Waste management data collection and distribution system

Abstract

Systems and methods for collecting weight information of containers and receptacles, such as waste receptacles and trash bins, via a weight sensing device attached to the container.

Description

WASTE MANAGEMENT DATA COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 469,143, filed May 26, 2023, and titled “Waste Management Data Collection and Distribution System,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Changes in the waste collection market pressure haulers to provide transparency of collected waste but haulers lack the technical resources to provide data. Municipal regulations are also expected to require increased monitoring of waste generation and waste collection and increased enforcement actions. Accordingly there is a need for a monitoring apparatus and system to remotely and wirelessly provide data about containers, such as waste receptacles and commercial and residential trash bins.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure provide waste haulers and their customers with the data necessary to track and reduce waste generation. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus referred to herein as SmartCan-loT is a third party attachment for standard 32-96 gallon commercial and residential waste bins. Typically such waste bins are totable by individuals and include wheels to transport the waste bin to a collection location such as a curb. SmartCan-loT measures the weight of waste, confirms haulers have picked up bins, and tracks GPS information to correlate households and / or locations to their waste generation. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a SmartCan information platform transmits data through a cellular modem to an AWS server endpoint and visualizes the data on a customer portal and / or dashboard.

[0004] Although exemplary embodiments are described for data collection as to waste receptacles and trash bins, it will be appreciated that the other containers, particularly refillable containers, may be provided with components of the invention to provide weight data, conditions data and use data about the container.

[0005] An aspect of the invention includes an apparatus for acquiring container data that comprises a housing configured for attachment to a lower surface of a container and suitable to support the container in an upright position, a weight sensor disposed in or on the housing, the weight sensor configured to detect the weight of the container and its contents, and communication circuitry in communication with the weight sensor, the communication circuitry configured to receive weight information from the weight sensor and wirelessly transmit the weight information to a remote server.

[0006] In a further aspect of the invention, the housing includes a host computer processor connected to the communication circuitry for collecting, processing and communicating data to the remote server.

[0007] A further aspect of the invention includes the container having wheels. In an embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the housing is configured for attachment between wheels of a container.

[0008] A further aspect of the invention includes the housing configured to cover the lower surface of a waste receptacle or trash bin while providing a passthrough slot for a hauler lift and dumper tool to service the waste receptacle.

[0009] A further aspect of the invention includes the housing configured to cover the lower surface of a container, including a waste receptacle and trash bin, while providing a passthrough slot for lifts, transport and other tools used to service the container.

[0010] In various embodiments of the invention where a container, waste respectable or trash bin includes wheels, the housing is positioned to avoid interfering with rotation of the wheels.

[0011] In various embodiment the housing includes one or more electronic visual status indicators coupled to power circuitry, a host computer processor of the housing and / or communication circuitry of the housing to provide information about the status of the SmartCan-loT attachment device, such as battery level, network connection status, operation errors and the like. In embodiments, a visual status indicator can include a light that is off or on, a colored light (such as green indicating desirable status or red indicating undesirable status), a message screen, and the like.

