Medical waste collection system, medical waste collection method, and management server for managing medical waste collection.

Abstract

This technology enables the efficient collection and disposal of medical waste while preventing infection, and also promotes the use of hydrogen energy in the medical field. [Solution] The medical waste collection system includes a medical device that operates on hydrogen, a medical waste generator device provided by a medical waste generator that discharges medical waste and transmits a request for collection of the medical waste via a network, a management server provided by a collection company that receives the collection request via the network and generates a flight plan for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on the collection request, and an unmanned aerial vehicle that flies according to the flight plan. The unmanned aerial vehicle flies to the medical waste generator, collects the medical waste and transports it to a waste disposal company, and when returning from the waste disposal company, transports a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen generated by the waste disposal company and supplied to the medical waste generator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a medical waste collection system, a method for collecting medical waste, and a management server for managing the collection of medical waste.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in medical institutions such as hospitals, medical waste such as used medical instruments and medical equipment is generated along with medical treatment. Regarding the treatment of medical waste, for the purpose of infection prevention and environmental protection, etc., it is required that from its collection to disposal, it be strictly managed in accordance with the manifest defined by public institutions. Therefore, various technologies have been proposed to more appropriately manage the collection and disposal of medical waste by utilizing computer network technology.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a system for transporting medical waste from a medical institution to a waste treatment facility by vehicle. In the system of Patent Document 1 below, an identification number is read from the color code displayed on the container containing the medical waste, and by using that identification number, the collection and disposal of the medical waste are managed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in recent years, awareness of infection control has increased even further following the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is a growing demand for further improvements in technologies to prevent infection through medical waste. Furthermore, in recent years, from the perspective of environmental protection, there has been a demand in various business sectors to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and utilize hydrogen energy. However, in the field of medical waste collection and disposal technology, it cannot be said that sufficient efforts have been made to meet these demands.

[0006] The objective of this application is to provide a technology that enables the efficient collection and disposal of medical waste while preventing infection, and that promotes the use of hydrogen energy in the medical field. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technology disclosed herein can be implemented in the following forms:

[0008] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure is provided as a medical waste collection system. The first embodiment of the medical waste collection system comprises: a generator device provided by a generator that generates medical waste generated by medical procedures and has a hydrogen-powered medical device, which transmits a request for collection of the medical waste via a network; a management server provided by a collection business responsible for collecting the medical waste, which receives the collection request via the network and generates a flight plan for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on the collection request; and an unmanned aerial vehicle that flies according to the flight plan. The flight plan is configured such that the unmanned aerial vehicle (i) flies to the generator, collects the medical waste, and transports it to a waste disposal business that performs disposal; and (ii) after handing over the medical waste to the waste disposal business, when returning from the waste disposal business, transports a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen generated in connection with the disposal at the waste disposal business and to be supplied to the generator. According to the first form of medical waste collection system, medical waste is transported by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thus reducing the opportunity for people to come into contact with medical waste during transport and suppressing the occurrence of infections transmitted through medical waste. In addition, the use of UAVs can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during the transport of medical waste. According to the first form of the medical waste collection system, a management server installed by the collection operator can generate a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and according to that flight plan, the UAV can collect the medical waste and transport it to the waste disposal operator. Therefore, the collection and transportation of medical waste by UAV can be carried out efficiently. According to the first form of the medical waste collection system, hydrogen storage containers filled with hydrogen generated at the waste treatment facility and supplied to the waste generator can be transported by an unmanned aerial vehicle after the medical waste has been transported to the waste treatment facility. Therefore, hydrogen efficiently generated during waste treatment at the waste treatment facility can be efficiently supplied to the waste generator, thereby promoting the use of hydrogen energy in the medical field.

[0009] [Second Embodiment] In the medical waste collection system described in the first embodiment above, the unmanned aerial vehicle is deployed at each of several bases located in different locations, and the management server, when generating the flight plan, selects a base from among the several bases to be responsible for collection, generates the flight plan including a flight route corresponding to the location of the responsible base, and transmits the flight plan to the terminal of the responsible base via the network. According to the second form of the medical waste collection system, a designated base can be selected from among multiple bases that can easily generate flight routes for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and efficiently collect medical waste, and the UAVs can be launched from that designated base. Therefore, the collection and transportation of medical waste by UAVs can be carried out even more efficiently.

[0010] [Third Embodiment] In the medical waste collection system described in the second embodiment above, the management server may select the responsible base from among the multiple bases based on information indicating the location of the base. According to the third form of the medical waste collection system, the collection operator terminal can select a base more suitable for medical waste collection based on the location of the base. Therefore, the efficiency of medical waste collection and transportation by unmanned aerial vehicles can be further improved.

[0011] [Fourth Embodiment] In the medical waste collection system described in any of the first, second, and third embodiments above, if the collection request includes hydrogen order information requesting the delivery of hydrogen to the waste generator, the management server may transmit a request to the waste treatment operator's terminal via the network to prepare the hydrogen storage container to be transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle. According to the fourth form of medical waste collection system, hydrogen can be supplied appropriately to waste generators in response to their orders. Therefore, hydrogen can be supplied to waste generators more effectively.

[0012] [Fifth Embodiment] In the medical waste collection system described in any of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments above, the management server records the history of hydrogen deliveries to the waste generator, and may decide to transport the hydrogen storage containers to the waste generator by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the delivery history. According to the fifth form of medical waste collection system, the management server controls the supply of hydrogen to the waste generator at the appropriate time based on the history of hydrogen deliveries to the waste generator.

[0013] [Sixth Embodiment] In the medical waste collection system described in any of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments above, the unmanned aerial vehicle may fly by consuming hydrogen as energy and may receive hydrogen replenishment from the waste treatment operator. According to the sixth form of the medical waste collection system, hydrogen generated by the waste treatment operator can be used to transport medical waste by unmanned aerial vehicles. Therefore, the efficiency of hydrogen energy utilization in the medical waste collection system can be further improved.

[0014] [Seventh Embodiment] In the medical waste collection system described in any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments, the medical waste is placed in a container by the waste generator before collection, the container is provided with an information recording unit including a circuit configured to emit electromagnetic waves, and the unmanned aerial vehicle may have a function to receive the electromagnetic waves and detect the container when collecting the container containing the medical waste. According to the seventh form of the recovery system, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can easily detect containers containing medical waste, thus enabling smoother recovery of medical waste by the UAV.

[0015] [Eighth Embodiment] The eighth embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure is provided as a method for collecting medical waste generated by medical procedures. The eighth embodiment of the method comprises the steps of: having a hydrogen-powered medical device, a generator device provided by a generator that discharges the medical waste, transmitting a request for collection of the medical waste via a network to a management server provided by a collection company responsible for collecting the medical waste; the management server receiving the collection request via the network and generating a flight plan for an unmanned aerial vehicle to collect and transport the medical waste based on the collection request; the unmanned aerial vehicle flying to the generator according to the flight plan to collect the medical waste and transporting it to a waste disposal company that performs disposal processing; and, after the unmanned aerial vehicle has handed over the medical waste to the waste disposal company according to the flight plan, transporting a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen generated in the waste disposal process at the waste disposal company and to be supplied to the generator when returning from the waste disposal company. According to the eighth method, medical waste can be efficiently collected and disposed of while preventing infection by using unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, hydrogen efficiently generated by waste treatment operators can be efficiently supplied to waste generators by unmanned aerial vehicles, thereby promoting the utilization of hydrogen energy.

