Object cleaning management system and method

TWI934233BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-01SMART APPROACH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
TW · TW
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
SMART APPROACH
Filing Date
2024-06-26
Publication Date
2026-08-01

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    Figure TWG2TB001903574_003
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Abstract

The carbon credit registration method includes the following steps: a reading device reads an electronic tag affixed to an object to obtain an identification code, wherein the identification code corresponds to a company; a communication device electrically connected to the reading device sends the identification code to a cloud host; the cloud host searches a database based on the identification code to obtain a storage record corresponding to the identification code; and when it is confirmed that the storage record has processing proof, the cloud host sends an authorization signal to the communication device, sets a used mark on the storage record in the database, and registers a carbon credit feedback value for the company in the storage record, wherein the carbon credit feedback value is associated with the type of object.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of environmentally friendly objects and their carbon rights feedback method, and particularly to a carbon rights registration system and method. Prior Art

[0002] To achieve global carbon reduction targets, governments around the world typically implement carbon emission limits and carbon market trading. Carbon market trading is a method of reducing carbon emissions through the buying and selling of carbon credits. This mechanism incentivizes businesses to implement emission reduction measures while also providing financial rewards to those that achieve targets. However, carbon market trading requires accurate carbon inventory data to ensure accuracy and fairness in transactions. Carbon inventory is a crucial step in carbon management for businesses. By assessing and analyzing carbon emission sources, businesses can determine their carbon footprint and understand the main sources and hotspots of carbon emissions. This not only helps businesses develop more effective emission reduction strategies but also optimizes production processes, reducing energy consumption and waste. Furthermore, carbon inventory provides accurate data for carbon market trading, ensuring the reliability and traceability of transactions.

[0003] On the other hand, the carbon emissions caused by various disposable products have a huge impact on the environment. Although these disposable products can be recycled and provided to consumers, there is still a lack of a carbon footprint tracking mechanism for the recycling process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a carbon rights registration system and method thereof to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a carbon rights registration method includes: a reading device reads an electronic tag set on an object to obtain an identification code, wherein the identification code corresponds to a company; a communication device electrically connected to the reading device sends the identification code to a cloud host; the cloud host searches a database based on the identification code to obtain a storage record corresponding to the identification code; and when confirming that the storage record has a processing certificate, the cloud host sends a permission signal to the communication device, sets a used mark for the storage record in the database, and registers the carbon rights reward value of the company in the storage record.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a carbon credit registration system includes a reader device, a communication device, and a cloud host. The reader device is used to read an electronic tag attached to an object to obtain an identification code, wherein the identification code corresponds to a company. The communication device is electrically connected to the reader device. The communication device is used to transmit the identification code and receive a permission signal. The cloud host is communicatively connected to the communication device. The cloud host is used to search a database based on the identification code to obtain a storage record corresponding to the identification code. When the storage record is confirmed to have a processing certificate, the cloud host is used to send a permission signal to the communication device, set a used flag for the storage record in the database, and register the company's carbon credit reward value in the storage record.

[0007] The above description of the disclosed contents and the following description of the embodiments are intended to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principles of the present invention, and to provide further explanation of the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Simple diagram description

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a carbon rights registration system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flowchart of a carbon rights registration method according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a flowchart of updating storage records according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a flowchart of updating storage records according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a flowchart of updating storage records according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; FIG6 is a block diagram of a cleaning plant according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG7 is a flow chart of a carbon rights registration method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Implementation Method

[0009] The following detailed description of the features and characteristics of the present invention is intended to enable anyone skilled in the relevant art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. Based on the disclosure, claims, and figures of this specification, anyone skilled in the relevant art can readily understand the concepts and characteristics of the present invention. The following examples further illustrate the concepts of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a carbon rights registration system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1 , the carbon rights registration system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a reader device 10, a first communication device 20, and a cloud host 40. The reader device 10 is electrically connected to the first communication device 20, which is in turn connected to the cloud host 40 via a network 30. The cloud host 40 is also connected to a carbon rights trading server 50 via the network 30.

[0011] The reading device 10 is used to read a first electronic tag installed on an object to obtain a first identification code.

[0012] In one embodiment, the reading device 10 is, for example, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, a barcode detection instrument, or a camera device electrically connected to a microprocessor to decode the first electronic tag. The present invention is not limited to the hardware used to implement the reading device 10.