[0012] A further aspect of the invention includes a system for automatic collection and distribution of waste receptacle management data that comprises a weight sensing apparatus attached to a lower surface of a waste receptacle, a server in wireless communication with the weight sensing apparatus, and software configured on the server to present selected data to a user based on information sensed by the weight sensing apparatus over time.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of totable trash bin coupled to an attachment device with a weight sensor and communication circuitry in the housing in an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an attachment device for a container, such as a waste receptacle, with a weight sensor and communication circuitry in the housing in an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a trash bin with the attachment device coupled with a latching mechanism that locks when the latch is down and releases for removal from the trash bin when the latch is moved up and the bin is tipped up in an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an attachment device having a passthrough slot attached to the bottom surface a trash bin wherein the attachment device extends between wheels of the bin without interfering with the wheels or ability of a hauler tool to lift the bin during collection service in an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a waste hauler and waste collection truck with a lifting tool using the passthrough slot of a trash bin attachment device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective of view of a trash bin having wheels and an attachment device with electronic visual status indicators, such as colored lights, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a remote server system connected to an attachment device coupled to a container and providing data to a user interface in an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a screenshot view of waste metrics for a university campus dining area showing total weight of waste collected in waste bins equipped with attachment devices in an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a screenshot view of a customer’s information dashboard of a waste data platform displaying total weight data collected by attachment devices in an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a screenshot view of a customer’s information dashboard of a waste data platform showing size (volume), measured weight, last pick-up time, and any alerts for each of a list of the user’s waste bins that are using an attachment device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a screenshot view of an alert page of a customer’s information dashboard of a waste data platform showing an alert based on total weight of waste collected over time for a particular one of the customer’s waste bins using an attachment device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a screenshot view of a map page of a customer’s information dashboard of a waste data platform in which a hauler’s route information is displayed along with weight and location of waste bins using attachment devices in an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIGS. 13A is a diagram view of an initial position of an upright, level and stationary trash bin wherein weight sensor functionality is communicated from the attachment device to the remote server, i.e. is in wake mode, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 13B is a diagram view of a trash bin moving and tilted on wheels wherein the weight sensor functionality is not communicated from the attachment device to the remote server, i.e., does not enter wake mode, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 13C is a diagram view of is a diagram view of an ending position of an upright, level and stationary trash bin wherein weight sensor functionality is communicated from the attachment device to the remote server, i.e. re-enters wake mode, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 14A is a diagram view of an initial position of an upright, level and stationary trash bin wherein weight sensor functionality is communicated from the attachment device to the remote server, i.e. is in wake mode, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 14B is a diagram view of a trash bin being flipped over for service collection, such as being lifted and tilted more than 60 degrees, wherein the attachment device senses the bin has been emptied and signals that the weight sensor should re-tare or re-zero, i.e., return toempty weight of just the bin (since the weight of the bin will always be present and accounted for in calculating the actual weight of refuse inside the bin), when the bin is returned to an upright and level position as shown in FIG. 14C in an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 14C is a diagram view of an ending position of an upright, level and stationary trash bin with the attachment device following emptying of the bin in FIG. 14B to activate re-tare or re-zero of the weight sensor of the attachment device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 15A is a diagram view of an inertial module (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSO iNEMO™) illustrating directions of detectable acceleration of the attachment device and container, such as waste receptacle and trash bin, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 15B is a diagram view of an inertial module (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSO iNEMO™) illustrating directions of detectable angular rate of the attachment device and container, such as waste receptacle and trash bin, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 15C is a schematic view of an inertial module (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSO iNEMO™) of an attachment device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 16A is a diagram view of a tilt sensor (SW520-D ball sensor) illustrating the ball closing the circuit when the sensor is upright and corresponds to an attachment device and container being level and upright in an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 16B i a diagram view of a tilt sensor (SW520-D ball sensor) illustrating the ball moving off and opening the circuit when the sensor is tilted and corresponds to an attachment device and container being tilted in an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a block diagram view of an inertial module (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSO iNEMO™) and communication BUS to a host computer processor of an attachment device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 18 is a state flow diagram illustrating three (3) state conditions for an inertial module and / or tilt sensor of an attachment device for a container, such as a waste receptacle and trash bin, in an embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] For clarity of explanation, in some instances, the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

[0039] Any of the steps, operations, functions, or processes described herein may be performed or implemented by a combination of hardware and software services or services, alone or in combination with other devices. In some embodiments, a service can be software that resides in memory of a client device and / or one or more servers of a content management system and perform one or more functions when a processor executes the software associated with the service. In some embodiments, a service is a program or a collection of programs that carry out a specific function. In some embodiments, a service can be considered a server. The memory can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0040] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, and memories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

[0041] Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer-readable media. Such instructions can comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The executable computer instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and / or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, solid-state memory devices, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.

[0042] Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprise hardware, firmware and / or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include servers, laptops, smartphones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, and so on. The functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Suchfunctionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.

[0043] The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functions described in these disclosures.

[0044] In described embodiments of the invention, the following element numbers correspond to the listed elements:Element Number Element10 Sensor Housing20 Container30 Wheel110 Electronic Visual Status Indicator120 Latching Mechanism130 Passthrough Slot710 Container Transmitter720 Cellular Connection730 Remote Server (e.g. AWS)740 Data Ingest and Device Control750 Event Processing760 Device Control API770 Data Storage and Frontend780 User Interface1510 Inertial Module1610 Tilt Sensor (e.g. SW-520D Ball Sensor)1700 Host Computer Processor1710 Communication BUS

