Patent ID: 12260378

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1through9, described below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure enable a sanitation system operator at an airport or other facility to dispatch janitorial staff to one or more waste disposal receptacles (also called bins) at different locations. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an Internet of Things-based notifications and records generating utility that receives measurements from a sensor system that includes a plurality of sensors, each of which is located proximate to a space within the bin so as to measure characteristic variables (e.g., weight, full status, etc.) of the space. The utility generates a schedule of bins to be emptied or visually inspected based on executing various algorithms that determine whether the measurements satisfy conditions for generating a maintenance request. The utility generates a respective schedule for dispatching each of the multiple members of the janitorial staff to various bins in a selected order. The utility transmits the respective schedule in a respective message to a mobile device associated with a respective member of the janitorial staff. The utility generates statistics based on records stored in a database, which enables the sanitation system operator to view information about each of the bins and a collection of multiple bins.

FIG.1illustrates an example block diagram of a system100that supports generating Internet of Things-based notifications and records according to this disclosure.FIGS.2-4and7illustrate one non-limiting example of the system ofFIG.1in three-dimensional form. Specifically,FIG.2is a photograph of a three-dimensional example of the system ofFIG.1with a bin-liner removed from the bin, according to this disclosure.FIG.3is a photograph of the example bin containing the bin-liner ofFIG.2, according to this disclosure.FIG.4is a photograph of the example mobile device attached to a janitorial cart ofFIG.2according to this disclosure.

In this disclosure, for clarity, the block diagram form shown inFIG.1will be referred to as the system100, and the 3D form shown inFIGS.2-4and7will be referred to as the system200. While two systems100and200are shown, it is understood that the components of the system100ofFIG.1can be the same as or similar to the components of the system200ofFIG.2. Similarly, it is further understood that the components of one system from among the systems100and200can be incorporated into the other system and function in the same or similar way. In order to avoid duplicate descriptions,FIG.1will be described first, followed by a description of any additional details that are more visible inFIGS.2-4, and thenFIG.7will be described further below according to a sequential order of the figures of this disclosure.

The system100includes a portable sensor system102and an electronic device104(such as a server104aor a laptop104bor other computing device not shown) communicably coupled to the sensor system102. The system100also includes one or more mobile devices108(such as first and second mobile devices108a-108b), which are communicably coupled to the electronic device104via a network132. In some embodiments, each mobile device108is attached to or otherwise associated with a janitorial cart160(illustrated as Cart 1160aand Cart 2160b). This disclosure describes the system100being used in a scenario in which the bin101is a receptacle for landfill-bound waste, compostable refuse, or recyclable items. However, it is understood that the bin101can be any container that receives matter that needs to be monitored, measured, removed, compacted, or filled. The bin101defines a three-dimensional (3D) space103. For example, the bin101may be a container that includes a bottom base defining a bottom of the space103, and side walls having an interior surface that define sides of the space103. In some embodiments, the bin101has an open bottom, without the bottom base, in which case, the floor underneath the bin101defines the bottom of the space103. In some embodiments, the bin101houses at least one interior metal or plastic bin-liner105that fits within the space103. The bin-liner105can be removed from the bin101and washed. For example, a sidewall of the bin101can include a hinged door that opens and closes to allow a janitor to remove the bin-liner105, to remove any matter contained within the bin-liner105(such as a bag filled with matter) and to replace the emptied bin-liner105into the space103. Bin101may be used with a separate replaceable bag sometimes called a liner.

The sensor system102includes a plurality of sensors110a-110n, a power supply112, and a master control unit (MCU)114communicably coupled to each other. For ease of illustration, the sensor system102is shown as a small circle that is attached to a bin101, and a zoom-in detailed view of the sensor system102is shown as a large block that shows connections between the plurality of sensors110a-110n, power supply112, and the MCU114. The sensor system102is self-enclosed, as such, the sensor system102can be mounted to multiple bins101, sequentially. That is, the sensor system102can be initially used for monitoring one bin101that is a receptacle, and then later unmounted, removed from the receptacle, and mounted to another bin, which may be a different type of bin or may be an identical receptacle.

The plurality of sensors110a-110nare configured to removably attach to the bin101. The sensors110a-110ncan be mounted or otherwise attached to various locations of the bin101in order to sense phenomena that takes place within the space103. The plurality of sensors110a-110ngenerate measurements that measure characteristic variables of the space103. Examples of characteristic variables of the space103include height of empty space, weight of a mass contained within the space103, status as being full or empty, temperature, orientation as being upright or fallen, volume occupied by the mass contained within the space103, global positioning system (GPS) or other geographic location or unoccupied volume.

