JP2019167210A - System and method of communication for a trash box with sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a monitor system for a trash box with sensors capable of suppressing consumption power by detecting a trash input and sending trash charge-amount detection information upon the trash input and of grasping a use history of a trash box.SOLUTION: A monitor system for a trash box with sensors 1 comprises an input detection sensor 20 that detects a trash input into a trash receiver 11, a charge-amount detection sensor 25 that detects a trash charge amount into the trash receiver, a transmitting unit 30 that sends detection information of the input detection sensor 20, and a receiving unit 40 that receives the detection information sent from the transmitting unit 30. When the input detection sensor 20 detects a trash input, the trash charge-amount detection sensor 25 is driven and the transmitting unit 30 sends trash charge-amount detection information to the receiving unit 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system for a trash can with a sensor and a communication method for a trash can with a sensor that detects the input of trash to a trash can and transmits detection information when the trash is input.

  In recent years, various systems have been proposed for monitoring the amount of dust filled in a trash box. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a waste bin having a main body, a dust detection sensor that is installed on an inner surface of the main body, and that transmits a detection wave in a horizontal direction, acquires detection information from the dust detection sensor, and accumulates garbage in the waste bin. A trash bin monitoring system is disclosed that includes a monitoring device that monitors a state, and a notification device that is connected to the monitoring device so as to be able to transmit and receive signals and that reports a garbage accumulation state based on a signal received from the monitoring device. .

  In the trash box monitoring system of Patent Document 1, a sensor detects the accumulation state of trash in the trash box at regular intervals, and communicates detection information of the sensor when the accumulation state of the trash exceeds a specified amount.

JP 2017-206333 A

  By the way, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the sensor detects the accumulation state of the dust at regular intervals regardless of whether or not the dust is put into the waste bin, and thus the power consumption cannot be suppressed.

  Further, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the detection information of the sensor is communicated when the garbage filling amount exceeds the specified amount, it is possible to grasp the accumulation state of the garbage, but it is not possible to grasp the usage history information of the garbage can. .

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention detects a garbage input, detects the amount of dust filled with a sensor only when the garbage is input, and transmits detection information, thereby reducing power consumption. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication method and a communication method for a trash can with a sensor. It is another object of the present invention to provide a communication system for a trash can with a sensor and a communication method for a trash can with a sensor capable of grasping usage history information of the trash can.

  One aspect of the communication system of the trash can with a sensor according to the present invention is an input detection sensor for detecting the input of garbage into the garbage container, a filling amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of garbage charged into the garbage container, and the above And a transmission unit that transmits detection information of the garbage filling amount detection sensor, and a reception unit that receives the detection information transmitted from the transmission unit. When the input detection sensor detects the input of the garbage, While the amount detection sensor is driven, the transmission unit transmits dust filling amount detection information to the reception unit.

  In the configuration of the communication system of the trash can with the sensor, the trash filling amount detection sensor may be a specified amount detection sensor that detects that a trash filling rate in the trash storage portion has reached a specified amount.

  The dust container is preferably covered with a lid having an opening / closing door, and the input detection sensor is preferably an electric switch for detecting opening / closing of the opening / closing door.

  Alternatively, the input detection sensor may be a strain sensor that detects a change in the bottom of the dust container.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to further include a photoelectric conversion device that converts light into electricity, and a secondary battery that charges the electricity photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion device.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the receiving unit includes a storage unit that stores a waste input history.

  One aspect of the communication method of the sensor-equipped trash can according to the present invention includes a procedure for detecting the introduction of garbage into the garbage container, a procedure for transmitting garbage filling amount sensor detection information when the garbage is introduced, and the detection information. , And a procedure for storing a waste input history.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress power consumption and grasp usage history information of a trash can by detecting the introduction of trash and transmitting the trash filling amount detection information only when the trash is added.

It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication system of the trash can with a sensor of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the installation structure of the input detection sensor of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the communication method of the recycle bin with a sensor of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the input detection sensor of 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, what attached | subjected the same code | symbol has the same or similar structure.

