EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202241058389, filed on October 12, 2022, and titled “A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT WITH MONETARY BENEFITS”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to waste management and more particularly to a system and a method for waste management with monetary benefits.

BACKGROUND

A waste is an unwanted material which can be discarded when it is of no use. The waste is divided into non-biodegradable, biodegradable, and the like. Biodegradable waste is easily dissolved in nature, and it causes no harm to the environment. Non-biodegradable waste cannot be dissolved by natural agents and may remain on the earth for thousands of years. The use of disposable non- biodegradable materials like plastic bags and disposable napkins are increasing in the day-to-day life. Non-biodegradable wastes can be recycled by appropriate waste management.

A waste management for non-biodegradable waste is a strategy that may be used to reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste. Reducing implies reducing the use of non- biodegradable wastes, which is not possible in modern society as there is 90% of the market sales non-biodegradable products. Reusing and recycling are interconnected with each other. For reusing the non-biodegradable product, recycling of the waste is necessary. The rate of recycling of the waste is low because the waste is not being sorted into multi-stream or multi-class items at the source where the waste is disposed.

Although currently there are several waste management systems available for sorting the non-biodegradable waste from the biodegradable waste, the cost of such a system is high and is not affordable to a user. Also, due to the lack of awareness and lack of importance of such waste management systems, people need to be encouraged for using the waste management system. There is need of a system that manages the non-biodegradable waste effortlessly. Also, there is need of a system which encourages people to use the system.

Hence, there is a need for a system for managing waste with monetary benefits which addresses the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a waste management system with monetary benefits is disclosed. The system includes a waste collector bin and a processing subsystem. The waste collector bin is configured to collect waste. The waste includes non-biodegradable waste. The waste collector bin further includes a controlled access provider, a primary bin gate, a scanner, and a secondary bin gate.

The controlled access provider is disposed on the waste collector bin and configured to receive user input, wherein the user input comprises user information linked with a corresponding bank account of the user. The primary bin gate is operatively coupled with the controlled access provider. The primary bin gate is configured to open in response to receiving the user inputs through the controlled access provider and allows the user to deposit the waste. The scanner is operatively coupled with the primary bin gate and configured to scan a unique code affixed on the waste. The scanner includes a plurality of cameras to scan the unique code. The secondary bin gate is operatively coupled with the primary bin gate and configured to collect and scan the waste, wherein the secondary bin gate automatically moves the collected waste to a storage area. The processing subsystem is hosted on a server and communicatively coupled to the waste collector bin. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to enable communications among a plurality of modules including a receiving module and a deposit return module. The receiving module is configured to receive the user account information from the controlled access provider. The user account information is linked to a corresponding bank account of the user. The deposit return module is communicably coupled with the receiving module and configured to receive an output of the scanner, upon scanning the unique code affixed on the waste. The deposit return module is also configured to return a pre-set amount to the user’s bank account corresponding to the user account information received by the receiving module.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for managing waste with monetary benefits is disclosed. The method includes collecting, by a waste collector bin, waste wherein the waste comprises non-biodegradable waste. The method also includes receiving, by a controlled access provider of the waste collector bin, a user input, wherein the user input comprises user information linked with a corresponding bank account of the user. Further, the method includes opening, by a primary bin gate of the waste collector bin, the primary bin gate in response to receiving the user inputs through the controlled access provider and allowing the user to deposit the waste. Furthermore, the method includes scanning, by a scanner of the waste collector bin, a unique code affixed on the waste and comprising a plurality of cameras to scan the unique code. Furthermore, the method includes moving, by a secondary bin gate of the waste collector bin, the collected and scanned waste to a storage area. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, by a receiving module of a processing subsystem, the user account information from the controlled access provider and linking user account information to a corresponding bank account of the user. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, by a deposit return module of the processing subsystem, an output of the scanner upon scanning the unique code affixed on the waste. Furthermore, the method includes returning, by the deposit return module of the processing subsystem, a pre-set amount to the user’s bank account corresponding to the user account information received by the receiving module.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a system for waste management with monetary benefits in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of the system for waste management with monetary benefits of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view is a block diagram of a computer or a server for the system for waste management with monetary benefits in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for managing waste with monetary benefits in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the system, one or more components of the system may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for managing waste with monetary benefits. As used herein, the term “waste management” denotes processes and actions required to manage waste from its origin to its final disposal. In the case of non-biodegradable waste, reusing and recycling are effective strategies for managing the non-biodegradable waste. Further, the system described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the system and the method for waste management.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a system for waste management with monetary benefits in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a waste collector bin (102) and a processing subsystem (116). The waste collector bin (102) is configured to collect waste. In one embodiment the waste collector bin (102) is disposed at certain specific points in a geographical location. The specific points can be defined as common areas for example sidewalks, parks, malls and the like. The waste includes non-biodegradable waste for example, but not limited to, food waste, paper waste and biodegradable plastics. In a desired embodiment, the waste is biodegradable plastics such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The PET bottles are the primary contributor of plastic waste. The waste collector bin (102) includes a controlled access provider (104), a primary bin gate (106), a scanner (108), a secondary bin gate (114).

