Recycling information management method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed are a recycling information management method and apparatus. This user terminal displays one or more discharge places within a predetermined range on the basis of the location of the user terminal, takes photographs of a plurality of collection containers containing recycled resources at the discharge place, recognizes the number of collection containers identified by analyzing the photographs, and transmits collection information including information about a collector, information about the discharge place, and the photographs in order to store same in a blockchain.

Description

Recycling information management method and device thereof

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a recycling information management method and device thereof, and more specifically, to a method and device thereof capable of tracking and managing the entire process from discharge of recyclable resources to final collection.

[0002] Climate change is worsening due to global warming, and countries, including the US and Europe, are striving to achieve carbon neutrality (carbon reduction). For effective carbon reduction, it is crucial to accurately understand where and how much carbon is emitted, and who is reducing it through recycling and other means. Current carbon footprints are rough estimates based on sampling, making them unreliable. Furthermore, we must prevent greenwashing, which involves using new resources while presenting them as recycled resources to disguise them as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. For example, there are cases where cooking oil is maliciously disguised as used cooking oil and sold, which is undesirable from an environmental perspective. To verify the actual use of recycled resources in accordance with global recycling mandates, it is necessary to track the entire process of recycled resources, such as used cooking oil, from generation to final collection. For some foods, such as vegetables and meat, services exist that track the distribution process from production to consumption. However, the distribution process of these foods is different in that it tracks the process of being divided from production to consumption, while that of recycled resources is tracked from discharge to being merged and divided from new and renewable resources. Therefore, it is difficult to directly apply the tracking service of the distribution process of conventional foods.

[0003] The technical task to be achieved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a recycling information management method and device capable of tracking and managing the entire transaction process from discharge to collection of recyclable resources.

[0004] In order to achieve the above technical task, an example of a recycling information management method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a recycling information management method performed by a user terminal, the method including: a step of displaying at least one discharge location within a certain range based on the location of the user terminal; a step of taking pictures of a plurality of collection bins containing recyclable resources at a discharge location; a step of recognizing the number of collection bins identified by analyzing the pictures; and a step of transmitting collection information including collector information, discharge location information, and the pictures to be stored in a blockchain.

[0005] Another example of a recycling information management method according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above technical task is a recycling information management method performed by a recycling information management device, comprising: a step of receiving collection information including primary collector information, discharge location information, and photos of a plurality of collection bins from a primary collector's terminal; a step of storing the collection information in a blockchain; a step of receiving a code displayed on the primary collector's terminal from a secondary collector's terminal; and a step of identifying the collection information based on the code and storing the secondary collector's purchase information for recyclable resources in the blockchain.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical task, an example of a recycling information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a collection management unit that receives collection information including collector information, discharge location information, and photos of a plurality of collection bins from a terminal of a primary collector, and stores the collection information in a blockchain; and a purchase management unit that receives a code displayed on the terminal of the primary collector from the terminal of the secondary collector, identifies the collection information based on the code, and stores the purchase information of the secondary collector for recyclable resources in the blockchain.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, the entire process of recyclable resources, from discharge to collection, can be tracked and managed. For example, in the case of waste cooking oil, the process can be tracked and managed from discharge to the final collection stage, preventing general cooking oil from being disguised as waste cooking oil. In another embodiment, the carbon emissions generated during the collection process of recyclable resources can be calculated, enabling ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices in recyclable resource collection services.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example of a process for collecting recyclable resources according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a recycling information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a collection bin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recycling information management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for collecting recyclable resources according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an artificial neural network for determining the number of collection bins according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for storing purchase information of two or more collectors in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for verifying a discharge location according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a method for correcting the weight of a collection container according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the overall process of recycling information management according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying recycling information stored in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for confirming a discharge location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for distributing and storing information stored in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for calculating carbon emissions emitted from the collection of recyclable resources according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a recycling information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0023] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transaction history of recycled resources stored in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Hereinafter, a recycling information management method and device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example of a process for collecting recyclable resources according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, at least one discharge source (100) is a location for discharging recyclable resources. Discharging sources (100) may be diverse, such as homes, restaurants, or factories that discharge recyclable resources, and are not limited to any specific location. Recyclable resources may include waste cooking oil, waste fat generated during the slaughter process, waste plastic, and waste batteries, and are not limited to any specific type. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description primarily focuses on the case where waste cooking oil is discharged.

[0027] A primary collector (110) is a person who visits at least one discharge site (100) to collect recyclable resources. For example, a 1-1 collector may collect recyclable resources from the 1st and 2nd discharge sites, a 1-2 collector may collect recyclable resources from the 3rd and 4th discharge sites, and a 1-3 collector may collect recyclable resources from the 5th and 6th discharge sites.

