Collection Vehicle Imaging for Recyclable Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of collecting, sorting, and recycling recyclables is time-consuming and expensive, with lower quality bins increasing overall costs due to the likelihood of contamination and the need for additional sorting.
Innovation Solution
A recyclable identification system for collection vehicles equipped with imaging, metal detection, GPS, and proximity sensors, along with a controller and transceiver, to identify and classify recyclables, detect contamination, and determine optimal collection routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual collection and sorting methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with automated imaging systems, metal detectors, and classification algorithms. The system captures images of recyclables, uses machine learning to identify and classify materials, and automatically directs items to appropriate containers, eliminating time-consuming manual sorting while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service sorting where the recyclables themselves are identified and classified by the imaging and detection systems without human intervention. The automated classification algorithm processes each item independently, determining its category and routing it accordingly, allowing the system to serve itself in the sorting function and dramatically reducing the time required for the collection and distribution process
2Reliability
If comprehensive sorting and quality control are implemented, then recyclable quality improves, but processing costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sorting process into distinct functional modules: imaging subsystem for capturing recyclable images, metal detection subsystem for identifying metallic items, classification algorithm for categorizing materials, and routing mechanism for directing items to appropriate containers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving recyclable quality through comprehensive sorting while managing system complexity through modular design that can be implemented incrementally
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary classification algorithm that acts as a mediator between the detection systems and the physical sorting mechanism. The algorithm processes detection data, determines recyclable categories, and generates routing instructions without requiring direct complex mechanical coordination, thereby improving sorting accuracy and quality while reducing the complexity of the overall system integration
3Measurement precision
If advanced imaging and classification systems are deployed, then identification accuracy improves, but system complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional imaging system that serves multiple purposes: capturing images for visual identification, detecting metal content through integrated sensors, determining recyclable category, and providing data for routing decisions. This universal system performs all identification functions through a single integrated platform rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each function, thereby improving identification accuracy while managing complexity through consolidation of functions into a unified system that can process multiple types of recyclables with a single setup
Data Source
AI summary
Recyclable identification systems and methods are disclosed. A recyclable identification system, for example, may include a collection vehicle having a container and an imaging system disposed on the collection vehicle and positioned on the collection vehicle to image objects as the objects pass into the container. The recyclable identification system may also include a transceiver and a controller communicatively coupled with the imaging system and the transceiver. The controller may receive a plurality of images from the imaging system, the plurality of images includes images of objects that have been dumped into the container; determine a location associated with the plurality of images; combine the video or the plurality of images with the location; select an image or images of interest from frames of the plurality of images that include images of recyclables; and transmit the image of interest to a cloud computing system via the transceiver.