A collection facility for receiving and inspecting containers

Abstract

The object of the invention is a collection facility for receiving and inspecting containers (1) with electronically readable codes and a method of receiving and inspecting containers by the collection facility, wherein the collection facility comprises a scanning device (2), a control unit (3), a collection bin (4) for receiving containers (1), a receiving opening (5) for forwarding containers (1) into the collection bin (4), a closure (6) for closing the receiving opening (5), and an actuator (7) for actuating and / or locking the closure (6). The scanning device (2) is communicatively connected with the control unit (3) and the control unit (3) is configured to control the actuator (7) based on data scanned, by the scanning device (2), from the electronically readable codes. The collection facility further comprises an inspecting chamber (8) comprising a body (9) with an entrance (10) for receiving containers (1) from the receiving opening (5) and with an exit (11) for directing the containers (1) to the collection bin (4), and a camera (12) for visual inspection of objects, the objects being located inside the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8), wherein the collection facility further comprises an image recognition module (13) communicatively connected with the camera (12) and with the control unit (3). The control unit (3) is configured to identify whether an object inside the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8) is a container (1) belonging to the collection bin (4) or is a foreign object, based on data from the image recognition module (13). For containers (1) belonging to the collection bin (4), the control unit (3) or the image recognition module (13) is further configured to compare a container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) with a container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13).

Description

[0001] A collection facility for receiving and inspecting containers

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a collection facility for receiving and inspecting containers, in particular used containers with an electronically readable code and a refundable deposit, wherein the collection facility solves the problems with the container management, in particular with an effective verification that the condition for returning of the container has been met.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Current environmental management systems, commonly known as Deposit Return Systems (DRS), use an approach where consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing certain items, such as bottles, cans, or other containers, and the deposit is refunded when the customer returns the used container to a designated collection facility. Such a collection facility usually comprises a collection bin provided with an inlet opening and a system for validating that the requirements for the returning of the container and / or paying of the refundable deposit are met. Recently, containers are assigned with electronically readable code carrying the essential information about the container.

[0006] Document IN202241045381 A discloses a system for collection of used containers with a unique code. The collection facility of said system comprises a device for scanning the codes and a collection bin with a closeable inlet opening for receiving the containers. The main disadvantage of such a collection facility is that the refundable deposit is paid after the code has been scanned and validated, wherein the collection facility cannot prevent frauds when a different container is inserted after the deposit had been paid.

[0007] Another collection facility for receiving and analyzing used plastic containers is disclosed in document KR102383115 B1 describing an apparatus with an inlet opening and an identification unit with a dark chamber for a visual analysis of the containers, wherein the dark chamber comprises a light source and a camera located inside the dark chamber. However, this apparatusdoes not provide any reliable means to check that the refundable deposit of the plastic container can be paid and any potential fraud is avoided.

[0008] Document CN220095192U U discloses a sorting line for plastic bottles, the sorting line comprising a conveyor and a darkroom unit for a visual analysis of the bottles, the darkroom unit comprising a camera and two light sources located along the sides of the walls to provide uniform illumination in the darkroom. This document does not solve any technical problems related to the return of used containers with electronically readable codes and the eligibility of the refundable deposit to be paid.

[0009] The main disadvantage of the existing collection facilities is that they do not sufficiently control all the conditions for the return of the container and / or the conditions for the payment of the deposit, and therefore do not prevent the fraudulent use of the codes and the unauthorized payment of the refundable deposits. The above-mentioned collection facilities do not allow for real-time control of the return of the container material and / or compliance with legal requirements.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] The above shortcomings are to some extent eliminated by collection facility for receiving and inspecting containers with electronically readable codes, the collection facility comprising a scanning device, a control unit, a collection bin for receiving containers, a receiving opening for forwarding containers into the collection bin, a closure for closing the receiving opening and an actuator for closing and / or locking the closure. The control unit is communicatively connected with the scanning device and the control unit is configured to control the actuator based on the data scanned, by the scanning device, from the electronically readable codes. The collection facility further comprises an inspecting chamber comprising a body with an entrance for receiving containers from the receiving opening and an exit for directing the containers into the collection bin, and a camera for visual inspection of objects, the objects being located inside the body of the inspecting chamber. The collection facility further comprises an image recognition module communicatively connected with the camera and with the control unit. The control unit is configured to identify whether an object inside the body of the inspecting chamber is a container belonging to the collection bin or is a foreign object, based on data from the image recognition module. The control unit or the image recognition module is, for containers belonging to the collection bin, further configured to compare a container characteristic obtained by the scanning device with a container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module.The collection facility is designed to receive containers through the receiving opening, guide the containers through the inspecting chamber and finally direct the containers into the collection bin, wherein the containers can be visually analyzed by the camera located inside / outside the inspecting chamber. The containers are assigned an electronically readable code, and, preferably, a refundable deposit to be paid at the time of returning the container at the collection facility. The collection facility, or the control unit thereof, can verify the eligibility of the container to be returned at the collection facility and verify the eligibility of the refundable deposit to be paid, wherein the verification can be carried out and ensured in several ways.

[0012] The electronically readable code of the container can be scanned by the scanning device and the information from the code, e.g. the container characteristics, can be checked by the control unit, wherein the visual analysis of the container in the inspecting chamber can act as an additional means of inspecting the container. The control unit of the collection facility can thus verify that the characteristics of the container received match the information scanned from the electronically readable code, i.e. that the correct container or container material has been inserted into the receiving opening.

[0013] The above features of the collection facility allow for an improved inspection of the containers directly at the collection facility, i.e. before the containers are sorted on a sorting line at a waste management or recycling facility. Another advantage of such a collection facility is that an optimal processing or destination of each individual container can be determined directly at the collection facility, wherein the collection facility can also identify those containers that are not eligible for returning or recycling or payment of the refundable deposit.

[0014] The improved analysis of each individual container can also help to determine a subsequent handling or destination of the container, e.g. whether the container should be cleaned, reused, recycled or landfilled. The image recognition module can also identify contamination of the container, e.g. that a plastic container still contains an excessive amount of liquid. The image recognition module can also identify a foreign object inserted into the receiving opening. The control unit can report any of said events to another device in communicative connection with the control unit, and / or warn the staff of the collection unit (e.g. with a sound or light signal), and / or temporarily suspend the operation of the whole collection facility or any element thereof (scanning device, closure, actuator, etc.).

[0015] The control unit is communicatively connected with the scanning device and with the actuator for locking the closure of the receiving opening, wherein the control unit can receive information from the scanning device and subsequently control locking of the closure, e.g. the opening and closing movement of the closure. The control unit thus controls whether the receivingopening is open, and containers can be inserted, or whether the receiving opening is closed, and containers (and other objects) cannot be inserted into the receiving opening.

[0016] The closure can be a flap, or a shutter attached to the structure of the receiving opening and used to cover the receiving opening in order to prevent objects from being inserted into the receiving opening. The closure can be pivotably mounted to the receiving opening and move in a rotational movement. The closure can be slidable. The actuator for actuating and / or locking the closure can be a device used to move the closure, e.g., a piston rod. Preferably, the actuator can move and also lock the position of the closure in a preferred position of the closure with respect to the receiving opening. Alternatively, the actuator can comprise two components, wherein one of the components is used to move the closure and the second component is used to lock the position of the closure.

[0017] The control unit, the scanning device and the receiving opening with the closure and the actuator may be located directly on the collection bin, the collection bin being a free-standing collection bin located outdoors or indoors, e.g. in a supermarket or other retail facility. The collection facility may be located in a special place of the retail facility, the control unit and the scanning device being physically separated from the collection bin, e.g. by a wall in which the receiving opening is made. The collection bin can be therefore hidden behind the wall and not available to the user, the closure and the actuator can also be located on the back of the wall. The scanning device and the control unit can be parts of a single device fixedly installed at the collection facility. The scanning device can be a mobile device that is communicatively connected with the control unit, e.g. a handheld scanner, tablet, smartphone of the user etc.

[0018] The collection facility can be adapted to receive only one type of container, e.g. only plastic container, wherein the collection facility comprises only one collection bin. The collection facility can comprise two or more collection bins, e.g. separate collection bins for containers made from different materials. This collection facility can further comprise a sorting mechanism to direct each returned container into the right collection bin, wherein the sorting mechanism is controlled by the control unit of the collection facility. Based on the visual analysis of each container by the camera, the control unit can distinguish the material of the container and then direct the container into the collection bin for plastic containers or into the collection bin for metal containers etc.

[0019] A container is any type of receptacle used for carrying alimentary or non-alimentary content, wherein the container is eligible to be returned at the collection facility in order to be recycled, reused or refilled. The container is assigned an electronically readable code applied on the container and intended to be scanned by the scanning device of the collection facility. A container refers particularly to a bottle or a can, but it is not limited thereto, a container may alsobe a crate, a box, ajar etc. Such containers may be made of various materials, e.g. plastic, glass, metal or mixed materials.

[0020] An electronically readable code may be a barcode, Data Matrix code, QR code, micro QR code, RFID tag, NFD tag or any other type of code that can be read by an optical or other scanning device. The electronically readable code can be applied to the individual container by printing, engraving, gluing, embossing, embedding in the material of the container, etc. and it can be applied to any part of the container, preferably to a non-deformable part of the container which ensures that the code remains readable even if the container is crumpled. The electronically readable code may therefore be applied to a lid or a cap of the container, or to the bottom of the container.

[0021] The electronically readable code can carry various information, e.g. about the status of the code and / or about the container characteristics (e.g. material, shape, size, color, producer, volume, content, origin of the container, reusability of the container, number of cycles of use of the container etc.). The electronically readable code can carry information about a refundable deposit of the container, wherein this refundable deposit can be paid to the user by the collection facility if all the requirements for the reimbursement are met and verified by the collection facility. This verification can be made during communication of the collection facility with an external entity. The electronically readable code is preferably a unique code different for each container. The status of the code can be “activated”, which means it is eligible for return and / or refund, or “deactivated”, which means it is eligible for return but not refund. The eligibility of the container for return and / or refund for a particular status of the code can be tailored to each collection facility and return scheme.

[0022] The collection facility comprises the inspecting chamber for visual analysis of objects located in the inspecting chamber. The inspecting chamber comprises the body of the inspecting chamber, wherein the analyzed object is located inside the body, wherein the camera can be installed inside the body of the inspecting chamber or outside the body of the inspecting chamber. The camera can be attached to the outer wall of the body to scan objects inside the body of the inspecting chamber. The camera thus does not have to be inside the inspecting chamber but can capture images of objects passing through the inspecting chamber. E.g., the camera can be outside of the inspecting chamber but is oriented towards the inspecting chamber.

