AU2018100960A4 - Litter, waste disposal and recycling app - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A litter management system and method including receiving, from a user, a litter identifier, identifying an item of litter; receiving, from the user, and in association with reception of the litter identifier, a waste receptacle identifier as confirmation of disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle; allocating one or more rewards to the user based upon disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle. The method is based on the use of the portable computing device of the user and aims at rewarding and generally enticing participants to spend time picking up litter, and helping remove the negative perception associated with picking up others rubbish and litter. 125a 120a 115 * MERCHANT SOCIAL MEDIA Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing litter.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Management of litter is a significant problem. Government and local councils spend a large amount of money cleaning up litter, and it is estimated that over $ 1 billion dollars is spent on cleaning up litter annually in Australia alone. Despite large amounts of money being spent on cleaning up litter, millions of tonnes of litter still manage to find its way into our waterways and oceans each year, which poses massive environmental problems.

[0003] Several non-profit organisations focus on cleaning up our environment and have been very successful in engaging users to clean up litter both nationally and internationally. A problem generally with such organisations, however, is that they create sub-cultures, and do not appeal to the public more generally.

[0004] In particular, there is generally a negative perception associated with picking up rubbish and litter of others, and as such, much of society is not involved in cleaning litter in their local community.

[0005] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved litter management systems and methods.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] The present invention is directed to litter management system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a litter management system including:

a server, configured to:

receive, from a user, a litter identifier, identifying an item of litter;

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 receive, from the user, and in association with reception of the litter identifier, a waste receptacle identifier as confirmation of disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle;

allocate one or more rewards to the user based upon disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle.

[0009] Preferably, the litter identifier comprises a code scanned by a portable computing device of the user. The code may comprise a barcode or a QR code. The litter may comprise packaging, and the code may be printed on the packaging.

[0010] The code may identify a specific item of litter. The code may identify a class (or group) of items of litter, such as a particular product type, a particular merchant that has provided the product to which the litter relates, or a region in which the product was sold.

[0011] Preferably, the waste receptacle identifier comprises a code scanned by the portable computing device of the user. The code may comprise a barcode or a QR code. The waste receptacle may comprise a bin, and the code may be placed on the bin. The code may be placed on the bin as a sticker or permanent fixture.

[0012] The code may identify a location of the bin. The location may comprise a unique location (and thus the code may be unique per bin). The location may comprise a region in which there are multiple bins (and thus the code may be shared across a plurality of bins).

[0013] The litter identifier may comprise an image of the item of litter.

[0014] The server may be configured to receive a plurality of litter identifiers, identifying a plurality of items of litter, and the waste receptacle identifier may be received in association with reception of the plurality of litter identifiers, as confirmation of disposal of the plurality of items of litter at the waste receptacle. The one or more rewards may be allocated according to an amount of litter in the plurality of items of litter.

[0015] Preferably, the rewards comprise points. The points may be redeemable for goods or services.

[0016] The points may be redeemable by generating a barcode or QR code for redemption at a merchant to receive the goods or services.

[0017] The points may be converted to a monetary donation to a charity. The points may be converted to points of a rewards scheme.

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 [0018] The server may be configured to generate and provide a leader board or users based at least in part upon the points. The leader board may rank users in a particular area, region, state or country.

[0019] The server may be configured to generate one or more games, and provide same to the user. The games may be used to incentivise the collection of litter. The games may be location based or time based.

[0020] The server may be configured to share data with one or more social media servers, to enable the user to share details of their litter collection with other social media users.

[0021] The server may be further configured to track time and/or movement in a rubbish zone, and issue points (or rewards) based thereon. The user may log into and/or out of the rubbish zone by scanning one or more codes in the zone.

[0022] Rubbish zones may be allocated based upon an amount of litter (rubbish) reported in an area.

[0023] The waste receptacle may include a sensor, coupled to the server, the sensor configured to detect use of the waste receptacle and report same to the server. The sensor may be configured to sense placement of litter in the waste receptacle. The sensor may comprise an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor. The sensor may be coupled to the server wirelessly. The sensor may be coupled to the server by a cellular network.

