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WO2016187677A1 - Détection du vidage d'un réceptacle de déchets - Google Patents

Détection du vidage d'un réceptacle de déchets Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016187677A1
WO2016187677A1 PCT/AU2016/050425 AU2016050425W WO2016187677A1 WO 2016187677 A1 WO2016187677 A1 WO 2016187677A1 AU 2016050425 W AU2016050425 W AU 2016050425W WO 2016187677 A1 WO2016187677 A1 WO 2016187677A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
emptying
receptacle
refuse
processing system
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2016/050425
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Christopher O'brien
Original Assignee
Calo Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2015901972A external-priority patent/AU2015901972A0/en
Application filed by Calo Holdings Pty Ltd filed Critical Calo Holdings Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2016187677A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016187677A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
    • B65F1/14—Other constructional features; Accessories
    • B65F1/1484—Other constructional features; Accessories relating to the adaptation of receptacles to carry identification means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/128—Data transmitting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/144—Level detecting means
    • B65F2210/1443—Electrical
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/172—Solar cells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/184—Weighing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/20—Temperature sensing means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device, system and method for detecting an emptying of refuse from a refuse receptacle.
  • a refuse collection entity For customers such as commercial and industrial businesses, it is common to arrange for a refuse collection entity to collect refuse from a refuse receptacle using a refuse emptying vehicle, such as a garbage truck, or the like.
  • a refuse emptying vehicle such as a garbage truck, or the like.
  • businesses may question whether the refuse receptacle was actually emptied on a particular day or whether the number of refuse receptacles allegedly emptied actually occurred, particularly when such an event may happen on a regular or frequent basis. This problem can lead to disputes between the customer and the refuse collection company, often leading to the refuse collection company having to discount services in order to maintain a healthy working relationship.
  • systems and devices that have been implemented solely utilise a detected tilt of the refuse receptacle to determine if an emptying event of the refuse receptacle.
  • a detected tilt of the refuse receptacle to determine if an emptying event of the refuse receptacle.
  • the driver may tilt the device a plurality of times in order to urge the refuse to leave the refuse receptacle, which can result in multiple emptying actions being incorrectly recorded.
  • a device for detecting an emptying of a refuse receptacle wherein the device is attached to the refuse receptacle, wherein the device includes a processor, a memory including executable instructions, one or more sensors, and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured by the executable instructions to:
  • receptacle data including:
  • sensor data obtained from at least some of the one or more sensors; and temporal data indicative timestamps associated with the sensor data;
  • the processor is configured by the executable instructions to:
  • the receptacle data is indicative of an emptying characteristic; and determine, based on a positive identification of the emptying characteristic, whether the emptying event has been detected.
  • the processor is configured by the executable instructions to:
  • the processor is configured by the executable instructions to:
  • the receptacle data is indicative of a non-emptying characteristic; and determine, based on a positive identification of the non-emptying characteristic, whether the emptying event has been detected.
  • the processor is configured by the executable instructions to determine that the emptying event was not detected in response to a positive identification of a non-emptying characteristic.
  • the processor is configured to:
  • the processor is configured to:
  • the processor is configured to:
  • segment the receptacle data based on segmentation characteristics identified within the receptacle data to obtain a plurality of receptacle data segments representing a plurality of receptacle states;
  • the processor is configured to:
  • control the communication interface to wirelessly transfer to the server processing system a detection of the tip-over event of the refuse receptacle for storage in the data store.
  • the processor is configured to:
  • the memory has stored therein one or more thresholds for determining whether the receptacle data is indicative of the emptying characteristic, wherein the device is configured to receive, via the communication interface from the server processing system, reconfiguration data to reconfigure at least some of the one or more thresholds.
  • the plurality of emptying characteristics include at least two of:
  • a second emptying characteristic wherein a first time lapse between the refuse receptacle being lifted from a surface by a receptacle emptying vehicle and resting on the surface is less than a first temporal threshold
  • a third emptying characteristic wherein a second time lapse indicative of the receptacle being idle is greater than a second temporal threshold
  • a fourth emptying characteristic wherein a third time lapse of a high frequency motion of the refuse receptacle is greater than a third temporal threshold
  • a fifth emptying characteristic wherein a fourth time lapse of the refuse receptacle starting to be lowered by the receptacle emptying vehicle to resting on the surface is greater than a fourth temporal threshold.
  • the one or more sensors include an accelerometer.
  • the one or more sensors include a gyroscope.
  • the one or more sensors include a pressure sensor.
  • the one or more sensors include a location receiver to detect a location of the receptacle.
  • the one or more sensors include a magnetometer.
  • the device includes a temperature sensor.
  • the device operates in a sleep mode until a change in sensor data is detected, wherein in response to the change in the sensor data, the device transitions to an active mode.
  • the device in response to the sensor data being indicative of no motion of the refuse receptacle for a threshold period of time whilst operating is the active mode, the device transitions to operating in the sleep mode.
  • the receptacle data includes derived measurement data
  • the processor is configured to generate the derived measurement data based on the sensor data and the temporal data.
  • the device includes a housing having a machine readable identifier indicative of a unique identity associated with the device, wherein the machine readable identifier is readable by a m operating a mobile processing system executing a computer program to read the unique identity and transfer an emptying request, indicative of the unique identity, to the server processing system for on-demand refuse collection.
  • the device includes an input device electrically coupled to the processor, wherein actuation of the input device causes an emptying request, indicative of a unique identity associated with the device, to be transferred to the server processing system via the communication interface for on-demand refuse collection.
  • the one or more sensors include one or more fill level sensors for sensing a fill level of the refuse container, wherein in response to the fill level satisfying a fill threshold, an emptying request is transferred to the server processing system via the communication interface for on-demand refuse collection.
  • the one or more fill level sensors include at least one of: one or more proximity sensors; and
  • a camera device for capturing photographic data of the refuse contained within the refuse container, wherein the processor is configured to execute image processing to determine the fill level.
  • the device includes a photodetector for sensing an opening or closing of a lid of the refuse receptacle, wherein the one or more fill level sensors are actuated by the processor in response to sensing the opening or closing of the lid to sense the fill level.
  • the device includes a camera device for capturing photographic data of the refuse contained within the refuse container, wherein the processor is configured to perform image recognition processing to determine refuse classification data, wherein the refuse classification data is transferred via the communication interface to the server processing system for storing in the data store.
  • a system for detecting an emptying of a refuse receptacle wherein the system includes:
  • a server processing system configured to record the emptying event.
  • the server processing system is configured to transfer reconfiguration data to the device to reconfigure the device.
  • a system for detecting an emptying of a refuse receptacle wherein the system includes a device and a server processing system, wherein: the device is attached to the refuse receptacle, wherein the device includes a processor, a memory including executable instructions, one or more sensors, and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured by the executable instructions to:
  • receptacle data including: sensor data obtained from at least some of the one or more sensors; and temporal data indicative timestamps associated with the sensor data; determine whether an emptying event has been detected based on the sensor data and the temporal data; and
  • control the communication interface to transfer, to the server processing system for storage in a data store, the receptacle data
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • the receptacle data is indicative of an emptying characteristic; and determine, based on a positive identification of the emptying characteristic, whether the emptying event has been detected.
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • the server processing system is configured to determine that the emptying event was not detected in response to a positive identification of a non-emptying characteristic.
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • segment the receptacle data based on segmentation characteristics identified within the receptacle data to obtain a plurality of receptacle data segments representing a plurality of receptacle states;
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • control the communication interface to wirelessly transfer to the server processing system a detection of the tip-over event of the refuse receptacle for storage in the data store.
  • the server processing system is configured to:
  • the server processing system is configured to record the emptying event in the data store in response to positively verifying, using collection schedule data stored in the data store and based on the detection, if the refuse receptacle was due to be emptied.
  • the plurality of emptying characteristics include at least two of:
  • a second emptying characteristic wherein a first time lapse between the refuse receptacle being lifted from a surface by a receptacle emptying vehicle and resting on the surface is less than a first temporal threshold
  • a third emptying characteristic wherein a second time lapse indicative of the receptacle being idle is greater than a second temporal threshold
  • a fourth emptying characteristic wherein a third time lapse of a high frequency motion of the refuse receptacle is greater than a third temporal threshold; and a fifth emptying characteristic, wherein a fourth time lapse of the refuse receptacle starting to be lowered by the receptacle emptying vehicle to resting on the surface is greater than a fourth temporal threshold.
  • the one or more sensors include an accelerometer.
  • the one or more sensors include a gyroscope.
  • the one or more sensors include a pressure sensor.
  • the one or more sensors include a location receiver.
  • the one or more sensors include a magnetometer.
  • the device includes a temperature sensor.
  • the device operates in a sleep mode until a change in sensor data is detected, wherein in response to the change in the sensor data, the device transitions to an active mode.
  • the device in response to the sensor data being indicative of no motion of the refuse receptacle for a threshold period of time whilst operating is the active mode, the device transitions to operating in the sleep mode.
  • the receptacle data includes derived measurement data, wherein the processor is configured to generate the derived measurement data based on the sensor data and the temporal data.