The sensor system102includes a height sensor110athat generates a distance measurement associated with the space103, such as a height from a bottom end to a top end of the space103(“height of the space103”), a height of a mass that is contained within the space103, or a height of empty space. When the space103is empty, the distance measurement of the height of empty space is measured between a bottom end and a top end of the space103. When a mass is contained within the space103, the height of empty space is measured between the top end of the space103and the top end of the mass. Examples of the height sensor110ainclude a range-finding sensor, such as a laser or ultrasonic range-finder. The measurements generated by the height sensor110aenable the sensor system102to not only determine binary information of whether the space103is full or not full, but also determine more granular information about a level of fullness or emptiness based on heights of the mass and empty space.

The sensor system102includes a weight sensor110bthat generates a weight measurement of a mass contained within the space. Examples of the weight sensor110binclude a scale and a strain gauge.

The sensor system102includes a full/empty state sensor110c, which generates a binary output (e.g., value 1) indicating that the space103is full or output (e.g., value 0) indicating that the space103is not full. An example of the full/empty state sensor110cis an optical sensor (e.g., “seeing eye” sensor) that generates a measurement indicating whether an optical signal is blocked by a mass contained within the space103. Reference number110cinterchangeably refers to the full/empty state sensor, generally, and the optical sensor, specifically. Particularly, the optical sensor110ctransmits an optical signal, which when received by an optical receiver, generates a measurement indicating that the full/empty status of the space103is not full. Alternatively, the optical sensor110cgenerates a measurement indicating that the full/empty status of the space103is not full when the optical sensor110ctransmits an optical signal that is incident upon a mass located intermediately between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, in which case, the mass blocks the optical signal from being received by the optical receiver. The optical sensor110cdetects the interruption of the transmitted optical signal.

These sensors110a-110ncan be used alone or in combination with other sensors and logic (e.g., algorithms executed by the electronic device104) to determine a false reading of fullness of the space103. In one embodiment, where a trash bag is being used in the bin101or bin-liner105, fill height data can be corroborated by weight data to determine a false reading of fullness is being sensed when the trash bag is inflated from the air around it causing the trash bag to close in on itself, such as when the height sensor110aoutputs measurements or a full indicator or while the weight sensor110boutput measurements that indicate not-full. This situation would cause the electronic device104to determine that the height of matter in the space103has reached a full level and/or to record incorrect fill height data if the fill height from the height sensor110aor full/empty state sensor110cwas used alone. However, if the weight sensor data was below a practical threshold that conflicts with the measurement data from the fill height sensor110a(or110c), then logic could be employed by the electronic device104to ignore fill height until a threshold weight has been reached or to send a maintenance request for visual inspection. In another embodiment, data analysis of an accumulation of measurements recorded from the various sensors over time could inform the system of a similar false reading of fill height.

The sensor system102includes a temperature sensor110dthat senses thermal characteristics of the space103and generates temperature measurements. The temperature sensor110dcan be attached to the bin101at a location that senses the temperature of food or other matter contained within the bin-liner105. The temperature sensor110dcan be attached to a power cable116that carries electricity to the components of the sensor system102. In certain embodiments, temperature sensor110dincludes a thermocouple attached to a lithium-ion battery pack of the power supply112so that the MCU114or the sensor system102as a whole shuts down or disconnects from the power supply112when the battery pack overheats. In cases the battery pack overheats, the temperature sensor110dcan generate measurements that cause the MCU114to output a SOS (“save our souls”) message to a system operator, who needs to know about an imminent fire hazard associated with the sensor system102. In certain embodiments, the sensor system102includes multiple temperature sensors attached to the bin101at different locations in order to generate measurements associated with the battery pack distinct from measurements associated with another location. The measurements from multiple temperature sensors enable the MCU114to determine whether this fire hazard is caused by the battery or another item that was placed in the bin.

The sensor system102includes a motion sensor110ethat detects and measures motion of the bin101or motion of the bin-liner105. For example, the motion sensor110emeasures an orientation characteristic as being upright or fallen. The motion sensor110eincludes a gyroscope and/or accelerometer. The gyroscope communicates the angular position of the bin101or bin-liner105, using gravity to help determine orientation. The accelerometer is utilized to measure non-gravitational acceleration and enables controller120to determine velocity and other measurements associated with the quantified physical movement of the bin101or bin-liner105.

The sensor system102includes a volume sensor110fthat detects and measures the volume occupied by the mass contained within the space103, or the unoccupied volume of empty space within the space103. Examples of the volume sensor110finclude the height sensor110a, or a camera. The camera captures images of the space103, and digital image processing enables the controller120to determine whether the bin-liner105is contained or removed from the space103. The camera can also capture images or detect depth information, which the controller120(or processor associated with the camera) analyzes to estimate a ratio of the volume of the space103that is empty versus occupied by a mass.

