Claims:I/We claim:
1. A method (300) of operation of a smart bin (100), the method (300) comprising:
receiving, from a first sensor (110), a first signal related to the detection of presence of a user in front of the smart bin (100);
sending, by at least one control unit (108), a command to a servo motor (116) for opening a lid (104) of the smart bin (100), based at least on the received first signal;
receiving, from a second sensor (112), a second signal related to the detection of waste thrown in the smart bin (100) after a first predefined time period;
sending, by the at least one control unit (108), a command to the servo motor (116) for closing the lid (104) of the smart bin (100) based at least on the received second signal;
determining, by the at least one control unit (108), whether a second predefined time period has been lapsed after closing the lid (104) of the smart bin (100); and
sending, by the at least one control unit (108), a command to a disinfectant tank (106) for disinfecting the smart bin (100) based at least on the determination.

2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening the lid (104) by the servo motor (116) includes rotating the servo motor (116) in a first direction, and closing the lid (104) by the servo motor (116) includes rotating the servo motor (116) in a second direction, wherein the first direction corresponds to a clockwise direction and the second direction corresponds to an anti-clockwise direction.

3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first predefined time period is 20 seconds and the second predefined time period is 10 seconds.

4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit (108) is coupled to a third sensor (114) installed underneath the disinfectant tank (106) and a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module (206), and the at least one control unit (108) is configured to send an alert message to a user (808) for replacing/refilling the disinfecting tank (106) based at least on a signal received from the third sensor (114), related to detection of weight of the disinfectant tank (106).

5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit (108) is coupled to a fourth sensor (204) disposed on the lid (104) of the smart bin (100) and a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module (206), and the at least one control unit (108) is configured to send an alert message, through a cloud messaging (802), for collecting the waste, based at least on a signal received from the fourth sensor (204), and the signal corresponds to filling a storage unit (102) up to a predefined amount.

6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first sensor (110) is a Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detection sensor, the second sensor (112) is an ultrasonic sensor, the third sensor (114) is a load sensor, the fourth sensor (204) is ultrasonic sensor, the pre-defined amount is 80 percent of an initial volume of the storage unit (102), and the pre-defined level is 15 percent of an initial weight of the disinfectant tank (106).

7. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit (108) is coupled to a potentiometer (504) for determining the second predefined time period.

8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the disinfectant tank (106) is coupled to a relay module (208), allowing a flow of current through a power source (124), upon receiving the command from the at least one control unit (108), to the disinfectant tank (106) by spraying a disinfectant liquid in form of mist through a pipe (210) and a nozzle (122).

9. A smart bin (100) comprising:
a storage unit (102) having a lid (104);
a disinfectant tank (106) coupled at a first side of the storage unit (102), having disinfectant liquid;
one or more sensors coupled to the storage unit (102) and the disinfectant tank (106), the one or more sensors having a first sensor (110), a second sensor (112), and a third sensor (114), wherein the first sensor (110) is configured to detect presence of a user in front of the smart bin (100), the second sensor (112) is configured to detect waste thrown in the storage unit (102) of the smart bin (100); and
at least one control unit (108) coupled to the one or more sensors, the storage unit (102), and the disinfectant tank (106), wherein the at least one control unit (108) is configured to:
send a command to a servo motor (116) for opening the lid (104) based at least on a signal received from the first sensor (110), related to the detection of the presence of the user in the smart bin (100);
send a command to the servo motor (116) for closing the lid (104) based at least on a signal received from the second sensor (112), related to the detection of waste thrown in the smart bin (100) after a first predefined time period;
determine whether a second predefined time period has been lapsed after closing the lid (104) of the smart bin (100); and
send a command to a disinfectant tank (106) for disinfecting the smart bin (100) based at least on the determination.
10. The smart bin (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one control unit (108) is coupled to the third sensor (114) installed underneath the disinfectant tank (106), and the at least one control unit (108) is configured to send an alert message to a user (808) for replacing/refilling the disinfecting tank (106) based at least on a signal related to detection of weight of the disinfectant tank (106), received from the third sensor (114).