[0016] [Ninth Embodiment] The ninth embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure is provided as a management server connected to a network for managing the collection of medical waste generated by medical procedures. The management server of the ninth embodiment includes the function of receiving a request for the collection of medical waste from a generator device owned by a generator that generates the medical waste, via the network; the function of generating a flight plan based on the collection request, which is configured such that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (i) flies to the generator to collect the medical waste and transports it to a waste disposal operator that performs disposal; and (ii) after handing over the medical waste to the waste disposal operator, when returning from the waste disposal operator, transports a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen generated in connection with the disposal process at the waste disposal operator and to be supplied to the generator; and the function of transmitting the flight plan via the network to a terminal at a base where the UAV is deployed. According to the ninth form of management server, in response to requests from waste generators for the collection of medical waste, flight plans for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the collection and transportation of medical waste and hydrogen storage containers can be generated. Therefore, the collection and disposal of medical waste can be carried out more efficiently, and the utilization of hydrogen energy can be promoted.

[0017] The technology disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms other than medical waste collection systems, methods for collecting medical waste, and management servers for managing medical waste collection. For example, it can be implemented in the form of medical waste management systems and management methods, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) control methods, UAVs management methods, programs for implementing these systems and methods using a computer, and storage media on which such programs are recorded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a medical waste collection system. [Figure 2] Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a management server provided by a collection operator. [Figure 3] Explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a container for medical waste collection, a discharging operator device, and a drone. [Figure 4] Flow diagram showing the flow of medical waste collection and hydrogen supply in a medical waste collection system. [Figure 5] Flow diagram showing the procedure of preparatory processing executed by a management server. [Figure 6] Explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a container for medical waste collection, a discharging operator device, and a drone in the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] 1. First Embodiment: 1-1. Outline of Medical Waste Collection System: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a medical waste collection system 100 in the first embodiment.

[0020] The medical waste collection system 100 manages the collection for the disposal of medical waste MW generated by medical practices in medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics. In the medical waste collection system 100, a drone (UAV; Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is used for the collection of medical waste MW. Hereinafter, the "medical waste collection system 100" is also simply referred to as the "collection system 100".

[0021] The medical waste MW managed for collection by the collection system 100 includes, for example, used medical instruments such as injection needles, various medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and used empty containers for blood donation and blood collection, and various items contacted by medical staff and patients. Hereinafter, the medical waste MW is also simply referred to as "waste MW".

[0022] <000011*0*>The collection system 100 facilitates communication between a waste generator 10 that generates waste MW, a collection company 20 responsible for collecting the waste MW, and a waste disposal company 30 that processes the waste MW, using a network NW constructed with telecommunications technology. In this embodiment, the network NW is, for example, the Internet.

[0023] The waste generator 10 can access the collection system 100 by connecting to the network NW using a waste generator device 11 (described later) or a terminal (not shown) such as a personal computer, which is provided by the waste generator 10. Although only one waste generator 10 is shown in Figure 1 for convenience, the collection system 100 can be used by multiple waste generators 10 who are pre-registered with the management server 21 of the collection company 20 and have accounts issued and managed accordingly.

[0024] The waste generator 10 transmits a request for the collection of waste MW to the collection company 20 via the network NW using a waste generator device 11, which is composed of an information processing terminal. In this embodiment, the waste MW is collected while contained in a dedicated container 12. The waste generator 10 automatically transmits the collection request by optically reading information about the waste MW from an information recording unit 13 provided in the container 12 using the waste generator device 11. Details of the waste MW collection request by the waste generator 10 using the waste generator device 11 will be described later.

[0025] The collection operator 20 is connected to a network NW and has a management server 21 that constructs the collection system 100. Details of the configuration of the management server 21 will be described later. The management server 21 performs the collection of waste MW based on collection requests from the waste generator 10 and manages the supply of hydrogen to the waste generator 10. The management server 21 receives collection requests from the waste generator 10 via the network NW, generates a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 based on the collection request, and transmits it to the base 23 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. Details of the management server 21's management of waste MW collection will be described later.

[0026] The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) 25 are deployed at bases 23 managed by the recovery company 20. Although only one base 23 is shown in Figure 1 for convenience, the recovery company 20 manages multiple bases 23 located in different places. The management server 21 of the recovery company 20 can manage the operation of the UAVs 25 deployed at each base 23 by communicating with terminals (not shown) at each base 23 via the network NW.

[0027] In this embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is composed of a small drone capable of autonomous flight. The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is configured to transport the container 12 containing waste MW and the hydrogen storage container 32, which will be described later. The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 recovers waste MW from the waste generator 10 and transports it to the waste treatment operator 30 by flying according to the flight plan generated by the management server 21. The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 also transports the hydrogen storage container 32 prepared by the waste generator 10 according to the flight plan.

[0028] The waste disposal operator 30 can access the collection system 100 by connecting to the network NW using a terminal (not shown), such as a personal computer. The waste disposal operator 30 receives waste MW disposal requests from the management server 21 via the network NW using that terminal.

[0029] In Figure 1, for convenience, only one waste disposal company 30 is shown, but the collection system 100 has multiple waste disposal companies 30 registered, each with different locations, types of waste they can handle, and disposal methods. The management server 21 selects the waste disposal company 30 to request disposal from in response to a waste MW collection request.

[0030] The waste disposal operator 30 prepares to receive the waste MW transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 based on the disposal request. The waste disposal operator 30 receives the waste MW from the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 and disposes of the waste MW. When the disposal is completed, the waste disposal operator 30 sends a completion report from the terminal to the management server 21 via the network NW.

[0031] The waste MW at the waste treatment operator 30 is disposed of, for example, by incineration in an incinerator. Hydrogen is generated at the waste treatment operator 30 in connection with this disposal. Hydrogen is generated and extracted, for example, from gas produced during the disposal. Alternatively, hydrogen may be generated using the heat and electricity generated during the disposal. Since the generation of hydrogen associated with waste disposal can be achieved with known technologies, a detailed explanation is omitted in this specification.

[0032] In the recovery system 100, the waste treatment operator 30 supplies hydrogen to the waste generator 10 by transporting hydrogen storage containers 32 filled with the generated hydrogen using an unmanned aerial vehicle 25. The hydrogen storage containers 32 are composed of, for example, tanks or cartridges containing hydrogen storage alloys.

[0033] The emission operator 10 is equipped with a hydrogen-powered medical device 15. The medical device 15 may be, for example, a device powered by electricity generated by a fuel cell that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Alternatively, the medical device 15 may be mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and powered by electricity supplied by the fuel cell vehicle.

[0034] Medical device 15 may be small, such as an electrosurgical unit. Alternatively, medical device 15 may be medium-sized or large, such as a CT (Computed Tomography) machine, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine, an X-ray machine, or a medical robot.

[0035] The recovery system 100, under the management of the management server 21 of the recovery operator 20, recovers the aforementioned waste MW from the waste generator 10 and also supplies hydrogen to be consumed by the medical device 15. Details of the hydrogen supply from the waste treatment operator 30 to the waste generator 10 by the recovery system 100 established by the management server 21 will be described later.