The sensor system102can include any number (N) of sensors. For example, the Nthsensor can be a position sensor110nthat detects an IN or OUT position of the bin-liner105as being contained in the space103or removed from the space103, respectively. When in the OUT position, the position sensor110noutputs a signal that indicates that the bin-liner105is “being emptied.” When switching from the OUT position to the IN position, the position sensor110noutputs a signal that indicates the bin-liner105has been inserted into the space, which can be the basis upon which the processor140of the electronic device104initiates a tare weighing procedure.

The MCU114includes a power management module118that interfaces with the power cable116to receive electric energy from the power supply112and to control distribution of power to the components of the sensor system102. As introduced above, examples of the power supply112include a battery, or connection to electrical service of the building (e.g., wall socket power outlet at 120 volts), or a combination of these. The MCU114includes a controller120, an input/output (I/O) interface122that connects to the sensors110a-110nand enables the MCU114to receive input and to output data, and a communication module124that communicates with external devices, such as the electronic device104. Example types of the controller120include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or discrete circuitry. In some embodiments, the controller120includes a clock that enables messages transmitted from the MCU114to include a date and time stamp. In some embodiments, the controller120includes limited memory storage, which stores a unique identifier of the sensor system102, enabling the controller120to transmit the unique identifier together with information that is associated with the sensor system102. For example, measurements generated by the sensors110a-110ncan be transmitted together with the unique identifier of the sensor system102, enabling the electronic device104to identify which sensor system102generated the transmitted measurements.

The communications module124supports communications with other systems or devices. For example, the communications module124can include a network interface card or a wireless transceiver facilitating communications over a wired or wireless network. The communications module124may support communications through any suitable physical or wireless communication link(s). The communications module124includes one or more antenna(s)126that enable wireless communications, such as cellular (e.g., GSM), Long Range (LoRa), WiFi, and the like. For example, the communications module124can communicate with an access point128over a first wireless communication channel130a, such as a wireless local area network (LAN) connection. The access point128is connected to a network132(e.g., the Internet), which enables communication with other network-connected devices, such as an electronic device104. The communications module124can establish a second wireless communication channel130bwith a node134(e.g., base station; eNodeB) for cellular communications. The node134is connected to the network132via a backhaul, which enables communication with other network-connected devices, such as an electronic device104. In some embodiments, communications module124can communicate with the electronic device104directly over a third wireless communication channel130c, without any network, for example using LoRa communication. As another example, the system100could include a number M of sensor systems102, each attached to different bin from among M bins101and networked to each other. At least one of the M of sensor systems102is a lead sensor system that is connected to the external environment (e.g., network132) via WiFi, GSM, or other wireless communication protocol and that is connected to the remainder of the M of sensor systems102in order to receive their data and transmit their data to the electronic device104. Compared to the lead sensor system, the remainder of the M of sensor systems102may have a communication module124that does not directly connect to the network132, enabling lower power consumption and solar charge of the power supply from ambient indoor (e.g., florescent) light.

At least one electronic device104and at least one database136are used in the system100to support generating Internet of Things-based notifications and records according to this disclosure. The electronic device104includes any suitable computing device(s) supporting generating Internet of Things-based notifications and records according to this disclosure. Examples of the electronic device104include a server104aand/or a laptop computer104b. The laptop104bincludes an electronic display138for displaying user interfaces to a user of the laptop. The electronic device104can receive the information from one or more sensor systems102, store the information in the database136, and optionally make the information available to external devices or systems (such as to sanitation system operators, janitors, or supervisors of janitorial staff). For example, a sanitation system operator may be a user of the laptop computer104bto access and view information that is stored in the database136, which information is displayed by the electronic display138.

In this example, the electronic device104includes at least one processing device140, such as at least one microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, application specific integrated circuit, discrete circuitry, or other processing or control device(s). The electronic device104also includes at least one memory142for storing and facilitating retrieval of instructions and information used, generated, or collected by the processing device(s)140. The electronic device104includes at least one network interface144configured to support communications over at least one network, such as a wired network interface (like an Ethernet interface) or a wireless network interface (like a radio frequency transceiver). Note that multiple electronic devices104(for example, multiple servers104a) could be used to provide various functionality in the system100. For instance, one or more application servers can be used to execute applications for generating Internet of Things-based notifications and records, and one or more database servers can be used to control access to the database136.

The database136can be used to store information collected by multiple sensor systems (e.g., sensor systems102a-102fofFIG.8), such as when each sensor system102is located in a different location within a building. The database136includes any suitable device(s) for storing and facilitating retrieval and storage of information. In certain embodiments, the database136is stored within the memory142of the electronic device. In certain embodiments, the database136implements a database software application, such as Sheets™ spreadsheet application provided by Google®.