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a dustbin, and more particularly related to a smart bin.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] Over the years, high population increase rate has greatly accelerated waste generation rate throughout the world. The increased waste poses a great threat to the environment and subsequently to the public health. The threat requires continuous monitoring and managing of the waste generated not only by humans but also by various sectors of the society, in order to maintain a clean environment. Therefore, the Indian government in 2014, launched a nationwide movement to clean up the country. Consequently, dustbins have been placed adequately placed and monitored to maintain cleanliness.
[0004] Further, outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed the lifestyle of one and all. COVID-19, declared as a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO), has led to numerous safety measure as necessary measures required for survival. The safety measures include avoiding touching eyes, mouth and nose. Apart from this, the most important safety measure has been frequent sanitization of regularly used items. Since, a dustbin is used for disposing used gloves, masks and other items that may work as carrier to the deadly virus, there is utmost requirement of a smart bin that minimize the possibilities of transmission of any disease including COVID-19 by disinfecting the disposed waste automatically. There are numerous prior arts that provide multiple dustbin with continuous monitoring and managing for keeping the environment clean and safe.
[0005] CN205060548U, discloses a portable dustbin management system that utilizes a wireless transmitter to send the notification to the staff regarding the level of waste inside the dustbin. Further, CN205060548U employs a photoelectric switch to monitor the waste amount and the waste condition inside the dustbin at any time. Additionally, a GPS is also installed to determine the position of dustbin at any time.
[0006] CN204688873U, discloses an intelligent garbage bin which implements an electrically controlled lock to open the lid automatically and facilitate intelligent trash bin. CN107133698, discloses a dustbin management system based on IOT platform. Further, CN107133698 includes an intelligent garbage bin having a pipe used to push rubbish height in dustbin position. Further, a dustbin management system of CN107133698 manages temperature within a barrel and bucket by the IOT platforms along with bin status monitoring and route planning.
[0007] IN201811017609, discloses an IOT based smart dustbin, monitored through a website. The IOT based smart dustbin of IN201811017609, includes using a hygrometer to detect the level and moisture content of waste in the dustbin. Further, the dustbin is programmed in a way to display level of the waste and trigger a buzzer once garbage reaches a threshold level, by an ultrasonic sensor until the waste in the dustbin is squashed.
[0008] However, none of the prior arts provide a dustbin that completely eliminates all possibilities of transmission of disease causing virus, bacteria and other micro-organism. Further, none of the prior arts overcome the need of a human touch or proper sanitization of the dustbin prior to any human touch. Therefore, there is a need for an improved dustbin that can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an objective of the invention to provide a smart bin having a contactless opening and closing mechanism.
[0010] It is another objective of the invention to provide the smart bin having a self-disinfecting mechanism.
[0011] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide the smart bin which alerts a user/civic agencies/cleaning person about fill status of waste in the smart bin.
[0012] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide the smart bin which alerts the user/civic agencies/cleaning person about an empty status of disinfectant tank.
[0013] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a method for monitoring an activity at the smart bin through an external network.
[0014] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a method that can distantly monitor multiple smart bins and associated disinfectant tanks of each smart bin.
[0015] It is yet another objective of the invention to store details of one or more smart bins in a data storage unit, which is helpful for the monitoring of the smart bins.
[0016] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a method for operating the smart bin which is cost effective, efficient, and easy to operate and use.

SUMMARY
[0017] The present invention relates to a method of operation of a smart bin. The method includes receiving a first signal from a first sensor related to the detection of presence of a user in front of the smart bin. Further, the method includes sending a command by at least one control unit to a servo motor for opening a lid of the smart bin based at least on the received first signal. The method further includes receiving a second signal from a second sensor related to the detection of waste thrown in the smart bin after a first predefined time period. Further, the method includes sending a command by the at least one control unit to the servo motor for closing the lid of the smart bin based at least on the received second signal. Additionally, the method includes determining, by the at least one control unit, whether a second predefined time period has been lapsed after closing the lid of the smart bin. Thereafter, the method includes sending a command by the at least one control unit to a disinfectant tank for disinfecting the smart bin based at least on the determination.

