Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste collection assistive device that is capable of assisting the user in collecting waste as well as provide separate disposal options for wet and dry waste to enhance waste segregation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] User typically collect garbage and waste in order to effectively manage and dispose of the household waste. This helps the user to maintain cleanliness in living areas of the house which reduces the bacterial growth and protect the health risk of the user. Regular disposal, recycling, and maintaining cleanliness not only protect the user but also contribute a healthier environment and more sustainable ecosystem. Garbage collection in a trash-bag facilitating the separation of recyclables and non-recyclables items in order to ensure proper disposal and recycling.

[0003] Traditionally, there are limited methods that are being used by the user to collect garbage such as manually carry and collect the waste by their hands. However, these methods lead to extreme physical strain for the user who frequently lift and carry heavy garbage items like plastic, glass and metals which results in several injuries which have a long-term negative impact on their health. Moreover, this method is a time-consuming process and increase demand for more workers which raises the overall cost of the user.

[0004] US20070158253A1 discloses about an invention that includes a transportable waste collection system for collecting waste found in a body of flowing water, including non-navigable waters, the system having a flotation platform adapted to floating in the body of water; a waste collection conveyor mounted on the platform having collection and discharge ends; a device for separating the waste from the body of flowing water and conveying the waste along the conveyor to the discharge end; a storage receptacle for storing the conveyed waste; and a water wheel interconnected with and providing power to the waste separation device.

[0005] CN106429101B discloses about an invention that includes a household garbage collection devices that one kind is classified automatically, comprising: control cabinet, its exterior is equipped with display screen, barcode scanner, the inside of control cabinet is equipped with control system；Bracket is set to the side of control cabinet；Multiple garbage boxes are set on bracket side by side respectively, and the top of each garbage box is equipped with the case lid that can open or cover garbage box；And driving device, multiple driving devices are connect respectively with a case lid to control garbage box respectively and open or close；Wherein, control system includes: memory module；PC control system is connect with memory module, display screen and barcode scanner respectively；And lower-level control system, it is connect respectively with PC control system, weighing sensor and driving device. The device can be to automatic garbage classification, and can improve the classification consciousness and knowledge of user.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of aiding a user in collecting waste. However, these devices are incapable of detecting the type of waste the individual is holding and fails to provide separate disposal options for wet and dry waste. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in detecting the moisture content and presence of odors in waste and fails to categorize and manage the waste more effectively.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for detecting the type of waste the individual is holding in order to provide separate disposal options for wet and dry waste, enhancing waste segregation. In addition, the developed device also detects the moisture content and presence of odors in waste in order to categorize and manage the waste more effectively.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of assisting the user in collecting waste by adjusts its size as per the designated place in order to ensure an efficient use of space and minimal visual impact.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the moisture content and presence of odors in waste in order to categorize and manage the waste more effectively.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the type of waste the individual is holding in order to provide separate disposal options for wet and dry waste, enhancing waste segregation.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a waste collection assistive device that is capable of assisting the user in collecting waste as well as categorizes and manages the waste more effectively by detecting the moisture content and presence of odors in waste.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a waste collection assistive device comprises of, a platform configured with a pair of hollow V-shaped bodies, each mounted vertically over the platform, the platform is developed to be attached inside a cavity carved over a fixed vertical surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the platform to detect dimensions of the cavity, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within each of the bodies to increase/ decrease size of the bodies, for accommodating the bodies inside the cavity, in view of optimizing space and minimizing visual impact, a proximity sensor configured on the platform to detect presence of an individual holding a litters/ garbage, a sensing module is configured on the platform that works in sync with the imaging unit for detecting type of litter/ garbage the user is holding, and a pair of motorized semi-circular slider configured in between the platform and each of bodies to translate a specific body designated for storage of the detected type of litter/ garbage, out of the cavity, thereby facilitating separate dumping of wet and dry wastes.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor configured on the bodies for detecting projectile of litter/ garbage thrown by the user towards the bodies, a curved-shaped member is attached with apex portion of each of the bodies via a motorized hinge joint, and based on detected projectile of the thrown litter/ garbage, the hinge joint tilts the member in view of positioning the member at an optimal position for deploying the litter/ garbage inside the bodies, a weight sensor is configured on each of the bodies to detect weight of litter/ garbage accumulated inside the bodied, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a waste collection assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a waste collection assistive device that is capable of assisting the user in collecting waste along with categorizing and managing the waste as per the detected moisture content and presence of odors.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a modular waste collection assistive device is illustrated comprising of a platform 101 configured with a pair of hollow V-shaped bodies 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the platform 101, a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated within each of the bodies 102, a pair of motorized semi-circular slider 105 configured in between the platform 101 and each of bodies 102, a curved-shaped member 106 is attached with apex portion of each of the bodies 102 via a motorized hinge joint 107.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a platform 101 configured with a pair of hollow V-shaped bodies 102. The bodies 102 are made up of any durable material that includes but not limited to the metallic material and the wooden material. The bodies 102 are mounted vertically over the platform 101. The platform 101 is made to be attached inside a cavity that is carved over a fixed vertical surface. A push button is integrated in the housing for activating or deactivating the device. One of the bodies 102 is designated for storage of dry waste, and other body is designated for storage of wet waste. The user manually pushes the button, when the button is pressed the electrical circuit gets completed, allowing flow of electric current to actuates a microcontroller associated with the device that regulates the working of the device.

