WO2005118435A1

WO2005118435A1 - Means and method for waste collection

Info

Publication number: WO2005118435A1
Application number: PCT/SE2005/000363
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luis Caballero Hamilton; Alberto CÁCERES TEJEDOR; Jan Rylenius; Göran L. ERIKSSON
Original assignee: Envac Centralsug Ab
Priority date: 2004-06-04
Filing date: 2005-03-11
Publication date: 2005-12-15
Also published as: EP1755991A1; KR20070043935A

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) for waste control in association with automated waste collection. An RFID signal from an RFID tag (12) attached to a waste item to be inserted into the waste collection system is read with an RFID reader (22) arranged in proximity of an inlet to the waste collection system. Identification information related to the waste item is extracted from the RFID signal, whereafter some control actions are performed in relation to the waste item based on the extracted identification information. The control actions can for example serve to prevent non-allowed waste items from entering the system by means of an alarm signal or by an obstructing means as well as to automatically sort waste.

Description

MEANS AND METHOD FOR WASTE COLLECTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to waste handling, and in particular to automated waste collection systems.

BACKGROUND

Automated systems for waste collection are well known within the art of handling waste and have been in use for several years. There are for example vacuum-operated systems for collecting refuse or waste from a number of insertion points and transporting it in an underground pipe system to a central collecting station. The insertion points can for example consist of inlet doors in a wall of a building or be free-standing (indoor or outdoor) insertion chutes. The collected waste is normally transported from the central collecting station by means of special trucks.

In case the waste collection system provides for sorting of the waste, there are generally a separate inlet for each waste fraction to be sorted, which means that the performance of the system is highly dependent on the ability and willingness of the users to correctly sort their waste. Waste items are often placed in the wrong inlet which makes the result of the waste sorting non-satisfactory. Another problem is that waste items not-allowed in the system, such as medicals or industrial waste, sometimes are likewise thrown into the system. This considerably reduces the quality of the waste collected from the central collecting station.

Although conventional systems for automated waste collection such as the mentioned vacuum- operated systems have resulted in an improved waste handling process, there is still a need for appropriate control mechanisms in such systems. SUMMARY

A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for automated waste collection. A specific object is to improve the control functionality of such a system.

These objects are achieved in accordance with the attached claims.

The present invention provides an automated waste collection system with additional control functionality that improves the system performance as well as the user perception thereof. The main idea is to let the system automatically identify individual waste items entering or about to enter the system through RFID signals from RFID tags attached to the individual pieces of waste (or to packages containing several pieces of waste). The RFID tags are read at the inlets, i.e. insertion points, of the automated waste collection system and identification information, such as waste type, waste fraction, amount of waste, density of waste, and/ or origin of waste, is extracted from the recorded RFID signals. Based on the extracted identification information, appropriate control measures, e.g. pre-sorting of waste at the inlets, can thereafter be taken towards individual waste items at an early stage in the system. It will even be possible to stop unwanted waste items before they enter the actual system. An especially useful feature of the control mechanism proposed in accordance with the present invention is that it can be connected to a system for waste charging and/ or return deposit in order to make the cost of the waste more closely represent the actual user behavior.

An automated waste collection system according to the present invention offers a number of advantages, including: - Automated waste sorting

- Increased system performance with "cleaner" waste fractions

- Increased tolerance against system misuse

- Waste charging reflecting actual user behavior/waste production - Increased knowledge of user behavior

- Automated and user-friendly return deposit functionality

According to other aspects of the invention a method and a system for waste control in an automated waste collection system are provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, is best understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system for automated waste collection in which the present invention can be used;

Fig. 2 illustrates the arrangement of an RFID reader in an inlet to a waste collection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates the arrangement of an RFID reader in an inlet to a waste collection system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram comprising a system for waste control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a method for waste control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the drawings the same reference numbers are used for similar or corresponding elements. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system for automated waste collection in which the present invention can be used. The illustrated system 1 is a vacuum-operated system for collecting and transporting refuse or waste from a number of insertion points to a central collecting station 2. The insertion points comprise insertion chutes 3-1, 3-2, in this example of two different types. Firstly, the system comprises insertion chutes 3-1 extending vertically through multistory buildings 4, such as residential buildings, hospital or office buildings. Such a multistory insertion chute 3-1 generally has closable insertion openings (inlets) 20 on each floor, through which refuse or waste may be inserted. It is further typically provided with an air inlet 5 at its upper end. At its lower end, the chute is connected to an underground transport pipe 6 through a discharge valve 7. Refuse, which is introduced into the transport pipe 6 by opening the discharge valve 7, is conveyed by means of sub-atmospheric pressure through the pipe 6 and into a container 8 that is normally arranged in the collecting central 2 that also contains the necessary equipment for generating the sub-atmospheric pressure, for filtering the air etc. Conventionally, the collected refuse or waste is transported from the central 2 by means of special trucks (not shown).

