IOT (INTERNET OF THINGS) BASED WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention discloses an Internet of Things (IoT)-based waste management system and method that optimizes waste collection through interconnected sensors, waste containers, communication networks, and a central server system. The system employs sensor arrangements to monitor waste parameters such as volume, composition, and hazardous materials, transmitting real-time data to the server. The server uses algorithms, including Monte Carlo simulations, to compute optimal collection strategies, adjusting them dynamically based on container status and vehicle capacity. The system ensures efficient routing, timely waste collection, and safety by detecting hazardous conditions like methane levels. It also supports a competitive bidding process for waste collection tasks, making the system cost-effective. The modular design allows scalability, making it adaptable for large urban or industrial environments. Additionally, machine learning capabilities enable continuous optimization of routes and processes based on historical data and real-time conditions.

Specification

Description:[016] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit, and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[017] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[018] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[019] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
[020] The word "exemplary" and/or "demonstrative" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" and/or "demonstrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "has," "contains," and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
[021] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an instance" or "one instance" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances 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 embodiments.
[022] In an embodiment of the invention and referring to Figures 1, the present invention provides an Internet of Things (IoT)-based waste management system and method that enhances the collection and management of waste by using interconnected hardware and software components. The system involves a dynamic interaction between waste containers, sensors, communication networks, and server systems to optimize waste collection. This integration offers a highly efficient and data-driven solution for modern waste management needs. The description below provides an in-depth look at the various components and their interactions within the system.
[023] The system comprises one or more waste containers designed to receive waste. These containers are equipped with advanced sensor arrangements that monitor various waste-related parameters, including waste volume, composition, and the presence of any fermenting or hazardous materials. These sensors are integral to the system's functionality, as they transmit real-time data to a central server system via a wireless communication network. The sensor arrangements are specifically designed to detect key factors like temperature, methane levels, and other indicators of waste decomposition, ensuring that any health hazards due to fermentation or biodegradation can be identified promptly.
[024] The waste containers are also equipped with spatial position sensors, enabling the determination of their precise location at any given time. This feature allows for efficient routing and optimization in the waste collection process, ensuring that vehicles are directed to the correct containers based on location data. Additionally, the sensors within the containers are capable of determining the waste status, including whether the container is full or if the waste inside is reaching a critical level that requires immediate collection. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangements may include user-actuated input sensors, enabling manual requests for waste collection from the containers when necessary.
[025] Once the sensor data is transmitted to the server system, it is analyzed to compute an optimal waste collection strategy. The server employs algorithms, such as Monte Carlo simulations, to process the data. These simulations search a multi-dimensional parameter space, which includes variables such as the waste level, container location, and vehicle capacity, in order to determine the most efficient collection route and schedule. The use of Monte Carlo simulations ensures that the system can handle a variety of influencing factors and deliver highly optimized collection strategies that are adaptive to real-time conditions.
[026] The server system also plays a central role in managing waste collection vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with their own sensor arrangements that track their current location and available waste capacity. This information is sent back to the server in real-time, allowing for dynamic adjustments to the waste collection strategy based on the vehicles' current status. For example, if a vehicle reaches its full capacity before completing its route, the system can re-route another vehicle to take over the remaining tasks. This dynamic allocation of resources ensures that waste collection is carried out in the most efficient manner possible, minimizing delays and optimizing vehicle usage.
[027] The system also supports the inclusion of a competitive bidding process for waste collection tasks. The server system includes a user portal that allows waste collection operators to submit bids for the job of collecting waste from the various containers. Based on the bid received, the system selects the most cost-effective option, considering both vehicle availability and the efficiency of the proposed collection plan. This competitive approach ensures that the system can operate cost-effectively while maintaining a high standard of service.
[028] The waste management system also incorporates an additional layer of flexibility by enabling real-time adjustments based on the changing conditions of the waste containers and vehicles. For instance, if a sensor detects that a container is experiencing unusual fermentation or that a vehicle is running out of capacity, the server can instantly compute and send updated instructions to the vehicle operators, ensuring that the collection strategy is continuously optimized. This ensures that the system is responsive to both predictable and unforeseen changes in the waste collection environment.
[029] The communication network that connects all the components of the system plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operation. The network supports the transmission of sensor data, vehicle status updates, and collection instructions with minimal delay, ensuring that real-time decisions can be made without any significant lag. The wireless nature of the network also provides flexibility in system setup, allowing waste containers and vehicles to be easily integrated into the system without the need for extensive wiring or physical infrastructure.
[030] Furthermore, the waste collection vehicles themselves are equipped with smart sensors that can track and update their current status, including their location, speed, and waste capacity. This allows the system to continuously monitor the status of the fleet and optimize the allocation of resources. As a result, vehicles are not dispatched unnecessarily, and the collection route is constantly adjusted to account for traffic, road conditions, and other factors that might impact the efficiency of the collection process.
[031] A critical aspect of the system is its ability to monitor the health and safety aspects of waste management. For example, the sensor arrangements within the waste containers are capable of detecting dangerous levels of methane or other gases that could pose a health risk to nearby communities or workers. When such conditions are detected, the system immediately triggers an alert, notifying the relevant personnel or authorities, and enabling them to take the necessary precautions. The inclusion of temperature and gas sensors ensures that the waste collection process not only remains efficient but also adheres to safety regulations and public health standards.
[032] Additionally, the waste collection system provides data analytics capabilities that allow waste management authorities to generate detailed reports on waste collection activities. These reports can include information on the amount of waste collected, vehicle efficiency, and the environmental impact of the collection operations. The ability to analyze this data in real-time enables waste management authorities to continuously refine their processes and make data-driven decisions to improve overall service delivery.
[033] Another important feature of the system is its ability to scale. The system is designed to handle multiple waste containers, vehicles, and sensor arrangements simultaneously, making it suitable for deployment in large cities or industrial facilities. The modular nature of the system ensures that new containers and vehicles can be easily integrated into the network, and the server system can handle increased loads without compromising on performance.
[034] The communication protocol used in the system is designed to handle high volumes of data, enabling seamless communication between the containers, vehicles, and server. This protocol is optimized for low-latency communication, ensuring that real-time decision-making can take place without any delays. The system also employs secure communication methods to protect the integrity and privacy of the data being transmitted, ensuring that sensitive information, such as the location of waste containers or vehicles, remains confidential.
[035] The system also supports integration with other smart city infrastructures. For instance, the waste collection system can be linked with traffic management systems to avoid traffic congestion, or with environmental monitoring systems to track air quality and noise levels during waste collection. This level of integration ensures that the waste collection process is harmonized with other urban management functions, creating a more efficient and sustainable environment overall.
[036] In terms of software, the server system is equipped with a powerful computational engine that uses advanced algorithms to analyze the data received from the sensors and compute optimal collection strategies. This software also includes machine learning capabilities that enable the system to learn from past data and continuously improve its efficiency over time. The machine learning algorithms can predict trends in waste generation, optimize routes based on historical data, and adapt to changes in the environment, making the system increasingly effective as it collects more data.
[037] The invention also includes a non-transient machine-readable data storage medium containing software that executes the method described herein. The software is designed to run on the computing hardware and includes all the necessary instructions to operate the server system and perform the waste collection optimization processes. This software solution is integral to the operation of the waste management system and ensures that all components work together harmoniously.
[038] To further illustrate the benefits of the system, consider the following table showing the improvement in waste collection efficiency when using this IoT-based system as compared to traditional methods:

[039] As demonstrated in the table, the IoT-based waste collection system not only improves the efficiency of the waste collection process but also reduces the environmental impact and enhances safety by enabling real-time health monitoring.
[040] In conclusion, the IoT-based waste management system and method described herein offer a highly optimized, safe, and cost-effective solution for modern waste collection challenges. The seamless integration of hardware and software components ensures that the system is efficient, scalable, and adaptable to a wide range of waste management scenarios. , Claims:1. An Internet of Things (IoT)-based waste management system for optimizing waste collection, comprising:
a) one or more waste containers for receiving waste;
b) sensor arrangements located within said waste containers for sensing waste parameters, including waste volume, composition, and hazardous materials;
c) a wireless communication network for transmitting data from said sensor arrangements to a central server system;
d) a server system configured to receive and process the transmitted sensor data, using algorithms to compute an optimal waste collection strategy based on the sensed parameters, waste container location, and vehicle capacity;
e) a waste collection vehicle with a sensor arrangement for tracking its location and waste capacity, wherein the server system dynamically adjusts the waste collection strategy based on real-time data from the vehicles and containers.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangements within the waste containers further include temperature and methane sensors for detecting fermentation or decomposition within the waste and potential health hazards.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server system is further configured to employ Monte Carlo simulations to optimize the waste collection process based on a multi-dimensional parameter space, including waste volume, container location, and vehicle capacity.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangements in the waste containers include spatial position sensors to determine the location of the containers, and the server system uses this data to optimize waste collection vehicle routing.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server system includes a user portal that allows waste collection operators to submit bids for waste collection tasks, and the system selects the most cost-effective option based on vehicle availability and efficiency.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server system is further configured to dynamically re-route waste collection vehicles based on real-time data indicating full vehicle capacity or any other disruptions during the collection process.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangements in the waste containers detect hazardous levels of methane or other gases, triggering alerts to relevant authorities for immediate intervention.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server system utilizes machine learning algorithms to predict future waste generation patterns and optimize waste collection routes based on historical data and environmental conditions.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is scalable, allowing the integration of additional waste containers and collection vehicles, and the server system is capable of handling increased loads without compromising performance.
10. A method for operating the IoT-based waste management system, comprising the steps of:
i. collecting sensor data from the waste containers;
ii. transmitting said data via a wireless communication network to a server system;
iii. processing the data in the server system to compute an optimal waste collection strategy using algorithms, such as Monte Carlo simulations;
iv. dynamically adjusting the waste collection strategy based on real-time updates from the waste collection vehicles and containers.

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