EP2546171B1 - Waste collection facility - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a waste collection installation comprising a main container and one or more secondary container (s), each equipped with a device for assisting blind or partially sighted persons enabling them to locate themselves near the container. waste collection facility and also to use the facility in the best conditions.

In particular, the invention aims to enable persons with visual impairments to easily access a waste collection facility, and to use such a facility under optimal conditions.

In order to facilitate and generalize the management of waste, particularly that of recyclable waste, local authorities (public or private) provide, especially on public roads, facilities called voluntary contribution. These installations generally comprise a plurality of voluntary containers, each container being dedicated to a particular type of waste, and in particular: glass, packaging / paper / cardboard, plastics, household waste, etc. In general, a voluntary collection facility comprises one or more containers of several different types.

The invention starts from the observation that these facilities are generally very poorly adapted for the blind or visually impaired. The known installations either do not present any adaptation for this purpose, or present inefficient adaptations.

The document EP 0 326 129 A1 describes a guiding system for visually impaired person, to guide the user of the system to a targeted object through an auditory signal issued from this object.

The document EP 1 982 682 A1 discloses an electronic system for transmitting via a mobile terminal to a visually impaired person information about a waste collection container, in particular so that said person can reach and use said container.

Another known solution is for example to provide on each container Braille inscriptions. This solution is inefficient, firstly because the inscriptions are made on each container, near the waste introduction port, forcing the person to seek registration by trial and error on unhygienic areas; and, on the other hand, because the Braille language is less and less practiced by the blind. In addition, such inscriptions help the person to determine in front of which container it is, but does not help the person in the vicinity of a facility to go directly to a container particular.

The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a waste collection installation according to claim 1.

In one embodiment, the installation further comprises means for determining the transmission distance of the received signal.

In one embodiment, the audible message transmitted varies according to the transmission distance of the signal.

In one embodiment, the installation further comprises means for determining the direction of emission of the signal.

In one embodiment, the transmitted sound message varies depending on the reception angle of the signal.

In one embodiment, the transmitted sound message contains an indication of the type of waste accepted by the container.

In one embodiment, the installation comprises delay means for the sound message to be transmitted after a predetermined period of time from the reception of the signal.

In one embodiment, the means for transmitting a sound message comprise a loudspeaker, in particular a waterproof loudspeaker.

In one embodiment, the speaker is placed in the immediate vicinity of a waste introduction port, so that the sound emission allows the person to locate the location of the introduction port.

In one embodiment, the transmitted signal is a radio-frequency type signal, in particular a signal of the type emitted by a remote control compatible with the NF S32-002 standard.

In one embodiment, the transmitter is a mobile phone, the sound message being transmitted via a telecommunication network.

• les figures 1 et 2 représentent schématiquement un conteneur avec une personne équipée d'un émetteur, respectivement à deux distance différentes du conteneur ;
• la figure 3 est un schéma d'un conteneur, vu de dessus, émettant des messages différents selon la position angulaire de la personne à proximité ;
• la figure 4 est un schéma fonctionnel d'un exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif d'assistance;
• la figure 5 est un schéma montrant, vue de dessus, une installation de collecte sélective des déchets conforme à l'invention, comportant une pluralité de conteneurs.

In one embodiment, when the source of the received signal is below the predetermined distance, each container of the installation emits a sound message containing an indication of the type of waste that it accepts.

• the Figures 1 and 2 schematically represent a container with a person equipped with a transmitter, respectively at two different distances from the container;
• the figure 3 is a diagram of a container, seen from above, emitting different messages according to the angular position of the person in the vicinity;
• the figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an assistance device;
• the figure 5 is a diagram showing, seen from above, a selective waste collection facility according to the invention, comprising a plurality of containers.

We have shown on Figures 1 and 2 a waste collection container 10. Such a container is a voluntary intake container, for the selective collection of sorted waste or unsorted household waste. The container 10 may be of any known type, for example buried or semi-buried, or above ground, better known as the "aerial column". The container 10 comprises at least one waste introduction port 12.

According to the invention, the container 10 is equipped with a device 14 for assisting the blind and visually impaired. This device 14 comprises in the example an electronic box 16 and a speaker 18, preferably a waterproof speaker. The loudspeaker 18 is electrically connected to the electronic box by means of a cable 20. Preferably, the loudspeaker 18 is located as close as possible to the insertion orifice 12, thus making it possible, by means of the sound emission, to a blind or visually impaired person to easily locate the location of the orifice 12. Advantageously, the speaker 18 is disposed just above the orifice, to prevent waste reaches the speaker.

The electronic unit 16 comprises means for receiving and processing a signal, in the example a radio-frequency type signal, emitted by a compatible transmitter. The signal can be of any suitable type: radio waves, RFID, wi-fi, Zigbee, etc.