[0028] A secondary collector (120) is a person who collects recyclable resources from at least one primary collector (110). For example, a secondary collector may collect recyclable resources from a primary collector (110) and a secondary collector (110). A secondary collector may collect recyclable resources from a primary collector (110).

[0029] In this way, the nth collector (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) can collect recyclable resources from at least one (n-1)th collector. The collection process of recyclable resources may consist of multiple collection stages. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the 3rd collector is indicated as the final collector (130), but this is only an example, and the 4th or 5th collector may also be the final collector. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description assumes a case where 1st to 3rd collectors (110, 12, 130) exist as in FIG. 1.

[0030] In another embodiment, the final collector (130) may collect recyclable resources directly from the primary collector (110) without going through the secondary collector (120). In another embodiment, there may be multiple final collectors (130). Alternatively, the final collector (130) may be a person who produces and sells products using recycled resources. For example, the final collector (130) may produce and sell bio-products using waste oil. The production and sales processes of bio-products can be tracked and managed together. In other words, the transaction process from the discharge and collection of recyclable resources to the production and sale of products using recycled resources can be tracked and managed through this embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a recycling information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the recycling information management device (200) is connected to at least one user terminal (210) of a discharger, at least one user terminal (220) of a primary collector, at least one user terminal (230) of a secondary collector, and at least one user terminal (240) of a tertiary collector via a wired or wireless communication network. Each user terminal (210, 220, 230, 240) may be a variety of terminals that can be connected to the recycling information management device (200), such as a general computer, tablet PC, or smartphone, and is not limited to a specific type.

[0033] Disposers and / or collectors at each stage can access the recycling information management device (200) by logging in after registering as members. Upon registering as members, dischargers can register discharger information, including location information (e.g., address, etc.) and contact information of the discharge site. In another embodiment, primary collectors can register information on discharge sites they visit (disposers who are not registered as members). Disposer information can include the discharge site's address, business name, contact name, type of recyclable resource, purchase price, etc. Collectors at each stage can register collector information, including collection truck information, location information of the collection site, contact information, etc., upon registering as members.

[0034] The recycling information management device (200) stores and manages information on each stage of the recycling process, from discharge to collection, on a blockchain (205). The method for storing and managing recycling information is described in detail in FIG. 3 and below. The recycling information management device (200) may be implemented as at least one server or as a cloud system.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of a collection bin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, an example of a collection container (300) for discharging waste cooking oil is illustrated. The collection container (300) may be a cooking oil container as is. For example, a discharge location may purchase and use cooking oil, and then re-dispose of the waste cooking oil by putting it back in a container. In this case, the container containing the waste cooking oil becomes the collection container (300) of the present embodiment. In another embodiment, a separate dedicated collection container may exist for discharging waste cooking oil. In addition, if the recyclable resource is a type other than waste cooking oil, a separate dedicated collection container suitable for it may exist. In this embodiment, a case in which a standardized collection container (300) for each recyclable resource is used is assumed and described.

[0037] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recycling information management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 together, the recycling information management device (200) (hereinafter referred to as the "device") receives a discharge request from a user terminal (210) of a discharger who discharges recyclable resources (e.g., waste oil, etc.) (S400). The primary collector can visit the discharge location that has made the discharge request and collect the recyclable resources. Depending on the embodiment, the discharge request reception step (S400) may be omitted. For example, the primary collector can periodically visit the discharge location and collect recyclable resources even without a discharge request from the discharger.

[0039] The primary collector can register the number and / or weight of the collection bins, etc., in the device (200) through the primary collector's user terminal (hereinafter, primary collector terminal) (220). In one embodiment, the primary collector can automatically determine the number of collection bins, etc. by taking a picture after collecting the collection bins. Determining the number of collection bins by taking a picture is discussed again in FIG. 5. In another embodiment, if a tag is attached to the collection bin, the primary collector can tag the tag of the collection bin with the primary collector terminal to automatically register the information (number, etc.) of the collection bins. In yet another embodiment, the primary collector can perform a process of verifying whether the primary collector collected the recyclable resources at the actual discharge location. The method of verifying the discharge location is discussed again in FIG. 9.

