SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING CONTENTS DECLARATION

A system and method for verifying contents of a vehicle include weighing the vehicle with a weigh scale, outputting, from the weigh scale, a weight signal indicative of a weight of the vehicle, scanning the contents of at least a portion of the vehicle with a scanner, outputting, from the scanner, a volume signal indicative of a volume of the contents, receiving the weight signal and the volume signal with a verification control unit of a verification system, and verifying, by the verification control unit, a contents declaration based on the weight signal and the volume signal.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for detecting, verifying, and confirming declared contents of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle operators often dump unwanted articles in landfills. For example, operators of trucks often dump contents carried within a truck (such as within a dumping container, trailer, chamber, or the like) into a landfill. Landfill operators charge different rates for different types of discarded contents. For example, a landfill operator may charge a low (or no) fee for one type of contents, such as dirt. However, the landfill operator may charge an increased or high fee for another type of contents, such as used tires.

As can be appreciated, in order to determine the fee amount, the landfill operator first determines the actual contents of the material that is to be discarded into the landfill. In order to avoid fees (or reduce fees), unscrupulous individuals may not provide forthright details about the contents that are to be discarded from a vehicle. As such, a landfill operator often physically inspects the contents of the vehicle in order to verify the precise nature of the contents. To do so, the contents to be discarded are often first unloaded for manual inspection. As can be appreciated, manual inspection of contents of a vehicle may be labor and time intensive.

In general, known methods of inspecting contents are typically incapable of quickly, efficiently, and accurately verifying the actual contents of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for a system and method of accurately determining types of contents with respect to declarations. A need exists for a system and method of accurately determined types of contents to be dumped within a landfill, for example. A need exists for a system and method of verifying the nature of declared contents of a vehicle.

With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for verifying contents of a vehicle. The system includes a weigh scale that is configured to weigh the vehicle and output a weight signal indicative of a weight of the vehicle. A scanner is configured to scan the contents of at least a portion of the vehicle and output a volume signal indicative of a volume of the contents. A verification system includes a verification control unit that is configured to receive the weight signal and the volume signal, and verify a contents declaration based on the weight signal and the volume signal.

The weigh scale may include a weighbridge. The scanner may include one of an ultrasonic scanner, an infrared scanner, a laser scanner, or other such optical scanners.

A support may be coupled to the scanner. The support suspends the scanner over an inspection space into which the contents are positioned.

In at least one embodiment, the verification control unit is configured to determine an actual weight of the contents based on the weight signal and a known weight of the vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the verification control unit is also configured to determine an actual volume of the contents based on the volume signal.

The verification control unit may be configured to determine an actual density of the contents based on an actual weight of the contents and an actual volume of the contents. The verification control unit may be configured to compare an actual density of the contents with a known density of declared contents to determine an accuracy of the contents declaration.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for verifying contents of a vehicle. The method includes weighing the vehicle with a weigh scale, outputting (from the weigh scale) a weight signal indicative of a weight of the vehicle, scanning the contents of at least a portion of the vehicle with a scanner, outputting (from the scanner) a volume signal indicative of a volume of the contents, receiving the weight signal and the volume signal with a verification control unit of a verification system, and verifying (by the verification control unit) a contents declaration based on the weight signal and the volume signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for detecting a fraudulent declaration of content disclosure, such as may be provided at a landfill. A vehicle operator may declare that contents in a payload area are a particular type (such as soil). For such contents, a landfill operator may not charge a fee. However, there may be a charge if the contents are of a different nature, such as used tires. In order to confirm the contents of a vehicle, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods of verifying that the stated contents are, in fact, the actual contents.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic diagram of a system100for verifying contents101of a vehicle102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle102may be a truck having a trailer104that includes a retaining structure106(such as a container, chamber, dump bed, vessel, or the like) that retains the contents101. It is to be understood, however, that the vehicle102may be various other types, such as a flatbed truck, an automobile, a locomotive coupled to one or more trailing cars, and/or the like.

The system100includes a weigh scale, such as a weighbridge108, which is configured to weigh the vehicle102hauling the contents101that are to be unloaded. The vehicle102is moved (such as by being driven) onto the weighbridge108, where the vehicle102is weighed. The system100also includes a scanner110that may be mounted on a support112. The scanner110may be an ultrasonic scanner, an infrared scanner, a laser scanner, and/or the like that is configured to detect a volume of the contents101within the retaining structure106.

The system100also includes a verification system114that includes a verification control unit116coupled to a memory118. The verification control unit116is also coupled to a communication device122, such as a transceiver, radio, one or more wired or wireless connections, and/or the like. The verification control unit116is in communication with the weighbridge108and the scanner110through the communication device122, and/or through one or more wired or wireless connections. The system100may also include a display120, such as a monitor, screen, panel, and/or the like. The verification system114may be, include, or be part of a personal computer, a laptop computer, a handheld device (such as a smart phone), and/or the like.