[0018] The present invention further relates to a smart bin including a storage unit having a lid and a predefined volume. Further, the smart bin includes a disinfectant tank having disinfectant liquid coupled at a first side of the storage unit. The smart bin further includes one or more sensors coupled to the storage unit and the disinfectant tank . The one or more sensors having a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor. Additionally, the first sensor is configured to detect presence of a user in front of the smart bin and the second sensor is configured to detect waste thrown in the storage unit of the smart bin. Further, the smart bin includes at least one control unit coupled to the one or more sensors, the storage unit, and the disinfectant tank. The at least one control unit is configured to send a command to a servo motor for opening of the lid based at least on a signal received from the first sensor, related to the detection of the presence of the user in the smart bin. Further, the at least one control unit is configured to send a command to a servo motor for closing of the lid based at least on a signal received from the second sensor, related to the detection of waste thrown in the smart bin after a first predefined time period. The at least one control unit is further configured to determine whether a second predefined time period has been lapsed after closing the lid of the smart bin. Further, the control unit is configured to send a command to a servo motor for disinfecting of the smart bin by a disinfectant tank based at least on the determination..

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a smart bin (100), according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the smart bin (100), according to an embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram (200) of the smart bin (100), according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart showing a method (300) of operation of the smart bin (100), according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram (400) for a contactless operation of the smart bin (100), according to an embodiment .
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit diagram (500) for a self-disinfectant operation of the smart bin (100), according to an embodiment .
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit diagram (600) showing a connection between a first microcontroller (402) and a second microcontroller (502) through a potentiometer (504), according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a circuit diagram (700) showing a connection between the first microcontroller (402) and the second microcontroller (502) through serial ports, according to an embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a system (800) of monitoring one or more smart bins (100) through an external network, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
[0030] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described.
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a smart bin (100) is disclosed, according to an embodiment. The smart bin (100) may include a storage unit (102) having a lid (104), a disinfectant tank (106) having disinfectant liquid, one or more sensors, and at least one control unit (108). In one embodiment, the storage unit (100), the disinfectant tank (106), and the one or more sensors may be coupled to the at least one control unit (108).
[0033] The one or more sensors may include a first sensor (110), a second sensor (112), and a third sensor (114). Further, the first sensor (110) may be a Passive infrared (PIR) motion detection sensor for detecting presence of a user in front of the smart bin (100). In an example, when a warm body like a human passes by, the warm body may first intercept one half of the first sensor (110) causing a positive differential change between two halves of the first sensor (110) enabling the first sensor (110) to detect the human in front of the smart bin (100). In one case, the first sensor (110) may be installed on the lid (104) of the smart bin (100). In another case, the first sensor (110) may be disposed at other places of the smart bin (100) as well, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0034] Further, the second sensor (112) may be an ultrasonic sensor for detecting waste thrown in the smart bin (100). Further, the third sensor (114) may be a load sensor for detecting weight of the disinfectant tank (106). Additionally, the at least one control unit (108) may be coupled to a fourth sensor (not shown) for detecting an amount of waste in the smart bin (100). Further, the at least one control unit (108) may be configured to open the lid (104) of the smart bin (100) by controlling a drive unit. It should be noted that the drive unit may include a servo motor (116), a pulley (118), and a belt (120), as shown in FIG. 1B. In one embodiment, the at least one control unit (108) may include a microcontroller. For example, Arduino MEGA. In another embodiment, the at least one control unit (108) may include more than one microcontrollers as well. For example, a first microcontroller may be Arduino MEGA and a second microcontroller may be Arduino UNO.