[0040] When the device (200) receives collection information including at least one of information on a discharge location, information on a collector, the number of collection bins, collection time, weight or volume of collected recyclable resources, and image information taken during collection from a primary collector terminal (220), the device (200) stores the information in a blockchain (205). The device (200) can create a transaction for storing recycling information including all or part of the collection information of the primary collector in the blockchain (205). Information on a discharge location among the collection information may include the name or identification information of the discharge location and / or location information. Information on a collector may include the name or identification information of the collector and / or location information of the collector terminal. The type and number of information included in the collection information may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0041] When the nth collector (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) collects recyclable resources from the (n-1)th collector, the device (200) receives purchase information from the user terminal (hereinafter, nth collector terminal) (230, 240) of the nth collector and stores it in the blockchain (S420). Here, the purchase information is information indicating that the nth collector purchased recyclable resources from the (n-1)th collector, and may further include identification information or location information of the nth collector. For example, when a secondary collector purchases waste oil from a primary collector, the device (200) may create a transaction to store the waste oil purchase information of the secondary collector in the blockchain (205). As an example, the transaction of recyclable resources between the discharge source and the final collector may be performed through a smart contract of the blockchain (205).

[0042] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for collecting recyclable resources according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the primary collector terminal (220) displays at least one discharge location within a certain range based on its location (S500). The primary collector terminal (220) can display discharge locations registered in the device (200) based on the current location in various ways, such as a map or list. The primary collector can easily select a discharge location for collection work through the primary collector terminal (220) without a separate search. For example, when the primary collector approaches a discharge location, the discharge location is automatically displayed on the primary collector terminal. Therefore, not only can the primary collector easily select a discharge location, but the problem of the primary collector deceiving the discharge location can also be resolved.

[0044] The primary collector takes a picture of at least one collection bin discharged from the discharge location (S510). For example, the primary collector may gather multiple collection bins in one place at the discharge location and then take a picture (still image or video) with the camera of the primary user terminal (220). For example, the primary collector terminal (220) may not have a picture retrieval function to prevent the reuse of previously taken pictures, and may only have a function to directly register the taken pictures as collection information. In another embodiment, the primary collector terminal (220) may compare the location of the discharge location with its own location, and control the location so that taking pictures is permitted if the location is within a predefined error range, and taking pictures is prohibited if the location is outside the error range. In other words, the primary collector may be prevented from taking pictures of the collection bins in a location other than the discharge location.

[0045] The primary collection terminal (220) automatically determines the number of bins by analyzing the photos (S520). Various image analysis algorithms can be applied to identify bins through photo analysis. As an example, an artificial neural network can be used to determine the number of bins from photos, which will be discussed further in Figure 6.

[0046] The primary collector terminal (220) transmits collection information including collector information, discharge location information, time information, and photos to the device (200) (S530). The device (200) stores and manages the collection information on a blockchain.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an artificial neural network for determining the number of collection bins according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, an artificial neural network (600) is an artificial intelligence model that, when a photo (610) is input, determines and outputs the number of trash cans (620) in the photo. The artificial neural network (600) can be implemented using various conventional architectures, such as a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network).

[0049] The artificial neural network (600) requires a learning process to determine the number of bins (620). For example, the artificial neural network (600) can be trained using a supervised learning method using training data that includes photographs of bins and the bin areas within the photographs. Since the training process of the artificial neural network (600) is already a widely known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] In one embodiment, the number of bins (620) identified through the artificial neural network (600) may be different from the actual number of bins. That is, there may be an error in the number of bins predicted by the artificial neural network. In this case, the primary collector may input the actual number of bins into the primary collector terminal (220) to correct the number of bins predicted by the artificial neural network (600). The primary collector may notify the device (200) through the primary collector terminal (220) that the quantity error has been corrected. The device (200) may collect error information in the number of bins (620) predicted by the artificial neural network (600) from at least one primary collector terminal (220) and then perform additional training on the artificial neural network (600) based on the collected information. In other words, the device (200) receives and stores the photo (610) received from the primary collector terminal (200) and the number of actual collection bins entered by the primary collector after correcting errors, and when a certain number of data is accumulated, the device can retrain the artificial neural network (600) based on this. The retraining based on the error correction data can be displayed together when the certification agency examines the artificial intelligence model to increase the efficiency of authentication data sampling. The device (200) can transmit the retrained artificial neural network (600) to the primary collector terminal (220).

[0051] This embodiment presents a case where an artificial intelligence model implemented as an artificial neural network (600) is located in a primary collector terminal (220). In another embodiment, the artificial intelligence model implemented as an artificial neural network (600) may be located in a device (200). In this case, the primary collector terminal (220) may transmit a photo (610) to the device (200) and receive and display the number of collection bins from the device (200).

[0052] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for storing purchase information of two or more collectors in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to Figure 7, the nth collector (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) can purchase a collection container from the (n-1)th collector. The 1st collector visits the discharge location and collects the collection container directly, but the nth collector can collect the collection container from the (n-1)th collector who visits the designated collection location.

