Refuse Vehicle Camera Capture for Collection Exception Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refuse vehicles face challenges in documenting and reporting collection exceptions, such as overflowing or missing refuse containers, which can lead to inefficiencies and missed pickups along their routes, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms for real-time image capture and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Equipping refuse vehicles with cameras that capture images of target areas and classify collection exceptions, which are then transmitted to a remote server or cloud platform for documentation and analysis, allowing for automatic or manual image capture based on predefined stopping locations and lift assembly actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If refuse vehicles are equipped with cameras and data transmission systems to document collection exceptions, then the ability to detect and report collection exceptions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is integrated into the existing refuse vehicle platform, serving multiple functions: documenting collection exceptions, capturing route information, and providing visual data for operational analysis. This multi-functional approach improves detection capabilities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A controller serves as an intermediary component that coordinates between the camera system, lift assembly, and data transmission system. The controller automatically triggers image capture based on lift assembly status and manages data transmission to remote servers, simplifying the integration of multiple subsystems
2Loss of information
If real-time image capture and data transmission are implemented, then the information availability for route management is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera captures images periodically at predefined stopping locations along the route, rather than continuously. The controller triggers image capture only when the vehicle stops and the lift assembly is actuated, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate information collection for route management
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies predefined stopping locations along the route and prepares for image capture at these specific points. By planning image capture locations in advance based on the collection route, the system minimizes unnecessary camera operation and data transmission, thereby reducing energy consumption
3Productivity
If automatic image capture at predefined stopping locations is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision of collection exceptions may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by transmitting captured images and collection data to remote servers for analysis. This feedback loop allows for verification and refinement of collection exception classifications, improving measurement precision while maintaining automatic capture operations that enhance productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The camera captures visual copies (images) of collection exceptions at predefined stopping locations. These image copies preserve detailed information about the exception conditions, allowing for accurate classification and analysis even though the capture is automated rather than manual
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a refuse vehicle includes capturing an image of a target area. The target area includes a collection exception that prevents lifting of a refuse container from the target area at the location. The method further includes classifying the collection exception and including the classified collection exception in collection data, and transmitting the image of the target area and the collection data to a remote server or cloud platform.