Sorting and Processing System

Abstract

The sorting processing system comprises a first sorting system and a central system, the first sorting system having a first sorting device, a first detection unit, a first data storage unit, a first control unit, a first calculation unit, and a first judgment unit, the central system having a central data storage unit and a central calculation unit, and the first judgment unit judges whether or not to send raw material information to the central system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sorting system. [Background technology]

[0002] The sorting system described in Patent Document 1 sorts a mixture containing multiple types of objects by object type. In such a sorting system, when the state of the input raw materials fluctuates, the sorting performance changes even in the same sorting device. The state of the input raw materials is, for example, the composition ratio, specific charge, particle size, input amount, etc. The sorting performance is, for example, the recovery rate, purity, etc. In order to improve the sorting performance, it is required to determine appropriate sorting conditions based on information detected from the mixture to be sorted. Patent Document 1 discloses the use of two systems in combination when determining the sorting conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4920273 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which two systems are used in combination to determine selection conditions as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that when communication is performed between the two systems every time, the amount of data communication increases, and the maintenance and management burden of the system increases.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide a sorting processing system that can reduce the maintenance and management burden of the system in a configuration in which two systems are used in combination to determine sorting conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sorting processing system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first sorting system and a central system. The first sorting system includes a first sorting device that sorts a mixture containing multiple types of objects by object type, a first detection unit that acquires raw material information related to the mixture input to the first sorting device, a first data storage unit that stores a database related to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results, a first control unit that changes the sorting conditions of the first sorting device, a first calculation unit that has an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​for the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the first data storage unit, and a first judgment unit. The central system includes a central data storage unit that stores a database related to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results, and a central calculation unit that has an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​for the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit. The first judgment unit judges whether to send the raw material information to the central system based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit.

[0007] A sorting processing system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a first sorting system and a central system, wherein the first sorting system includes a first sorting device that sorts a mixture containing a plurality of types of objects by object type, a first detection unit that acquires raw material information regarding the mixture input to the first sorting device, a first data storage unit that stores a database regarding past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results, a first control unit that changes the sorting conditions of the first sorting device, and a first calculation unit that includes an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​regarding the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the first data storage unit; The system has a central data storage unit that stores a database of past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results, a central computing unit equipped with an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​for the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit, and a charge setting unit, and the charge setting unit sets a charge to a user who owns the first sorting system according to at least one indicator among the amount of data transferred from the first sorting system to the central system, the amount of data stored of the raw material information in the central data storage unit, and the amount of data processed by the central computing unit during a billing unit period. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first determination unit determines whether or not to transmit raw material information to the central system, so that the frequency of communication between the first sorting system and the central system can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of data communication can be reduced compared to when communication is performed between the two systems every time. Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the usage fee can be reasonably collected from users who use the central system frequently. In this way, by reducing the amount of data communication or reasonably collecting the usage fee, the maintenance and management burden of the system can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sorting processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first sorting system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a selection processing method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sorting processing system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for explaining a sorting processing system 1 in the first embodiment. The sorting processing system 1 includes a first sorting system 10 and a central system 40. The sorting processing system 1 may also include a plurality of sorting systems different from the first sorting system 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the sorting processing system 1 includes a second sorting system 20 and a third sorting system 30. However, the number of sorting systems included in the sorting processing system 1 can be changed.

[0011] The first sorting system 10 has a first detection unit 11, a first sorting device 12, and a first processing device 13. The first processing device 13 has a first data storage unit 13a, a first judgment unit 13b, and a first calculation unit 13c. The second sorting system 20 and the third sorting system 30 may have the same configuration as the first sorting system 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the second sorting system 20 has a second detection unit 21, a second sorting device 22, and a second processing device 23. The second processing device 23 has a second data storage unit 23a, a second judgment unit 23b, and a second calculation unit 23c. However, the configurations of the second sorting system 20 and the third sorting system 30 may be different from that of the first sorting system 10.