[0054] The nth-order collector can directly verify the number and weight of bins collected from the (n-1)th-order collector and individually register them on the nth-order collector terminal. However, this process of individually verifying and registering numerous bins from various discharge locations can be time-consuming.

[0055] Accordingly, this embodiment uses a method in which an n-th collector registers purchase information on a blockchain using a code displayed on an (n-1)-th collector terminal. For example, when a secondary collector collects multiple collection bins from a primary collector, the secondary collector inputs the code displayed on the screen of the primary collector terminal (700) into the secondary collector terminal (230), and the secondary collector terminal (710) transmits the input code to the device (200). If the code is a number or letter, the secondary collector can directly input the code information into the secondary collector terminal (710). As another example, if the code is implemented as a QR code, the secondary collector terminal (710) can automatically recognize the code by taking a picture of the QR code displayed on the primary collector terminal (700) using a camera. This embodiment illustrates a case in which a QR code is displayed on the primary collector terminal (700).

[0056] The QR code may be generated by the device (200) or directly by the primary collector terminal. For example, when a primary collector collects a collection bin from a discharge location and registers collection information in the device (200) through the primary collector terminal (700), the device (200) may generate a QR code mapped with the collection information and transmit it to the primary collector terminal (700). In another embodiment, the primary collector terminal (700) may directly generate a QR code mapped with the collection information and transmit it to the device (200).

[0057] QR codes may include information such as the issuing country, issuance date, and a serial number to identify collection information by source. In addition, the type of information included in a QR code may vary depending on the specific embodiment and is not limited to this specific embodiment.

[0058] In another embodiment, the primary collector terminal (700) may display the number of collection bins or total weight of the primary collector stored in the blockchain together with the QR code. When the secondary collector terminal takes a picture of the QR code of the primary collector terminal and transmits the code information to the device (200), the device (200) may transmit information such as the number or weight of collection bins stored in the blockchain to the secondary collector terminal (710) based on the QR code information. The secondary collector may perform the purchase process after checking the number and / or weight of collection bins displayed on the primary collector terminal (700) and the number and / or weight of collection bins displayed on the secondary collector terminal (710).

[0059] In another embodiment, the (n-1)th collector can select recyclable resources to sell to the nth collector through a website provided by the device (200). For example, the device (200) provides a list of recyclable resources collected by the (n-1)th collector to the (n-1)th collector terminal through a screen interface as shown in FIG. 12, and the (n-1)th collector can check recyclable resources to sell from the list of recyclable resources and sell them to the nth collector. The (n-1)th collector can sell the recyclable resources collected or purchased in a FIFO (First In First Out) manner.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 8, when the device (200) receives QR code information from the user terminal (710) of the secondary collector, it identifies recycling information (800, 802) stored in a blockchain (205) and mapped with the QR code information. The recycling information (800, 802) may include all or part of the collection information registered by the primary collector along with code information (e.g., QR code information). For example, in the case where the recyclable resource is waste oil, the recycling information (800, 802) may include information such as the discharge location, the number of collection bins, or the weight.

[0061] In order to record and manage transaction history of recyclable resources, primary collector information (810, 812) and secondary collector information (820, 822) can be stored in the blockchain (205) by mapping with recycling information (800, 802). For example, when a secondary collector purchases recyclable resources from a primary collector, the purchase history (i.e., transaction history) of the recyclable resources is stored in the blockchain (205). The purchase history of recyclable resources can be recorded in the blockchain (205) through a smart contract. In other words, like the transaction history of cryptocurrency, the entire transaction history of the recyclable resource from discharge to n-th collection can be recorded in the blockchain (205).

[0062] When a primary collector collects a collection bin by taking a photo, the device (200) can verify the photo by comparing the hash value of the photo previously stored in the blockchain (205) with the hash value of the photo included in the collection information currently received from the primary collector terminal (220). For example, if the hash value of the photo received from the primary collector terminal (220) is the same as the hash value of the photo stored in the blockchain (205), the photo is previously taken, and therefore the device (200) can reject the registration of the collection information. In another embodiment, the device (200) can verify whether an existing photo has been reused by determining the similarity between the photo included in the currently received collection information and the photo stored in the blockchain through an artificial intelligence model or various image comparison algorithms. Various conventional methods for determining the similarity between photos can be applied to the present embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for verifying a discharge location according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 9, the device (200) provides the primary collector terminal (220) with information on discharge locations within a certain range (e.g., a radius of 100 m) based on the location of the primary collector terminal. Since only discharge locations within a certain range based on the location of the primary collector terminal (220) are displayed on the primary collector terminal (220), the problem of the primary collector deceiving the location of the discharge location can be prevented. When the primary collector selects a discharge location displayed on the primary collector terminal (220), the device (200) identifies the location of the discharge location selected from the primary collector terminal (220) (S900). In one embodiment, the location information of the discharge location can be identified as address information registered in Google Maps, etc. A new discharge location needs to be registered in advance on the device (200) in order to discharge recyclable resources. For example, a primary collector can enter the vicinity of a new discharge source, search for and select a new discharge source through a map or the like, and register information about the new discharge source in the device (200).