[0024] The system may be configured to allocate the one or more rewards in part according to the detected use of the waste receptacle.

[0025] The system may be configured to verify an identity of the user, and allocate the one or more rewards to the user based upon the verified identity. The users identity may be verified using facial recognition.

[0026] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a litter management method including:

receiving, from a user, a litter identifier, identifying an item of litter; receiving, from the user, and in association with reception of the litter identifier, a waste receptacle identifier as confirmation of disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle; allocate one or more rewards to the user based upon disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle.

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 [0027] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0028] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0029] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a waste management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot of a main menu screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot of a litter capture screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot of a litter disposal screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot of a rewards redemption screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates a screenshot of a leader board screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0036] Figure 7 illustrates a screenshot of a manual litter logging screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 [0038] Figure 1 illustrates a waste management system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The waste management system 100 provides a number of incentive tools to entice consumers to reduce litter generation and to clean up litter.

[0039] In particular, and as illustrated in further detail below, the system 100 includes rewards for users that dispose of litter, with image (e.g. QR code), location (e.g. GPS) and time verification. Furthermore, the system 100 engages users through challenges and social media.

[0040] The rewards system generally entices participants to spend time picking up litter, and helps remove the negative perception associated with picking up others rubbish and litter.

[0041] The system 100 may offer a wide variety of games, fitness tasks, challenges and collaborations with companies or corporations to further engage users. The system 100 is diverse and as such is able to appeal to a wide range of demographics.

[0042] Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for collaboration with companies or corporations that historically have been associated with high levels of litter, and want to reduce their impact on the environment.

[0043] The waste management system 100 includes a server 105, through which a user 110 may interact using a portable computing device 115. The portable computing device 115 may comprise a smartphone, a tablet computer, or any other suitable computing device.

[0044] Initially, the user 110 logs into an application (app) on his or her portable computing device 115, which connects to the server 105 to retrieve and display a main menu. The main menu enables the user to selectively perform one or more tasks.

[0045] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot 200 of a main menu screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The main menu includes a plurality of menu items 205, including a scanning menu item 205a, a rewards menu item 205b, a game menu item 205c, a social media menu item 205d, a charity menu item 205e, and a leader board menu item 205f.

[0046] The scanning menu item 205a enables the user 110 to log litter collection using barcodes or QR codes. In particular, items of litter 120, such as packaging, containers, bottles etc, include a QR code 120a, which may be scanned by the user 110 using a camera of the portable computing device 115.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot 300 of a litter capture screen, according to an

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 embodiment of the present invention. The litter capture screen includes a viewfinder element 305, which displays an image captured by the camera of the portable computing device 115, to assist the user in positioning the item of litter 120, and in particular the QR code 120a thereof, with reference to the camera. Once the user 110 is happy with the image, he or she is able to capture the image using an image capture button 310.

[0048] Once captured, the image is scanned, the QR code 120a is identified and read, and data thereof is uploaded to the server 105.

[0049] The user 110 is then able to pick up the item of litter 120 and dispose of it in a waste bin 125. The system 100 enables the user 110 to log litter disposal using barcodes or QR codes. In particular, the waste bin 125 also includes a QR code 125 a, which may be scanned by the user 110 using the camera of the portable computing device 115 to log disposal of the item of litter 120 therein.

[0050] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of a litter disposal screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The litter disposal screen includes a viewfinder element 405, similar to the viewfinder element 305 of Figure 3, but for capturing an image of the bin 125, and in particular the QR code 125a thereof. When the user 110 is happy with the image, he or she is able to capture the image using an image capture button 410.

[0051] Once captured, the image is scanned, the QR code 125a is identified and read, and data thereof is uploaded to the server 105.

[0052] According to certain embodiments, the user 110 may capture data of a plurality of items of litter 120 sequentially, and record disposal of all items in the bin 125 once. This is particularly useful when the user 110 is disposing of a large number of items of litter 120, as it does not require each item to be disposed of individually, but still enables data capture of each of the items.