[0035] Further, the storage unit (102) may include a nozzle (122) for spraying the disinfectant liquid from the disinfectant tank (106) in the smart bin (100). Further, the disinfectant tank (106) may be coupled to a relay module (not shown). In order to spray the disinfectant liquid from the disinfectant tank (106), the relay module may flow the current from a power source (124) to the disinfectant tank (106). In one case, the power source (124) may be a 12 Volt adapter generating a current of 2.5 Ampere. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the above-mentioned power source has been provided only for illustration purposes, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a circuit diagram (200) of the smart bin (100) is disclosed, according to an embodiment. The circuit diagram (200) may include a microcontroller (202) coupled to the first sensor (110), the second sensor (112), the third sensor (114), and a fourth sensor (204). Further, the microcontroller (202) may be coupled to the servo motor (116), a Wireless-Fidelity module (Wi-Fi) (206), and a relay module (208). Further, the relay module (208) may be coupled to the power source (124) and the disinfectant tank (106). In order to disinfect the smart bin (100), the relay module (208) may flow a current from the power source (124) to the disinfectant tank (106). Further, the disinfectant tank (106) may be coupled to a pipe (210) and the nozzle (122) for spraying the disinfectant liquid from the disinfectant tank (106) in the smart bin (100). It should be noted that the microcontroller (202) may either be Arduino MEGA or Arduino UNO, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart showing a method (300) for operation of the smart bin (100) is disclosed, according to an embodiment. The flow chart of FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with the elements disclosed in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2.
[0038] The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows the architecture, functionality, and operation of the smart bin (100). In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown in succession in FIG. 3 may be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Any process descriptions or blocks in flowcharts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the example embodiments in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. In addition, the process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing decisions made by a hardware structure such as a state machine. The flowchart starts at the step (302) and proceeds to step (312).
[0039] At first, the at least one control unit (108) may receive a first signal from the first sensor (110), at step 302. The first signal may be related to detection of presence of a user in front of the smart bin (100). Upon receiving the first signal from the first sensor (110), a command may be sent to a servo motor (116) for opening the lid (104), at step 304. It should be noted that the opening of the lid (104) by the servo motor (116) may include rotating the servo motor (116) in a first direction. In one case, the first direction may be a clockwise direction.
[0040] Successively, the at least one control unit (108) may receive a second signal from the second sensor (112) after a first predefined time period, at step 306. In one case, the first predefined time period is 20 seconds from the opening of the lid (104) of the smart bin (100). It should be noted that the at least one control unit (108) may be programmed to determine a delay related to the first predefined time period based on the requirements, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Successively, upon receiving the second signal from the second sensor (112), a command may be sent to the servo motor (116) from closing the lid (104) based on the received second signal, at step 308. The closing of the lid (104) by the servo motor (116), may include rotating the servo motor (116) in a second direction. In one case, the second direction may be an anti-clockwise direction.
[0041] Successively, the at least one control unit (108) may determine whether a second predefined time period has been lapsed, at step 310. In one case, the second predefined time period is 10 seconds from the closing of the lid (104) of the smart bin (100). It should be noted that at least one control unit (108) may be programmed to determine a delay related to the second predefined time period based on the requirements, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thereafter, the at least one control unit (108) may send a command to the disinfectant tank (106) to disinfect the smart bin (100), at step 312. In order to disinfect the smart bin (100), the command may be sent to the relay module (208) to flow the current from the power source (124) to the disinfectant tank (106). The flow of current from the power source (124) to the disinfectant tank (106), may enable spraying of the disinfectant liquid in form of mist on the waste through the nozzle (122).
[0042] In one embodiment, the microcontroller (202) may receive a third signal from the third sensor (114) regarding weight of the disinfectant tank (106). In one case, the third sensor (114) may be a load sensor installed underneath the disinfectant tank (106). Upon receiving the third signal from the third sensor (114), the microcontroller (202) may determine if the weight of the disinfectant tank (106) is less than a predefined level. In one case, the predefined level is 15 percent of an initial weight of the disinfectant tank (106). If the weight of the disinfectant tank (106) is less than the predefined level, then the microcontroller (202) may send an alert message to the user for replacing/refilling the disinfectant tank (106). Additionally, in order to send the alert message, the microcontroller (202) may be configured to access a cloud messaging service through the Wi-Fi module (206).
[0043] Further, the microcontroller (202) may receive a fourth signal from the fourth sensor (204) regarding a level of waste in the smart bin (100). In one case, the fourth sensor (204) may be an ultrasonic sensor placed under the lid (104) of the smart bin (100). Upon receiving the second signal from the fourth sensor (204), the microcontroller (202) may determine if the level of the waste in the smart bin (100) is up to a predefined amount. In one case, the predefined amount is 80 percent of an initial volume of the storage unit (102). If the level of the waste in the smart bin (100) is up to or more than a predefined amount, then the microcontroller (202) may send an alert message to the user for collecting the waste from the smart bin (100) through the Wi-Fi module (206).