[0012] The sorting systems 10 to 30 are configured to sort a mixture containing multiple types of objects by type of object. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a plastic piece group P is taken as an example of a "mixture containing multiple types of objects". In the example of FIG. 2, the plastic piece group P contains two types of plastic pieces p1 and p2 that are made of different materials. However, three or more types of plastic pieces may be contained in the plastic piece group P. In the following, a case where the plastic piece p1 is ABS and the plastic piece p2 is PS will be taken as an example. The plastic pieces p1 and p2 are obtained by crushing the housing of a home appliance using a crusher and drying it. The plastic pieces p1 and p2 are formed to a size of, for example, about 10 mm square.

[0013] The first sorting device 12 shown in Fig. 2 sorts plastic pieces p1 and p2 by type through electrostatic sorting. In the example of Fig. 2, the first sorting device 12 includes an input section 121, a charging cylinder 122, a vibration feeder 123, a first electrode 124, a second electrode 125, a DC power source 126, a collection box 127, and partition plates 128 and 129. However, the configuration of the first sorting device 12 in Fig. 2 is merely an example and can be changed.

[0014] The first sorting device 12 can electrostatically sort a plastic piece group P, which is a mixture of a plurality of types of plastic pieces p1 and p2 having different charging characteristics, into plastic pieces p1 and plastic pieces p2.

[0015] The input section 121 includes a hopper 121a and an input feeder 121b. Dried plastic piece group P is supplied to the hopper 121a. The hopper 121a supplies a predetermined amount of the plastic piece group P per unit time to the input feeder 121b. The input feeder 121b supplies the plastic piece group P input from the hopper 121a into the charging cylinder 122.

[0016] The charging cylinder 122 and the vibrating feeder 123 constitute a charging unit. The charging unit charges each of the plastic pieces p1, p2 and causes them to fall. Specifically, the charging cylinder 122 agitates the plastic piece group P by rotating. Inside the charging cylinder 122, the multiple types of plastic pieces p1, p2 mixed in the plastic piece group P rub against each other and become charged. Each of the charged plastic pieces p1, p2 has a charge of a polarity (positive or negative) according to the triboelectric series. In this example, the ABS plastic piece p1 is positively charged, and the PS plastic piece p2 is negatively charged.

[0017] The electrically charged plastic pieces p1 and p2 are supplied to the rear end of the upper surface of the vibrating feeder 123. The positively charged plastic piece p1 and the negatively charged plastic piece p2 are attracted to each other by electrostatic force and become paired. The vibrating feeder 123 pushes the plastic pieces p1 and p2 forward while vibrating them up and down. This releases the pairing of the plastic pieces p1 and p2, and the plastic pieces p1 and p2 move forward in the X direction in the figure. The plastic pieces p1 and p2 also fall from the tip of the vibrating feeder 123.

[0018] The electrodes 124, 125 and the DC power supply 126 constitute an electric field generating unit. The electric field generating unit applies an electrostatic field to each charged plastic piece, causing each plastic piece to fall at a position according to the charged state of each plastic piece. Specifically, the electrodes 124, 125 are formed in a flat plate shape. The electrodes 124, 125 are arranged in the X direction in the figure, and are arranged opposite each other so as to sandwich the path along which the plastic pieces p1, p2 fall. A ground voltage GND is applied to the first electrode 124. The DC power supply 126 applies a predetermined DC voltage between the first electrode 124 and the second electrode 125, generating an electrostatic field between the first electrode 124 and the second electrode 125.

[0019] When the plastic pieces p1 and p2, which have been unpaired by the vibrating feeder 123, are dropped between the electrodes 124 and 125, each plastic piece falls while being attracted to either the electrode 124 side or the electrode 125 side by electrostatic force according to its charged state (polarity, amount of charge). That is, each plastic piece p1 and p2 draws a parabolic trajectory according to its charged state and falls in a different position. In this example, the plastic piece p1 is positively charged and therefore falls on the first electrode 124 side. On the other hand, the plastic piece p2 is negatively charged and therefore falls on the second electrode 125 side.