[0036] 1-2. Management server for the medical waste collection system: Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 21 provided by the collection company 20.

[0037] The management server 21 is comprised of a computer equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and main memory (RAM). The management server 21 includes a management control unit 40, a communication unit 41, an input unit 42, an output unit 43, and a storage unit 45. These components 40, 41, 42, 43, and 45 are connected by a bus.

[0038] The management control unit 40 is a functional unit realized by the CPU of the management server 21 loading and executing pre-prepared instructions and programs from its RAM. The management control unit 40 controls the various components 41, 42, 43, and 45 of the management server 21 and performs various processes for collecting waste MW.

[0039] The communication unit 41 controls communication via the network NW under the control of the management control unit 40. The input unit 42 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touchpad, and accepts information input operations to the management server 21. The output unit 43 is composed of a display device or printer and outputs various notifications and information related to the processing of the retrieval system 100.

[0040] The storage unit 45 corresponds to the external storage device of the management server 21 and is composed of a non-volatile, high-capacity storage device such as a hard disk (HD) or solid-state disk (SSD) that can store information not only temporarily but also after power is cut off. The storage unit 45 has a database built in it that stores data used by the management server 21 to control the recovery system 100.

[0041] The database in the memory unit 45 stores at least management information IM, map information IG, and aerial management information IA. Management information IM includes waste generator information ID, base information IB, and waste treatment operator information IW.

[0042] The waste generator information ID is information about waste generator 10 and includes unique information IDa, recovery request information IDb, and hydrogen delivery information IDc. Unique information IDa is information that makes waste generator 10 identifiable. Unique information IDa is unique information that is uniquely associated with waste generator 10 and includes, for example, the name of waste generator 10 and account information for logging into the recovery system 100 issued at the time of registration. Unique information IDa includes at least location information indicating the location (address) of waste generator 10. The management server 21 uses the unique information IDa of waste generator 10 to manage the login of waste generator 10's terminal to the recovery system 100.

[0043] The collection request information IDb is information about the waste MW collection request received from the waste generator 10. The collection request information IDb includes, for example, the date and time the collection request was made, the type and quantity of waste MW to be collected, the dimensions and number of containers 12 to be collected, the date and time of the collection reservation, whether or not hydrogen delivery is requested in conjunction with the collection of waste MW, and information indicating the actual collection status of waste MW.

[0044] Hydrogen delivery information IDc is information regarding the delivery of hydrogen from waste treatment operator 30 to waste generator 10. Hydrogen delivery information IDc includes information indicating the history of hydrogen delivery, such as the date and time when the hydrogen storage container 32 was delivered to waste generator 10 and the quantity delivered.

[0045] Base information IB is information about bases 23 where unmanned aerial vehicles 25 are deployed. Base information IB includes, for example, unique information IBa specific to each base 23 to make each base 23 identifiable, and aircraft information IBb which is information about the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 deployed at each base 23.

[0046] Base 23 unique information IBa is information uniquely associated with each base 23 and includes at least location information indicating the location of the base 23. Aircraft information IBb includes, for example, identification information for identifying the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 deployed at that base 23, and flight schedule information indicating the scheduled date and time of flight for each unmanned aerial vehicle 25. Base information IB may also include, for example, information regarding aircraft registration for applying for flight permission for each unmanned aerial vehicle 25, and information regarding the performance and current operational status of each unmanned aerial vehicle 25.

[0047] The waste disposal operator information IW includes unique information IWa specific to each waste disposal operator 30 for identifying each waste disposal operator 30, and waste disposal information IWb related to the waste disposal of the waste disposal operator 30. The unique information IWa of the waste disposal operator 30 is information uniquely associated with the waste disposal operator 30 and includes at least location information indicating the location of the waste disposal operator 30. The management server 21 can identify each waste disposal operator 30 registered in the collection system 100 based on the unique information IWa.

[0048] The waste disposal information IWb is information for each of the 30 waste disposal operators registered in the collection system 100. The waste disposal information IWb includes, for example, information on the processing capacity of the waste disposal operators 30, such as the types and quantities of waste that can be disposed of, and information such as the planned implementation of waste disposal.

[0049] Furthermore, the waste treatment operator information IW includes hydrogen production information IWc, which shows the current hydrogen inventory at the waste treatment operator 30 and future hydrogen production plans. The hydrogen production information IWc is periodically updated through communication with the waste treatment operator 30's terminal and is referenced when generating the flight plan described later for the delivery of hydrogen to the waste generator 10.

[0050] Map information IG includes information showing a map of the area under the jurisdiction of the recovery system 100, and information on the flyable area within that area where the unmanned aircraft 25 is permitted to fly. Aviation management information IA is information used for flight management of the unmanned aircraft 25, and includes, for example, information regarding prior applications and permits for the flight of the unmanned aircraft 25.

[0051] 1-3. Containers, waste generator devices, and unmanned aerial vehicles for medical waste collection: Referring to Figure 3, the collection container 12, the waste generator device 11, and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 used for collecting waste MW in the collection system 100 will be described. Figure 3 shows the container 12, the waste generator device 11, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25, and the management server 21 as blocks, illustrating the overview of the waste MW collection flow. In addition, Figure 3 shows block diagrams illustrating the internal configurations of the waste generator device 11 and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 within two outlets, respectively.

[0052] (1) Containers for collecting medical waste: As described above, when the waste generator 10 requests the collection of waste MW, the waste MW is placed in a dedicated container 12. The container 12 is made of antibacterial and antiviral treated material to prevent infection. In addition, the container 12 has a structure that is airtightly sealed inside to suppress the leakage of bacteria and viruses from the inside.

[0053] Preferably, the container 12 is configured such that it cannot be opened once the waste MW is contained and sealed, by a locking mechanism that locks the lid that seals the container body. This prevents the container 12 from being opened during transport or before disposal, and prevents the contained waste MW from being exposed to the outside.

[0054] Furthermore, the container 12 is made of a material that allows it to be disposed of by the waste disposal operator 30 while still containing the waste MW. This eliminates the need for the waste disposal operator 30 to remove the waste MW from the container 12, thus preventing the occurrence of infectious diseases at the waste disposal operator 30.

[0055] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the container 12 is provided with an information recording unit 13 on which waste information relating to the waste MW contained in the container 12 is recorded. In this embodiment, the information recording unit 13 is composed of optically readable codes. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) can be used as the code that constitutes the information recording unit 13. In other embodiments, the information recording unit 13 may be composed of barcodes or other images.

[0056] The waste information recorded in the information recording unit 13 includes, for example, information such as the type of waste MW contained in the container 12, the quantity and weight of the waste MW, and the dimensions of the container. The waste information also includes identification information that makes each container 12 identifiable. In addition, the waste information may include various other pieces of information used to create a manifest for the waste MW.

[0057] (2) Devices used by waste generators: The waste generator 10 uses a waste generator device 11 to optically read the information recording unit 13 provided in the container 12 containing the waste MW, thereby requesting the collection of the waste MW contained in the container 12 from the collection company 20. The waste generator device 11 can be configured, for example, as a mobile terminal having camera and communication functions such as a smartphone or tablet, or as a personal computer.

