Garbage collection support device, garbage collection support system, and garbage collection support method

Abstract

To provide a refuse collection support apparatus capable of supporting further ecology-conscious refuse collection with less burden on a user.SOLUTION: A refuse collection support apparatus 100 includes a refuse collection request reception unit 111a, a refuse collection notification unit 112, a collection information acquisition unit 113, a refuse information determination unit 114, an assignment point calculation unit 115, and an assignment point notification unit 116. The refuse collection request reception unit 111a accepts a collection request of refuse via a user terminal. The refuse collection notification unit 112 notifies a refuse collection terminal of the collection request of the refuse. The collection information acquisition unit 113 acquires collection information on the refuse via the refuse collection terminal. The refuse information determination unit 114 determines an ecology degree on the basis of a refuse separation status and mass of the refuse based on the collection information. The assignment point calculation unit 115 calculates assignment points based on the ecology degree. The assignment point notification unit 116 notifies the user terminal of the assignment points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a garbage collection support device, a garbage collection support system, and a garbage collection support method. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, systems for supporting appropriate sorting and collection of garbage have been proposed from the ecological perspective of environmental protection and reducing the load on the global environment. Patent Document 1 discloses a garbage sorting and collection support system that raises consumers' awareness of recycling and supports the separate collection of recyclable resource garbage from packaging containers of products sold in stores and the like. The garbage sorting and collection support system disclosed in Patent Document 1 awards recycling points according to the purchase amount of products, and the collection amount and collection rate of garbage that is a target of recycling collection. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-104491 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The waste sorting and collection support system disclosed in Patent Document 1 raises awareness of recycling among general consumers by awarding recycling points that can be used to purchase products at designated stores. However, this waste sorting and collection support system requires users to bring the designated waste to the store. Therefore, it is difficult for people such as the elderly who have difficulty going to the store to use this waste sorting and collection support system. Furthermore, the waste eligible for point awarding is limited to products purchased at the designated store whose packaging is recyclable. Therefore, from an ecological perspective aimed at environmental protection and reducing the burden on the global environment, there is a need for a system that is not limited to specific recyclable products and is applicable to a wider range of users.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art described above. The object of this invention is to provide a waste collection support device that can support waste collection in a more ecologically conscious way while reducing the burden on the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A waste collection support device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a waste collection request receiving unit that receives a request for the collection of waste discarded in a trash can used by a user via a user terminal; a waste collection notification unit that notifies the waste collector's terminal of the waste collection; a collection information acquisition unit that acquires collection information about the waste entered by the waste collector via the waste collector's terminal when the waste collector collects the waste; a waste information determination unit that determines the degree of ecology based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste based on the collection information; a point awarding unit that calculates the points to be awarded to the user based on the degree of ecology; and a point awarding notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the points calculated by the point awarding unit.

[0007] A waste collection support device according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a waste storage information acquisition unit that acquires waste storage information from an IoT trash can equipped with a sensor; a waste collection necessity determination unit that determines whether or not waste collection is necessary for the IoT trash can based on the waste storage information; a waste collection notification unit that notifies the waste collector's terminal of the waste collection; a collection information acquisition unit that acquires collection information about the waste entered by the waste collector via the waste collector's terminal when the waste collector collects the waste; a waste information determination unit that determines the degree of ecology based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste based on the collection information; a point award calculation unit that calculates award points to be awarded to the user using the IoT trash can based on the degree of ecology; and a point award notification unit that notifies the user's terminal of the award points calculated by the point award calculation unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a waste collection support system comprising a user terminal used by a user, a waste collector terminal used by a waste collector, the user terminal and the waste collector terminal, and a waste collection support device that can communicate via a network, wherein the waste collection support device includes a waste collection request receiving unit that receives requests for the collection of waste discarded in a trash can used by a user via the user terminal, a waste collection notification unit that notifies the waste collector's waste collector terminal of the waste collection, a collection information acquisition unit that acquires collection information about the waste entered by the waste collector via the waste collector terminal when the waste collector collects the waste, a waste information determination unit that determines the degree of ecology based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste based on the collection information, a point award calculation unit that calculates award points to be awarded to the user based on the degree of ecology, and a point award notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the award points calculated by the point award calculation unit.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a garbage collection support method performed by a computer, which receives a request for collection of garbage discarded in a garbage can used by a user via a user terminal, notifies the garbage collector's terminal of the garbage collection, acquires collection information about the garbage entered by the garbage collector via the garbage collector's terminal when the garbage is collected by the garbage collector, determines the degree of ecology based on the sorting status and mass of the garbage based on the collection information, calculates the points to be awarded to the user based on the degree of ecology, and notifies the user terminal of the points calculated by the points calculation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a waste collection support device that can support waste collection in a more ecologically conscious way while reducing the burden on the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the waste collection support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the waste collection support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the functional configuration of the waste collection support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] This figure shows an example of user information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] This figure shows an example of recovered information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow in the waste collection support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the waste collection support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the functional configuration of the waste collection support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of user information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of processing in the garbage collection support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the garbage collection support system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the garbage collection support apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of user information and safety information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of processing in the garbage collection support system according to the third embodiment. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, the garbage collection support apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from actual ratios. In addition, in the description of the following drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0013] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a garbage collection support system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the garbage collection support system 1 is configured to include a server 10, a user terminal 31 used by a user 30, and a garbage collector terminal 51 used by a garbage collector 50. The server 10, the user terminal 31, and the garbage collector terminal 51 can communicate with each other via the network 40.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the user 30 who uses the garbage collection support system 1 discards garbage into a garbage bin 20 (puts out garbage), and makes a garbage collection request to the server 10 via the user terminal 31. The server 10, which has received the garbage collection request from the user terminal 31, requests the garbage collector 50 via the garbage collector terminal 51 to collect the garbage discarded in the garbage bin 20. The garbage collector 50 collects the garbage discarded in the garbage bin 20.