  • the device includes a housing having a machine readable identifier indicative of a unique identity associated with the device, wherein the machine readable identifier is readable by a user operating a mobile processing system executing a computer program to read the unique identity and transfer an emptying request, indicative of the unique identity, to the server processing system for on-demand refuse collection.
  • the device includes an input device electrically coupled to the processor, wherein actuation of the input device causes an emptying request, indicative of the unique identity, to be transferred to the server processing system via the communication interface for on-demand refuse collection.
  • the one or more sensors include one or more fill level sensors for sensing a fill level of the refuse container, wherein in response to the fill level satisfying a fill threshold, an emptying request is transferred to the server processing system via the communication interface for on-demand refuse collection.
  • the one or more fill level sensors include at least one of:
  • a camera device for capturing photographic data of the refuse contained within the refuse container, wherein the processor is configured to execute image processing to determine the fill level.
  • the one or more sensors include a photodetector for sensing an opening or closing of a lid of the refuse receptacle, wherein the one or more fill level sensors are actuated by the processor in response to sensing the opening or closing of the lid to sense the fill level.
  • the device includes a camera device for capturing photographic data of the refuse contained within the refuse container, wherein the server processing system is configured to perform image recognition processing to determine refuse classification data, wherein the refuse classification data is stored in the data store.
  • the server processing system facilitates debiting of an account associated with an owner of the refuse receptacle in response to detecting the emptying event.
  • server processing system provides an Application Programming Interface (API) to enable one or more other processing systems to access data stored in the data store.
  • API Application Programming Interface
  • the server processing system includes a web server serving a web interface for presentation of at least some of the data stored in the data store.
  • the system includes one or more relay devices to relay communication between the device and the server processing system.
  • the one or more relay devices include a mobile processing system associated with a driver of a receptacle emptying vehicle, wherein the mobile processing system is configured to receive the receptacle data from the device and transfer the receptacle data to the server processing system.
  • the server processing system is configured to: generate and transfer, based on a on-demand refuse collection rule being satisfied, an electronic message to the owner of the refuse receptacle to determine if an adjustment to a periodic collection of refuse is required;
  • each detection received by the device includes temporal data indicative of a point in time which the emptying event occurred and the a geographical location which the emptying event occurred
  • the system includes a load sensing system which transfers a detection to the server processing system for storing in the data store, wherein the detection received from the load sensing system is indicative of the sensed load, a point in time that the load was sensed, and a geographical location that the load was sensed
  • the server processing system is configured to perform a matching process to match the detection from the device with the detection from the load sensing system based on the location data and temporal data of the respective detections
  • the server processing system is configured to determine a financial amount to be debited to the account associated with the owner of the refuse receptacle based on the sensed load.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example processing device that can be utilized to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment
  • Figure 2 illustrates an example network infrastructure that can be utilized to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment
  • Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of an example system for detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
  • Figure 4A is a functional block diagram of an example device for detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
  • Figure 4B is a functional block diagram of a further example device for detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
  • Figure 4C is a functional block diagram of an example device for detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
  • Figure 5 is a graph of various measurements obtained and/or determined by the device of Figure 4A for an emptying cycle of a refuse receptacle
  • Figure 6 is a flowchart representing a method performed by the processor of the device.
  • Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of a further example system for detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
  • Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of an example load sensing system for sensing a load of refuse contained within a refuse receptacle.
  • Figure 9 is a system diagram of an example hydraulic lifting and weighing apparatus including the load sensing system of Figure 8.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a functional block diagram of a system 300 for detecting an emptying event of a refuse receptacle 305.
  • the system 300 includes one or more devices 310 attached to a respective one or more refuse receptacles 305 and a data collection processing system 320 provided in the form of a server processing system 320 in communication with the one or more devices 310.
  • the device 310 generally includes a housing which houses electronic components of the device 310 for detecting an emptying event of the refuse receptacle 305 such as a dumpster bin or a residential garbage bin. Detections can be communicated to the server processing system 320 which can be stored in a data store 311.
  • the device 310 includes a processing system in the form of processing system 100 (see Figure 1) such as a microcontroller 405.
  • the server processing system 320 can be provided in the form of processing system 100 (see Figure 1).
  • the server processing system 320 can be a cloud server processing system and thus may be a distributed processing system.
  • the device 310 is generally secured to the respective refuse receptacle 305 using a fastener such as a screw lock which can fasten the device 310 to the top rear section of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • a fastener such as a screw lock which can fasten the device 310 to the top rear section of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the device 310 can be releasably secured if required.
  • the device 310, or at least a portion of the device 310 may be located within the receptacle 305 in order to obtain various sensor measurements.
  • a report can be generated by the server processing system 320 and provided to a querying customer to prove when the refuse receptacle 405 was emptied.
  • the device 310 includes a processor 410, a memory 420 have stored therein executable instructions 425, one or more sensors 435, a power source 450 and a communication interface 490.
  • the electrical components can be coupled together via a bus 495 and/or an input/output (i/o) interface 496.
  • the processor 410 is configured by the executable instructions representing a computer program 425.
  • the processor 410 of the microcontroller 405 may be from the ARM Cortex M3 family.
  • the processor 410 can be provided with an external watchdog timer and brown-out detector, however it will be appreciated that secondary (external) supervisor(s) can be alternatively used.
  • the method 600 includes the processor 410 obtaining receptacle data.
  • the receptacle data includes sensor data obtained from at least some of the one or more sensors 435, and temporal data indicative timestamps associated with the sensor data.
  • the method 600 includes the processor 410 determining whether an emptying event has been detected based on the sensor data and the temporal data.
  • the method 600 includes the processor 410 controlling the communication interface 490 to transfer, to the server processing system 320 for storage in a data store 311, detection data indicative of a detection of the emptying event of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the obtained sensor data includes a plurality of data samples which are sampled by the processor 410 from at least some of the one or more sensors 435.
  • the temporal data includes a plurality of timestamps, wherein each timestamp is associated with a respective data samples.
  • the processor 410 can be configured by the executable instructions to apply a detection algorithm, as will be discussed in more detail below, which uses the sensor data and the temporal data to detect an emptying event of the respective refuse receptacle.
  • the use of the temporal data in combination with sensor data is highly advantageous as the timing of particular sensor measurements can provide a useful means of accurately and automatically determining the emptying event which may vary according to many variables in practice (e.g. bin type, rear or side lift, operator technique, etc.).
  • the memory 420 can include volatile and non- volatile memory.
  • the non- volatile memory can be provided in the form of Flash memory and/or EEPROM. EEPROM can optionally be used for storage of configuration data.
  • the communication interface 490 of the device 310 can utilise various forms of wireless communication such as 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, or 4G mobile telecommunication technology. However, as will be discussed in further detail later in this document, the device 310 may utilise additional or alternate forms of wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio transmission, and the like.
  • the communication interface 490 can include an antenna to enable wireless transfer and receipt of data.
  • the communication interface 490 can be provided in the form of a Genesys GMS 3G module (http://www.genesysproducts.com.au/files/brochures/GBI-MC-
  • the communication interface 490 is provided in the form of a 3G communication interface which includes a SIM card.
  • the detection data transferred by the communication interface 490 can be indicative of temporal data indicative of a point in time which the emptying event was detected, location data indicative of a geographical location which the emptying event occurred which can be obtained from a location receiver (see Figure 4B - the device of Figure 4A can optionally include a location receiver), and optionally the receptacle data used to determine that the emptying event was detected.
  • the device 310 has a unique identity associated therewith to uniquely identify the device 310.
  • the unique identity may be a MAC address of the communication interface 490, although other unique identities can also be used.
  • the device can include a ID chip such as a I2C EUI-64 unique ID chip with programmable serial number, wherein an option may be provided to write -protect.
  • the data that is transferred via the communication interface 490 can be indicative of the unique identity of the device 310 which is obtained from the ID chip such that the server processing system can identify the respective device 310 from a plurality of devices out in field.
  • the ID chip is only one manner in which a unique identity can be associated with the device 310 and that many other implementations are possible.
  • the electrical power source 450 can be provided in the form of a battery.
  • the battery 450 is generally housed within the housing of device 310.
  • the electrical power source may be provided in the form of a bank of lithium manganese dioxide primary cell (non-rechargeable) batteries.
  • the electrical power source provides a seven to ten year life for the device 310.
  • the power source 450 may be rechargeable using an electrical recharging arrangement or alternate recharging arrangements such as solar panels, inductive arrangements, or kinetic recharge arrangements.
  • the device 310 can additionally include one or more lights 497 to indicate an operative state of the device 310.
  • the one or more lights 497 may be provided in the form of one or more light emitting diodes.
  • the one or more lights may be provided in the form of one or more light emitting diodes.
  • the processor 410 may control the processor 410 to flash in the event that the device 310 is operating in a configuration mode, the one or more lights 497 may emit light in the event that the device 310 is operating in an active state, and the one or more lights 497 may not emit light when the device 310 is in a sleep state.
  • the other specific light operations can be utilised to indicate the state of the device 310.
  • the device 310 can also include a real-time clock 498.
  • the real-time clock 498 may be non-temperature controlled and can be used for timekeeping functions of the device 310.
  • the real-time clock 498 has the ability to provide assistance to the processor 410 for power management.