The other kind of insertion chutes refers to "separate" insertion chutes 3-2 normally positioned outdoors and being provided with one insertion opening (inlet) - or in some cases several adjacent inlets - positioned at a convenient height for inserting waste therein standing on the ground. The separate insertion chutes 3-2 may be connected to the same transport pipe 6 as the multistory chutes 3-1 or to separate branches thereof (not shown). Two different applications of the separate insertion chutes 3-2 are illustrated in Fig. 1, namely as free standing chutes positioned outdoors and connected to the underground transport pipe 6, and as free standing chutes on the ground floor of a larger public building complex 9, such as a mall or a sports arena.

As outlined in the background section, conventional systems for automated waste collection such as the vacuum-operated system of Fig. 1 are still associated with problems. In particular, the system operator has no control or knowledge of user behavior and the waste handling and sorting often become non-satisfactory. Solutions that improve the control related to discharged waste items and that are adapted for individual users would be very desirable.

The present invention provides automated waste collection systems like the above-described vacuum system with additional functionality that improves the system performance as well as the user perception thereof. It is based on the recognition that a key to overcome the mentioned problems and achieve an improved waste control is to provide the system with appropriate means for identifying waste items.

There are various ways of identifying individual products in general. Automatic identification technologies employing bar codes or magnetic stripes have been proposed. These approaches are associated with major drawbacks, since the former requires a direct line of sight to the reader and the latter requires close contact with the reader. An advanced automatic identification technology reducing the "contact" or "line-of-sight" problems is the well-known radio frequency identification (RFID), which is used to identify, track and detect a variety of objects including people, vehicles and containers. RFID is a contactless technology that relies on radio frequency waves between a tag (also referred to as a card or a transponder) and a reader. The tag is attached to the object to be identified and can be electronically programmed with unique information. Typical benefits of an RFID system are that it works very well in dirty, wet or other hostile environments, rarely needs maintenance and is comparatively fast.

There are two main groups of RFID tags — active and passive tags. Unlike passive tags, active tags comprise a power source. An active tag has a very favorable read-range but is typically expensive and associated with a large size and a limited operational life. The passive tags, on the other hand, are simple and less expensive but only transmit weak radio signals and have to be positioned comparatively close to the reader (often less than 30 cm). The weak signals from the passive tags can also be disturbed by metal items.

In accordance with the present invention, the waste collection system automatically identifies individual waste items entering or about to enter the system through RFID signals from RFID tags attached to the individual pieces of waste or, alternatively, to packages containing several pieces of waste. By performing the reading of the RFID tags at the inlets (insertion points) of the automated waste collection system, appropriate control measures, e.g. pre-sorting of waste at or close to the inlets, can be taken towards individual waste items at an early stage in the system. It will even be possible to stop unwanted waste items before they enter the actual system. Another useful feature of the control mechanism proposed in accordance with the present invention is that it can be connected to a system for waste charging and/ or return deposit, enabling the cost of the waste to more closely represent the actual user behavior.

These control measures and others will be described more in detail in the following. However, first some aspects of the RFID identification, i.e. the part of the proposed waste control system that precedes the control measures, will be explained.

As mentioned, the waste control of the invention relies on RFID identification at the inlets to the automated waste collection system. Accordingly, the proposed control system comprises one or more RFID readers by the inlet(s) to the system. Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate exemplary arrangements of an RFID reader in two different insertion chutes comprising or serving as inlets to a waste collection system in accordance with the present invention. Both insertion chutes lead to an automated waste collection system, such as the system described above with reference to Fig. 1, of which only a minor subportion (comprising the pipe 6) is shown. Fig. 2 shows a "separate" insertion chute 3-2 of the kind normally positioned outdoors above the ground surface 61. Fig. 3 shows an insertion chute 3-1 vertically extending through a building with two floors 62. The insertion chutes 3-1, 3-2 comprise inlets, here represented by a conventional inlet door 20, and there is a respective RFID reader 22 arranged at each inlet 20. The reader 22 is arranged to communicate with an RFID tag 12 attached to or comprised in a waste item 10. The drawings show a situation where the waste item has entered the system, i.e. its tag 12 has been read in order to perform control actions related to the waste item 10.