[0015] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the garbage collector 50 inputs, into the garbage collector terminal 51, collection information used for determining the ecological degree of garbage discarded in the trash bin 20. The collection information input to the garbage collector terminal 51 is sent to the server 10, and the server 10 determines the ecological degree of the garbage information. In the present embodiment, the ecological degree is defined as a degree indicating environmental conservation and a low burden on the global environment. Details of the ecological degree will be described later.

[0016] Furthermore, the server 10 calculates points to be awarded according to the determined ecological degree. The calculated awarded points are notified to the user 30 via the user terminal 31. Based on the balance of points corresponding to the ecological degree, discounts on costs related to the collection system and the like are implemented.

[0017] (Configuration of Garbage Collection Support Device 100) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 10 provided with the garbage collection support device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 includes the garbage collection support device 100 as a function. In the present embodiment, the garbage collection support device 100 is configured by a general computer including a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input / output IF 130 (Interface), and a communication IF 140. Details of the control unit 110 and the storage unit 120 will be described later.

[0018] Furthermore, when the user terminal 31 and / or the garbage collector terminal 51 is implemented by a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like, the configuration of the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 may be applied thereto.

[0019] The input / output IF 130 is, for example, a component (interface) for exchanging data between the administrator of the garbage collection support system 1 and the server 10. The input / output IF 130 includes, for example, an input IF and an output IF (not shown).

[0020] The input interface in the input / output interface 130 has an interface function for administrators to input various types of information, and information is input from outside the server 10. Information is input to the input interface by administrators through devices connected to the server 10, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, trackball, and voice recognition device. The input interface can also be used as a data input terminal to input data from external storage devices (not shown), etc.

[0021] The output interface of the input / output interface 130 can display user information and retrieval information, as described later, on a display device (not shown) connected to the server 10. The display device may be, for example, a display device or a projector device.

[0022] The communication interface 140 is an interface that enables communication between the server 10 and the user terminal 31 and the garbage collector terminal 51 via the network 40.

[0023] (Functional configuration of the waste collection support device 100) Next, with reference to Figure 3, the functions of the waste collection support device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the waste collection support device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 110 of the waste collection support device 100 includes the following functions: a waste collection request reception unit 111a, a waste collection notification unit 112, a collection information acquisition unit 113, a waste information determination unit 114, a point awarding calculation unit 115, and a point awarding notification unit 116. Each of these functions of the control unit 110 will be described later.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 110 controls the entire server 10, for example, by running an operating system. In addition, the control unit 110 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 120 and executes the functions described above. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120, but may also be stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like (not shown) within the waste collection support device 100.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 120 stores the information contained in the user information DB121 (DB: Database) and the retrieval information DB122 as data. Note that there may be one or more storage units 120 that store this data. For example, a single storage unit 120 may be configured to store data in separate areas. Alternatively, the data may be distributed and stored in multiple storage devices located in physically separate locations.

[0026] The waste collection request reception unit 111a receives waste collection requests for waste disposed of in the waste bin 20 used by the user 30 via the user terminal 31. The waste collection request reception unit 111a also stores information regarding the received waste collection requests in the user information DB 121.

[0027] Figure 4A shows an example of user information stored in the user information DB121. The user information includes, for example, information corresponding to items such as "User ID," "Number of people in household," "Desired collection date," "Desired collection time," "Trash can location," "Type of trash," "Points held," and "Discount rate," as shown in Figure 4A.

[0028] Information regarding the "User ID" is used to identify user 30 who uses the garbage collection support system 1. The "User ID" is stored in the user information DB 121 based on the information entered when user 30 is registered as a user of the garbage collection support system 1, or when garbage collection is performed for the first time using the garbage collection support system 1. Information regarding the "Household Size" indicates the number of people in user 30's household. The "Household Size" is stored in the user information DB 121 via the user terminal 31 when user 30 is registered as a user of the garbage collection support system 1, or when there is a change in the number of people in the household when using the garbage collection support system 1.

[0029] The information regarding the "desired collection date" and "desired collection time" is information received via the user terminal 31 when a collection request for waste discarded in the trash can 20 used by user 30 is received.