  • the real-time clock 498 may be an onboard real-time clock of the microcontroller 405, however it is possible to provide a separate real-time clock
  • the sensor 435 of the device 310 exemplified in Figure 4A includes an accelerometer 440.
  • the accelerometer 440 can be provided in the form of a 3 axis accelerometer 440.
  • the accelerometer 440 can be sampled by the processor 410 such that each data sample is assigned a timestamp by the processor 410. Each timestamp is indicative of the time which the data sample was obtained by the processor 410.
  • the accelerometer data can be indicative of acceleration measurements.
  • a plurality of complex measurements may be obtained such as: an angle between a predominate (gravity) vector and the vertical axis of the accelerometer 440 when accelerometer 440 is static; an angle between the zero gravity vector at idle and the current net gravity/acceleration vector when dynamic; and/or a sum of all axis' acceleration, with gravity removed.
  • the raw accelerometer data may be indicative of an idle time period indicative of the time between when the accelerometer 440 was static and when the accelerometer 440 underwent movement. It is possible that the previously mentioned sensor measurements can be derived by the processor 410 of the device 310 in the event that the accelerometer 440 only provides simple acceleration data. In this optional configuration, the processor 410 may utilise a log of timestamped accelerometer data stored in the memory 420 to derive at least some of the above mentioned measurements.
  • the one or more sensors 435 can also include a location receiver 440.
  • the location receiver can be used for detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle 305 when it needs to be lifted and moved to a different location to be emptied.
  • detection data of a detected emptying event can include location data indicative of the location of the emptying event.
  • the location data can be geographical coordinates obtained from the location receiver.
  • the executable instructions representing the computer program 425 configure the processor 410 to generate derived measurement data based on the timestamped acceleration data.
  • the processor 410 may be configured by the executable instructions to perform extrapolation or interpolation calculations to generate the derived measurement data.
  • the computer program 435 can configure the processor to determine a change in angle of the accelerometer 440 (and thus the receptacle 305) over time based on the temporal data associated with the acceleration data representing the angle of the accelerometer 440 (i.e. the timestamps associated with the acceleration samples). Further derived measurements will be discussed in further examples below.
  • the derived measurements are assigned a timestamp by the processor 410.
  • the processor 410 can be configured by the computer program 425 to derive the one or more measurements whilst simultaneously sampling the sensor data such that the current time of each derived measurement is the timestamp assigned thereto by the processor. Due to the speed of the processing performed by processor 410, the timestamp indicative of the current time which is assigned to the derived measurement is substantially accurate for detecting an emptying event of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • a timestamp may be the average of timestamps of the acceleration data which are used to calculate the derived measurement.
  • the executable instructions representing the computer program 425 configure the processor 410 to detect, based on receptacle data, an emptying event of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the receptacle data can include the sensor data and first temporal data (e.g. timestamps) associated with the sensor data.
  • the receptacle data can additionally include the derived measurement data and optionally second temporal data (e.g. timestamps) associated with the derived measurement data.
  • the receptacle data may be indicative of sensor data including a series of angular tilt measurements, first temporal data including timestamps associated with the series of angular tilt measurements, derived measurement data including a series of derived measurements indicative of the change of angular tilt over time, and second temporal data including timestamps associated with the series of derived measurements.
  • the computer program 425 can configure the processor 410 to analyse the receptacle data and determine if the receptacle data is indicative of one or more emptying characteristics.
  • the emptying characteristics can be defined by the computer program 425 and stored in the memory 420.
  • the processor 410 is configured by the executable instructions to determine, based on the one or more positively detected emptying characteristics, if an emptying event has been detected.
  • the processor 410 is configured to positively detect a plurality of emptying characteristics indicated by the receptacle data, and then determine based on the plurality of positively detected emptying characteristics that an emptying event has been detected.
  • the emptying characteristics that are detected can be part of a generic profile for various emptying motions and various receptacle types and various receptacle emptying vehicles. A generic profile used by the device 310 will be discussed in later examples.
  • At least some of the emptying characteristics are dependent upon the sensor data. In additional or alternate forms, at least some of the emptying characteristics are dependent upon at least some of and various combinations of the sensor data, the derived measurement data, the first and/or second temporal data.
  • a first emptying characteristic may be where the refuse receptacle 305 is detected as being tilted to at least a threshold angle.
  • a second emptying characteristic may be where a first time lapse between the refuse receptacle 305 being lifted from a support surface (e.g. the ground) by a receptacle emptying vehicle and the refuse receptacle 305 resting on the support surface is less than a first temporal threshold.
  • a third emptying characteristic may be where a second time lapse indicative of the time that the receptacle 305 was idle is greater than or equal to a second temporal threshold.
  • a fourth emptying characteristic may be where a third time lapse of a high frequency motion of the refuse receptacle 305 is greater than a third temporal threshold.
  • a fifth emptying characteristic may be where a fourth time lapse between the refuse receptacle 305 starting to be lowered by the receptacle emptying vehicle and the refuse receptacle 305 resting on the support surface is greater than a fourth temporal threshold.
  • Other example emptying characteristics will described in further examples below.
  • the computer program 425 can be configured to apply one or more segmentation rules to segment the receptacle data into data segments prior to determining whether particular emptying characteristics have been identified.
  • Each receptacle data segment represents one of a plurality of receptacle states.
  • the receptacle states can include:
  • each receptacle data segment can be stored as an array.
  • Each segmentation rule be based upon one or more segmentation characteristics indicative of the respective receptacle states.
  • the receptacle data segment associated with the rotating state may be identified based on the sensor data being indicative of a change of sensed angular tilt over a particular time period. Other examples will be discussed in a later example.
  • the segmentation of the receptacle data into segment states can be highly advantageous as particular characteristics may be identified as being present only within a particular segment state.
  • the processor 410 does not need to analyse all the receptacle data but rather only a particular segment of the receptacle data which is associated with the respective characteristic which the processor 410 is attempting to detect. As such, the processing performed by the processor 410 can be performed in an expeditious manner and conserve power consumption which is particularly important given the expected lifetime of the device 310.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to record in memory transition event data indicative of transition events which occur between the determined receptacle states.
  • the transition events include the follow events from Table 1 : Transition event Description pickup the transition between idle and ascending states,
  • the transition between any state that involves active movement of the and one that involves awaiting of stabilisation post-de-activation of that active movement (typically the latter state is "settling[] ") stabilised the transition between setting[] and stable[] states return the transition between stable[] and derotating[] states for the first time during a plausible empty cycle drop the transition from a derotating[] state to a descending [] state, signified by the bin angle between gravitational vertical and its vertical axis (when on flat ground) decreasing back to ⁇ 0 degrees
  • Transition events [00112] For at least some, if not all, transition states the processor 410 records in memory a timestamp associated with each detected transition state based on the temporal order of the segmented receptacle data. The timestamped transition states can form part of the receptacle data.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to determine whether particular emptying characteristics are present in the receptacle data segments. It will be appreciated that due to the receptacle data being segmented, it is possible that certain emptying characteristics are dependent upon a only particular classified receptacle data segments as discussed above. For example, one emptying characteristic may be that the settling receptacle data segment includes highly varying (high frequency) acceleration measurements indicative of an ejection "jiggle". In additional or alternate forms, the emptying characteristics may depend upon the timestamps of transition events. For example, one emptying characteristic may be that the time lapse between pickup and landed is greater than a threshold period of time stored in memory (e.g. 30 seconds). Specific example characteristics will be discussed in an example later in the specification.
  • the processor 410 can be configured by the computer program 425 to determine whether all or at least a majority of empty characteristics have been detected in order to conclude that an emptying event has occurred.
  • the processor 410 can be configured by the computer program 425 to determine whether any or some non-emptying characteristics have been detected. In the event that one or more non-emptying characteristics are detected, the processor 410 can determine that the refuse receptacle has not been emptied. For example, despite the processor 410 detecting one or more emptying characteristics, the processor 410 also determines that a non-emptying event was also detected. In this example, the processor 410 determines that an emptying event did not occur as no emptying events must be detected. For example, a non- emptying characteristic may be the time period between the tilt and return transition states is less than 10 seconds or greater than 1 minute.
  • Such an example non-emptying characteristic may be used by the processor 410 to remove false positive detections of the receptacle 305 being tilted by hand (i.e. a "spoofed" emptying event) or the receptacle 305 tipping over.
  • the processor 410 may be preferable for the processor 410 to determine a weighted score based on the detected emptying characteristics and the detected non-emptying characteristics.
  • a positive weighted score may be assigned by the processor 410 to a detected emptying characteristic and negative weighted score may be assigned by the processor 410 to a detected non-emptying characteristic, wherein the scores are summated by the processor 410 to determine a total weighted score.
  • the total weighted score can be compared by the processor 410 against a score threshold stored in memory 420, wherein in the event that the weighted score satisfies (e.g. exceeds) the score threshold then the refuse receptacle 305 is determined to have undergone an emptying event.
  • the processor 410 can be configured by the computer program 425 to determine whether at least some probable emptying characteristics are detected.
  • the processor 410 can be configured by the computer program 425 to assign a weighted score to each detected probable emptying characteristic, wherein less weighting can be applied to the one or more detected probable emptying characteristics than the one or more detected emptying characteristics.