The controlled access provider (104) is disposed on the waste collector bin (102) and is configured to receive a user input. The user input comprises user information linked with a corresponding bank account of the user. In one embodiment the controlled access provider (104) is a touch screen digital device. In another embodiment, the controlled access provider (104) is a radio frequency identification device. In such an embodiment, the controlled access provider (104) may include digital screens such as a liquid crystal display (ECD) display screen, a graphical user interface, a smart display, and the like. In such an embodiment, the controlled access provider (104) is configured to receive a user-preferred phone number, to deposit the amount to the account linked with the phone number of the user. Further, in one embodiment the controlled access provider (104) is configured to receive user biometrics for authentication, to deposit the amount to the account linked with the biometrics of the user. In one embodiment, the biometric allows a person to be identified and authenticated based on recognizable and verifiable data, unique and specific.

The primary bin gate (106) is operatively coupled with the controlled access provider (104), wherein the primary bin gate (106) is configured to open in response to receiving the user inputs through the controlled access provider (104) and allows the user to deposit the waste. In one embodiment, the primary bin gate (106) is configured to automatically close when the waste is deposited in the secondary bin gate (114) by the user. The primary bin gate (106) closes automatically only when the waste is deposited completely. If the waste is not completely placed inside, then the primary gate does not close and hence the secondary gate may not open to collect the waste.

The scanner (108) is operatively coupled with the primary bin gate (106) and configured to scan a unique code (110) affixed on the waste. The scanner (108) includes a plurality of cameras (112) to scan the unique code (110). The camera may be a full spectrum camera, an infrared illuminated camera, an infrared camera, a thermal imaging camera, a stereoscopic camera, and/or any other combination of cameras or different types of cameras. In one embodiment, the unique code (110) may be a bar code, a quick response (QR) code, and the like. In one embodiment, the scanner (108) is configured as a 360° scanner, to scan the unique code (110) affixed on the waste and examine one or more physical features of the deposited waste. In one embodiment, the unique code (110) is validated by using a digital device of the user such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone.

The secondary bin gate (114) is operatively coupled with the primary bin gate (106) and configured to collect and scan the waste. The secondary bin gate (114) automatically moves the collected waste to a storage area (130). In one embodiment, the secondary bin gate (114) is a transparent cylindrical tray structure configured to deposit the waste bottles for scanning. In another embodiment, the secondary bin gate (114) is configured with the scanner (108) to scan the unique code (110) disposed on the waste. In such an embodiment, the secondary bin gate (114) opens automatically when the primary bin gate (106) is closed, to avoid accumulation of the waste from the primary bin gate (106).