[0030] The "Trash Can Location" information indicates the location where the trash cans 20 subject to waste collection are installed. This information corresponds to the information entered when the user 30 registers or when requesting waste collection through the waste collection support system 1. The "Waste Type" information indicates the type of waste subject to collection. This information corresponds to the information entered when requesting waste collection through the waste collection support system 1.

[0031] The "Points Held" information indicates the value of points awarded to user 30 for using the waste collection support system 1. The "Points Held" are calculated by adding points calculated by the points awarded calculation unit 115, which will be described later. The "Discount Rate" information indicates the discount rate on the cost of using the waste collection support system 1, according to the points held.

[0032] The garbage collection notification unit 112 notifies the garbage collector terminal 51 of the garbage collector 50 of the garbage collection. The garbage collection notification includes user information such as the user ID, the address of user 30 (not shown), the collection date and time, the location of the garbage can, and information about the type of garbage. Upon receiving the garbage collection notification, the garbage collector 50 collects the garbage discarded in the garbage can 20 of the user 30 that is subject to collection at the collection date and time specified in the notification. The garbage collector 50 also inputs collection information related to the garbage collection into the garbage collector terminal 51. The garbage collection information is sent to the garbage collection support device 100 via the garbage collector terminal 51. The garbage collection information includes, for example, information about the mass of the garbage, the sorting status, and the presence or absence of impurities.

[0033] The collection information acquisition unit 113 acquires collection information about the garbage entered by the garbage collector 50 during garbage collection via the garbage collector terminal 51. The collection information acquisition unit 113 also stores the acquired garbage collection information in the collection information DB 122.

[0034] Figure 4B shows an example of collection information stored in the collection information DB122. As shown in Figure 4B, the collection information includes, for example, information on items related to "User ID," "Collection Date," "Collection Time," "Trash Can Location," "Weight," "Sorting," "Impurities," and "Points Awarded."

[0035] The "User ID" information is used to identify user 30 using the garbage collection support system 1, and corresponds to the "User ID" stored in the user information DB 121 mentioned above. The "Collection Date," "Collection Time," "Garbage Can Location," and "Garbage Type" information correspond to the date and time of collection by the garbage collector 50, the location of the garbage can 20, and the type of garbage.

[0036] The information regarding "mass," "sorting," and "impurities" refers to the mass of the waste, the sorting status, and the presence or absence of impurities, and corresponds to the waste collection information that the waste collector 50 inputs into the waste collector terminal 51 at the time of waste collection and sends to the waste collection support device 100. The information regarding "points awarded" corresponds to the information indicating the points awarded calculated by the points awarded calculation unit 115 described later.

[0037] The waste information determination unit 114 determines the degree of ecological activity based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste. In this embodiment, the degree of ecological activity is defined as the degree to which environmental protection and the burden on the global environment are minimized. For example, the waste information determination unit 114 determines this based on whether the mass of waste relative to the number of household members is greater than a predetermined average value. If the mass of waste is less than the average value, the degree of ecological activity is higher. Also, if waste sorting is properly carried out, the degree of ecological activity is higher. Conversely, if the waste contains impurities, the degree of ecological activity is lower.

[0038] The points calculation unit 115 calculates the points to be awarded to the user 30 based on the degree of ecology determined by the waste information determination unit 114. As an example of the points awarded by the points calculation unit 115, for example, a default point value of 10 points may be set, and points may be added or subtracted depending on the situation. For example, if the mass of the waste does not exceed a predetermined threshold, is properly sorted, and does not contain impurities, no points may be deducted. Conversely, if the mass exceeds a predetermined threshold, is not properly sorted, or contains impurities, a method of deducting points in a predetermined amount may be applied. For example, in the example shown in Figure 4B, user 30 with user ID "U001" is awarded 10 points.

[0039] Furthermore, the points calculation unit 115 adds the calculated points to the "points held" in the user information DB 121.

[0040] The points awarding notification unit 116 notifies the user terminal 31 of the points awarded calculated by the points awarding calculation unit 115. The points awarding notification unit 116 may also notify the user terminal 31 of the information stored in the "Points Held" section of the user information DB 121. The user 30 recognizes the information regarding the points awarded obtained via the user terminal 31 and can apply a discount to the cost when using the garbage collection support system 1 in the future.

[0041] As a result, users 30 using the waste collection support system 1 do not need to bring their waste to a designated location, thus reducing the burden on users 30. Furthermore, users 30 using the waste collection support system 1 can acquire points corresponding to the waste collection information, which can be used for discounts on usage, etc., enabling users 30 to dispose of their waste in a more ecologically conscious way. In other words, the waste collection support system 1 can support ecologically conscious waste collection that reduces the burden on the environment and the global environment, while reducing the burden on users 30.

[0042] (Outline of the processing flow of the waste collection support system 1) Next, the processing flow in the waste collection support system 1 is shown using the sequence diagram in Figure 5. In the following explanation of the sequence diagram, the same information as described in the above-mentioned explanation of the waste collection support system 1 and waste collection support device 100 will be omitted or simplified.

