Information technology-based environmentally friendly waste processing method and device

Abstract

An information technology-based environmentally friendly processing method and a device. The method is applied to an intelligent waste bin; one or more apparatuses from among one or more cameras, a labeler, and a bundling apparatus are mounted within the waste bin; waste disposed of by a user may be any loose waste or bagged waste; before disposing of waste, the user must undergo identity-related information recognition or telephone number recognition on the waste bin and then dispose of waste, and after the type of the waste disposed of is selected according to a prompt, the waste bin automatically opens a corresponding disposal door; then, one or more types of processing from among photographing from a single angle or multiple angles, AI recognition of loose waste, automatic real-time labelling of bagged waste, and bundling bagged waste which a user has not bundled are performed on the waste; an intelligent processing unit of the waste bin analyses and processes one or more pieces of information from among one or more collected images and label information, or uploads same to a remote server having stronger processing capabilities for processing, and records and returns some information to the waste bin; the recorded content includes identity-related information, the telephone number, and geographic location information of the disposer, and relevant information of the waste disposed of. The method has the functions of waste sorting and credit tracing; the functions may be dispersedly deployed in a newly produced waste bin or may be integrated in an independent intelligent processing box, and the box is then embedded into a waste bin for use in the intelligent transformation of old waste bins.

Description

An environmentally friendly waste treatment method and equipment based on information technology Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy conservation and environmental protection, particularly the use of next-generation information processing technologies and big data services in the field of waste sorting and treatment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, many large trash cans and trash collection stations do not effectively perform waste sorting. Furthermore, these devices are mostly large in size, with basic external features such as an upper disposal door and a lower trash can door. This application implements a method and structural device that allows for easy transformation of the aforementioned devices into intelligent trash cans with tracking capabilities, truly achieving waste sorting. Technical issues

[0003] Current trash cans have not substantially solved the sorting problem, and people still rely on their own initiative to sort and dispose of their trash, which has limited effect and is difficult to achieve the level of making it worthwhile to sort and transport trash after disposal. Even if new technologies are developed that can truly realize trash sorting and disposal, how can we solve the problem of wasting social resources by replacing a large number of existing trash cans or smart trash cans? Technical solutions

[0004] This application utilizes next-generation information processing technologies such as AI and big data processing to address the methods for independent processing and traceability of waste after it has been disposed of, as well as the processing mechanisms designed based on these methods. This enables the system to track and trace waste disposal behavior and manage credit information. It also provides a device that is easy to install inside existing large waste bins, containers, and kiosks (hereinafter referred to as large waste bins or collectively as waste bins), allowing for the upgrading and transformation of older waste bins. The method and device of this application make the waste bins intelligent, enabling them to communicate with the system's big data server and achieve traceable credit management of waste disposal. As the method and device of this application are increasingly used, the various information obtained by this application, combined with AI recognition and analysis, especially the AI ​​recognition and processing of scattered waste, and the comprehensive big data statistics, self-learning, and data accumulation of various waste's gas characteristics, sound reflection characteristics, electromagnetic reflection characteristics, light or ray penetration characteristics, etc., will achieve increasingly stronger recognition and judgment capabilities. This will enable a large-scale network-integrated AI-assisted system for city-level, national-level, and global-level system processing with superior operational capabilities. To address the issue that the distance between the various disposal openings inside the trash can exceeds the connection distance between a standard camera and the centralized processing unit, a unique imaging method is provided. To save time for trash inspectors, increase their initiative, and reduce their negativity and apathy, it is necessary to improve the sorting efficiency within the trash can. This application discloses a sorting method within the trash can, primarily relying on a transport pallet mechanism that can move horizontally between the various trash can bodies. It also includes a smoke detector and a fire sprinkler. The method and apparatus are limited to use within the trash can, achieving automated processing without human intervention or the use of any consumable materials.

[0005] The upper disposal area of ​​the trash can is also divided into two spaces: the front processing space facing the user and the space behind it where the marking machine is located. The two spaces are separated by a partition with a window in the middle. The marking machine is used to mark the trash. The equipment based on the method of this application can be divided into several core parts and other auxiliary accessories. The core parts are: a device mechanism consisting of one of a tray device, a flip plate device, and a rolling device to support the individual processing of trash disposed of by a user (in order to achieve individual processing of trash disposed of by a user in waste sorting, trash cannot be directly put into the collective storage space, but must first be placed on a specific, independent device, and then placed into a centralized storage space such as a trash can or collection bag after processing), which is uniformly referred to as the independent processing support device in the latter part of the specification and the claims; a heat-sealing device; a marking machine; an analysis device; a sorting device, etc. Other auxiliary accessories are mainly small or purchased devices such as cameras, weighing devices, various sensors, acoustic scanning devices, electromagnetic scanning devices, gas composition or odor analysis devices, light or radiation transmission detection devices, etc. These core and auxiliary components can also be fully integrated into a smart processing box, which can be used to modify other prefabricated waste bins.

[0006] A smart trash can consists of multiple trash cans arranged horizontally and connected together. Each trash can is used to store one type of waste, and each trash can is divided into upper and lower parts, separated by an independent processing support device provided in this application. The upper part is mainly the disposal opening, and its height is much smaller than that of the lower part. The upper part is used for the smart trash can to independently process newly deposited waste, while the lower part holds trash cans or collection bags for mixing and storing all processed waste. The upper part is called the processing compartment, and the lower part is called the receiving compartment. The processing compartment and the receiving compartment below constitute a can body. The main difference in the overall appearance design of the trash can lies in the shape of the waste disposal opening in the upper part, which is basically divided into two categories: one is a regular cuboid, and the other is a trapezoid or approximately trapezoidal shape with a sloping surface, hereinafter collectively referred to as a square structure or trapezoidal structure. In the independent processing support device, the tray is an upward-moving mechanism, and the rolling device has an upward movement process; both are suitable for installation in square structures. The flip plate is a downward-moving mechanism, suitable for installation in trapezoidal structures. Other devices can be installed and used in both square and trapezoidal structures. The intelligent processing box is a structure that integrates all or part of the methods and devices mentioned in this application. It is used to retrofit existing trash cans that do not have the functions described in this application. The retrofit method is very simple: the box is embedded into the existing trash can. For newly manufactured trash cans, the box can be omitted entirely, and all functional modules can be implemented directly inside the trash can.

[0007] Paragraphs 0007-0008 below describe the invention of the pallet device. The pallet structure is capable of autonomous movement, persistent, efficient, and reliable operation, and possesses the functions of accurate weighing and detecting the remaining space in the trash can using optical, acoustic, and electromagnetic waves. Specifically, there are two types of pallet mechanisms: a dual-motor type and a single-motor sliding rod type. The dual-motor pallet mechanism is described as follows: The pallet mechanism is fixedly connected to the side wall of the bin / can. The pallet mechanism consists of two motors, two rotating shafts, a robotic arm, a pallet plate, a pallet plate support, a weighing device placed on the pallet plate, and an optical or acoustic radar detection device placed below the pallet plate. The fixed part of rotating shaft 1 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the tank. End A of the robotic arm is connected to the rotating part of rotating shaft 1. The rotating part is driven by motor 1, which is fixed to the side wall of the tank or end A of the robotic arm. End B of the robotic arm is connected to the fixed part or rotating part of rotating shaft 2. The rotating part or fixed part of rotating shaft 2 is connected to a tray support. The tray support is used to connect and fix the tray. The shape of the tray is the same as the cross-section of the tank, but its size is slightly smaller. The movement process of the tray mechanism will be described in subsequent paragraphs. Single-motor slide bar type tray mechanism connection description: The tray mechanism is fixedly connected to the side wall of the tank. The tray mechanism consists of one motor, one rotating shaft, one set of robotic arms, one tray, two sets of slide bars, a weighing device placed on the tray, and an optical or acoustic radar detection device placed below the tray. The fixed part of the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the side wall of the container. End A of the robotic arm is connected to the rotating part of the rotating shaft, which is driven by a motor fixed to the side wall of the container. End B of the robotic arm is connected to a pallet plate. Slider blocks are connected to both sides of the bottom of the pallet plate via rotatable shafts, and the sliders are mounted on sliding rods. The shape of the pallet plate is the same as the cross-section of the container, but its size is slightly smaller. The movement process of the pallet mechanism will be described in subsequent paragraphs.

[0008] In some implementations, a pallet mechanism within a tank can move between horizontal and vertical states via a drive motor; in some implementations, the movement of the pallet mechanism occurs entirely within the processing compartment and does not extend outside the compartment or into other tanks; in some implementations, piezoelectric conversion materials or other weighing devices are installed on the pallet surface; in some implementations, an acoustic distance detection device or radar device is installed at the bottom of the pallet; in some implementations, after waste is deposited and processed, the pallet only needs to rotate to a vertical position to allow newly deposited waste to enter the storage space below, instead of flipping downwards; in some implementations, the pallet's rotation is axial, it rotates 90 degrees, but the rotation is not dependent on... The tray mechanism operates on two interconnected axes, rather than any single axis, to transition from a horizontal bottom position to a vertical side position. In some implementations, the tray's movement is monitored by position detection; if it fails to reach its target position in a certain direction, an alarm is triggered, indicating a full or malfunctioning trash can. The tray mechanism is located in the upper space within the trash can, moving between horizontal and vertical states. Its movement does not extend beyond the internal dimensions of the trash can, and the movement is not visible from the outside. The tray's movement is achieved by two rotating mechanisms rotating simultaneously to switch between horizontal and vertical states. These two mechanisms rotate in opposite directions: one rotates 90 degrees clockwise, and the other 90 degrees counterclockwise. The equal angular velocities of the two mechanisms, or intelligent control, prevent the tray from colliding with the trash can walls. The tray is equipped with a position detection device to prevent uncontrolled movement and promptly stop the motor rotation. Upon reaching a limit switch, it stops moving and waits a period before reversing, or it reverses immediately without waiting, returning to its initial state. The tray uses an optical reflection detection device, an acoustic reflection detection device, or a miniature radar device to detect the remaining space in the trash can and trigger an alarm when the trash can is full. The mechanism can consist of two trays, each occupying half the cross-sectional area of ​​the trash can, arranged symmetrically in opposite directions. Each tray has its own motion drive mechanism, jointly carrying trash horizontally. When trash needs to be released, the two trays move towards the sides of the trash can, ultimately fitting vertically against the sides.

[0009] Paragraphs 0009-0011 below describe the invention of the flap device. The flap device of this application can consist of a single plate or two split plates; this description primarily focuses on the split-type flap mechanism. The flap is located horizontally within the upper part of the trash can, near the disposal opening, effectively dividing the trash can into upper and lower sections. To reduce driving torque, two flaps are used, split in half, each occupying half of the trash can's cross-sectional area. Before trash is disposed of, the flaps are horizontal to hold the trash. After the trash is disposed of and processed, the flaps flip downwards in a split-type configuration, standing vertically against the sides of the trash can, and the trash falls into the receiving compartment below the flaps. Then, the flaps reverse direction to return to their initial horizontal state. The technical problem this disclosure aims to solve is to provide a split-type flap device for a trash can, which consists of two motors, two flap supports, two flaps, two optional electromagnetic pins, and four optional position detection switches.