[0053] The server 105, upon receipt of this data, stores records of both the item(s) of litter 120, and the bin 125 and associates same with the user 110. In this regard, the QR code 120a may identify a specific item of litter 120, or a class (or group) of items of litter, such as a particular product type, a particular merchant that has provided the product to which the litter 120 relates, or a region in which the product was sold.

[0054] Similarly, the QR code 125a may identify a specific bin 125, or a class (or group) of bins, such as bins within a particular region or bins associated with a particular merchant or

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 council.

[0055] According to certain embodiments, the server 105 is configured to analyse the data, and generate one or more reports based thereon. For example, the server 105 may determine litter “hot spots”, which can be used by councils and other organisations to employ preventative measures therein. For example, if large amounts of litter are collected outdoors in a particular area, new bins may be investigated for such areas to reduce the amount of litter in such areas to start with.

[0056] As the litter disposal is associated with the user 110, points are associated with the user based thereon. In particular, for each recorded litter disposal points are associated with the user, which may be accumulated and used to purchase items from participating businesses, to receive discounts on items or to donate points to charities, as outlined below.

[0057] The points provide a simple and effective way of motivating users 110 to pick up litter, by providing rewards. As the points may be used in a wide variety of ways, the collection of points not only targets those wish to receive a direct benefit therefrom (e.g. through purchases), but also those that wish for their efforts to benefit society more generally (e.g. through donation to charities).

[0058] The rewards menu item 205b enables the user to access his or her rewards for redemption. In case of a partnering merchant 135, the rewards may comprise currency for use at the merchant 135, or discounts or special offers at the merchant 135. In some embodiments, points can be accumulated and used at multiple participating merchants.

[0059] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot 500 of a rewards redemption screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rewards redemption screen is associated with a partnering merchant 135, and in particular a fast food merchant. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that the redemption screen may be modified to suit multiple merchants, or multiple redemption screens may be provided to suit different merchants.

[0060] The rewards redemption screen includes a menu element 505, enabling the user to select items according to menu categories, such as favourite items, recently redeemed items, or according to a full restaurant menu.

[0061] The rewards redemption screen further includes a plurality of sub-menus 510, each relating to a different category of item. The sub-menus 510 are updated according to the selected menu element 505 to enable hierarchical organisation of redemption options. The sub-menus

2018100960 06 Jul 2018

510 may include a children’s meals sub-menu, a beverages sub-menu, and the like.

[0062] As such, the menu element 505 and sub-menus 510 enable the user to navigate among redemption options, which in the fast food merchant 135 may correspond to hamburgers, drinks, and snacks, for example. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any suitable redemption options may be used, and the redemption screen may be similar to any suitable online marketplace or store.

[0063] Each redemption option is selectable and placed in a shopping cart for final confirmation. The shopping cart may be viewed, edited and finalised by selecting a “my order” button 515, as is well known in the art of online shopping carts.

[0064] Once the order is finalised and placed, the corresponding rewards points are deducted from the user’s balance. A barcode or QR code is then generated, and stored on a digital wallet of the application for redemption at the merchant 135. In particular, the user 110 displays the barcode or QR code on the portable user device 115, which is then scanned by the merchant 135, much like a traditional coupon.

[0065] The game menu item 205c enables a user to complete games and challenges. The games and challenges may be location based, time based, or entirely open, and help engage the user 110.

[0066] In one embodiment, interactive activities and challenges are set at random and in particular locations, and the user is alerted if he or she is at a location when an activity or challenge has been set. Such configuration adds excitement to the activities and challenges as they may be provided in novel and unexpected ways.

[0067] Examples of challenges and activities include scavenger hunts, calorie burners, litter bingo, and daily time targets. Advantageously, the challenges and activities include litter collection activities and non-litter collection activities. This may enable, for example, users 110 to get together and get to know each other by performing activities together.

[0068] Completion of an activity may include monitoring a user’s movements, scanning a certain number of litter items within a time period, or any other suitable activity that can be monitored or verified using the portable computing device 115.

[0069] Upon successful completion of a challenge or activity, one or more rewards points may be allocated to the user.