[0024] Upon activating the device, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the platform 101 to detect the dimensions of the cavity. The imaging unit 103 is paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings to detect the dimensions of the cavity. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the surroundings and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to detect the dimensions of the cavity carved over a fixed vertical surface.

[0025] Upon detecting the dimensions of the cavity, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 104 that is integrated within each of the bodies 102. The motorized drawer arrangement 104 increase/ decrease size of the bodies 102 in order to accommodate the bodies 102 inside the cavity, in view of optimizing space and minimizing visual impact. . The drawer arrangement 104 consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement 104 by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider 105 in the drawer arrangement 104 extend to increase/decrease the size of the bodies 102, for accommodating the bodies 102 inside the cavity.

[0026] A proximity sensor integrated on the platform 101 detects the presence of an individual holding a litters/ garbage. The proximity sensor used herein is preferably an ultrasonic proximity sensor that uses ultrasonic waves to detect the presence of the individual holding the litters/ garbage. The ultrasonic proximity sensor typically emits ultrasonic waves towards the individual, the ultrasonic waves hit the individual and bounce back to the sensor’s receiver. The receiver of the ultrasonic proximity sensor is sensitive to the emitted ultrasonic waves and listens for the reflected waves. When the emitted ultrasonic waves are received by the receiver the proximity sensor sends the data to the microcontroller which processes and analyzes the acquired data for detecting the presence of the litters/ garbage.

[0027] Upon detecting the presence of the litters/ garbage, a sensing module configured on the platform 101 and synced with the imaging unit 103 detects the type of litter/ garbage the user is holding. The sensing module used here is preferably a moisture sensor and an odor sensor. The sensor detects the moisture content of the litter/ garbage as well as detects the presence of bad odors from the litter/ garbage. The moisture sensor comprises a couple of conductive probes used for measuring moisture content in any sample. The probes are electrodes capable of conducting charge and corresponding electrical resistance is measured by the sensor. As the water content in the mixture, the resistance through probes increases and the corresponding signal is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal compares the received signal with the pre-fed data stored in the database and consequentially determines the moisture level of the litter/ garbage.

[0028] The odor sensor, often regarded as an electronic nose, has the ability to detect changes induced by specific odor molecules of the litter/ garbage. The odor sensor used herein is preferably a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor that employs acoustic waves to travel along the surface of a piezoelectric substrate. When the target molecules interact with the surface of the litter/ garbage, alters the properties of the acoustic waves, leading to changes in frequency and velocity. These changes are measured by the microcontroller to determine the presence of bad odors from the litter/ garbage.

[0029] Based on the detected moisture level and bad odors from the litter/ garbage, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized semi-circular slider 105 that is installed in between the platform 101 and each of bodies 102 to translate a specific body designated for storing the detected type of litter/ garbage out of the cavity. A motorized semi-circular slider 105 enables translational motion along a circular path. It consists of a circular track, a motor, and a carriage or platform 101 mounted on the track. The motor, often a stepper or servo motor, drives the carriage around the track using a gear or belt system. By controlling the motor's speed and direction, precise rotational movement is achieved specific body designated for storing the detected type of litter/ garbage thereby facilitates in separating the dumping of wet and dry wastes.