[First Embodiment]
(Composition of communication system of trash can with sensor)
With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the structure of the communication system of the recycle bin with a sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a communication system of a trash can with a sensor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the installation structure of the input detection sensor according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 of the sensor-equipped trash box according to the first embodiment includes a trash box 10, a loading detection sensor 20, a filling amount detection sensor 25, a transmission unit 30, a reception unit 40, and a storage unit 50. Hereinafter, each component will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the trash box 10 of the first embodiment includes a trash container 12, a lid 14 that covers the opening 13 of the trash container 12, and an open / close door 15 provided at a part of the lid 14. Is provided. The opening / closing door 15 is provided with a door closing mechanism (not shown) that prevents the opening / closing door 15 from being left in an open state. The door closing mechanism is configured by, for example, a spring or a weight. A garbage bag (not shown) is mounted in the garbage container 12 in order to facilitate collection of garbage. Examples of the types of garbage that are put into the garbage storage unit 12 of the trash box 10 include combustible garbage, non-combustible garbage, plastic bottles, cans, and recycled garbage. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, a trash box 10 into which one kind of trash is input is illustrated.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the input detection sensor 20 is a detection device that detects the input of garbage into the garbage container 12. For the input detection sensor 20 of the first embodiment, for example, an electric switch 21 that detects opening / closing of the open / close door 15 is employed. An example of the electrical switch 21 is a limit switch. The limit switch is a switch that encloses a micro switch in a casing and switches a movable contact via an actuator unit. Examples of the limit switch include a plunger type, a hinge lever type, a roller lever type, a rod lever type, a fork lever type, and a weight type. For example, the limit switch detects that the open / close door 15 is closed by operating the movable contact when the open / close door 15 is closed. The input detection sensor 20 consumes less power than a filling amount detection sensor 25 described later.

  The filling amount detection sensor 25 is a detection device that detects a filling amount of garbage into the garbage container 12. In the filling amount detection sensor 25 of the first embodiment, for example, the filling amount detection sensor 25 is installed in the vertical direction from the opening 13 to the bottom of the garbage storage unit 12. As the specified amount detection sensor, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor is employed. When the input detection sensor 20 detects the input of garbage into the garbage container 12, the filling amount detection sensor 25 is activated.

  The transmission unit 30 is a transmission device that transmits garbage input detection information of the input detection sensor 20. As the transmission unit 30, for example, a low power wide area (LPWA), a wireless fidelity (WiFi) standard, or a long term evolution (LTE) standard relay device is employed. By adopting an LPWA standard, WiFi standard, or LTE standard relay device, it is possible to transmit waste input detection information even if the distance between the garbage collector and the garbage box 10 is long. In particular, the LPWA standard is wireless communication capable of long-distance communication of several kilometers with low power consumption. The relay device is a node that relays between the macrocell base station 80 and the terminal device. The relay device is a node that constitutes one node in the wireless network and establishes backhaul wireless communication with the macro cell base station 80.

  The relay device provides a packet communication service to the terminal device. The cell size formed by the relay apparatus is smaller than that of the macro cell base station 80, and a communication area having a radius of several meters to several tens of meters is constructed. In the LTE standard, it is also called HeNB (Home eNodeB) or femtocell base station.

  The receiving unit 40 is a receiving device that receives the waste input detection information transmitted from the transmitting unit 30. As the receiving unit 40, for example, a terminal device or a computer (PC) having a communication function is employed. The terminal device is a mobile communication terminal (mobile body) such as a smartphone or a mobile phone, and is also called a UE (User Equipment).

  That is, the wireless network of the monitoring system 1 for the trash can with a sensor according to the present embodiment includes a transmission unit (relay device) 30, a macro cell (MCC) base station 80, and a reception unit (terminal device) 40. In the present embodiment, when the sensor 20 detects the introduction of garbage, the transmission unit 30 transmits the garbage introduction detection information to the reception unit 40. In addition, when the distance between the transmission unit (relay device) 30 and the reception unit (terminal device) 40 is not long, communication can be performed without using the macro cell base station 80.

  The sensor-equipped trash can communication system 1 further includes a photoelectric conversion device 60 and a secondary battery 70. The photoelectric conversion device 60 is a so-called solar cell that converts light into electricity. The solar cell is installed on the front and side surfaces of the trash box 10, the lid 14, and the like. The input detection sensor 20 is electrically connected to the solar battery and the secondary battery 70.

  The secondary battery 70 is a rechargeable battery that charges the electricity photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion device 60. The secondary battery 70 is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device 60. Examples of the secondary battery 70 include a lithium ion secondary battery, a lithium ion polymer secondary battery, a nickel / hydrogen storage battery, a nickel / cadmium storage battery, a nickel / iron storage battery, a nickel / zinc storage battery, a silver oxide / zinc storage battery, and a lead storage battery. Etc.

  In the communication system 1 of the trash can with a sensor according to the present embodiment, the amount of waste input can be grasped by the filling amount detection sensor 25, but it is detected that the filling rate of the waste into the waste storage unit 12 has become a specified amount. A specified amount detection sensor (not shown) may be further provided. For example, the specified amount detection sensor is installed horizontally near the opening 13 of the garbage storage unit 12. As the specified amount detection sensor, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor including a transmission element and a reception element is employed. Further, the filling amount detection sensor 25 may be a specified amount detection sensor.