[0058] The waste generator device 11 comprises a device control unit 50, a communication unit 51, an input unit 52, a display unit 53, and an imaging unit 54, all of which are connected to each other via a bus. The device control unit 50 is a functional unit realized by a CPU (not shown) reading and executing instructions and programs prepared in advance on RAM, and it controls the waste generator device 11. The communication unit 41 performs communication via a network NW under the control of the device control unit 50.

[0059] The input unit 52 accepts operations from the user of the waste generator device 11. The display unit 53, for example, is equipped with a liquid crystal panel and can display images including text information under the control of the device control unit 50. In the waste generator device 11 of this embodiment, the input unit 52 and the display unit 53 are integrated to form a touch panel. The imaging unit 54, for example, is equipped with a lens and an image sensor and performs imaging under the control of the device control unit 50, and outputs the image signal obtained by imaging to the device control unit 50.

[0060] In this embodiment, the device control unit 50 executes a collection request program 55, which is a dedicated application program for collection requests. The collection request program 55 displays an interface image (not shown) on the display unit 53 of the waste generator device 11, and executes a waste MW collection request in response to operations received from the user via the interface image. The collection request program 55 has an information acquisition unit 56 and a request execution unit 57 as functional units.

[0061] The information acquisition unit 56 performs the process of acquiring waste information from the information recording unit 13 of the container 12. The information acquisition unit 56 optically reads the waste information from the information recording unit 13 provided in the container 12. The information acquisition unit 56 photographs the information recording unit 13 with the imaging unit 54, analyzes the data of the captured image, and acquires the waste information.

[0062] The request execution unit 57 generates a collection request, which is information requesting the collection of waste MWs, using the waste information acquired by the information acquisition unit 56, and transmits it to the management server 21 via the communication unit 41. In addition to the waste information, the request execution unit 57 includes in the collection request at least information to identify the waste generator 10, which is the source of the collection request, and information indicating the date and time the collection request was sent. The collection request may also include information that has been pre-entered through the collection request program 55, such as information on the collection location of the waste MWs within the waste generator 10's facility and the desired collection date and time.

[0063] Furthermore, the request execution unit 57 includes hydrogen order information in the recovery request, requesting the delivery of hydrogen to the generator 10. The hydrogen order information is generated based on information previously entered by the user through the recovery request program 55. The hydrogen order information includes, for example, whether or not hydrogen storage containers 32 need to be delivered, the capacity and number of hydrogen storage containers 32 to be delivered, etc. The hydrogen order information may also include a setting that the delivery of hydrogen storage containers 32 is to be left to the recovery operator 20.

[0064] As described above, in this embodiment, when a user, who is the person in charge of the waste generator 10, causes the waste generator device 11 to optically read the information recording unit 13 provided in the container 12 using the collection request program 55, a collection request is generated and automatically transmitted to the management server 21. Therefore, it is possible to easily request the collection of waste MW.

[0065] (3) Unmanned aerial vehicle: As described above, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 flies autonomously from its base 23 to the waste generator 10 according to the flight plan generated by the management server 21, collects the waste MW, and transports it to the waste treatment operator 30. The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 also receives the hydrogen storage container 32 at the waste treatment operator 30 and transports it back to the waste generator 10 for delivery.

[0066] The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 comprises an aircraft control unit 60, a position detection unit 61, an attitude detection unit 62, an object detection unit 63, a camera unit 64, a drive unit 65, and a communication unit 66, all of which are connected to each other by a bus. The aircraft control unit 60 is a functional unit realized by a CPU (not shown) reading and executing instructions and programs prepared in advance on RAM, and it performs control of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. The control of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 by the aircraft control unit 60 will be explained after the other components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 have been described.

[0067] The position detection unit 61 is configured, for example, by a GPS sensor and outputs a signal to the aircraft control unit 60 indicating the aircraft control unit 60's current location. The attitude detection unit 62 is configured, for example, by an acceleration sensor and outputs a signal to the aircraft control unit 60 for detecting the attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. The object detection unit 63 includes, for example, a sonar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter-wave sensor, etc., and detects objects present around the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. The camera unit 64 includes a lens and an image sensor and, under the control of the aircraft control unit 60, photographs the outside world of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 and outputs an image signal to the aircraft control unit 60.

[0068] The drive unit 65 generates the driving force for the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 under the control of the aircraft control unit 60. The drive unit 65 is composed of, for example, multiple motors, multiple propellers rotated by those motors, and multiple actuators that change the mounting angle of each propeller. The communication unit 66 performs communication with the base 23 terminal under the control of the aircraft control unit 60. The aircraft control unit 60 obtains flight plans and other information through communication via the communication unit 66.

[0069] The aircraft control unit 60 has, as functional units, an information acquisition unit 67, a flight control unit 68, and a container detection unit 69. The information acquisition unit 67 acquires the flight plan generated by the management server 21 by communicating with the base 23 terminal via the communication unit 66. The information acquisition unit 67 acquires commands for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 and other information used for the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 via the communication unit 66.

[0070] The flight control unit 68 controls the drive unit 65 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 and flies the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 according to the flight plan while detecting the current location of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 with the position detection unit 61. The flight control unit 68 controls the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 to fly along the route specified in the route information included in the flight plan, between the base 23 and the waste generator 10, and between the waste generator 10 and the waste disposal company 30.

[0071] The flight control unit 68 detects the attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 using the attitude detection unit 62 and controls the drive unit 65 based on the detection result to control the attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 during flight. In addition, the flight control unit 68 detects obstacles around the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 using the object detection unit 63 and camera unit 64 while the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is in flight and controls the drive unit 65 to prevent the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 from colliding with obstacles. Furthermore, when the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is landing, the flight control unit 68 detects a suitable landing surface using the object detection unit 63 and camera unit 64 and controls the drive unit 65 so that the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 lands on that surface.

[0072] The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 has the function of automatically loading and unloading the object to be transported, that is, loading and unloading the container 12 which is the object to be transported. The container detection unit 69 of the aircraft control unit 60 can optically detect the container 12 by analyzing the image acquired by the camera unit 64. When the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 arrives at a predetermined collection site at the waste generator 10, the container detection unit 69 optically detects the container 12 to be collected. The flight control unit 68 makes the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 hold the container 12 by, for example, locking the locking part attached to the container 12 to a locking part provided on the bottom surface of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 while the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is hovering.

[0073] Furthermore, when the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 arrives at a designated location for receiving waste at the waste disposal operator 30, the flight control unit 68 unloads the container 12 that the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is carrying. For example, the flight control unit 68 lowers the container 12 to the designated location by making the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 hover and releasing the locking mechanism. In the same manner as with the container 12, the flight control unit 68 loads the hydrogen storage container 32 onto the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 at the waste disposal operator 30 and transports and delivers it to the waste generator. In other embodiments, the loading and unloading of the container 12 and hydrogen storage container 32 onto the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 may be performed manually by an operator.

[0074] The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 of this embodiment flies by consuming hydrogen as energy. The unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is equipped with a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell, and is powered by electricity generated by the fuel cell using the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank. As a result, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 can extend its flight range by refueling with hydrogen.

[0075] 1-4. Recovery of medical waste and supply of hydrogen in recovery systems: Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of waste MW recovery and hydrogen supply in the recovery system 100. Figure 4 also shows flowcharts illustrating the process procedures for the waste generator 10, the recovery operator 20, and the waste treatment operator 30 in parallel.