[0043] In step S501, user 30 inputs request information regarding the collection of trash from trash can 20 into user terminal 31. For example, the request information regarding trash collection includes the desired collection date and time. The request information regarding trash collection may also include information regarding the location of the trash can and / or the type of trash.

[0044] In step S502, the garbage collection request information entered by user 30 into user terminal 31 is sent to garbage collection support device 100. Also in step S502, the garbage collection request reception unit 111a of the garbage collection support device 100 receives the garbage collection request information and stores it in the user information DB 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0045] In step S503, the garbage collection notification unit 112 notifies the garbage collector terminal 51 of the garbage collector 50 of the garbage collection notification. The garbage collection notification includes user information such as the user ID, the address of user 30 (not shown), the collection date and time, the location of the garbage can, and information about the type of garbage.

[0046] In step S504, the garbage collector 50, upon receiving the garbage collection notification, collects the garbage discarded in the garbage bin 20 of the user 30 that is subject to collection at the collection date and time specified in the garbage collection notification. The garbage collector 50 also inputs the collection information regarding the garbage collection into the garbage collector terminal 51.

[0047] In step S505, the waste collection information is sent to the waste collection support device 100 via the waste collector terminal 51. The waste collection information includes, for example, information on the mass of the waste, the sorting status, and the presence or absence of impurities. Also in step S505, the collection information acquisition unit 113 acquires the waste collection information entered by the waste collector 50 via the waste collector terminal 51 when the waste collector 50 collects the waste. The collection information acquisition unit 113 also stores the acquired waste collection information in the collection information DB 122.

[0048] In step S506, the waste information determination unit 114 determines the degree of ecology based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste in relation to the collection information. In this embodiment, the degree of ecology is defined as the degree to which the waste contributes to environmental protection and minimizes the burden on the global environment.

[0049] In step S507, the points calculation unit 115 calculates the points to be awarded to the user 30 based on the degree of ecology determined by the waste information determination unit 114. Also in step S507, the points calculation unit 115 stores the calculated points in the "Points Awarded" item of the collection information DB 122. Also in step S507, the points calculation unit 115 adds the calculated points to the "Points Held" in the user information DB 121.

[0050] In step S508, the points award notification unit 116 notifies the user terminal 31 of the points awarded calculated by the points award calculation unit 115. The points award notification unit 116 may also notify the user terminal 31 of the information stored in the "Points Held" section of the user information DB 121. The user 30 recognizes the information regarding the points awarded obtained via the user terminal 31 and can apply a discount to the cost when using the garbage collection support system 1 in the future.

[0051] As a result, users 30 using the waste collection support system 1 do not need to bring their waste to a designated location, thus reducing the burden on users 30. Furthermore, users 30 using the waste collection support system 1 can acquire points corresponding to the waste collection information, which can be used for discounts on usage, etc., enabling users 30 to dispose of their waste in a more ecologically conscious way. In other words, the waste collection support system 1 can support ecologically conscious waste collection that reduces the burden on the environment and the global environment, while reducing the burden on users 30.

[0052] (Second embodiment) As described above, one specific embodiment has been explained, but the embodiment described above is illustrative and does not limit the embodiments. For example, in the embodiment described above, a user 30 made a request for garbage collection of the garbage discarded in the trash can 20 via the user terminal 31. Here, we will further describe a garbage collection support system 2 according to a second embodiment in which the garbage collection support device 100 makes a request for garbage collection via the IoT trash can 21, and will describe a configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0053] The waste collection support system 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the waste collection support system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an IoT trash can 21. In the second embodiment, the IoT trash can 21 includes a computer with the configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0054] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the waste collection support system 2 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the IoT trash can 21 is equipped with a sensor (not shown) and acquires information on the accumulated amount of discarded waste via the sensor and further acquires it via the input / output IF 130. The IoT trash can 21 is also equipped with a communication IF 140 and transmits the acquired accumulated information to the server 10 via the network 40.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the waste accumulation information may be information acquired by a mass sensor installed in the IoT trash can 21. Alternatively, the waste accumulation information may be information detected by a plurality of object detection sensors installed inside the IoT trash can 21.

[0056] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the waste collection support device 100 according to the second embodiment. The waste collection support device 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the waste collection support device 100 according to the first embodiment described above in that it includes a waste accumulation information acquisition unit 111b and a waste collection necessity determination unit 111c.

[0057] The waste accumulation information acquisition unit 111b acquires waste accumulation information from the IoT trash can 21 equipped with sensors. Specifically, the IoT trash can 21 acquires information on the accumulated amount of discarded waste using sensors and receives it via the input / output IF 130. The accumulated information is then sent to the server 10 via the communication IF 140 and network 40 provided in the IoT trash can 21. The waste accumulation information acquisition unit 111b acquires the accumulated information sent from the IoT trash can 21 and stores it in the user information DB 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0058] Figure 8 shows an example of user information stored in the user information DB 121 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, user 30 owns multiple IoT trash cans 21 with different trash can types, such as "general," "non-combustible," and "recyclable," and the accumulated information obtained from each IoT trash can 21 is stored in the user information. In the example shown in Figure 8, the accumulated information is stored as "waste accumulation rate."