The processing subsystem (116) is hosted on a server (118) and communicatively coupled to the waste collector bin (102). The processing subsystem (116) is configured to execute on a network (126) to enable communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the server (118) may include a cloud server. In another embodiment, the server (118) may include a local server. The processing subsystem (116) is configured to execute on a network (126) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network (126) may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network (126) may include a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near-field communication (NFC), infrared communication (RFID), or the like. The plurality of modules includes a receiving module (120) and a deposit return module (122). In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (116) includes a display unit (124) configured to display the amount as a reward received by the user, on the user device operated by the user. Examples of the user device includes, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, desktop computer, portable digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, tablet, ultra-book, netbook, laptop, multi-processor system, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronic system, or any other communication device that a user may use. In one embodiment the display unit (124) is communicably coupled with a user device. In another embodiment, the display unit (124) is operatively coupled with the controlled access provider (104). The display unit also displays the sum of total rewards received by the user.

The receiving module (120) is configured to receive the user account information from the controlled access provider (104). The user account information is linked to a corresponding bank account of the user. In one embodiment, the user account information includes the bank name of the user account, username, and the like. In one embodiment, when the user enters user information like a phone number through the controlled access provider (104), the receiving module (120) receives the user’s bank account details from a database (128).

The deposit return module (122) is communicably coupled with the receiving module (120) and configured to receive an output of scanner (108) upon scanning the unique code (110) affixed on the waste. The deposit return module (122) is also configured to return a pre-set amount to the user’s bank account corresponding to the user account information received by the receiving module (120). In one embodiment, the deposit return module (122) returns the amount corresponding to the number of wastes deposited by the user. In another embodiment, the amount to be returned to the user is based on the type of waste the user has deposited.

In one embodiment, the user may start using the system (100) using the controlled access provider (104) such as a touch screen navigator to open the primary bin gate (106) gate. The user then dumps the used waste which contains all the necessary information and credential coded in the form of unique codes (110) such as digital codes into the system (100). The system (100) then scans the unique code (110) and examines the physical features of the waste material dumped and confirms by comparing the features with the data stored in the database (128). The system (100) then extracts the reward. The reward is directed to the digital account of the user by entering the phone number of the user to which the PAN or Aadhaar and the like, is linked. The system (100) transfers the fund and closes the transaction. In one embodiment the waste collector bin (102) collects non-biodegradable waste including metal waste, plastic waste, glass waste, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of the system for managing the waste of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Considering a non-limiting example, where a user disposes a plastic bottle into the waste collector bin (102). A quick response (QR) code is printed on the plastic bottle. The QR code includes user information such as to name batch number, type of product, manufactured date, name of the manufacturer, the sum of the amount that is imposed, and the like. When the user enters the user information like phone number and drops the bottle in the primary bin gate (106), the scanner (108) scans the QR code printed on the bottle. The QR code scanner (108) inside the system scans the QR code disposed on the bottle and extracts the information from the server (118). Subsequently, the user inputs a mobile number which is linked to their Aadhaar and permanent account number (PAN) identification. A pre-set amount for the user will then be deposited in the user’s bank account linked to the Aadhaar and PAN identification. The Aadhar and PAN cards are user identification cards that are linked to the user’s bank account hence the system is able to deposit the pe-set amount in the user’s bank account. The system rewards the extra money that’s been held on that particular bottle through the digital payment as a reward or a token of appreciation for their act of discipline. Any person may dispose the undisposed or poorly disposed bottles and get the reward. Ultimately, disciplined disposal is achieved.

In one embodiment, the waste collector bin (102) may be sized larger than the commonly used recycle bin. The size of the waste collector bin (102) is proportional to the population of the geographical location. In another embodiment, the waste collector bin (102) may include a cluster of various sizes positioned in the geographical location.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer or a server (118) for the system for managing the waste with monetary benefits in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server (118) includes processor(s) (302), and memory (306) operatively coupled to the bus (304).

The processor(s) (302), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

The bus (304) as used herein refers to be internal memory channels or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (304) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (304) as used herein, may include but not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus, and the like.

The memory (306) includes a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of modules stored in the form of an executable program which instructs the processor (302) to perform the method steps illustrated in FIG. 1. The memory (306) is substantially similar to the system (100) of FIG.1. The memory (306) has following submodules: a receiving module (120), a deposit return module (122) and a display module (124).