[0023] The body of the inspecting chamber can comprise a number of walls and can be of any shape, e.g. a cube, a cylinder or a cuboid, wherein two opposite walls of the body can form the entrance and the exit of the body. The entrance can be made in one of the side walls of the body, wherein the exit can be made in the bottom side of the body. The wall of the body comprising the entrance can be adjacent to the receiving opening, e.g. connected to the frame of the receivingopening. The exit of the body can be adjacent to the collection bin. The exit of the body can be directly connected to the collection bin. The exit of the body can be aligned with the collection bin so that the containers can fall from the inspecting chamber directly into the collection bin. The collection facility can further comprise a transporting means for transporting containers from the receiving opening to the inspecting chamber, and / or transporting means for transporting containers from the inspecting chamber to the collection bin.

[0024] The receiving opening is intended to receive containers with codes that have been scanned. However, the user can scan the code and then insert a container with a different code or even insert a foreign object. The inspecting chamber and the image recognition module are therefore adapted for visual inspection of any object received in the body of the inspection chamber, e.g. for determination whether the inserted object is a container or a foreign object (e.g., any object which is not a container belonging to the collection bin(s)). Forwarding the object from the receiving opening to the inspecting chamber can be ensured by gravity directly during the receiving of the object, i.e. the inspecting chamber is installed right behind the receiving opening and the object is forwarded to the inspecting chamber by dropping the object into the receiving opening (by the user). Forwarding the object from the receiving opening to the inspecting chamber can be ensured by an additional conveying means.

[0025] The inspecting chamber is designed to inspect the objects during the travelling path of the objects from the receiving opening, preferably during the travelling path of the object directly into the collection bin. The movement of the objects towards the collection bin can be ensured by gravity, i.e. the entire body of the inspecting chamber can be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, or it might comprise an inclined bottom surface oriented towards the collection bin. Preferably, the slope of the interior bottom surface of the body is adjustable to regulate the speed of the object moving through the body. In other words, the entire body of the inspection chamber or the bottom of the body can be tilted to facilitate the movement of the object through the body. The tilt can be set when the inspection chamber is installed. Alternatively, the tilt can be changed during an interruption in the operation of the collection point. Alternatively, the tilt can be changed automatically during the operation of the collection point, e.g., the control unit can be connected with a special actuator to move the position of the body of the inspecting chamber / bottom of the body. The automatic tilt can be used to set a preferred speed for the objects moving through the body of the inspecting chamber and to improve the conditions for image capturing. The tilt can be automatically regulated by the control unit, wherein the tilt can be set higher for plastic containers and lower for glass containers. Preferably, the interior bottom surface of the body is smooth to facilitate the movement of the object through the body.

[0026] The interior bottom surface of the body can comprise calibration marks used for an automatic calibration of the camera analyzing the inside of the inspecting chamber. Themovement of the objects towards the collection bin can be ensured by a driven element, e.g. by a conveyor belt etc. The body of the inspecting chamber can be partly open, i.e. the exit of the body adjacent to the collection bin can be an opening corresponding to the entire surface of this wall of the body, this wall forming the exit can thus be omitted. The wall with the exit of the body can comprise an outlet opening for dropping the containers into the collection bin. The outlet opening for dropping the containers into the collection bin can be closable by another closure.

[0027] The camera can be a global shutter camera that can capture an image of fast-moving items. The camera is communicatively connected with the image recognition module can comprise an Al software for analyzing the image captured by the camera. The image recognition module can be an external computer device, wherein the device can be located in the vicinity of the camera or at a remote place from the collection facility. The image recognition module can be an integral part of the camera (an intelligent camera). The image recognition module can be an integral part of the control unit, i.e. the control unit can comprise several modules, wherein one of the modules is the image recognition module.

[0028] The camera can be connected with the control unit directly or indirectly, e.g. via the image recognition module. The communication between the elements (the control unit, camera, actuator, image recognition module) can be wired or wireless. The camera and the image recognition module are adapted to capture and analyze the image of any object located inside the body of the inspecting chamber, in particular the containers in terms of its material, color, size, shape, reflectivity, damage, content, contamination and other characteristics of a container.

[0029] Generally, a container characteristic(s) obtained by the image recognition module can be any feature(s) usable by the image recognition module to distinguish different types of containers or distinguish a container from other objects or to determine a state of the container (especially damage, cleanness, or emptiness of the container). This feature(s) can be visible in the visible part of light spectrum, but also in a non-visible part, e.g., in the infrared spectrum. This feature can be selected by a skilled person, it can be learned via a machine learning algorithm etc.

[0030] The container characteristic(s) can be relatively simple piece of information, such as predominant color of the detected container, a presence of reflections on its material etc. It can also be a more complex piece of information, such as that the container is from glass. This more complex characteristic can be obtained based on a number of more simple characteristics, e.g., as learned by a neural network algorithm.

[0031] A container characteristic(s) obtained by the scanning device can be the same characteristic as described above. E.g., the electronically readable code can contain the same characteristic as the characteristic obtained by the image recognition. The control unit can then compare if the characteristics are the same. The container characteristic(s) obtained by thescanning device can also be different from the characteristic(s) from image recognition. For example, the image recognition provides data about relatively simple features of a detected container, such as size, color, opacity and reflectivity of the container, while the electronically readable code provides information that the scanned container is a certain type of container, e.g., a colorless glass bottle. The control unit then compares whether these characteristics correspond to each other, i.e., whether the size, color etc. determined by the image recognition correspond to a colorless glass bottle, based e.g., on a predetermined database of container types and their properties. The image recognition module can also be a trained classification module which outputs container types, and the control unit can then compare if the detected type is the same as scanned from the code.

[0032] The camera can thus visually control the correct handover of the container and the travelling path of the container within the inspecting chamber, e.g. that the container has been inserted and moved from the receiving opening to the collection bin. Based on the analysis of the captured image of the object in the inspecting chamber, the image recognition module can also determine the presence of a foreign object in the inspecting chamber.

[0033] The image recognition module communicates with the control unit of the collection facility to provide the control unit with information about the inserted object. The image recognition module can, e.g., send only a notification, or a report based on the results of the analysis. If the collection facility comprises a display, the image recognition module can send the image itself to the control unit, wherein the image can be shown in the display and visible for the user at the collection facility. The image recognition module can send the information to another external device of the collection facility, e.g. to a mobile device of a collection facility staff, the staff being responsible for solving any problems arising in the operation of the collection facility.

[0034] The image recognition module is used to detect a type of object, e.g. whether the analyzed object is a container belonging to the collection bin or is a foreign object. The container bin is assigned at least one type of container that belongs to this collection bin. The container belonging to the collection bin can be generally any container that can be returned at the collection facility. The container belonging to the collection bin can be of a certain type, e.g. only a plastic container of a given material and size. The container belonging to the collection bin can be of one material but of variable size, e.g. a plastic container of any size. The container belonging to the collection bin can be of different material, e.g. both any metal container and any plastic container can be collected in the collection bin. The container belonging to the collection bin can be any type of container collected at the collection point, e.g. any plastic, metal or glass container. The container belonging to the collection bin can be any type of container with a refundable deposit, wherein the collection facility is adapted to refund the refundable deposit to the user. The foreign object can be any object different from the list of containers belonging to the collection bin.The image recognition module can identify that the analyzed object is a container belonging to the collection bin, and the image recognition module is further configured to analyze the captured image of the container and retrieve information regarding the characteristics of the container. The characteristics of the container can be material, shape, size, color, reflectivity, contamination etc., wherein a group of the container characteristics can describe a container type. For example, a type “glass beer bottle” with a certain refundable deposit can be defined by container material, shape and size.

[0035] The control unit can comprise an integral or a separate module for comparing the container characteristics obtained by the scanning device with the container characteristics from the image recognition module. The comparison can be carried out by the image recognition module itself, as the image recognition module is connected with the control unit and can receive data obtained from the scanning device (via the control unit). In general, (a) the identification of the object thrown, (b) the comparison of the container characteristics and a decision as to whether this object thrown is (c) a container, or (d) a container belonging to the collection bin, or (e) a container belonging to the collection bin and corresponding to the scanned code, can be performed by the image recognition module, or by the control unit based on information obtained from the image recognition module.

[0036] The process of decision-making can be divided between the image recognition module and the control unit, wherein both the image recognition module and the control unit can perform at least one of the decisions (a) to (e). The image recognition module can provide the control unit with an initial decision on at least one of the cases (a) to (e), wherein this initial decision can be provided with a score. For example, the image recognition module can set a number of categories of the thrown object (e.g. a metal can, a PET plastic bottle, a cap / lid, a hand or other object) and assign a score to each category (e.g. a metal can 0.74, a PET plastic bottle 0.001 , a cap / lid 0.001 , a hand 0.00001 or other object 0.1), wherein the control unit can perform the final decision. The control unit / image recognition module can comprise pre-determined threshold value(s) for these scores in order to make the final decision.

[0037] The control unit has access to information about which containers belong to the collection bin, e.g. to a list of containers belonging to the collection bin and their characteristics. Preferably, the control unit can then determine whether the scanned container characteristics and image-retrieved container characteristics match, i.e. whether the image-retrieved container characteristics correspond to the information from the scanned code of the container. The control unit can thus verify whether the container with the scanned code is the same container that has been inserted into the receiving opening. Alternatively, the control unit can accept any container belonging to the collection bin regardless of the code, e.g. if the container belonging to the collection bin is generally a recyclable or reusable container. The analyzed object can then bedirected to the collection bin regardless of the result of the visual analysis, wherein the contents of the bin can be sorted again later. The analyzed object can alternatively be directed to the collection bin only if the analyzed object is the container belonging to the collection bin.

[0038] The present invention thus provides a double checking of a returned container. Firstly, it checks the electronically readable code, and secondly it checks the overall image (e.g., of the whole container without checking the code again) of the container by the image recognition module. This double checking makes it less likely that a user receives a deposit without actually returning the container assigned with this deposit, that a user receives a deposit for a damaged container etc. At the same time, this double checking allows acceptable containers to end up in the collection bin they belong to, even if there was no refundable deposit, if the code was damaged or incorrectly scanned etc. It is thus less likely that a recyclable container ends up in a landfill due to a scanning error or a damaged code.