[0044] In another example embodiment, the at least one control unit (108) may include two separate microcontrollers, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, for contactless operation of the smart bin (100) and disinfecting of the smart bin (100), respectively, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, a circuit diagram (400) for a contactless operation of the smart bin (100) is disclosed, according to an embodiment. The circuit diagram (400) may include a first microcontroller (402) coupled to the first sensor (110), the third sensor (114), the fourth sensor (204), the servo motor (116), and the Wi-Fi module (206). In an illustrated embodiment, the first microcontroller (402) is Arduino MEGA.
[0046] In one embodiment, the first microcontroller (402) may receive a first signal from a first sensor (110). In one case, the first sensor (110) may be a Passive infrared (PIR) motion detection sensor. The first signal may be related to detection of presence of a user in front of the smart bin (100). Upon receiving the first signal from the first sensor (110), the first microcontroller (402) may send a command to a servo motor (116) for opening the lid (104) based on the received first signal. In one case, the servo motor (116) may be a high torque metal gear servo motor. The opening of the lid (104) by the servo motor (116) may include rotating the servo motor (116) in a first direction. In one case, the first direction may be a clockwise direction.
[0047] In one embodiment, the first microcontroller (402) may be coupled to a third sensor (114) to receive a third signal regarding weight of the disinfectant tank (106). In one case, the third sensor (114) may be a load sensor installed underneath the disinfectant tank (106). Upon receiving the third signal from the third sensor (114), the first microcontroller (402) may determine whether the weight of the disinfectant tank (106) is less than a predefined level. For example, the predefined level is 15 percent of an initial weight of the disinfectant tank (106). In one case, if the weight of the disinfectant tank (106) is less than the predefined level, then the first microcontroller (402) may send an alert message to the user for replacing/refilling the disinfectant tank (106). Additionally, in order to send the alert message, the first microcontroller (402) may be configured to access a cloud messaging service through the Wi-Fi module (206).
[0048] Further, the first microcontroller (402) may be coupled to the fourth sensor (204) to receive a fourth signal regarding level of waste in the smart bin (100). In one case, the fourth sensor (204) may be an ultrasonic sensor placed under the lid (104) of the smart bin (100). Upon receiving the second signal from the fourth sensor (204), the first microcontroller (402) may determine whether the level of the waste in the smart bin (100) is up to a predefined amount. In one case, the predefined amount is 80 percent of an initial volume of the storage unit (102). If the level of the waste in the smart bin (100) is more than the predefined amount, then the first microcontroller (402) may send an alert message to the user for collecting the waste from the smart bin (100) through the cloud messaging service.
[0049] It should be noted that the first microcontroller (402) may be programmed to determine the first predefined time period, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, a circuit diagram (500) for a self-disinfectant operation of the smart bin (100 is disclosed, according to an embodiment. The circuit diagram (500) may include a second microcontroller (502) coupled to the second sensor (112) and the relay module (208). In an illustrated embodiment, the second microcontroller (502) is Arduino UNO. Further, the relay module (208) may be coupled to the power source (124) and the disinfectant tank (106) for disinfecting the smart bin (100).
[0051] Further, the second microcontroller (502) may receive a signal from the second sensor (112) after a first predefined time period. In one case, the first predefined time period is 20 seconds from the opening of the lid (104) of the smart bin (100). In another case, the first predefined time period may be set by the user using a potentiometer (504) coupled to the second microcontroller (502). In yet another case, a timer (not shown) may also be used apart from the potentiometer (504), without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, upon receiving the second signal from the second sensor (112), the second microcontroller (502) may send the second signal to the first microcontroller (402). In one case, the second microcontroller (502) may send the second signal to the first microcontroller (402) using the potentiometer (504), as shown in FIG. 6. In another case, the second microcontroller (502) may send the second signal to the first microcontroller (402) using serial port of the first microcontroller (402) to the second microcontroller (502), as shown in FIG. 7.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, a circuit diagram (700) showing a connection between the first microcontroller (402) and the second microcontroller (502) through serial port is disclosed, according to an embodiment. The two microcontrollers may use an I2C communication protocol for transfer of data between the two microcontrollers. Further, either one microcontroller may be a master and the other one may be a slave, and may be interconnected by two lines, data line and a clock line. In one case, the second microcontroller (502) may be master and the first microcontroller (402) may be slave. Typically, in Arduino UNO, the data line is analog pin 4(A4) and the clock line is Analog pin 5(A5), however, it may be different for different boards. Further, when the clock pins goes from low to high, one bit of data may be transferred via the data pin from the master to the slave. In one case, the one bit of data may correspond to the second signal. Upon receiving the second signal from the second microcontroller (502), the first microcontroller (402) may send a command the servo motor (116) for closing the lid (104) based on the received second signal. The closing of the lid (104) by the servo motor (116) may include rotating the servo motor (116) in a second direction. In one case, the second direction may be an anti-clockwise direction.
