Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RECYCLABLE CONTAINER VERIFICATION SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
Deposit return schemes (DRS) are used in many places globally to encourage
individuals to recycle single-use containers, including plastic, glass, and
metal
bottles.
Typically, the scheme involves a consumer paying an upfront deposit when they
buy their beverage which can be redeemed when the empty container is
returned. In some schemes a cash reward or vouchers are offered when the
drinks container is returned instead of an upfront deposit.
Conventional DRSs involve a network of automated machines, known as
reverse vending machines (RVMs). The RVM receives empty containers from
the consumer and scans a barcode on the container to identify the type of
container, for example the material it is made of or the manufacturer. Once
the
container has been identified the RVM accepts the container and stores it for
subsequent collection by a recycling company. The RVM then returns the
consumer's deposit or issues a voucher or reward to be used at a participating
retailer. Once the drinks container has been returned to the machine, a
recycling
company is responsible for ensuring that they are recycled effectively.
The RVM can either be associated with a retailer which sells the drinks
container
or there may be dedicated drop-off points which receive containers from a
variety of retailers.
Thus, with current DRS systems, containers are identified using the standard
barcodes already present in the container and each particular code is
associated
with a number of drinks containers. This can lead to fraud as it is possible
to use
the same barcode many times to receive a deposit from the RVM, even though
the genuine containers including that code have already been recycled. Unless
the RVM knows how many of each product code it is expecting to receive, there
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is nothing to stop a person from collecting product codes and re-using them
for
their benefit.
Similarly, fraud has been detected where an RVM does not scan a code but
accepts a container based on material. For example, a container can be cut in
half and recycled twice.
In an attempt to reduce fraud, current RVMs have built-in sophisticated
systems.
Typically these systems include a scanner, a display screen (most commonly a
touch screen), and a voucher printer. In order to prevent fraud, the RVMs are
additionally fitted with a multi-camera system to recognise the container that
the
label or barcode is attached to, a conveyor system to ensure that the
container is
taken into the machine and cannot be subsequently removed, a weighing
system to check that the bottle has not been taken straight from a retailer
and
inserted into the RVM without being emptied, and a shredder to ensure that the
container cannot be deposited again by destroying the barcode. As is evident,
these machines are very costly (ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 each) and a
full roll-out across a country requires many thousands of machines for the DRS
to be successful. For example, estimates show that the UK could require around
50,000 individual RVM units.
The high cost of conventional DRS systems, driven largely by the need for a
network of high cost RVMs and anti-fraud measures, creates huge cost burdens
for the drinks industry or government, and ultimately the consumer, as well as
creating huge challenges for governments and other regulatory bodies.
Additionally, current DRS systems are highly complex and they may have limited
accessibility especially in more rural areas where RVMs may be less common.
The consumer may therefore have to travel significant distances to find a
suitable RVM in which they can deposit their container, which may deter
consumers from engaging with the process. Although conventional systems
allow for some stores to receive empty containers, for example in more rural
areas where RVMs may be unaffordable or there is insufficient space in-store,
these systems are manned and so are slower than automated systems. In
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addition, these manned systems are limited to participating stores and the
opening hours of the stores.
There is therefore a need for a low cost, simplified solution to verifying
that a
consumer has purchased a drinks container and is eligible to receive a reward
in
return for recycling the container. Ideally the solution would be able to make
use
of existing infrastructure, to further reduce the cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a
recyclable
container verification method to be carried out by a processor, comprising the
steps of retrieving container identification information from a recyclable
container, wherein the container identification information comprises
information
configured to uniquely identify a container, retrieving collection
identification
information which identifies a collection point for receiving recyclable
containers,
identifying whether a relative location of the container and the collection
point is
within a proximity threshold; accessing a database comprising container
identification information for a plurality of containers and collection
identification
information for a plurality of collection points; comparing the retrieved
container
identification information and the retrieved collection identification
information to
entries contained within the database; and, if the retrieved container
identification information and the retrieved collection identification
information
are entered in the database and if the relative location is within the
threshold:
outputting an entry into the database which associates the container with the
collection point, such that a container is deemed recycled only when a
notification is received in proximity of a suitable collection point
The container identification information may be attached, affixed or otherwise
intrinsically linked to the container so as to be retrieved by a machine
readable
mechanism such as by scanning or through imaging an encoded identifier on the
container. The collection identification information may uniquely identify a
collection point. The method may be performed at a mobile computing device
or a mobile computing device in combination with a remote server.