[0013] The object described in the present invention is reusable after processing. In one embodiment, the object is, for example, a reusable cup, and the corresponding processing operation is, for example, cleaning. The following text and figures use "reusable cup" and "cleaning reusable cup" as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the object or the type of processing performed. For example, in other application scenarios, the object may be a rechargeable battery, and the corresponding processing operation may be charging or discharging.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first electronic tag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The first identification code contained in the first electronic tag includes not only a GS1 code that complies with the GS1 standard, but also a body identification code that represents the eco-friendly cup itself. The GS1 code records information such as the manufacturer of the eco-friendly cup and the materials used. Therefore, multiple eco-friendly cups produced by the same manufacturer may have the same GS1 code. In this case, the body identification code can be used to distinguish these eco-friendly cups. In other words, the data composed of the GS1 code and the body identification code is unique and can be used to represent different eco-friendly cups.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first identification code uses a UDI (Unique Device Identification) code, which consists of two parts: a device identifier (DI) and a production identifier (DI). The DI is used to identify the type of object and is globally unique. The PI is used to identify the object's production information, such as the manufacturing date, expiration date, batch number, and serial number. After the UDI is encoded, the data carrier can be selected from GS1-128, GS1-Data Matrix, or GS1 Digital Link. Barcode software can be used to convert the code into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, corresponding to the GS1 standard encoding method.

[0016] The following describes two examples of integrating GS1 UDI and RFID tags.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the GS1 UDI code is programmatically converted into an EPC code and stored in the UHF tag's EPC Bank and TID Bank. This serves as an unchangeable chip-specific unique code. By systematically linking the GS1 UDI code with the EPC and TID codes in the RFID tag, a unique identification code is generated for each item.

[0018] In the second embodiment, the GS1 UDI code can be written into the User Bank of the HF tag. The UID Bank of the HF tag is an unchangeable chip-specific unique code. By systematically linking the GS1 UDI code and the UID code in the RFID tag, a unique identification code is generated for each item.

[0019] The first communication device 20 is electrically connected to the reading device 10 and is used to send a first identification code and receive a permission signal sent by the cloud host 40 .

[0020] In one embodiment, the first communication device 20 is, for example, a communication chip, a network card, or any hardware device that complies with wired or wireless communication standards. The present invention does not limit the communication protocol used by the first communication device 20 or the hardware of the first communication device 20 itself.

[0021] For example, a store employee uses a beverage dispenser to fill a reusable cup with a drink. The first electronic tag is placed on the bottom of the reusable cup, and the reader 10 is located below the dispenser where the reusable cup is placed. The first communication device 20 can be built into the dispenser or independent of the dispenser, and communicates with a remote cloud host 40 via a wired or wireless network to transmit and receive a first identification code and permission signal.

[0022] The cloud host 40 is configured to search the database based on the first identification code to retrieve the storage record corresponding to the first identification code. Upon confirming that the storage record contains a cleaning certificate, the cloud host 40 sends a permission signal to the first communication device 20, sets a used flag for the storage record in the database, and registers a carbon credit reward value for the company in the storage record. In addition to recording the cleaning certificate of an object, the storage record also records the carbon credit reward value. The carbon credit reward value is associated with the type of object. For example, a larger eco-friendly cup has a higher carbon credit reward value than a smaller eco-friendly cup.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cloud host 40 is further configured to transmit all carbon credit values ​​and corresponding company information in the stored records to the carbon credit trading server 50 at a specified time point, thereby allowing manufacturers of eco-friendly cups to obtain carbon credits in return.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cloud host 40 can be a network server, a personal computer, a cloud virtual host, a cloud virtual platform, or a software program running on the above hardware devices, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0025] In one embodiment, the database contains multiple records, each corresponding to a single eco-friendly cup. In other words, the database records the status of multiple eco-friendly cups in a table format. Each record indicates whether the cup has been cleaned, used, or waiting to be cleaned, as well as the carbon credit value associated with using the cup, as shown in Table 1 below:

[0026] Table 1, example of storage record. First identification code Cleaning Certificate Used To be cleaned Carbon weight value A01 yes yes no 20 grams A02 yes no no 30 grams A02 no yes yes 40 grams A03 no no yes 50 grams

[0027] For example, if the first identification code queried by the cloud host 40 this time is A02, the cleaning certificate field in its storage record is registered as "yes" and the used field is registered as "no".

[0028] The process of the cloud host sending the permission signal is illustrated below using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flow chart of a carbon credit registration method according to one embodiment of the present invention, using the following application scenario: a store clerk operates a beverage machine to fill a beverage into a reusable cup and serve it to a consumer.

[0029] In step S1, the reader 10 reads the first electronic tag attached to the object to obtain a first identification code. In other words, a store clerk takes out a reusable cup and places it on a beverage machine. The bottom of the reusable cup has an RFID tag. The machine's built-in RFID reader reads this tag, obtaining the GS1 code and the cup's identification code.