[0010] Connection Description of the Split-Type Flip-Up Device: Two motors are fixedly connected to the symmetrical side walls of the garbage bin. The motor's rotation shaft is connected to the flip-up bracket and can drive the bracket to rotate. The flip-up plates are fixedly installed on the bracket, and the area of ​​each flip-up plate is half the cross-section of the garbage bin. The end of the flip-up plate closest to the motor is designated as end A, and the opposite end is designated as end B. The walls of the garbage bin connected to the motors are designated as wall 1 and wall 3, and the other two are designated as wall 2 and wall 4. Optionally, two electromagnetic pins are fixedly installed on wall 2 or wall 4, with the horizontal position close to the middle of the garbage bin's cross-section and the vertical position immediately below the horizontal position of the flip-up plate, thus supporting the horizontal flip-up plate. Four optional position detection switches are provided. Two are fixedly connected to wall surface 2 or 4, near the location of the aforementioned electromagnetic pins, to detect whether the flap is horizontal when it descends from a vertical position. The other two position detection switches are fixed near the two aforementioned motors to detect whether the flap is vertical when it descends from a horizontal position. The flap device is located horizontally inside the upper part of the trash can's loading opening and near the bottom of the opening, effectively dividing the trash can into upper and lower sections. To reduce driving torque, two flaps are used, arranged in a split configuration, each occupying half of the trash can's cross-sectional area. Before trash is disposed of, the flaps are horizontal to hold the trash. After the trash is disposed of and processed, the flaps flip downwards, becoming vertically aligned with the sides of the trash can, and the trash falls into the receiving compartment below the flaps. Then, the flaps reverse direction to return to a horizontal position, restoring the initial state.

[0011] In some implementations, the rotation of the flaps is driven by a single motor, which outputs power to both flaps via a drive shaft. In other implementations, the two flaps are driven by two motors, eliminating the need for a long drive shaft. In some implementations, when the flaps are in a horizontal standby state, electromagnetic pins or electromagnetic arresting posts support the flaps from below. In some implementations, the flaps can be installed in two directions, with the aim of minimizing the radial length or rotation radius of the flaps. The split-type flap consists of two equal-sized, symmetrical flaps that rotate 90 degrees. In a horizontal position, each flap covers half of the cross-section of the trash can, perfectly separating the disposal section from the lower collection section, awaiting user disposal. After the trash is disposed of and processed independently, the two flaps rotate downwards 90 degrees, resting against the side walls of the trash can, allowing the trash on the flaps to fall into the collection section below. The split-type flap is driven by a motor and controlled by an intelligent unit, coordinating with the opening and closing of the trash can door, the independent processing of accumulated trash, automatic downward tilting to collect trash, and automatic tilting back to a horizontal position to begin the next cycle. When driven by a single motor, a drive shaft simultaneously drives both flaps. Electromagnetic pins can be used to support the flaps when they are horizontal, eliminating the need for a motor and relying on electrical support.

[0012] Paragraphs 0012-0016 below describe the content of the rolling device. The technical problem to be solved is to provide a specific device inside a trash can, equipped with a track and a motor, which enables a flexible tray made of strips (hereinafter referred to as spokes, made of metal or non-metal, with a relatively rigid texture and capable of bearing a certain weight of trash) to roll within a space of similar size to the disposal opening at the top of the trash can. During the rolling process, an intelligent component controls the rolling distance so that when waiting for trash to be disposed of, the tray is exactly at the bottom of the device, and after the disposed trash is processed, the tray is exactly completely removed from the bottom of the device, allowing the trash to fall into the space below the device. The entire rolling device consists of one or more drive motors, multiple rotating shafts, multiple gears, two enclosed tracks or open chains, and multiple spokes or flexible materials.

[0013] A description of the connection of the rolling device in one embodiment: The motor is fixedly connected to the wall of the upper space of the garbage bin. The motor shaft is connected to the rotating part of one of the four rotating shafts to drive the rotating shaft. The bearing fixing parts of the four rotating shafts are all fixedly connected to the wall of the upper space of the garbage bin. The four rotating shafts are distributed at the four apex corners of the plane where the garbage bin's disposal opening is located. Each end of the rotating part of the four rotating shafts is connected to a gear. Two closed tracks are connected to the two ends of the rotating shafts by a rack and gear meshing. Multiple spokes are evenly arranged and connected to a section of each of the two tracks to form a tray for holding garbage. Alternatively, the spokes can be replaced by a flexible material such as canvas. The spokes are perpendicularly connected to the tracks, and the area of ​​the section containing the spokes or flexible material is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the garbage bin, or the area of ​​the section without spokes or flexible material is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the garbage bin. The motor drives the two parallel tracks to move, and the tracks roll on a tetrahedral track. The four corners of the tetrahedron are supported by rotating shafts.

[0014] In some implementations, the intelligent control unit automatically drives the motor. When a waste disposal action is detected using a light intensity sensor, door switch sensor, and camera, and further automatically determines that disposal is complete using the light intensity sensor and camera, a voice prompt will be issued indicating that the door will automatically close. After the disposal door automatically closes, the motor automatically rotates, causing the tray to move away from the standby position and the waste to fall. The tray then automatically rotates back to the standby position, awaiting the next disposal. The camera automatically determines the position of the tray based on an autonomous edge-depth-of-field-dynamic pre-adjustment algorithm. In some implementations, the track is closed-loop and can rotate continuously in the same direction. In some implementations, the track... The belt or chain is an open-loop track with guide rails, which can save on track or chain materials and shaft mechanisms. It uses reciprocating motion to collect and release waste downwards. In some implementations, two tracks are connected together using rigid metal or non-metal strips. On the horizontal plane, the spokes are perpendicular to both tracks and remain perpendicular during track rotation. In some implementations, the tracks are confined to the track by guide rail grooves to prevent them from deviating from the running trajectory. In some implementations, the track is open-loop and divided into two independent parts, each with its own guide rail, drive motor, and track. The spokes form a bearing surface that occupies half of the cross-section of the waste bin. When the plates are horizontal, they jointly carry the trash. When trash needs to be released, both sets of mechanisms move simultaneously to the sides. The rolling device is located in the upper space inside the trash can, corresponding to the trash can's disposal door. The movement trajectory of the rolling device is a closed-loop tetrahedron, but it can also be an open-loop L-shape or an incomplete tetrahedron. When unfolded, the rolling device is a rectangular structure. Part of this rectangle is made up of spokes forming a tray to hold the trash deposited by the user, while the remaining part is a hollow structure without spokes. Before trash is deposited, the tray formed by the spokes is located on the cross-section of the trash can. After the trash is deposited and processed independently by the smart trash can, the rolling device begins to roll. The mechanism moves the spoked tray away from the cross-section of the trash can, allowing the trash to fall naturally into the space below. After the trash falls, the rewinding device rotates in the opposite direction, positioning the spoked tray back onto the cross-section of the trash can, ready for the next disposal. The rewinding device's motion mechanism consists of a motor, gears, a track or chain, spokes, and guide rails. One motor drives two gears, which are on two separate tracks and aligned on the same axis. A position detection device prevents the spoked tray from failing to reach the intended position during movement. Upon reaching a limit switch, the device stops moving and waits for a period before reversing, or it reverses immediately without waiting, returning to the initial state.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is that the device uses a motor to drive two tracks synchronously. Along a section of the tracks are long, sheet-like strips of metal or non-metal, possessing a certain degree of hardness and rigidity; these are called spokes. The two ends of each spoke are fixed to the two tracks, maintaining perpendicularity, much like the sleepers of a railway are perpendicular to the rails. The combined area of ​​multiple spokes is almost equal to or slightly smaller than the cross-section of the trash can; this area with spokes is called the support plate. The ends of the spokes are preferably rounded to facilitate movement through curved sections during production and operation; they can also be elliptical or other shapes. Except for the portion of the spokes within the track rails at both ends, which restricts volume to prevent mechanical interference and immobility, the remaining portion can have its diameter and volume increased depending on the weight and strength of the trash being contained. Spokes can also be manufactured using mixed materials, with different materials inside and outside the track. For a closed-loop track, the track's movement path is a quadrilateral. For an open-loop track, the movement path can be L-shaped or an incomplete quadrilateral. There are also guide rail grooves on the track to prevent the track from falling off, especially for open-ring tracks. Without guide rail grooves, the track will inevitably fall off when moving to the side or top.

[0016] Most of the time, the smart trash can awaits user disposal. At this time, the spoked tray is entirely positioned on the cross-section of the trash can, dividing it into upper and lower parts: the upper part is called the processing compartment, and the lower part is the receiving compartment. When disposing of trash, the user simply places it on the tray. After the smart trash can processes the trash on the tray, the intelligent unit controls the track to move the spoked tray to the side or top, at which point the trash on the tray will naturally fall to the bottom for collection. To ensure all trash falls off, baffles can be added to the side edges of the tetrahedral track of the track to scrape off the trash during movement. After the trash falls, the intelligent unit controls the track to move in the opposite direction or continue moving in the same direction, causing the spoked tray to move back to the cross-section of the trash can, again dividing the trash can into upper and lower parts. To save materials and manufacturing costs, because the trash itself has a certain amount of weight, there can be some gaps between the spokes. To save on materials and manufacturing costs, the minimum number of gears can be only two. These two gears are symmetrically distributed on the two tracks, with their axes aligned on the same straight line perpendicular to the track. Other areas requiring track bending motion can use ordinary rotatable mechanisms that passively follow the track's rotation.

[0017] Paragraphs 0017-0019 below describe the invention content of the thermal fusion strapping device. The thermal fusion strapping device is used to automatically strap bagged garbage disposed of by users without the need for consumables. Through intelligent processing technology, it can achieve automatic strapping of the disposed garbage, requiring no consumables or manual intervention. The thermal fusion strapping device is a much more complex device than the tray and flip-plate mentioned above. For bagged garbage to achieve traceability, it must be strapped; otherwise, the garbage inside the bag will easily fall out after being placed in the garbage bin and mix with garbage disposed of by other users. The thermal fusion methods include contact thermal fusion strapping and non-contact thermal fusion strapping. The heating element for contact thermal fusion uses an electric heating coil, while non-contact thermal fusion strapping uses infrared or laser heating. Hot-melt technology is used to melt the seal of the garbage bag, achieving a binding effect. One or more heating stages are employed, each with a different power. Taking a three-stage heating system as an example, the first stage, closer to the garbage at the seal, has lower power; the second stage above it has higher power; and the third stage above the second has the highest power. This design minimizes the risk of breakage. The heating device has several vents to allow gentle airflow to transfer heat from the internal heating coils to the plastic body during the hot-melt process. Simultaneously, after the hot-melt process, a pressurized airflow is used to peel away any adhering plastic and cool the heating head. The motion mechanism is divided into two stages: the first stage linearly compresses the garbage bag seal, and the second stage further compresses the already compressed seal along this line from both ends towards the middle, forming a common dotted or rod-shaped seal for easier melting. A camera captures the state of the garbage bag before hot-melt to determine if it can be hot-melted; the camera also captures the state of the garbage bag after hot-melt to assess the effectiveness of the hot-melt process and may allow for multiple hot-melt operations. Equipped with a smoke detector, heating stops when the smoke alarm is triggered, the hot-melt exit program is executed, and the heating components begin the peeling process. In cases where the garbage bag material is unsuitable for hot-melt binding, or the bag's placement or angle precludes hot-melt binding, the entire bag of garbage is photographed and uploaded to the server for storage. During photography, the focus is on clearly recording the texture, text, patterns, and colors on the garbage bag for traceability purposes. The automated process control and mechanical design involved in the usage method are described below.

[0018] The heat-sealing device is primarily used for automatically heat-sealing bagged waste in plastic bags. This application is a comprehensive system encompassing a user's mobile app and a remote data server. After the user deposits bagged waste onto the aforementioned tray or flip-top, the user clicks "deposit complete" or the internal camera of the waste bin determines that the deposit is complete. The mobile app or the waste bin's built-in voice output device, such as a speaker or display screen, will ask whether the bagged waste has been sealed by the user, and will warn that failure to seal it poses a certain risk to the deposit process. If the user answers that it has not been sealed, the system will further inquire whether the waste bag is a plastic bag. If it is a plastic bag, the heat-sealing device described in this application will be used to seal it.