[0059] The waste collection necessity determination unit 111c determines whether or not waste collection is necessary for the IoT trash can 21 based on the waste accumulation information. In the second embodiment, the waste collection necessity determination unit 111c determines that waste collection is necessary for the IoT trash can 21 when the waste accumulation rate reaches 80% or more. However, the determination of whether or not waste collection is necessary by the waste collection necessity determination unit 111c is not limited to a configuration that determines that collection is necessary when the waste accumulation rate is 80% or more. For example, it may be configured to determine that waste collection is necessary even when the waste accumulation rate is more than 80% or less than 80%.

[0060] (Outline of the processing flow of the waste collection support system 2) Next, the processing flow in the waste collection support system 2 according to the second embodiment will be shown using the sequence diagram in Figure 9. In the following explanation of the sequence diagram, the same content as described in the above-mentioned explanations of waste collection support systems 1 and 2 and waste collection support device 100 will be omitted or simplified.

[0061] In step S901, the IoT trash can 21 extracts the amount of accumulated waste. Specifically, the IoT trash can 21 extracts the amount of accumulated waste obtained via sensors. In the second embodiment, the waste accumulation information may be information obtained by a mass sensor installed in the IoT trash can 21. Alternatively, the waste accumulation information may be information detected by a plurality of object detection sensors installed inside the IoT trash can 21.

[0062] In step S902, the IoT trash can 21 notifies the trash collection support device 100 of the accumulated trash information via the communication IF 140 and the network 40. Also in step S902, the trash accumulation information acquisition unit 111b acquires the accumulated trash information sent from the IoT trash can 21 and stores it in the user information DB 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0063] In step S903, the system determines whether or not garbage collection is necessary for the IoT trash can 21 based on the garbage accumulation information. In the second embodiment, the garbage collection necessity determination unit 111c determines that garbage collection is necessary for the IoT trash can 21 when the garbage accumulation rate reaches 80% or more. However, the determination of whether or not garbage collection is necessary by the garbage collection necessity determination unit 111c is not limited to a configuration that determines that collection is necessary when the garbage accumulation rate is 80% or more. For example, the system may be configured to determine that garbage collection is necessary even when the garbage accumulation rate is greater than or less than 80%.

[0064] The processes from steps S904 to S909 are performed when the waste collection necessity determination unit 111c determines that the waste needs to be collected. Note that the processes from steps S904 to S909 are the same as the processes from steps S503 to S508 in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0065] In other words, in the waste collection support system 2 according to the second embodiment, waste collection is carried out by the waste collector 50 when the waste collection necessity determination unit 111c determines that waste needs to be collected, and no collection is carried out when it is determined that it does not need to be collected. As a result, in the waste collection support system 2 according to the second embodiment, a waste collection request is made when waste accumulates in the IoT trash can 21, thus preventing users from forgetting to request waste collection.

[0066] Furthermore, in the waste collection support system 2 according to the second embodiment, waste is collected only when a certain amount of waste has accumulated in the IoT trash can 21. Therefore, for example, waste collection can be omitted when there is not much waste accumulated. Thus, in the waste collection support system 2, waste collection support can be provided at the appropriate time, eliminating waste in waste collection processing and realizing a system that is in line with ecological considerations for environmental protection and reducing the burden on the global environment.

[0067] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, when the same reference numerals as in the first and / or second embodiments are used, they indicate the same configuration as in the first and / or second embodiments, and unless otherwise specified, the preceding description will be referred to. Here, a garbage collection support system 3 according to the third embodiment, which includes a monitoring function for user 30, will be described, with a configuration that differs from that of the first and / or second embodiments.

[0068] For example, in the case of elderly people living alone who have difficulty transporting their garbage to designated collection points, there are cases where it is necessary to check on their well-being in their daily lives. The garbage collection support system 3 according to the third embodiment realizes a system that can collect garbage and check on the well-being of the user 30.

[0069] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the waste collection support system 3 in the third embodiment. In the waste collection support system 3 shown in Figure 10, the waste collector 50 checks on the safety of the user 30 when collecting the waste. In addition, if the waste collection support system 3 determines that there is an abnormality in the user 30's condition, it notifies the medical institution terminal 70 of this fact.

[0070] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the garbage collection support device 100 according to the third embodiment. The garbage collection support device 100 according to the third embodiment differs from the garbage collection support systems 1 and 2 according to the first and second embodiments in that it includes a safety information acquisition unit 117, a safety information determination unit 118, a safety information notification unit 119, and a safety information DB 123.

[0071] The safety information acquisition unit 117 acquires safety information, which is the result of the safety confirmation of user 30 entered by garbage collector 50 into garbage collector terminal 51, via the network 40, and stores it in the safety information DB 123.

[0072] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating user information and safety information according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, safety information is associated with the household of user 30. The safety information DB 123 stores information related to items such as "safety confirmation date," "person concerned," and "safety confirmation result."