The electronic device104includes an Internet of Things-based notifications and records generating utility150, which executes the method(s) shown inFIG.9, as described more particularly below. Considering that this disclosure describes an embodiment of a system100used in a trash receptacle scenario, the Internet of Things-based notifications and records generating utility150is herein referred to as a trash telemetry (TT) utility150as a shorten name.

The TT utility150may be provided as an application that is optionally located within the memory142and executed by the processor140. Within this embodiment, the processor140executes the TT utility150to provide the various methods and functions described in this disclosure. The TT utility150performs the functions of generating Internet of Things-based notifications and records. It is, however, understood that the processor140executes the TT utility150to provide the various methods and functions described in this disclosure. For simplicity, the TT utility150is illustrated and described as a stand-alone or separate software component, which provides the specific functions and methods described herein. However, in certain embodiments, the TT utility150may be a component of, may be combined with, or may be incorporated within an operating system (OS) and/or with one or more applications of the electronic device104.

As introduced above, the TT utility150receives measurements from one or more sensor systems102. The TT utility150is able to calculate height of the mass as being a distance between the bottom end of the space103and the top end of a mass contained within the space103by subtracting from a predetermined height of the space103, the distance measurement (received from the height sensor110a) between a top end of the space103and the top end of a mass. The TT utility150is able to calculate a net weight of the mass contained within the space103by subtracting a first weight measurement (received from the weight sensor110b) of the bin-liner105from a second weight measurement of a total weight of the mass contained within the bin-liner105and the bin-liner105. As introduced above, the TT utility150can automatically initiate a tare weighing procedure upon removal of matter from the space103or upon replacement of the bin-liner105into the space103. The TT utility150is able to distinguish whether there is a fire in the trash can, as distinct from whether the trash can contains hot food. For example, the TT utility150can generate and output a fire notification message based on temperature measurements (received from the temperature sensor110d) that exceed a maximum temperature threshold. In some embodiments, the TT utility150provides a TT mobile application152(TT app152) to a one or more mobile devices108, and then the TT app152is stored within the mobile device108and executed by a processor associated with the mobile devices108. The TT utility150is able to generate Internet of Things-based notifications and records, to transmit messages containing the Internet of Things-based logs of inputs and notifications to the mobile device108, and to provide Internet of Things-based records to the database136for storage. Additional aspects of the TT utility150, and functionality thereof, are presented within the description ofFIGS.2-9.

AlthoughFIG.1illustrates one example of a system100, various changes may be made toFIG.1. For example, various components inFIG.1may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs. Also,FIG.1illustrates one example type of the sensor system102configured to mount on the bin101. However, this functionality may be used in any other suitable device or system, such as the sensor system102can be configured to mount on an ice box, a soap dispenser, or animal feeders for use in a different industry.

As shown inFIG.2, a rotatable door207aforms a sidewall207of the bin201. The door207ais in an open position, and the bin-liner205is removed from the space203. A bag209has been placed inside of the bin-liner205, and the bag209is empty and ready for collecting matter. For example, a janitor211may have previously removed a bag, which was filled with matter, from the bin-liner205and put the full bag into the janitorial cart260. As an example, a sanitation system operator may use the laptop204(e.g., to the laptop computer104bofFIG.1) to test the sensor system102(hidden from view) installed within the space203.

As shown inFIG.3, the rotatable door207ais closed. The bin201can include multiple spaces203and213, including one space203that is designated for receiving landfill-bound waste and enclosed by the door207a, and including a second space213(hidden from view) that is designated for receiving recyclable items and enclosed by a similar door207b, which is also closed. For ease of explanation, the second space213is illustrated as a block with a perimeter of broken lines. The bin201include a lid217that covers the top ends of the multiple spaces203and213. The lid217includes an opening through which a person (e.g., a passenger at the airport) inserts landfill-bound waste into the space203, and another opening through which the person inserts recyclable items into the space213.

As shown inFIG.3, a first mobile device208a(e.g., a tablet) is attached to the janitorial cart260, and another mobile device208(e.g., a smartphone) is lying on the cart260. As an example, the janitor211may concurrently use the first mobile device208aand the other mobile device208to receive messages containing maintenance requests via the TT app152. The other mobile device208can be used by the janitor211to redundantly perform the same functions associated with the TT app152that are performed by the first mobile device208a.

FIG.5Aillustrates a cross-section view of an example sensor system502mounted to a bin, according to this disclosure.FIG.5Billustrates a front perspective cutout view of the sensor system502mounted to a bin, according to this disclosure. For simplicity,FIGS.5A and5Bare together referred to asFIG.5. The bin501can be the same as or similar to the bins101and201ofFIGS.1and2, and components of the bin501, such as the lid517, can be components of the bins101and201ofFIGS.1and2. In some embodiments, the bin-liner505is a rigid structure that defines the boundaries of the space503, and in such cases, the sidewalls527a-527band the bottom base529of the bin-liner505form the side and bottom boundaries of the space503.