The RFID reader should, in accordance with the present invention, be arranged at, i.e. in proximity of, the respective inlet. Normally, one RFID reader per inlet would be sufficient but solutions with two or more inlets are also possible. The RFID reader can for example be arranged in a wall adjacent to the inlet. It is often preferred that the RFID reader 22, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, is located in the upper part of the inlet 20 to minimize the risk of damages from waste items 10 inserted into the system.

The RFID reader registers signals from RFID tags attached to the waste that users are introducing at the inlets. The use of RFID tags on consumer products is likely to increase explosively in the close future. Generally, RFID tags suitable for use in connection with the present invention will thus be attached to the items already by the producers /manufacturers. Such tags can be used as is or, alternatively, be provided with additional information (provided that the tag is such that it allows writing of information) for waste control purposes.

The RFID identification means, i.e. the RFID readers and tags, are thus used to identify waste items that users are introducing at the inlets. The identified waste items can for example be packaging, wrapping, cans, glass bottles inside bags or disposed one by one as isolated items. In a particular embodiment, the respective RFID tags are attached to individual pieces of o

waste. However, there may also be embodiments where the RFID tags are attached to bags /packages containing several pieces of waste.

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a system for waste identification and control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. An RFID tag 12 communicating with an RFID reader 22 of a system 100 for waste control is shown. The illustrated exemplary identification tag is a passive RFID tag 12 comprising a silicon chip with an integrated circuit (IC) 14 and a coil 16 acting as an antenna. The IC 14 generally contains a radio transceiver, an A/D-converter, processing means and a memory. In the tag memory, identification information about for example waste type or identity, waste fraction, amount of waste, density of waste, or origin of waste (e.g. an identifier such as a serial number for the user or manufacturer) can be stored. The tag 12 is operated for radio frequency identification (RFID) of waste items 10 and may be either read-write, i.e. allowing memory content to be "written to" as well as "read from" it by a user, or read-only. There is preferably a protective cover (not shown) encapsulating the tag 12, which cover should be manufactured of a non-metallic material that does not disturb the radio signal communication between the tag 12 and the reader 22.

The RFID reader 22 generally has an antenna 24, reader electronics and a power supply. At least some of the reader electronics may be placed in a separate reader box connected to the reader antenna 24 but forming a separate unit. However, embodiments where all reader components, including the reader antenna 24, form one integrated reader unit are also possible. The reader antenna 24 preferably consists of a coil of wire protected by a housing. Its main function is to produce a radio frequency magnetic field, which serves as a carrier of power from the RFID reader 22 to the RFID tag 12. When the waste item 10 with the tag 12 is brought into the magnetic field, the IC 14 is powered and its memory content can be transmitted as an electromagnetic signal to the reader 22 via the tag antenna 16 and reader antenna 24. Still referring to Fig. 4, the waste control system 100 further comprises means 32 for processing the RFID signal from the reader and control means 34 for control actions related to the waste item. The signal processing means 32 receives the RFID signal from the reader 22 and extracts identification information contained in this signal. An optional data base (DB) 40 is preferably included in the waste control system 100 and associated with the signal processing means 32, whereby extracted identification information can be collected and stored for further later processing and usage.

The control means 34 performs control actions related to the waste item based on the extracted identification information. The identification information can be forwarded directly from the signal processing means 32 or retrieved from the database 40. Based on this information the control means 34 sends control instructions to various control functionality / systems 52, 54, 200, 300 that may either be included in the waste control system 100 and the automated waste collection system (Fig. 1) or be externally provided. (The latter is in Fig. 4 indicated by dashed boxes.)

An automated waste collection system in accordance with the present invention can for example provide for at least one of the following control mechanisms:

Inlet control

By arranging the RFID reader near the inlet, e.g. just in front of an inlet door, the identification information from the RFID signal may be used to control the closing/ opening function 52 of the automated waste collection system. More specifically, the waste item can be allowed or denied access to the waste collection system based on the identification information. The inlet control preferably involves means for initiating an alarm signal in case access to the waste collection system is denied. In this way a user is notified when he tries to dispose non-allowed waste items. An alternative or complement to the alarm signaling is a physical obstructing means preventing waste items from entering the waste collection system via the inlet in case access is denied. An example would be to block the corresponding inlet door upon detection of glass bottles in the bags or packaging in the rest fraction.