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 [0070] The social media menu item 205d enables the user 110 to interact with one or more social media platforms 140. In particular, through the social media platform 140, individuals and businesses may make clean up groups, or coordinate similar activities and document same. Similarly, social media may be used to advertise to individuals or clean up groups.

[0071] Individual users 110 may use the social media platform 140 to check-in to locations, and share details of their litter collection with other social media users, including users that do not use the system 100. In particular, users 110 may post photos and share status updates of your contribution to the clean up of the environment.

[0072] Similarly, the social media platform 140 may be used to communicate between users 110, to share troubled litter locations with other users 110, and to receive assistance with cleaning an area, for example.

[0073] Points may be accumulated through social media interaction. For example, points may be allocated in relation to each check-in at a designated litter area, each time a page of the system 100 is tagged with reference to an activity, or through any suitable interaction.

[0074] The charity menu item 205e enables the user 110 to redeem his or her points by donating to a charity. In particular, the user may select a particular charity, and select a donation size. Points are then deducted from the user’s account, converted to a monetary donation, and provided to the charity. A charity page may be provided similar to the rewards redemption screen of Figure 5, which enables the user to select the charity, and/or the type and size of donation.

[0075] The leader board menu item 205f enables the user to monitor his or her performance with reference to others, and compete with others. This is particularly useful when users benefit from being pushed by others, or are in other ways competitive.

[0076] Figure 6 illustrates a screenshot 600 of a leader board screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The leader board screen includes a leader board element 605, comprising a plurality of user elements 610. Each user element is associated with a user (or group of users) and a plurality of ranking elements 615. Examples of ranking elements 615 include a score of the user, a rewards collection, a monthly contribution, a global leader board, and a tier level.

[0078] The leader board screen may be updated so that users are ranked with other users in a

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 particular area, region, state our country. For example, users may be initially ranked with nearby users, and later move up to a regional, state or country level as the user’s score increases, to maintain a level of competitiveness among users.

[0079] Similarly, the leader board may be generated according to a user’s network, such as friends, colleagues or the like. This is particularly useful when businesses have competitions among employees, or the like.

[0080] The user elements 610 may be ranked according to score, or any other suitable ranking element, or combination thereof. A user element 610 associated with the user 110 may be positioned above the other users, to enable the user 110 to quickly see his or her ranking element 615.

[0081] In the example of Figure 3, the users are individually ranked with the user elements 610, but in other embodiments each user element may comprise a group of users. This is particularly useful when businesses organise teams, or departments of a business compete with each other.

[0082] While the above has been described with reference to non-organised and semiorganised litter collection activities, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that activities may be coordinated. As an illustrative example, in order to coordinate litter collection so that it benefits a community efficiently, one or more zones may be generated, and categorised according to an amount of rubbish in that area.

[0083] In such case, the zones may be presented on a map, and colour coded to show the amount of rubbish that is in that area (green being clean, yellow being moderately clean and red being in desperate need of cleaning). Users are then able to easily view areas that are in most need of cleaning, and travel to those areas directly.

[0084] The system 100 includes a GPS satellite 130 from which the portable computing device 115 receives positioning data. This enables, for example, the movement of the user 110 within a zone to be monitored. In particular, the GPS data may be used to track both time in and movement through a designated rubbish zone, and issue points (or rewards) based thereon.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the user 110 will be prompted to log onto a designated rubbish zone by scanning a code in that zone. The application will then activate GPS tracking, to track the users time spend in the zone.

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 [0086] The portable computing device 115 may be configured to issue an alert or notification if the user 110 wanders out of the designated zone. If the user 110 is outside of the zone for more than a predefined period, the user may be automatically logged out of the zone.

[0087] Once the user has finished collecting litter, they log out of the zone by scanning a code in the zone. The user’s time is then uploaded to the server 105, associated with the user 110, and points are allocated to the user. In some embodiments, no points are allocated when a user is automatically logged out of the zone, e.g. by leaving the zone.