The sensor system502ofFIG.5may, for example, be used as the sensor system102in the bin101ofFIG.1or be used as the sensor system102in the bin201ofFIG.2. Note, however, that the sensor system502ofFIG.5may be used with any other suitable device and in any other suitable system. In this example, the sensor system502generates measurements by detecting phenomena within the space503within the interior of the bin501.

The sensor system502includes the height sensor110a, which includes both a transmitter that transmits signals504and a receiver that receives reflected signals based on the transmitted signals504. The height sensor110ais mounted to an interior surface of the lid517, and the signals504are directed toward the bottom of the bin-liner505. When the signals504are incident upon the matter513(e.g., one or more objects) that is contained in the space503, the height sensor110agenerates distance measurements of the height of empty space, which is less than a predetermined height of the space503. That is, the reflected signals off the top surface of the matter513travel back to the receiver of the height sensor110aa shorter distance than the predetermined height of the space. The predetermined height of the space503can be a previously stored distance measurement from the transmitter of the height sensor110ato the bottom base529of the bin-liner505. As shown inFIG.5B, the bin-liner505can be made of an opaque material such that the matter513is hidden from view when the door207a(FIG.2) is open, as similarly shown by the cutout view.

The sensor system502includes the weight sensor110b, which is mounted to the base519of the bin501in order to measure the weight of any objects, including the matter513and/or the bin-liner505, inserted into the interior of the bin. The base519is a rigid frame that not only provides structural support to the bin, but also supports the weight of the bin-liner505that is inserted into the interior of the bin501.

The sensor system502includes the full/empty state sensor110c, which is mounted proximate an upper portion of the bin501in order to detect whether matter513interrupts (e.g., blocks) a signal521that is transmitted from a transmitter (Tx)523to a receiver (Rx)525. That is, the full/empty state sensor110cincludes the transmitter523and the receiver525. In some embodiments, the signal521can define the boundary of the top of the space503, which may be the same level as the top of the bin501or may be located at a vertical level slightly above or below the top of the bin501. The signal521can be a narrow width beam such that the signal can be interrupted only by matter513that is extends through the area that is the top of the space503. It is understood that the width of the signal521is not limited to only the area that is the top level of the space503and can be wider in some embodiments. The transmitter523, as shown inFIG.5B, is a 3D object that is hidden from view (illustrated by broken lines) when the bin-liner505is contain inside the bin501. The transmitter523is mounted to a sidewall of the bin501such that that right side of the transmitter523faces the exterior surface of the left sidewall of the bin-liner505. The left side of the transmitter523faces the interior surface of the right sidewall507of the bin501.

FIG.6illustrates example user interfaces, a database, and notification message associated with Internet of Things-based notifications and records, according to this disclosure. Particularly,FIGS.6A-6Cillustrate various screenshots602a-602cof a user interface602that is displayed by the electronic display138.FIG.6Dillustrates an Internet of Things-based record604that is recorded into the database136.FIG.6Eillustrates an Internet of Things-based notification message606that is transmitted to a mobile device108for display to a user (e.g., janitorial staff) interacting with the TT app152.

As shown inFIG.6A, the user interface602displays logs of inputs that the electronic device104receives from the sensor system102. The logs of inputs are displayed chronologically according to the order in which the input was received. When the sensor system102initially powers ON, the wireless communication module124enters an initialization state and establishes a wireless communication channel130for transmitting outputs to the electronic device104and/or the database136. The log of the “GSM Initialized” input610aindicates that the sensor system102established the second wireless communication channel130busing GSM cellular technology.

The user interface602also displays logs of the current state of the electronic device104or the current state of the sensor system102. For example, the log of the “TARING!!” state612aindicates the current state of performing tare weighing procedure, which can be performed by the MCU114or the electronic device104. In performance of the tare weighing procedure, the electronic device104receives inputs including multiple weight measurements614generated by the weight sensor110b. In performance of the tare weighing procedure, the MCU114or the electronic device104receive measurements of and assign a negligible value (e.g., zero “0” value) to the weight of the empty bin-liner105, as shown by the weight measurements614a-614f.

As shown inFIG.6B(and continuing inFIG.6C), once the tare weighing procedure is complete, the electronic device104receives weight measurements614g-614pthat indicate the weight of the matter513contained inside the bin-liner105. As the matter513increases in weight, the value of the weight measurements increases, for example, from 18 pounds to 19 pounds.