[0039] Preferably, the control unit is further configured for providing instruction for diverting foreign objects away from the collection bin. The control unit can be connected with a functional component which physically ensures the diversion of the container away from the collection bin, e.g., with a picking device, a special conveyor etc., the functional component being directly or indirectly controlled by the control unit. The control unit can be configured to generate alerts for the staff of the collection facility to manually divert the foreign object away or remove it from the collection bin. The advantage of such a configuration is that the collection bin can be kept clean and without the foreign object before or even after the foreign object is placed in the collection bin. The alert can e.g., have the form of a flashing light, a buzzer, a message shown on a display or sent to a user device of a staff member etc. Such a message can also include information about the foreign object, such as its color, size or photo.

[0040] Preferably, the container characteristic obtained by the scanning device is based on at least one of the following: material, shape, size, color and reflectivity of the container, wherein the container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module is based on at least one of the following: material, shape, size, color, reflectivity, translucency and contamination of the container. The control unit can therefore compare only one container characteristic obtained from the scanning device and from the image recognition module, the container characteristic being the same (e.g. only the material of the container). Preferably, the control unit can compare a number of container characteristics obtained from the scanning device and from the image recognition module (e.g. the material, shape and size). The control unit can thus have one or more parameters to determine whether the correct container has been inserted into the receiving opening. The container characteristics obtained by the scanning device can be obtainedindirectly, i.e. the control unit can obtain only information about the type of the container, wherein the container characteristics associated with the type of the container are available in an internal / external database.

[0041] The contamination of the container can be detected from one or more other characteristics, e.g. from the color of the container referring to a dirty surface, from the reflectivity of the container referring to the content of the container, etc. If the object inside the body of the inspecting chamber is analyzed during the gravitational movement through the body, the contamination can be also detected from the speed of the object, wherein the speed can be detected by the camera.

[0042] Preferably, the body of the inspecting chamber and the camera are adapted to move the object inside the body and to capture an image of the moving object. The body of the inspecting chamber can be adapted, e.g., by the shape of the body, inclination of the body etc., or by an additional conveying means for transporting the objects through the body. The camera is able to capture an image of a fast-moving object. The visual analysis of the objects inside the body of the inspecting chamber can thus be way faster without the need to stop the object on its way through the body. This measure prevents the formation of user queues at the collection facility.

[0043] Preferably, the collection facility further comprises at least one light source for illumination of the inside of the body of the inspecting chamber. One or more light sources can be installed inside the body of the inspecting chamber. One or more light sources can be installed outside the body of the inspecting chamber and directed into the interior of the body through a window in the wall of the body. The light source can be a point light source, e.g. a LED or any other conventional light source. The light source can be a linear source, e.g. a LED light strip or even a series of point light sources arranged in a row. The light source can emit visible light. The light source can emit non-visible, e.g. infrared light or ultraviolet light. The light source can emit light in natural RGB colors. This ensures that the captured image has colors that closely resemble those found in the real world. The light source can combine the emission of both visible and non-visible light, the type of light being selectable by the control unit for each individual container and / or according to the data scanned from the code of each individual container. For example, the light source can be configured to emit visible light if the data scanned from the code comprise information that the container is made of plastic (plastic bottle), wherein the light source can be configured to emit infrared light if the data scanned from the code comprise information that the container is made of metal (aluminum can).

[0044] The light source can be directed at the center or to the bottom part of the body of the inspecting chamber. The light source can be oriented directly on the surface on which the containers are located during the movement of the containers through the inspecting chamber.The light source can be oriented on the surface opposite the surface on which the containers are located during the movement of the containers through the inspecting chamber. The illumination of the inside of the body can therefore be achieved by reflecting light off the walls of the body or by scattering the light. The light source is provided in order to ensure stable illumination conditions within the inspecting chamber and consistent results of the imaging of the containers in the inspecting chamber by the camera.

[0045] The light source can be switched on permanently during the operation of the collection facility. The light source can be switched on and off depending on whether the receiving opening is opened or closed by the closure. The switching of the light source (on / off) can be controlled independently of the operation of the collection facility, e.g. by the staff of the collection facility at the end of the working hours. The light source(s) can be communicatively connected with the control unit, wherein the switching of the light source (on / off) can be controlled by the control unit and automatically coordinated with the operation of the closure, camera, or of the whole collection facility.

[0046] Preferably, the at least one light source is located around the camera. In other words, the light source or light sources can at least partially surround the camera. The inspecting chamber can thus comprise a single light source in the shape of a ring, wherein the camera is located in the center of the ring. The inspecting chamber can comprise two light sources (point or strip light sources), wherein the camera is located between the two light sources. The inspecting chamber can comprise three or more light sources located around the camera. The inspecting chamber can comprise an area light source, wherein the light comes e.g. from a rectangular area and is emitted uniformly from the entire surface of the light source, wherein the camera is located at the center of the area light source. The at least one light source can be located on the same wall of the body of inspecting chamber as the camera. The at least one light source can be located on other walls of the body of inspecting chamber, e.g. the camera can be located on the upper (ceiling) wall of the body of the inspecting chamber, wherein the light source(s) are located at the sides or side walls of the body of the inspecting chamber. Arrangement of the light source(s) around the camera helps to achieve a uniform illumination of the containers in the inspecting chamber and reduces the formation of shadows and glare that can negatively affect the analysis of the captured image.

[0047] Preferably, the closure is movable inside the body of the inspecting chamber. The entire inspecting chamber or the body of the inspection chamber can be connected to the structure of the receiving opening, wherein the closure is movable inside the body of the inspecting chamber. The connection of the closure to the receiving opening can be located outside the body of the inspecting chamber wherein the closure is movable inside the body of the inspecting chamber. Preferably, the entire closure including the connection to the receiving opening can be locatedinside the body of the inspecting chamber which means that also the connection of the closure is also hidden and protected inside the body of the inspecting chamber. Preferably, the arrangement of the connection and the movement path of the closure is designed out of reach from the receiving opening (the user cannot manipulate with the closure from the front side of the receiving opening.

[0048] The closure of the receiving opening can be thus hidden in the inspecting chamber in both positions of the closure, and it is not accessible from the side of the user (from the direction where the container is inserted into the receiving opening). The closure therefore cannot extend from the receiving opening, and it cannot be manipulated or damaged by the user. If the closure is movable inside the body of the inspecting chamber, the position of the closure, light source(s) and the camera should be designed so that the closure movement does not interfere with the field of view of the camera and / or the proper illumination of the inside of the body of the inspecting chamber.

[0049] Preferably, the inspecting chamber comprises a light-absorbing interior surface of the body and a light-reflecting interior surface of the body, wherein the light-absorbing interior surface has a maximum reflectance of 0.3 and the light-reflecting interior surface has a reflectance of at least 0.7. The camera is oriented towards the light-absorbing interior surface of the body and the at least one light source is oriented towards the light-reflecting interior surface of the body, wherein the light-absorbing interior surface of the body and the light-reflecting interior surface of the body are located opposite each other. Preferably, the light-absorbing interior surface has a maximum reflectance of 0.15 and the light-reflecting interior surface has a reflectance of at least 0.85. Preferably, the light-absorbing interior surface has a maximum reflectance of 0.1 and the light-reflecting interior surface has a reflectance of at least 0.9. Preferably, the light-absorbing interior surface has a maximum reflectance of 0.05 and the light-reflecting interior surface has a reflectance of at least 0.95.

[0050] The light-absorbing interior surface of the body and the light-reflecting interior surface of the body located opposite each other provide a suitable contrast for the image captured by the camera. The camera is oriented towards the light-absorbing interior surface of the body which means that during the image capturing, the analyzed object is located on the light-absorbing interior surface or above the light-absorbing interior surface (between the light-absorbing interior surface and the lens of the camera). The light is directed on the opposite side of the body than the camera, the light is therefore not oriented directly at the analyzed object which reduces shadows, glare etc.

[0051] Preferably, the light-absorbing interior surface of the body comprises a dark finish, possibly with a matte or anti-glare finishing. The dark light-absorbing finishing can be an integral part ofthe body of the inspecting chamber, i.e. the body itself is made from dark material. The lightabsorbing finishing can be in a form of paint coating or cladding of the interior walls. The cladding with said surface material can be detachable or removable from the body of the inspecting chamber. Preferably, the body comprises the light-absorbing finishing on the bottom part of the chamber, e.g. on the bottom wall of the body or on the bottom wall and at least on the lower part of the side walls of the body. The light-absorbing finishing can be provided on the bottom wall and on the entire side walls. The light source(s) can be located above the walls comprising the lightabsorbing finish. Dark, contrasting, matte or anti-glare coating of the interior surface of the body is advantageous for the quality of the image captured by the camera and for improved analysis of the image by the image recognition module. Together with the light source(s), the lightabsorbing finishing help to ensure the proper illumination of the containers in the inspecting chamber and to increase contrast, reduce shadowing or glare etc. The light-absorbing finish can be also used for driven elements used for transporting the containers within the inspecting chamber, e.g. for the conveyor belt.

[0052] Preferably, the body of the inspecting chamber has a tubular shape, wherein the inspecting chamber comprises a total of at least two strip light sources parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body of the inspecting chamber and parallel to the travelling path of objects through the body. The tubular body of the inspecting chamber can be e.g. a cylinder or a cuboid, wherein two opposite base walls of the body form the entrance and the exit of the body, i.e. one base of the tubular body is adjacent to the receiving opening and the second base of the tubular body is adjacent to the collection bin. The light sources are located parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body and preferably along the direction of the path of the containers from the receiving opening towards the collection bin. The strip light sources can comprise a series of point light sources or a single strip light source on each side of the inspecting chamber. The light sources can be located on the top wall of the body of the inspecting chamber. The light sources can be located on the side walls of the body. The inspecting chamber can comprise more strip light sources, e.g. four strip light sources, wherein two of the strip light sources are located on each side of the body of the inspecting chamber.

[0053] The camera is preferably located in an area between the axes of the strip light sources, i.e. the camera is located somewhere in the area defined by the axes of the strip light sources. The camera can be located in any place within the area between the axes of the strip light sources, i.e. even outside the area between the strip light sources themselves, wherein the strip light sources can be oriented in a convenient direction to illuminate the body of the inspecting chamber. Preferably, the camera is located on the longitudinal axis of the area between the axes of the strip light sources. Preferably, the camera is located between the strip light sources, conveniently right in the middle between the at least two strip light sources. Preferably, the light sources illuminatethe inside of the inspecting chamber at an angle, i.e. the light sources are directed to the center of the top or bottom wall of the inspecting chamber. The major advantage of the strip light sources inside the tubular body of the inspecting chamber is that the inside of the body can be illuminated uniformly along the whole path of the container through the body, wherein the camera can capture a quality image of the container in multiple positions of the container within the body.