[0076] In step S10, a representative of the waste generator 10 places the waste MW into the container 12 and seals it. In step S15, the representative of the waste generator 10 uses the waste generator device 11 to send a request for collection of the waste MW contained in the container 12 to the management server 21 of the collection company 20 via the network NW. As described above, in this embodiment, the collection request is automatically transmitted by optically reading the information recording unit 13 of the container 12 using the waste generator device 11.

[0077] In step S20, the management server 21 of the collection operator 20 receives a collection request from the waste generator 10. In step S22, the management server 21 performs preparatory processing for the collection of waste MW based on the received collection request.

[0078] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for preparing the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 to collect the waste MW, which is performed by the management server 21 in step S22 of Figure 4.

[0079] In step S100, the management server 21 determines a waste disposal company 30 to which to request disposal of the waste MW based on the collection request. Based on the waste information included in the collection request, the management server 21 extracts candidate waste disposal companies 30 capable of disposing of the waste MW. The management server 21 also determines which waste disposal company 30 to which to request disposal from among the extracted candidates, based on the location of the waste generator 10 that made the collection request. The management server 21 may, for example, select a waste disposal company 30 that is closest to the waste generator 10 that made the collection request, or a waste disposal company 30 that has geographical conditions (described later) that make it easy to set a flight path (route) for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 between it and the waste generator 10. The management server 21 may also select a waste disposal company 30 based on the current hydrogen inventory of the waste disposal company 30.

[0080] In step S110, the management server 21 selects a base 23a from among the multiple bases 23 under its management to be responsible for collecting the waste MW. Based on the collection request, the waste generator information ID, the base information IB, and the waste treatment operator information IW, the management server 21 selects a base 23a suitable for collection by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. For example, the management server 21 selects a base 23 as a candidate for the responsible base 23a if the sum of the distance from the base 23 to the waste generator 10 that made the collection request and the distance from the waste generator 10 to the waste treatment operator 30 is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. If there are multiple candidates for the responsible base 23a, the management server 21 may select the base 23 that allows the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 to fly earliest based on the flight schedule of the deployed unmanned aerial vehicle 25.

[0081] The management server 21 may select a base 23a as the responsible base 23a that has geographical conditions that make it easy to set a flight route for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 between the base 23 and the waste generator 10, and between the waste generator 10 and the waste treatment operator 30. "Geographical conditions that make it easy to set a flight route for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25" means geographical conditions that allow the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 to be carried out smoothly, and may also mean geographical conditions that make it easy to obtain flight permission for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 from the public agency that manages the airspace. Geographical conditions that make it easy to set a flight route for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 may also mean, for example, geographical conditions where the area below the flight route is the sea, river, irrigation canal, vacant lot, forest, or farmland.

[0082] In step S120, the management server 21 generates a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 25. First, based on the aircraft information IBb of the base information IB, the management server 21 selects the UAV 25 to perform the recovery from among the UAVs 25 deployed at the assigned base 23a selected in step S110. The management server 21 may also determine the number of UAVs 25 to perform the recovery of the waste MW according to the number of containers 12 to be recovered, and select that number of UAVs 25. The management server 21 includes the selection result of the UAVs 25 in the flight plan.

[0083] Next, the management server 21 uses the management information IM, map information IG, and aerial management information IA to generate flight routes between the base 23a and the waste generator 10, and between the waste generator 10 and the waste treatment operator 30. The management server 21 includes the generated flight routes as flight route information in the flight plan.

[0084] The management server 21 includes time schedule information in the flight plan, including the average flight speed of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25, the scheduled departure time from the assigned base 23a, the scheduled arrival time at the waste generator 10 and the waste treatment operator 30, and the scheduled times for passing through designated points along the way. In addition, the management server 21 includes in the flight plan settings regarding whether or not hydrogen storage containers 32 are to be transported from the waste treatment operator 30 to the waste generator 10, as well as information on the flight route and time schedule for the transport of hydrogen storage containers 32.

[0085] The management server 21 includes in the flight plan a setting regarding whether or not hydrogen refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 at the waste disposal operator 30. Based on the above flight route information, the management server 21 calculates the flight distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 between the waste generator 10 and the waste disposal operator 30. If the calculated flight distance is greater than a predetermined threshold, the management server 21 generates a flight plan configured so that the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 receives hydrogen refueling at the waste disposal operator 30.

[0086] If the collection request includes hydrogen order information requesting the supply of hydrogen to the waste generator 10, the management server 21 refers to the hydrogen production information IWc in the waste treatment operator information IW. Based on the hydrogen production information IWc, the management server 21 generates a flight plan so that the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 can arrive at the date and time when the waste treatment operator 30 is expected to be able to prepare the hydrogen storage container 32 for delivery to the waste generator 10.

[0087] If the hydrogen order information for the recovery request includes a setting that the delivery of the hydrogen storage container 32 will be entrusted to the recovery operator 20, the management server 21 decides to transport the hydrogen storage container 32 to the generator 10 by unmanned aerial vehicle 25 based on the hydrogen delivery information IDc of the generator 10. The management server 21 refers to the hydrogen delivery history included in the hydrogen delivery information IDc, and if a predetermined period has elapsed since the last hydrogen delivery, it includes the transportation of the hydrogen storage container 32 from the waste treatment operator 30 to the generator 10 in the flight plan.

[0088] If the flight route of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 created during the flight plan generation process includes airspace that requires prior application or permission from external organizations or landowners, the management server 21 outputs a message to that effect via its output unit 43. When such a message is output, the person in charge at the recovery operator 20 carries out the prescribed procedures to obtain permission for the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. The management server 21 may also have a function to automatically perform the procedures for prior application and permission for the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 via the network NW.

[0089] In step S130, the management server 21 transmits the generated flight plan to the terminal of the assigned base 23a via the network NW. At the assigned base 23a, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25, which is to perform the recovery specified in the flight plan, is configured with the information contained in the flight plan so that it can perform autonomous flight according to the flight plan.

[0090] In step S140, the management server 21 transmits the flight plan to the waste generator device 11 via the network NW. Based on the flight plan, the waste generator device 11 notifies the user of the estimated time when the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 will arrive at the waste MW collection site in the waste generator 10 for the collection of waste MW. In addition, if there is a delivery of hydrogen storage containers 32 from the waste treatment operator 30, the waste generator device 11 notifies the user of the estimated time when the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 carrying the hydrogen storage containers 32 will arrive at the designated collection site within the waste generator 10.

[0091] In step S150, the management server 21 contacts the waste disposal operator 30. The management server 21 informs the waste disposal operator 30's terminal via the network NW of the scheduled date and time when the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 will arrive carrying the container 12 containing the waste MW. If the flight plan includes a hydrogen refueling for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 at the waste disposal operator 30, the management server 21 sends a message to the waste disposal operator 30's terminal requesting that hydrogen be refueled for the arriving unmanned aerial vehicle 25. If the flight plan also includes a scheduled transport of hydrogen storage containers 32 to the waste generator 10, the management server 21 sends a message to the waste disposal operator 30's terminal requesting that the hydrogen storage containers 32 to be transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 be prepared.

[0092] With the above steps completed, the preparation process on the management server 21 of the collection company 20 is finished. Next, we will refer to Figure 4 again to explain the process after the preparation process.