As shown inFIG.6C, the log of the “can is full!” state612bindicates the current state of the sensor system102as being a full state. In some embodiments, the full state is a state in which the full/empty state sensor110coutputs measurements indicating that the matter513(or any other object) has interrupted or has been interrupting the signal521for a predetermined period of time (e.g., threshold duration of blockage). In some embodiments, the full state is a state in which the weight measurements614output from the weight sensor110bexceed a maximum weight threshold (for example, >20 pounds).

The electronic device104determines that the full/empty state (i.e., a measured characteristic variable) of the space103satisfies the condition of being in a full state (i.e., a condition for generating a maintenance request) based on based on the full state measurement output form the full/empty state sensor110c. In response to determining the current, full state of the space103satisfies the condition for generating a maintenance request, the electronic device104generates a maintenance request616(“Please EMPTY trash can”) and records an Internet of Things-based record604(FIG.6D) in the database136.

The user interface602displays of log of the recording state612c(“Recording Data”) of the electronic device104and the database136. The user interface602displays of log of the recorded information618.

As shown inFIG.6D, the Internet of Things-based record604includes multiple fields620a-620mrespectively: Date of record creation; Time of record creation; Message Recipient; Message Sender; Maintenance Request Message; Identifier of the sensor system (“Location of Bin”); Weight; Bin-Liner Present/Being Emptied state (“Being Emptied?”); Full/Empty state (“Full?”); Max Weight threshold; Maximum Weight Exceeded state (“Exceeded?”); Maintenance Request Generated (“Call for Empty”); Notification Message Transmitted (“Push Call”). The record604corresponding to the log of recorded information618(FIG.6C) includes the following values in the corresponding fields620:“D37” value622stored in the Identifier of the sensor system field620f;“19” value stored in the Weight field620g;“Present” value stored in the Bin Present/Being Emptied state field620h;“Full” value stored in the Full/Empty state field620i;“NO” value stored in the Maximum Weight Exceeded state field620k;“YES” value stored in the Maintenance Request Generated field620l; and“NO”626revalue stored in the Notification Message Transmitted field620m.

As shown inFIG.6E, the electronic device104transmits a message606to a mobile device108, and in response, the TT app152displays the message606in a user interface624output by electronic display associated with the mobile device108. The message606includes the maintenance request616in associated with the identifier622of the sensor system102. The maintenance request616is the value (e.g., “Please EMPTY trash can”) stored in the Maintenance Request Message field620e. The maintenance request616can be in a verbal format (e.g., textual) that can be read by a human user, who may understand that the maintenance request616notifies the user to perform a task to change a characteristic of a space, a bin, or a bin-liner. The identifier622of the sensor system102is the obtained from the “D37” value622stored in the Identifier of the sensor system field620f(FIG.6D).

FIG.7shows photographs of various views of a bin-liner sensor700attached to the bin201ofFIG.2, according to this disclosure.FIGS.7A-7Cshow various views of the bin-liner sensor700placed on top a flat surface, andFIGS.7D-7Eshow the bin-liner sensor700installed in or mounted to the bottom base (519) of the bin201.FIG.7Ashows a perspective view of the top702, front704, and right side706of the bin-liner sensor700.FIG.7Bshows a perspective view of the top702, back708, and left side710of the bin-liner sensor700.FIG.7Cshows a view of the back708of the bin-liner sensor700.

As shown inFIG.7, the bin-liner sensor700detects a bin-liner present/absent characteristic of the space203, namely detecting whether the bin-liner205is present within or removed from the space203. The bin-liner sensor700can be a position switch that switches between a bin-liner-in position and a bin-liner-out position. In the bin-liner-in position, the bin-liner sensor700outputs measurements indicating the bin-liner205is present, namely, contained within the space203. In the bin-liner-out position, the bin-liner sensor700outputs measurements indicating the bin-liner205is absent, namely, removed from the space203.

As shown inFIG.7A, the position switch includes a lever714, a roller712attached to a first end718of the lever (which is opposite the pivot end720of the lever), and a spring716that is attached to and pushes up on a central portion of the lever such that the first end718of the lever is suspended upward by distance d1. As shown inFIG.7B, the roller712is positioned at a distance d2above the top702of the bin-liner sensor700when no weight presses down on the roller712of the position switch. When no weight presses down on the roller712of the position switch, the spring716is expanded out from the recessed hole and outputs a signal (e.g., zero value) indicating the bin-liner205is absent. However, the weight of the bin-liner205pressing down on the roller712causes the spring716to compress down into a recessed hole, and causes the lever714to tilt about the pivot end720such that the first end718is lower by a distance (such as distance d1). When the spring716is compressed down into recessed hole, the position switch is in the bin-liner-in position, which causes the sensor700generate and output a signal (also referred to as measurements of the bin-liner present/absent characteristic) (e.g., value of one (1)) indicating the bin-liner205is present. When the bin-liner205is being inserted into or removed from the space203, the exterior surface of the bottom base (529) of the bin-liner205may slide along the interior surface of the bottom base (519) of the bin201and may also roll over the roller712.