  • the weighted scores associated with each detected probable emptying characteristic can be summed with the other weighted scores to determine a total weighted score which can be processed as described above to determine if an emptying event of the receptacle 350 has been detected.
  • the processor 410 In the event that the processor 410 detects the emptying event, the processor 410 generates and transfers the detection of the emptying event to the server processing system 320 for recordal. In the event that the emptying event has not been detected, the device 310 may store logged data indicative of the receptacle data in memory 420. In one form, the device 310 may purge the memory 420 of the logged data after a threshold period of time. In one form, the logged data can be stored in a circular buffer in non-volatile memory 420. In addition, the logged data may include battery voltage measurements. In a particular implementation, the logging period can be 50 milliseconds. [00119] Referring to Figure 4B there is shown a further example of the device of Figure 4A. The device of Figure 4B includes the components of Figure 4A and therefore will not be described in further detail for the purposes of succinctness and clarity.
  • the device 310 can include a motion sensing module which can include the accelerometer 440, a gyroscope 430 and a magnetometer.
  • the device may alternatively be provided with a separate accelerometer 440, gyroscope 430 and magnetometer 485 rather than an integrated motion sensing module.
  • the motion sensing module may be a 9-axis motion sensing module wherein the gyroscope is a 3 axis gyroscope, the accelerometer 440 is a 3 axis accelerometer and the magnetometer 485 is a 3 axis magnetometer.
  • the motion sensing module may be a Genesys GMS Spatial Sensor module
  • the motion sensing module can be configured to perform data fusion based on the various sensor measurements obtained.
  • the above mentioned motion sensing module can be operated in a 3-axis accelerometer mode such that this exemplified sensing module can be utilised as the accelerometer of Figure 4A.
  • a number of derived measurements can be determined by the processor 410 based on the sampled sensor data.
  • sampled sensor data and derived measurement data are timestamped which can be extremely useful for automatically and accurately detecting an emptying event.
  • At least some of the sampled data from the motion sensing module can be used to determine whether an emptying event has occurred for the monitored refuse receptacle. In particular, detection can be based upon at least some of X, Y & Z axis acceleration measurements, X, Y & Z axis gyroscopic measurements, and X, Y & Z axis magnetic field measurements.
  • the magnetometer 485 can provide magnetometer data indicative of a sensed magnetic field strength and/or direction of the refuse emptying truck which can be used by the processor 410 to determine the emptying event of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the magnetic field characteristics sensed by the magnetometer 485 can be used in combination with other sensor data and derived measurements to determine the emptying of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the processor 410 may be configured to determine if a particular emptying characteristic is detected in relation to a change in the magnetic flux between the idle and ascending states which exceeds a threshold stored in memory. A similar characteristic may be defined between other states.
  • the gyroscopic data in combination with the associated temporal data can be indicative of a rate of rotation of the refuse receptacle about one or more axes which can be used to determine if the emptying event of the refuse receptacle has been detected.
  • the gyroscopic data sensed by the gyroscope can be used by the processor 410 in combination with other sensor data and derived measurements to determine the emptying of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the gyroscopic data can also be used by in combination with the accelerometer to compensate for drift.
  • the device 310 can also include a pressure sensor 470.
  • the data sampled from the pressure sensor 470 can be used by the processor 410 to determine an elevation of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the pressure sensor 470 can operate in the form of a digital barometer in order to detect an atmospheric pressure indicative of the the elevation of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the pressure sensor 470 can be configured to have a 10 centimetre elevation resolution.
  • the processor 410 may be configured to determine if a particular emptying characteristic is detected in relation to a change in the elevation between the idle and rotating states exceeding a threshold stored in memory. A similar characteristic may be defined between other states.
  • the one or more sensors 435 can also include the location receiver 460 to detect a location of the device 310 and the respective refuse receptacle 305 which it is attached thereto.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to use the sensor data generated by the location receiver 460 to detect the emptying event, wherein the change in the location of the refuse receptacle exceeding a threshold can be a particular characteristic to be detected to determine that the refuse receptacle 305 has been emptied.
  • the computer program 425 may configure the processor 410 differently for refuse receptacles 305 which need to be conveyed to a different location for emptying compared to refuse receptacles 305 which can be emptied substantially on site.
  • the motion sensor module may include the location receiver 460 including an antenna.
  • the device 310 can additionally include a temperature sensor 480 to sense the temperature of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the temperature sensor may be an I C temperature sensor with measurement resolution in the order of 0.25 degrees Celsius and 0.1% relative humidity.
  • the processor may be configured to determine whether a high temperature rule has been satisfied, wherein the processor 410 applies the high temperature rule by comparing the sensed temperature provided by the temperature sensor to a high temperature threshold. In the event that the sensed temperature satisfies the high temperature rule, the device 310 generates and transmits a detection of a high temperature event to the server processing system 320 using the communication unit 490.
  • the temperature sensor 480 can be an integrated component of the motion sensing module.
  • FIG. 4C there is shown a further example of the device 310 which incorporates at least some of the components of the device 310 discussed in relation to Figures 4A and 4B. As such, common components will not be discussed for the sake of succinctness and clarity.
  • the device 310 can include a camera device 456 to monitor a fill level of the refuse container 305.
  • the processor 410 of the device 310 can be configured to perform image processing upon photographic data captured by the camera device 456 to determine the fill level of the refuse container 305.
  • the device 310 can transfer an empty request to the server processing system 320.
  • the image processing performed by the processor 410 of the device 310 can additionally or alternatively identify and classify the type of refuse captured in the photographic data.
  • the refuse classification data can be transferred to the server processing system 320 which can be reported to the owner.
  • the processor 410 may be configured to periodically actuate the camera device 456 which is configurable. The processor 410 then determines if the photographic data is substantially similar to the previously captured photograph stored in memory of the device 310. In the event that the photographs are similar, no classification is required. However, if the photographs are not substantially similar, the processor 410 then executes an image recognition algorithm to classify the refuse captured in the photograph.
  • the camera device 456 may be automatically actuated by the processor 410 in response to detecting the opening and subsequent closing of the lid of a refuse receptacle which can be indicated by a change in one or more signals received by the processor 410 from a photodetector 487.
  • the photodetector 487 can be configured to detect a change in light within the refuse receptacle 305 indicative of the lid of the refuse receptacle 305 being opened and/or subsequently closed.
  • the image processing performed by the processor 410 may determine the volume of the refuse contained in the refuse container and the amount of empty space in the refuse container 305. Data indicative of the volume of the contained refuse and the amount of empty space in the refuse container can be transferred from the server processing system 320 which can be reported to the owner of the refuse container 305.
  • the device 310 of Figure 4C additionally or alternatively can include one or more proximity sensors 455.
  • the one or more proximity sensors 455 may include one or more photoelectric sensors to monitor a fill level of the refuse container.
  • the one or more photoelectric sensors may be a proximity-sensing (diffused) arrangement in order to determine the proximity of the refuse to the lid of refuse container.
  • the one or more proximity sensors 455 may include one or more ultrasonic sensors. The one or more proximity sensors 455 may be configured to sense the fill level periodically. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more proximity sensors 455 may be actuated in response to the processor 410 obtaining one or more signals indicative of a change in the light entering the refuse when the lid is opened.
  • the processor 410 can actuate the one or more proximity sensors 455 to capture the fill level a predetermined period of time after detecting the opening of the lid or the receptacle 305 or the subsequent closing of the lid of the receptacle 305.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to detect whether the receptacle data is indicative of other characteristics related to other events related to the refuse receptacle.
  • the proces sor 410 can be configured to detect if the receptacle data is indicative of one or more tip-over characteristics indicative of the refuse receptacle 305 being tipped-over are present in the receptacle data.
  • the tip-over characteristic can be detected by the processor 410 in the event that receptacle data is indicative of the receptacle having an angular tilt greater than an angular tip-over threshold for over a threshold period of time.
  • the processor 410 Once the processor 410 has determined that the tip-over rule has been satisfied, the processor 410 generates and wirelessly communicates a detection of the tip over event via the communication interface 490 to the server processing system 320.
  • the tip-over rule may be dependent upon a combination of the gyroscopic data, the acceleration data, the elevation data and/or the temporal data. More specifically, the tip-over rule is determined to be satisfied based upon defined ranges of orientation, acceleration, magnetic field characteristics and/or elevation at different points in time during the sensed motion of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the processor 410 can additionally or alternatively be configured to determine if the receptacle data is indicative of a reload characteristic to determine if the refuse receptacle has been reloaded and emptied within relatively quick succession. In response to the reload characteristic being detected, the processor 410 generates and transfers a reload event to the server processing system 320 via the communication interface 490. The server processing system 320 can then record the reload event as a further emptying event for the refuse receptacle in the data store 311. Alternatively, the server processing system 320 can flag the receptacle data for inspection by a human operator to ensure that a reload has occurred prior to recordal in the data store 311.