[0054] Preferably, the inspecting chamber comprises at least two light sources, wherein the camera is located substantially centrally between the light sources. The inspecting chamber can comprise two or more point or strip light sources, wherein the camera is located substantially centrally between the two light sources (or among more than two light sources). This arrangement ensures convenient lighting conditions for image capturing.

[0055] Preferably, the receiving opening comprises a frame of the receiving opening, the inspecting chamber is detachably rotatably connected to the frame of the receiving opening. The detachable connection of the inspecting chamber to the receiving opening allows easier manipulation with the inspecting chamber and / or the collection bin adjacent to the inspecting chamber. The inspecting chamber can therefore be removed or moved when the collection bin located under the inspecting chamber is full and needs to be changed for an empty collection bin. In the case of the rotatable connection, the inspecting chamber can be moved up or to the side of the receiving opening when changing the full collection bin for an empty collection bin. The inspecting chamber can be easily removed for the inspection or calibration of the camera, repairs of the body of the inspecting chamber, repairs or changes of the light source(s) etc. The detachable connection of the inspecting chamber is also advantageous for installation or repairing the components of the receiving opening, e.g. of the closure or the actuator if the closure is located inside the body of the inspecting chamber.

[0056] The connection of the inspecting chamber to the frame of the receiving opening can be rotatable about a vertical axis. An advantage of such an arrangement is that the inspecting chamber with the outlet opening can be moved between multiple collection bins placed side by side. The connection of the inspecting chamber to the frame of the receiving opening can be rotatable about a horizontal axis. Preferably, the connection is rotatable about a horizontal axis at the level of the upper wall of the body of the inspecting chamber. The arrangement of the rotatable connection at the top of the body allows an easy lifting of the entire inspecting chamber and improved access to the collection bin underneath the inspecting chamber.

[0057] Preferably, the collection facility further comprises a display and / or voucher printer and / or monitoring system for monitoring the content of the collection bin, wherein the display, the voucher printer and the monitoring system are communicatively connected with the control unit. The display can be used to directly inform the user about the progress of the return process at thecollection facility, i.e. about the verification of the code after scanning the code by the scanning device, about the amount of the refundable deposit etc. or about any errors that can occur during the return process. The display can be an integral part of the scanning device. The control unit of the collection facility can also be configured to refund the refundable deposit of the container to the user. The collection facility may therefore comprise a voucher printer. The voucher printer can be used especially in the retail facility, the voucher printer being used to print a bill that can be exchanged for cash money at the cash desk of the retail facility. The collection facility may further comprise a module for communication with a banking system, said module allowing the refund of the refundable deposit directly by transferring the corresponding amount to the user's or any other bank account. It is also advantageous if the collection facility comprises an input device for communication between the user and the control device, the input device can be a touch display, a keyboard, etc., wherein the user can select a means to obtain the refundable deposit.

[0058] The monitoring system can comprise any camera oriented towards the collection bin to monitor the content of the collection bin. The monitoring camera can be a fish-eye camera connected with the image recognition module of the camera inside the inspecting chamber, i.e. the images captured by the camera of the inspecting chamber and the camera of the monitoring system can be analyzed by only one common image recognition module. The image recognition module can comprise two different Al programs, wherein one of the programs is used to analyze information from the camera of the inspecting chamber, and the other of the programs is used to analyze information from the camera of the monitoring system.

[0059] The camera of the monitoring system can be connected with a separate image recognition module. The image analysis of the camera of the monitoring system is used to detect that, e.g., the collection bin is full and needs to be exchanged or emptied, the collection bin comprises a contaminant or other foreign matter that needs to be removed from the collection bin, etc. The monitoring system can comprise an ultrasonic, laser or radar sensor to detect the fullness of the collection bin based on a measured distance between the sensor and the level of the contents of the collection bin. Similarly to the monitoring camera, the sensor can be connected with the image recognition module of the camera of the inspecting chamber. The collection facility can comprise only one of said components (the display, voucher printer, monitoring system) or any combination thereof.

[0060] Preferably, the collection facility further comprises a control server for storing and management of information on the electronically readable codes of the containers, the control server being communicatively connected with the control unit. The control unit can be communicatively connected with a local or a remote control server that verifies the eligibility of the container to be returned and / or the refundable deposit to be paid. Such a control server cancomprise a database of codes and a module for comparing the information received from the control unit with the information stored in the database.

[0061] Preferably, the scanning device is further configured to capture an image of the code and the code surroundings, wherein the image recognition module is further configured to analyze the image of the code surroundings. The main purpose of this image analysis is to identify an object from which the code is scanned, i.e. whether the code is really scanned from a container possibly belonging to the collection bin. The ability of the scanning device to (a) scan the code and also to (b) capture the image of the object from which the code is scanned, is an additional control measure to ensure a proper return process of the container. The scanning device is connected to the image recognition module via the control unit, the image captured by the scanning device can thus be quickly analyzed by the image recognition module and the control unit can quickly identify whether the code has been scanned from a container (possibly belonging to the collection bin) of from a foreign object (from a smartphone of the user, from a cap / lid only, from another object, etc.).

[0062] The control unit can thus detect that the user tries to scan a random code or a fake code that is not applied on any container. Based on the analysis of the image captured by the scanning device, the control unit can disallow the user to insert anything into the receiving opening if it detects that the code is scanned from an object other than a container belonging to the collection bin. If the control unit detects that the code is scanned from a container or a container belonging to the collection bin, the control unit can allow the user to insert the container into the receiving opening. The subsequent analysis of the image captured in the inspection chamber can be the same for all objects / containers, i.e. regardless of whether the scanning device captured the image of the object / container before inserting it into the receiving opening, and / or regardless of the result of the analysis of the image captured by the scanning device.

[0063] The above shortcomings are to some extent eliminated by a method of receiving and inspecting containers by a collection facility, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0064] - scanning an electronically readable code assigned to a container,

[0065] - receiving, by a receiving opening, an object and forwarding the object into an inspecting chamber,

[0066] - capturing an image of the object by a camera, the object being located inside the inspecting chamber,

[0067] - analyzing the image of the object by an image recognition module communicatively connected with the camera and with the control unit, andidentifying, by the control unit or by the image recognition module, whether the object inside the inspecting chamber is a container belonging to the collection bin or is a foreign object, based on data from the image recognition module, and

[0068] - for containers belonging to the collection bin, comparing a container characteristic obtained by the scanning device with a container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module.

[0069] Firstly, the scanning device of the collection facility is used to scan the electronically readable code of the container, wherein the container is then expected to be thrown into the receiving opening and forwarded into the inspecting chamber. By scanning the code, the control unit receives from the scanning device the container characteristic(s) associated with the code and the container, e.g. material, size, shape, color of the container, etc. It can also obtain data regarding the refundable deposit or status of the code, i.e. whether the container with this code can be returned and / or that the refundable deposit can be paid.

[0070] However, the user can throw a different container or even another object into the receiving opening. The object can be forwarded into the inspecting chamber by a simple throw of the object into the receiving opening, i.e. the inspecting chamber is located directly behind the receiving opening. The object can be forwarded into the inspecting chamber by a conveyor. The object received in the inspecting chamber is then visually analyzed by the camera of the inspecting chamber and the image recognition module. The camera captures at least one image of the object inside the inspecting chamber and forwards it to the image recognition module, wherein the image recognition module with an Al software carries out a visual analysis of the object.

[0071] The image recognition module and subsequently the control unit can determine or identify whether the object inside the inspecting chamber is a container belonging to the bin or a foreign object. The control unit can decide the type of the object (container / foreign object) based on the data from the image recognition module, wherein the first step of the visual analysis of the object by the image recognition unit is object recognition. For the containers belonging to the collection bin, the control unit further compares a container characteristic obtained by the scanning device with a container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module. The control unit can obtain one or plurality of the container characteristics from the scanning device / image recognition module. The control unit can compare only one, a series, or all the container characteristics obtained from the scanning device / image recognition module. The control unit can further consider the status of the code when identifying whether the container belongs to the collection bin, i.e. the status of the code can be considered as a container characteristic obtained by the scanning device. The control unit can identify that the container belongs to the collection bin if each of the compared container characteristics match. The control unit can identify that thecontainer belongs to the collection bin if at least one of the compared container characteristics match.

[0072] The image recognition unit further retrieves the characteristic(s) of the container from the image of the container. The image recognition unit can retrieve the container characteristics automatically, i.e. the object recognition and the container characteristic(s) retrieval are carried out automatically in one step and simultaneously. Alternatively, object recognition and the container characteristic(s) retrieval can be carried out successively. Alternatively, some of the container characteristic(s) can be retrieved automatically and some of the container characteristic(s) can be retrieved subsequently or upon a special request from the control unit. Automatic analysis of the container characteristics can be advantageous for a huge collection facility accepting vast number of various types of containers that need to be strictly separated. On the other hand, the special request of the control unit can be applied in a collection facility receiving containers both with or without the refundable deposit, wherein the step of comparing the container characteristics from the scanning device and from the image recognition module is required, e.g., only for the containers with the refundable deposit.

[0073] After the visual analysis, the object (the container belonging to the collection bin, the foreign object) can be directed to the collection bin. The object can be directed to a sorting facility for sorting the objects among a plurality of collection bins. Preferably, the method further comprises a step of directing the object to the collection bin. The object can thus be forwarded into the collection bin regardless of whether it is a container belonging to the collection bin or a foreign object. The container belonging to the collection bin can be directed to the collection bin regardless of the scanned code. Forwarding the object into the collection bin can be ensured by the arrangement of the inspecting chamber and the collection bin themselves, or by an additional conveying means. The collection facility can comprise only one collection bin, wherein all the objects are directed to the one collection bin.

[0074] The method can also comprise the step of diverting the object away from the collection bin. Directing the object away from the collection bin is advantageous for foreign objects that got into the collection bin, or for containers that belong to the collection bin but there is a reason for the container to be separated from the other containers in the collection bin. For example, a contaminated container belonging to the collection bin can be diverted away from the collection container. The object can be directed away from the collection bin to another location, e.g., to another collection bin or directly to a cleaning facility etc. The object can be diverted away from the collection bin directly, i.e. before the object is placed in the collection bin. The object can be diverted away from the collection bin in a secondary step after the container is placed in the collection bin. In other words, the object is placed in the collection bin, wherein the control unit ensures that the object is then taken from the collection bin and directed away from the collectionbin. The collection facility can comprise a special device for directing the object away from the collection bin, e.g. a robotic arm or another picking device communicatively connected with the control unit.