[0045] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system and method of measuring waste generation. Referring to FIG. 1 , an attachment device 10 includes a sensor apparatus with a housing that is attached to a container 20, such as a standard totable waste bin. The attachment device 10 does not interfere with normal usage andtransportation of the standard waste bin, such as avoiding interference with container wheels 30.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows attachment device 10 having electronic visual status indicators 110, such as colored lights, but might also include message screens and / or basic on / off lights and the like. The visual status indicators 110 can indicate power / battery status, network connection status, operation status and the like. In the embodiment of the attachment device 10 shown in FIG. 2, a passthrough slot 130 is provided to accommodate container servicing tools, such as a wheel axle grabber, hauler lift, fork and the like, without interfering with the container function, such as a waste receptacle and trash bin being movable, totable, liftable and the like.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system of the attachment device and weight sensor corrects for inaccuracies in weight measurement by utilizing temperature and inertial measurement unit (accelerometer) information to characterize weight drift. Further, as explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 13-18, the system may include a “smart tare” function to re-tare or re-zero the weight sensor when the waste receptacle is emptied. It will be appreciated that re-taring and collecting weight data must account for the weight of the empty waste receptacle (or more generally for an empty container) to accurately determine the weight of the contents inside since the weight of the container will always impact the weight sensor (whether empty or with contents therein) . Such “empty container weight” is subtracted from the overall weight to accurately determine the weight of the contents of the container 20.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a mechanical interface between a waste bin container 20 and an illustrative embodiment of the attachment device 10. A latching mechanism 120 is configured to attach the attachment device to the waste bin container 20. Although a latching mechanism 120 is shown in the illustrative embodiment, it should be understood that various other mechanical attachment configurations may be used to removably or permanently attach the disclosed sensor apparatus to a waste bin within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a view of the attachment device 10 after installation to a waste bin container 20. This view shows a passthrough slot 130 in the apparatus that exposesthe wheel-axle of the wheels 30 of the waste bin so that a waste hauler is not obstructed from grabbing the wheel-axle to lift the waste bin.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of the attachment device 10 attached to a standard waste bin container 20 without interfering with normal collection by standard waste hauler equipment.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows an attachment device 10 attached to a standard waste bin container 20.

[0052] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, data from the sensor apparatus is transferred to an information dashboard to provide visualization of waste generation. FIG. 7 is a high-level block diagram of a software architecture for collecting and communicating information retrieved from the attachment device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Container transmitter 710 of each container 20 has a cellular connection 720 to data ingest and service control 740 of a remote server 730 (such as Amazon Web Services™ (AWS)). Service control 740 operatively connects and communicates with event processing 750 and device control API 760 (such as AWS Lambda) which, in turn, operatively connect and communicate with data storage and frontend 770 (such as Django). A user interface 780 connects to the data storage and frontend so that a user can be provided a dashboard that presents a visualization of data collected from the attachment devices 10.

[0053] In embodiments, the disclosed waste data platform aggregates weight of waste collected in bins by customer and group. This allows users to identify, respond to, and better manage waste by providing metrics and reporting data for each of a user’s waste bins for better accountability. FIG. 8 shows an example of waste metrics for a university campus dining area showing total weigh of waste collected in waste bins over time. The weight of waste in trash bins was acquired by the disclosed sensor apparatus and collected and communicated to a user via the disclosed waste data platform.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a customer’s information dashboard of the disclosed waste data platform displaying total weight data collected by the disclosed sensor apparatus units deployed by the customer.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a page of a customer’s information dashboard of the disclosed waste data platform showing size (volume), measured weight, last pick-up time, and any alerts for each of a list of the user’s waste bins.

[0056] For example, the system can provide customers with alerts of overweight waste bins, or locations with excessive trash. FIG. 11 shows an alert page of a customer’s information dashboard of the disclosed waste data platform showing an alert based on total weight of waste collected over time for a particular one of the customer’s waste bins.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the disclosed waste data platform tracks bin locations for accurate fleet management. FIG. 12 shows a map page of a customer’s information dashboard of the disclosed waste data platform in which a hauler’s route information is displayed along with weight and location of waste bins.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 13-18, embodiments of the invention include a “Smart Tare” or “Smart Sense” function. Typically scales have the ability to “sense” when a load is no longer on it in order to re-tare (or zero) itself out so that weights presented are accurate. With containers and attachment devices of the invention, there is always a load on the weight sensor / scale, as even an empty bin will be seen as a static load. In order to provide accurate weights, a smart tare feature detects when the bin is in motion or has been serviced.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, a first scenario is shown. FIG. 13B shows a bin container 20 in use, moving, tilted on wheels. In this use case, that attachment device should not wake up and should not collect a weight measurement during this motion event as it would provide an inaccurate reading since the full weight would not be applied to the weight sensor. Measurements resume once the bin has detected it has leveled as in FIGS. 13A and 13C.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, a second scenario is shown. FIG. 14B shows bin container 20 being serviced, picked up and inverted from an initial level position of FIG. 14A. In this use case, the attachment device 10 detects that it has been lifted and tilted >60 degrees, alerting the system that it is being emptied. Once the unit has returned to stable ground upright and level as in FIG. 14C it will re-tare the system allowing the scale to re-establish its 0.

[0061] These scenarios can be detected by sensors such inertial module 1510 shown in FIGS. 15A-15C and FIG. 17. FIG. 15A shows an inertial module 150 with directions of detectable acceleration of the attachment device 10 that includes the inertial module 1510. FIG. 15B shows inertial module with directions of detectable angular rate of the attachment device 10 that includes the inertial module 1510. FIG. 15C is a schematic view of an inertial module 1510 of an attachment device 10 in an embodiment of the invention. Technical information for an inertial module of the present invention is published at the website linkwhich publication is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, in other embodiments a generic tilt sensor 1610 could also or alternatively be used to provide the Smart Tare function.