(Operation of the communication system of the trash can with sensor, communication method of the trash can with sensor)
Next, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the communication method of the sensor-equipped trash can according to the first embodiment will be described while explaining the operation of the communication system of the sensor-equipped trash can according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the monitoring method of the trash can with a sensor according to the first embodiment.

  The communication method of the sensor-equipped trash box according to the first embodiment receives a detection procedure, a procedure for detecting the introduction of garbage into the garbage container, a procedure for transmitting the garbage filling amount sensor detection information when the garbage is introduced. A procedure and a procedure for storing a waste input history. This will be specifically described below.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, when the trash can 10 is in a standby state (S <b> 210), the photoelectric conversion device 60 performs solar power generation, and electric power is stored in the secondary battery 70. By mounting the photoelectric conversion device 60, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of battery replacement. In this standby state (S210), the input detection sensor 20 does not perform sensing, and the transmission unit 30 does not communicate, so power is not consumed.

  The user opens the open / close door 15 of the trash box 10 and puts trash into the trash storage unit 12. When the introduction of the garbage is completed, the open / close door 15 is closed. Since the door 15 of the present embodiment is provided with a door closing mechanism (not shown), it is possible to prevent the door 15 from being left open.

  When the open / close door 15 is opened and closed (S220 / YES), the input detection sensor 20 detects the input of garbage (S230). When the open / close door 15 is not opened / closed (S220 / NO), a standby state is entered (S210).

  When the input detection sensor 20 detects the input of garbage (S230), the filling amount detection sensor 25 is operated to detect the amount of dust filling into the waste container 10 (S240). At the time of throwing in the waste, the transmission unit 30 sends waste filling amount detection information (S250). In order to reduce the power consumption of the trash can with sensor 10, it is necessary to reduce the sensing interval and communication frequency. However, since sensing and communication are performed only when the trash is inserted, the power consumption of the trash can with sensor 10 can be suppressed.

  The receiving unit 40 receives the garbage filling amount detection information transmitted from the transmitting unit 30 (S260). The waste input detection information received by the receiving unit 40 is stored in the storage unit 50 as waste input history information (S270). By analyzing the trash input history, the use state of the trash can 10 can be grasped.

  When the communication system 1 of the trash can with a sensor according to this embodiment further includes a stipulated amount detection sensor (not shown) that detects that the trash filling rate in the trash storage unit 12 has reached a stipulated amount, the stipulated amount is reached. At the time of throwing in the garbage, the transmission unit 30 transmits detection information of the specified amount detection sensor.

  As described above, the communication system 1 of the sensor-equipped trash can according to the first embodiment is configured such that the interval between the sensing of the input detection sensor 20 and the communication of the transmission unit 30 is not a constant interval or a filling amount, but at the time of garbage input. The power consumption of the trash can with sensor 10 can be suppressed, and the usage history of the trash can 10 can be grasped.

  In the communication system 1 for the trash can with a sensor according to the first embodiment, the waste container 11 is covered with a lid 12 having an opening / closing door 14, and the input detection sensor 20 is an electric switch 21 that detects opening / closing of the opening / closing door 15. It is configured. Therefore, according to the communication system 1 for the trash can with a sensor according to the first embodiment, the electric switch (limit switch) 21 is operated when the open / close door 15 is opened and closed in the trash can 10 in which the trash container 12 is covered with the lid 14. Further, the filling amount detection sensor 25 can be operated to transmit the waste filling amount detection information from the transmitting unit 30 to the receiving unit 40.

  Furthermore, the communication system 1 of the trash can with a sensor according to the first embodiment further includes a photoelectric conversion device 60 that converts light into electricity, and a secondary battery 70 that charges the electricity photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion device 60. ing. Therefore, according to the communication system 1 of the trash can with a sensor according to the first embodiment, the operation power of the insertion detection sensor 20 and the filling amount detection sensor 25 can be covered by providing the photoelectric conversion device 60. Moreover, since the electric power photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion device 60 can be stored by the secondary battery 70, it can be used as rainy or nighttime electric power.

  In the communication system 1 for the sensor-equipped trash can according to the first embodiment, the receiving unit 30 includes a storage unit 50 for storing the trash input history information. Therefore, according to the communication system 1 of the sensor-equipped trash can according to the first embodiment, the trash input history information can be stored in the storage unit 50, and the use state of the trash can 10 can be grasped by analyzing the trash input history. can do. For example, it becomes easy to set the collection time of the garbage by grasping the time zone in which the number of times of throwing in the garbage is large.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the communication system 2 of the trash can with a sensor of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the input detection sensor of the second embodiment.