[0093] In step S24, a representative of the waste generator 10, who requested the collection of the waste MW, prepares the waste MW so that it can be collected by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. The representative places the container 12 containing the waste MW at the designated collection site. In step S26, a representative of the waste treatment company 30, who received the disposal request, prepares to receive the waste MW. If a request for a hydrogen storage container 32 is received from the management server 21, the representative of the waste treatment company 30 prepares the hydrogen storage container 32 for delivery to the waste generator 10.

[0094] In step S30, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 flies from the designated base 23a selected by the management server 21 to the waste generator 10 according to the flight plan. In step S32, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 retrieves the container 12 containing the waste MW at the waste generator 10 and transports it to the waste treatment operator 30 according to the flight plan.

[0095] In step S34, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 unloads the container 12 at the waste disposal company 30, and a person in charge at the waste disposal company 30 receives the container 12. If the flight plan includes refueling of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 with hydrogen, in step S36, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is refueled with hydrogen.

[0096] Furthermore, if the flight plan includes the transport of hydrogen storage containers 32 to the waste generator 10, in step S38, the hydrogen storage containers 32 prepared by the waste treatment operator 30 are loaded onto the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 and transported to the waste generator 10. If the flight plan does not include the transport of hydrogen storage containers 32 to the waste generator 10, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 returns to its assigned base 23a.

[0097] In step S40, the emitter 10 receives the hydrogen storage container 32 from the unmanned aerial vehicle 25. After this, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 returns to its assigned base 23a.

[0098] In step S42, the waste disposal operator 30 disposes of the waste MW received in step S34, while it is still contained in the container 12, through waste disposal. As described above, hydrogen is generated at the waste disposal operator 30 during the waste disposal process in step S42.

[0099] In step S44, after the disposal of the waste MW is completed, the person in charge at the waste disposal company 30 notifies the management server 21 of the collection company 20 of the completion of disposal via the network NW using the terminal of the waste disposal company 30. In step S46, the management server 21 records that the disposal of the collected waste MW is complete and notifies the generator device 11 of the completion of the disposal of the waste MW via the network NW. In step S48, the generator 10 creates a manifest for the collection and disposal of the waste MW using the information managed by the management server 21 in the storage unit 45.

[0100] 1-5. Main effects obtained from medical waste collection systems: According to the first embodiment of the recovery system 100, since waste MW is transported by an unmanned aerial vehicle 25, the opportunity for people to come into contact with waste MW during transport can be reduced, and the occurrence of infections transmitted through waste MW can be suppressed. Furthermore, by using the unmanned aerial vehicle 25, waste MW can be transported efficiently without being affected by ground traffic congestion, accidents, construction, etc. In addition, the transport distance of waste MW can be easily shortened, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated for the transport of waste MW can be reduced.

[0101] According to the first embodiment of the recovery system 100, a management server 21 provided by the recovery operator 20 generates a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25, and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 recovers the waste MW and transports it to the waste disposal operator 30 according to that flight plan. Therefore, the recovery and transportation of waste MW by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 can be carried out efficiently.

[0102] According to the recovery system 100 of the first embodiment, an unmanned aerial vehicle 25 that transports waste MW to the waste treatment operator 30 can transport a hydrogen storage container 32 filled with hydrogen generated at the waste treatment operator 30 to the waste generator 10. Therefore, hydrogen efficiently generated in connection with waste treatment at the waste treatment operator 30 can be efficiently supplied to the waste generator 10, thereby promoting the use of hydrogen energy in the medical field.

[0103] According to the first embodiment of the recovery system 100, the management server 21 selects a suitable base 23a for recovering waste MW based on the recovery request, the waste generator information ID, the base information IB, and the waste treatment operator information IW. The recovery of waste MW is carried out by an unmanned aerial vehicle 25 deployed at that base 23a. With this configuration, since the management server 21 appropriately selects the base 23a, the recovery and transportation of waste MW by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 can be carried out more efficiently. In the first embodiment, since the management server 21 selects the base 23a based on its location, it is easy to generate a more efficient flight route. Also, in the first embodiment, since the management server 21 selects the base 23a based on the flight schedule of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 can be operated more efficiently.

[0104] According to the recovery system 100 of the first embodiment, hydrogen is supplied to the waste generator 10 appropriately in response to the waste generator 10's order when a recovery request is made, thus enabling a more appropriate supply of hydrogen to the waste generator 10. Furthermore, according to the recovery system 100 of the first embodiment, the management server 21 can decide whether to transport the hydrogen storage container 32 to the waste generator 10 by unmanned aerial vehicle 25 based on the history of hydrogen deliveries to the waste generator 10, thus enabling the supply of hydrogen to the waste generator 10 at an appropriate time.

[0105] According to the recovery system 100 of the first embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 is supplied with hydrogen produced at the waste treatment operator 30. Therefore, the flight range of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 can be extended, and the efficiency of hydrogen utilization in the recovery system 100 can be further improved.

[0106] According to the first embodiment of the recovery system 100, the waste generator 10 can easily and efficiently create a manifest for the disposal of waste MW using the information managed by the management server 21 after the disposal of the waste MW is completed. Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the recovery system 100, it is possible to more thoroughly manage waste MW using manifests.

[0107] 1-6. Summary of the First Embodiment: According to the recovery system 100 of the first embodiment, the method for recovering waste MW implemented in the recovery system 100, and the management server 21 that constructs the recovery system 100, waste MW can be efficiently recovered and disposed of while preventing infection by using an unmanned aerial vehicle 25. In addition, hydrogen efficiently generated by the waste treatment operator 30 can be efficiently supplied to the waste generator 10, thereby promoting the utilization of hydrogen energy.

[0108] 2. Second Embodiment: Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of waste MW recovery in the recovery system 100A of the second embodiment. Figure 6 shows a container 12A, a waste generator device 11A, and an unmanned aerial vehicle 25A, illustrating the signal exchange during waste MW recovery in the recovery system 100A. Figure 6 also shows a block diagram within the outlet illustrating the internal configuration of the waste generator device 11A, the information recording unit 13A, and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A.

[0109] The configuration of the recovery system 100A in the second embodiment is almost the same as that of the recovery system 100 in the first embodiment, except for the points described below. Furthermore, the procedure for collecting and disposing of waste MW in the recovery system 100A of the second embodiment and the procedure for managing them are as described in the first embodiment with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0110] (1) Information Recording Section: In the second embodiment of the recovery system 100A, the configuration of the information recording unit 13A provided in the container 12A, the waste generator device 11A used by the recovery operator 20, and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A used for recovering waste MW differs from the configuration described in the first embodiment. As described below, in the second embodiment of the recovery system 100A, the information recording unit 13A is configured to emit electromagnetic waves, and the waste generator device 11A and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A are configured to receive these electromagnetic waves.

[0111] In the second embodiment of the collection system 100A, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is applied to the information recording unit 13A, the waste generator device 11A, and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A. In the collection system 100A, the information recording unit 13A is composed of IC tags, and the waste generator device 11A and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A have the function of RFID readers.

[0112] In this configuration, when the waste generator device 11A or the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A transmits a predetermined first electromagnetic wave W1 to the information recording unit 13A, the information recording unit 13A, upon receiving it, transmits a second electromagnetic wave W2 carrying a signal representing waste information. The waste generator device 11A and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A receive the returned second electromagnetic wave W2. The details of the configurations of the information recording unit 13A, the waste generator device 11A, and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A will be described below.