[0030] In step S2 , the first communication device 20 electrically connected to the reading device 10 sends a first identification code to the cloud host 40 .

[0031] In step S3, the cloud host 40 searches the database based on the first identification code to obtain the storage record corresponding to the first identification code. Please refer to Table 1 for an example of the storage record.

[0032] In step S4, upon confirming that the storage record contains a cleaning certificate, the cloud host 40 sends a permission signal to the first communication device 20 and sets a used flag for the storage record in the database. Taking Table 1 as an example, if, in step S3, the cloud host 40 queries the storage record for the eco-friendly cup with the first identification code A02 and confirms that the cleaning certificate field is registered as "Yes," the cloud host 40 sends a permission signal and updates the used field corresponding to the first identification code A02 from "No" to "Yes."

[0033] In step S5 , the cloud host 40 registers the company's carbon credit reward value in the storage record, wherein the carbon credit reward value is associated with the type of object.

[0034] In another embodiment, in addition to confirming that the storage record has a cleaning certificate, it is also necessary to confirm that the eco-friendly cup is used for the first time (the used field is registered as "no"). Only when the above two conditions are met can the cloud host 40 send a permission signal.

[0035] When the first communication device 20 receives the permission signal, it means that the beverage cup has been cleaned and has not been used. At this time, the beverage machine can pour the beverage into the environmentally friendly cup, and then the store clerk will hand over the environmentally friendly cup to the user.

[0036] In one embodiment, after sending the permission signal, the cloud host 40 can immediately report the first identification code and carbon credit value in the storage record corresponding to the first identification code to the carbon trading server 50. Alternatively, after sending the permission signal N times, the cloud host 40 can report multiple first identification codes and multiple carbon credit values ​​corresponding to these N permission signals to the carbon trading server 50. Because the first identification code includes the GS1 code, the carbon trading server 50 can determine which manufacturer of the eco-friendly cups these carbon credit values ​​should be reported to.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the cloud host 40 directly reports the raw carbon credit value and the first identification code to the carbon credit trading server 50. In another embodiment, the cloud host 40 can identify the manufacturer of the eco-friendly cup from the GS1 code included in the first identification code, and after summing up all carbon credit values, report the manufacturer name (or code) and the total summed carbon credit value to the carbon credit trading server 50.

[0038] Figure 3 is a flow chart for updating stored records according to one embodiment of the present invention. The application scenario is: multiple cleaned reusable cups are packaged in boxes and delivered to a convenience store, where a clerk registers the cups' cleaning certificates. In other words, the process shown in Figure 3 occurs before step S1, where the reader 10 reads the first electronic tag attached to the object to obtain the first identification code.

[0039] In step Q1, the reading device 10 reads a second electronic tag disposed on a carrier to obtain cleaning data, wherein the carrier is used to carry an object, and the cleaning data includes a first identification code.

[0040] In one embodiment, the carrier is a cardboard box for storing multiple cleaned eco-friendly cups, but the present invention is not limited to this example. A second electronic tag is affixed to the outside of the cardboard box. The second electronic tag is used to record the cleaning information of the eco-friendly cups in the cardboard box, such as the first identification code of each eco-friendly cup, the cleaning time, and the name of the cleaning factory.

[0041] In step Q2, the first communication device 20 sends the cleaning data to the cloud host 40. In step Q3, the cloud host 40 sets a cleaning certificate based on the storage record of the cleaning data in the database.

[0042] In practice, a store clerk uses an RFID reader to scan the RFID tag on the outside of the carton. The first communication device 20 then uploads the cleaning data recorded on the RFID tag to the cloud server 40. The cloud server 40 then registers the cleaning certificates for these reusable cups in the cloud server 40 based on the first identification code contained in the cleaning data.

[0043] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating how to update a stored record according to one embodiment of the present invention. This application scenario involves a consumer returning a used eco-friendly cup to a convenience store, whereupon the store clerk updates the cup's usage record. In other words, the process illustrated in Figure 4 occurs after step S4, "cloud host 40 sends a permission signal to first communication device 20."

[0044] In step T1, the reader 10 reads the first electronic tag attached to the object again to obtain the first identification code. In step T2, the first communication device 20 again transmits the first identification code to the cloud host 40. In step T3, the cloud host 40 again searches the database based on the first identification code to obtain the storage record corresponding to the first identification code. In step T4, if the storage record is confirmed to have been used, the cloud host 40 transmits a signal indicating that it is ready for cleaning to the first communication device 20.