[0020] Collection box 127 is provided below electrodes 124, 125, and collects plastic pieces p1, p2 that have passed between electrodes 124, 125 from vibrating feeder 123 and dropped therefrom. Collection box 127 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an opening at the top. The opening of collection box 127 is formed in a rectangular shape with its long side facing the X direction in the figure.

[0021] Each of the partition plates 128, 129 is also referred to as a partition member. The partition plates 128, 129 are arranged in the recovery box 127 parallel to the YZ plane in the figure, and are provided so as to be movable in the X direction in the figure. The positions of each of the partition plates 128, 129 in the X direction are controlled by the first control unit 14. The partition plate 128 is located on the first electrode 124 side, and the partition plate 129 is located on the second electrode 125 side. The recovery box 127 is divided by the partition plates 128, 129 into a recovery chamber 127a on the first electrode 124 side, a recovery chamber 127b on the second electrode 125 side, and a middle recovery chamber 127c.

[0022] Each of the plastic pieces p1 and p2 that drop from the vibrating feeder 123 after passing between the electrodes 124 and 125 is collected in one of the three collection chambers 127a to 127c depending on its charge state. In this example, the plastic piece p1 is positively charged and is collected in the collection chamber 127a. On the other hand, the plastic piece p2 is negatively charged and is collected in the collection chamber 127b. The plastic pieces p1 and p2 that are not sufficiently charged are collected in the collection chamber 127c.

[0023] The plastic pieces p1 collected in collection chamber 127a, the plastic pieces p2 collected in collection chamber 127b, and the plastic pieces p1 and p2 collected in collection chamber 127c are transported by a conveying machine (not shown) and stored in separate containers.

[0024] A portion of the plastic piece group P is sampled by the first detection unit 11 at a predetermined frequency. The first detection unit 11 acquires raw material information regarding the plastic piece group P. The first detection unit 11 may include multiple types of sensors. As a specific example, the first detection unit 11 may detect the composition ratio of the plastic pieces p1, p2. The first detection unit 11 may also detect the specific charge of the plastic piece group P. In other words, the "raw material information" may be the composition ratio or the specific charge. The "raw material information" may also include both the composition ratio and the specific charge, or may include other types of information.

[0025] The method of distinguishing the types of the plastic pieces p1 and p2 is not particularly limited, but an infrared sensor may be used, for example. That is, a part of the plastic piece group P is extracted and irradiated with infrared light, and the type of plastic is distinguished from the spectrum of the reflected light. Then, the composition ratio of the plastic piece group P can be calculated by comparing the masses of the plastic pieces p1 and p2 whose types have been distinguished. Also, the charge amount of the plastic pieces p1 and p2 can be measured by a charge amount sensor or the like, and the specific charge can be calculated by dividing the charge amount by the mass. As an example of the composition ratio of the plastic piece group P, the content rate of the plastic piece p1 (ABS) may be 60%, and the content rate of the plastic piece p2 (PS) may be 40%. As an example of the specific charge, the specific charge of the plastic piece p1 (ABS) may be +20 nC / g, and the specific charge of the plastic piece p2 (PS) may be -10 nC / g. Such raw material information may change over time. Therefore, the first detection unit 11 acquires raw material information of the plastic piece group P, for example, at regular time intervals.

[0026] The first detection unit 11 inputs the acquired current raw material information to the first processing device 13. The raw material information is stored in the first data storage unit 13a. The first data storage unit 13a stores a database related to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results. The first calculation unit 13c includes an analysis model that outputs setting values ​​related to the sorting conditions of the first sorting device 12. This analysis model analyzes the setting values ​​of the sorting conditions based on the current raw material information detected by the first detection unit 11 and the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a so as to obtain optimal sorting accuracy.

[0027] The set value of the sorting condition, which is the analysis result of the first calculation unit 13c, is input to the first control unit 14. The first control unit 14 controls the sorting condition of the first sorting device 12 based on the set value input from the first calculation unit 13c. For example, the first control unit 14 may control the positions of the partition plates 128 and 129 in the X direction. Alternatively, the first control unit 14 may control the rotation speed or inclination of the charging cylinder 122, the voltage applied by the DC power supply 126 to the second electrode 125, and the like. In other words, the "set value" refers to the positions of the partition plates 128 and 129 in the X direction, the rotation speed or inclination of the charging cylinder 122, the voltage of the DC power supply 126, and the like. The "set value" may include these multiple parameters.