  • the reload characteristic can be dependent upon a combination of the gyroscopic data, the acceleration data, the elevation data, the magnetic field data and the temporal data. More specifically, the reload characteristic may be detected based upon defined ranges of orientation, acceleration and elevation at different points in time during the sensed motion of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to detect whether a number of characteristics are present within the receptacle data to determine whether particular events have occurred to the refuse receptacle 305. At least some of the characteristics utilise one or more thresholds and settings which are stored in memory to determine whether an event has occurred. In particular circumstances, the one or more thresholds and settings may need to be reconfigured.
  • the server processing system 320 can wirelessly transfer reconfiguration data to the device 310 via the communication unit 490, wherein the processor 410 stores the reconfigured thresholds in memory 420.
  • the device 310 of the examples described in relation to Figures 4A, 4B and 4C preferably operate in a sleep mode until a change in sensor data is detected. During the sleep mode, the device 310 consumes less energy from the battery 450 than when operating in the active mode. In response to a change in sensor data, the device 310 transitions to an active mode to sample the sensor data to determine if the refuse receptacle 305 is being emptied. In particular, the processor 310 determines whether the receptacle data is indicative of particular characteristics indicative of a particular event, and in response to a positive detection the device transfers detection data to the server processing system 320 for recordal.
  • the server processing system 320 may transfer a request to the device 310 to enter and operate in a configuration mode, wherein the device 310 performs a reconfiguration process during this operating state.
  • the Processor, and/or hardware interlocks can power down peripherals and minimise current draw, and manage the processor power consumption via hardware means such as real time clock or accelerometer interrupt.
  • the real time clock or accelerometer can be constantly powered, and have the ability to wake the processor of the device up based on a schedule.
  • a change in sensor data may not necessarily be indicative of an emptying event.
  • the device 310 of Figures 4B and 4C can have stored in memory 420 background magnetic field data which is used for comparisons with obtained one or more magnetometer signals from the magnetometer 485.
  • the processor 410 determines whether there has been a change in the objects located about the refuse receptacle 305 (i.e.
  • the processor 410 monitors the fluctuation of the sensed magnetic field data over a temporal window after the initial magnetic field change detection wherein in the event that the magnetic field is substantially consistent for a threshold period of time during this window after the initial change in the sensed magnetic field, the processor 410 is configured to overwrite the background magnetic field profile data in memory 420 based on the newly sensed and consistent magnetic field data.
  • the change in magnetic field is due to a change in the environment and thus the sensor data can be used by the processor 410 to positively identify that an emptying event is not occurring or has not recently occurred.
  • Other sensor signals can also be used by the processor 410 to confirm that the change in sensor data from the magnetometer 485 is not indicative of an emptying event, such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, and pressure sensor.
  • the sensed magnetic field characteristic(s) continue to substantially fluctuate during the temporal window such that the magnetic field is inconsistent for the threshold period of time after initial detected change in the sensed magnetic field characteristic(s) (i.e.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to positively identify and record a detection of the emptying of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the unique identity of the device 310 or a further unique identity associated with the device can be read by a user processing system 350 of an owner of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the housing of the device 310 can bear machine readable indicia indicative of the unique identity, wherein the machine readable indicia can be scanned by a user operating a mobile processing system 350 executing a computer program 360 to read the unique identity and transfer an empty request, indicative of the unique identity, to the server processing system 320.
  • the machine readable indicia can be a QR code which is provided in the form of a sticker presented on the external surface of the housing.
  • the user processing system 350 may be a smart device such as a smartphone, tablet processing system or the like which includes a camera device to scan the QR code and perform coded data recognition to identify the identity of the device 310.
  • the computer program 360 executable by the user processing system 350 may be provided in the form of an application (also known as an "app") which generates the empty request indicative of the determined unique identity to the server processing system 320.
  • this configuration allows for the user to assess the fill state of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • the owner of the refuse receptacle 305 can open the app 360, scan the machine readable indicia presented on one or the external walls of the device 310, and confirm that a request to empty the refuse receptacle 305 should be transferred to the server processing system 320.
  • a confirmation message may be received by the user processing system 350 which is presented via the app 360 to indicate to the owner of the refuse receptacle 305 when the refuse receptacle is to be collected based on the received empty request. This configuration thereby enables on-demand collection of the refuse receptacle 305.
  • identification data such as a username, password or the like may be required to be input by the user using the user processing system 350 via the computer program 360 so as to avoid unauthorised empty requests being transferred.
  • the identification data can be used by the server processing system 320 to determine that the request is an authorised request.
  • authorisation data may be transferred from the server processing system 320 to the user processing system 350 for storage in local memory.
  • the authorisation data may be a private key generated by the server processing system 320, wherein the server processing system 320 maintains a corresponding public key in the data store in association with the user's account.
  • the user processing system 350 and the server processing system 320 may utilise public-key cryptography to authenticate that the empty request is likely to have been issued by an authorised user in possession of the private key.
  • a digitally signed version of the empty request may be generated by the computer program 360 using the private key stored in memory.
  • the digitally signed and unsigned versions of the empty request can then be transferred to the server processing system 320.
  • the server processing system 320 can then utilise a signature verifying algorithm using the unsigned empty request, the corresponding public key and the signed empty request to determine whether the empty request is authentic and has likely been issued by the owner of the private key.
  • the server processing system 320 continues with arranging collection of the refuse receptacle. However, if the empty request is not considered authentic, a failure response may be transferred from the server processing system 320 to the user processing system 350 and/or the empty request is ignored by the server processing system 320.
  • the server processing system 320 can be configured to generate and transfer, based on a on-demand refuse collection rule being satisfied, an electronic message to the owner of the refuse receptacle to determine if an adjustment to a periodic collection of refuse is required.
  • the server may then receive a response, from the owner, indicative of an adjustment.
  • the sever processing system can then adjust periodic collection schedule data according to the adjustment. For example, in the event the on-demand refuse collection rule can be determined to be satisfied by the server processing system in the event that a total number of on-demand requests exceeds an on-demand threshold. The total may be determined over a temporal window which may be set in the memory of the server processing system.
  • the system 300 can utilise a mesh communication network to relay detections of an emptying event to the server processing system 320.
  • the system 300 can include one or more relay devices 307 to relay detections of an emptying event for at least some of the plurality of devices 310 to the server processing system 320.
  • a plurality of refuse receptacles 305 for a customer may be located in a refuse receptacle pit which may be unable to communicate directly with the server processing system 320 using a wireless communication medium.
  • a relay device 307 may be installed within a wireless communication proximity of the plurality of devices310 associated with the plurality of refuse receptacles 305, wherein the plurality of devices 310 wirelessly transfer detected event data to the relay device 307 which then relays the detected event data to the server processing system 320 using other communication mediums such as Wi-Fi. etc.
  • the relay device 307 may be part of a local computer network which the relay device 307 can utilise to relay the detected event data to the server processing system 320.
  • the relay device 370 can also relay data from the server processing system 320 to the one or more devices 310.
  • one of the plurality of devices 310 located nearby each other may be a master device which includes or operates as the relay device 307. The master device receives detected event data from the other devices 310 and then relays the detected event data to the server processing system 320. In this configuration, the number of long range wireless communication devices within the plurality of devices 310 located nearby each other can be minimised.
  • the mesh communication network may include a mobile processing system associated with a driver of the refuse collection vehicle.
  • detected event data that is wirelessly transmitted by each device 310 that is emptied can be received by the mobile processing system of the driver executing an application to relay received event data to the server processing system 320.
  • the server processing system 320 preferably has stored in the server data store 311 a database 321 which records data in relation to a plurality of devices 310 being monitored for a respective plurality of refuse receptacles 305.
  • the database 321 has stored therein account data for each customer.
  • the customer account can be indicative of customer details such as contact details, address, etc.
  • the account data can also be indicative association data indicative of the unique identity of each device 310 associated with the respective customer.
  • the account data can be indicative of emptying event data indicative of each detected emptying event for a respective device 310.
  • Each detection which is received by the server processing system 320 includes the unique identity associated with the respective device 310 such that the emptying event is recorded against the correct customer in the database 321.
  • each emptying event recorded in the database 321 includes temporal data indicative of when the emptying event was detected by the device 310.
  • Other detected events such as high temperature events and tip-over events can also be stored in the account data for the customer.
  • the server processing system 320 has stored in memory one or more server programs to process received detections.
  • the server program(s) 325 can be configured to compare a detected empty event received from a device 310 to collection schedule data stored in the database 321.
  • the server program(s) 325 configure the server processing system 320 to verify that the refuse receptacle 305 was due to be emptied. In the event that the refuse receptacle 305 was due to the emptied, the server program(s) 325 configure the server processing system 320 to record the detected emptying event in the account for the respective customer.
  • the server processing system 320 dismisses the detected empty event.
  • the server program(s) 325 can record the detection as manual verification data which require an operator of the server processing system 320 to review the detection and the schedule to determine whether the detection should be dismissed or recorded in the database 321.
  • the server program(s) may also facilitate direct debiting of a financial account (such as a bank account, Paypal account, credit card, etc.) of the customer in response to recording in the database a detected emptying event.
  • a financial account such as a bank account, Paypal account, credit card, etc.
  • the server program(s) can utilise a payment gateway to cause direct debiting of a customer's financial account.
  • the server program(s) may also generate an invoice in relation to the debited amount which is electronically transferred to the customer.
  • the invoice may be provided to the customer via email.