[0019] In some implementations, the intelligent algorithm uses a camera to identify whether the bagged garbage is in a plastic bag and whether it has been tied; in some implementations, the intelligent algorithm uses a camera to judge and drive the hot-melt device to move up and down to achieve a reasonable binding position; in some implementations, the intelligent algorithm uses a camera to judge the binding effect and decide whether to perform hot-melt binding again; in some implementations, the intelligent algorithm uses a camera to judge whether the garbage bag is too full to be tied; in some implementations, the hot-melt device has three temperature levels (top, middle, and bottom) and heating time, with the bottom temperature being the lowest and the top temperature being the highest; in some implementations, the hot-melt device has a component and function for scraping off adhesives; in some implementations, the hot-melt device uses infrared, laser, or other non-contact methods for melting and binding; in some implementations, the intelligent garbage bin takes a picture of the hot-melt result of the bagged garbage and transmits it back to the user; in some implementations, the purpose of the intelligent garbage bin taking pictures of the bagged garbage also includes memorizing information such as the color, pattern, and text of the garbage bag for traceability. Meanwhile, when heat sealing is not possible due to the material, placement, or angle of the garbage bag, taking a photo of the entire bag of garbage can also serve as a means of tracing. This is because even if all the garbage collectors use plastic bags to wrap their garbage in the same bin, there will be differences due to the different garbage bags they randomly use. These garbage bags may be different colors, or have different patterns or text on them. In some implementation methods, big data servers store the images of the smart garbage bin and the heat sealing results for tracking and tracing.

[0020] In addition to the aforementioned independent processing support device and hot-melt strapping device, this application also includes a marking machine, a transport pallet device, and many auxiliary or small-volume devices for waste disposal. All of these devices are installed in the upper space of the waste bin. Utilizing this feature, besides independently installing each component inside the waste bin during production, these functional devices can also be installed into a single independent intelligent processing box. This intelligent processing box can then be manufactured, processed, and debugged separately as an integrated unit before being embedded into the waste bin. While this may increase the use of some production materials, such as the repetitive outer shell of the upper part of the waste bin, the unitized production, debugging, installation, and maintenance also save a lot of indirect costs. Most importantly, this intelligent processing box can be used to retrofit existing intelligent waste bins and old waste bins that lack the functions of this application, enabling them to possess these functions and truly realize waste sorting and credit management functions.

[0021] Paragraphs 0021-0029 below describe the invention of the marking machine. Marking garbage bags filled with trash is extremely difficult because their shape, size, and internal fillings are all irregular. Using methods requiring consumables is problematic because existing consumable technologies struggle to cope with diurnal temperature variations and extreme outdoor temperatures, and regularly replenishing consumables is cumbersome and impractical. A possible solution is to use a camera to photograph and record each bag of trash, assuming that garbage bags from different users within the same bin will have slight differences in appearance, such as color, size, and possible patterns or text. This could be a simple cost-saving approach. However, in practical applications, simply taking photos is limited to ideal environments. In most cases, misjudgments are easily made, and convincing proof is difficult to provide after problems are discovered. This method is prone to errors or lacks discernibility. As public facilities, each garbage bin in each bin generating an error once a day, and the sheer number of errors per day in each city, is a disaster for public management, ultimately rendering the facility unusable. To reliably trace the origin of a product, it is more reliable and convincing to use the marking machine described in this application for online real-time marking.

[0022] This application uses a dot-matrix coding method, applicable to various physical methods such as ink spraying, laser ablation, mechanical drilling, and sonic drilling. Specifically, it utilizes a diode laser to generate a laser beam or a mechanical conical needle to punch holes, quickly marking garbage bags and bulky waste with dot-matrix characters. It also uses digital photography, overlaying the dumper's information and disposal time onto the digital image to mark loose waste that does not meet the standards. If the thickness and color of the garbage bag allow, or for bulky waste, QR codes or non-penetrating dot-matrix characters can be printed. A multi-level code or QR code can also be sprayed onto the garbage bag using an inkjet printer. The dots in the dot matrix can be non-penetrating or penetrating holes. The size of the data dots can vary, prioritizing clear identification. Non-penetrating dots should be a color significantly different from the color of the garbage bag, such as black spots created by laser ablation or colored spots formed by inkjet printing. For penetrating holes, the size should be adjusted to balance liquid leakage and legibility. During the marking process, a relatively flat local area is first selected as the marking plane. A maximum rectangular area is calculated within this plane. The size of the corresponding dot map and the distance between the dots are calculated based on the size of this area. Then, the coordinates of all the dots are calculated with the upper left corner as the base point. The marking process is completed by driving the marking dock movement through a two-dimensional motion control system.

[0023] This application creates a new encoding technique. One method utilizes 80 or more visual characters to form an octet or more base-80 encoding, reducing the number of characters that need to be printed and marking massive amounts of garbage with as few characters as possible. The encoding method uses the numbers 0-9, lowercase letters a-z (removing lowercase i and l), uppercase letters A-Z, and 20 visual ASCII characters # $ % & ( ) + ” - / < = > ? @ { [ ]} \ A base-80 code can be generated using 80 characters. Simple Chinese characters and Arabic numerals (excluding numbers) can be added to create higher base codes. Thus, a maximum of 6 characters (80 to the power of 6 equals 262.144 billion) are needed to uniquely code each bag of garbage within a geographical area of ​​any country worldwide for at least one month, assuming the garbage within that month has already been sorted and processed. For processing within a large city, 4 characters are sufficient. Another approach is sparse dot matrix coding. This coding method uses dots to form a series of binary numbers, which can be divided into multiple segments to record different content. One example is a custom dot matrix code composed of equidistant 6*20 dots; the center distance between dots is N times the dot diameter, forming a planar coordinate system with vertical coordinates from 0 to 5 and horizontal coordinates from 0 to 19, with the origin at the top left corner. At the corresponding coordinate position, the coordinates of dots with holes or those treated to be distinctly different in color from their surroundings represent the binary digit 1; otherwise, the corresponding coordinates are binary numbers. 0; A hole or valid point representing 1 is fixed at the origin of the coordinate system in the upper left corner, serving as the identification guide point; In the first row of this dot matrix, excluding the guide point, the remaining number is a 19-bit binary number, equivalent to 524288 in decimal, used to record the garbage bag number; The second row is a 20-bit binary garbage bin number, equivalent to 1048576 in decimal; The garbage bag number in the first row multiplied by the garbage bin number in the second row equals a counting space of 549.8 billion. For a country like my country's entire population, according to... If each person takes one bag of trash per day, the trash code can be recorded for over a year; lines 3-4 contain 40-digit user IDs; the counting capacity is one trillion minutes, enough to count and encode the global population; lines 5-6 contain 40-digit minutes representing the number of minutes elapsed from 00:00 on January 1, 2020, to the time of disposal. The counting capacity is one trillion minutes, equivalent to recording over a century; for trash bags with patterns, designs, or text, the recognition software can rely on user-specified guide points on the image to aid in identification and analysis.

[0024] For garbage bags filled with trash—a target with no clear pattern or regularity—varies greatly influencing factors. These include whether the trash will leak liquid, whether the color of the garbage bag and the contents will make the perforated characters clearly visible, whether the thickness and color of the garbage bag are suitable for non-penetrating coding or inkjet printing, and whether the flatness of the bag is suitable for coding or inkjet printing. To ensure clear marking, this application utilizes a camera to sample the coding effect in real time, develops a closed-loop control algorithm to dynamically adapt to these factors, and installs a pressing electric mechanism to make the printed surface as flat as possible.

[0025] This marking machine consists of a microprocessor-based stepper motor motion control module, a multi-level character encoding module, a print head, an image sampling closed-loop dot matrix size control algorithm module, and a communication module. It is small in size, low in cost, and easy to install inside a trash can. The printing process is controlled by the microprocessor-based stepper motor motion control module, which drives a laser print head or dot-matrix print head to form through-hole dot matrix characters in the X and Y axes. A focusing lens on the Z-axis provides close-range focusing and allows for fine-tuning of the focus. The mechanical printing needle is controlled by a Z-axis stepper motor for extension and retraction; the hole size is determined by the drilling depth. After reaching its extended or retracted position, the mechanical printing needle rotates at high speed. Based on the camera sampling results, the algorithm module prints the dot matrix of the characters to be printed, i.e., the holes, according to the appropriate size and density. The characters to be printed are obtained from the communication module or generated incrementally. The machine uses a camera to analyze and adjust the clarity of the punching results in real time, determining the hole size and the number of rows of dots representing the character strokes. To adapt to the ambient light level so that the camera can sample effectively, it has a light detection and supplementary lighting control module. To avoid harm to the human body, a human proximity sensor module is included. When a human body is detected, the gate control module will not open the front door of the device for printing. A pull-belt compaction control module controls an external pressure rod to facilitate punching. This is an external electric component outside the marking machine housing, installed outside the marker. It is a servo motor mechanism used to press the garbage bag against the printing side of the marker, keeping the printing surface flat. This servo motor mechanism can communicate and cooperate with the marker. An external camera is used to take a global picture of the entire garbage bag, bulky waste, and loose waste. A cleaning module is included, including fume extraction and needle cleaning functions. The fume extraction is designed for laser punching. After printing, when the camera detects dirt on the needle, it moves to a relatively clean or dry area of ​​the target garbage or garbage bag, drills in, and then withdraws at high speed. This cleaning is repeated multiple times as needed.

[0026] One specific embodiment details that the marking machine has three external interfaces: an antenna connector for the communication module, a 4-pin socket for power supply and serial communication, and an external camera interface. Aside from these, there are no other external connections. It is powered by a 5V safe voltage power supply, includes an SD card slot, is sealed and dustproof, and has extremely low standby power consumption. On the marking side of the laser output marker, 50mm from the laser's moving plane, is a flat, transparent acrylic or glass plate. Beyond this is a metal door with automatic opening and closing capabilities. Outside the metal door is a grid-like metal frame, designed to ensure the print head can be applied to the target during marking while maintaining the target's relatively flat surface. In addition to the positive and negative power lines, the 4-pin socket also has two data communication lines, allowing wired communication with external devices.

[0027] The marking machine can be driven to start marking in two cases. One is to receive an instruction from the serial port or wireless communication interface and perform marking according to the characters in the instruction. The other is according to the induction of the light detection module, which is applicable to the use scenario inside the trash can. When the light detection module senses a change from bright to dark, it starts marking, and the character printed is the character after adding 1 to the value of the last printed character. The original character of the default initial configuration is the character with a value of 0. Which driving method to adopt can be configured with an instruction. No matter which marking drive occurs, the diffuse reflection type infrared proximity sensor, human body proximity sensing module, and external camera will judge the situation of the object before printing, and then start marking. After marking starts, the built-in camera analyzes the marking effect in real time, and the analysis result is used as a feedback signal to adjust the power of the laser print head, irradiation time, or the depth of the mechanical needle print head in real time to determine the dot matrix size (the size of the dot matrix is mainly to prevent liquid leakage using tension. If the dot matrix is too small, multiple rows of dot matrices can form strokes for easy identification. The spacing between the small dots on these strokes is larger at the edge and smaller at the core to prevent the entire dot, line, or even the entire word from falling off the bag), etc. parameters, so as to perform easily recognizable permanent marking on garbage bags of various different colors, thicknesses, and filled with different garbage; the coding uses dense small holes to facilitate preventing liquid leakage, and the specific dot matrix size and distance between dots are selected to be maximized on the premise of leak prevention. In this marking effect analysis process, first, a character, such as "中", is printed at the end of the printing area, that is, the right end. During the process of printing this character, the clarity of each point is analyzed until the appropriate parameters are found before finishing printing this character, and then the actual marking is printed according to the parameters. After coding, a photo needs to be taken and saved so that in case the coded area is contaminated or damaged and can be partially recognized, the picture can be used for confirmation. This application is equipped with a specially designed mobile phone APP for barcode scanning recognition or visual recognition; the diffuse reflection type infrared proximity sensor senses the presence of the garbage bag, that is, only when the garbage bag approaches will an action be output for coding and marking; the human body proximity sensor is used to protect the approaching human body, that is, if a human body approaches, no action will be output. In order to improve the marking speed as much as possible, enhance the recognizability as high as possible, and at the same time ensure that the coding can effectively identify each generation of garbage, the dot matrix graphic method similar to the QR code is not adopted. This is to ensure that when the garbage bag is soiled and cannot be recognized by barcode scanning, the sorting personnel can recognize it with the naked eye. However, QR codes can also be printed and sprayed.