The assistance device 14 equipping the container 10 functions as follows: when a blind or visually impaired person 22, having a transmitter 24 compatible with the device 14, is in the vicinity of the container 10 and the transmitter 24 sends a signal, it is picked up by the receiving means of the device 14. The transmission of the signal by the transmitter 24 may be continuous, triggered automatically at regular intervals, or triggered voluntarily by the user, for example at by means of a command button.

When the device 14 receives a compatible signal, an audible message is sent to the attention of the person 22. This sound message makes it possible in the first place to inform the person that he is in the vicinity of the container 10, the assistance to direct to the container (the person locating the sound source), and contains any useful indications, such as the type of waste accepted by the container 10, its state of filling, etc.

Advantageously, computing means such as a microcontroller make it possible to determine the distance between the source of the signal, that is to say the transmitter 24, and the container 10. Thus, it is possible to send different messages. depending on whether the person in possession of the transmitter 24 is relatively far away or in the immediate vicinity. For example, it will be possible to provide a threshold distance, for example between 5 and 10 meters, defining two zones of proximity. Thus the container will emit two different messages, depending on whether the source of the signal picked up is located at a distance greater than or less than the threshold distance. The figure 1 thus shows a person located with his transmitter 24 at a distance A from the container 10, while the figure 2 shows the same person at a distance B less than the distance of the figure 1 .

For example, a threshold distance value equal to 10 meters may be provided, the container 10 thus emitting a first message for a distance of between 10 and 20 meters, and a second message for a distance of between 0 and 10 meters. Following the same principle, it is of course possible to provide a number of thresholds of greater distance, for example between three and five thresholds (or more if necessary), with each threshold associated message. It is thus possible to provide for one or more thresholds to be associated with a message indicating the distance separating the user from the container.

In an exemplary embodiment shown on the figure 3 , the calculation means of the device 14 make it possible to determine the emission angle of the transmitter 24 in a fixed reference with respect to the container 10. It will thus be possible to determine several angular sectors and to transmit different messages depending on whether the transmitter 24 is located in one or other of these angular sectors. In the example of the figure 3 four angular sectors I, II, III IV are provided. Differing different sound messages according to the angular sector in which the person 22 is to inform it more accurately, for example by indicating the direction to follow, or by indicating any obstacles. For example, if the person is in the angular sector IV of the figure 3 it can be indicated that between the container 10 and it is an obstacle 26 (such as a bench, a post, etc.).

The figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the device 14. In this example, the device 14 comprises a microcontroller 140, a power supply module 141 such as a battery, to supply all the components requiring a power supply.

In order to pick up the signal from the transmitter 24, the device 14 comprises an antenna 142, an impedance matching module 143, a frequency demodulation module 144, a signal amplification module 145, and a analog filter 146 (to eliminate any parasites).

The signal thus obtained is input to the microcontroller 140, which determines whether it is a compatible signal and, in this case, what is the distance between the source of this signal and the device 14 (and therefore the container which is equipped with it). The distance is determined for example based on the power of the received signal.

Advantageously, there is also provided an ambient noise sensor 147, such as a sound level meter. The output signal of the ambient noise sensor is amplified by an amplification module 148 and then filtered by an analog filtration module 149. The filtered signal is input to the microcontroller 140. The ambient noise information is useful for determining to which power the sound message of the container must be issued to be perceived intelligibly without causing noise. For example, the level of ambient noise varies with a large amplitude between day and night in a city, and we can adjust the level of emission so that the messages are heard during the day, and do not disturb the neighborhood. night.

For the transmission of the audible messages, the device 14 comprises, as described above, the loudspeaker 18, powered by an amplification module 150 connected to a sound module 151. The sound module contains a memory in which the various messages are recorded. sound likely to be emitted by the device 14.

The microcontroller may furthermore comprise an internal clock, in particular for the case where the device must operate in a synchronized manner, for example to apply a delay between the reception of a signal and the emission of a sound message.

A clock 152 may be provided to indicate to the microcontroller the date and time. Such an arrangement is useful, for example, if it is desired to define different modes of operation for the device according to predefined time periods. We can example program the device so that it does not work at night (to avoid noise or save energy), by defining a day time slot and a night time slot, for example respectively 6h-22h and 22h-6h.

One or more interfaces 153, 154, 155 are provided, which allow in particular the programming and updating of the device 24 (loading sound messages, etc.), by means of a computer 156, for example via a USB port. It may also be provided that the messages and other necessary data are recorded by means of a computer on a removable data storage medium, for example an SD ("Secure Digital") card, the device 14 having for this purpose a location for accommodating said medium and means for reading data stored on the medium. The stored data may include the various audio messages, in particular reproduced in several languages, data governing the operation of the device (for example, number and threshold values, message transmission strategy, timing values, etc.). installation and maintenance of the device, it can be provided that the device 14 comprises one or more adjustment buttons, for example to choose the language in which the messages will be broadcast, to choose one of several operating modes, etc. These adjustment buttons allow the initial setting during installation of the device and any subsequent modifications.

