the point calculation unit 815 and the donation unit 816 can be rephrased as a container information acquisition means, a returner information acquisition means, a returner identification means, a cleanliness acquisition means, a point calculation means and a donation means, respectively.

[0076] [Explanation of the container collection system] As described above in detail, each time a consumer returns a used returnable container 1 to the return box 4, the container collection system 200 uses the container ID reader 20 to read the container ID from the label 2 affixed to the returnable container 1. The container collection system 200 also detects the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1 using the dirt sensor 10. The container collection system 200 also reads the member ID from the recording medium 6 owned by the consumer returning the container using the member ID reader 70. The container collection system 200 inputs the container ID read by the container ID reader 20, the degree of dirt on the returnable container 1 detected by the dirt sensor 10, and the member ID read by the member ID reader 70 into the collection container processing device 80.

[0077] The collection container processing device 80 has a points management table 62 that correlates the membership ID of each consumer and totals the points given to that consumer.

[0078] The collection container processing device 80 obtains the cleanliness of the returnable container 1 based on the degree of dirt detected by the dirt sensor 10. Then, based on the cleanliness, the collection container processing device 80 calculates points to be awarded as a reward to the person who returns the returnable container 1. At the same time, the collection container processing device 80 identifies the person who returned the returnable container 1. That is, the collection container processing device 80 identifies the consumer who is identified by the member ID read by the member ID reader 70 as the returner. Then, the collection container processing device 80 adds the points calculated based on the cleanliness to the points recorded in the point management table 62 in association with the member ID of the returner.

[0079] According to this embodiment, consumers can earn points as a bonus each time they return a returnable container 1 to the return box 4. The cleaner the returnable container 1, the greater the point value. Therefore, many returners will likely wash the returnable container 1 at home or elsewhere and return it in a so-called "clean" state. That is, it is possible to provide a container collection system 200, a collection container processing device 80 used in the system, and a program therefor (second collection container processing program) that encourage consumers to change their behavior so that they return used returnable containers 1 in a clean state. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the cost required for cleaning the returnable containers 1 can be reduced, which is expected to increase the popularity of returnable containers 1 and significantly contribute to solving the problem of environmental pollution.

[0080] 10, in the collection container processing device 80, the processes of ACT16 to ACT20, that is, the process of providing a benefit to the returner, are not executed unless the container ID reader 20 reads the member ID from the label 2 attached to the returnable container 1. Therefore, fraudulent practices such as putting containers other than the returnable container 1 into the return box 4 to earn points can be prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, the collection container processing device 80 does not require the container management table 61. Therefore, there is no need to perform an operation to record the container ID and the member ID in association with each other in the container management table 61. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the collection container processing device 80 can be reduced.

[0082] [Other embodiments] The above describes embodiments of a container collection system that encourages consumers to change their behavior by returning used containers in a clean condition, a collection container processing device used in the system, and a program for the system, but such embodiments are not limited to these.

[0083] In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the collection container processing device 30 or the collection container processing device 80 has the point management table 62. In another embodiment, another server device connected via the communication network 50 has the point management table 62, and the collection container processing device 30 or the collection container processing device 80 may notify the server device of data on points to be awarded to the returner, thereby awarding points to the returner as a benefit.

[0084] Furthermore, the benefit is not limited to points. For example, the returner may be given a benefit according to the cleanliness level by transferring electronic money, the amount of which increases with the cleanliness level of the returnable container 1, to the returner's electronic money medium. In addition, in the container collection system 200 of the second embodiment, a printer may be provided in the return box 4 to issue discount coupons on which a discount rate increases with the cleanliness level of the collected returnable container 1, thereby giving the returner a benefit according to the cleanliness level.

[0085] In the collection container processing device 80, a container sensor is provided in place of the container ID reader 20 to detect when a container is inserted through the insertion port 5. When a container is inserted, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT13 to ACT20. Even with this configuration, it is possible to provide a container collection system 200 and a collection container processing device 80 that encourage consumers to change their behavior so that they return used returnable containers 1 in a clean state.