[0028] After the marking machine completes the marking, the more important task is how to identify it. The identification process includes: the marking machine's own camera reading the marking to confirm the effect; and the waste collector reading the marking after discovering errors in the bag. Both processes are completed by software, using essentially the same algorithms, running separately in the marking machine and on the collector's mobile app. Alternatively, after marking, the marking machine can take a picture and send it to the collector's phone, which then reads the marking and returns a success or failure message to the marking machine. In this way, the algorithms for the two processes can be completely identical. The identification algorithm uses the Hough algorithm (erosion + dilation + limiting the effective diameter range), the OpenCV algorithm HoughCircles, or the Python recognition algorithm, etc., to first find the guide point, and then identify and analyze the data based on the size, color, or penetration characteristics of the guide point according to the agreed-upon dot spacing. The system incorporates independently developed edge computing and spacing calculation algorithms. In edge computing, the average radius of each point's center and its edge is first averaged and then corrected by difference. Since the printed surface is never perfectly flat, the spacing between points will vary, resulting in inconsistent distances between the starting guide point and each point, causing an irregular dot matrix. To compensate for this by maximizing spacing, the average spacing of each point and its vector value relative to the starting point are calculated and corrected by difference. The software internally corrects this to create a regular dot matrix, which is then converted into data. The difference correction process involves taking a weighted average between point N and its left (N-1) and right (N+1), then subtracting this average from the difference value of point N-1 to obtain the difference distance. This is then taken as a weighted average with the distances of points N1-1 above and N1+1 below N, and subtracted from the difference value of point N-1 to obtain the difference distance. This forms a difference matrix containing 9 points. This matrix is ​​used as a generalized point, and the same algorithm is applied to the next point to obtain the matrix, recursively, until the matrix contains all points.

[0029] The marking machine can be installed in both square and trapezoidal structures. Physically, a preferred embodiment has a main body that is a regular cuboid with a volume of approximately 150 (length) x 120 (width) x 72 (height) mm. Except for the camera and the flattening mechanism, everything else is installed inside this cuboid housing. The camera can be installed on the marking side surface of the housing or connected to the marking machine via a data cable and freely installed in other suitable locations. In this application, the flattening mechanism has been replaced by the aforementioned hot-melt strapping device. In the absence of a hot-melt strapping device, the flattening mechanism is implemented externally to the main body housing via an electrical connection. The implementation method can refer to components 106 and 108 in the embodiment of the hot-melt strapping device.

[0030] Paragraphs 0030-0033 below describe the invention of a horizontally moving transport pallet device. The invention implements a horizontally moving transport pallet device, where the pallet size is approximately equal to the size of the disposal opening. The waste bin has multiple separate storage tanks for different waste categories. The pallet can move between each of the parallel-arranged waste bins. One or more disposal doors are provided, but in most cases only one. A marking machine, strapping device, and sound, light, and electromagnetic processing equipment are also included. After the user disposes of the corresponding type of waste, the pallet moves to the waste bin or collection bag below the corresponding type of bin. The pallet flips over, disposing of the waste into the corresponding bin or bag. Alternatively, as the pallet continues its movement, it is scraped into the waste bin or collection bag by fixed partitions between the bins or dynamically lowered baffles above the corresponding bins. This device can significantly save waste bin space and reduce overall manufacturing costs. However, the installation of the waste bin is somewhat complicated, even though the guide rails or tracks supporting the pallet movement can be installed in sections. In some cases, waste bins are constructed by assembling multiple disposal openings and the storage space below them. This type of transport pallet device can be categorized into two scenarios: one where pallet partitions between two adjacent bins move laterally horizontally between the two bins, and another where pallet partitions between three adjacent bins move laterally horizontally between the three bins. Other scenarios with a larger number of bins can be considered as combinations of multiple two- or three-bin configurations. The most important function of this transport pallet device is to enable reliable sorting.

[0031] The smart trash can automatically determines the direction of movement of the pallet dividers. The direction of movement can also be programmed. After trash is disposed of and processed, to allow newly added trash to enter the storage space below, the dividers simply move horizontally, rather than flipping downwards. For trash cans with multiple compartments, they can be combined in two- or three-compartment configurations as described above. The pallet dividers have position detection; if they cannot reach their target position in a certain direction, an alarm will be triggered, indicating that the trash can is full or malfunctioning. The pallet dividers have a weighing mechanism for independently weighing the trash disposed of by each user. Through intelligent processing technology, the transfer of disposed items to the storage space below can be achieved without requiring additional space for the dividers to flip up and down.

[0032] The connectivity is described as follows: A track or lead screw is connected to the motor's rotating shaft. The motor and track / lead screw brackets are fixed to the side wall of the container. The pallet is driven by the track or lead screw to move between the containers. The pallet size is approximately equal to the cross-section of the container. Alternatively, a rack and pinion guide is fixed to the side wall of the container. A motor and gears are fixed on the pallet. The motor's rotation causes the pallet's gears to move within the rack and pinion guide. Several position detection switches are installed along the path where the pallet's movement trajectory intersects with the side wall. A weighing device is installed on the pallet. Sensors are selectively installed under the pallet to detect the fullness of the garbage bins. An intelligent algorithm determines the current position of the pallet partition and the container number. Based on this information, it automatically determines or, according to software settings, drives the motor to rotate in the correct direction, causing the pallet partition to move horizontally. Upon reaching a limit switch, the movement stops and waits for a few seconds or even reverses without waiting. The horizontally moving pallet will enter an adjacent container. The direction of movement can also be set in the software. Located between the two tanks is a vertical partition. When the pallet moves completely horizontally into the adjacent tank, the waste on the pallet will naturally be scraped off by the partition and fall into the lower receiving compartment. The position of the pallet movement is primarily detected by limit switches. Additionally, an alarm will be triggered if the stepper motor exceeds a certain number of steps or the ordinary motor rotates beyond a certain time without reaching the limit switch. This alarm will notify staff to empty the waste. This situation could occur because the receiving compartment is full, obstructing the pallet's movement, or due to a mechanical or electronic malfunction. Cameras, sensors, and proximity switches can be installed under the pallet to detect when the waste bin is full.

[0033] When a smart trash can has only two tanks, the tray partitions of one of the two tanks move into the other tank. With three tanks, the tray partitions of the two outer tanks move into the middle tank, while the tray partitions of the middle tank move to either side. This can result in two or three tray partitions overlapping, requiring them to be staggered vertically to achieve horizontal movement. The left and right tray partitions do not overlap vertically. The tray partitions utilize intelligent processing for horizontal movement, with the movement range between two or three adjacent tanks. More tanks can be assembled or combined, or integrated with four or more tanks using a single tray partition. The tray partitions of two adjacent tanks move horizontally between them; the tray partitions of three adjacent tanks move horizontally between them; trash cans with multiple tanks can be combined in two- or three-tank configurations. The movement of the tray partitions has one or more position detections. When only one position is detected, the movement direction needs to be set by software; when multiple position detections are present, the movement direction is automatically and intelligently determined without software setting. The movement of the tray partition cannot be detected by the position detection unit and can be used to detect when the trash can is full. After reaching the limit switch, the movement stops and waits for a period of time before reversing, or it can reverse directly without waiting to return to the initial state.

[0034] Paragraphs 0034-0039 below describe an imaging device inside a trash can. A trash can with multiple bins requires multiple cameras. If each camera uses its own independent image processing unit, it would significantly increase costs. Therefore, connecting multiple cameras to a central processing unit for unified processing is the best solution. At the same time, due to the requirements of the installation distance between the camera and the central processing unit, autofocus, close-up photography of objects, and high-definition image transmission bandwidth, unique processing methods are needed.

[0035] This application implements a multi-channel remote autofocus close-up photography system for use in smart trash cans with multiple bins. It enables high-definition close-up photography of trash disposed of by users in multiple bins after automatic focusing, and transmits the images to a unified high-performance computing unit for processing, saving computing resources and reducing the failure rate. The system includes a central processing unit and multiple camera terminals. The cameras are generally divided into three types: 1. CMOS digital cameras, capable of autofocus and close-up photography, connected to the processing unit via an FPC bus, with a connection distance not exceeding 30 cm; 2. USB cameras, capable of autofocus and close-up photography, with a connection distance not exceeding 2 meters; 3. Analog cameras, unable to achieve autofocus, with signal cable connections reaching distances of 3 meters or more. Therefore, directly connecting the cameras to the central processing unit cannot simultaneously meet the requirements for camera-to-central processing unit installation distance, autofocus, close-up photography of objects, and high-definition image transmission bandwidth. This system uses a CMOS digital camera or a USB camera to directly connect to the camera terminal. The camera terminal is connected to the central processing unit via an Ethernet cable. The installation distance between the terminal and the central processing unit can be within a hundred meters, which is sufficient for a single smart trash can to support multiple trash cans.

[0036] Each smart trash can has one or more bins for storing different types of waste. This application equips each bin with a camera terminal, which can drive one or more cameras for automatic focusing and taking pictures from a single or multi-angle angle. Each camera is connected to the camera terminal via a CMOS interface FPC cable, a USB cable, or, in some cases, directly soldering the camera's image sensor chip onto the camera terminal's PCB. Each smart trash can has a central processing unit (CPU) equipped with a high-performance graphics processing unit, connected to the camera terminals via a pluggable wired Ethernet connection, to process images transmitted from each camera terminal. Each camera terminal can autonomously take pictures of the disposed waste. When the trash disposal door is closed, the ambient light changes from bright to dark, or an object proximity sensor is installed on the camera terminal and detects an object, the connected camera is activated to take a picture. The camera terminal can also initiate taking pictures based on instructions from the CPU, typically through communication between the user's app and the CPU indicating that waste disposal is complete. Each camera terminal is powered by the CPU via a PoE Ethernet cable or a dedicated power cord.

[0037] Not only is it multi-channel and expandable, but each camera can also remotely autofocus and take close-up photos. The connection distance between the cameras and the central processing unit exceeds the maximum 3-meter limit of ordinary cameras, supporting the use of large and diverse garbage bin rooms. Each camera can also achieve remotely controlled zoom. Each camera and the central processing unit can transmit uncompressed or low-compression ultra-high-definition images, such as raw images or JPEG images, which are then compressed by the central processing unit into MPEG, H.264, H.265, or other formats to facilitate image transmission to the server that communicates remotely with the garbage bin.

[0038] A typical implementation is as follows: each camera terminal has two cameras. One camera directly uses a CMOS image sensor to drive a circular focusing lens. This camera is mounted on the side of the camera terminal body, mounted on one side of the trash can. To minimize size, the camera terminal consists of one or more PCBs stacked together to form a 38*38 module, using components such as an F1C200s processor and an OV564x image sensor. The casing is equipped with an M12 lens and a small-hole adapter ring. The circuit board of this camera terminal module also has a USB interface that can connect to one USB AF camera. The USB camera cable is up to 3 meters long and is mounted on the side of another trash can opposite the camera terminal, forming an image acquisition of one or two perspectives of the disposed trash. Since the characteristics of the disposed trash may only be unique from one side, the image with the clearest and most identifiable features is selected for storage and transmission. Alternatively, both images can be stored and transmitted. Each camera terminal has a wired Ethernet interface, connected to the central processing unit via a network cable. Power is also provided by the central processing unit, using PoE power delivery or a separate power cord.