[0075] The container belonging to the collection bin can be directed to the collection bin regardless of the scanned code, e.g., if the scanned code corresponds to another container of the same container characteristics (the user has scanned a code of one container and then threw another container of the same type), or even if the image-retrieved container characteristics do not correspond to the code-obtained container characteristics (the user has scanned a code of a metal container and then threw another container, e.g., a plastic container, wherein both the metal and plastic containers belong to the collection bin and can be returned at the collection facility). The containers can thus be returned for recycling, wherein the control unit can only disallow the payment of the refundable deposit of the containers.

[0076] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of ensuring that the foreign object is diverted away from the collection bin. Especially foreign objects need to be separated from the containers in the collection bin to facilitate the smooth recycling process of the containers in the collection bin. The foreign object can be diverted away from the collection bin by being directly sent to a special location (a separate collection bin) or by being removed from the collection bin. The foreign object can be removed from the collection bin automatically, e.g., by a picking device, or manually by the staff of the collection point. The control unit can ensure directing the foreign object away by generating an alert warning the staff that a foreign object has been placed in the collection bin. The control unit can generate instructions for the picking device or for the staff of the collection facility to remove the foreign object from the container.

[0077] Preferably, the method further comprises at least one, preferably both, of the following steps:

[0078] - if the object inside the inspecting chamber is a container belonging to the collection bin and if the container characteristic obtained by the scanning device matches the container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module, directing the container to the collection bin,

[0079] - if the object inside the inspecting chamber is a container belonging to the collection bin and if the container characteristic obtained by the scanning device does not match the container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module, directing the container to the collection bin.

[0080] The first option represents an ideal situation during the returning process of the container with the code. The container characteristic(s) obtained from the scanned code correspond to the container characteristic(s) obtained from the image recognition module, wherein the control unit checks that the right container has been thrown into the receiving opening. These conditionspreferably mean that the image-retrieved characteristic(s) match the scanned container characteristic(s), the container is suitable for recycling (e.g. it does not comprise any contamination) and that all the requirements for the payment of the refundable deposit are met.

[0081] Second option describes a situation when a container belonging to the collection bin and suitable for recycling is identified by the control unit, even though the container characteristic(s) obtained from the scanned code do not correspond to the container characteristic(s) obtained from the image recognition module. The container can thus be accepted and recycled anyway, e.g., regardless of the payment of the refundable deposit. The advantage of such a solution is that any valuable material of the containers can be recycled and reused. This approach also helps to reduce the number of recyclable containers that might end up in mixed-waste collection containers and to reduce the amount of waste that needs to be combusted or landfilled.

[0082] Preferably, the container is assigned a refundable deposit, wherein the method further comprises at least one, preferably both, of the following steps:

[0083] - if the object inside the inspecting chamber is a container belonging to the collection bin and if the container characteristic obtained by the scanning device matches the container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module, allowing the payment of the refundable deposit of the container,

[0084] - if the object inside the inspecting chamber is a container belonging to the collection bin and if the container characteristic obtained by the scanning device does not match the container characteristic obtained from the image recognition module, disallowing the payment of the refundable deposit of the container.

[0085] The method can thus distinguish three basic states of thrown object. First, the object is a container belonging to the collection bin and the characteristics provided by the electronically readable code match the image recognition. The container then ends up in the collection bin, and a potential refundable deposit can be paid. The image recognition can optionally also check a further state of the container, such as cleanliness or emptiness. Not fulfilling these optional conditions can prevent payment of the deposit and can also prevent the container from ending up (or staying) in the collection bin.

[0086] Second, the object is a container belonging to the collection bin, but the characteristics provided by the electronically readable code do not match the image recognition. The container then also ends up in the collection bin, but the potential refundable deposit will not be paid. In this state, the optional conditions can also be checked and can affect where the container ends up.

[0087] Third, the object is a foreign object. The characteristics then do not even have to be compared. The object ends up outside of the collection bin - it can be diverted elsewhere before reaching the collection bin, or it can be retrieved later, e.g., manually.Preferably, the object inside the body of the inspecting chamber moves along a travelling path, wherein the image of the object is captured during the movement of the object. The camera can capture multiple images of the same container in different positions, wherein the image recognition module can then choose the best image for the image analysis. Another advantage is that objects, preferably containers, can move through the body continuously one after another, wherein the camera can capture a number of containers in one image. This configuration can be convenient when returning containers in bulk. For example, the user can use a mobile application provided by the operator of the collection point and scan the codes of the returnable containers at home. Then he / she receives a collective electronically readable code carrying data about the codes and / or the container characteristics of the scanned containers. At the collection point, the user scans the collective code, wherein the control unit allows him to insert all the scanned containers at once (one after another, without closing the closure after each container). The image recognition module can thus analyze a number of containers from one image, wherein the control unit can faster associate the codes with the containers and verify that the returned containers match the scanned containers.

[0088] Preferably, the body of the inspecting chamber and the camera are adapted to move the object inside the body and to capture an image of the moving object. The body of the inspecting chamber can be adapted, e.g., by the shape of the body, inclination of the body etc., or by an additional conveying means for transporting the objects through the body. The camera is able to capture an image of a fast-moving object. The visual analysis of the objects inside the body of the inspecting chamber can thus be way faster without the need to stop the object on its way through the body. This measure prevents the formation of user queues at the collection facility.

[0089] Description of the Drawings

[0090] The summary of the invention is further explained by examples of its embodiments, which are described using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0091] Fig. 1 Shows a collection facility.

[0092] Fig. 2 Shows a detail of the inspecting chamber in a view from the exit to the entrance of the body of the inspecting chamber (without the closure and the actuator of the closure.Embodiments of the Invention

[0093] The invention will be further explained by examples of its implementations with reference to the corresponding drawings. One example implementation is an embodiment of a collection facility schematically shown in Fig. 1 , the facility being adapted to receive two types of used containers 1, plastic bottles (of any size) and metal (aluminum) cans, wherein each of the containers 1 is assigned with a unique electronically readable code and with a refundable deposit. An electronically readable code is a Data Matrix code applied on the lid of the container 1.. Placing the codes 3 on the cap or lid makes them easy to read by scanning devices and prevents damage of the codes 3 after compression of the container 1. In this embodiment, the bottles or cans for beverages are disposable, i.e. they are recycled after each cycle of their use and not used repeatedly.

[0094] In the first embodiment, the collection facility is adapted to receive containers 1 of two types referring to two materials. The collection facility comprises only one collection bin 4, wherein both the plastic and metal containers 1 are collected in one common collection bin 4, wherein the sorting process is carried out later and outside the collection facility. The collection facility comprises a complex and fixedly installed device comprising a scanning device 2 with a touch display 5, an integrated voucher printer 16 and a control unit 3. The scanning device 2 is adapted for scanning the codes of the containers 1, wherein the control unit 3 is in a wireless remote communication with a control server 19 storing the information about the codes and ensuring the verification of each of the scanned codes.

[0095] Each of the codes of the containers accepted at the collection facility has a predefined structure, the control unit 3 being able to obtain initial information as to whether a code corresponds to a container 1. acceptable at the collection facility on the basis of this structure of the code. The structure and characteristics of each Data Matrix Code are as follows:

[0096] - a numeric code with a length of up to 23 digits (digits 0 to 9),

[0097] - the code can fit into 64-bit integer if the length is lower or equal to 19 digits,

[0098] - digit positions 23 and 22 refer to a corresponding central server that issues and manages all the codes and code-related information within the system (Certification Authority ID, two digits),

[0099] - positions 21 to 17 refer to reserved zeros (five digits reserved for a possible future usage), - position 16 refers to the material of the container 1 (one digit)

[0100] - positions 15 to 2 refer to a unique identifier of the container (fourteen digits)- position 1 refers to the checksum of the code, i.e. to the amount of the refundable deposit (the amount of the refundable deposit is placed at the end for convenience, ease of calculation and future proofing).

[0101] The final decision as to whether a container 1. / its code is to be accepted at the collection point or whether the refundable deposit of the container 1. is to be paid is based on the information received by the control unit 3 from the remote control server . The database of the remote control server 19 stores digital records of the codes, wherein the record of each of the codes comprises information on the container 1., i.e. the container 1 characteristics associated with each code stored therein (material, size / volume, refundable deposit). In the first embodiment, the control unit 3 obtains only one container 1_ characteristic from the scanning device 2, wherein this container 1 characteristic is a container 1 material, and it is obtained indirectly via the scanning device 2 and the communication with the remote control server 19. The control unit 3 further comprises a memory to store information on all codes scanned at the collection facility in past 30 days to monitor possible fraud attempts of scanning the same code twice, and to store the scanned codes in case of a power failure of the collection point.

[0102] The collection facility further comprises a receiving opening 5 comprising a frame 18 installed in the wall located in the vicinity of the scanning device 2, wherein the receiving opening 5 is closable with a closure 6. The opening and closing movement of the closure 6 is electrically operated by an actuator ? which is interconnected with the control unit 3 of the collection facility. The closure 6 and the actuator 7 are mounted on the frame 18 of the receiving opening 5 from the rear, i.e. from the side behind the wall of the collection facility, so that the closure 6 and the actuator ? are hidden and not visible / accessible to the user of the collection facility. The closure 6 is rotatably connected to the frame 18 about a horizontal axis. The front side of the receiving opening 5 (visible for the user) further comprises a light indicator that can emit a different color and thus indicate whether the receiving opening 5 is open (the user is allowed to insert the container 1_ into the receiving opening 5) or whether the receiving opening 5 is closed by the closure 6 (the user is not allowed to insert the container 1. into the receiving opening 5). The color of the light is chosen between green when the receiving opening 5 is open, and red when the receiving opening 5 is closed.