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Advantageously, the present invention uses unique codes or identifiers
assigned
to each container as well as to each collection point. This coding solution
effectively eliminates the opportunity to return any container, or use any
code,
more than once reducing the opportunity for fraud. In addition, as each
container
can only be returned once, much of the functionality of current RVMs,
including
the multi-camera system, conveyor, and weighing system of the highly
sophisticated built-in fraud prevention systems, becomes redundant.
The method may be performed by a mobile computing device such as a
smartphone or the functionality may be shared by a computing device and a
remote server. By passing the majority of the functionality of existing
reverse
vending machines to smartphones (excluding storage and crushing), that is,
container validation and verification of the container at (or in) the machine
as
well as communicating to the consumer information on the deposited containers,
rewards, and account information, reverse vending machines can be completely
eliminated or at least reduced in functionality. This means that,
advantageously,
existing recycling infrastructure can be used with minimal additional
investment,
saving huge costs and complexity. Additionally, by removing functionality from
the RVM, the collection point which receives the container does not need to be
powered which significantly reduces the cost of the required infrastructure.
The concept of a proximity check of the container with the collection point
provides for increased confidence that the container has been recycled or will
be
recycled in that collection point. Similarly, cross-validation upon recycling
can be
performed since there is provided understanding of which container was placed
into which collection point. Where a unique code is used and attached to the
container, it becomes possible to validate that unique code and associate the
code to a collection point which reduces the opportunities for fraud by bulk
scanning or by scanning with no intention of recycling.
The unique identification can be validated using processors on a mobile
computing device such as a mobile phone. By implementing the verification
system on a mobile device, the consumer is required to sign up to the
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verification system which means that payments and rewards can be linked to the
consumer's behaviour. For example, the bins can be audited to make sure that
the containers have been returned and individuals who litter can be identified
as
their containers will not have been placed in the recycling bin. It may also
be
5 possible to associate the unique code on the container to the name of the
consumer on the reward account, providing subsequent information on recycling
behaviour and littering.
The invention therefore provides a low cost and vastly simplified solution to
recycling that can use existing infrastructure. Furthermore, due to the
verification
system of the present invention being able to be implemented quickly and
cheaply, the verification system can be implemented in countries that
otherwise
may not have been able to justify the huge cost of rolling out the initial
verification system. The invention therefore has the ability to support phased
roll-
outs without the need for high capital or investment in redundant systems and
processes.
In some examples, the container identification information may be encoded as a
data matrix code and the data matrix code may be attached to the recyclable
container. The data matrix code may be a QR code, or any other suitable code
which can be easily produced on large scales. Preferably the encoded
identifier
is thus able to be quickly and easily machine readable by conventional
computing devices. The step of retrieving container identification information
may comprise scanning the data matrix code attached to the recyclable
container. Scanning provides a quick and simple method of collecting
information which does not require direct contact between components.
Nevertheless there is an assumed colocation of the user, i.e. the mobile
computing device performing the scanning, and the container comprising the
encoded identifier. Thus, when combined the proximity check of the above
aspect, it is known that the user, the mobile computing device, the container
and
the collection point are all substantially proximal so as to provide a high
degree
of certainty that a user has deposited that container in that collection
point.
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The collection point may comprise a tag which may be configured to
electronically store the collection identification information. For example a
passive or active electronic tag which is suitable for electronic
communication of
data. This allows known collection points, for example conventional recycling
bins, to be incorporated into the verification system of the present invention
by
fixing or attaching a tag to the known collection point. This significantly
reduces
manufacturing costs, as well as providing a very quick and simple way of
implementing the verification system, as standard components and
infrastructure
can be used. Thus, large quantities of bespoke components do not need to be
manufactured specially for this verification system to be implemented. A tag
which can be attached and detached to surfaces can advantageously be used
with a wide variety of known collection points and bins. That is, a specific
type of
recycling bin is not required as the tag can be applied to any surface of an
object
which is capable of receiving and storing a container, with low cost.
The tag may comprise a transmitter which emits a signal configured to provide
the collection identification information to a mobile computing device. For
example the tag may be a passive NFC tag which emits a data signal when in
communication with a mobile computing device. Alternatively, the tag may
comprise a transceiver which transmits a first signal and receives a second
signal and the tag may be configured to communicate with a mobile computing
device to exchange identification information. The tag may also include a
processor configured to perform verification and/or communicate with a remote
server.