[0028] The sorting systems 10 to 30 are capable of communicating with a central system 40. The sorting systems 10 to 30 are connected to the central system 40 via a cloud or the like. Although details will be described later, the first determination unit 13b determines whether the first sorting system 10 communicates with the central system 40. Similarly, the second determination unit 23b determines whether the second sorting system 20 communicates with the central system 40.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the central system 40 includes a central data storage unit 41 and a central processing unit 42. The central data storage unit 41 stores a database (hereinafter, referred to as big data) related to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting accuracy. This big data may include data acquired from the sorting systems 10 to 30, or may include data acquired from other sorting systems or simulation results. The central system 40 may periodically communicate with the sorting systems 10 to 30 to acquire such big data. Alternatively, an administrator of the central system 40 may manually collect data from the sorting systems 10 to 30 and store the data in the central data storage unit 41.

[0030] The central processing unit 42 calculates setting values ​​related to optimal sorting conditions in each of the sorting systems 10-30 based on the big data stored in the central data storage unit 41 and the current raw material information received from the sorting systems 10-30. This calculation is performed using an analytical model held by the central processing unit 42. The setting values ​​related to the sorting conditions calculated by the central processing unit 42 are transmitted to the sorting systems 10-30.

[0031] The analytical models of the first calculation unit 13c and the central calculation unit 42 may use, for example, multiple regression analysis. The analytical models of the first calculation unit 13c and the central calculation unit 42 may use machine learning. These analytical models perform analysis based on a combination of past raw material information, setting values ​​of sorting conditions, and sorting accuracy, and output setting values ​​of sorting conditions suitable for the current raw material information. The analytical models of the first calculation unit 13c and the central calculation unit 42 may be the same or different.

[0032] Here, the central data storage unit 41 of the central system 40 accumulates big data on past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting accuracy in the multiple sorting systems 10 to 30. Therefore, it is more likely that a better sorting accuracy can be obtained by the central processing unit 42 of the central system 40 using big data to determine the set values ​​of the sorting conditions than by each of the sorting systems 10 to 30 determining the set values ​​of the sorting conditions individually. In addition, for example, when a supercomputer is used as the central processing unit 42, the analytical model of the central processing unit 42 may have higher performance than the first processing unit 13c. In that case, too, the set values ​​determined by the central processing unit 42 may provide a better sorting accuracy than the set values ​​determined by the first processing unit 13c. On the other hand, if the sorting systems 10 to 30 communicate with the central system 40 every time they determine the sorting conditions and have the central processing unit 42 perform the calculations, a problem occurs in that the amount of data communication increases.

[0033] In addition to the above, when the sorting conditions in the sorting systems 10-30 are determined in the central system 40 each time, the following problems may arise. That is, a time lag occurs between when the sorting systems 10-30 acquire raw material information, when the raw material information is transmitted to the central system 40, and when the sorting conditions are returned to the sorting systems 10-30. Also, the processing load and maintenance costs of the central system 40 increase. Furthermore, when the sorting systems 10-30 have different owners, security risks such as theft and tampering of information about each owner increase.

[0034] In order to determine appropriate sorting conditions based on raw material information while reducing the above-mentioned problems, the sorting processing system 1 of this embodiment performs processing as shown in the flowchart in Fig. 3. Note that the flowchart in Fig. 3 is merely an example and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] First, in step S1, the first detection unit 11 acquires current ingredient information. The first detection unit 11 inputs this ingredient information to the first judgment unit 13b. In step S2, the first judgment unit 13b compares the current ingredient information with the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a. Furthermore, it judges whether or not to transmit the current ingredient information to the central system 40. Specific examples of the judgment include the following first judgment method and second judgment method.

