Waste sorting and collection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) and a method for sorting waste (10), wherein the device (1) comprises: an inlet port (2) for waste inside the device (1), a main chamber (4) preferably comprising a second platform (40), divided into a plurality of sectors (41), the sectors (41) including a first sector (41a) adapted to receive the waste (10) coming from the inlet port (2), and further sectors (41b) adapted to receive waste of different types, for example recyclable, second inspection means (42) adapted to inspect at least the first sector (41a), collection and transport means (43), configured and adapted to collect the waste (10) from the first sector (41a) and to place it in one of the further sectors (41b), electronic control means (6), functionally connected at least to the second inspection means (42) and to the collection and transport means (43), the control means (6) being adapted to implement artificial intelligence algorithms based on deep learning models for classifying the type of waste (10) and to control the collection and transport means (43) to transport the waste (10) to a specific said further sector (41b).

Description

Waste sorting and collection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste sorting and collection device .State of the artWaste management is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time . Separate collection is an essential method to improve recycling and reduce waste destined for landfills , but the overall results remain unsatisfactory . According to Eurostat , in 2020 only 47% of municipal waste produced in Europe was recycled, while the rest ended up in landfills or incinerators . This gap between ideal separate collection and daily practice highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve waste management , especially in complex environments such as airports , stations , and other high-traffic hubs .Over time, various technological solutions have been developed to address the problem of waste management . The first innovations concerned containers with separate compartments for the collection of paper, plastic, glass and organic waste, intended to facilitate separate collection . However, these systems required users to manually separate waste, an operation that was often ineffective, especially in public and high-trafficsettings .Subsequently, waste sorting devices were introduced consisting of containers equipped with sensors to monitor the filling levels of the bins , allowing for more efficient waste collection management . These devices allowed collection teams to intervene only when necessary, thus reducing operating costs . Similar devices are described, for example, in patent application EP 3992591 Bl .The described prior art includes some important drawbacks . In particular, the waste sorting devices described, while representing a logistical improvement , do not solve the problem of the correct separation of waste at the source .Purpose and object of the invention

[0002] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and a system that solves the problems and overcomes the drawbacks of the known technique .

[0003] The object of this invention is a method and a system according to the attached claims .Detailed description of examples of the invention ' s embodimentList of Figures

[0004] The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :- Figure 1 shows a device for sorting waste accordingto an embodiment of the invention .

[0005] It is specified here that elements of different embodiments can be combined together to provide further embodiments without limits , respecting the technical concept of the invention, as the average technician in the field understands without problems from what is described .

[0006] This description also refers to the technique known for it s implementation, with regard to the detailed features not described, such as , for example, elements of minor importance usually used in the technique known in solutions of the same type .

[0007] When an element is introduced, it is always understood that it can be "at least one" or "one or more" .

[0008] When a list of elements or features is listed in this description, it is understood that the invention according to the invention " comprises" or alternatively " is composed of" such elements .

[0009] When listing features within the same sentence or bulleted list , one or more of the individual features may be included in the invention without connection to the other features in the list .

[0010] In this document , the measurements, values , shapes , and geometric references ( such as perpendicularity and parallelism) , when associated with words such as "approximately" or other similar terms such as "almost" or " substantially" , are to be understood as less than measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all,less than a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference to which it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation of no more than 10% of the value itself.

[0011] Furthermore, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "main" and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between different components .

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, as is clear from the following discussions, terms such as "processing", "information technology", "determination", "calculation", or the like, are considered to refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and / or memories in, other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information .

[0013] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered as having been carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975) .Forms of implementation

[0014] With reference to the Figures , the waste sorting device according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1 . It is configured and suitable for sorting and temporarily containing waste 10 . The waste 10 can be in aggregate form, therefore it is aggregate waste 10b, or in single form, therefore it is single waste 10a . The individual waste 10a is individually structurally unitary and cannot be substantially further subdivided except by resorting to mechanical cutting or separation operations . Aggregate waste 10b consists of a typically heterogeneous group of individual waste 10a that can be included in a bag or other type of container or simply placed next to each other .

[0015] The waste sorting device 1 preferably comprises an input port 2 , into which the waste 10 can be introduced by a user and brought from the external environment to the device 1 . The input port 2 is preferably the highest portion of the device 1 and preferably faces an input chamber 20 . Preferably, the input port 2 is functionally combined with recognition means 21 , such as a video camera or the like, configured for and capable of automatically opening the input port 2 when the waste is placed next to it .