  • the invoice may be provided to the customer via the app 360 executable via the user processing system 350.
  • the server program(s) 325 can additionally cause an electronic message to be transferred to the customer upon receiving a detection of a high temperature event or a tip-over event.
  • the server program(s) 325 can utilise a contact mobile telephone number to generate and transfer a SMS indicative of the detected event.
  • the server processing system 320 can issue a push notification which is received by the user processing system 350 of the customer and displayed via the app 360.
  • the server program(s) 325 can also configure the server processing system 320 to modify collection schedule data stored in the database 321 in response to receiving an empty request as discussed above.
  • the server program(s) 325 generates the confirmation message indicative of the date/time which the refuse receptacle is to be emptied based on the modification to the schedule data.
  • the confirmation message may be transferred electronically to user processing system 350 via the app 360.
  • the server program(s) 325 can also be configured to periodically reconcile the collection schedule data against the detected emptying events. In the event that an emptying event was not received for a particular refuse receptacle which was scheduled for emptying, the server program(s) 325 can configure the server processing system 320 to wirelessly transfer a data log request to the respective device 310. In response to receiving the data log request, the respective device 310 transfers at least a portion of the data log of sensor data to the server processing system 320 for analysis. In one form, an operator may review the sensor data to determine whether the data log suggests that the refuse receptacle was indeed emptied and that the thresholds set for the respective device require reconfiguration.
  • the operator may then adjust the one or more thresholds, or the server program(s) 325 may automatically adjust the one or more thresholds, and then transfer reconfiguration data to the respective device 310 for reconfiguration. Due to detecting a missed detection, the operator may adjust the database 321 accordingly.
  • the server processing system 320 may additionally include a web server 323 allowing customers to access a web interface to review emptying events as well as other events detected by the one or more devices 310.
  • a customer can interact with the server processing system 320 via the web-server 323 to request a generation of a refuse collection report.
  • the server program(s) 325 can generate the refuse collection report which can be indicative of the number of emptying events that have been detected with a period of time and the amount charged for the emptying events.
  • the refuse collection report may additionally provide a break down of the amount of refuse per refuse type which has been collected by the refuse collection entity.
  • the operator of the system may provide be a refuse collection entity.
  • some customers of the system 300 may be other refuse collection entities which utilise the system 300 to additionally prove emptying of refuse receptacles 305 for their respective customers.
  • the server processing system 320 can provide an Application Programming Interface (API) 322 to allow processing systems 340 of other refuse collection entities to access data stored in the database 321, wherein the accessed data can be utilised in software operated by the refuse collection entities for invoicing of their respective customers.
  • API Application Programming Interface
  • the server processing system 320 may provide a cloud based enterprise resource planning system 324 to allow other refuse collection entities to operate their refuse collection business via the web-server 323, wherein the enterprise resource planning system utilises the data stored in the database 321 regarding detected emptying events.
  • owners of receptacles can access a web interface via the web server to be presented with information based on the data stored in the data store.
  • the executable instructions of at least some of the devices 310 may utilise sensor fusion to determine if the respective refuse receptacle 305 is being or has recently been emptied.
  • the devices 310 may forward the receptacle data to the server processing system 320 for processing to determine if the respective refuse receptacle 305 has been emptied or undergone other monitored events.
  • the device 310 can transfer the receptacle data to the server processing system 320 for processing.
  • the server program can determine whether the above mentioned characteristics are present within the receptacle data to determine whether particular events have occurred, wherein detected events are recorded in the data store.
  • the server processing system is configured to receive the receptacle data, detect, based on the receptacle data, an emptying event of the refuse receptacle, and store the emptying event in a data store.
  • the server processing system can be configured to determine if the receptacle data is indicative of an emptying characteristic, and determine, based on a positive identification of the emptying characteristic, whether the emptying event has been detected.
  • the server processing system can be configured to determine if the receptacle data is indicative of a plurality of emptying characteristics, and determine, based on a positive identification of the plurality of emptying characteristics, whether the emptying event has been detected.
  • the server processing system can also be configured to determine if the receptacle data is indicative of a non-emptying characteristic and determine, based on a positive identification of the non-emptying characteristic, whether the emptying event has been detected.
  • the server processing system can be configured to determine that the emptying event was not detected in response to a positive identification of a non-emptying characteristic.
  • the server processing system can be configured to apply a weighted scoring approach to determine if a emptying event has been detected.
  • the server processing system can assign a weighted score to each positively identified emptying characteristic and each positively identified non-emptying characteristic, sum the one or weighted scores to obtain a total weighted score, and determine whether the emptying event has been detected based on a comparison of the total weighted score to a weighted score threshold in memory of the server processing system.
  • the server processing system can be configured to determine if the receptacle data is indicative of a probable-emptying characteristic, assign a further weighted score to each positively identified probable-emptying characteristic, sum the one or weighted scores with the further weighted score, and determine based on a positive identification of the probable-emptying characteristic whether the emptying event has been detected.
  • the server processing system can be configured to segment the receptacle data based on segmentation characteristics identified within the receptacle data to obtain a plurality of receptacle data segments representing a plurality of receptacle states. The server processing system can then determine transition events between receptacle data segments, and then determine if the emptying characteristic is identified based on at least one of the data segments or the transition events.
  • the server processing system can be configured to determine if the receptacle data is indicative of one or more tip-over characteristics or one or more reload characteristics.
  • the server processing system can be configured to determine based on a positive identification of the one or more emptying characteristics or the one or more reload characteristics, whether a tip over event or a reload event has been detected.
  • the server processing system can then record in the data store the detection of the tip-over event or the reload event of the refuse receptacle.
  • the determination of whether a refuse receptacle 305 has been emptied may be distributed between the device 310 and the server processing system 320.
  • the device 310 may apply one or more data filter, stored in memory of the device 310, to filter the receptacle data of data which is not indicative of a particular monitored event.
  • the filtered receptacle data is then transferred to the server processing system 320 for further processing by the server processing system as described above.
  • Detected monitored events by the server processing system 320 based upon the filtered receptacle data can then be stored in the data store as discussed above.
  • the device 310 can generate a low power source notification which is transferred via the communication unit 490 to the server processing system 320. An owner of the refuse receptacle may then be notified via an electronic message that the battery requires replacement.
  • the data store 311 may be part of the server processing system 320, it is also possible and in some embodiments preferable that the data store 311 is a remote data store or cloud data store provided by a third party, wherein the server processing system 320 can access and store data in the data store 311 in a similar manner to a local data store.
  • a fixed calibration and zeroing function can be implemented in order to tune out any static angle offset when the receptacle is positioned in one or more pre-defined locations.
  • a dynamic long-term calibration and zeroing function can provide the ability to tune out any static angle offset, but only if within relative bounds of current value, and larger bound of absolute values. Provision for memorisation of more than one "zero" calibration shall be provided, such that parallel processing of multiple measurement sets can be performed, in order to allow for differences in the levelling of a bin's place of storage, versus its place of emptying.
  • the calibrated and zeroed measurements further processed by the data pre-processing function, which prepares the measurement streams for the detection algorithm defined by the bin-truck model.
  • the processor of the device 310 implements a preprocessing function.
  • Each calibrated and zeroed measurement stream shall be buffered in a manner that maintains temporal relationships between parallel measurement streams. Glitch rejection and filtering can be implemented where feasible provided that the useful measurement content is not significantly degraded. Peak detection algorithms can also be implemented to measure the magnitude and timing of information within the measurement streams. Zero-crossing detection algorithms can be used to distinguish between fast monotonic increasing measurements and fast non-monotonic measurements. Bidirectional parsing of data shall be made possible by buffering implementation, and allow multi-pass soft-real time processing.
  • pre-processing shall include windowed DFT frequency spectrum generation.
  • the device 310 shown in Figure 4C includes all sensors discussed above in various examples, in certain embodiments the device 310 may only include a portion of the sensors 435 as exemplified in Figures 4 A and 4B and as described above.
  • the housing of the device is preferably ruggedized.
  • the device includes tamperproof hardware to mount on the refuse receptacle.
  • the device 310 can include a software password-protected Debug/Console serial port. Where possible this shall also be the processor programming port. Otherwise, a JTAG or similar Processor programming port shall be used.
  • the processor 410 can be configured by the computer program 425 to perform time domain signal processing and filtering, frequency domain signal processing and filtering simple generic profile based pattern matching, and or dvanced generic profile based windowed neural network processing pattern matching (both time and frequency domain) to determine if one or more characteristics are indicated by the receptacle data.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to use fuzzy logic processing to determine, based on the one or more detected characteristics, whether an emptying event has been detected by the device 310.
  • FIG. 7 A further variation of the system 300 is shown in Figure 7. A number of components are in common between system 300 and 700 and therefore will not be described again for succinctness.
  • the system 700 includes a load sensing system 710 which is part of the receptacle emptying vehicle.
  • the load sensing system 710 is configured to sense the weight of the refuse receptacle when being emptied. Data is transferred wirelessly from the load sensing system 710 to the server processing system 320 for storage in the data store 311.
  • the server processing system 320 can facilitate direct debiting of the financial account (such as a bank account, Paypal account, credit card, etc.) of the customer in response to recording in the database a detected emptying event, wherein the load indicated by the load sensor is used for determining the amount charged.