[0036] In the first judgment method, optimal sorting conditions are determined based on the current raw material information and the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a, and sorting accuracy under the sorting conditions is predicted. The sorting accuracy is, for example, recovery rate, purity, etc. If the predicted sorting accuracy exceeds a threshold, the raw material information is not sent to the central system 40, and the process proceeds to step S3 (step S2: NO). If the predicted sorting accuracy is below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S5, and the raw material information is sent to the central system 40 (step S2: YES).

[0037] In the second judgment method, judgment is made based on whether the current raw material information is within a preset numerical range. The "preset numerical range" is determined, for example, based on past sorting results so as to obtain a desired sorting accuracy. The "past sorting results" may be sorting results in the first sorting system 10 or in another sorting system. For example, raw material information when a preferable sorting accuracy was not obtained in the past sorting results in the first sorting system 10 may not be included in the "preset numerical range". If the current raw material information is within the preset numerical range, the raw material information is not sent to the central system 40, and the process proceeds to step S3 (step S2: NO). If the current raw material information is outside the preset numerical range, the process proceeds to step S5, and the raw material information is sent to the central system 40 (step S2: YES).

[0038] A specific example of the second determination method is shown below. Here, it is assumed that the "predetermined numerical range" is a composition ratio of 40 to 80% and a specific charge of 10 to 30 nC / g for ABS. If the composition ratio of ABS is 60% and the specific charge is 20 nC / g for the current raw material information detected by the first detection unit 11, it is within the "predetermined numerical range". Therefore, the first determination unit 13b determines not to transmit the raw material information to the central system 40. If the composition ratio of ABS is 90% and the specific charge is 15 nC / g for the current raw material information detected by the first detection unit 11, it is outside the "predetermined numerical range". Therefore, the first determination unit 13b determines to transmit the raw material information to the central system 40.

[0039] However, the numerical range of the above specific example regarding the second determination method is merely an example. Also, the first determination unit 13b may perform the determination by combining the first determination method and the second determination method.

[0040] 3, the first calculation unit 13c outputs setting values ​​of the sorting conditions based on the current raw material information and the database accumulated in the first calculation unit 13c. In step S6, the central calculation unit 42 outputs setting values ​​of the sorting conditions based on the current raw material information and the database (big data) accumulated in the central data storage unit 41. In step S4, the first control unit 14 controls the sorting conditions of the first sorting device 12 based on the setting values ​​output by the first calculation unit 13c or the central calculation unit 42.

[0041] That is, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the set values ​​of the sorting conditions are input to the first control unit 14 via the first route R1 or the second route R2. The first determination unit 13b determines whether to select the first route R1 or the second route R2. Then, the first route R1 is selected in a situation where it is predicted that a favorable sorting result can be obtained without going through the central system 40. The second route R2 is selected in a situation where it is necessary to go through the central system 40 in order to obtain a favorable sorting result.

[0042] Although details are omitted, a similar process may be performed in the second sorting system 20. That is, the second determination unit 23b may determine whether or not to transmit the current raw material information acquired by the second detection unit 21 to the central system 40.

[0043] As described above, the sorting processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes the first sorting system 10 and the central system 40. The first sorting system 10 includes a first sorting device 12 that sorts a mixture (plastic piece group P) containing multiple types of objects by object type (plastic pieces p1, p2), a first detection unit 11 that acquires raw material information related to the mixture input to the first sorting device 12, a first data storage unit 13a that stores a database related to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results, a first control unit 14 that changes the sorting conditions of the first sorting device 12, a first calculation unit 13c that includes an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​related to the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit 11 and the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a, and a first judgment unit 13b. The central system 40 has a central data storage unit 41 that stores a database relating to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results, and a central processing unit 42 equipped with an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​for the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit 11 and the database stored in the central data storage unit 41. The first determination unit 13b determines whether or not to transmit the raw material information to the central system 40, based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit 11.