[0016] Preferably, the waste 10 is transferred to an initial chamber 3 , preferably immediately below the input chamber 20 . The transfer preferably takes place by gravity and preferably automatically, more preferably through a first automatically operable door 22 . Afterthe transfer has taken place, the input port 2 is preferably automatically closed .

[0017] The initial chamber 3 preferably comprises an initial mobile platform 30 , preferably rotating . The initial mobile platform 30 is configured for and adapted to transport the waste 10 to a first processing area 30a, so as to leave a second receiving area 30b free for further waste from the input chamber 20 . Separation means 31 are preferably present in the initial chamber 3 , configured for and adapted to open and / or separate any aggregate waste 10b . They can be, for example, blades , movable or fixed, pliers , spreaders and the like . They are therefore configured for and capable of separating, at least partially, aggregate waste 10b, in particular when present inside a bag . The separation means 31 are preferably present exclusively in the first proces sing zone 30a .

[0018] It should be noted that the " separation means" ( 31 ) may consist , by way of example but not limited to, of fixed or movable blades , pliers , spreaders , ultrasonic systems , compressed air jets , or other devices suitable for separating or opening aggregate waste .

[0019] The initial chamber 3 also preferably comprises initial inspection means 33 for the waste 10 , such as a video camera . The initial chamber 3 also preferably comprises a second port 32 , communicating with a main chamber 4 . The second door 32 is preferably opened automatically by the system following the possible action of the separation means 31 .

[0020] The main chamber 4 preferably comprises a main platform 40 , preferably movable and preferably rotating, divided into a plurality of sectors 41 . Said plurality of sectors 41 are preferably comprised in a number between 3 and 6, more preferably equal to 4 . In one variant , the main platform 40 can be made as a plurality of conveyor belts arranged circumferentially or linearly, each associated with a sector 41 .

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the main chamber 4 can functionally interact both with the initial chamber 3 , from which it receives the waste through the second door 3 ) , and possibly with the next chamber 5 , to which it transfers the sorted waste through the third door 44 . This sequential configuration ensures an orderly workflow and reduces the risk of contamination between the different waste fractions .

[0022] A first sector 41a is configured for and adapted to receive the waste 10 coming from the inlet port 2 and in particular from the initial chamber 3 . In this sector, there are also preferably main inspection devices 42 , such as a video camera or similar . The main inspection means 42 are configured for and adapted to inspect at least the first sector 41a and preferably all sectors 41 .

[0023] The additional sectors 41b, i . e . the sectors 41 not constituted by the first sector 41a, are configured for and adapted to accommodate waste 10 of a different type, preferably of a differentiable or recyclable type, in particular one or more of paper, glass , plastic, organic .

[0024] The main chamber 4 also preferably comprises collection and transport means 43 , configured for and capable of collecting waste 10 , preferably individual 10a, from the first sector 41a and distributing it in the appropriate further sector 41b . The collection and transport means may consist of a movable gripper or the like .

[0025] The " collection and transport means" 43 may include a movable gripper, an articulated robotic arm, a suction cup system, a conveyor belt , or a combination of such devices , depending on the application requirements and the size of the waste to be handled .

[0026] There is also preferably a subsequent chamber 5 , preferably below the main chamber 4 and including containers 51 (a plurality of containers or at least one container) for the waste 10 , in particular one container for each of said sectors 41 . There is also a third door 44 , configured for and adapted to connect at least one sector 41 with at least one container 51 so that the waste 10 contained in the single sector 41 is trans ferred to the container 51 . The containers 51 can also be arranged on a subsequent mobile platform 52 . The third door 44 may be one or more than one . I f the platforms 40 and / or 52 are movable, the sectors 41 and / or the containers 51 can be aligned and aligned with the third door 44 . In a further variant , the containers ( 51 ) can be removable individually or in groups , and can be equipped with wheels or handles to facilitate their handling .

[0027] The next chamber 5 also preferably comprises subsequent inspection means (not shown) , preferably configured to check whether the containers 51 are full or not . The next chamber 5 also comprises an emptying opening 53 , to access the next chamber 5 and pick up the containers 51 .

[0028] The device 1 also preferably comprises a liquid management apparatus , preferably consisting of a drainage channel and a special container that upstream start from a drain, with appropriate slopes , present in the inlet chamber 20 and / or in the initial chamber 3 .

