Recycling Conveyor Bins for Accurate Object Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for processing deposit-refund programs are time-consuming, laborious, and often inaccurate in identifying and counting redeemable recyclables, necessitating a more efficient and precise method for processing returns and associated refunds.
Innovation Solution
A recycling system incorporating a conveyor system with optical devices and computer-readable instructions to detect and identify redeemable objects, determine their value, and count them accurately, using computer vision algorithms to classify objects based on material, volume, livery, brand, and geographic region, while excluding unredeemable items and overlapping objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification and counting methods are used, then labor intensity is high and accuracy is low, but automated optical systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting and identification processes with an automated optical system using cameras, LED illumination, and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of recyclable items on conveyor bins, processes them through computer vision to identify and count redeemable objects, eliminating the need for manual inspection while significantly improving processing speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If automated optical identification is implemented, then processing accuracy improves, but measurement precision challenges arise in distinguishing redeemable from unredeemable objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs confidence scores as a feedback mechanism to evaluate the reliability of object identification. The image processing algorithm assigns confidence scores to each identified object, and the system uses threshold-based feedback to determine whether an object is sufficiently identified as redeemable. This feedback loop allows the system to handle uncertainty in object classification while maintaining high accuracy in distinguishing redeemable from unredeemable items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple object parameters including material type, volume, livery (branding/design), and geographic region characteristics to classify objects. By analyzing multiple parameters simultaneously rather than relying on a single feature, the system improves its ability to accurately distinguish between redeemable and unredeemable objects, overcoming the difficulty of object classification.
3Productivity
If multiple objects are counted in a batch, then processing efficiency increases, but accuracy decreases due to overlapping objects and counting errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the batch of objects into discrete countable units by detecting individual object boundaries and centers within the captured image. The system segments overlapping or closely positioned objects by identifying their respective centers and applying logic to count only non-overlapping objects. This segmentation approach enables accurate counting of individual items within a batch while maintaining batch processing efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If discrete conveyor bins are used instead of continuous conveyors, then object grouping accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces discrete conveyor bins as an intermediary structure between the continuous conveyor system and the optical detection device. These bins serve as physical delimiters that group objects into discrete batches, making it easier for the optical system to capture complete batches and accurately detect boundaries. The bins act as a mediator that simplifies the detection task while maintaining efficient material flow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables quick and accurate identification and counting of redeemable objects, improving processing efficiency and reducing errors, allowing for precise refund calculations and automated depositing of monetary values into associated accounts.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device situated and configured to capture an image of a plurality of objects within a bin of the conveyor system
Implementation Method 2
the enclosure having a light source configured to illuminate the objects
Implementation Method 3
a light diffuser configured to diffuse the illumination from the light source over the objects
Data Source
AI summary
Recycling systems can include a conveyor system, an optical device, and a processor operable to detect, identify, and count redeemable objects. The conveyor system can include a plurality of bins and be configured to move the bins from a first end of the conveyor system to a second end of the conveyor system. The optical device can be situated and configured to capture an image of a plurality of objects within a bin of the conveyor system. A processor including computer-readable instructions can be configured to detect and identify the objects within an image captured by the optical device as belonging to one or more object classes. Each object class can determine whether an object is redeemable or unredeemable. The processor can be configured to provide a count of only those objects identified as redeemable.