The tag may therefore include much the functionality of the verification
system.
In certain embodiments, unlike a conventional RVM system which requires the
recycling bin itself to carry out the technical steps of scanning the
containers
when they are recycled and carry out any additional processing, a tag or
mobile
computing device may perform this function.
The step of retrieving collection identification information may comprise
receiving, at a mobile computing device, a short range communication signal
emitted by the tag wherein the signal includes the collection identification
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information. The tag may be configured to actively or passively emit a signal.
That is, the tag may transfer data in response to a magnetic field being
induced,
such as by a mobile device. In some cases the tag may emit the short range
communication signal using a wireless communication protocol, such as RFID,
NFC, BlueTooth , BlueTooth Low Energy or VViFie. In the case of a passive
NFC tag, the tag comprises information that other devices such as mobile
devices can read but the tag does not actively read any information itself.
The
passive NFC tag may be arranged to transit the stored information to
authorized
devices when the device has been brought into sufficient proximity to the NFC
tag. That is, the passive NFC tag is not actively transmitting the stored
information to be picked up by a suitable device. The tag may emit the short
range communication signal using electromagnetic fields such as radio
frequencies. Such communication signals are commonly used and so
processors of common portable computing devices, such as smartphones, can
be used to perform functionality of the above aspect, retrieve the
identification
and perform a proximity check based on receipt of the signals. Thus, the
methodology can be implemented using known protocols.
Preferably, the step of identifying whether a relative location of the
container and
the collection point is within a proximity threshold may comprise receiving,
at a
mobile computing device, a short range communication signal emitted by the
tag. Thus there is in an exchange of information and an implied proximity by
receipt of the information such that it is known that a user, device,
container and
collection point are each substantially collocated.
The step of identifying whether a relative location of the container and the
collection point is within a proximity threshold may comprise retrieving a
current
GNSS location of a mobile computing device, obtaining a location of the
collection point, and comparing the current GNSS location to the location of
the
collection point. Obtaining a location may for example include retrieving a
fixed,
known location from a database or obtaining a GNSS location of the collection
point by communicating with the collection point either using a remote server
or
through peer-to-peer communication. By GNSS we mean any satellite-based
location system such as GPS. This provides a simple means of determining the
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relative locations and thus performing a proximity check to obtain certainty
that
the container is to be recycled. The simple means results from either the
collection point being fixed or because it has been determined using, for
example, satellite navigations signals.
The step of identifying whether a relative location of the container and the
collection point is within a proximity threshold may comprise receiving, at an
electronic device attached to the collection point, a short range
communication
signal emitted by a mobile computing device. In this way the method may be
performed at a remote server with minimal computational requirements at the
mobile computing device. For example, the mobile device may transmit
identification information to the collection point for transmittal to a remote
server
where deposit value can be attributed.
However, implied proximity is
maintained.
The method may comprise identifying whether a relative location of the
container
and the collection point is within a proximity threshold using a short range
communication signal sent between a mobile computing device and a tag. In
addition, the method may comprise identifying a location of the mobile
computing device using GNSS. The method may comprise comparing the
GNSS location of the mobile computing device to an expected location of the
collection point. Thus, if geolocation is identified as the containers are
scanned
this confirms that all the containers are being scanned close to the recycling
location. Advantageously, this prevents the recycling bin or tag from being
transported away from their initial location or from the tag being copied and
subsequently used to scan other containers that are not near the recycling
location. Scanning must be adjacent to not only the recycling bin but also to
the
designated location of that recycling bin. This two-step proximity check
therefore
helps prevent fraud in the recycling system as both requirements have to be
satisfied for the container to be verified and validated.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
mobile
computing device for recyclable container verification comprising a processor
configured to: retrieve container identification information from a container
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wherein the container identification information comprises information
configured
to uniquely identify a container; retrieve collection identification
information which
identifies a collection point; identify whether a relative location of the
container
and the collection point is within a proximity threshold; access a database
comprising container identification information for a plurality of containers
and
collection identification information for a plurality of collection points;
compare
the retrieved container identification information and the retrieved
collection
identification information to entries contained within the database; and, if
the
retrieved container identification information and the retrieved collection
identification information are entered in the database and if the relative
location
is within the threshold: output an entry into the database which associates
the
container with the collection point, such that a container is deemed recycled
only
when a notification of recycling is received in proximity of a suitable
collection
point.