[0103] The collection facility further comprises an inspecting chamber 8 comprising a body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8, the body 9 being connected to the frame 18 of the receiving opening 5 on the rear side thereof, wherein the inspecting chamber 8 further comprises a camera 12 and two strip light sources 14 located inside the body 9. The body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8 is of a tubular cuboid shape that is inclined to the horizontal plane, wherein the wall of the body 9 comprising an entrance 10 of the body 9 is connected to the frame 18 of the receiving opening 5 and an exit 11 of the body is positioned above a collection bin 4. The body 9 is connected to theframe 18 by a pivot connection rotatable about a horizontal axis, the pivot connection being provided at the level of the upper edge of the body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8. The collection bin is a free-standing collection bin 4.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the body 9 of the inspecting chamber is used for guiding objects, preferably containers 1, directly from the receiving opening 5 to the collection bin 4, wherein the body 9 is open at the opposite sides thereof, i.e. the missing base walls of the tubular body 9 form the entrance 10 and the exit 11 of the body 9. The interior surface of the body of the inspecting chamber is designed to reach optimal light conditions for the camera 12 located inside body 9, wherein the camera 12 is used for monitoring the travelling path and for visual inspection of objects thrown into the receiving opening. The camera 12 is located on the upper interior wall of the body 9 and closer to exit 11 of the body 9 since the closure 6 of the receiving opening 5 is rotatably movable within the body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8 towards the upper wall.

[0105] The interior surface of the body 9 is shown in Fig. 2 (the closure 5 and the actuator 7 are omitted in the drawing). The inspecting chamber 8 comprises two different contrast surfaces: the upper part of the interior surface (the upper wall and the upper half of the side walls) is made white to achieve a light-reflecting surface 21 and the lower part of the interior surface (the bottom wall and the lower half of the side walls) is made black to achieve a light-absorbing surface 22. The camera 12 is located on the upper wall of the body 9 and directed towards the black lightabsorbing surface 22, wherein the two strip light sources 14 are located on the sides of the camera 2, in particular on the longitudinal side walls of the body 9 and being directed towards the white light-reflecting surface 21.. The strip light sources 14 are located on the upper half of the longitudinal side walls along the entire path of the container through the body 9. In the first embodiment, the strip lights sources 14 emit light in natural RGB colors. The inspecting chamber s uses a global shutter camera 12 that can capture an image of fast-moving objects, wherein the camera 12 is connected with an image recognition module 13 and with the control unit 3. The entrance / exit 11 of the body 9 of the inspecting chamber essentially correspond to the entrance 10 / exit 11 of the entire inspecting chamber 8, wherein the camera 12 and the light strip sources 14 are all located inside the body 9 of the inspecting chamber.

[0106] The image recognition module 13 is a computer with installed Al software for image recognition, wherein the software implements a standard Al model based on a neural network for computer vision applications. The model is trained to recognize objects (particularly different types of containers 1, container 1 lids and caps, or any other foreign object) and identify whether an object thrown into the receiving opening 5 is a container belonging to the collection bin 4 or is a foreign object. In this embodiment, the image recognition module 13 is located in the vicinity of the camera 12 and in a wired connection with the camera 12. The model analyses the image captured by the camera 12 in terms of the object speed, color, size, shape, reflectivity,translucency, shadow, contrast of the object to the background, etc. The image recognition module 13 communicates the outcome of the visual analysis of the object to the control unit 3, wherein the control unit 3 is configured to compare data from the code scanned by the scanning device 2 with information obtained by the image recognition module 3.

[0107] The collection bin 4 is located behind the wall of the collection facility, the collection bin 4 is thus hidden and not visible / accessible to the user of the collection facility. The collection bin 4 is used for collecting both plastic and metal (aluminum) containers 1 and it is further provided with a smart monitoring system 17 for monitoring the content of the collection bin 4. The monitoring system 17 is communicatively connected with the control unit 3 of the collection facility, and it comprises a fish-eye monitoring camera 12 connected with the image recognition module 13 of the camera 12 in the inspecting chamber 8. In another words, the image recognition module 13 is a single computer but comprises two different Al trained programs (models), wherein the first program (model) is used to analyze the images from the global shutter camera 12 (inside the inspecting chamber 8) and the second program (model) is used to analyze the images from the monitoring fish-eye camera 12 (outside the inspecting chamber s). Based on the visual recordings of the discharge of containers 1 from the exit 11 of the inspecting chamber 8 into the collection bin 4, recorded by the monitoring camera 12, the image recognition module 13 is primarily configured to detect and confirm that the container 1 has been thrown into the collection bin 4.

[0108] A container belonging to the collection bin 4 is generally a container made from material accepted by the collection point, i.e. any container ! made from plastic or metal (aluminum), wherein this container belonging to the collection bin 4 is generally accepted in the collection bin 4 regardless of the scanned code since the material of the container is valuable for reuse / recycling. A container 1 not belonging to the collection bin 4 is generally a container 1 made from material not accepted by the collection point, i.e. any glass container !, wherein this container 1 not belonging to the collection bin ! is generally not accepted in the collection bin ! (if the container 1 not belonging to the collection bin ! ends up in the collection bin 4, it will be subsequently directed away from the collection bin 4.

[0109] Based on the visual recordings of the collection bin 4, recorded by the monitoring camera 12, the image recognition module 13 is further configured to detect the level of fullness of the collection bin 4 and to recognize any foreign matter thrown into the collection bin 4. The foreign matter can be a foreign object or a container not belonging to the collection bin. The image recognition module 13 is used to generate alerts for the control unit 3 of the collection facility, the alerts carrying information about a need to clean the collection bin 4 from the foreign matter and about a need to discard the content of the full collection bin 4. The receiving opening 5 further comprises a back-up control mechanism of the container 1 handover, said mechanism comprisingan optical gate using an array of infrared beams in order to detect and confirm that the container 1 (or generally an object) has been thrown into the receiving opening 5 and the inspecting chamber s. The optical gate is used to detect whether an object has been thrown into the receiving opening 5. The optical gate is communicatively connected with the control unit 3.

[0110] The control unit 3 is configured to allow the refundable deposit (of the container 1. with the scanned code) to be paid according to the preferences of the user. The refundable deposit may be paid by means of a commonly used discount voucher; wherein the discount voucher is printed by the voucher printer 16 and can be redeemed at the cash desk of the retailer operating the collection facility. The control unit 3 is further communicatively connected with the banking system, allowing the refundable deposit to be paid to the bank account of the user, to another bank account or donated to charity.

[0111] The control unit 3 is further communicatively connected with a control mobile device 20, wherein the mobile device 20 is held by a responsible staff of the collection facility. The mobile device 20 is used to inform the staff about any problem detected by the control unit 3 of the collection facility.

[0112] The following section describes detailed steps of exemplary method of receiving and inspecting containers 1 by the collection facility according to the present invention.

[0113] In the first step, the user brings a used container 1 with a Data Matrix code applied on the lid of the container 1 and activates the scanning device 2 by tapping the icon “Start scanning” shown in the touch display 5. The scanning device 2 is thus activated and ready to scan the code or codes. In the next step, the user scans the code by the scanning device 2 of the collection facility. The scanning device 2 then remains active and automatically switches off if no code has been scanned for more than 15 minutes.

[0114] In the next step, the code is (by the control unit 3) sent to the verification to the control server 19 interconnected with the control unit 3. The control server 19 then performs the verification of the code, i.e. compares the received code with the list of the codes stored in the database of the control server 1.9. If the received code matches to a record from the list, the control server 19 also verifies that the status of the code in the database is “activated”, i.e. that the refundable deposit for this container can be paid. If the received code corresponds to the record in the database of the control server 19 and the code status is “activated”, the code is thus verified. The verification of the code means that the code, i.e. the container 1 with this code, is eligible to be returned and that the refundable deposit can be paid to the user standing at the collection facility. However, for the deposit to be refunded, it is necessary to confirm that the characteristics of the container 1 actually inserted into the receiving opening correspond to thecontainer 1 characteristics obtained from the scanned code and from the visual analysis of the container 1 in the inspection chamber 8, which will be described later. In the first embodiment, the control unit 3 compares only one container! characteristic obtained from the scanning device 2 (container 1 material) with a set of container 1 characteristics obtained from the image recognition module 13.

[0115] The information on the successful verification of code 3 is shown in the display 15 of the collection facility to inform the user that the return process of the container 1 is allowed. The control unit 3 then controls the container 1_ handover, wherein the control unit 3 sends a command to the actuator 7 of the closure 6 of the receiving opening 5 so that the closure 6 is raised, and the receiving opening 5 is open for the insertion of the container T The light indicator of the receiving opening 5 is turned green indicating to the user that he / she can insert the container 1..

[0116] In the next step, the user is expected to insert the container 1 (assigned by the scanned code) into the receiving opening 5. In fact, the user can insert another object, e.g., a different container 1 or a foreign object, wherein the optical gate at the receiving opening 5 detects that an object has been inserted into the receiving opening 5. Based on the detection that an object has been inserted into the receiving opening 5, the control unit 3 sends a command to the actuator 7 of the closure 6 for the closure 6 to be lowered, and the receiving opening 5 is closed. The light indicator of the receiving opening 5 is turned red indicating to the user that an object, preferably a container 1, has been inserted. Simultaneously with the detection of the thrown object, the camera 12 inside the inspecting chamber 8 is activated.

[0117] Once the object is inserted into the receiving opening 5, the object passes through the inclined body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8 and is moved by gravity into the collection bin 4, wherein the global shutter camera 12 captures multiple images of the object moving through the body 9 of the inspecting chamber. The light sources 14 are permanently switched on during the entire operation time of the collection facility. In the first embodiment, the camera 12 captures images of the analyzed object during its direct movement into the collection bin 4 which means that the object is automatically directed into the collection bin 4 by gravity and regardless of the type of object. Any container ! belonging to the collection bin 4, container ! not belonging to the collection bin 4 and any foreign object automatically end up in the collection bin 4.

[0118] In the next step, the image captured by the global shutter camera 12 is sent to the image recognition module 13 and analyzed by the installed Al software. The image is analyzed in terms of the object speed, color, size, shape, reflectivity, translucency, shadow, contrast of the object to the background, etc. Based on these analyses, the image recognition module 13 determines whether the analyzed object is a container 1, possibly belonging to the collection bin 4, or is a foreign object. If the object is a container!, the image recognition module 13 determines thecontainer 1 characteristics based on the image-retrieved data mentioned above. If the analyzed object is not a container 1, the image recognition module 13 determines the type of the foreign object.

[0119] In the next step, the outcome of the visual analysis of the object is sent to the control unit 3. In the first embodiment, the output of this analysis comprises five categories of object: a metal container 1. (aluminum can), a plastic container! (PET), a cap / lid, a hand, and a foreign object. Each of the categories is assigned a score in the range of 0 to 1 (the higher the score, the higher the probability that the object thrown corresponds to the object type of the category). The image recognition module 13 thus gives an initial decision on the object type and on the material of the container! (whether the object is a metal / plastic container! belonging to the collection bin 4). The control unit 3 is configured to make a final decision based on comparing the score with a predetermined threshold values of the score.

