Waste Format Classification Using Optical Surface Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for classifying waste in public dumpsters are costly, unreliable due to dependence on special tagged bags, and prone to logistical complications, as they require accurate volume measurement rather than format classification, and are not effective for loose waste or damaged tags.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with optical sensors, such as Time of Flight technology, reconstructs the surface profile of waste inside the dumpster to classify it based on standard formats, using a calibration procedure to determine optimal sensor density and threshold values, allowing for accurate format classification without precise volume measurement, and is optimized for different local classifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate volume measurement systems are used to classify waste, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a two-stage classification system: first a quick format classification using simple sensors to determine if waste fits standard formats, and only if needed, a more precise volume measurement. This avoids always using high-precision expensive systems while maintaining adequate accuracy for the intended application of waste format classification.
2Measurement precision
If special tagged bags are used for waste classification, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to tag damage and user compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by enabling automatic waste classification through simple sensors that detect the presence and characteristics of waste bags without requiring any special tags, labels, or user actions. The classification is performed autonomously based on physical properties of the waste itself, eliminating dependence on user compliance with tagging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile RFID tags with simple, robust optical sensors that detect waste characteristics directly. This substitutes a complex, damage-prone tagging system with a durable sensing system that reads waste properties without requiring any special components on the waste bags themselves.
3Measurement precision
If tag distribution systems are implemented to enable waste classification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and logistical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the classification functionality from the waste bag (removing the need for tags, labels, or special bag types) and places it entirely in the sensing system. The sensors directly detect waste format characteristics, eliminating the entire tag distribution, management, and maintenance infrastructure.
4Device complexity
If optical sensors are used for waste classification, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate without proper calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration during installation or setup, establishing the relationship between optical sensor readings and actual waste formats for the specific installation location. This preliminary action creates a reference framework that enables accurate classification without requiring complex real-time calculations or adjustments during operation.
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 solution provides high accuracy and reliability in classifying waste formats, reducing costs and logistical issues, while being adaptable to various classifications and able to handle generic loose waste, with minimal sensor usage and reduced susceptibility to damage.
Implementation Method 1
An apparatus with optical sensors, such as Time of Flight technology, reconstructs the surface profile of waste inside the dumpster
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A method for the automatic classification of the format of waste delivered into a public dumpster (10) provided with a plurality of optical sensors (12) which are arranged in an elevated position which does not interfere with the area occupied by the waste and are directed functionally toward the bottom (10a) of the dumpster (10). A control unit (CU), capable of detecting the surface profile of the waste in the dumpster (10) on the basis of the signals received from the optical sensors (12), calculates a volumetric datum on the basis of the difference between the surface profile detected after delivery and the surface profile detected before delivery, compares the volumetric datum with threshold values which are preset on the basis of specific standard formats, associates the delivered waste with the corresponding format, and generates corresponding format information for subsequent processing.