[0029] The device 1 also comprises the first control means 6, preferably of an electronic type, such as an electronic computer, for example a PC or similar . They are functionally connected to the inspection tools present , in particular to the initial inspection tools 33 , to the subsequent inspection tools and to the main inspection tools 42 and also to the doors , platforms and collection and transport devices , to the separation tools 31 and to all the devices or elements described with the purpose of controlling them and / or receiving information from them .

[0030] The control means 6 can also be divided between the first control means 60 , on board the device 1 , and the second control means 61 , remote from the first control means 60 and connected to them and preferably consisting of electronic computers with higher computing capacities .

[0031] The control means 6 are also configured to implement artificial intelligence algorithms that havethe purpose of recognizing the type of waste 10 , in particular of individual waste 10a and separating it . Said artificial intelligence algorithms are preferably computer vision algorithms , in particular using the main inspection means 42 . These algorithms are preferably based on deep learning models for the visual classification of waste 10 , in particular of individual waste 10a .

[0032] There are preferably two distinct levels of classification : a first high-efficiency model, preferably performed by the first control means 60 , and a second high-accuracy model, activated in uncertain cases to optimize both future classifications and correct any errors in the initial classification, preferably implemented by the second control means 61 .

[0033] The first model, implemented on the first control means 60 , preferably includes deep learning algorithms based on a convolutional artificial neural network trained on a proprietary dataset in a supervised manner . The model is adapted to the visual domain of the customer ' s waste and periodically updated with new data . This system enables the smart bin to select waste even in the absence of an internet connection .

[0034] In doubtful cases , or in a randomly selected sample of non-doubtful cases , a multimodal artificial intelligence model preferably hosted on the second control means 61 intervenes . This model uses a shared representation space between images and text , allowing for the management of waste types not present in the proprietary dataset thanks to zero-shot technologies .Furthermore, this artificial intelligence is able to extrapolate additional information beyond that necessary for waste selection, which can be customized with reference to user requests .

[0035] This solution ensures high operational efficiency and greater precision, progressively improving thanks to the integration of new data and the ability to adapt to complex scenarios . The overall system is preferably trained and validated on a proprietary dataset of more than one hundred thousand images .

[0036] In detail, algorithms based on generative Al , and in particular Multimodal Large Language Model, have been developed on the server side in order to analyze the brands delivered to the smart bin . It will therefore be possible to provide statistics on this information as well, based on the customer ' s requests and interests .

[0037] The operation of device 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows . It defines an innovative waste sorting and collection process .

[0038] In this process , when a user has to dispose of waste 10 , for example, aggregate waste 10b, he approaches the input port 2 . The input port 2 , connected to the control means 6 and the recognition means 21 , preferably opens automatically . The user then places the waste in the input chamber 20 . The waste is then transferred to the initial chamber 3 through the first door 22 and the input door 2 is closed .

[0039] The waste 10 is therefore in the initial chamber 3 , in particular on the initial mobile platformin the reception area 30b . From here, it is automatically transferred to the first processing area 30a .

[0040] In the initial chamber 3 , if necessary, the separation devices 31 intervene, operated by the control devices 6 and by the initial inspection devices 33 . The separation tools , in particular, cut any bags or open boxes or other containers . Any liquids preferably end up in the appropriate drainage channel .

[0041] Subsequently, through the second door 32 , the waste 10 can be conveyed to the main chamber 4 , and in particular it reaches the first sector 41a of the main platform 40 . Here, through the main inspection means 42 and the control means 6 that use said artificial intelligence algorithms according to the methods described above, they recognize the possible presence of individual recyclable waste 10a . In this case, the collection and transport means collect the individual waste 10a and place it in the corresponding further sector . The operation is repeated until only unsorted waste remains in the first sector 41a .

[0042] The individual sectors 41 can then be emptied into the respective container 51 in the next chamber 5 . Finally, the next chamber 5 is periodically emptied, for example by municipal waste collectors .

[0043] Device 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages . In fact , it allows for the automatic differentiation of waste 10 that can be disposed of in the form of aggregate waste 10b . The algorithms and devices described have achieved, in arepresentative sample used as a test , an accuracy of over 90% in the selection of the type of waste .