[0088] Similarly, the GPS data may be used to notify the user when in close proximity to a designated area. In particular, a notification may be provided to the user including instructions for the user to log into the area, an indicating that the user may need to be logged that area for a predetermined time to redeem points.

[0089] While the above examples have been illustrated with reference to placing litter directly in bins, in some embodiments rubbish bags may be provided to the user 110, to enable more efficient collection of litter, e.g. in a large area.

[0090] In such case, a rubbish bag kiosk may be provided which dispenses bags to users 110. In such case, the user 110 may scan a code of the kiosk and then the bag, upon which GPS tracking is activated to record the user’s movement and time spent through the zone.

[0091] The user may then dispose of the filled rubbish bag in a bin, similar to the individual litter as described above, and receive points based thereon.

[0092] The system 100 may include one or more anti-fraud measures, to prevent users from fraudulently obtaining points and redeeming rewards based thereon. For example, the rubbish bags may be numbered in sequence in the kiosk to prevent bags from being taken outside of the areas and filled with rubbish from elsewhere. In such case, old bags are deactivated (e.g. after subsequent bags are taken).

[0093] Similarly, a timer and tracker may be used to verify that users are legitimately utilising the system. In particular, certain areas may be allocated times in which a user must be in that area to collect a certain amount of rubbish. This may be used to prevent users from bring in their own rubbish from home or another area, and quickly scanning same to redeem rewards.

[0094] In certain embodiments, location tracking (e.g. through GPS) may be performed continuously, and the user 10 may receive notifications when they are close to areas that require

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 attention, or have incentives/challenges. In particular, the system 100 may determine that the user is in the vicinity of a designated area (e.g. within 500m), the user will receive a notification or will log in manually to activate/deactivate their clean up start/end time. Information will be gathered automatically through the App with the use of GPS technology that will assist the service provider (management team) with the locations of troubled litter areas and demographics, as well as providing the user a logged history of their contribution to areas that they have cleaned. This logged history can then be uploaded on to a social media leader board to show your contribution to the environment.

[0095] In addition to logging litter 120 using QR codes 120a, the user 110 may use image capture and recognition to manually log litter. This is particularly useful when QR codes are not present on certain trash, or when they are damaged or obscured.

[0096] In particular, the user 110 points the portable computing device at an item of litter (or pile of litter) and capture an image thereof. Once scanned and registered, the user 110 picks up the litter and disposes of it in the same manner as described above.

[0097] Figure 7 illustrates a screenshot 700 of a manual litter logging screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The manual litter logging screen includes a viewfinder element 705, similar to the viewfinder element 305 of Figure 3, but for capturing an image of the litter. When the user 110 is happy with the image, he or she is able to capture the image using an image capture button 710. Once captured, the image is uploaded to the server 105.

[0099] According to certain embodiments, image recognition is used to estimate an amount of litter, and allocate rewards accordingly. As an illustrative example, the image recognition may be used to estimate a volume of litter, a number of pieces of litter, or any other suitable metric associated with an amount of litter. Alternatively or additionally, the system may prompt the user to enter details of the litter.

[00100] Similarly, the in addition to identifying bins 125 using QR codes 125a, the user may use image capture and recognition to manually log litter disposal. This is particularly useful when QR codes are not present on the bin, or are damaged or obscured. In such case, the user may take a photo of the bin and log it as an unidentified bin. In such case, GPS data may be associated with the photo of the bin.

[00101] The system logs details of unidentified bins, and may generate reports based thereon.

2018100960 06 Jul 2018

As an illustrative example, if an unidentified bin is used particularly often, an action may be generated to put a QR code on that bin. In such case volunteers or workers may be tasked with placing QR codes 125a on bins 125, e.g. by placing a sticker including the QR code 125a on the bin 125.

[00102] The litter captures screen of Figure 3, and the manual litter logging screen of Figure 7 may be provided as variants of a common litter capture screen. For example, the user may select, at a litter capture screen, between a QR scanning mode and a manual scanning mode.

[00103] In addition to being used by users 110 when disposing of litter, the system 100 may also be used to report problems regarding litter. This is particularly useful when the user identifies a litter problem, but is unable to dispose of the litter for any reason.