[0053] It should be noted that first eight bits are reserved for the address of the slave board to which the master sends values. Further, for connection, the two microcontrollers must have a common ground i.e. ground port of slave (702A) may be connected to ground port of master (702B). Further, transmission port of slave (704A) is connected with receiver port of master (706B), and receiver port of slave (706A) is connected to transmission port of master (704B).
[0054] Further, the second microcontroller (502) may be configured to determine whether a second predefined time period has lapsed. In one case, the predefined time period is 10 seconds from the closing of the lid (104) of the smart bin (100). In another case, the second predefined time period may be set by the user using the potentiometer (504) coupled to the second microcontroller (502). In yet another case, a timer (not shown) may also be used apart from the potentiometer (504), without departing from the scope of the invention. Thereafter, the second microcontroller (502) may send a command to the relay module (208) to allow a flow of current through the power source (124) to the disinfectant tank (106) to disinfect the smart bin (100) by spraying the disinfectant liquid in form of mist through a pipe (210) and the nozzle (122).
[0055] It should be noted that the second microcontroller (502) may be programmed to determine the first predefined time period and the second predefined time period, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0056] In one embodiment, a plurality of smart bins (100) may be installed in an area. The plurality of smart bins (100) may be operated and monitored using an application by a user, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 8, a system (800) of monitoring one or more smart bins (100) through an external network, according to an embodiment. The system (800) may include one or more smart bins (100) and a disinfectant tank (106) associated with each of the one or more smart bins (100). Additionally, each of the one or more smart bins (100) may have a unique identification number ID-1, ID-2, ID-3,…, ID-n; and each of the disinfectant tank (106) may have a unique identification number ID-A, ID-B, ID-C,…, ID-N. Further, the system (800) may have a cloud messaging (802) connected to the one or more smart bins (100) and the one or more disinfectant tanks (106). In one case, the cloud messaging (802) may be google cloud messaging. Additionally, the system (800) may also include a data storage unit (804) for storing data of the one or more smart bins (100) and the one or more disinfectant tanks (106). Further, the cloud messaging (802) may be coupled to an application server (806). Further, the application server (806) may be accessed by a user (808) through an application interface (810).
[0058] In an exemplary scenario, the application server (806) may receive data from the one or more smart bins (100) regarding the status of level of the waste in each of the one or more smart bins (100). Further, the application server (806) may detect the unique identification number of a smart bin (100) having the waste level more than the predefined amount. In one case, the predefined amount is 80 percent of an initial volume of the storage unit (102). Thereafter, the application server (806) may alert the user (808) through an alert message on the application interface (810) for collecting the waste from the smart bin (100). Further, the user (808) may acknowledge the alert message by click on a button on the application interface (810). Additionally, the cloud messaging (802) may generate a copy of details required and store in the data storage unit (804) for future aspects.
[0059] In another exemplary scenario, the application server (806) may receive data from the each of the disinfectant tank (106) associated with the one or more smart bins (100) regarding weight of each of the disinfectant tank (106). Further, the application server (806) may detect the unique identification number of a disinfectant tank (106) having the weight less than the predefined weight. In one case, the predefined weight is 15 percent of an initial weight of the disinfectant tank (106). Thereafter, the application server (806) may alert the user (808) through an alert message on the application interface (810) for replacing/refilling the disinfectant tank (106). Further, the user (808) may acknowledge the alert message by click on a button on the application interface (810). Additionally, the cloud messaging (802) may generate a copy of details required and store in the data storage unit (804) for future aspects.
[0060] The disclosed embodiments encompass numerous advantages. Various embodiments of a smart bin have been disclosed. The disclosed embodiments provide the smart bin that has contactless opening and closing mechanism. As discussed above, the smart bin can self-disinfect itself after each use through the self-disinfecting mechanism. Further, the disclosed smart bin is configured to provide alert to a user about the fill status of the smart bin through an application thereby reducing efforts in monitoring the smart bin. Further, the disclosed smart bin is configured to provide alert to a user about the empty status of the disinfectant tank through an application thereby further reducing efforts of monitoring the smart bin. Such smart bin can easily be communicated though an external network and a plurality of smart can be operated and monitored at any given time. Such method for operation of the smart bin and the design of the smart bin is cost effective, efficient, user-friendly, easy to use and operate.
[0061] It has thus been seen that the smart bin according to the present invention achieves the purposes highlighted earlier. The smart bin can in any case undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.