[0045] In the above process, the store clerk uses an RFID reader to scan the first electronic tag on the reusable cup and reports this information to the cloud host 40. Since the reusable cup has already been used, the "used" field on the cloud host 40 is registered as "yes." The cloud signal then registers "yes" in the "to be cleaned" field for the reusable cup and sends a "to be cleaned" signal to the beverage machine. Therefore, if the beverage machine receives the "to be cleaned" signal from the cloud host 40, it will not pour beverage into the reusable cup, thus preventing users from reusing the reusable cup.

[0046] In one embodiment, after sending the signal to be cleaned, the cloud host 40 can immediately report the carbon credit value in the storage record corresponding to the first identification code to the carbon credit trading server 50.

[0047] Figure 5 is a flow chart for updating stored records according to one embodiment of the present invention. The application scenario involves a convenience store collecting multiple used reusable cups and sending them to a cleaning facility for cleaning. The cleaning facility then updates the cleaning data for these cups. In other words, the process shown in Figure 5 occurs after step T4, "The cloud host 40 sends a signal indicating a cleaning request to the first communication device 20." The cleaning facility includes a cleaning machine 60, a packaging machine 70, and a second communication device 80. The packaging machine 70 and the second communication device 80 are electrically connected. The cleaning machine 60 is communicatively connected to the cloud host 40 and the second communication device 80. The packaging machine 70 is also communicatively connected to the cloud host 40 via the second communication device 80. Figure 6 is a block diagram of the cleaning facility according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In step U1, the cleaning machine 60 cleans the object and generates cleaning data, which includes the object's first identification code. In other words, each time the cleaning machine 60 cleans a reusable cup, it generates cleaning data. In addition to the first identification code of the cleaned reusable cup, the cleaning data also includes the cleaning operations the reusable cup underwent, such as dynamic immersion pre-soaking, high-temperature cleaning and sterilization, full-cup air knife drying, and quality inspection and control.

[0049] After the cleaning machine 60 completes the cleaning process, in step U2, the packaging machine 70 obtains the cleaning data, packages the items within a carrier, and places a second electronic tag on the exterior of the carrier. In practice, after packaging the multiple eco-friendly cups into a carton, the packaging machine 70 also creates a second electronic tag on the exterior of the carton. This second electronic tag includes an identification code representing the carton itself.

[0050] In step U3, the second communication device 80 sends the second identification code and the cleansing data to the cloud host 40. In step U4, the cloud host 40 searches the database based on the first identification code to obtain the storage record corresponding to the first identification code. In step U5, the cloud host 40 creates a cleansing certificate based on the storage record of the cleansing data in the database.

[0051] FIG7 is a flow chart of a carbon rights registration method according to another embodiment of the present invention, including steps V1 to V4.

[0052] In step V1, a reader reads an electronic tag attached to an object to obtain an identification code, wherein the identification code corresponds to a company. In step V2, a communication device electrically connected to the reader sends the identification code to a cloud host.

[0053] In step V3, the cloud host searches a database based on the identification code to update the corresponding storage record. The storage record includes the number of times the identification code has been read. In one embodiment, the default value of the number of reads is 0. Each time the cloud host receives an identification code for an object, it increments the number of reads in the storage record corresponding to that identification code by 1.

[0054] In step V4, if the number of reads is confirmed to be greater than or equal to two, the cloud host sends a permission signal to the communication device and registers the company's carbon credit reward value in the storage record. The carbon credit reward value is associated with the type of object. In other words, each time the cloud host receives an object's identification code for the second time (or more), the object is considered recycled and the carbon credit reward value for the object is registered with the company corresponding to the object's identification code.

[0055] In summary, the carbon rights registration system and method proposed in the present invention uses a reading device to read the first electronic tag set on the object and the second electronic tag set on the carrier, and exchanges the read information with the cloud host to confirm the cleaning status and usage status of the object. In addition, the cloud host can report the carbon rights values ​​corresponding to the collected objects to the carbon rights trading server at an appropriate time. These carbon rights values ​​will serve as the basis for the manufacturer of the object to continue production. In other words, the carbon rights registration system and method proposed in the present invention is equivalent to realizing a point of sale (POS) information system based on carbon rights. Any object that can be recycled through cleaning is applicable to the carbon rights registration system and method proposed in the present invention, thereby achieving convenient carbon rights value statistics and achieving environmental protection effects from a quantitative perspective.

[0056] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, these are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications and alterations that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be protected by the patents of the present invention. Please refer to the attached patent claims for the scope of protection defined by the present invention.