[00104] In particular, the system 100 may be used to report litterbugs, illegal rubbish dumping, overflowing rubbish bins, unsecured trailer loads and the like. In such case, the user 110 may photograph the problem and then upload a report including same to the server 105. The server may then format and forward the report to the correct authorities who may in turn take action.

[00105] One or more predefined scenarios may be provided by the system, to simplify the process of reporting. In such case, the user may simply choose an appropriate scenario, rather than have to describe the scenario fully.

[00106] The photo may be associated with time, date and location data, to enable the photo to be used as evidence. In some cases, the details of the user 110 may be passed on to the authorities, to enable them to follow up on the allegations and take appropriate action.

[00107] An exemplary litter management method will now be described below with reference to a fast food restaurant. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that the method may be used in other contexts, and modified where appropriate.

[00108] Initially, food packaging is provided with an individual QR code or barcode printed thereon, which may identify the product or packaging (e.g. large French fries carton from Merchant X). The packaging may be pre-printed with the code, or the code may be added to the packaging on demand, e.g. by later printing or a sticker.

[00109] The consumer purchases and consumes the products as normal.

[00110] Once the user has finished their meal/drink, they log into an application of the system

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 and scan their items. In one embodiment, the user is able to scan all items (e.g. fries container, burger box and drink cup) in one go.

[00111] The user then disposes of the waste in a bin at the restaurant, and scans a QR code or barcode on the bin.

[00112] Details of the disposed litter and the bin in which it is disposed are uploaded to a server, where the user is allocated rewards points based thereon.

[00113] As the process is repeated over time, the rewards points may accumulate towards discounts, free meals/drinks, promotions or donations to charities.

[00114] A similar process applies outside of restaurant, except the user may scan their rubbish at a later date and dispose of their rubbish at any suitable bin.

[00115] If litter still occurs, another person will have an opportunity to pick up and dispose of the litter to receive the reward points. Such process is particularly valuable for the homeless and less fortunate, which, while often having access to smart phones, struggle with their finances.

By collecting rewards points, the homeless and less fortunate are encouraged to collect and dispose of litter, and receive reward points that can accumulate towards food, clothing and the like.

[00116] According to certain embodiments, the system may include one or more educational screens, to provide educational material about litter, such as its impact on the environment and to biodiversity, and how to help reduce this negative impact. In such case, the system may also double as an educational tool within schools, universities, businesses and general public.

[00117] Similarly, certain embodiments of the invention may include one or more safety screens, configured to provide warnings associated with the collection of litter. In particular, the warnings may relate to potential hazardous materials and environments, how to safely handle and dispose of rubbish.

[00118] According to certain embodiments, the system includes one or more Internet of Things (IoT) sensors associated with each waste bin 125. The sensors are used to register the use of the bin 125, by sensing placement of litter in the bin.

[00119] The IoT sensors may take any suitable form, but in certain embodiments are configured to register the placement of each item in the bin 125. This may be performed a number of ways, including by measuring a weight of the bin, and in particular a change in

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 weight, by using an optical sensor to detect litter passing through the bin lid, or to detect a level of litter in the bin 125.

[00120] In one embodiment, the sensors include an infrared and/or an ultrasonic sensor. The sensors can be mounted in any area of the bin or rubbish disposal area, including in a lid of the bin, in a base of the bin, or at various positions inside the bin.

[00121] This data is then collated and uploaded to the server 105. The IoT sensor may collect data for a particular period (e.g. 1 hour or 1 day), compress the data, and upload same to the server 105. Alternatively, the sensor may upload the data in real time (or near real time).

[00122] The server 105 may then log the bin usage data and compare this to litter reporting data. As such, the server 105 is able to detect discrepancies between reported litter disposal at a bin 125, and actual litter received at that bin, in order to detect fraud.

[00123] The server 105 may allocate points to users upon verification from the bin 125 that the litter has been received. Alternatively, the server 105 may allocate points based upon reported litter disposal, and later verify same with data from the bins 125. In such case, the server 105 may remove points if the reported litter was not received, or even ban users when fraudulent data is provided.