FIG. 2illustrates a simplified lateral view of the scanner110secured to the support112above an inspection space124, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the support112includes one or more beams, brackets, posts, columns, or the like. The support112includes a first portion126securely mounted to supporting surface, such as the ground, floor, upper surface of the weighbridge108(shown inFIG. 1), and/or the like. The first portion126connects to a second portion128that connects to the scanner110. The second portion128extends and suspends the scanner110over the inspection space124, into which the contents101(shown inFIG. 1) are to be positioned for inspection.

One or both of the first and second portions124and126of the support112may be configured to articulate or otherwise move in order to selectively move the scanner110between an inspection position over the inspection space124, and a removed position, in which the scanner110is not over the inspection space124. In at least one other embodiment, the first and second portions124and126are fixed in position to maintain the scanner110over the inspection space124. The support112may include more or less portions than the first and second portions124and126. For example, the support112may be or include a single arched support beam. In at least one other embodiment, the support112may include multiple beams, struts, ribs, and/or the like that may form a scaffold, a boom, platform, and/or the like.

FIG. 3illustrates a simplified lateral view of the scanner110secured to the support112above the inspection space124, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the support112may include beams, posts, booms, gantries, and/or the like that couple the scanner110to a ceiling130over the inspection space124.

FIG. 4illustrates a simplified lateral view of the scanner110secured to the support112above the inspection space124, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the support112may include beams, arms, and/or the like, such as described above with respect toFIG. 2, that couple the scanner110to a moving platform132, such a cart, truck, car, rail vehicle, and/or the like that is configured to selectively move the scanner110above and away from the inspection space124.

Referring toFIGS. 2-4, various other types of supports112may be used to securely suspend the scanner110over the inspection space124. In various embodiments, the scanner110may be fixed in position, and a vehicle may move through a scanning area of the scanner. In other embodiments, the vehicle may be parked, and the scanner110may be moved over the vehicle. For example, in at least one embodiment, the scanner110may be secured to an aerial drone that may be flown over the inspection space124during an inspection of a vehicle.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective top lateral view of the system100for verifying the contents101of the vehicle102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, in operation, the vehicle102is weighed on the weighbridge108, and the contents101are scanned by the scanner110. For example, the scanner110scans an open top of the retaining structure106of the vehicle102to determine a volume of the contents101. The weighbridge108and the scanner110provide signals to the verification control unit116of the verification system114that allow the verification control unit116to determine a weight and volume of the vehicle102, and/or a volume of the contents101. In at least one embodiment, the verification control unit116may determine the volume of the contents101by subtracting a known volume of the vehicle102without contents from a detected volume of the vehicle102with the contents101. In at least one other embodiment, the volume of the contents101may be scanned by the scanner110, and the volume of the contents101may be directly determined therefrom.

Next, an operator of the vehicle102declares the nature of the contents101. That is, the operator of the vehicle102provides a contents declaration. The contents declaration may be input into the verification control unit116, such as through an input device (for example, a keyboard, a touchscreen on the display120, and/or the like). Based on the weight and volume (as determined by the verification control unit116through analysis of the signals received from the weighbridge108and the scanner110), the verification control unit116compares the contents declaration with known contents data stored in the memory118that is correlated with a known quantity of the contents. For example, the verification control unit116accesses the memory118to analyze stored weights and volumes of the type of contents being declared. The verification control unit116then compares the declaration with the stored information to determine whether the declaration is accurate.

The weight of product being carried may be determined on the weighbridge108by subtracting a tare weight (empty weight) of the vehicle102from a gross weight (vehicle weight plus contents weight). Volume may be used to determine the weight of the contents101being carried. The volume may be estimated using the scanner110above the open top of the retaining structure106of the vehicle102. Depending on the average height of the contents101within the retaining structure106, and with knowledge of the profile of the empty vehicle102(for example, data regarding the profile of the empty vehicle102may be stored in the memory118of the verification system114), the verification control unit116is able to determine the volume of the contents101. The verification control unit116may determine the weight of the contents101by estimating the average density of the contents101being carried and multiplying the density by the volume.

As noted, the verification control unit116determines actual attributes of the contents101. The actual attributes include the actual weight, volume, and density of the contents101. The weight and volume of the contents are determined through signals received from the weighbridge108and the scanner110. Through knowledge of the weight (as detected by the weighbridge108) and the volume of the contents (as detected by the scanner110), the verification control unit116is able to determine the density of the contents101. In particular, density equals weight divided by volume. Thus, the verification control unit116divides the weight of the contents101by the volume of the contents101to determine the density of the contents101.