[0044] Two or more of the parts (elements , devices , systems ) described above can be freely associated and considered as part kits according to the invention . In particular, the kit of parts for the construction of a device 1 for sorting waste 10 , comprises at least two of the following components :- an inlet port 2 configured to allow the introduction of waste 10 into the device 1 ;- a main chamber 4 comprising a main platform 40 divided into a plurality of sectors 41 , said sectors 41 including a first sector 41a configured to receive the waste 10 coming from the inlet port 2 and further sectors 41b adapted to receive different types of waste ;- main inspection apparatus 42 configured to inspect at least the first sector 41a;~ collection and transport means 43 configured to collect the waste 10 from the first sector 41a and place it in one of the other sectors 41b;~ electronic control means 6, functionally connected at least to the main inspection means 42 and to the collection and transport means 43 , said control means 6 being configured to implement artificial intelligence algorithms for classifying the type of waste 10 and for controlling the collection and transport means 43 so that they transport the waste 10 to a specific further sector 41b;- at least one container 51 for the collection of differentiated waste 10.List of numerical references1 : Waste sorting device2 : Input port3: Initial chamber4 : Main chamber5 : Next chamber6: Control means10: Waste10a: Individual waste10b: Aggregate waste20: Inlet chamber21: Means of recognition22 : First door30: Initial mobile platform30a: First processing area (of the initial platform)30b: Second reception area (of the initial platform)31: Separation means32 : Second door33: Initial inspection means40: Main platform41: Sectors (of the main platform)41a: First sector41b: Additional sectors42: Main inspection means43: Means of collection and transport44 : Third door51 : Containers52 : Subsequent mobile platform53 : Emptying opening60 : First control means (on board)61 : Second control means ( remote )Advantages of the invention

[0045] The device according to the invention introduces a radically innovative solution in the field of waste management , significantly overcoming the limits of traditional systems and known automatic devices . The advantages derive from an intelligent mechanical architecture, a hybrid control system, and a hierarchical classification strategy, which together create a completely autonomous , efficient , and reliable sorting process .

[0006] 1 . Complete Automation of the Sorting Process :Unlike traditional systems that rely on manual user separation, the invention offers complete automation of the sorting cycle, from reception to final collection :- Pre-treatment of Aggregate Waste : The most significant advantage lies in the device ' s ability to manage waste as it is delivered by the user, typically in aggregate form . An initial chamber, equipped with separation means specifically designed to open or cut the bags , solves the main problem of the known technique : the need for separation at the source . The device independently prepares the waste for the subsequent analysis phase .- High-Precision Robotic Classification and Collection : Thanks to main inspection means and artificial intelligence algorithms , the device recognizes with high accuracy the type of each individual waste . The process is made possible by the use of a movable gripper, which allows objects of variable shape and size to be precisely manipulated, picking them up from the input sector and placing them in the appropriate sector . This ensures complete and reliable automation, reducing errors and increasing the quality of separate collection . The use of multiple picking means (gripper, suction cup, robotic arm) allows adaptation to waste of different shapes and materials, increasing the versatility and accuracy of the selection .

[0047] 2 . Structural Architecture Optimized forEfficiency and Reliability : The device ' s mu 11 i - c h amb e r structure is designed to maximize workflow efficiency and prevent errors :- Physical Separation of Functions : The three-chamber architecture ( initial, main, subsequent ) creates a sequential and isolated workflow . A subsequent chamber, positioned below the main one and containing the final containers , physically separates the storage area from the active sorting area, preventing cross-contamination .~ Fast and Controlled Internal Logistics : The presence of a door for the transfer of waste guarantees a precise and controlled passage,maintaining the integrity of the collection . Efficiency is maximized by the use of a rotating main platform, which quickly positions each sector at the picking means , reducing cycle times . The division of the platform into a defined number of sectors ( from 3 to 6 ) allows each area to be dedicated to a specific type of waste, offering configuration flexibility according to the needs of the installation site . The adoption of a rotating or translating platform makes it possible to reduce the cycle times for sorting each waste to less than 5 seconds per operation, improving the productivity of the device compared to traditional systems .

[0048] 3 . Hybrid Control System for SuperiorPerformance : the claim of a distributed control architecture is a crucial strength .- Reliability and Offline Operation : By dividing the control means into a local unit on board and a remote unit , the device guarantees full operation even in the absence of an internet connection . Essential sorting functions are managed locally, ensuring uninterrupted service .~ Optimized Efficiency and Accuracy : This hybrid architecture implements a hierarchical Al strategy . The local model, optimized for efficiency, quickly manages most waste . The remote model, with higher computing power, intervenes only in doubtful cases , using more complex algorithms to ensure maximum accuracy . This approach perfectly balances speed and precision .- Continuous Learning and Scalability : The remote system can centralize data from a fleet of devices , constantly improving Al models and deploying updates . This creates an intelligent ecosystem that can adapt to new types of waste and improve its performance over time .