[0039] The central processing unit (CPU) is a high-performance processing center with AI processing capabilities. It utilizes high-performance processors such as the RK3588 and drives the network port HUB chip. It connects various camera terminals via network cables and manages the power supply for each camera terminal. The CPU also communicates with management centers such as big data servers, transmitting images and image analysis results of waste processing to the management service center. The overall imaging system connectivity is as follows: Each waste bin has one or more waste sorting and disposal ports and a CPU. Each disposal port contains one or more cameras and a camera terminal module installed at different angles. The cameras within the disposal port are connected to the camera terminal module via FPC cables or USB cables. Power and signals are transmitted through the same FPC cable or USB cable. The camera terminal module supplies power to the cameras. One or more camera terminal modules are connected to the CPU via PoE cables or a network cable with an independent power cord. The CPU supplies power to the camera terminal modules, which then drive the cameras to take pictures. The acquired images are processed by the camera terminal modules and transmitted to the CPU. The imaging device can achieve long-distance distributed imaging, with a distribution distance of nearly 100 meters. While distributed over a long distance, each camera can adjust focus and autofocus, enabling close-up imaging of the garbage inside the bin. The imaging device can capture images of garbage at a minimum distance of 5 centimeters, but there is no maximum limit. The cameras connected to the camera terminal include a CMOS image sensor and USB cameras. The CMOS sensor and lens assembly can be rigidly attached to the camera terminal, and one or more USB cameras are electrically connected to the camera terminal. These cameras are evenly distributed on the top or side walls of the garbage bin, surrounding the garbage as evenly as possible. Stereoscopic and panoramic imaging can be achieved using multiple cameras. Stereoscopic or panoramic images are captured by the endpoint cameras and transmitted to the central processing unit for processing. Both the CMOS sensor and USB cameras of the imaging device are equipped with focusing lens assemblies, enabling both manual focus adjustment and autofocus. Each camera in the imaging device can transmit uncompressed or low-compression ultra-high-definition images, such as original images or JPEG images, to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is then responsible for compressing these images into MPEG, H.264, H.265, or other formats. This reduces the processing load on the camera terminal while facilitating the transmission of images to a big data server that communicates remotely with the trash can.

[0040] The following describes the overall method, content, and other components and functional implementations not previously mentioned, using the intelligent processing box as an example. It should be noted that this not only completes the fabrication of a device that can be used to modify garbage bins, but also indirectly completes an overall method that directly and separately installs various functional components onto the upper part of the garbage bin without using an integrated box. The intelligent processing box has a square or trapezoidal structure to suit most large garbage bins, and its size is comparable to the space inside the upper disposal opening of most current large garbage bins. During installation, it is located at the top and will not affect the removable wheeled garbage bins at the bottom of the bin. The intelligent processing box internally houses one or more cameras, online markers, online strapping devices, gas composition analyzers, and weighing devices. The front is equipped with an electromagnetic lock and a garbage disposal control door. The rear has an electrical connector for power input and external communication. The bottom of the smart waste disposal box has an independent processing support device for holding the waste disposed of by a single user. After processing, it automatically moves to drop the waste into the trash can below. The bottom also has an infrared detection device to detect the remaining space in the trash can, as well as a smoke alarm and a fire extinguishing sprinkler.

[0041] This smart waste disposal box can independently process the waste disposed of by a single user, and then control it to fall into the lower waste bin after processing. During the waste disposal process, the device automatically identifies whether the waste type information is correct. If it is incorrect, it will alert the user, who can choose to reopen the disposal door to retrieve the waste or accept the warning and continue disposing of the waste. In this case, the device can selectively dispose of the correct type of waste into the lower waste bin, or push the incorrect type of waste into the gaps or spaces outside the lower waste bin.

[0042] This smart waste disposal box can achieve all or part of the functions described above in this application: the gas analysis device of the smart waste disposal box can assist the camera in analyzing the composition and category of waste through graphic image analysis; the weighing device of the smart waste disposal box can analyze the density of waste, i.e., the ratio of waste size to weight, together with the camera device, and use density analysis to help determine the type of waste; the smart waste disposal box also has ultrasonic detection and electromagnetic metal detection to identify dense objects and metals that are wrapped in it; the smart waste disposal box can communicate with the user's mobile phone, and large pieces of waste need to be placed outside the waste bin by the user and actively taken a photo and uploaded. The smart waste disposal box has a user identification module that supports multiple identification methods such as QR code scanning, NFC, facial recognition, voiceprint, and fingerprint; these methods are used to open the disposal door before the user disposes of waste; identity recognition supports a family unit mode, where family members register and operate using the same account, which is bound to the biological characteristics of multiple family members; for the elderly, children, and people who forget to bring their smartphones or NFC devices, they can use the biological characteristics already bound to family members, such as facial features, voiceprints, and fingerprints, for identification and subsequent operations.

[0043] The intelligent waste disposal box operates as follows: In its initial standby state, awaiting waste disposal, the front disposal door is closed, the independent processing support device is horizontally positioned at the bottom of the box, the marking machine's marking side compartment is closed, and all components of the heat-sealing device are in their aforementioned initial state. When a user disposes of waste, the identification module recognizes the user and opens the front disposal door. The user then selects whether the waste is loose or bagged via their mobile app. After disposal, the box's internal camera can initially identify whether the waste is loose or bagged. For bagged waste, the user is prompted to confirm whether they have tied it themselves and to acknowledge any risks associated with self-tying. Next, one or more photos of the disposed waste are taken and uploaded. The system then analyzes the waste using gas analysis, ultrasonic scanning, electromagnetic scanning, and light or X-ray penetration scanning. A weighing device weighs the waste, and image analysis is performed to determine its volume and density. The analysis results are presented to the user and saved. Any abnormalities will trigger a warning. For bagged waste, if bundling is required, the camera inside the box will determine whether bundling is possible and whether heat-sealing is feasible. If bundling is not possible but is feasible, a heat-sealing device will be used. After bundling, the pressure bar of the heat-sealing device, i.e., the aforementioned component 108, will be lifted by component 106 and then lowered along 106 to half the distance between 108 and the bottom of 106, before pressing down on the bagged waste again to flatten it onto the partition. Next, the marking machine will open its own door to mark the bagged waste and photograph the marking results for storage and output to the user. After marking, if the previous waste detection and analysis found no problems, the independent processing support device will move to drop the waste into the storage space below, such as the trash can, and then all components will return to their initial standby state. It is important to note that these functions in the box are customizable, meaning that only some functions and steps can be used to save costs. The information obtained from this process, under the unified information algorithm processing in a wide area, combined with AI recognition and analysis, especially the AI ​​recognition and processing of scattered garbage, and the comprehensive big data statistics, self-learning and data accumulation of various garbage's gas characteristics, sound reflection characteristics, electromagnetic reflection characteristics, light or ray penetration characteristics, etc., achieves increasingly stronger recognition and judgment capabilities, realizing a super-large network comprehensive AI promotion system, and carrying out system processing with super-strong action capabilities at the city, national and global levels. Beneficial effects

[0044] The above-mentioned technical solutions achieve the goal of accurately marking the waste disposed of by each user. This credit-based management system regulates waste disposal behavior and promotes genuine waste sorting. However, even with proper marking, carriers may not diligently inspect the waste; this is a real-world problem of inertia, and even with regulations, effectiveness is not guaranteed. Therefore, the above solutions aim to reduce the workload of carriers by adding various automated analysis technologies. Waste with identified problems after analysis is additionally marked and separated into independent storage spaces. Carriers, upon receiving alerts about suspicious waste, can then inspect only the waste in the questionable bins or bags. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The above is merely an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application, the following describes this application in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0046] [Corrected according to Rule 91, August 13, 2025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the pallet mechanism. Figure 2 is a front view of the rolling device. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the heat-sealing device. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a three-tank garbage bin using a horizontally moving transport pallet mechanism. In this embodiment, the pallet is a transparent plastic sheet. For ease of demonstration, other devices and functional units are not attached. Figure 5 is a square perspective view. Figure 6 is a trapezoidal perspective view. Figure 7 is a system block diagram of the imaging system. Figure 8 is a flowchart and serves as an abstract drawing.

[0047] The accompanying drawings use the same reference numerals for identical components and parts, omitting repetitive descriptions and facilitating easy reading. Below are the component numbers and their corresponding names: 5. Door handle; 7. Weighing and infrared device; 8. Pallet drive motor; 9. Pallet rotating arm; 10. Marking machine; 11. Pallet; 12. Top-mounted camera, acoustic, electromagnetic, light, or ray penetration detector; 16. Proximity switch or pressure switch for component 106 rotating upwards; 20. Electromagnetic pin; 21. Flip plate; 23. Flip plate rotating motor; 30. Single-motor pallet slide bar; 31. Single-motor pallet robotic arm; 32. Single-motor pallet rotating shaft; 50. Guide rail or conveyor belt; 51. Guide rail or conveyor belt drive motor; 52. Transport pallet; 64. Spokes on the chain or track in the winding device; 65. Gear in the winding device; 66. 101. Toothed teeth on the chain or track in the winding device; 102. Upper melting heating head; 103. Lower melting heating head; 104. Middle melting heating head; 105. Screw or rack guide for the movement of pressure rod 108; 106. Vertical movement screw or rack guide for the middle and lower melting heating heads; 107. Pressure rod; 108. Horizontal movement screw or rack guide for the middle and lower melting heating heads; 119. Proximity switch or pressure switch for component 106 rotating downwards; 1100. Proximity switch or pressure switch for component 109; 201. Partition with a window in the middle, the size of which is not fixed and is flexibly determined according to the type of marking machine; 202. Marking machine compartment; 203. Processing compartment; 204. Partition groove, one on each of the three sides; 205. Hole under the tray with no objects. The best embodiment of the present invention

[0048] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0049] When the tray is integrated into a smart waste bin, because it stands upright, it requires sufficient height space inside the bin. Therefore, it is mostly used for square bins or bins with a square top. It can also be used for trapezoidal bins if space allows. Normally, it is horizontal at the bottom of the processing compartment at the front of the bin. There are no other objects at the bottom of the processing compartment, such as a base plate; the tray serves as its base. This tray mechanism has two position states, driven by two motors. Most of the time, the mechanism is in the normal waiting state for the user to dispose of waste. In this state, the tray is horizontal, and the drive force point is located in the middle of the lower part of the tray, dividing the waste bin into upper and lower sections. After the user disposes of waste, it waits for the independent processing of that waste to complete. Then, the tray's drive motor rotates synchronously, causing the tray to rotate to a vertical position. At this point, the tray is not only vertical but also close to the edge of its original horizontal position; that is, after the movement, the tray is vertically upright at one of the edges of its original horizontal position. This mechanism can be implemented using either a dual-motor method or a single-motor sliding rod method.

[0050] The dual-motor pallet mechanism uses two rotary motors to drive the pallet's rotation. During rotation, both shafts rotate simultaneously: one rotates clockwise from horizontal to vertical, and the other rotates counter-clockwise from horizontal to vertical. Both shafts rotate within a 90-degree range. This can be achieved using a turnstile, a standard stepper motor, or a DC motor with limit switches, ensuring that the pallet moves from a horizontal bottom position to a vertical side position within the limited space of the trash can. At this point, the trash naturally falls into the lower receiving compartment. The single-motor sliding pallet mechanism uses a rotary motor and a robotic arm to drive the pallet's rotation. During rotation, the motor drives the robotic arm to swing, pushing a pallet plate. The bottom of the plate slides along a sliding rod, allowing the plate to move between horizontal and vertical positions. After the trash falls, the pallet moves in the opposite direction, from a vertical position against the trash can to a horizontal position dividing the trash can into upper and lower parts. Horizontally, the pallet's movement remains entirely within its original horizontal area, gradually tilting towards vertical until it reaches a vertical position, but never exceeding the horizontal plane of its original position. In the vertical direction, the tray is close to the wall of the trash can, completely transforming the upper and lower parts of the trash can body, which are separate when it is horizontal, into a whole without any separation.