The verification control unit116compares the declaration of the contents101(that is, the contents declaration) with the actual attributes (such as the weight, volume, and density) of the contents101to generate a verification determination, which either confirms the contents declaration, or rejects the contents declaration. The verification control unit116checks the integrity of the declaration of the contents101, such as by comparing the contents declaration (which, may be input into the verification control unit116) with the weight of the vehicle102and/or the contents101, as determined through one or more weight signals received from the weighbridge, and the volume of the contents101, as determined through one or more volume signals received from the scanner110. The verification control unit116may compare the computed density of the contents101with a density of contents from the declaration.

The verification control unit116may display results of the contents verification on the display120. For example, if the declaration matches the actual contents as determined by the verification control unit116, the verification control unit116may display a message on the display120that confirms the declaration. If, however, the declaration does not match the actual contents as determined by the verification control unit116, the verification control unit116may display a message on the display120that rejects the declaration. In at least one other embodiment, the verification system114may include one or more speakers, and the verification control unit116may cause audio signals to be emitted through the speakers regarding the verification determination. In at least one embodiment, the verification system114may not include the display120.

In at least one embodiment, the verification control unit116utilizes or otherwise includes trending software (which may be stored in the memory118, for example) that is used to compare previously declared data, volumes, and weights of a vehicle (such as previous measurements), with new declared data (such as a new or current declaration), and assesses the probability of incorrect data in the new transaction data. The system100includes the combination of the weighbridge108(or other such weigh scale), the scanner110, and the verification control unit116to determine the accuracy of a particular declaration of the contents101. As such, the system100may be used at landfills, where a charged price for depositing the contents101may be determined by the weight and type of contents101being deposited.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure are non-intrusive. For example, the contents101do not need to be emptied to verify their nature. In at least one embodiment, the verification control unit116monitors a profile of the variation of densities of each product, and determines a probability that the stated contents are the actual contents. Embodiments of the present disclosure reduce a number of fraudulent declarations at a landfill, for example.

As described above, the verification control unit116may be used to control operation of the system100. As used herein, the term “control unit,” “unit,” “central processing unit,” “CPU,” “computer,” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processor (DSP), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. For example, the verification control unit116may be or include one or more processors that are configured to control operation of the system100.

The verification control unit116is configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the control unit116may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The storage elements may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The storage elements may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

The diagrams of embodiments herein illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as the verification control unit116. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. Optionally, the verification control unit116may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in a flowchart or a method.

FIG. 6is a flow chart of a method of verifying declared contents of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the verification control unit116shown inFIG. 1is configured to operate according to the flow chart shown inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 6, the method begins at200, at which the verification control unit116receives a declaration of contents. The declaration of contents may be provided by an operator of the vehicle102and input into the verification control unit116, which may store the declaration of contents, such as within a portion of the memory118(such as a short term portion of the memory118).

At202, the verification control unit116receives a weight signal (indicative of the actual weight) of the vehicle102carrying the contents from a weigh scale, such as the weighbridge108. The verification control unit116may store the weight signal, such as within a portion of the memory118(such as a short term portion of the memory118).

At204, the verification control unit116receives a volume signal (indicative of the actual volume) of the contents101from the scanner110. The verification control unit116may store the volume signal, such as within a portion of the memory118(such as a short term portion of the memory118).

The steps200,202, and204may occur at or about the same time. In at least one other embodiment, the step200may occur before the steps202and/or204. In at least one other embodiment, the steps202and/or204may occur before the step200. In at least one other embodiment, the step202may occur before or after the step204.

After the weight signal is received at202, the verification control unit116determines, at206, the actual weight of the contents101based on the received weight signal and the known weight of the vehicle102. The known weight of the vehicle102may be stored in the memory118, for example. In at least one embodiment, the known weight may be empty weight of the vehicle (that is, the weight of the vehicle without contents). At208, the verification control unit116determines an actual volume of the contents101based on the received volume signal.

Next, at210, the verification control unit116determines an actual density of the contents from the determined actual weight and the determined actual volume of the contents101. After the actual density of the contents is determined at210, the verification control unit116then compares the actual density of the contents with a known density of the declared contents at212. For example, a known density of various types of materials may be stored within the memory118, and/or input into the verification control unit116.

At214, the verification control unit116determines if the actual density of the contents101matches the known density of the declared contents. If the actual density does not match the known density at214, the verification control unit outputs a declaration rejection at216. If, however, the actual density does match the known density at214, the verification control unit outputs a declaration confirmation at218.

Referring toFIGS. 1-6, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for verifying the nature of declared contents. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for accurately determining types of contents to be dumped within a landfill.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.