[0120] If the analyzed object is a cap / lid, a hand or another foreign object, the control unit 3: - instructs the light indicator at the receiving opening 5 to turn red,

[0121] - instructs the display 15 to inform the user standing at the collection facility that a foreign object has been inserted into the receiving opening 5,

[0122] - sends a message to the mobile device 20 to inform the staff of the collection facility that a foreign object has been inserted into the receiving opening 5 and the collection bin 4, and to instruct the staff to take the foreign object out of the collection bin 4.

[0123] If the analyzed object is a container! belonging to the collection bin, i.e. a metal container! (aluminum can) or a plastic container ! (PET), the control unit 3 compares the container! characteristics obtained from the image recognition module 13 with the information obtained by the scanning device 2, i.e. with information corresponding to the code scanned at the beginning of the return process and obtained from the remote control server 19.

[0124] During the comparison process, the control unit 3 compares the container! characteristics assigned to the code and the container ! characteristics obtained from the image recognition module 13. Both sets of compared characteristics are not identical, i.e. the sets differ in number and comprise different individual characteristics, but these compared characteristics correspond to each other. In the first embodiment, the control unit 3 compares one container! characteristic assigned to the code (this characteristic is container! material) with multiple container ! characteristics obtained from the image recognition module 13 (these characteristics include speed, shape / contour, contrast, translucency, reflectivity, etc.). Alternatively, one scanned container ! characteristic can be compared with one or more image-retrieved characteristics and vice versa, wherein the number and combination of compared container ! characteristics can depend on the settings of the inspecting chamber 8, type of the container !, the image recognitionmodule 13 software etc. For example, the scanned characteristics can comprise a set of three characteristics: material, weight and volume of the container 1, wherein the characteristics obtained from the image recognition module 13 can comprise five different characteristics: speed (referring to the weight and / or material, and possible contamination of the container ! by a residual content), size and contour of the container ! (referring to the volume), color and translucency (referring to the material).

[0125] The contamination of the container ! by a residual content can be detected based on the speed of the container ! (metal container !) and on speed, translucency and reflectivity of the container! (plastic container !). The contamination of the surface of the container! can be detected based on the color of the container ! (metal container !) and on the color, reflectivity and translucency of the container ! (plastic container !).

[0126] If the data scanned from the code of the container ! match the information from the outcome of the visual analysis of the container !, especially that the container ! material declared in the code of the container ! matches the container ! material detected during the visual analysis of the container! and that no problem has been detected during the visual analysis of the container !, the correct return process and handover of the container ! is confirmed by the control unit 3. In the next step, the control unit 3 instructs:

[0127] - the light indicator at the receiving opening 5 to turn green,

[0128] - the display 15 to inform the user standing at the collection facility that the return process has been successful,

[0129] - the server 19 to deactivate the code of the returned container !, i.e. to amend the status of the code (in the record of the code in the database of the server 19) to “deactivated”, and - the voucher printer 16 or the banking system to perform the payment of the refundable deposit.

[0130] If the data scanned from the code of the container ! match the information from the outcome of the visual analysis of the container!, but a problem has been detected during the visual analysis of the container ! (particularly that the container ! is of the same type as declared by the code of the container !, but the container ! is contaminated (i.e. it is dirty or comprises an excessive amount of liquid), in the next step the control unit 3 instructs:

[0131] - the light indicator at the receiving opening 5 to turn red,

[0132] - the display 15 to inform the user standing at the collection facility that a correct container ! has been inserted into the receiving opening 5 but a problem has been detected during the return process,

[0133] - the mobile device 20 to inform the staff of the collection facility that a contaminated container ! has been inserted into the receiving opening 5 and the collection bin 4, and to instruct the staff to take the contaminated container ! out of the collection bin 4,- the server 19 to deactivate the code of the returned container 1, i.e. to amend the status of the code (in the record of the code in the database of the server 19) to “deactivated”, and - the voucher printer 16 or the banking system to perform the payment of the refundable deposit.

[0134] In the first embodiment, the payment of the refundable deposit can be refused by the staff of the facility. In other words, the staff is informed of the contamination of the container 1_ and instructed to take the contaminated container 1 out of the collection bin 4. The staff then checks the level of contamination of the container! and decides whether or not to pay the refundable deposit. The staff gives instructions to the control unit 3 to pay or not to pay the refundable deposit, the instructions being given via the mobile device 20.

[0135] If the container 1 characteristics scanned from the code of the container 1 do not match the image-retrieved container! characteristics, the control unit 3 still accepts the container! (regardless of the code), because in one of the previous steps the image recognition module 13 already checked that it is a container ! belonging to the collection bin 4, i.e. that the material of the container! determined by the image recognition module 13 corresponds to plastic / metal (material accepted by the collection point).

[0136] If the inserted container ! is another container ! belonging to the collection bin 4 (but not the scanned one), the control unit 3 instructs:

[0137] - the light indicator at the receiving opening 5 to turn red,

[0138] - the display 15 to inform the user standing at the collection facility that the inserted container ! does not match the scanned code (an incorrect container ! has been inserted into the receiving opening 5),

[0139] the mobile device 20 to inform the staff of the collection facility that an incorrect container ! has been inserted into the receiving opening 5 and the collection bin 4,

[0140] - the voucher printer 16 or the banking system to disallow the payment of the refundable deposit.

[0141] If the container ! is not another container ! belonging to the collection bin 4, the control unit! instructs:

[0142] - the light indicator at the receiving opening 5 to turn red,

[0143] - the display 15 to inform the user standing at the collection facility that the inserted container ! does not match the scanned code (an incorrect container ! has been inserted into the receiving opening 5),

[0144] the mobile device 20 to inform the staff of the collection facility that an incorrect container ! has been inserted into the receiving opening 5 and the collection bin 4, and to instruct the staff to take the container ! not belonging to the collection bin 4 out of the collection bin 4.- the voucher printer 16 or the banking system to disallow the payment of the refundable deposit.

[0145] After the container! is thrown into the receiving opening 5 and into the collection bin 4, both the container 1 and the collection bin 4 are monitored by the smart monitoring system 17. In case the collection bin 4 is full, or any other problem is detected by the monitoring system 17, the image recognition module 13 generates an alert reported to the control unit 3 of the collection facility, wherein this alert is also shown on the mobile device 20 of the staff. Based on the alert generated by the image recognition module 13, the staff of the collection point is responsible for managing the transport of the containers 1 collected in the collection bin 4 to a recycling facility. The collected containers 1 can be then sorted, cleaned, recycled, landfilled or thermally treated.

[0146] In the first embodiment, the control server 19 is responsible for code management in a specific country, the control server 19 thus being communicatively connected with a number of collection facilities in a given country and to a corresponding local DRS server of the country. The local DRS server is a standard server which manages the whole system of containers 1 with the refundable deposit in the country and it is communicatively connected with a production point (producing and applying codes on the containers), beverage producers, distribution points and other stakeholders of the DRS system.

[0147] If the code scanned at the collection facility did match a record from the list of the database of the server 19 and this code was found “activated” in said database, it means that the code was verified, and the refundable deposit can be paid. This successful return process at the collection facility is then reported by the control unit 3 to the local server 19 and then to the local DRS server. The reports generally contain information on the printed vouchers, the number of returned containers 1, fullness of the collection bin 4 at the collection facility, etc.

[0148] If the code scanned at the collection facility did not match any record from the list of the database of the control server 19 or this code was found “deactivated” in said database, it means that the code was not verified and the refundable deposit cannot be paid. This means that the code had probably previously been scanned at another collection facility where the refundable deposit had already been paid. This is probably a case of refundable deposit fraud, where the fraud event is then reported by the control unit 3 to the control server 19 and to the local DRS server. The local DRS server collects information obtained from all collection facilities of the country operated by this local DRS server in order to monitor numbers of returned containers 1, refunded containers 1, unreturned containers 1, fraud events, etc.

[0149] The collection facility also reports the information on the return process to the collection facility vendor. The collection facility vendor is an authority that provides the collection facilities and all the necessary equipment for the collection facilities, the collection facility vendor istherefore communicatively connected with a plurality of collection facilities, and it is responsible for configuring the operations and providing the service and maintenance of the collection facilities.

[0150] In the second embodiment, the collection facility is configured to accept multiple types and materials of the container 1, e.g. three types of containers 1: plastic bottles, metal (aluminum) cans and glass bottles. The collection facility thus comprises three collection bins 4 and three conveyors located between the exit 11 of the body 9 of the inspecting chamber s and the collection bins 4, wherein each of the conveyors is used to transport and direct the containers 1 into one of the three collection bins 4. The drive of the conveyors is controlled by the control unit 3.

[0151] The collection facility further comprises a sorting mechanism located downstream of the exit 11 of the body 9 of the inspecting chamber s, wherein the sorting mechanism is communicatively connected with the control unit 3. The control unit 3 determines the destination of each container 1 analyzed by the image recognition module 13, i.e. sends each container 1 to the corresponding collection bin 4, based on the code scanned by the scanning device 2 and on the image analysis of the container 1 inside the body 8 of the inspecting chamber s. The other elements of the collection facility are analogous to the first embodiment.

[0152] In the third embodiment, the collection facility further comprises at least one mobile scanning and display device of the user that is wirelessly connected with the control server 19. This mobile scanning device is, for example, the user's own smartphone equipped with a mobile application provided by the control server 1_9. The user scans the codes of the containers 1 immediately after using the containers 1, typically after drinking the beverage contained in the container 1_. After scanning a number of codes from containers 1, information about the scanned codes is sent to the control server 1_9. The user then receives a digital voucher via the application interface, wherein a digital voucher can be shared by multiple users, typically a number of family members living in a household who return the containers 1 together.

[0153] One of the users then travels with containers 1 with already scanned codes to the collection facility and uses the collection facility scanning device 2 to scan the digital voucher instead of scanning the individual codes of the containers 1. The digital voucher contains information on each of the number of containers 1, (in particular the code and the material of each of the containers), wherein the control unit 3 with the image recognition module 13 are then configured to check that the number of the containers 1 and the characteristics of the containers 1 thrown into the receiving opening 5 and into the collection bin 4 correspond to information on the digital voucher.Containers 1 are thrown into the receiving opening 5 one after another, wherein the camera 12 of the inspecting chamber s continuously captures the images of the containers 1, wherein the image recognition module 13 immediately analyzes the images and informs the control unit 3 about the results of the image analysis. The control unit 3 is then instructed to allow the payment of the refundable deposit for the containers 1 up to the maximum number of containers 1 on the digital voucher, but only for the containers 1 that met all the requirements for doing so (the scanned code of the container 1. was verified by the control server 19 and the result of the image analysis confirms that the scanned and image-retrieved container 1 characteristics correspond to each other). The other components of the collection facility and the steps of the return process remain the same as in the first embodiment.