[0051] The pallet's movement is primarily detected by limit switches. Additionally, an alarm will be triggered if the stepper motor exceeds a set number of steps or the conventional motor rotates beyond a set time without reaching the limit switch. This alarm will notify staff to empty the trash. This situation could occur because the bin is full, obstructing the pallet's movement, or due to a mechanical or electronic malfunction. The pallet is equipped with an integrated independent weighing device, with different weighing devices selected based on the accuracy of the measured weight. Alternatively, a piezoelectric film can be attached to the pallet's surface; after trash is deposited, the pressure of the trash is converted into an electrical signal, allowing for independent and accurate weighing of a specific user's trash. An optical device is installed near the center of the pallet's bottom to measure the remaining space in the trash can. An ultrasonic reflector or radar device can also be installed near the center of the pallet's bottom to detect the remaining space in the trash can. Using intelligent algorithms, the trash can remaining space detection device at the bottom of the pallet only performs detection when the pallet is horizontal.

[0052] Because the rolling device also needs to be uprighted when it rolls up and leaves the bottom, and there needs to be enough space inside the box after it is upright, it is mostly used for square boxes or trash cans with a square top.

[0053] When the smart waste disposal box is trapezoidal, or the top opening of the waste bin is trapezoidal, the tray and rolling mechanism may not have enough space to move. Therefore, other methods and devices are needed to support the independent processing of the disposed waste. A split-type flap is one example. Of course, if desired, a split-type flap can replace the tray or rolling mechanism in a square setting. In this embodiment, the split-type flap is a flap device applied inside a waste bin to independently process the waste disposed of by the user. After processing, it can be automatically placed into a centralized storage compartment to be stored with other users' waste. This mechanism has two position states, horizontal and vertical, and is driven by one or two motors. If it is a single drive motor, a longer transmission shaft is needed to output power to the rotating shafts of the two flaps.

[0054] Because the power drive is located on the hinge of the flap, which is close to the wall of the trash can, the torque of the flap is a major issue, especially when the trash is heavy and leverage is applied. This application cleverly solves this problem, requiring less motor power. First, as stated in the title and foregoing, the flap consists of two symmetrical pieces in a split configuration. Furthermore, the flap's installation design minimizes its width (i.e., its rotation radius or radial length) across the cross-section of the trash can, reducing the torque required for leverage. Second, an electromagnetic pin can be installed near the junction of the two split flaps in a horizontal position, specifically at the end of each flap furthest from the hinge, as shown in component 11 in Figure 1. When the motor drives the flap to rotate from vertical to horizontal, the required torque is small because the flap is unloaded. Simultaneously, the pin remains retracted outside the flap's rotation range under electromagnetic force. Once the flap is horizontal, the pin's electromagnetic coil is de-energized, the pin pops out, the motor stops supplying power, and the flap is fixed horizontally by the pin. After the garbage is deposited, when it needs to be placed into the receiving compartment below the flip-up plate, the pin retracts to a position outside the flip-up plate's rotation range under electromagnetic force. The flip-up plate can then tilt downwards without a motor drive due to the weight of the garbage. Simultaneously, the motor can also use a small torque to help the flip-up plate tilt downwards to a vertical position when the garbage weight is not significant. The advantages of using the electromagnetic pin system are that the motor torque is not large, the flip-up plate has a strong load-bearing capacity, and no power supply is required when the flip-up plate is in a horizontal standby state, saving energy.

[0055] The flapping device features position detection, primarily relying on limit switches. Position detection switches are present for both vertical and horizontal positions, or at least one of them. Simultaneously, an alarm will be generated if the stepper motor exceeds a limited number of steps or the conventional motor rotates beyond a limited time without reaching the limit switch. This alarm will notify staff to clean up the waste. This situation may occur because the container is full, obstructing the flapping movement, or due to a mechanical or electronic malfunction. The flapping device has an intelligent processing unit or is connected to an external intelligent processing unit to control the flapping rotation, detect its position, and coordinate the movement of the pins.

[0056] The hot-melt device can be applied to all scenarios involving smart boxes of various shapes, including square and trapezoidal. It is installed on the partition between the marking machine compartment and the processing compartment of the smart processing box. The space distribution and installation remain the same when the smart processing box is not integrated but deployed independently within the trash can. If the functionality is simplified and the marking machine is not used, there is no marking machine compartment, and therefore no partition between the processing compartment and the marking machine compartment. Instead, the entire interior of the smart processing box or the upper part of the trash can becomes the processing compartment space, in which case the partition becomes the rear panel of the entire shape.

[0057] In some embodiments, a proximity switch or pressure switch is installed on component 102 or component 103 to sense the proximity of component 102 and component 103. Component 111 is installed on the rear panel of the partition or processing compartment and is located at the bottom of component 106 in its vertical state, capable of sensing the approach of component 106. Component 112, installed on component 108, is parallel to component 106 and faces the bottom of component 106, and is a proximity switch or pressure switch used to sense the positioning of component 109. Component 116, installed on the top panel, is a proximity switch or pressure switch used to sense the return of component 106 to its initial horizontal or inclined position, located at the end of component 106 when component 106 is in a horizontal position parallel to the top of the trash can, capable of sensing that component 106 has approached the top of the trash can. A proximity sensor or pressure switch is also selectively installed at the bottom of component 107 to sense that component 109 has returned to its initial state, i.e., the state at the bottom of component 107.

[0058] In the hot-melt device section, torque or torsion calculations are required, and commercially available sensors can be used. However, considering cost, one preferred, but not the only, method is as follows: In the absence of rigid collisions, a stepper motor is used, and the ratio of the stepper motor's output pulse count (or step count Δs) within a unit time Δt reaches a preset value, or the stepper motor's output pulse count (or step count s) reaches a preset value within a preset time t. Alternatively, in the absence of rigid collisions, a servo motor is used, and the ratio of the servo motor's position output Δs within a unit time Δt reaches a preset value, or the servo motor's position output s reaches a preset value within a preset time t. This method is only applicable to the use case in this application where there is no rigid collision due to the presence of bagged waste.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the specific bundling process is as follows: Initially, the lead screws or rack guides on both sides of component 106, carrying component 108 (including component 101), are parallel to the top of the garbage bin. Component 108 is at the very end of component 106 (i.e., the other end far from the fixed end of component 106). Component 109, carrying components 102 and 103, is at the very bottom of component 107, with components 102 and 103 at both ends of component 109. If the top of the garbage bin is not a square plane but a slope, then the initial state of components 106 and 108 is that components 106 on both sides, carrying component 108 (including component 101), are parallel to the top of the bin. Component 108 is at the very end of component 106, and a separate proximity switch or pressure switch senses that component 106 has reached the top of the garbage bin. After the bagged waste is placed onto the independent processing support device, the horizontal pressure bar, i.e., component 108, rotates downwards along with component 106, pressing down on the bagged waste. After pressing down (based on calculations such as the rotational torque of component 106 or the number of steps taken by the stepper motor), component 108 moves upwards along component 106. Simultaneously, because the waste bag gradually thins from the bottom to the top, component 106 continues to rotate towards the rear partition as component 108 moves, until component 106 touches component 111 (this is a pressure-sensitive switch, installed on the rear panel of the partition or the container). After component 108 stops moving upwards, component 109, carrying components 102 and 103, moves upwards along component 107 until it senses the pressure switch (component 112) mounted on top of component 108 and stops moving. Then, components 102 and 103 move simultaneously from both ends toward the middle along component 109 until the moving torque of components 102 and 103 reaches a set value or the proximity switch mounted on component 102 or 103 is activated and stops moving. At this point, the top of the bagged waste has been compressed into an approximately bundled shape by components 101, 102, and 103. After components 2 and 3 finish moving, the positions of components 101, 102, and 103, which have internal heating devices, are as follows: component 101 is at the top, component 103 is between components 101 and 102, component 103 is above component 102, and component 102 is at the bottom, with the three components closely adjacent to each other. Because the size and thickness of the bagged waste vary, the movement of component 108 is not necessarily to the top of 106, but is automatically determined by factors such as motor torque, step count, and sensor switches, based on the size and thickness of the bagged waste. A camera takes a picture to determine if the conditions for heat-sealing are met. The criterion is whether the remaining height of the plastic bag above component 103 is sufficient for heat sealing. If the conditions for heat sealing are met, the heating devices inside components 101, 102, and 103 begin heating, with component 101 having the highest power, followed by component 103, and then component 102 having the lowest power.After the hot-melting time is over, and after a period of cooling, component 101 separates, followed by component 103, and then component 102. This power level and separation order are not fixed; this is merely one example. If other waste is requested, separation begins immediately without waiting for cooling. After separation, the descaling device runs a descaling program to remove molten plastic adhering to the heating components. Each component returns to its initial state, ready for the next round of hot-melting and bundling of new bagged waste. It should be noted that components 101, 102, and 103 have a PTFE (Teflon, polytetrachloroethylene) coating or other non-stick coating. The hot-melting process ends. A camera takes a picture to assess the hot-melting effect. If the diameter of the hot-melted portion of the plastic bag is larger than the set size, it is considered necessary to perform hot-melting again and increase the power or extend the time. To prevent fire, the hot-melting power has a maximum limit; if the maximum value has been reached, the effect can be achieved by extending the hot-melting time. The length of the hot-melting time also has a maximum limit. Under normal circumstances, the hot-melt process produces little or no smoke. However, for safety reasons, a smoke detector is installed. When the smoke detector alarms, heating stops and the hot-melt exit program is activated. The component 101 with the highest hot-melt power, or all three heating components, has several vents. These vents are used during the hot-melt heating process to transfer the heat energy of the internal heating coils to the plastic body using a gentle airflow. Simultaneously, after the hot-melt heating is completed, a certain pressure of airflow is used to peel off any adhered plastic and cool the component.

[0060] Hot-melt strapping device connectivity description: The aforementioned partition is fixed to the side panel of the machine housing. The upper end of component 106 has a relatively long horizontal rotating shaft, mounted on the rotating bearing part. The bearing base is fixedly connected to the three-sided grooves on the upper part and left and right sides of the partition. The bearing shaft is rigidly connected to component 106. Component 106 has a set of lead screws or rack guides on each side, connected by the aforementioned rotating shaft, and driven to rotate by a motor. When component 106 moves to a vertical position, all parts are not higher than the partition grooves to avoid obstructing the movement of component 109. Component 108 is a round shaft, connected to component 106 by lead screw nuts or gears on both sides. Component 108 is slightly higher than the partition grooves, ensuring vertical movement on the partition surface while minimizing the gap with the partition. Component 101 is also a round shaft fixed in the middle of component 108, slightly thicker or equal in diameter to component 108. Component 107 also has a set of lead screws or rack guides on each side, fixedly installed in the partition groove. Fastener 109 is connected to the lead screws of 107 via lead screw nuts or gears at both ends. Component 109 itself also has two lead screws and a sliding rod. The diameter of these lead screws and sliding rods should be as small as possible so that after being arranged in a plane along the partition plane, they can be as close to the partition plane as possible. This allows component 109 to move up and down along the partition plane, but its height perpendicular to the partition plane (including the maximum thickness of each part of component 109 in this direction) should not exceed the partition too much. This is because the upper part of the garbage bag, after being compressed into a sheet shape by component 108 and the partition, adheres to the partition. If component 109 is too high, it will be difficult for it to move between the target object and the partition. Components 102 and 103 are connected to component 109 via lead screw nuts. Components 102 and 103 can be square, and the gap between the side facing the partition and the partition should be as small as possible.

[0061] The application of thermal infrared directional heating, laser ablation, and other heat-melting technologies is another approach. Using this technology for non-contact heat-melting binding has the advantage that the softened and melted plastic will not stick to the mechanical parts. When using the non-contact heat-melting method, the vertical distance between parts 102 and 103 will be relatively large. The heat source is directed to the plastic body at the midpoint between parts 102 and 103 to heat and melt it, causing the plastic body to naturally adhere and shrink together to achieve the binding purpose.