[0049] . Simplified Maintenance and AutomatedLogistics Management : the invention not only automates sorting, but also the operational management of the device :- Ergonomic Access for Emptying : the next chamber is equipped with a dedicated emptying opening, which allows easy and quick access to the containers for their removal, simplifying maintenance operations for employees .~ Autonomous Filling Monitoring : the presence of subsequent inspection means to check the level of the containers automates monitoring, allowing the device to autonomously signal the need for intervention and optimizing collection cycles .~ Optimized Collection Logistics : the containers are arranged on a subsequent mobile platform . This allows each container to be selectively aligned with the discharge port or the emptying opening, further simplifying maintenance operations and ensuring operational continuity even when emptying a single container .

[0050] In conclusion, the invention provides an end- to-end solution for separate collection, addressing not only the problem of classification, but also those ofpre-treatment , logistics management , and maintenance, with a level of intelligence and automation not found in the prior art .

[0051] In the foregoing, the preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that experts in the field will be able to make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (1) for sorting waste (10) comprising:- an inlet port (2) for waste inside the device (1) , a main chamber (4) preferably comprising a main platform (40) , divided into a plurality of sectors(41) , said sectors (41) including a first sector (41a) configured for and adapted to receive said waste (10) coming from said inlet port (2) , and further sectors (41b) adapted to receive waste of different types, for example recyclable,- main inspection means (42) configured for and adapted to inspect at least said first sector (41a) ,~ collection and transport means (43) , configured for and capable of collecting said waste (10) from said first sector (41a) and placing it in one of said further sectors (41b) ,~ electronic control means (6) , functionally connected at least to said main inspection means(42) and to said collection and transport means(43) , said control means (6) being configured for and adapted to implement artificial intelligence algorithms for classifying the type of said waste (10) and to control said collection and transport means (43) to transport said waste (10) to a specific said further sector (41b) .

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising an initial chamber (3) , upstream of said mainchamber (4) , including initial inspection means (33) functionally connected to said control means (6) and separation means (31) configured for and adapted to open and / or separate any aggregate waste (10) .

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said separation means (31) are configured for and adapted to open or cut a bag.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subsequent chamber (5) below said main chamber (4) including containers (51) for waste (10) divided by type.

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a main door (44) configured for and adapted to connect at least one of said sectors (41) with at least one of said containers (51) so that said waste (10) contained in said sector (41) is transferred to a specific container of said containers (51) .

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the subsequent chamber (5) comprises an emptying opening (53) for removing said containers (51) .

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 4-6, comprising subsequent inspection tools, preferably configured to check whether said containers (51) are full or not .

8. A device according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein said containers (51) are arranged on a subsequent mobile platform (52) .

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control means (6) comprise first control means (60) , on board said device (1) , and second remote control means (61) .

10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said control means (6) are configured to implement two distinct levels of classification: a first high-efficiency model, performed by said first control means (60) , and a second high-accuracy model, activated in uncertain cases to optimize both future classifications and correct any errors in the initial classification, implemented by said second control means (61) , wherein preferably said first high-efficiency model performed by the first control means is based on a supervised convolutional artificial neural network, and wherein optionally said second high-accuracy model implemented by the second control means is a multimodal artificial intelligence model that exploits a shared representation space between images and text.

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sectors (41) are placed on a main platform (40) of the mobile type.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein said main platform (40) of the mobile type is a rotating platform.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of sectors (41) is comprised of a number between 3 and 6, preferably 4 sectors .

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said collection and transport means (43) consist of a movable gripper.

15. Method for sorting waste (10) , comprising the following steps :• introducing the waste (10) into a device (1) through an inlet port (2) ;• transferring the waste (10) to a main chamber (4) comprising a main platform (40) divided into a plurality of sectors (41) , said sectors (41) including a first sector (41a) configured to receive the waste (10) coming from the input port (2) and further sectors (41b) suitable for receiving different types of waste;• inspecting at least the first sector (41a) by means of the main inspection devices (42) ;• classifying the type of waste (10) by means of artificial intelligence algorithms implemented by electronic control means (6) , functionally connected at least to the main inspection means• collecting the waste (10) from the first sector (41a) by means of collection and transport means (43) and placing it in one of the further sectors (41b) according to the classification carried out;• controlling the collection and transport means (43) through the control means (6) so that they transport the waste (10) to the specific further sector (41b) corresponding to the identified type.

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