[0044] According to the sorting processing system 1 configured as above, when the sorting conditions can be appropriately set within the first sorting system 10, the first sorting system 10 does not communicate with the central system 40. In other words, the frequency of communication between the first sorting system 10 and the central system 40 can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of data communication can be reduced compared to when communication is performed between the two systems every time. Also, when the sorting conditions cannot be appropriately set within the first sorting system 10, communication can be performed with the central system 40, and more accurate setting values ​​for the sorting conditions determined by the central processing unit 42 can be adopted. In other words, according to the sorting processing system 1, both the amount of data communication and sorting accuracy can be achieved.

[0045] The first determination unit 13b may make a determination based on at least one of the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit 11, the database stored in the first data storage unit 13a, and the sorting result predicted by the first calculation unit 13c. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not to transmit raw material information to the central system 40 depending on whether or not a favorable sorting result can be obtained by the first sorting system 10 alone.

[0046] The second sorting system 20 may have a configuration similar to that of the first sorting system 10. That is, the second sorting system 20 may include a second sorting device 22 that sorts a mixture containing a plurality of types of objects by object type, a second detection unit 21 that acquires raw material information related to the mixture input to the second sorting device 22, a second data storage unit 23a that stores a database related to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results, a second control unit 24 that changes the sorting conditions of the second sorting device 22, a second calculation unit 23c that includes an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​related to the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the second detection unit 21 and the database stored in the second data storage unit 23a, and a second determination unit 23b. The second determination unit 23b may determine whether or not to transmit the raw material information to the central system 40 based on the raw material information acquired by the second detection unit 21.

[0047] Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described. The sorting processing system 1 of the second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, and only the different parts will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, a central system 40 according to the second embodiment has a charge amount setting unit 43.

[0048] The charge amount setting unit 43 sets a charge amount for each charging unit period for the owners of the sorting systems 10 to 30 according to the usage status of the central system 40. The charge amount setting unit period is a period for which the charge amount is determined. For example, when the charge amount is determined for each month, the charge amount is one month. When the charge amount is determined for each week, the charge amount is one week. The charge amount may be set based on the amount of data transferred from the first sorting system 10 to the central system 40. Alternatively, the charge amount may be set based on the amount of data stored in the central data storage unit 41 for the raw material information transmitted from the first sorting system 10. Alternatively, the charge amount may be set based on the amount of data processed by the central processing unit 42 for the raw material information transmitted from the first sorting system 10.

[0049] In other words, the charge setting unit 43 may set the charge to the user who owns the first sorting system 10 according to at least one of the following indicators during a charging unit period: the amount of data transferred from the first sorting system 10 to the central system 40, the amount of data stored in the central data storage unit 41 of raw material information, and the amount of data processed by the central processing unit 42. With this configuration, it becomes possible to set a charge for each user according to the usage status of the central system 40. Therefore, it becomes possible to rationally collect the maintenance costs of the central system 40. This reduces the burden of maintaining and managing the system.

[0050] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0051] For example, each function of the first determination unit 13b, the second determination unit 23b, the first calculation unit 13c, the second calculation unit 23c, the central calculation unit 42, the billing amount setting unit 43, etc. is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a program memory. Some or all of these functions may be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by software and hardware working together.

[0052] The functions of the first determination unit 13b and the first calculation unit 13c may be realized by the same hardware. The functions of the second determination unit 23b and the second calculation unit 23c may be realized by the same hardware. The functions of the first data storage unit 13a, the second data storage unit 23a, and the central data storage unit 41 may be realized by a storage device such as a RAM, a flash memory, or a HDD.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the plastic piece group P has been described as an example of a "mixture containing multiple types of objects" to be sorted by the sorting systems 10 to 30. However, the sorting systems 10 to 30 may also sort a mixture of objects other than plastic pieces. In this case, too, the present disclosure contributes to solving problems that arise when determining sorting conditions using multiple systems in combination.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the case where plastic pieces are sorted by electrostatic sorting has been described. However, the sorting method is not limited, and may be, for example, specific gravity sorting or optical sorting. Specific gravity sorting is a sorting method that utilizes the fact that the specific gravity of each type of plastic piece is different. For example, when a group of plastic pieces is vibrated or floated on a medium, plastic pieces with a high specific gravity will descend and plastic pieces with a low specific gravity will rise.