The container identification information may comprise a property integral to
the
container. The mobile device may further comprise a scanner or scanning
module, for example a camera, which may be configured to scan a data matrix
code or property integral with the container to retrieve the container
identification
information. The device may comprise a scanning means suitable for retrieving
identification information from a container which has been suitably adapted
with
an encoded identifier. The collection identification information may be
retrieved
from a tag attached to the collection point. The mobile computing device may
thus be arranged to retrieve the collection identification information from
the tag
using a short range communication protocol such as NFC where the tag
comprises a passive NFC storage means storing encoded data. A suitable
transceiver module may be provided. In some implementations, a code such as
a bar code may be attached to the collection point instead of an NFC tag. The
step of identifying whether a relative location of the container and the
collection
point is within a proximity threshold may comprise scanning the bar code, such
that proximity is inferred. In this case, the collection identification
information is
encoded within the bar code.
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The mobile computing device may be configured to receive a short range
communication signal from the tag, the signal including the collection
identification information. The mobile computing device may be configured to
identify whether a relative location of the container and the collection point
is
5 within a proximity threshold based on receipt of the short range
communication
signal.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
collection point for receiving recyclable containers comprising a tag which
10 electronically stores and transmits collection identification
information which
uniquely identifies the collection point. A collection point may comprise an
encoded identifier, the identifier comprising collection identification
information
which uniquely identifies the collection point. The collection point may be
suitable for use with any of the above aspects or embodiments. For example,
the collection point may be comprise an NFC tag passively storing encoded data
or a processor and transceiver arranged to communicate identification
information to a mobile computing device located spatially proximal to the
collection point. In certain embodiments the identifier may be stored on a
tag. The
tag may be attached to an external surface of the collection point or integral
with it.
This ensures the tag is easy to locate by a user.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
recyclable container verification system comprising a mobile computing device
as described previously and a collection point as described previously.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed
by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of the recyclable
container verification system described above.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when
executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of the
recyclable container verification system described above.
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A DRS system facilitated by aspects of the invention prevents recycling
collection trucks from driving around empty containers, which reduces
congestion and pollution in built up areas. Additionally, DRSs sort bottles
into
material types whilst keeping them clean and in good condition before they are
picked up by the recycling business to be reused. This makes the deposited
bottles more valuable for companies looking to either buy whole containers to
refill or older containers to recycle and produce new containers as less
initially
processing of the empty container is required.
Aspects of the invention provide for a recyclable container verification
system
which facilities attribution of value to a user of a deposit return scheme in
the
home, reducing the cost of complexity of recycling collection by associating a
user with a valid recycling action with a high degree of certainty and reduced
fraud by mitigating the risk of value being attributed to a non-valid
recycling
activity such as multiple activations of the same container or a value being
requested for a contain which is not recycled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example
only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a verification system including a container,
collection point, and mobile device;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of an alternative container to be used in the
verification system; and,
Figure 3 is a flow chart representing a method of verification according to
the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention provides a method of verifying that a consumer has
subsequently recycled that container after purchase, making the consumer
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eligible to receive a reward in return for recycling the container. The
verification
process involves associating a particular beverage container purchased by the
user with a particular recycling point chosen by the consumer. Once it has
been
confirmed that both the container and recycling point are within a certain
proximity to each other, the user can deposit the container in the recycling
point.
Once the container has been recycled the recycling process may be validated
and the consumer is informed that the recycling process has been completed
and that they will be rewarded or compensated in a manner chosen by the
recycling scheme in question.
A specific example of a deposit return scheme (DRS) system 10 for validating,
tracking, and recycling drinks containers will now be described in the context
of
Figure 1. It will of course be understood that the principles may be varied
however the specific example described provides for unique identification of a
container and a proximity check that the container is substantially co-located
with a valid collection point at the point of redemption. The DRS system 10
includes a drinks container 12 having an identifier 14 and a collection point
16.
The identifier 14 associated with the drinks container is a unique identifier.
That
is, each drinks container 12 has an identifier 14 that is different from all
the other
identifiers 14 on all the other drinks containers 12 which are part of the
DRS.
Each identifier 14 is therefore only used once.