[0065] The device (200) determines the location of the primary collector terminal (220) (S910). For example, when receiving collection information from the primary collector terminal (220), the device (200) may also receive location information of the primary collector terminal. Here, the location information may be GPS (Global Positioning System) information determined by the primary collector terminal (220). In addition, various methods for determining the location of the primary collector terminal (220) may be applied to the present embodiment.

[0066] The device (200) compares the location information of the discharge source with the location information of the primary collector terminal (220) to verify whether the two match (S920). The location information of the discharge source is address information such as Google Maps, and the location information of the primary collector terminal (220) is the location information of the primary collector terminal when collecting recyclable resources. The primary collector can only select from among the discharge sources pre-registered in the device (200), and the device (200) verifies by comparing the location of the primary collector terminal (220) with the location of the discharge source, thereby preventing the primary collector from illegally collecting recyclable resources at any other location.

[0067] In another embodiment, the device (200) can verify whether there is false discharge by comparing the shooting location of the photo included in the collection information with the location of the discharge location. In other words, the device (200) can verify whether the photo of the collection bin was taken at a location other than the discharge location. To this end, the primary collector terminal (220) can identify the location of the primary collector terminal when taking the photo and record the location information as metadata of the photo.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for correcting the weight of a collection container according to the present invention.

[0069] Referring to Figure 10, a primary collector can collect multiple bins from a source. These bins may have predetermined specifications, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the primary collector can estimate the total weight of collected recyclables based solely on the number of bins, without having to individually weigh each bin. For example, in the case of waste oil, the primary collector only needs to ensure that each bin is fully filled.

[0070] In the case where the number of collection bins is determined from a photo (610) through an artificial neural network (600) as in Fig. 6, the primary collection terminal (220) can estimate the total collection amount by multiplying the number of collection bins by a predefined reference weight.

[0071] For example, if the recyclable resource is waste oil, the reference weight is the weight of the waste oil when one collection bin is filled with waste oil, and this can be determined in advance and stored in the primary collector terminal (220). Some of the collection bins (612) of the plurality of collection bins may not be filled with waste oil. In this case, the primary collector can directly measure the weight of some of the collection bins (612) that are not filled with waste oil. The primary collector terminal (220) can directly receive the actual weight information of some of the collection bins (612) from the primary collector. In this case, the primary collector terminal (220) can estimate the amount of waste oil collected by multiplying the value obtained by excluding the number of collection bins (612) whose weights are actually measured from the total number of collection bins by a predefined reference weight and adding the actual weight information. This embodiment presents an example in which the estimation of the amount of recyclable resources collected by a primary collector is performed at the primary collector terminal. However, in another embodiment, the estimation of the amount of recyclable resources collected may be performed at the device (200).

[0072] When purchasing recyclables from (n-1)th collectors, the nth collector (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) can measure and adjust the weight of the recyclables. However, measuring the weight of multiple collection bins individually would require significant time and labor.

[0073] To address this issue, the present embodiment measures the weight of the collection truck (S1000). For example, a secondary collector measures the weight of a primary collector's collection truck while it is loaded with waste oil collection containers, and then, after unloading all waste oil collection containers from the truck, measures the weight of the empty collection truck again to determine the total amount of waste oil collected. Since the number of collection containers is known in advance when the primary collector collects, the device (200) can determine only the amount of waste oil collected by taking into account the weight of the empty collection containers, which is known in advance.

[0074] The device (200) corrects the collection amount for each discharge site based on the total collection amount of recyclable resources determined by the actual weight measurement of the collection truck (S1010). For example, if the waste oil collection amount determined by the weight measurement of the collection truck is 1000 kg and the number of collection bins is 10, the discharge amount for each discharge site can be corrected to 1000 kg for each of the 10 collection bins.