  • the financial account such as a bank account, Paypal account, credit card, etc.
  • the load sensing system 710 can include a processor 810, a memory 820 having stored therein executable instructions representing a computer program 825, load sensors 830 provided in the form of pressure sensors, a power source 840, a location receiver 850, a communication interface 860, an ID chip 870, an accelerometer 880 and a temperature sensor.
  • These electrical components can be coupled together via a bus 895 and an input/output (i/o) interface 896. It is possible that some of these electrical components are part of a microcontroller 705.
  • the processor 810 is configured to sample the sensor data from the pressure sensors 830 and accelerometer 880 to determine a weight of the refuse being emptied from the refuse receptacle 305. The processor 810 then records detection data indicative of the sensed load, a time stamp when the sensed load was captured, location data indicative of geographical coordinates obtained from the location when the load was sensed, and a unique identity of the load sensing system captured from the ID chip 370. The processor 810 then controls the communication interface 860 to wirelessly transfer the detection data to the server processing system 320.
  • the server processing system 320 can record the detection data received from the load sensing system 710 in the data store 311 and then perform a matching process to pair the load detections received from the load sensing system 710 with the emptying event detections received from the receptacle device 310 based on temporal and location data.
  • the server processing system 320 can be configured by the server program(s) to use temporal and location ranges to pair detections together given there may be small differences in the temporal and location data indicated by the detections.
  • the server processing system 320 can facilitate the charging of the respective account of the owner of respective refuse container 305.
  • the server processing system 320 can be configured to determine the weight of the refuse by subtracting a weight of the respective refuse container 305 stored in the data store 311. The server processing system 320 can then determine a financial charge based on the sensed load of the refuse.
  • load sensing system 710 has been described as including a power source 840, in additional or alternate arrangements it is possible that the receptacle emptying vehicle can provide electrical power to the load sensing system 710.
  • FIG. 9 there is shown a schematic of the sensing device as part of a hydraulic lifting and weighing apparatus 900 for dynamically measuring the weight of a load.
  • the apparatus 900 includes a pump 14, which supplies hydraulic fluid, typically an oil, via a control valve 913 and the flow line 912 to a hydraulic cylinder 915 and piston 916 arrangement which is operatively connected to a lifting arm 918.
  • the pump may be, but is not necessarily, a constant volume flow rate pump.
  • One end of the arm is mounted on a pivot 920 and the other end carries the refuse receptacle 305.
  • Clearly movement of the piston 916 in cylinder 915 causes the arm 918 to rotate about the pivot 920 lifting or lowering the bin 922.
  • the cylinder and piston could be replaced by a rotary actuator in an alternative embodiment.
  • the arm is carried on a base frame schematically represented by the line 921 which should ordinarily be horizontally oriented.
  • pressure sensors 830 in the form of pressure transducers 830a, 830b are disposed in the line either side of the orifice 924 and produce electrical signals dependent on the pressures PI and P2 either side of the orifice 924.
  • the pressure transducers 830a, 830b are part of the load sensing system 710 as described earlier.
  • the lifting arm 918 When the lifting arm 918 is operated to lift the refuse receptacle and the position of the operator of the vehicle incorporating the system will open the control valve 913 to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder for lifting. Often, in practice, the operator will not open the valve fully.
  • the lifting arm 918 moves about an arc, whose centre is the pivot 920.
  • the arm moves between two positions X 1 and X 2 illustrated in phantom in Figure 9.
  • the time t it takes the arm to rotate through positions Xi and X 2 depends on the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid through the pump 914 and the position of the operator's control valve. The time t taken to move between those two points is measured. If any variations occur in the time t, corrections can be made to the measured weight to make allowances for changes in flow rate of the hydraulic fluid. Variations in the system dependent on the different loads lifted show up in the pressures measured by transducers 830a, 830b.
  • the load sensing system 710 can compensate for circumstances which affect accurate measurements of the weight.
  • the load sensing system 710 includes a level measurement sensor such as the accelerometer 880 which measures the lateral and longitudinal orientation angle of the base frame 921 of the vehicle/lifting apparatus and can thus compensate for differences in the weight of the garbage caused by the vehicle being on a slope.
  • the weight can then be calculated by multiplying the voltage value given by the pressure transducer 26 by a multiplier Gl which is obtained through calibrating the apparatus with known weights.
  • the calculated weight is adjusted to compensate for differences in the flow characteristics of the hydraulic oil and the orientation/angle of the vehicle as measured by the accelerometer 880.
  • the weight W is generally given by the following equation:
  • Pi is the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor (may be an average value);
  • P 2 is the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor (may be an average value);
  • x is the longitudinal or forward angle of inclination of the base frame from the horizontal;
  • y is the lateral or sideways inclination of the base frame from the horizontal
  • ki, Jc2, k are multiples/weights; and Gl is a multiplier/weight.
  • the processor 410 can be configured to determine whether the receptacle data is indicative of a generic set of characteristics for different types of receptacles in order to determine an emptying event.
  • a first version of the device 310 can be configured for a dumpster
  • a second version of the device 310 can be configured for a residential garbage bin, etc.
  • different configuration data can be stored in the memory 420 to customise the device for the respective receptacle.
  • the processor 410 is configured by the computer program 425 to implement a detection algorithm which is based at least partially upon a generic profile model referred to as a bin-truck model.
  • the model provides a means of breaking down the characteristics of the measurements, and dealing with the large number of variables that are present.
  • the detection algorithm implemented as part of the bin-truck model may utilise at least some or all of the following techniques:
  • the processor samples the following raw data shown in Table 2 from the accelerometer which are used as input into the model.
  • Thresholds exist zero gravity vector at idle and that assist in state
  • Table 3 below describes derived measurements (derived from the raw measurements) that are used as inputs to the model. Each of these derived measurements utilise configuration settings (e.g. filter time constants) that are stored in memory of the device 310. This particularly applies to the derived signal envelopes. In addition to these derived measurements, peak detection and zero-crossing detection algorithms are applied over the top of temporal trends.
  • configuration settings e.g. filter time constants
  • angle for dwell and stability measurement purposes - uses angle bands
  • Table 4 provides a list of profile settings that can be used to alter the operation of the model and generic profile.
  • T(space) Inter-empty cycle spacing the Minimum spacing between two minimum time between an initial valid empty cycles, to allow for cycle and any successive cycles for more than one empty attempt - the successive cycles to be only the first should be counted. considered valid empty cycles Typically 30 seconds, but could plausibly be many minutes.
  • T(dropland) drop to landed/idle - a time limit for Time that is allowed between the the bin characteristics to settle drop event and descent, and then before idle idle, noting that this can be a long time if the garbage person takes the bin immediately off the truck and wheels it away. Hence this needs to be dealt with separately. Typically 60 seconds.
  • measurement interpretation is O(idlemax) degrees, 30 degrees broken into bands of angles that wide, every O(bandstep) degrees overlap, and for a bin angle to be (filtered angle, 0.5s second time considered validly stable, it must constant). Dwell time fully remain within a single band T(banddwell) seconds.
  • T(banddwell) the dwell time required in an angle See above.
  • Characteristics were determined based on empirical analysis of real data collected from a number of bin types and sizes, and a number of garbage truck types (each with different emptying methods/mechanisms) and forming a unified model for bin-truck emptying profiles, that include states, events, characteristics, thresholds, settings and the like.
  • the model is flexible in that it allows state transitions to be largely liquid given that the bin/truck profile and the technique of the operator which can have some influence. There are however some illegal state transitions that are provided more for tampering detection.
  • FIG. 5 there is shown a graphical representation of some receptacle data for the device of Figure 4Awhere the respective receptacle was emptied.
  • the graphical representation also shows the identification of particular characteristics used to detect an emptying event for the refuse receptacle.
  • the traces on this graphical representation include trace 505 which represents the net acceleration, trace 510 which represents the mean net acceleration, trace 515 which represents the sensed angle, trace 520 which represents the rate of change of angle with time, trace 525 which represents the vertical acceleration, and trace 530 which represents the mean vertical acceleration.
  • the graphical representation of the receptacle data also depicts the segmentation of the receptacle data into various states and the transition events.
  • Table 5 describes each of the profile states and algorithmic considerations of each state.
  • stable[] the bin has ceased to bin has been rotated to multiple states are be actively moved angle between allowed, and are by the truck, and is gravitational vertical and nominally indexed via still, whilst its its vertical axis (when on [n] - in between such orientation is flat ground), and is not states are settling[] consistent with being stable but is still states non-idle
  • derotating[] the bin remains lifted bin is derotating with an multiple states are up, and non vertical, decreasing angle allowed, and are and then begins to between gravitational nominally indexed via derotate, and is vertical and its vertical [n] - in between such derotating, as part of axis (when on flat states are settling[] the "righting" from ground) states rubbish
  • angle multiple states are lowered up with is approximately zero to allowed, and are angle approximately 10 degrees nominally indexed via vertical [n] - in between such states are settling[] states
  • Table 5 Bin-truck states 199]
  • Table 6 describes each of the profile (transition) events.
  • Table 6 profile events 00] Table 7 below describes other miscellaneous profile terms and artefacts.