As shown inFIGS.7C and7D, the bin-liner sensor700includes a mounting unit750to which the position switch is attached by mechanical fasteners752a-752b. The mounting unit750mounts to a frame member754of the bottom base (such as519ofFIGS.5A-5B) of the bin201. For example, the mounting unit750includes a hole through which the frame member754extends. The mounting unit750can be made using additive manufacturing to custom fit the frame member754. The mechanical fasteners752c-752fextend longitudinally through four corner regions of the mounting unit750in order to apply compression to the 3D-printed layers.

In at least some embodiments, the bottom base (519) of the bin201includes frame members756a-756bthat are configured to connect to a weight sensor110b(such as a strain gauge) using mechanical fasteners752g-752h. The space758between the frame members756a-756bprovides a location for installing the weight sensor110b.

FIG.8illustrates an example map800that illustrates locations of multiple sensor systems102a-102fwithin a floorplan of a building802, according to this disclosure. The electronic device104transmits the map800to a mobile device108to show the locations of multiple sensor systems102a-102f. In some embodiments, the message606includes the map800. In some embodiments, the TT app152presents a user interface624that enables the mobile device108to selectively retrieve and view the map800from a server104a.

In some embodiments, the message606includes a list804of multiple maintenance requests associated with respective sensor systems102a,102d, and102fthat satisfied one or more conditions for generating a maintenance request. The list804can be the listed sensor systems102a,102d, and102fshown on the map800with indicators (shown as circles with hash marks) that show a janitorial staff where to empty (i.e., remove matter513from) bin-liners205.

In some embodiments, the message606specifies a sequential order in which the bin-liners205are to be emptied. For example, the message606can include a directional path806that starts at the bin-liner205associated with a first sensor system102athat is located in the area810aof Gate 1. Second, the directional path806includes an arrow that leads the janitorial staff to next empty the bin-liner205associated with a fourth sensor system102dthat is located in the area810dof Gate 4. Last, the directional path806includes a second arrow that leads the janitorial staff to next empty the bin-liner205associated with a sixth sensor system102fthat is located in the area810fof Gate 6.

It is understood that the TT utility150generates the message, map800, list804, and directional path806. In certain embodiments, the TT utility150generates the list804to include sensor systems102that have not been emptied in the past hour (or other period of time for visual inspection of the bins101). In certain embodiments, the TT utility150generates the directional path806to avoid high foot-traffic areas, such as the entry/exit hall810h. In certain embodiments, the TT utility150generates the directional path806to minimize footsteps or minimize travel time between the areas810a,810d, and810fwhere the janitorial staff is supposed to perform a maintenance task (e.g., emptying the bin-liner, changing the orientation characteristic of a fallen bin by standing it upright). In certain embodiments, the TT utility150generates the directional path806to start at the sensor system102having the lightest weight and to proceed to sensor systems in order of ascending weight measurements in order to minimize the weight of the cart160pushed over long distances.

In the example shown, the building802has a rectangular shape with four exterior walls, and the building802can represent a terminal of an airport. The floorplan of the building802includes various interior walls808that separate different areas810(including airport waiting areas810a-810fsurrounding Gates 1-6 and other areas810g-810h) on the same floor level of the building.

AlthoughFIG.8illustrates one example of a map800, various changes may be made toFIG.8. For example, various components inFIG.8may be rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs. As a particular example, the map800could include a multi-level building802with multiple floorplans.

FIG.9illustrates an example method900for generating Internet of Things-based notifications and records, according to this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the method900is described as involving the use of the TT utility150executed by the processor140ofFIG.1, which may be used within the system100ofFIG.1. However, the method900may involve the use of any other suitable device in any other suitable system.

As shown inFIG.9, the method900can begin at the start block and proceed to block902, in which the processor140receives measurements from one or more one sensor systems102a-102fEach of the sensor systems102measures characteristic variables of a respective space103located proximate to the sensor system. For example, receiving the measurements from a sensor system102includes: receiving (at block904) measurements of the weight of matter513contained within the space from weight sensor110b; receiving (at block906) distance measurements of the height of the matter contained within the space from the height sensor110a; receiving (at block908) measurements of temperature of the matter513from the temperature sensor110d; receiving (at block910) measurements of the temperature of the power supply112from temperature sensor110d; receiving (at block912) measurements of motion characteristics of the bin101from the motion sensor110e; and receiving (at block914) position indicator indicating a bin-liner present/absent characteristic of the space103from a bin-liner sensor700. Each of the sensor systems102is removably attached to a bin101. In some embodiments the respective space103is defined by a bin101or is defined by a bin-liner105.