[00124] The sensor may comprise part of a sensor assembly, comprising a power source, a data interface and a microprocessor. The power source may comprise a long life battery, or a solar panel, which simplifies installation in that connection with a power grid is not required.

[00125] The data interface is advantageously a wireless data interface, and in particular, a cellular network based data interface. As an illustrative example, the wireless interface may comprise a 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) data interface developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP.

[00126] In some embodiments, the bins 125 are smart bins, and may include other “smart” bin features. For example, the bins 125 may include a compactor, that is configured to compact the litter in the bin when it reaches a certain level. Furthermore, the bin 125 may communicate with those responsible for collection indicating when collection is required.

[00127] In one embodiment, the bin comprises a WiFi access point, in which Internet access is provided as an incentive for users to either utilise the system, to draw users closer to the bin (e.g. to promote bin usage), or as a reward in response to completing an activity. As an

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 illustrative example, the user may be provided with 10 minutes free Internet access upon completion of a task (e.g. a litter disposal task).

[00128] Similarly, the data from the sensors on the bins may be used to analyse bin usage, to identify higher traffic litter areas, or even capture data unrelated to bin usage.

[00129] According to certain embodiments, rewards and incentive points are allocated to the user depending on how the system is used. For example, the system may automatically identify that the user has disposed of litter, without actively using the portable computing device 115 to record same, and allocate a basic level of points to the user based thereon.

[00130] Similarly, if the user is disposing the litter as part of completing a challenge, and reports same on the portable computing device 115, or if the user is within an area for a particular time or has walked a certain distance, the system may allocate a different number of points (or different rewards) to the user.

[00131] According to certain embodiments, facial recognition may be provided by the system to verify usage of the system according to one or more conditions. For example, facial recognition may be used to determine whether a user has already completed a particular task (e.g. to prevent a user using multiple fraudulent accounts to collect points), or to verify that a user is actually performing a task (and that an account is not shared among friends or family).

[00132] The facial recognition may be performed by the portable computing device 115, or performed by image sensors located on bins, or at other locations. Similarly, the facial recognition may be performed when a user logs into the system, when the user performs an action, or at any suitable time.

[00133] While the system 100 has been described as an independent system, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the system may be utilised by existing environmental organisations, charities, individual businesses, waterways and land based environmental groups, government organisations and the like. In particular, such organisations may utilise the system together with others, or launch a specific system with their own branding for their use.

[00134] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention are simply and low cost to implement. For example, QR codes may be placed on council bins using inexpensive stickers, which transforms regular bins into designated disposal points.

[00135] One advantage of the system is that it is able to appeal to the general public as a

2018100960 06 Jul 2018 whole and as such to encourage everyone from all walks of life to participate in cleaning up litter in our environment, and then be rewarded for it.

[00136] The systems and methods may change the perspective of consumers and the treatment of litter through the use of fun and educational technological mediums, and may boost morale by strategically reversing the stereotypical mentality related to litter within communities.

[00137] Use of the systems and methods may also create data, which can be very useful in urban planning, and strategy more generally.

[00138] Embodiments of the present invention provide opportunities for large litter producers, such as fast food chains, to contribute to the reduction of litter in society, while at the same time, helping with their own marketing and brand recognition through strategic provision of rewards.

[00139] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00140] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00141] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

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Claims (2)

1. A litter management system including:

a server, configured to:

receive, from a user, a litter identifier, identifying an item of litter;

receive, from the user, and in association with reception of the litter identifier, a waste receptacle identifier as confirmation of disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle;

allocate one or more rewards to the user based upon disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle.

2. A litter management method including:

receiving, from a user, a litter identifier, identifying an item of litter;

receiving, from the user, and in association with reception of the litter identifier, a waste receptacle identifier as confirmation of disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle;

allocate one or more rewards to the user based upon disposal of the item of litter at the waste receptacle.

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Figure 1

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Figure 2 Figure 3

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Figure 4 Figure 5

4/4

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Figure 6 Figure 7