[0113] The information recording unit 13A of the second embodiment includes an antenna unit 80 and a circuit unit 81 that are electrically connected to each other. The antenna unit 80 is capable of receiving and transmitting electromagnetic waves W1 and W2. The frequency bands of the electromagnetic waves W1 and W2 can be, for example, the 2.45 GHz band or the 860-960 MHz UHF band.

[0114] The circuit unit 81 is connected to the antenna unit 80 and receives signals carried on electromagnetic waves W1 from the waste generator device 11A and the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A via the antenna unit 80. Waste information is pre-recorded in the memory area of ​​the circuit unit 81. When the circuit unit 81 receives a signal carried on electromagnetic waves W1 via the antenna unit 80, it generates a signal representing the waste information recorded in the memory area and emits that signal carried on electromagnetic waves W2 through the antenna unit 80. The waste information recorded in the memory area of ​​the circuit unit 81 may be recorded before the unused containers 12A are delivered, or it may be written by the waste generator 10 after the unused containers 12A are delivered.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the information recording unit 13A is configured as a passive tag. The information recording unit 13A drives the circuit unit 81 with electricity generated by the reception of electromagnetic waves W1 by the antenna unit 80. In other embodiments, the information recording unit 13A may be equipped with an internal battery to drive the circuit unit 81, and may be configured as an active tag or a semi-active tag.

[0116] (2) Devices used by waste generators: In the second embodiment, the waste generator device 11A is an RFID reader configured to send a request for the collection of waste MW. In the second embodiment, when a person in charge at the waste generator 10 presses a button to command the waste generator device 11A to execute a collection request, the collection request, which includes the waste information recorded in the information recording unit 13A of the container 12A, is automatically sent to the management server 21 of the collection company 20.

[0117] The waste generator device 11A comprises a device control unit 70, a communication unit 71, an operation unit 72, and an antenna unit 73. The device control unit 70 of the waste generator device 11A is a functional unit realized by a CPU (not shown) reading and executing instructions and programs prepared in advance on RAM, and performs control of the waste generator device 11A. The device control unit 70 has the functions of an information acquisition unit 75 and a request execution unit 76, which will be described later.

[0118] The communication unit 71 performs communication via the network NW under the control of the device control unit 70. The operation unit 72 receives operations from the user of the waste generator device 11A and outputs a signal indicating the content of the operation to the device control unit 70. The operation unit 72 includes at least a button for commanding the transmission of a collection request. The antenna unit 73 has the function of emitting electromagnetic waves W1 and the function of receiving electromagnetic waves W2 under the control of the device control unit 70.

[0119] When the information acquisition unit 75 of the device control unit 70 receives an operation from a user commanding the transmission of a collection request via the operation unit 72, it emits an electromagnetic wave W1 via the antenna unit 73. Upon receiving the electromagnetic wave W2 returned from the information recording unit 13A by the antenna unit 73, the information acquisition unit 75 analyzes the signal carried on the received electromagnetic wave W2 to acquire waste information. The request execution unit 76 uses the waste information acquired by the information acquisition unit 75 to generate data for a waste MW collection request and transmits it to the management server 21 of the collection company 20 via the communication unit 71.

[0120] The contents of the collection request transmitted from the waste generator device 11A to the management server 21 are almost the same as those described in the first embodiment. In the waste generator device 11A of the second embodiment, information to be included in the collection request, such as hydrogen order information, which was described in the first embodiment as being pre-inputted or set, is input to the device control unit 70 from an information processing terminal such as an external computer via the communication unit 71.

[0121] The waste generator device 11A can exchange electromagnetic waves W1 and W2 with the information recording unit 13A from a distance of several tens of centimeters to several meters from the container 12A. Therefore, obtaining waste information and sending collection requests by the waste generator device 11A can be performed even more easily. In addition, since the user of the waste generator device 11A can obtain waste information without approaching the container 12A containing the waste MW, the risk of infection via the waste MW can be reduced.

[0122] The waste generator device 11A is configured to receive electromagnetic waves W2 simultaneously from each of the multiple information recording units 13A after being irradiated with electromagnetic waves W1 once, and to distinguish and acquire individual waste information from the signals carried on each electromagnetic wave W2. The waste generator device 11A can acquire waste information from multiple containers 12A simultaneously and send collection requests for each container 12A. Therefore, the waste generator device 11A is efficient because it allows for the collection requests for multiple containers 12A to be made all at once.

[0123] (3) Unmanned aerial vehicle: The second form of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A is almost identical in configuration to the unmanned aerial vehicle 25 described in the first embodiment, except that it is equipped with an antenna unit 85 and has additional functions described below to enable control using signals received by the antenna unit 85.

[0124] The antenna unit 85 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves W1 and to receive electromagnetic waves W2 returned from the information recording unit 13A. Under the control of the container detection unit 69 of the aircraft control unit 60, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A transmits and receives electromagnetic waves W1 and W2 through the antenna unit 85. The container detection unit 69 detects the position of the container 12A by receiving the electromagnetic waves W2 returned after transmitting electromagnetic waves W1. This makes it easier for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A to detect the position of the container 12A, and thus makes it easier for the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A to automatically retrieve the container 12A.

[0125] Furthermore, the container detection unit 69 acquires waste information from electromagnetic waves W2. By acquiring waste information, the container detection unit 69 can identify containers 12A that are set to be collected by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A. This prevents the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A from mistakenly collecting a different container 12A that is not scheduled for collection. In addition, when the container detection unit 69 acquires waste information, it transmits that waste information to the management server 21 of the collection company 20. This allows the management server 21 to confirm that the container 12A for which collection has been requested has been collected by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A. This further improves the accuracy of waste MW collection management.

[0126] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the recovery system 100A, since the container 12A is equipped with an information recording unit 13A, waste information can be acquired by the waste generator device 11A and a recovery request can be transmitted without using optical means. Furthermore, the person in charge at the waste generator 10 can request the recovery of the container 12A without approaching the container 12A, and can execute recovery requests for multiple containers 12A at once. According to the second embodiment of the recovery system 100A, the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A can detect the position of the container 12A by receiving electromagnetic waves W2 emitted from the information recording unit 13A of the container 12A and acquire waste information. Therefore, the accuracy of management of waste MW recovery by the unmanned aerial vehicle 25A can be improved. In addition, according to the second embodiment of the recovery system 100A, recovery method, and management server 21, various effects and advantages similar to those described in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0127] 3. Other embodiments: The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the configurations of the first and second embodiments described above. For example, it can be modified as follows.

[0128] • Other Embodiment 1: In each of the above embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 and 25A may fly using the power of a hydrogen engine. In other embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 and 25A do not have to be configured to fly by consuming hydrogen as energy, and may fly, for example, using the power of a rechargeable battery on board.

[0129] • Other Embodiment 2: In each of the embodiments described above, the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 and 25A may, instead of transporting the hydrogen storage containers 32 received by the waste treatment operator directly to the waste generator 10, return to base 23 first. The recovery operator 20 may store the hydrogen storage containers 32 at base 23 and, upon request from the waste generator 10, transport and deliver them to the waste generator 10 using the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 and 25A. When the recovery operator 20 sends the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 and 25A to the waste generator 10 to recover the waste MW, it may have the unmanned aerial vehicles 25 and 25A transport the hydrogen storage containers 32 that it had been storing.