[0086] Moreover, in this embodiment, there is no need to assign a container ID to each returnable container. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to a container collection system and a collection container processing device for collecting recycled containers, such as PET bottles, that are crushed, dissolved, or decomposed into raw materials or parts are extracted and recycled.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the system waits for the container ID to be read in ACT 11 of Fig. 10, and once the container ID is acquired in ACT 12, it waits for the member ID to be read in ACT 13 to ACT 15, or for the time elapsed since the container ID was acquired to exceed the timeout period, or for a new container ID to be read. In this regard, it may also be possible to wait for the member ID to be read in ACT 11, and once the member ID is acquired in ACT 12, it may also be possible to wait for the container ID to be read in ACT 13 to ACT 15, or for the time elapsed since the member ID was acquired to exceed the timeout period, or for a new member ID to be read. In other words, it may be possible to read the member ID first, and then read the container ID later.

[0088] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...returnable container, 2...label, 3...transport path, 4...return box, 5...insertion port, 6...recording medium, 10...soil sensor, 20...container ID reader, 30...recovery container processing device, 31...processor, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage device, 34...network interface, 35...soil sensor interface, 36...ID reader interface, 37...system transmission path, 40...user terminal, 50...communication network, 61...container management table, 62...point management table, 70...member ID reader, 80...recovery container processing device, 81...processor , 82...main memory, 83...auxiliary memory device, 84...network interface, 85...dirt sensor interface, 86...ID reader interface, 87...ID reader interface, 88...system transmission path, 100...container collection system, 200...container collection system, 311...container information acquisition unit, 312...returner identification unit, 313...cleanliness acquisition unit, 314...point calculation unit, 315...donation unit, 811...container information acquisition unit, 812...returner information acquisition unit, 813...returner identification unit, 814...cleanliness acquisition unit, 815...point calculation unit, 816...donation unit.

Claims

1. a cleanliness acquisition unit that acquires the cleanliness of the container returned by the returner; a returner identification unit that identifies the returner; a providing unit that provides a benefit to the returner identified by the returner identifying unit based on the cleanliness level acquired by the cleanliness level acquiring unit; A container recovery and processing device comprising:

2. a recording unit that records returner identification information that identifies each returner returning the container in association with the container identification information individually assigned to the container; a container information acquisition unit that acquires the container identification information attached to the container from the container returned by the returner; Further comprising: The container recovery and processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the returner identification unit identifies the returner based on the returner identification information recorded in the recording unit in association with the container identification information acquired by the container information acquisition unit.

3. a returner information acquisition unit that acquires returner identification information that identifies each returner who returns the container; Further comprising: The container recovery and processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the returner identification unit identifies the returner identified by the returner identification information acquired by the returner information acquisition unit.

4. a dirt sensor that detects the degree of dirt on the container returned by the returner; a container reader that reads container identification information individually attached to the container; a collection container processing device; Including, The collection container processing device includes: a cleanliness level acquisition unit that acquires the cleanliness level of the container based on the degree of dirt detected by the dirt sensor; a recording unit that records returner identification information that identifies each returner returning the container in association with the container identification information; a container information acquisition unit that acquires the container identification information read by the container reader; a returner identification unit that identifies a returner based on the returner identification information recorded in the recording unit in association with the container identification information acquired by the container information acquisition unit; a providing unit that provides a benefit to the returner identified by the returner identifying unit based on the cleanliness level acquired by the cleanliness level acquiring unit; A container collection system comprising:

5. a dirt sensor that detects dirt on the container returned by the returner; a returner reader that reads returner identification information that identifies each returner; a collection container processing device; Including, The collection container processing device includes: a cleanliness acquisition unit that acquires the cleanliness of the container based on information detected by the dirt sensor; a returner information acquisition unit that acquires the returner identification information read by the returner reader; a providing unit that provides a benefit to the returner identified by the returner identification information acquired by the returner information acquisition unit based on the cleanliness level acquired by the cleanliness level acquisition unit; A container collection system comprising:

6. The computer of the container recovery processing device a cleanliness acquisition means for acquiring the cleanliness of the container returned by the returner; A returner identification means for identifying the returner; and a providing means for providing a benefit to the returner identified by the returner identifying means based on the cleanliness level acquired by the cleanliness level acquiring means; A program to function as a

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