By advising the users about the bad use of the inlets or preventing such use, the performance of the automated waste collection system will be improved, resulting in "cleaner" waste fractions, which are highly desirable both from an environmental and an economical point of view.

Automated waste sorting

If the identification information comprises information of waste fraction (or corresponding information) the control means can with advantage communicate with sorting means 54 of the waste collection system for automatically sorting the waste item based on this ^"information. The automated waste sorting can for example comprise pre-sorting of waste (isolated items or bags) in the beginning of the waste collection system e.g. close to the inlets. There may also be embodiments where the automated waste sorting is performed at recycling centers of collection stations within or outside the waste collection system.

The proposed waste sorting control leads to a better sorting of waste, i.e. cleaner waste fractions, and also enables introduction of more or less fully automated systems which are very convenient for the users.

Enhanced charging/ return deposit mechanism

Another control mechanism of the present invention relates to the cost for disposal of the waste items. The control means 34 of Fig. 4 is arranged to communicate with an (external) charging and/ or return deposit system 200, in order to control the cost related to the waste item based on the identification information. By determining waste charges based on the amount/ type of waste identified using RFID identification, the bills will more closely reflect the actual user behavior with regard to waste production. Such a charging control may serve as an incitement to users for producing less or "better" waste.

The possibility of associating the RFID reading to a return deposit system constitutes yet another advantageous feature of the present invention. Packages associated with a return deposit are detected by the waste collection system and the user can be repaid the appropriate amount without having to transport the packages to a recycling center.

Statistics on user behavior

Another aspect of the present invention is that identification information can be recorded (typically stored and processed) for studies of user behavior. The identification information originating from the RFID reader is in the example of Fig. 4 forwarded, via the signal processing means 32, to the database 40 for statistical data on the behavior of users of the automated waste collection system. An external system 300 for processing and presentation of the statistics is arranged to communicate with the waste control system 100, e.g. via the control means 34, and with the database 40.

The identification data can be processed to obtain desired statistical measures, such as mean values and percentages for cardboard, plastic, packaging, etc., which can be presented and analyzed using conventional statistical and plotting tools. The proposed RFID identification of waste items thus enables detection of trends and patterns in user behavior with regard to waste disposal. An increased knowledge of the end user behavior towards the system is very valuable for the system operator/ owner. He can use the data to develop the automated waste collection system further and improve factors related to system performance and environmental influence.

The data obtained from the RFID tags may also be used to connect particular waste, for example the waste from a particular producer, to specific consumers. Statistics on such data and can be of great value for the manufacturer (or his competitors).

It should be noted that although Fig. 4 only discloses one tag 12 and one reader 22 the system 100 generally handles a large number of waste items with associated RFID tags. A reader 22 may communicate with many tags 12 and one tag 12 may also pass several readers 22 in different instances of the automated waste collection system. Furthermore, the present invention is very advantageous for waste identification using passive tags. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any sense limited to such applications but may very well also be used for identification by means of active tags.

Moreover, it should be understood that the block elements of Fig. 4 are purely conceptual and may be differently arranged in different physical implementations. The signal processing means 32 could for example be physically integrated with the reader electronics 22 or the control means 34. The control functionality 52, 54, 200, 300 can be included in the control means 34 of the waste control system 100 or be distributed elsewhere in the automated waste collection system or even form separate external networks communicating with the waste control system 100 of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart summarizing a method for waste control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a first step SI, an RFID signal from an RFID tag attached to a waste item about to be inserted into a waste collection system is read using an RFID reader, which is arranged in proximity of an inlet to the waste collection system. Identification information related to the waste item is extracted from the RFID signal in step S2, whereafter some control actions are performed in relation to the waste item based on the extracted identification information. This example includes control actions that serve to prevent non-allowed waste items from entering the system as well as control actions to automatically sort waste based on the identification information from the RFID signal. Based on the identification information it is first determined whether the waste item is allowed or denied access to the waste collection system. Step S3 asks if entrance is allowed. If the answer is no, measures are taken to stop the waste item from entering the system (step S4). An alarm signal can for example be transmitted to notify the user that the waste item is not allowed in this particular inlet and/ or the waste item may be physically stopped at the inlet by a lock on the inlet door or a similar obstructing mechanism. If, on the other hand, entrance to the waste collection system is allowed, an automated waste sorting is performed in a final step S5 based on the identification information (typically information about waste type or waste fraction of the waste item). The waste sorting can with advantage be performed shortly after the waste item has passed the inlet, whereby it is directed into the correct waste line /pipe selected from a number of alternative pipes for different waste types/fractions.