[0062] After installing the marking machine, independent processing support device, and hot melt strapping device, in whole or in part, into the trash can or integrating them into the smart processing box as shown in the attached drawings and the foregoing description, there are still many components to be installed and processed, including the electrical control box, which is installed in the marking machine compartment or on the rear panel when there is no marking machine. It contains power control and AI processing units, data processing and calculation units, etc.; a satellite positioning device is used to determine the installation position of the trash can; a weighing device, an acoustic scanning component, an electromagnetic scanning component, a light or ray penetration scanning component, a gas analysis component, a fireproof water tap, etc. Gas composition or odor detection involves purchasing ready-made detectors or using self-built circuits with gas sensors, offering low cost. One example is its use for detecting volatile substances in food waste. For self-tied bagged waste, a small penetration can be made at the top to insert the gas collection inlet tube into the bag. An acoustic scanning example uses a point-like acoustic transmitter and a disk-shaped matrix acoustic receiver or piezoelectric film to create a scanning field for simple A-scan. An electromagnetic scanning example uses a small-area emission field composed of electromagnetic coils, which can be tilted to penetrate the object and analyzed by a larger surface receiving field composed of multiple electromagnetic receivers. This receiving field can be on the same disk as the disk-shaped matrix acoustic receiver. Light or X-ray penetration scanning, with more expensive ready-made products costing nearly ten thousand yuan, can use a low-cost transmitter and a point-like receiver such as the S8559 driven by a movable mechanism for coarse line scanning. Each waste bin or smart processing box should be assigned a unique address code or device ID, and a communication connection should be established with the main data server.

[0063] Before disposing of waste, users need to register. After registration, they can use smart devices such as mobile phones or NFC devices to scan codes or tap to dispose of waste. They can also add family member information so that family members can dispose of waste using biometrics such as facial recognition, voiceprints, or fingerprints even if they do not have a smart device with them.

[0064] A typical application scenario involves multiple devices based on this application, such as smart processing boxes or trash cans equipped with various functions, placed side-by-side for multiple waste categories. One device acts as the main controller, with the others electrically connected to form a unified system. After successful verification of the user's identity, voice prompts, trash can display screens, or the user's smart device prompt them to select the type of waste to dispose of. The corresponding disposal door then automatically opens. After the user selects the type via voice or smart device, the system automatically opens the disposal door of the corresponding smart processing box, allowing the user to deposit the waste. The smart processing box then automatically closes its disposal door. Internally, the system performs a series of processes on the user's waste, including taking photos, marking, weighing, acoustic scanning, electromagnetic scanning, light or X-ray penetration scanning, and gas analysis. In cases where a marking machine is not used, or if the trash bag has QR codes, barcodes, or patterns, the user can choose to align these markings with the internal camera before disposal. The information from these markings generates an ID that is written into a big data database for retrieval. This ID includes the user's phone number, the location coordinates of the disposal location, the trash can's unique serial number, and the disposal time. For loose garbage not packaged in garbage bags, the system automatically prompts users to take a photo after disposal and upload it as evidence. The device then transmits one or more photos to a big data server. This data is stored on the big data server until the garbage is disposed of by sanitation workers. Upon receiving this data, the big data server uses AI algorithms to perform the following series of processes: Analyzing the photos, including identifying the type of garbage, calculating its volume, and determining if it can be heat-sealed; calculating density based on the calculated volume and weight information to determine the type of garbage, as each type has a different density (e.g., kitchen waste is much denser than dry waste); using acoustic scanning to determine if there is significant density unevenness (generally, significant density unevenness does not conform to garbage sorting principles); using electromagnetic scanning to determine if there are metallic substances (metallic substances obviously should not be present in a certain type of garbage); analyzing the garbage properties using light or X-ray penetration scanning; and using gas analysis to determine the composition of the garbage, further aiding in determining its structure and type.

[0065] After the above processing is completed, a comprehensive judgment is made based on various complementary information. If the waste type is determined to be incorrect, the user will be prompted whether to remove the waste. If the user chooses not to remove it, the corresponding judgment result is retained as auxiliary prompt information before the waste detector processes it. Next, the binding judgment is determined after the waste is disposed of. If the user has not bound the waste, the intelligent processing box decides whether to perform a heat-sealing operation based on the image information calculated locally or the judgment provided by the big data server. After the binding analysis and judgment are completed, the flip panel rotates, and the user's waste will fall into the trash can located below the intelligent processing box.

[0066] In some embodiments, based on the information obtained from the above processing, the intelligent processing box can also be equipped with a robotic arm with mechanical grippers to perform limited sorting, separating clearly different types of waste, such as those with densities exceeding their category or containing metal objects, and moving them to the edge of an independent processing support device so that they fall into the external gaps of the waste bin below. Alternatively, the aforementioned horizontal movement transport pallet device can be used to transport suspicious waste to an independent waste bin or collection bag that does not belong to any category.

[0067] The final determination of correct waste sorting is made manually by the waste collector. The waste collector can upload a photo of a user's waste, along with its tagging information, to the server via their mobile app. When waste is processed by staff, if it is found to be incorrectly sorted, for bagged waste, the tag on the bag can be used for verification; for loose waste with few incorrectly sorted items of the same type, a photo is uploaded and compared with the archived images on the server using AI (Artificial Intelligence), or the waste's disposal record photo is downloaded and manually compared to identify the disposer; if there are many loose waste items with multiple incorrectly sorted items or multiple incorrectly sorted items of the same type, the server performs AI filtering on all archived photos of loose waste in that bin, or the waste's disposal record photo is downloaded and manually filtered to identify all those who made incorrect disposals.

[0068] A trash can remaining space detection device is installed on the bottom or edge of the flip-up panel of the independent processing support device (or the bottom edge of the smart box shell). This device detects the fullness of the trash can and reports it to a big data server, which then reports it to garbage collection personnel and garbage inspection personnel. In some implementations, the big data server will take actions such as warnings and fines for incorrect disposal, and will also conduct comprehensive evaluations of users and provide rewards, etc. In some implementations, it can be connected to tap water and has its own fire-fighting sprinkler head with valves to control the water supply. It uses its own smoke detector and temperature measuring device in conjunction with a camera to determine if a fire has occurred, and then carries out fire-fighting measures. In some implementations, the sonic scanning, electromagnetic scanning, light or X-ray penetration scanning, and other methods such as gas analysis do not require high costs for precise measurement and testing; they are low-cost devices that complement and process information collected by other devices. In some implementations, the internal online marking device requires consumables and is used in real time. Line marking; in some implementations, a camera is installed on the bottom of the independent processing support device or the edge of the flip-up panel on the trash can wall (or the bottom edge of the smart box shell) to take pictures of the trash can and the trash inside, as well as its overflow status; in some implementations, a voice output such as a speaker is installed, allowing users to operate the device via AI voice interaction, with voice prompts such as whether the user wants to take a picture of their trash and upload it as evidence, or that there is a risk if the trash is not properly tied up; in some implementations, the independent processing support device can be omitted, and the front disposal door can be opened and flipped inward to a horizontal position to hold the user's trash, and then flipped inward again to dispose of the trash in the lower trash can or storage compartment. All these functions, devices, and features described in the smart processing box section can be implemented directly and separately in the trash can without using an integrated smart box.

[0069] The modification of large garbage bins involves installing the integrated intelligent processing box, as described in this application, into the various sorting bins within existing large garbage bins. During the modification process, since there are currently no industry-standard dimensions for garbage disposal bins, a telescopic frame can be used. First, the telescopic frame is installed onto the large garbage bin, and then the intelligent processing box is installed onto the telescopic frame. Before modification, the large garbage bin merely serves as a container and outer shell. Because this intelligent processing box is portable and easy to install, its functions can be easily customized, adding or removing features. This intelligent processing box greatly enables flexible modification and customization of terminal equipment in the garbage disposal field, saving significant funds for social infrastructure and simplifying functional upgrades. In some implementation methods, once the market has standardized the dimensions of garbage bins, the intelligent processing box can achieve a lightweight drawer-type installation. In this case, installation simply involves inserting the drawer into a slotted rail; no screws or other fasteners are required. Replacement and maintenance are extremely simple, and replacement does not affect the continued use of the garbage bin.

[0070] The following is a description of the connectivity of the intelligent processing box. It's important to note that when not using the integrated intelligent processing box, and instead installing various functional components directly onto the waste bin, the connectivity is only different depending on whether they are installed on the box shell or the waste bin shell; everything else remains the same. Here, we take installation on the shell of the integrated intelligent processing box as an example: A space can be reserved at the rear of the box, such as the aforementioned marking machine compartment, for installing the electrical control box and marking machine. The electrical control box contains a power supply and computing unit, etc. The bottom of this space is enclosed in a shell for mounting and fixing the marking machine. The bottom of the front space of this space is not enclosed, used to accommodate and support the movement of independent processing support devices. If no marking machine is installed, to save internal space in the intelligent processing box, the electrical control box can also be installed outside the intelligent processing box, or it can be attached to some part of the internal shell of the intelligent processing box, thus eliminating this separate rear space. In addition to the openable and closable disposal door on the front panel, the intelligent processing box can also have a door installed on the rear panel for convenient production and maintenance, especially when a marking machine is installed. A rear space reserved for the marking machine, etc., is provided. In cases where space is limited, the thermal fusion strapping device requires a partition plate that protrudes forward in the lower middle and recesses backward on the top and sides. This partition plate is fixed to the inner side shells of the intelligent processing box. The marking machine and electrical control box can also be mounted behind this partition plate. If no rear space is reserved for the marking machine, this partition plate is not needed. Instead, a protruding plate is installed in the lower middle part of the rear panel of the intelligent processing box, forming a structure with grooves on the top and sides of the rear panel. The electrical control box can be mounted behind this protruding plate. The thermal fusion strapping device needs to be installed... These are fixed in the grooves of the partition or rear panel; the independent processing support device is installed and fixed at the bottom of the front space of the intelligent processing box's hot-melt strapping device, occupying the entire bottom area. If the hot-melt strapping device is not installed, the independent processing support device occupies the entire bottom area of ​​the intelligent processing box; other functional components are much smaller than the marking machine, hot-melt strapping device, etc., and are installed in suitable positions such as the top or side wall of the intelligent processing box; the strapping device can also be other strapping mechanisms instead of hot-melt strapping; the front of the intelligent processing box contains the delivery door, electromagnetic lock, and identity recognition module, etc. Embodiments of the present invention

[0071] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In reality, as long as both loose and bagged waste can be properly marked and traced to identify the disposer, it is not necessary to strictly adhere to the content of the above embodiment. For example, automating the marking of both loose and bagged waste is simply for the convenience of disposal; there is no need to impose strict measures. Restrictions such as prohibiting the disposal of loose waste, requiring loose waste to be bagged, requiring users to properly tie the bags before disposal, and using designated garbage bags with different serial numbers or text / patterns for identification are all feasible implementations, and may even be more effective. After effective marking, various analytical methods are implemented, followed by sorting to separate potentially problematic waste into independent spaces. Transport personnel can then only inspect these problematic wastes, thereby reducing the workload and promoting thorough inspection. Supporting these operations are software programs: server-side software, software on the disposer's mobile phone or other smart devices, and software on the transport personnel's mobile phone or other smart devices. The coordination of these software programs is crucial for the system's operation.

[0072] Due to size limitations, trash cans cannot accept oversized waste. For bulky waste, sensors such as proximity sensors, microphones, cameras with identification modules, and vibration sensors are used for external detection. When a person is detected approaching, the microphone and camera collect external audio and video information, which, combined with vibration data from littering, helps determine if waste has been disposed of outside the trash can. If so, a voice prompt is played, and the trash can's display screen prompts the user to confirm their identity. If the user does not confirm their identity, or the determination is incorrect and no waste was disposed of, the collected audio and vibration data is uploaded to a big data database and stored until the trash can is processed by sanitation workers or inspection personnel.