[0073] The "Safety Confirmation Date and Time" field stores information about the date and time the safety confirmation was conducted by the garbage collector 50. The "Target Person" field stores information about the person whose safety confirmation was conducted by the garbage collector 50. In addition, the "Target Person" field stores information corresponding to the number of people in the household. For example, in the example shown in Figure 12, the household with "User ID" "U002" has 2 people, and the "Target Person" is "U002a" and "U002b". The "Safety Confirmation Result" field stores information about the result of the safety confirmation conducted by the garbage collector 50.

[0074] The safety information determination unit 118 determines the safety information of user 30 based on the safety information stored in the safety information DB 123. Specifically, the safety information determination unit 118 determines whether user 30's condition is abnormal, such as poor health or injury, and whether it is necessary to notify the medical institution terminal 70.

[0075] If the safety information notification unit 119 determines, based on the results determined by the safety information determination unit 118, that there is an abnormality in the user's status, it notifies the medical institution terminal 70 that there is an abnormality in the user's status. Subsequently, based on the information notified to the medical institution terminal 70, doctors and staff of the medical institution visit the user's home and take action regarding the abnormality in the user's status.

[0076] (Outline of the processing flow of the waste collection support system 3) Next, the processing flow in the waste collection support system 3 is shown using the sequence diagram in Figure 13. In the following explanation of the sequence diagram, the same information as described in the above-mentioned explanations of waste collection support systems 1, 2, and 3 and waste collection support device 100 will be omitted or simplified.

[0077] The processes from step S1301 to step S1305 are the same as the processes from step S501 to step S505 in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5, so we will omit the explanation here.

[0078] In step S1306, the garbage collector 50 checks on the safety of the user 30 when collecting the garbage, and inputs the results of the safety check into the garbage collector terminal 51 as safety information.

[0079] In step S1307, safety information is transmitted from the garbage collector terminal 51 to the garbage collection support device 100. Also in step S1307, the safety information acquisition unit 117 acquires the safety information, which is the result of the safety confirmation of user 30 entered into the garbage collector terminal 51 by the garbage collector 50, via the network 40 and stores it in the safety information DB 123.

[0080] The process from step S1308 to step S1310 is the same as the process from step S506 to step S508 in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0081] In step S1311, the safety information determination unit 118 determines the safety information of user 30 based on the safety information stored in the safety information DB 123. Specifically, the safety information determination unit 118 determines whether user 30's condition is abnormal, such as poor health or injury, and whether it is necessary to notify the medical institution terminal 70.

[0082] In step S1312, if the safety information notification unit 119 determines, based on the result determined by the safety information determination unit 118, that there is an abnormality in the user's status, it notifies the medical institution terminal 70 that there is an abnormality in the user's status. Subsequently, based on the information notified to the medical institution terminal 70, doctors and staff of the medical institution visit the user's home and take action regarding the abnormality in the user's status.

[0083] As described above, the garbage collection support device 100 of the garbage collection support system 3 according to the third embodiment includes a safety information acquisition unit 117 that acquires safety information of user 30, which is input into the garbage collector terminal 51 by the garbage collector 50, via the garbage collector terminal 51. The garbage collection support device 100 of the garbage collection support system 3 also includes a safety information determination unit 118 that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the user 30's condition based on the safety information. Furthermore, if the safety information determination unit 118 determines that there is an abnormality in the user 30's condition, the garbage collection support device 100 of the garbage collection support system 3 includes a safety information notification unit 119 that notifies the medical institution terminal 70 of the user 30's condition.

[0084] As a result, the waste collection support system 3 according to the third embodiment realizes a system that collects waste in an ecologically conscious manner, reducing the burden on the user 30 while minimizing the burden on the user 30 and enabling confirmation of the user 30's safety.

[0085] Furthermore, in the garbage collection support system 3 according to the third embodiment described above, a configuration was shown in which the garbage collector 50 performs a safety check on the user 30 to the garbage collection support system 1, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, in the garbage collection support system 2 according to the second embodiment to which the IoT trash can 21 is applied, the configuration may be such that the garbage collector 50 performs a safety check on the user 30. In this case, for example, if the amount of garbage accumulated in the IoT trash can 21 does not increase for a predetermined period of time, the safety information determination unit 118 may determine that there is a possibility of an abnormality in the user 30's condition. Furthermore, by notifying the medical institution terminal 70 and / or user terminal 31 of the safety check and the possibility of an abnormality in the user 30's condition, it is possible to prevent the situation from worsening if there is an abnormality in the user 30's condition.

[0086] (Other embodiments) While embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, these embodiments are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the components described above include those easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same. Moreover, the configurations described above can be combined as appropriate. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments.

[0087] Furthermore, the computer program (waste collection support program) that causes a computer to execute the processing (waste collection support method) in the waste collection support device 100 described above, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is stored, are included within the scope of this embodiment. Here, the type of computer-readable recording medium is arbitrary. In addition, the computer program is not limited to that which is stored on the recording medium, but may also be transmitted via telecommunication lines, wireless or wired communication lines, networks such as the Internet, etc.

[0088] The features of the waste collection support device 100 are described below.