[0075] As an example, when collection bins from multiple discharge locations are loaded onto a collection truck, the device (200) can distribute the total actual weight according to the ratio of the collection amount of each discharge location. For example, let's say that the collection amount of the first discharge location determined by the primary collector at the time of collection is 100 kg, the collection amount of the second discharge location is 50 kg, and the actual amount of recyclable resources determined by measuring the weight of the collection truck is 140 kg. In this case, the device (200) can correct the discharge amount of the first discharge location to 140*(100 / (100+50)) and the discharge amount of the second discharge location to 140*(50 / (100+50)) using the ratio of the discharge amount of each discharge location registered by the primary collector at the time of collection and the actual weight.

[0076] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the overall process of recycling information management according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 11, the device (200) receives collection information including primary collector information, discharge location information, and photos of multiple collection bins from the primary collector terminal (220) (1100). The device (200) stores the collection information in a blockchain (S1110).

[0078] When purchasing recyclable resources from a primary collector, the secondary collector receives a code displayed on the primary collector's terminal. For example, the secondary collector terminal (230) can recognize the QR code displayed on the screen of the primary collector terminal, as shown in FIG. 7. The device (200) receives code information from the secondary collector terminal (230) (S1120).

[0079] The device identifies the collection information of the primary collector on the blockchain based on the code information, and then stores the recyclable resource purchase information of the secondary collector on the blockchain (S1130).

[0080] Thereafter, when a tertiary collector wishes to purchase recyclable resources from a secondary collector, the tertiary collector terminal (240) can recognize the QR code displayed on the secondary collector terminal (230) and transmit the QR code information to the device (200) to perform the purchase procedure. The process of generating and displaying the QR code of the secondary collector terminal can be applied to the process of generating and displaying the QR code of the primary collector terminal as discussed in FIG. 7.

[0081] In another example, when a secondary collector sells recyclable resources to a tertiary collector, the secondary collector can search a list of recyclable resource information via the device (200) and select the recyclable resources he or she wishes to sell. An example of a screen interface for this purpose is illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0082] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying recycling information stored in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 12, the device (200) can provide recycling information stored in a blockchain (205) to a discharger or collector. For example, the device (200) can store transaction details of recyclable resources from the discharger to the final collector in a blockchain and then provide them.

[0084] The device (200) may provide a user interface (1200) that allows selection of a discharger or collector. For example, when a final collector is selected through the user interface (1200), the device (200) may display recyclable resource collection information stored and mapped with the identification information of the final collector.

[0085] In one embodiment, in order for the (n-1)th collector to sell recyclable resources to the nth collector, the (n-1)th collector can select the (n-1)th collector in the user interface (1200) to search the list of recyclable resources collected by the (n-1)th collector. The (n-1)th collector can select the desired recyclable resource from the list of recyclable resources and request the device (200) to sell it. When the sale is completed, the device (200) stores the transaction information in the blockchain.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example of a method for confirming a discharge location according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 13, when specific recycling information is selected from the list of FIG. 12, the device (200) can display the discharge location or collection location of the recyclable resources included in the recycling information on a map (1300). Here, the discharge location is map information indicating the location of the discharge site, and the collection location may be GPS information of the collector terminal. For example, the recycling information of the final collector displayed on the user interface (1200) may display both the discharger information and the collector information of each stage. When a user (e.g., the final collector, an administrator, etc.) selects the discharger information from the list, the device (200) can display the discharge location of the corresponding collection bin on the map. As another example, when secondary collector information is selected, the device (200) can display the location information where the secondary collector collected the collection bin on the map. The final collector, an administrator, etc. can easily determine through the map whether the discharge and each stage of collection were discharged or collected at a normal location.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for distributed storage of information stored in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 14, the device (200) can store a blockchain (205) in a distributed manner across multiple servers (1400, 1410, 1420, 1430) using distributed ledger technology. Since the blockchain (205) itself is already a widely known structure, further description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] The operating entities of the multiple servers (1400, 1410, 1420, 1430) may be the same or different. For example, the first server may be operated by the final collector, the second server may be operated by a government agency or export certification agency, etc. The first server (1300) to the fourth server (1330) may be operated by different entities.

[0091] When multiple servers are operated by different entities, a problem may arise where a collector at a specific stage can view collection information from collectors at the same or different stages. For example, if each collector is a different business entity, the path each collector uses to collect bins may be considered confidential business information, so it is necessary to prevent information from being shared. Primary collectors want to hide information about their waste disposal locations from other primary collectors or higher-level collectors, and secondary collectors also want to hide their own collection history from primary collectors to prevent primary collectors from leaving.