It should be mentioned that a number of other applications using RFID technologies in connection with waste handling have been presented in the prior art. Several patents, including US Patent 6,302,461 and US Patent 5,565,846, for example describe solutions where a rigid bin for trash has been provided with an RFID tag to enable identification of the bin and thus the customer. The RFID reader is arranged at a trash collection vehicle.

The present invention relates to waste control in automated waste collection systems such as vacuum systems. It should be mentioned, however, that RFID readers could also be used in other waste collection systems, that may be distributed, i.e. include several separate portions, or non-distributed. A

RFID reader may then be arranged at different types of inlets or even on waste bin inlets.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific illustrated embodiments, it should be emphasized that it also covers equivalents to the disclosed features, as well as modifications and variants obvious to a man skilled in the art. Thus, the scope of the invention is only limited by the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. A method for waste control in an automated waste collection system (1) comprising the steps of: reading, at an RFID reader (22) arranged in proximity of an inlet (20) to the waste collection system, an RFID signal from an RFID tag (12) attached to a waste item (10) about to be inserted into the waste collection system via the inlet; extracting identification information related to the waste item from the RFID signal; and performing a control action related to the waste item based on the extracted identification information.

2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the identification information comprises information selected from the group of: waste type, waste fraction, amount of waste, density of waste, origin of waste.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the waste item (10) is an individual piece of waste with an associated RFID tag (12).

4. The method of any of previous claims, characterized by controlling the waste collection system (1) such that the waste item (10) is allowed or denied access to the waste collection system based on the identification information.

5. The method of claim 4, characterized by transmitting an alarm signal in case access to the waste collection system (1) is denied.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, characterized by obstructing the waste item (10) from entering the waste collection system (1) via the inlet (20) in case access is denied.

7. The method of any of previous claims, characterized by the steps of: determining the waste fraction of the waste item (10) from the RFID signal; and controlling the waste collection system (1) such that the waste item is automatically sorted in accordance with the determined waste fraction.

8. The method of any of previous claims, characterized by the step of storing the identification information in a database (40) for purposes of user behavior recording.

9. The method of any of previous claims, characterized by the step of controlling the cost related to the waste item (10) by determining a waste charge and/ or return deposit based on the identification information.

10. A system (100) for waste control in an automated waste collection system (1) comprising: an RFID reader (22) arranged in proximity of an inlet (20) to the waste collection system and adapted for reading an RFID signal from an RFID tag

(12) attached to a waste item (10) about to be inserted into the waste collection system via the inlet; signal processing means (32) for extracting identification information related to the waste item from the RFID signal; and control means (34) for control actions related to the waste item based on the extracted identification information.

11. The system of claim 10, characterized in that the identification information comprises information selected from the group of: waste type, waste fraction, amount of waste, density of waste, origin of waste.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the waste item (10) is an individual piece of waste with an associated RFID tag (12).

13. The system of any of claims 10-12, characterized in that the control means (34) comprises or is arranged to communicate with inlet control means (52) for controlling the waste collection system (1) such that the waste item (10) is allowed or denied access to the waste collection system based on the identification information.

14. The system of claim 13, characterized in that the inlet control means (52) comprises means for initiating an alarm signal in case access to the waste collection system (1) is denied.

15. The system of claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the inlet control means (52) comprises obstructing means preventing the waste item (10) from entering the waste collection system (1) via the inlet (20) in case access is denied.

16. The system of any of claims 10-15, characterized in that the identification information comprises information of waste fraction and the control means (34) comprises or is arranged to communicate with sorting means (54) of the waste collection system (1) for automatically sorting the waste item (10) in accordance with the waste fraction.

17. The system of any of claims 10-16, characterized by means (40) for storing the identification information enabling user behavior recording.

18. The system of any of claims 10-17, characterized in that the control means (34) is arranged to communicate with a charging and/ or return deposit system (200) such that the cost related to the waste item (10) can be controlled based on the identification information.

19. An automated waste collection system (1) including a system (100) for waste control in accordance with any of claims 10-18.

20. The automated waste collection system of claim 19, being a vacuum waste collection system.