  The communication system 2 for the trash can with a sensor according to the second embodiment is different in that a closing detection sensor 20 for detecting a change in the bottom portion 16 is provided on the bottom portion 16 of the trash storage portion 12 of the trash bin 11. The configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

  The trash can 11 of the second embodiment is an open trash can in which the opening 14 of the trash storage portion 12 is not covered with a lid. The open-type trash can 11 is installed, for example, under the eaves or indoors in order to avoid intrusion of rainwater. The bottom portion 16 is supported by, for example, a coil spring 90, and when dust is put into the dust storage portion 12, the bottom portion 16 is lowered by the weight of the dust.

  A strain sensor 23 for detecting a change in the bottom portion 16 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom portion 16 of the dust container 12. Examples of the strain sensor 23 include a metal strain gauge and a semiconductor strain gauge.

  The metal strain gauge has a structure in which metal resistors (metal foils) alternately arranged on thin insulators are attached. The metal strain gauge measures the change in electrical resistance accompanying the deformation of the resistor, and converts this to the strain amount of the object to be measured. Since the change in resistance measured by the metal strain gauge is minute, it is preferable to provide a bridge circuit and a voltage amplifier (not shown).

  A semiconductor strain gauge is a strain gauge using a piezoresistance effect in which the electrical resistivity of a semiconductor changes due to stress, and is also called a piezoelectric element. As a structure of the piezoelectric element, a monomorph, a bimorph, a laminated type, and the like can be cited based on an element in which a piezoelectric body is sandwiched between two electrodes. It is preferable that one end of the coil spring 90 in the axial direction is brought into contact with the piezoelectric element.

  The strain sensor 23 is electrically connected to the voltage-displacement conversion unit 24. The voltage-displacement conversion unit 24 is a displacement sensor that converts a change in the voltage V generated in the strain sensor 23 into a displacement amount of the bottom 16. The voltage-displacement conversion unit 24 includes, for example, a resistor, a capacitor, and an integration unit. The voltage-displacement conversion unit 24 converts the voltage into a voltage proportional to the transition determined by the impedance of the resistor, the time constant determined by the capacitance of the capacitor and the piezoelectric element, and the strain (load) generated in the strain sensor 23. Then, the integrating unit integrates the output voltage to calculate the displacement amount.

  The communication system 2 for the trash can with a sensor according to the second embodiment basically has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In particular, in the second embodiment, a strain sensor 23 that detects a change in the bottom 16 of the dust container 12 is used as the input detection sensor 20. Therefore, according to the communication system 2 of the trash can with a sensor according to the second embodiment, the advantageous effect that the trash filling amount and usage history information of the open trash can 11 can be grasped is exhibited.

  The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Each element included in the embodiment and its arrangement, material, condition, shape, size, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the structures shown in different embodiments can be partially replaced or combined.

  In the above embodiment, the wireless network including the macro cell base station has been described. However, when the distance between the transmission unit and the reception unit is short, as wireless communication means, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like The short-range communication may be adopted.

  Further, in the above embodiment, sensing and transmission of the garbage filling amount detection information are performed at the time of throwing in the garbage. However, sensing of the filling rate may be performed at regular intervals, and the transmission unit may send at the time of throwing in the garbage. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Garbage bin monitoring system 11 Garbage storage unit 12 Lid 20 Input detection sensor 21 Electrical switch 23 Strain sensor 25 Filling amount detection sensor 30 Transmission unit 40 Reception unit 50 Storage unit

Claims (7)

An input detection sensor for detecting the input of garbage into the waste container;
A filling amount detection sensor for detecting a filling amount of dust into the waste container;
A transmission unit for transmitting detection information of the dust filling amount detection sensor;
A receiving unit for receiving detection information transmitted from the transmitting unit;
With
A monitoring system for a sensor-equipped trash box, wherein when the input detection sensor detects an input of garbage, the garbage filling amount detection sensor is driven, and the transmission unit transmits waste filling amount detection information to the reception unit.   The monitoring system for a trash box with a sensor according to claim 1, wherein the trash filling amount detection sensor is a stipulated amount detection sensor that detects that a trash filling rate in the trash storage part has reached a stipulated amount.   The monitoring system for a trash box with a sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garbage container is covered with a lid having an opening / closing door, and the input detection sensor is an electric switch for detecting opening / closing of the opening / closing door.   The monitoring system for a trash box with a sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input detection sensor is a strain sensor that detects a change in a bottom portion of the trash container.   The monitoring of the trash can with a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a photoelectric conversion device that converts light into electricity; and a secondary battery that charges the electricity photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion device. system.   The monitoring system for a trash can with a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the receiving unit includes a storage unit that stores a trash input history. A procedure for detecting the introduction of garbage into the waste container;
A procedure for sending garbage filling amount detection information when garbage is thrown in;
Receiving the detection information;
The procedure to save the waste input history,
Method for monitoring a trash can with a sensor.