[0089] The first embodiment of the waste collection support device 100 includes a waste collection request receiving unit 111a that receives a request for the collection of waste discarded in a trash can 20 used by a user 30 via a user terminal 31. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a waste collection notification unit 112 that notifies the waste collector 50's waste collector terminal 51 of the waste collection. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a collection information acquisition unit 113 that acquires collection information about the waste entered by the waste collector 50 via the waste collector terminal 51 when the waste collector 50 collects the waste. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a waste information determination unit 114 that determines the degree of ecological activity based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste, based on the collection information. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a point calculation unit 115 that calculates the points to be awarded to the user 30 based on the degree of ecological activity. Furthermore, the waste collection support device 100 includes a point awarding notification unit 116 that notifies the user terminal 31 of the points awarded calculated by the point awarding calculation unit 115.

[0090] With the above configuration, users 30 using the waste collection support device 100 do not need to bring their waste to a designated location, thus reducing the burden on users 30. Furthermore, users 30 using the waste collection support device 100 can acquire points corresponding to the waste collection information, which can be used for discounts on usage, etc., enabling users 30 to dispose of waste in a more ecologically conscious way. In other words, the waste collection support device 100 can support ecologically conscious waste collection that reduces the burden on the environment and the global environment, while reducing the burden on users 30.

[0091] The second embodiment of the waste collection support device 100 includes a waste accumulation information acquisition unit 111b that acquires waste accumulation information from an IoT trash can 21 equipped with a sensor. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a waste collection necessity determination unit 111c that determines whether or not waste collection is necessary from the IoT trash can 21 based on the waste accumulation information. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a waste collection notification unit 112 that notifies the waste collector 50's waste collector terminal 51 of the waste collection. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a collection information acquisition unit 113 that acquires waste collection information input by the waste collector 50 via the waste collector terminal 51 when the waste collector 50 collects the waste. The waste collection support device 100 also includes a waste information determination unit 114 that determines the degree of ecology based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste, based on the collection information. Furthermore, the waste collection support device 100 includes a point calculation unit 115 that calculates points to be awarded to the user 30 using the IoT trash can 21 based on its ecological performance. In addition, the waste collection support device 100 includes a point notification unit 116 that notifies the user 30's user terminal 31 of the points calculated by the point calculation unit 115.

[0092] According to the above configuration, the waste collection support device 100 will have the waste collector 50 collect the waste if the waste collection necessity determination unit 111c determines that collection is necessary, and will not perform the collection process if it is determined that collection is not necessary. As a result, the waste collection support device 100 will only request waste collection when waste accumulates in the IoT trash can 21, thus preventing users from forgetting to request waste collection. Furthermore, since the waste collection support device 100 will only collect waste when a certain amount of waste has accumulated in the IoT trash can 21, it is possible to omit the collection process when, for example, there is not much waste accumulated. Therefore, the waste collection support device 100 can provide support for waste collection at the appropriate time, thereby eliminating waste in waste collection processes and realizing a system that is in line with ecological considerations to protect the environment and reduce the burden on the global environment.

[0093] The third embodiment of the garbage collection support device 100 includes a safety information acquisition unit 117 that acquires safety information of user 30, which is input into the garbage collector terminal 51 by the garbage collector 50, via the garbage collector terminal 51. The garbage collection support device 100 also includes a safety information determination unit 118 that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the user 30's condition based on the safety information. Furthermore, if the safety information determination unit 118 determines that there is an abnormality in the user 30's condition, the garbage collection support device 100 includes a safety information notification unit 119 that notifies the medical institution terminal 70 of the user 30's condition.

[0094] According to the above configuration, the waste collection support device 100 can realize a system that collects waste in an ecologically conscious manner, reducing the burden on the user 30 and minimizing environmental protection and the impact on the global environment, while also being able to confirm the safety of the user 30.

[0095] The fourth embodiment of the waste collection support system 1 includes a user terminal 31 used by a user 30 and a waste collector terminal 51 used by a waste collector 50. The waste collection support system 1 also includes a waste collection support device 100 that can communicate with the user terminal 31 and the waste collector terminal 51 via a network 40. The waste collection support device 100 has a waste collection request receiving unit 111a that receives a request to collect waste discarded in a trash can 20 used by the user 30 via the user terminal 31. The waste collection support device 100 also has a waste collection notification unit 112 that notifies the waste collector terminal 51 of the waste collector 50 of the waste collection. The waste collection support device 100 also has a collection information acquisition unit 113 that acquires collection information about the waste entered by the waste collector 50 via the waste collector terminal 51 when the waste collector 50 collects the waste. Furthermore, the waste collection support device 100 has a waste information determination unit 114 that determines the degree of ecological activity based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste, based on the collection information. The waste collection support device 100 also has a point awarding unit 115 that calculates the points to be awarded to the user 30 based on the degree of ecological activity. Furthermore, the waste collection support device 100 has a point awarding unit 116 that notifies the user terminal 31 of the points awarded calculated by the point awarding unit 115.