For each of the one or more sensor systems102a-102fthat transmit inputs to the electronic device104, the method900includes blocks916-924. At block916, the processor140records a record604in the database136. Recording the record604in the database136includes: recording (at block916) the measurements of at least some of the characteristic variables. The record604relates the identifier622of the sensor system to the measurements of at least some of the characteristic variables.

At block918, the processor140determines whether a measured characteristic variable of the respective space satisfies one or more conditions for generating a maintenance request. In response to determining that the measured characteristic variables of the respective space103does not satisfy any of the one or more conditions for generating a maintenance request, the method900returns or remains at block918and in parallel, continues to receive measurements from the plurality of sensors110a-110nof the sensor system102. Determining whether a condition is satisfied may also include recording or updating the record604that relates the identifier622of the sensor system to: for each of the one or more conditions for generating a maintenance request, a value indicating whether the condition is satisfied.

As an example, a condition for generating a maintenance request includes the condition of the space103having a currently full state. For each of the respective spaces103, the processor140may determine whether an empty/full state of the space satisfies the condition based on at least one of: a comparison of a threshold weight to a weight measurement of a mass contained within the space, or a measurement indicating that an optical sensor signal is blocked by the matter513. The processor140may determine whether an empty/full state of the space satisfies the condition based on a comparison of a distance threshold to a distance measurement between a bottom end of the space and one of: a top end of a mass contained within the space or a top end of the space.

As another example, a condition for generating a maintenance request includes a first condition of the space103having a bin-liner absent characteristic in combination with a second condition of the motion sensor indicating the bin102has fallen. In this example, the processor140determines whether multiple measured characteristic variables satisfy a multi-part condition (e.g., the combination of multiple conditions) for generating a maintenance request. For each of the respective spaces103, the processor140determines that the space103has a bin-liner absent characteristic based on determining a matter513(such as the bin-liner105) is being removed from the space103, in response to detecting a bin-liner sensor700switched from a bin-liner-in position to a bin-liner-out position. Additionally, the processor140determines the space has a fallen characteristic in response to receiving measurements form the motion sensor that indicate the bin101is not upright.

If yes, at block920, in response to determining a condition, from among the one or more conditions for generating a maintenance request, is satisfied by a measured characteristic variable of the respective space, that processor140generates the maintenance request616in association with an identifier622of the sensor system. In some embodiments, generating the maintenance request616in association with an identifier622of the sensor system further includes recording a new record or updating an existing record such that the record604relates the identifier622of the sensor system to the maintenance request616(e.g., the value stored in the Maintenance Request Message field620d).

At block922, the processor140selects one mobile device108from among the first mobile device108aand the second mobile device108bas the selected mobile device, wherein the selected mobile device will receive the maintenance request generated at block920. By selecting one of the mobile devices108a-108b, the processor140also selects one user from among multiple users (e.g., janitorial staff members) registered to use the mobile devices108a-108b. For example, the selected mobile device may be selected based on being associated with a user who is currently at work, as indicated by the mobile device having a current location in the building802as well as recently receiving user inputs to the mobile device. The selected mobile device may be selected based on evenly distributing the maintenance requests among the mobile devices108a-108b, or based on assigning maintenance requests to the mobile device located closest to the location of the sensor system102. In some embodiments, selecting the selected mobile device108further includes recording a new or updating an existing record604that relates the identifier622of the sensor system to the selected mobile device, which is stored in Message Recipient field620c.

At block924, the processor140transmits a message606to a mobile device, such as the selected mobile device (selected at block922). The transmitted message606includes the maintenance request (generated at block920). In some embodiments, transmitting the message to the mobile device includes: transmitting a first message606to a first mobile device108aand transmitting a second message606to the selected mobile device (for example, mobile device108b). The first message includes the maintenance request associated with the identifier of the first sensor system102a, and the second message includes the maintenance request associated with the identifier of the second sensor system102b.

At block926, the processor140records or updates a record604(such as a messaging record) that relates the identifier622of the sensor system to a message transmission value626(e.g., the value stored in the Notification Message Transmitted field620m) indicating the message was transmitted.

AlthoughFIG.9illustrates one example of a method900for generating Internet of Things-based notifications and records, various changes may be made toFIG.9. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps inFIG.9may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times. As a particular example, the block902may include continuously receiving inputs and measurements from sensor systems102a-102fand block916may include iteratively recording records into the database136, which blocks902and916may generally operate in parallel, and their associated steps may therefore be performed in parallel.

In some embodiments, various functions described in this patent document are implemented or supported by a computer program that is formed from computer readable program code and that is embodied in a computer readable medium. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer code (including source code, object code, or executable code). The term “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

The description in this patent document should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. Also, none of the claims is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function. Use of terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” “processing device,” or “controller” within a claim is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.