[0092] To this end, the device (200) can encrypt the 1st collection information to the nth collection information and store them in the blockchain (205). For example, the transaction information before and after the entity storing the information in the blockchain can be encrypted to protect trade secrets. The storage of the nth collection information of the nth collector and the (n-1)th collection information of the (n-1)th collector can be encrypted and stored with different encryption keys. Each server (1400, 1410, 1420, 1430) can have only the encryption key (or decryption key) for the collection information that it can access. For example, if the second server (1410) is the server of the final collector of the used cooking oil, the second server (1420) includes a key (e.g., an encryption key or a decryption key, etc.) that can decrypt the collection history of the used cooking oil. A discharger who discharges waste cooking oil and a collector who collects it can access the second server (1410) to check the collection information of the channel to which they belong. For example, when an nth collector accesses the second server (1420) and requests provision of information, the second server (1420) can provide only the nth collection information collected by the nth collector, excluding the (n-1)th collection information or the (n+1)th collection information from the collection information of waste cooking oil. In other words, the second server (1420) includes multiple channels for dischargers and collectors, and can provide different types of information depending on which channel the discharger and collector belong to.

[0093] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for calculating carbon emissions emitted from the collection of recyclable resources according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 15, a primary collector can visit multiple emission sites (1500, 1502, 1504, 1506) to collect collection bins. The device (200) can identify the movement path of the primary collector based on the location information of the primary collector terminal (220) and calculate the carbon emissions proportional to the movement path. For example, when a primary collector collects collection bins using a truck, the carbon emissions per km of the truck can be defined in advance, so the device (200) can identify the movement distance of the truck used by the primary collector based on the primary collector terminal (220) and multiply the movement distance by the carbon emissions per km to calculate the carbon emissions emitted when the primary collector visits multiple emission sites (1500, 1502, 1504, 1506) to collect collection bins. The device (200) can determine the amount of carbon emissions between each emission source (1500, 1502, 1504, 1506).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 1, since the plurality of collection bins collected by the final collector (130) are collection bins collected by a plurality of primary collectors, the device (200) can calculate the carbon emissions emitted up to the collection stage of the final collector (130) by adding up the carbon emissions of each primary collector. For example, the first carbon emissions emitted by the 1-1 collector, the second carbon emissions emitted by the 1-2 collector, and the third carbon emissions emitted by the 1-3 collector can all be added up to calculate the total carbon emissions emitted in the collection bin of the final collector.

[0096] In another embodiment, the device (200) can determine the amount of carbon emissions emitted by collectors of the nth or higher order (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2). For example, since the nth collector loads the collection bins collected from at least one (n-1)th collector onto a truck and then moves to the collection site of the (n+1)th collector, the device (200) can determine the distance traveled from the collection site of the nth collector to the collection site of the (n+1)th collector based on the location information of the terminal of the nth collector, and can determine the amount of carbon emissions emitted by the nth collector during the collection of recyclable resources. The device can calculate the total amount of carbon emissions by cumulatively adding up the amount of carbon emissions from the first collection to the final collection stage. Since the amount of carbon emissions emitted up to the final collection stage can be confirmed, the final collector can present the amount of carbon emissions as a sales condition when selling recyclable resources.

[0097] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a waste oil information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 16, the recycling information management device (200) includes a discharge reception unit (1600), a collection management unit (1610), a sales management unit (1615), a verification unit (1620), a display unit (1630), a carbon calculation unit (1640), and a blockchain (1650). In one embodiment, the recycling information management device (200) may be implemented as a computing device including a memory, a processor, an input / output device, and the like. In this case, each component may be implemented as software, loaded into the memory, and then executed by the processor.

[0099] The discharge reception unit (1600) receives a discharge request from a discharger terminal (210) that discharges recyclable resources. When a discharge request is received, the discharge reception unit (1600) can notify the terminal (220) of the primary collector that the discharge request has been received, which collects recyclable resources from the corresponding discharge location. Depending on the embodiment, the discharge reception unit (1600) may be omitted.

[0100] The collection management department (1610) receives collection information including collector information, discharge location information, and photos of multiple collection bins from the primary collector's terminal, and stores the collection information in the blockchain.

[0101] The sales management unit (1615) receives the code displayed on the terminal of the (n-1)th collector from the terminal of the nth collector (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), identifies the (n-1)th collection information based on the code, and stores the nth collector's purchase information on recyclable resources in the blockchain. In another embodiment, the sales management unit (1615) provides the (n-1)th collector's terminal with a list of recyclable resources collected or purchased by the (n-1)th collector, and receives the (n-1)th collector's selection of recyclable resources to be sold to the nth collector. The transaction of the selected recyclable resources can be performed through a smart contract and stored in the blockchain.

[0102] The verification unit (1620) compares the first location information of the discharge source with the second location information of the primary collector to verify whether the discharge location was properly processed. An example of a method for verifying the discharge location is illustrated in Figure 9.