[0063] FIG. 16A shows a tilt sensor 1610 illustrating the ball closing the circuit when the sensor is upright and corresponds to an attachment device and container being level and upright in an embodiment of the invention.

[0064] FIG. 16B shows a tilt sensor 1610 illustrating the ball moving off and opening the circuit when the sensor is tilted and corresponds to an attachment device and container being tilted in an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] FIG. 17 is a block diagram view of an inertial module 1510 (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSO iNEMO™) and communication BUS 1710 to a host computer processor 1700 of an attachment device 10 in an embodiment of the invention. In other embodiments the host processor 1700 may connect to a tilt sensor 1610. The host processor 1700 communications with the inertial module 1510 and / or tilt sensor 1610 are used to detect the position states of the attachment device 10 and container 20 as shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 18.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 18, State #1 is satisfied when the bin container 20 is upright, switch is on and host detects connection through “sense” pin. This State is shown by FIGS. 13A, 13C, 14A, 14C and 16A (showing tilt sensor 1610), and is also detected by a stable non-moving and upright position of inertial module 1510.

[0067] State #2 is satisfied when bin container 20 is tilted and being moved around as shown in FIG. 13B. Inertial module 1510 senses that the unit is no longer level and prevents the host device from collecting measurements.

[0068] State #3 is satisfied when bin container 20 is inverted, has been serviced and is being emptied as shown in FIGS. 14B and 16B (showing tilt sensor 1610). Tilt sensor 1610 detects the attachment device 10 has inverted and no longer level, preventing the device fromcollecting measurements. The system is alerted that the bin container 10 is being serviced and waits until it returns to level ground as shown in FIG. 16C to re-zero to reflect empty container.

[0069] Real-world examples in the waste industry and other utilities, were studied to identify behavioral levers that are reliant on high-resolution data for success. Based on the studied examples, the disclosed system and attachment device provide feedback mechanisms to show consumers how much waste they generate and when they are generating it.

[0070] Based on data collected from institutions it has become clear that waste generation levels fluctuate but service does not. The disclosed system addresses this problem by providing continuous data for waste disposal optimization.

[0071] Unlike other utilities, waste generation is not typically reported to customers. The disclosed system allows customers to access their waste generation information and simplifies waste reduction messaging.

[0072] The disclosed system reduces services issues by providing service data that allows municipalities to respond more quickly to residential complaints.

[0073] It is expected that employment of the disclosed system and apparatus can increase waste haulers top line revenue by approximately 25% and increase waste haulers service margin by approximately 15%. Use of the disclosed system and apparatus may also save municipal customers approximately 50%-70% on waste audits and decrease municipal waste generation by about 10%-15%.

[0074] Various embodiments of the invention have been described. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in this disclosure. This specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

What is Claimed:1 . An apparatus for acquiring container data, the apparatus comprising: a housing configured for attachment to a lower surface of a container and suitable to support the container in an upright position; a weight sensor disposed in or on the housing, the weight sensor configured to detect the weight of the container and its contents; and communication circuitry in communication with the weight sensor, the communication circuitry configured to receive weight information from the weight sensor and wirelessly transmit the weight information to a remote server.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the housing is configured for attachment between wheels of the container.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the container is a waste receptacle.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container is a waste receptacle.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the housing is configured to cover the lower surface of the waste receptacle while providing a passthrough slot.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing is configured to cover the lower surface of the container while providing a passthrough slot.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the housing is configured to cover the lower surface of the waste receptacle while providing a passthrough slot and without interfering with rotation of the wheels.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to cover the lower surface of the container while providing a passthrough slot.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes one or more electronic visual status indicators.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the housing includes one or more electronic visual status indicators.11 . The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing is positioned to avoid interference with rotation of the wheels.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the waste receptacle is a totable trash bin.

13. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the waste receptacle is a totable residential or commercial trash bin.

14. A system for automatic collection and distribution of waste receptacle management data, the system comprising: a weight sensing apparatus attached to a lower surface of a waste receptacle; a server in wireless communication with the weight sensing apparatus; and software configured on the server to present selected data to a user based on information sensed by the weight sensing apparatus over time.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the waste receptacle includes wheels.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the housing is configured for attachment between wheels of the container.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the housing is configured to cover the lower surface of the waste receptacle while providing a passthrough slot and without interfering with rotation of the wheels.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the housing is configured to cover the lower surface of the waste receptacle while providing a passthrough slot.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the housing is configured to cover the lower surface of the waste receptacle while providing a passthrough slot.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the waste receptacle is a totable trash bin.

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