[0030] A LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor configured on the bodies 102 detects the projectile of litter/ garbage thrown by the user towards the bodies 102. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is synced with the imaging unit 103. The LiDAR sensor sends out rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion towards the litter/ garbage thrown by the user. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the litter/ garbage. When the laser pulses encounter the litter/ garbage, the laser bounces off from the surface of the litter/ garbage. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the litter/ garbage and back to the sensor and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine projectile of litter/ garbage thrown by the user towards the bodies 102.

[0031] Based on detected projectile of the thrown litter/ garbage, the microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 107 for tilting a curved-shaped member 106 attached with apex portion of each of the bodies 102. The motorized hinge joint 107 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the bodies 102. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the bodies 102 for tilting the member in order to positioning the member at an optimal position for deploying the litter/ garbage inside the bodies 102. The curved-shaped member 106 also acts as a lid for closing mouth portion of each of the bodies 102 to eliminate spreading of unpleasant odor in surroundings.

[0032] A weight sensor configured on each of the bodies 102 detects the weight of litter/ garbage accumulated inside the bodies 102. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of litter/ garbage in the bodies 102, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of litter/ garbage accumulated inside the bodies 102 and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for further processing. Upon processing the data, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the slider 105 for tilting the bodies 102 at an optimum angle, ensuring optimal waste collection and management.

[0033] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0034] The present invention works best in the following manner, comprises of the platform 101 configured with the pair of hollow V-shaped bodies 102. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures and process images of the surroundings to determine the cavity's dimensions. Based on these dimensions, the microcontroller actuates the motorized drawer arrangement 104 to adjust the size of the V-shaped bodies 102, ensuring optimal fit and minimal visual impact. When an individual approaches holding litter or garbage, the proximity sensor detects their presence. The sensing module, in sync with the moisture sensor and the odor sensor, identifies the type of waste, whether wet or dry. Subsequently, the microcontroller activates the appropriate motorized semi-circular slider 105, to move the designated V-shaped body out of the cavity for easy disposal.

[0035] In continuation, the LiDAR sensor detects the trajectory of the thrown waste, and the microcontroller uses the data to actuate the motorized hinge joint 107, in order to tilt the curved-shaped member 106 to optimally position the member for directing the waste into the appropriate body. If equipped, the device’s moisture and odor sensors further categorize the waste and ensure proper storage to avoid contamination and odors. Weight sensors monitor waste accumulation, and the microcontroller adjusts the slider 105 to tilt the bodies 102 optimally, preventing overflow. The curved-shaped member 106 also functions as the lid, preventing the spread of unpleasant odors, thus maintains the hygienic environment.

[0036] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A waste collection assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 configured with a pair of hollow V-shaped bodies 102, each mounted vertically over said platform 101, wherein said platform 101 is developed to be attached inside a cavity carved over a fixed vertical surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, to detect dimensions of said cavity, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuated a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated within each of said bodies 102 to increase/ decrease size of said bodies 102, for accommodating said bodies 102 inside said cavity, in view of optimizing space and minimizing visual impact;
iii) a proximity sensor configured on said platform 101 to detect presence of an individual holding a litters/ garbage, wherein a sensing module is configured on said platform 101 that works in sync with said imaging unit 103 for detecting type of litter/ garbage said user is holding, based on which said microcontroller activates a pair of motorized semi-circular slider 105 configured in between said platform 101 and each of bodies 102 to translate a specific body designated for storage of said detected type of litter/ garbage, out of said cavity, thereby facilitating separate dumping of wet and dry wastes;
iv) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor configured on said bodies 102 and synced with said imaging unit 103 for detecting projectile of litter/ garbage thrown by said user towards said bodies 102, wherein a curved-shaped member 106 is attached with apex portion of each of said bodies 102 via a motorized hinge joint 107, and based on detected projectile of said thrown litter/ garbage, said microcontroller actuates hinge joint 107 for tilting said member in view of positioning said member at an optimal position for deploying said litter/ garbage inside said bodies 102.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said bodies 102 is designated for storage of dry waste, and other body is designated for storage of wet waste.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module includes a moisture sensor and an odor sensor for detecting moisture content of said litter/ garbage, and presence of bad odors from said litter/ garbage, respectively.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is configured on each of said bodies 102 to detect weight of litter/ garbage accumulated inside said bodied, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said slider 105 for tilting said bodies 102 at an optimum angle, ensuring optimal waste collection and management.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said curved-shaped member 106 also acts as a lid for closing mouth portion of each of said bodies 102 to eliminate spreading of unpleasant odor in surroundings.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.