[0154] This embodiment therefore comprises a collection facility with one scanning device 2 at the collection facility and a plurality of mobile scanning devices owned by the users. Scanning the codes of the containers 1 in advance before getting to the collection point allows to speed up the container 1 return process and reduce queues at the collection facility when the user returns a large number of containers 1. The control unit 3 with the image recognition module 13 automatically count the containers 1 thrown into the collection bin 4. For each of the containers 1, the image recognition module 13 further verifies that the container 1 characteristics obtained from the scanned code correspond to the container 1 characteristics retrieved from the image captured in the inspection chamber 8.

[0155] The following section describes the alternative embodiments of the collection facility and / or the method for receiving and inspecting containers T

[0156] In an alternative embodiment, the collection facility comprises a conveyor belt located downstream of the receiving opening 5, i.e. between the receiving opening 5 and the inspecting chamber 8. This embodiment is advantageous for the collection facility where it is not possible to mount the inspecting chamber s right to the frame 18 of the receiving opening s. In another embodiment, the collection facility comprises a conveyor belt located downstream of the exit 11 of the body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8, i.e. between the exit 11 and the collection bin 4. Such an embodiment can comprise:

[0157] one conveyor and one collection bin 4, or

[0158] one conveyor, a sorting mechanism and a number of collection bins 4, or

[0159] one first conveyor, a sorting mechanism, a number of second conveyors and a number of collection bins 4 corresponding to the number of second conveyors.

[0160] In an alternative embodiment, the body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8 comprises at least one transparent window portion, wherein the camera 12 is located outside the body 9 and thelens of the camera 12 is directed through the window portion to the interior of the body 9. In another embodiment, the at least one light source 14 is located outside the body 9 and directed through the window portion to the interior of the body 9.

[0161] In an alternative embodiment, the collection facility comprises another detector connected with the control unit 3 and used for detecting that a container 1. has been inserted, e.g. a detector outside or inside the body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8, wherein the camera 12 captures the image of the container 1 inside the body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8 only after an instruction from the control unit 3 declaring a presence of the container 1 inside the body 9. In an alternative embodiment, the camera 12 inside the body 9 of the inspecting chamber 8 (the camera 12 itself) comprises a motion detector. The motion detector is connected with the switch control of the camera 2, wherein the camera 12 can capture the image of the container 1 based on the detection of the movement inside the body 9 (movement of the container 1, of the closure 6 of the receiving opening 5, etc.). The camera 12 can thus control capturing the image independently on the control unit 3.

[0162] In an alternative embodiment, the light sources 14 can combine emitting visible, infrared and ultraviolet light. The infrared light can be advantageous for image capture and analysis of metal materials, e.g. aluminium metal cans.

[0163] In an alternative embodiment, the containers 1 accepted at the collection facility are reusable, which means that when the container 1 is returned, refunded, and the associated code is deactivated, the container! is not recycled but cleaned and refilled, with the possibility of the original code being reactivated for the same container 1_. This embodiment is particularly suitable for glass containers 1, rigid plastic containers 1 or rigid metal containers 1. The control server 19 can amend the record of the code in the database by amending the status of the code to a status “ready for further use”. The information on the unique identifier (position 15 to 2, fourteen digits of the code), on the central authority which has generated the code (positions 23 and 22, two digits of the code), and on the material and reusability of the container 1 assigned to the code (position 16, one digit of the code), remain a part of the digital record of the code.

[0164] In an alternative embodiment, the collection facility can be of a complex design and accept different types of both reusable and non-reusable containers T Based on information regarding the material and reusability of each container 1 (obtained from the scanning device 2), the collection facility can comprise two collection bins 4 (one collection bin 4 for reusable containers 1 and one collection bin 4 for non-reusable containers 1) and optionally a sorting mechanism.

[0165] In an alternative embodiment, the codes applied to the containers 1 can differ in size or structure for a particular type of container 1. For example, the metal containers 1 can be applied with a Data Matrix code comprising 16 * 16 modules, while the plastic containers 1 can be appliedwith a Data Matrix code comprising 14 x 14 modules. In another embodiment, the plastic containers 1 can be applied with a Data Matrix code comprising 14 x 14 modules, wherein a particular type of a plastic container 1 with a small cap area can be applied with a Data Matrix code comprising 10 x 10 modules These embodiments can help the control unit 3 to distinguish the type of the container 1 directly from the code structure.

[0166] Industrial applicability

[0167] Above-described collection facility can be used for any system and management of any returnable articles with or without refundable deposit.List of Reference Numerals

[0168] 1 container

[0169] 2 scanning device

[0170] 3 control unit

[0171] 4 collection bin

[0172] 5 receiving opening

[0173] 6 closure

[0174] 7 actuator

[0175] 8 inspecting chamber

[0176] 9 body

[0177] 10 entrance

[0178] 11 exit

[0179] 12 camera

[0180] 13 image recognition module 14 light source

[0181] 15 display

[0182] 16 voucher printer

[0183] 17 monitoring system

[0184] 18 frame

[0185] 19 control server

[0186] 20 mobile device

[0187] 21 light-reflecting surface 22 light-absorbing surface

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A collection facility for receiving and inspecting containers (1 ) with electronically readable codes, the collection facility comprising- a scanning device (2),- a control unit (3),- a collection bin (4) for receiving containers (1),- a receiving opening (5) for forwarding containers (1 ) into the collection bin (4), - a closure (6) for closing the receiving opening (5), and- an actuator (7) for actuating and / or locking the closure (6), whereinthe scanning device (2) is communicatively connected with the control unit (3) and the control unit (3) is configured to control the actuator (7) based on data scanned, by the scanning device (2), from the electronically readable codes, wherein the collection facility further comprises- an inspecting chamber (8) comprisinga body (9) with an entrance (10) for receiving containers (1) from the receiving opening (5) and with an exit (11) for directing the containers (1) to the collection bin (4), anda camera (12) for visual inspection of objects, the objects being located inside the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8),wherein the collection facility further comprises- an image recognition module (13) communicatively connected with the camera (12) and with the control unit (3), characterized in thatthe control unit (3) is configured to- identify whether an object inside the inspecting chamber (8) is a container (1) belonging to the collection bin (4) or is a foreign object, based on data from the image recognition module (13), and- for containers (1) belonging to the collection bin (4), the control unit (3) or the image recognition module (13) is further configured to compare a container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) with a container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13).

2. Collection facility according to claim 1 characterized in that the control unit (3) is further configured for providing instruction for diverting the foreign object away from the collection bin (4).

3. Collection facility according to any one of claims 1 to 2 characterized in that the container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) is at least one of the following: material, shape, size, color and reflectivity of the container (1), wherein the container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13) is at least one of the following: material, shape, size, color, reflectivity and contamination of the container (1).

4. Collection facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8) and the camera (12) are adapted to move the object inside the body (9) and to capture an image of the moving object.

5. Collection facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that it further comprises at least one light source (14) for illumination of the inside of the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8).

6. Collection facility according to claim 5 characterized in that the inspecting chamber (8) comprises a light-absorbing interior surface of the body (9) and a light-reflecting interior surface of the body (9), wherein the light-absorbing interior surface has a maximum reflectance of 0.3 and the light-reflecting interior surface has a reflectance of at least 0.7, wherein the camera (12) is oriented towards the light-absorbing interior surface of the body (9) and the at least one light source (14) is oriented towards the light-reflecting interior surface of the body (9), wherein the light-absorbing interior surface of the body (9) and the light-reflecting interior surface of the body (9) are located opposite each other.

7. Collection facility according to any one of claims 5 to 6 characterized in that the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8) has a tubular shape, wherein the inspecting chamber (8) comprises a total of at least two strip light sources (14) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body (9) of the inspecting chamber (9) and parallel to the travelling path of objects through the body (9).

8. Collection facility according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the inspecting chamber (8) comprises a total of at least two light sources (14), wherein the camera (12) is located substantially centrally between the light sources (14).

9. Collection facility according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the closure (6) is movable inside the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (9).

10. Collection facility according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the receiving opening (5) comprises a frame (18) of the receiving opening (5), wherein the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8) is detachably rotatably connected to the frame (18) of the receiving opening (5).

11. A method of receiving and inspecting containers (1 ) by a collection facility characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:- scanning an electronically readable code assigned to a container (1),- receiving, by a receiving opening (5), an object and forwarding the object into an inspecting chamber (8),- capturing an image of the object by a camera (12), the object being located inside the inspecting chamber (8),- analyzing the image of the object by an image recognition module (13) communicatively connected with the camera (12) and with the control unit (3), and - identifying, by the control unit (3) or by the or the image recognition module (13), whether the object inside the inspecting chamber (8) is a container (1) belonging to the collection bin (4) or is a foreign object, based on data from the image recognition module (13), and- for containers (1) belonging to the collection bin (4), comparing a container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) with a container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13).

12. The method of receiving and inspecting containers (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that if it further comprises a step of directing the container (1) to the collection bin (4).

13. The method of receiving and inspecting containers (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 11 , characterized in that it further comprises a step of ensuring that the foreign object is diverted away from the collection bin (4).

14. The method of receiving and inspecting containers (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises at least one of the following steps:- if the object inside the inspecting chamber (8) is a container (1) belonging to the collection bin (4) and if the container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) matches the container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13), directing the container (1) to the collection bin (4),- if the object inside the inspecting chamber (8) is a container (1) belonging to the collection bin (4) and if the container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) does not match the container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13), directing the container (1) to the collection bin (4).

15. The method of receiving and inspecting containers (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the container is assigned a refundable deposit, wherein the method further comprises at least one of the following steps:- if the object inside the inspecting chamber (8) is a container (1) belonging to the collection bin (4) and if the container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) matches the container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13), allowing the payment of the refundable deposit of the container (1),- if the object inside the inspecting chamber (8) is a container (1) belonging to the collection bin (4) and if the container (1) characteristic obtained by the scanning device (2) does not match the container (1) characteristic obtained from the image recognition module (13), disallowing the payment of the refundable deposit of the container (1).

16. The method of receiving and inspecting containers (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the object inside the body (9) of the inspecting chamber (8) move along a travelling path, wherein the image of the object is captured during the movement of the object.

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