[0130] • Other Embodiment 3: In each of the above embodiments, the containers 12 and 12A containing the waste MW do not necessarily have to be equipped with information recording units 13 and 13A, and the waste generator devices 11 and 11A do not necessarily have to have the function of acquiring waste information from the information recording units 13 and 13A. For example, a person in charge at waste generator 10 may use a computer provided by collection company 20 as a waste generator device and send a collection request to the management server 21 from a web application or homepage for sending collection requests via a network NW.

[0131] • Other Embodiments 4: In each of the embodiments described above, the unmanned aerial vehicles 25, 25A may consist of aircraft other than drones capable of autonomous flight. The unmanned aerial vehicles 25, 25A may consist of radio-controlled drones, or they may consist of small radio-controlled helicopters other than drones.

[0132] • Other Embodiments 5: In each of the above embodiments, the recovery systems 100 and 100A may use a network other than the Internet. For example, a Wide Area Network (WAN) may be used as the network.

[0133] • Other Embodiment 6: The technologies described in each of the above embodiments may also be applied to the recovery of waste other than medical waste. For example, in the above embodiments, the waste MW may be industrial waste or other types of waste other than medical waste, and the waste generator 10 may be, for example, a business premises, factory, or research institute of a company or various other organization that has equipment, devices, or machinery that operates on hydrogen. In this case, the request for the recovery of the waste MW may include information indicating the type of business of the waste generator and the type of waste MW. When the waste MW is recovered, it may be placed in a pre-prepared container suitable for the waste MW. The recovery operator 20 may select a waste treatment operator 30 capable of processing the waste MW according to the type of waste MW indicated in the recovery request and generate a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicles 25, 25A. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 10...Waste generator, 11,11A...Waste generator device, 12,12A...Container, 13,13A...Information recording unit, 15...Medical device, 20...Collection operator, 21...Management server, 23...Base, 23a...Responsible base, 25,25A...Unmanned aerial vehicle, 30...Waste treatment operator, 32...Hydrogen storage container, 40...Management control unit, 41...Communication unit, 42...Input unit, 43...Output unit, 45...Storage unit, 50...Device control unit, 51...Communication unit, 52...Input unit, 53...Display unit, 54...Imaging unit, 55...Collection request program, 56...Information acquisition unit, 57...Request execution unit, 60...Aircraft control unit, 61...Position detection unit, 62...Attitude detection unit, 63...Object detection unit, 64...Camera unit, 65...Drive unit, 66...Communication unit, 67...Information acquisition unit 68...Flight control unit, 69...Container detection unit, 70...Device control unit, 71...Communication unit, 72...Operation unit, 73...Antenna unit, 75...Information acquisition unit, 76...Request execution unit, 80...Antenna unit, 81...Circuit unit, 85...Antenna unit, 100, 100A...Medical waste collection system, W1...First electromagnetic wave, W2...Second electromagnetic wave, IA...Aircraft management information, IB...Base information, IBa...Unique information, IBb...Aircraft information, ID...Waste generator information, IDa...Unique information, IDb...Collection request information, IDc...Hydrogen delivery information, IG...Map information, IM...Management information, IW...Waste treatment operator information, IWa...Unique information, IWb...Waste treatment information, IWc...Hydrogen generation information, MW...Medical waste, NW...Network

Claims

1. A medical waste collection system, A generator device that possesses a hydrogen-powered medical device and generates medical waste from medical procedures, and which transmits a request for collection of the said medical waste via a network, A collection business operator responsible for collecting the aforementioned medical waste has a management server that receives collection requests through the network and generates flight plans for unmanned aerial vehicles based on the collection requests, An unmanned aerial vehicle flying in accordance with the aforementioned flight plan, Equipped with, A medical waste recovery system in which the flight plan is configured such that the unmanned aerial vehicle (i) flies to the waste generator to collect the medical waste and transports it to a waste disposal operator to carry out disposal, and (ii) after handing over the medical waste to the waste disposal operator, when returning from the waste disposal operator, transports a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen that is generated in connection with the disposal at the waste disposal operator and to be supplied to the waste generator.

2. A medical waste collection system according to claim 1, The aforementioned unmanned aerial vehicles are deployed at multiple bases located in different locations. A medical waste collection system comprising: a management server, when generating the flight plan, selects a base from among the multiple bases to be responsible for collection, generates the flight plan including a flight route corresponding to the location of the base, and transmits the flight plan to the terminal of the base via the network.

3. A medical waste collection system according to claim 2, The management server is a medical waste collection system that selects the responsible base from among the multiple bases based on information indicating the location of the base.

4. A medical waste collection system according to claim 1, A medical waste collection system in which, if the collection request includes hydrogen order information requesting the delivery of hydrogen to the waste generator, the management server transmits a request to the terminal of the waste disposal operator via the network to prepare the hydrogen storage container to be transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle.

5. A medical waste collection system according to claim 1, A medical waste collection system comprising a management server that records the history of hydrogen deliveries to the waste generator, and which determines the transportation of hydrogen storage containers to the waste generator by unmanned aerial vehicles based on the delivery history.

6. A medical waste collection system according to claim 1, A medical waste collection system in which the aforementioned unmanned aerial vehicle flies by consuming hydrogen as energy and receives hydrogen replenishment from the aforementioned waste disposal operator.

7. A medical waste collection system according to claim 1, The aforementioned medical waste is placed in a container by the waste generator before collection. The container is provided with an information recording unit that includes a circuit configured to emit electromagnetic waves. The aforementioned unmanned aerial vehicle is a recovery system having the function of receiving electromagnetic waves and detecting the container when recovering the container containing the medical waste.

8. A method for collecting medical waste generated by medical procedures, A process in which a waste generator device, which is owned by a waste generator that has a medical device that operates on hydrogen and generates the medical waste, transmits a request for collection of the medical waste to a management server owned by a collection company that is responsible for collecting the medical waste, via a network, The management server receives the collection request through the network and generates a flight plan for an unmanned aerial vehicle to collect and transport the medical waste based on the collection request. The process involves an unmanned aerial vehicle flying to the waste generator in accordance with the flight plan to collect the medical waste and transporting it to a waste disposal company that carries out disposal. The process includes the unmanned aerial vehicle, after delivering the medical waste to the waste disposal operator in accordance with the flight plan, transporting a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen generated during the waste disposal process at the waste disposal operator and to be supplied to the waste generator, upon its return from the waste disposal operator; A method that includes [a certain feature].

9. A management server connected to a network, which manages the collection of medical waste generated by medical procedures, The network has a function to receive collection requests for medical waste from waste generator devices owned by waste generators that generate medical waste, Based on the aforementioned collection request, the unmanned aerial vehicle has a function to generate a flight plan configured to (i) fly to the waste generator to collect the medical waste and transport it to a waste disposal operator that will carry out the disposal, and (ii) after handing over the medical waste to the waste disposal operator, when returning from the waste disposal operator, transport a hydrogen storage container filled with hydrogen that will be generated as a result of the disposal at the waste disposal operator and supplied to the waste generator. The function includes transmitting the aforementioned flight plan to a terminal at the base where the unmanned aircraft is deployed via the aforementioned network, A management server equipped with the necessary features.

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