[0073] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, or alterations made by those skilled in the art using the disclosed technical content shall fall within the protection scope of this application. Industrial applicability

[0074] The greatest practicality of the technology used in this application is the true realization of waste sorting. Based on this comprehensive practicality, the actual products can be categorized according to whether the aforementioned technologies are used fully or partially during implementation. The first generation is a simple product with only photographic technology; the second generation is a more stringent product with automatic labeling of bagged waste; the third generation includes automatic bundling; the fourth generation adds automatic analysis capabilities; and the fifth generation adds automatic sorting capabilities. This categorization significantly enhances the practicality of products with varying cost and performance requirements.

Claims

1. An information technology-based environmental protection garbage disposal method, characterized by: Applying to an intelligent garbage can, one or more cameras, marking machines, bundling devices, and other devices are installed in the garbage can; Users can put in any scattered garbage and bagged garbage, and there is no restriction on the use of garbage bags or the need to pack scattered garbage with garbage bags when putting it in; Users need to put in the garbage after passing through the identity-related information or phone number recognition on the garbage can, and then put it in according to the voice prompt of the garbage can or the prompt of the user's service software to select the type of garbage to be put in. After selection, the garbage can automatically opens the corresponding door; Then the garbage is operated and processed, and the operation of the garbage put in by a user includes one or more of the following processes: single-angle or multi-angle photography, AI identification of scattered garbage, automatic real-time marking of bagged garbage, and bundling of bagged garbage without self-bundling by the user. The intelligent processing unit of the garbage can analyzes and processes one or more of the collected image(s) or label information, or uploads it to a remote server with stronger processing capability for processing, recording, and returning some information to the garbage can. The recorded content includes the identity-related information of the putter, the phone number, the geographic location information, and the related information of the put-in garbage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Including: The garbage can is installed with one or more of the following devices: weighing devices, ultrasonic scanning devices, electromagnetic scanning devices, light or ray penetrating scanning devices, gas or odor analysis devices, sorting mechanical arms, and horizontally running transport-type tray devices between each put-in port; The garbage can processes the garbage put in by a single user independently, including one or more of the following processes: weighing, ultrasonic scanning, electromagnetic scanning, light or ray penetrating scanning, gas or odor analysis; The intelligent processing unit of the garbage can analyzes and processes one or more of the following information: weight information, sound scanning information, electromagnetic scanning information, light or ray penetrating scanning information, gas composition or odor information, or uploads it to a remote server with stronger processing capability for processing, recording, and returning some information to the garbage can.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, Including: The independent processing support device supports independent processing of the garbage thrown by a user. Otherwise, the corresponding various processes in the present application cannot be well implemented. After the independent processing is completed, the garbage is automatically operated by the garbage can and put into each corresponding garbage can or storage bag in the garbage can, and is mixed and stored with the garbage thrown by others. In order to increase the use volume of the centralized garbage can or storage bag in the lower space of the garbage can as much as possible, after the garbage thrown by a single user is independently processed by the garbage can, if the independent processing support device is a tray device, the tray device is moved to a vertical state to the side to make the garbage fall; if it is a flap device, a double-leaf flap is used to minimize the space required for downward turning; if it is a rolling device, L-shaped reciprocating motion or single-direction rotation can be performed; the tray and the flap can also not be used, and the independent processing of the garbage is performed by using the throwing door. After the throwing door is opened, it is turned to a horizontal state inside to hold the garbage thrown by the user. After the throwing processing is completed, the throwing door is further turned downward inside to put the garbage into the garbage can or storage bag below, and then the throwing door is turned upward to close.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The user throwing operation is first thrown on the independent processing support device for independent processing. The throwing operation of the support thrower or user can be corrected and can be rolled back. The throwing behavior after the throwing is supported by the software and hardware technology. The information processing result of the server can be fed back to the intelligent garbage can. The garbage can also rely on its own intelligent processing unit to process information. According to the characteristics that the thrown garbage is independently processed and has not been put into the garbage can or storage bag below the throwing port, the user can be prompted whether the throwing is wrong or whether it is taken out according to the processing result. If you want to take it out, the garbage can automatically opens the throwing door again to take out the garbage. The user himself can find the error in time and inform the garbage can to open the throwing door again to take out the garbage through the interaction with the garbage can. The density of the thrown garbage is measured, calculated and analyzed. The collected garbage weight and image information is uploaded to the big data server for AI recognition and calculation processing, or the garbage can intelligent unit is processed, which supports stereoscopic imaging. The volume is calculated according to the image. The stereoscopic imaging of more than two angles will make the calculation more accurate. The density is calculated according to the weight. The calculated density value is used to determine whether the classification attribute of the garbage is correct or completely correct. The big data server or other type of server drives the network formed by many similar garbage cans to interact, learn and evolve as a whole. Ultrasonic analysis, electromagnetic analysis, light or ray penetration scanning analysis, gas composition or odor analysis do not require high-cost equipment. However, under the premise that the same low-cost components are widely used, the data generated has mutual reference and mutual reference. A large network composed of countless intelligent garbage cans and servers using this method forms a powerful intelligent agent that gradually corrects and learns itself according to historical data composed of past judgments and feedbacks, and gradually increases the accuracy of judgment in use.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ 6. The method of claim 1, wherein, ​ The garbage can or server analyzes the obtained information, and if it is determined that the garbage disposal is problematic, it prompts the user whether to take it out. If the user does not take out the garbage that is prompted as an error, the garbage can uses intelligent processing. The garbage can itself can automatically sort the disposed garbage or mark the disposed garbage specially to reduce the workload of the garbage inspection personnel. A transport type tray mechanism is used for sorting. A garbage can has multiple tanks. Each tank processes and stores a classified garbage. The transport type tray that can shuttle and move in parallel in each classified tank is used to support the independent processing of the garbage disposed by a single user. Multiple garbage can tanks can have one or more disposal openings. After the processing is completed, the tray moves in parallel to transport the garbage to the corresponding type of garbage can or storage bag above. The tray is then flipped to dispose the garbage into the garbage can or storage bag. Alternatively, a corresponding position mechanical baffle falls from the top of the garbage can. After the tray continues to move in parallel, it is scraped by the baffle and falls into the lower garbage can or storage bag. The entire garbage can can be provided with only one disposal door, one set of marking machine, one set of bundling device, and one set of sound, light and electromagnetic processing equipment. After the garbage information is obtained and processed, the user selects the type of garbage to be disposed. The tray transports the garbage to the corresponding type of tank below the garbage can or storage bag. This arrangement can save space and the overall manufacturing cost of the garbage can. A garbage can or storage bag independent of each garbage category can also be provided. When the disposed garbage is identified or analyzed as being incorrect, the parallel moving tray in the garbage can transports the suspicious garbage to this garbage can or storage bag. The sorting personnel focus on checking the garbage in this garbage can or storage bag to simplify the surface, mechanism and sorting work of the garbage can. If the transport type tray mechanism is not used, each tank has its own independent processing device such as a tray or a flap. A set of mechanical arms and grippers are installed in the disposal opening of each tank. When the disposed garbage is identified or determined as being incorrect, the mechanical gripper picks up the garbage before the tray or flap drops the garbage below. After the tray or flap is in a vertical state, the garbage is brought to the gap beside the garbage can or storage bag and is disposed into the garbage can or storage bag. The sorting personnel focus on checking the garbage outside the garbage can or storage bag to simplify the sorting work. If no sorting device is installed, one or more of the following processes can be performed: special marking of the user information of the disposal behavior, special marking of the garbage can or storage bag, special marking of the picture of the disposed scattered garbage, special marking on the disposed bagged garbage, or only marking the problematic bagged garbage. The garbage inspection personnel check the garbage in the corresponding garbage can or storage bag to simplify the sorting work.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The application includes: Utilizing the characteristics of certain garbage bag materials that will automatically adhere together under heat, an automated mechanism is set up in the garbage can to use a hot melt method to bundle the bagged garbage, without human intervention, without using or assisting in the use of any consumable materials, the hot melt bundling device uses one or more heating heads, and configures motion control mechanism and motion control algorithm to gradually move these heating heads to the upper part of the bagged garbage, so that the garbage bag closest to the part with garbage is bundled, the heating power of multiple heating heads gradually increases from bottom to top, that is, from the place closest to the garbage, where the garbage bag has the maximum tension, to the place farthest away, where the tension is the smallest; The automatic bundling of bagged garbage in the garbage can can also be designed and set up with specific software, and the garbage can can automatically use the voice function, display device, or interact with the smart device carried by the user to prompt or remind the user to bundle the bagged garbage before throwing it away. If the user does not actively bundle the bagged garbage, it may have adverse consequences.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, Including: The marking of scattered garbage is one or more different angle cameras taking one or more photos and saving for analysis and comparison; The marking of bagged garbage can use a marking machine for sex marking, or use the same method as scattered garbage to mark and record, saving the marking machine, so that there is no distinction between bagged garbage and scattered garbage, and they are all unified by taking photos and saving; When using a marking machine to mark bagged garbage, in order to make the marking surface as flat as possible, the print head of the marking machine is separated from the garbage bag by a grid separator with one or more window holes, the size of the window hole and the keel between the window holes are determined according to the properties of the marking head. The marking machine controls the marking head to mark in the window hole, and automatically calculates the marking motion path data in the cross-window marking, automatically lifts the marking head to cross the keel between the window holes. A window hole can be very small, only marked as a point, and the entire window hole matrix is a dot matrix, which can make the marking surface as uniform as possible, and is more convenient for marking calculation and analysis; The bagged garbage marking machine does not use any consumables, and marks in the form of sparse dot matrix, uses mechanical drilling method to form points, the drill used for drilling is conical, and the size of the hole is determined by the depth. Each point in the dot matrix can be composed of many small points; Without using a marking machine, the method of marking scattered garbage and bagged garbage using the same method of taking photos is based on the premise that the outer surface of the bagged garbage of different users in the same garbage can or storage bag is different to some extent. These differences include garbage bag color, garbage bag patterns, text and size, even if you don't use a tray or a flipping device to handle garbage from a certain user independently, but mix the garbage from each user directly together, you can still record and process the differences through the comparison of the photos before and after the garbage is thrown away. This can be a simple method to sacrifice accuracy in order to save costs.

9. The method according to claims 1-8, the present application provides a smart processing box device for modifying the existing garbage can, characterized in that, Including: The method and corresponding functional components of claims 1-8 are integrated into a separate box, which is directly embedded into the laid waste bin as a whole, making it intelligent, with classification and credit management functions, and achieving the purpose of on-site modification without moving; the shape and size of the box can be customized, mainly square and trapezoidal, and the size is basically equivalent to the space of the upper drop port of most intelligent waste bins; the bottom of the box is a tray or a flap installed at the edge of the bottom of the box, the flap is suitable for square and trapezoidal structures, and the tray is generally only used for square structures; the tray and the flap are in parallel with the bottom surface during most standby time, which closes the space of the box to the outside, making the device look like a closed box; because the size of the garbage can is often not the same, for adaptability, a telescopic frame can be used to install the intelligent processing box on the telescopic frame after installing the telescopic frame on the garbage can.

10. The method of claims 1-8 and the apparatus of claim 9, wherein, Also includes: For the purpose of improving the sorting effect, that is, using the tray for horizontal movement between the interiors of each garbage can, the box for modification needs to remove the bottom tray or flap, and the side walls on both sides of the drop door, and install a controllable movement of the baffle between the drop and the lift in the box interior for scraping off the garbage, and after installation, it can be embedded into each drop port of the garbage can, and at the same time, the guide rail and motor for the horizontal movement of the tray can be installed at the drop port of the garbage can, and the guide rail can also be installed in sections; the modular box is only used for intelligent and independent processing of garbage, and does not store, the original garbage can only serves as a container and a shell, which is easy to modify the old garbage can, and easy to expand, replace and maintain the function.

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