[0055] Optical sorting is a sorting method that utilizes the fact that the reflectivity of light differs depending on the type of plastic piece. In optical sorting, a detection light is irradiated onto a group of plastic pieces, and the reflected light is detected. Light of various wavelengths, such as infrared rays or X-rays, can be used as the detection light. By detecting the spectrum of the reflected light or Raman scattered light, the plastic pieces can be distinguished by type. After distinguishing in this way, the plastic pieces may be sorted by air blowing, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it is not essential that the first determination unit 13b etc. perform the determination. That is, in the second embodiment, the first determination unit 13b may not be provided.

[0057] In addition, it is possible to combine the modified examples mentioned in the embodiments, and to modify or omit the components in the embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1...Sorting processing system 10-30...Sorting system 10...First sorting system 11...First detection section 12...First sorting device 13a...First data storage section 13b...First judgment section 13c...First calculation section 14...First control section 20...Second sorting system 21...Second detection section 22...Second sorting device 23a...Second data storage section 23b...Second judgment section 23c...Second calculation section 24...Second control section 40...Central system 41...Central data storage section 42...Central calculation section 43...Charge amount setting section

Claims

1. a first sorting system; a central system; The first sorting system a first sorting device that sorts a mixture containing multiple types of objects into individual object types; a first detection unit that acquires raw material information regarding the mixture input into the first sorting device; a first data storage unit that stores a database relating to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results; a first control unit that changes the sorting conditions of the first sorting device; a first calculation unit including an analytical model that outputs a setting value for the sorting condition based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the first data storage unit; a first determination unit, The central system a central data storage unit that stores a database of past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results; a central processing unit including an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​related to the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit, the first determination unit determines whether to transmit the ingredient information to the central system based on the ingredient information acquired by the first detection unit. Sorting and processing system.

2. the first determination unit makes the determination based on at least one piece of information selected from the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit, the database stored in the first data storage unit, and the sorting result predicted by the first calculation unit; The sorting system according to claim 1 .

3. The central system has a charge amount setting unit, the charge amount setting unit sets a charge amount to be charged to a user who owns the first sorting system in accordance with at least one index among the amount of data transferred from the first sorting system to the central system, the amount of data stored in the central data storage unit of the raw material information, and the amount of data processed by the central processing unit during a charging unit period; The sorting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. further comprising a second sorting system; The second sorting system comprises: a second sorting device that sorts a mixture containing multiple types of objects into individual object types; a second detection unit that acquires raw material information regarding the mixture input into the second sorting device; a second data storage unit that stores a database relating to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results; a second control unit that changes the sorting conditions of the second sorting device; a second calculation unit including an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​related to the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the second detection unit and the database stored in the second data storage unit; a second determination unit, the second determination unit determines whether to transmit the ingredient information to the central system based on the ingredient information acquired by the second detection unit. The sorting system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the first sorting device sorts the mixture by electrostatic sorting; The sorting system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The mixture is a group of plastic pieces, and the type of object is a plastic material; The sorting system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a first sorting system; a central system; The first sorting system a first sorting device that sorts a mixture containing multiple types of objects into individual object types; a first detection unit that acquires raw material information regarding the mixture input into the first sorting device; a first data storage unit that stores a database relating to past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results; a first control unit that changes the sorting conditions of the first sorting device; a first calculation unit including an analytical model that outputs a setting value for the sorting condition based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the first data storage unit, The central system a central data storage unit that stores a database of past raw material information, sorting conditions, and sorting results; a central processing unit including an analytical model that outputs setting values ​​related to the sorting conditions based on the raw material information acquired by the first detection unit and the database stored in the central data storage unit; a charge amount setting unit, the charge amount setting unit sets a charge amount to be charged to a user who owns the first sorting system in accordance with at least one index among the amount of data transferred from the first sorting system to the central system, the amount of data stored in the central data storage unit of the raw material information, and the amount of data processed by the central processing unit during a charging unit period; Sorting and processing system.

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