The receiving module (120) is configured to receive the user account information from the controlled access provider (104). The user account information is linked to a corresponding bank account of the user. The user when enters a phone number linked with the bank account through the controlled access provider (104), all the information of the user related to the bank account is received by the receiving module (120).

The deposit return module (122) is communicably coupled with the receiving module (120) and configured to receive an output of scanner (108) upon scanning the unique code (110) affixed on the waste. The deposit return module (122) is also configured to return a pre-set amount to the user’s bank account corresponding to the user account information received by the receiving module (120). In one embodiment, the amount to be returned to the user is based on the type of waste the user has deposited. Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (302).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for the operation of a waste management system with monetary benefits. The method (200) includes collecting, by a waste collector bin, waste wherein the waste comprises non- biodegradable waste in step (202).

The method (200) also includes receiving, by a controlled access provider of the waste collector bin, a user input, wherein the user input comprises user information linked with a corresponding bank account of the user in step (204). The method also includes providing, a digital touch screen as a controlled access provider. The method also includes providing, a radio frequency identification device as a controlled access provider. The method also includes receiving, a user-preferred phone number, to deposit the amount to the account linked with the phone number of the user. The method also includes receiving, user biometrics for authentication, to deposit the amount to the account linked with the biometrics of the user.

Further, the method (200) includes opening, by a primary bin gate of the waste collector bin, the primary bin gate in response to receiving the user inputs through the controlled access provider and allowing the user to deposit the waste in step (206). In one embodiment, the method also includes closing, the primary bin gate automatically when the waste is deposited in the secondary bin gate (114) by the user. Furthermore, the method (200) includes scanning, by a scanner of the waste collector bin, a unique code affixed on the waste and comprising a plurality of cameras to scan the unique code in step (208). The method also includes examining, one or more physical features of the deposited waste by a 360° scanner, to scan the unique code affixed on the waste.

Furthermore, the method (200) includes moving, by a secondary bin gate of the waste collector bin, the collected and scanned waste to a storage area in step (210). The method also includes moving, the collected waste to a storage area. The method also includes providing, a transparent cylindrical tray structure configured to deposit the waste bottles for scanning. It is to be noted that any other suitable structure may be configured to deposit the waste bottles and is not limited to the said transparent cylindrical tray structure.

Furthermore, the method (200) includes receiving, by a receiving module of a processing subsystem, the user account information from the controlled access provider and linking user account information to a corresponding bank account of the user in step (212). The method also includes linking, user account information to a corresponding bank account of the user.

Furthermore, the method (200) includes receiving, by a deposit return module of the processing subsystem, an output of the scanner upon scanning the unique code affixed on the waste in step (214). The method also includes inputting, the user information like the user phone number through the controlled access provider. The method also includes receiving, the user bank details through a database.

Furthermore, the method (200) includes returning, by the deposit return module of the processing subsystem, a pre-set amount to the user’s bank account corresponding to the user account information received by the receiving module in step (216). The method also includes returning, the amount to the user based upon the type and size of the waste deposited. It must be noted that although the present disclosure refers to a monetary benefit, the system and method of the present disclosure may not be limited to the said monetary benefit and may include any other suitable benefits that the user enjoys.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide waste management for non- biodegradable waste. Currently, the existing system does not provide pollution control over non-biodegradable waste whereas the system disclosed in the present disclosure provides effective prevention against pollution by recycling the waste in large amounts. Although there are waste management systems that exist, but people do not use them, whereas the system in the present disclosure encourages people to use the waste management system and hence facilitates a clean environment. One embodiment of the system enables the government to get digital data of the number of products manufactured, consumed and disposed of which can be used to tally the tax imposition.

Further, the existing waste management systems are manually operated, and the deposit return systems are complicated to use. The system in the present disclosure facilitates automatic operation and promotes digital banking which is quick and easy to use. The digital banking used in the system disclosed in the present disclosure is safe to use as the user is able to do the secure transaction.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.