[0103] The display unit (1630) displays transaction details of recyclable resources stored in the blockchain (205), and can display the location of the discharge source or collection location by mapping it on a map. An example of a method for displaying information stored in the blockchain (205) is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0104] The carbon calculation unit (1640) identifies the path of a primary collector who has collected the collection bins of multiple emitters located at different locations through the location of the primary collector terminal (220), and calculates the carbon emissions of the primary collector based on the length of the path. An example of a method for calculating carbon emissions is illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0105] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transaction history of recycled resources stored in a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to Figure 17, the device (200) can store transaction details of recycled resources on a blockchain. For example, when a recycled resource is traded, the device stores recycling transaction information, including seller and buyer identification information (i.e., From-To information (1720)), on the blockchain (1700). In one embodiment, the recycling transaction information may further include transaction date, disposal location information, address information, weight or volume information, etc.

[0107] The present invention can also be implemented as computer-readable program code on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0108] The present invention has been described above, focusing on preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. In the recycling information management method performed by the user terminal, A step of displaying at least one emission source within a certain range based on the location of the user terminal; Step 1: Photograph multiple collection bins containing recyclables at the source; A step of recognizing the number of bins identified by analyzing the photo; and A recycling information management method, characterized by comprising a step of transmitting collection information including collector information, discharge location information, and the above-mentioned photo to store in a blockchain.

2. In the first paragraph, the step of recognizing the number of the collection bins is: A step of determining the number of bins in the photo using an artificial neural network trained to identify images of the bins; A step of receiving the actual number of bins from the collector when the number of bins identified through the artificial neural network is different from the actual number of bins; and A recycling information management method, characterized by including a step of retraining the artificial neural network using the above photo and the number of actual collection bins.

3. In the first paragraph, the step of recognizing the number of the collection bins is as follows: A step of downloading an artificial intelligence model implemented with the above artificial neural network; and A recycling information management method characterized by including a step of analyzing the photo in real time through the artificial intelligence model without connecting to a server to determine the number of collection bins.

4. In paragraph 1, the step of taking a photograph is: A recycling information management method characterized by comprising a step of allowing the taking of a photo by comparing the location of the discharge source with the location of the user terminal and determining that the location is within a predefined error range.

5. In the first paragraph, the step of recognizing the number of the collection bins is as follows: A step of receiving actual weight information for at least one collection bin from a collector; and A recycling information management method characterized by including a step of estimating a collection amount by multiplying a value excluding the number of collection bins whose weights are actually measured from the total number of collection bins by a predefined reference weight and adding the actual weight information.

6. In paragraph 1, A recycling information management method, characterized by further comprising a step of generating a code mapped to the above collection information and displaying it on a screen.

7. In paragraph 6, A recycling information management method characterized in that the above code is a QR code.

8. In the recycling information management method performed by the recycling information management device, A step of receiving collection information including collector information, discharge location information, and photos of multiple collection bins from the primary collector's terminal; A step of storing the above collection information in a blockchain; A step of receiving a code displayed on the terminal of the first collector from the terminal of the second collector; and A recycling information management method characterized by including a step of identifying the collection information based on the above code and storing the purchase information of the secondary collector for the recyclable resources in the blockchain.

9. In paragraph 8, A recycling information management method characterized in that the number of the plurality of collection bins is identified by analyzing the photo through an artificial intelligence network.

10. In paragraph 8, A recycling information management method characterized by further comprising a step of correcting the collection amount for each discharge location based on the actual weight of a collection truck carrying the plurality of collection bins.

11. In paragraph 8, A method for managing recycling information, characterized in that it further includes a step of verifying the photo by comparing the hash value of the photo previously stored in the blockchain with the hash value of the photo included in the collection information or by analyzing the similarity between the two photos using artificial intelligence.

12. In paragraph 8, A recycling information management method characterized by further comprising a step of verifying whether there is false discharge by comparing the shooting location of the photo included in the collection information with the location of the discharge location. 13.1 A collection management unit that receives collection information including collector information, discharge location information, and photos of multiple collection bins from the terminal of the primary collector, and stores the collection information in a blockchain; and A recycling information management device characterized by including a sales management unit that receives a code displayed on the terminal of the primary collector from the terminal of the secondary collector, identifies the collection information based on the code, and stores the purchase information of the secondary collector for recyclable resources in the blockchain.

14. A computer-readable recording medium containing a computer program for performing the recycling information management method described in Article 1.

15. A computer-readable recording medium containing a computer program for performing the recycling information management method described in Article 8.

Images