The figure 5 represents a waste collection facility according to the invention, comprising a plurality of containers, in the example there are shown four containers 101, 102, 103, 104. A dummy line 28 represents a threshold distance delimiting two zones 30, 32 separate proximity. According to the invention, assistance to persons who are blind or visually impaired will be implemented as follows: if the person is in zone 30 when the signal from his transmitter is received by one of the containers, then only one of the containers, said main container, is programmed to emit a sound message corresponding to this zone. Preferably, given the relative distance of the person located in the area 30, this message is relative to the proximity of the installation as a whole. Other containers do not emit an audible message.

When the person approaches and the signal of his transmitter is picked up as coming from the zone 32, then each container sends a message indicating in particular the type of waste that it accepts. Advantageously, each container transmits its message after a predetermined period of time, so that two containers can not transmit simultaneously. The person is guided easily, first to the installation in general, then to each container in particular, so much more effective that people who are blind and Visually impaired people can locate themselves very effectively in relation to a sound source. For this reason, once positioned in front of the desired container, the position of the speaker, located closer to the waste introduction port, also allows to identify precisely this hole without using hands.

It will also be possible for a single message to be sent, intended to warn the user that he is in the vicinity of said installation.

The invention thus provides a simple and efficient guiding system, allowing blind and visually impaired people to use with ease and comfort an installation comprising several of these containers. Although the invention can operate with all types of transmitted signals "wireless", it offers a particularly practical application when the device 14 is compatible with the universal remote controls already used by the blind in many situations, in particular remote controls compatible with the standard NF S32-002.

In a variant, the assistance device receives and transmits signals via an existing telecommunication network, such as a mobile telephone network. The electronic box is for this purpose equipped with a suitable chip. The use of a mobile phone network allows in particular to guide the user through his mobile phone, thus not requiring a specific device. The detection of the blind or visually impaired person can be carried out at the request of the user, who sends messages to one or more collection facilities located nearby. In the case where the mobile phone of the user is provided with satellite tracking means, the user can also be automatically notified, an installation emitting for example a message to the mobile phone of the user if it is detected as being located near said facility. The messages transmitted to the mobile phone of the user may be text type or voice type. It may further be provided that the data necessary for the operation of the assistance device (including the sound messages) are recorded during installation (or later) by telephone.

Claims (13)

1. Waste collection facility comprising a main container (101), and one or more secondary container(s) (102, 103, 104), each provided with a device (14) for assisting blind or partially-sighted persons, said device (14) comprising:

   - means for receiving a predetermined signal from a transmitter (24) worn by a blind or partially-sighted person (22);

   - means for transmitting an acoustic message when such a signal is received;

   - the main container being the only container to transmit an acoustic message if the source of the signal received is located beyond a predetermined distance.
2. Waste collection facility according to claim 1, said device (14) further comprising means for determining the distance from which the signal received was transmitted.
3. Waste collection facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acoustic message transmitted varies depending on the signal transmission distance.
4. Waste collection facility according to one of claims 1 to 3, said device (14) further comprising means for determining the signal transmission direction.
5. Waste collection facility according to claim 4, wherein the acoustic message transmitted varies depending on the signal reception angle.
6. Waste collection facility according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic message transmitted contains an indication of the type of waste accepted by the container.
7. Waste collection facility according to one of the preceding claims, said device (14) comprising time delay means so that the acoustic message is transmitted after a predetermined period from reception of the signal.
8. Waste collection facility according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for transmitting an acoustic message comprise a loudspeaker (18), in particular a waterproof loudspeaker.
9. Waste collection facility according to the preceding claim, wherein the loudspeaker is positioned in the immediate vicinity of a waste introduction hole (12), such that the acoustic transmission enables the person to locate the position of the introduction hole (12).
10. Waste collection facility according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal transmitted is a radiofrequency type signal, in particular a signal of the type transmitted by a remote control compatible with standard NF S32-002.
11. Waste collection facility according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitter is a mobile phone, the acoustic message being transmitted via a telecommunication network.
12. Facility according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the source of the received signal is below the predetermined distance, each container (101, 102, 103, 104) of the facility transmits an acoustic message containing an indication of the type of waste it accepts.
13. Facility according to the preceding claim, wherein the transmission of acoustic messages from all the containers (101, 102, 103, 104) is synchronised such that only one acoustic message is transmitted at a time, the successive transmissions of the messages being separated by a predetermined period, for example 10 seconds.

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