[0096] With the above configuration, users 30 using the waste collection support system 1 do not need to bring their waste to a designated location. Therefore, the waste collection support system 1 can reduce the burden on users 30. In addition, users 30 using the waste collection support system 1 can obtain points corresponding to the waste collection information and use them for discounts on usage, etc., so that users 30 can dispose of their waste in a more ecologically conscious way. In other words, the waste collection support system 1 can support ecologically conscious waste collection that reduces the burden on the environment and the global environment while reducing the burden on users 30.

[0097] The fifth aspect of the waste collection support method is a waste collection support method executed by a computer. The waste collection support method receives a request for the collection of waste discarded in a trash can 20 used by user 30 via user terminal 31. The waste collection support method also notifies the waste collector terminal 51 of waste collector 50 of the waste collection. Furthermore, when waste collector 50 collects the waste, the waste collection support method obtains collection information about the waste entered by waste collector 50 via waste collector terminal 51. Based on the collection information, the waste collection support method determines the degree of ecological activity based on the sorting status and mass of the waste. Furthermore, the waste collection support method calculates the points to be awarded to user 30 based on the degree of ecological activity. Finally, the waste collection support method notifies user terminal 31 of the awarded points.

[0098] According to the above configuration, users 30 who utilize the waste collection support method do not need to bring their waste to a designated location, thus reducing the burden on users 30. Furthermore, users 30 who utilize the waste collection support method can acquire points corresponding to the waste collection information, which can be used for discounts on usage, etc., enabling users 30 to dispose of waste in a more ecologically conscious way. In other words, the waste collection support method can support ecologically conscious waste collection that reduces the burden on the environment and the global environment, while reducing the burden on users 30. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1, 2, 3 Garbage Collection Support System 10 servers 20 trash cans 21 IoT Trash Cans 30 users 31 User terminals 40 Networks 50 Garbage collectors 51 Garbage collector terminal 70 Medical Institution Terminals 100 Waste Collection Support Device 110 Control Unit 111a Garbage Collection Request Reception Department 111b Waste accumulation information acquisition unit 111c Garbage collection necessity determination unit 112 Garbage Collection Notification Department 113 Recovery Information Acquisition Department 114 Garbage Information Judgment Unit 115 Point Calculation Unit 116 Point Award Notification Section 117 Safety Information Acquisition Department 118 Safety Information Determination Unit 119 Safety Information Notification Department 120 Storage section 121 User Information Database 122 Recovery Information Database

Claims

1. A waste accumulation information acquisition unit that acquires waste accumulation information from an IoT trash can equipped with a sensor, A waste collection necessity determination unit determines whether or not waste collection is necessary for the IoT trash can based on the waste accumulation information, A garbage collection notification unit that notifies the garbage collector's terminal of the garbage collection, A collection information acquisition unit acquires collection information regarding the waste that is entered by the waste collector when the waste collector collects the waste, via the waste collector's terminal. A waste information determination unit determines the degree of ecological activity based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste, based on the aforementioned collection information. A point calculation unit calculates the points to be awarded to users who use the IoT trash can based on the aforementioned ecological degree, A point awarding notification unit notifies the user terminal of the points awarded calculated by the point awarding calculation unit, A waste collection support device equipped with the following features.

2. A safety information acquisition unit that acquires the user's safety information, which has been entered into the garbage collection terminal by the garbage collection worker, via the garbage collection terminal. A safety information determination unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the user's condition based on the safety information, If the safety information determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the user's condition, the safety information notification unit notifies the medical institution terminal of the user's condition. A waste collection support device according to claim 1, comprising the features described above.

3. IoT trash can used by the user, Garbage collection terminals used by garbage collectors, The system comprises the aforementioned IoT trash can and the aforementioned trash collection terminal, and a trash collection support device that can communicate via a network, The aforementioned waste collection support device, A waste accumulation information acquisition unit that acquires waste accumulation information from the IoT trash can equipped with a sensor, A waste collection necessity determination unit determines whether or not waste collection is necessary for the IoT trash can based on the waste accumulation information, A garbage collection notification unit that notifies the garbage collector's terminal of the garbage collection of the aforementioned garbage, A collection information acquisition unit acquires collection information regarding the waste that is entered by the waste collector when the waste collector collects the waste, via the waste collector's terminal. A waste information determination unit determines the degree of ecological activity based on the waste sorting status and the mass of the waste, based on the aforementioned collection information. A point calculation unit calculates the points to be awarded to the user who uses the IoT trash can based on the aforementioned ecological degree, A point awarding notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the points awarded calculated by the point awarding calculation unit, A waste collection support system.

4. A method for assisting in waste collection, which is performed by a computer. The system accepts requests for the collection of waste discarded in the IoT trash can used by the user, via the IoT trash can. The collection of the aforementioned waste is notified to the waste collector's terminal. When the aforementioned waste collector collects the aforementioned waste, the collection information regarding the aforementioned waste, entered by the aforementioned waste collector, is acquired via the aforementioned waste collector terminal. Based on the aforementioned collection information, the degree of ecological activity is determined based on the sorting status and mass of the waste. Based on the aforementioned ecological degree, the points awarded to the user using the IoT trash can are calculated. A method for supporting garbage collection, which notifies the user terminal of the points awarded.

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