  • bistable where two or more distinct angles of n-stable is a good indication of angles rotation and or derotation are manifest an empty, if one of the stable due to operators technique, or truck/bin states > pushover angle characteristics
  • the generic profile is indicative of a generic range of characteristics and features, some of which must be present in all valid instances of an emptying event, some which are desirable/credible and should largely be present, and some of which are non-credible and must not be present. The presence of these characteristics and features are matched, and then a decision is made on the validity of the specific profile instance as to whether or not it is a valid empty cycle.
  • This approach is a flexible and robust. This approach allows the processor to determine whether a detection has been made based on any number of trucks and bin combinations, in order to filter out and reject invalid or spoofed operations.
  • Table 8 describes characteristics that must be present for a plausible empty cycle to be considered as valid.
  • pickup bin must be in least "t" seconds in
  • A.5 drop timing "t” time difference "t” "t” note that bin to between the between drop and T(dropland) may be landed start of the bin landed (ie back to wheeled
  • Table 9 describes characteristics that should mostly be present for a plausible empty cycle to be considered as valid.
  • Negative peak look for negative typically 4 often occurs thrust in Av that peak in Av during m/s/s for less at the peak corresponds to rotate state, record than half a rotation rate the bin "timestamp" second
  • Table 10 describes characteristics that must not be present for a plausible empty cycle to be considered as valid.
  • Tables presented below represent data extracted from specific scenarios of bin/truck combinations, based on the exemplified generic profile. The outputs of both the quantitative data thresholding and qualitative data classification and matching are used by the processor to then discern based on the decision making criteria whether or not a set of events represents a plausible empty cycle, and if so if that empty cycle is valid. [00209] Table 11 below shows the analysis of characteristics and feature matching and measurements for the scenario where the device 310 is mounted on a 240 litre bin and emptied by a typical rear-lift action truck.
  • Table 11 Characteristic analysis for emptying of 240L bin, rear-lift action
  • Table 12 below shows the analysis of characteristics and feature matching and measurements for the scenario where the device 310 is mounted on an 1100 litre bin and emptied by a typical rear-lift action truck.
  • B.6a derotate thrust yes up to 6 m/s/s, but typically 3 m/s/s
  • B.6b derotate slop oscillation minor if present, usually falling edge to negative peak only
  • Table 12 Characteristic analysis for emptying of 1100L bin, rear-lift action
  • Table 13 shows the analysis of characteristics and feature matching and measurements for the scenario where the device 310 is mounted on a 240 litre bin and emptied by a typical side-lift action truck.
  • B.6a derotate thrust 4 m/s/s B.6b derotate slop falling edge to negative peak only
  • Table 13 Characteristic analysis for emptying of 240L bin, side-lift action
  • Table 14 shows the analysis of characteristics and feature matching and measurements for the scenario where the device 310 is mounted on a 240 litre bin which is pushed over onto the ground, and then subsequently lifted back up, some time later (e.g. 1 hour).
  • Table 15 shows the analysis of characteristics and feature matching and measurements for the scenario where the device 310 is mounted to a 240 litre bin which is pushed around by a user on an uneven surface.
  • Table 15 Characteristic analysis for conveyance of 240L bin over bumpy ground
  • Table 16 shows the analysis of characteristics and feature matching and measurements for the scenario where the receptacle with the device mounted thereto is manipulated by hand as an attempt to "spoof an emptying cycle.
  • A.3 eject angle typically 180 degrees for an attempted
  • the processing device 100 generally includes at least one processor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108, coupled together via a bus or group of buses 110.
  • input device 106 and output device 108 could be the same device.
  • An interface 112 can also be provided for coupling the processing device 100 to one or more peripheral devices, for example interface 112 could be a PCI card or PC card.
  • At least one storage device 114 which houses at least one database 116 can also be provided.
  • the memory 104 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non- volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.
  • the processor 102 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing device 100.
  • Input device 106 receives input data 118 (such as electronic content data), for example via a network or from a local storage device.
  • Output device 108 produces or generates output data 120 (such as viewable content) and can include, for example, a display device or monitor in which case output data 120 is visual, a printer in which case output data 120 is printed, a port for example a USB port, a peripheral component adaptor, a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless network adaptor, etc.
  • Output data 120 could be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example a visual display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted to a network.
  • a user could view data output, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, a monitor or using a printer.
  • the storage device 114 can be any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc..
  • Examples of electronic data storage devices 114 can include disk storage, optical discs, such as CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, flash memory/memory card (e.g., solid state semiconductor memory), MultiMedia Card, USB sticks or keys, flash drives, Secure Digital (SD) cards, microSD cards, miniSD cards, SDHC cards, miniSDSC cards, solid-state drives, and the like.
  • optical discs such as CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc
  • flash memory/memory card e.g., solid state semiconductor memory
  • MultiMedia Card e.g., solid state semiconductor memory
  • USB sticks or keys e.g., flash drives, Secure Digital (SD) cards, microSD cards, miniSD cards, SDHC cards, miniSDSC cards, solid-state drives, and the like.
  • SD Secure Digital
  • the processing device 100 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least one database 116.
  • the interface 112 may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processing unit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialized purpose.
  • the processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 via input device 106 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilizing output device 108. More than one input device 106 and/or output device 108 can be provided.
  • the processing device 100 may be any form of terminal, PC, laptop, notebook, tablet, smart phone, specialized hardware, or the like.
  • the processing device 100 may be a part of a networked communications system 200, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • Processing device 100 could connect to network 202, for example the Internet or a WAN.
  • Input data 118 and output data 120 could be communicated to other devices via network 202.
  • Other terminals for example, thin client 204, further processing systems 206 and 208, notebook computer 210, mainframe computer 212, PDA 214, pen-based computer 216, server 218, etc., can be connected to network 202.
  • a large variety of other types of terminals or configurations could be utilized.
  • the transfer of information and/or data over network 202 can be achieved using wired communications means 220 or wireless communications means 222.
  • Server 218 can facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 and one or more databases 224.
  • Server 218 and one or more databases 224 provide an example of an information source.
  • networks may communicate with network 202.
  • telecommunications network 230 could facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 and mobile or cellular telephone 232 or a PDA-type device 234, by utilizing wireless communication means 236 and receiving/transmitting station 238.
  • Satellite communications network 240 could communicate with satellite signal receiver 242 which receives data signals from satellite 244 which in turn is in remote communication with satellite signal transmitter 246.
  • Terminals for example further processing system 248, notebook computer 250 or satellite telephone 252, can thereby communicate with network 202.
  • a local network 260 which for example may be a private network, LAN, etc., may also be connected to network 202.
  • network 202 could be connected with Ethernet 262 which connects terminals 264, server 266 which controls the transfer of data to and/or from database 268, and printer 270.
  • Various other types of networks could be utilised.
  • the processing device 100 is adapted to communicate with other terminals, for example further processing systems 206, 208, by sending and receiving data, 118, 120, to and from the network 202, thereby facilitating possible communication with other components of the networked communications system 200.
  • the networks 202, 230, 240 may form part of, or be connected to, the Internet, in which case, the terminals 206, 212, 218, for example, may be web servers, Internet terminals or the like.
  • the networks 202, 230, 240, 260 may be or form part of other communication networks, such as LAN, WAN, Ethernet, token ring, FDDI ring, star, etc., networks, or mobile telephone networks, such as GSM, CDMA or 3G, 4G, etc., networks, and may be wholly or partially wired, including for example optical fiber, or wireless networks, depending on a particular implementation.
  • other communication networks such as LAN, WAN, Ethernet, token ring, FDDI ring, star, etc.
  • mobile telephone networks such as GSM, CDMA or 3G, 4G, etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Refuse Collection And Transfer (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (310) et un système (300) pour détecter un vidage d'un réceptacle de déchets (305). Selon un aspect, le dispositif (310) est fixé au réceptacle de déchets (305). Le dispositif (310) comprend un processeur (410), une mémoire (420) comprenant des instructions pouvant être exécutées (425), un ou plusieurs capteurs (435), et une interface de communication (490). Le processeur (410) est configuré par les instructions pouvant être exécutées (425) pour : obtenir des données de réceptacle comprenant : des données de capteur obtenues à partir d'au moins certains desdits capteurs (435) ; et des données temporelles indicatives d'estampilles temporelles associées aux données de capteur ; déterminer si un événement de vidage a ou non été détecté sur la base des données de capteur et des données temporelles ; et commander l'interface de communication (490) pour transférer, à un système de traitement de serveur (320) pour un stockage dans une mémoire de données (311), des données de détection indicatives d'une détection de l'événement de vidage du réceptacle de déchets (305).
PCT/AU2016/050425 2015-05-28 2016-05-30 Détection du vidage d'un réceptacle de déchets WO2016187677A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

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AU2015901972 2015-05-28
AU2015901972A AU2015901972A0 (en) 2015-05-28 Detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
AU2015902718A AU2015902718A0 (en) 2015-07-09 Detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
AU2015902718 2015-07-09
AU2016900734A AU2016900734A0 (en) 2016-02-29 Detecting emptying of a refuse receptacle
AU2016900734 2016-02-29

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