[0057] 10: Reading device 20: First communication device 30: Internet 40: Cloud Host 50: Carbon trading server 60: Cleaning machine 70: Packaging machine 80: Second communication device S1~S4,Q1~Q3,T1~T4,U11~U4: Steps

Claims

1. A carbon registration method, comprising: A reading device reads an electronic tag affixed to an object to obtain an identification code, wherein the identification code corresponds to a company; A communication device electrically connected to the reading device sends the identification code to a cloud host; the cloud host searches a database based on the identification code to obtain a stored record corresponding to the identification code; when the stored record is confirmed to have a processing certificate, the cloud host sends an authorization signal to the communication device and sets a used mark for the stored record in the database; and the cloud host registers a carbon credit value of the company in the stored record, wherein the carbon credit value is associated with the type of the object; after the cloud host sends the authorization signal to the communication device, the reading device reads the electronic tag set on the object again to obtain the identification code; the communication device sends the identification code to the cloud host again; the cloud host searches the database again based on the identification code to obtain the stored record corresponding to the identification code; when the stored record is confirmed to have the used mark, the cloud host sends a pending processing signal to the communication device.

2. The carbon registration method as described in claim 1, wherein the electronic tag is a radio frequency identification tag and the identification code includes a GS1 code for representing the company.

3. The carbon registration method as described in claim 1, wherein the electronic tag is a first electronic tag, and the method further includes: Before using the reading device to read the first electronic tag affixed to the object to obtain the identification code, the reading device reads a second electronic tag affixed to a carrier to obtain processed data, wherein the carrier is used to carry the object, and the processed data includes the identification code; the processed data is sent to the cloud host using the communication device; and the cloud host sets the processing certificate based on the stored record of the processed data in the database.

4. The carbon registration method as described in claim 1, wherein the electronic tag is a first electronic tag, the identification code is a first identification code, and the communication device is a first communication device, the method further comprising: After the cloud host sends the signal to be processed to the communication device, a processing unit connected to the cloud host processes the object and generates processing data, which includes the first identification code. After the processing unit completes the processing, a packaging unit connected to the processing unit obtains the processing data. The packaging unit encapsulates the object inside a carrier and affixes a second electronic tag to the outside of the carrier, wherein the second electronic tag includes a second identification code representing the carrier. A second communication device electrically connected to the packaging unit sends the second identification code and the processing data to the cloud host. The cloud host searches the database based on the first identification code to obtain the stored record corresponding to the first identification code. The cloud host then sets the processing certificate based on the stored record in the database using the processing data.

5. A carbon credit registration system, comprising: A reading device for reading an electronic tag affixed to an object to obtain an identification code, wherein the identification code corresponds to a company; A communication device electrically connected to the reading device is used to send the identification code and receive an authorization signal; and a cloud host communicatively connected to the communication device is used to search a database based on the identification code to obtain a stored record corresponding to the identification code. When the stored record is confirmed to have a processing certificate, the cloud host sends the authorization signal to the communication device, sets a used mark for the stored record in the database, and registers a carbon credit value of the company in the stored record, wherein the carbon credit value is associated with the type of the object; wherein after the cloud host sends the authorization signal to the communication device, the reading device is further used to read the electronic tag set on the object again to obtain the identification code, and the communication device is further used to send the identification code to the cloud host again; the cloud host is further used to search the database again based on the identification code to obtain the stored record corresponding to the identification code, and when the stored record is confirmed to have the used mark, the cloud host further sends a pending processing signal to the communication device.

6. The carbon credit registration system as described in claim 5, wherein the electronic tag is a radio frequency identification tag and the identification code includes a GS1 code for representing the company.

7. The carbon registration system as described in claim 5, wherein the electronic tag is a first electronic tag; the reading device is further configured to read a second electronic tag disposed on a carrier to obtain processing data, wherein the carrier is used to hold the object, and the processing data includes the identification code; the communication device is further configured to send the processing data to the cloud host; and the cloud host is further configured to set the processing certificate based on the storage record of the processing data in the database.

8. A carbon registration method, comprising: A reading device reads an electronic tag affixed to an object to obtain an identification code, wherein the identification code corresponds to a company; A communication device electrically connected to the reading device sends the identification code to a cloud host; the cloud host searches a database based on the identification code to update a stored record corresponding to the identification code, wherein the stored record includes the number of times the identification code has been read; when it is confirmed that the number of reads is greater than or equal to two, the cloud host sends an authorization signal to the communication device and registers a carbon credit value of the company in the stored record, wherein the carbon credit value is associated with the type of the object; after the cloud host sends the authorization signal to the communication device, the reading device reads the electronic tag set on the object again to obtain the identification code; the communication device sends the identification code to the cloud host again; the cloud host searches the database again based on the identification code to obtain the stored record corresponding to the identification code; when it is confirmed that the stored record has the used mark, the cloud host sends a pending signal to the communication device.