The unique identifier 14 preferably takes the form of a code 18 printed onto
the
external surface 20 of the drinks container 12. The code 18 can be a data
matrix
code, such as a QR code, or a bar code. However, any other suitable code could
also be used which is able to act as a unique identifier. In some cases, the
unique identifier 14 may be in the form of a label affixed to an external
surface of
the drinks container 12 or directly printed. The label can either be attached
to the
container surface using a suitable adhesive or the label can be printed onto
the
container surface during manufacturing. Similarly, the unique identifier 14
may
be stored on a passive data storage device such as an NFC tag or sticker. What
is important is that the unique identifier 14 is able to uniquely identify the
container 12 to a manufacturer and can therefore be scanned using an
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appropriate mechanism or technology. As will be understood, the unique
identifier 14 may also be encrypted, for example using a cryptographic hash
function.
In some cases, instead of having a unique identifier 14 printed onto the
outside
of the container 12, the container 12 is designed to have a unique property 22
associated with it, as shown in Figure 2. The unique property 22 is integral
with
the container 12 and is formed during manufacture of the container 12, rather
than being applied to the container 12 post-manufacturing. The unique property
22 therefore acts as a fingerprint associated with the container 12. In this
case,
the unique property 22 takes the form of a specific marker 24 within the
material
out of which the container 12 is made. For example, the marker 24 could be a
plurality of protrusions and/or indentations created during the manufacturing
process and forming part of the walls of the container. The protrusions and/or
indentations being arranged in a unique pattern on each separate container 12
so that each individual container 12 which is part of the DRS can be
identified
based on the pattern of protrusions and/or indentations. As will be
appreciated
any other form of unique marker that forms an integral part of the container
could
also be used.
In this example, the collection point 16 takes the form of a recycling bin 26
having an electronic tag 28 associated with it. The tag 28 provides a way of
identifying the particular recycling bin 26 that the consumer uses to recycle
their
container 12. The tag 28 also distinguishes recycling bins 26 which form part
of
the DRS system 10 from those which are general recycling bins which are not
part of the DRS system 10.
The tag 28 is preferably attached to an external surface of the recycling bin
26.
This ensures that the consumer can easily locate the tag 28 when they arrive
at
the recycling bin 26. Additionally, attaching the tag 28 to the recycling bin
26
allows conventional recycling bins 26 to be used rather than having to
manufacture specific recycling bins 26. That is, the tag 28 can simply be
fixed to
current recycling bins 26 which allows the tag 28 to be used with current
recycling infrastructure. Being able to make use of current infrastructure
helps
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reduce overall production and set-up costs. Furthermore, by only requiring an
additional tag 28 to be attached to conventional recycling bins 26, the
overall
recycling system and its corresponding infrastructure is kept simple and easy
to
use. Consumers will not have to change or modify their behaviour and will not
have to learn how to use new, complicated pieces of equipment. Thus, the tag
28 provides a simple, intuitive way of modifying current recycling bins 26.
In some cases, the tag 28 may be located within the recycling bin 26 on an
internal surface of the recycling bin 26. Positioning the tag 28 within the
main
body of the recycling bin 26 prevents the tag 28 from becoming damaged by
external factors such as the weather. Preferably, the tag 28 is located close
to
the opening, or main entrance, of the recycling bin 26. This ensures that the
tag
28 can be easily accessed if necessary, for example for upgrade or repair.
The function and configuration of the tag 28 will be described in more detail
below.
A consumer interacts with the DRS system 10 using a mobile application 30,
which may also be referred to as an "app", which has been installed on a
mobile
computing device 32. Before the consumer uses the DRS system 10 for the first
time, they must create and set-up a consumer profile within the app 30. This
ensures that the consumer's recycling activities can be tracked and logged
accurately.
The application 30 may communicate with a remote server 40 comprising a
database 42 which stores centralised data for the system and/or performs
functionality of the system as described herein as being performed within the
app. For example, the app may only provide minimal data exchange where the
steps are performed remotely.
When the consumer purchases a drink container 12 which is part of the DRS,
the consumer pays a premium deposit to the retailer in addition to the base
cost
of the drink. When the consumer disposes of the drinks container 12 at a
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suitable collection point 16 the consumer receives their deposit back. This
can
be credited to an account associated with the consumer.
The app 30 therefore also acts as an online wallet within the DRS system 10
5 which can be used to keep track of a consumer's purchases of drinks
containers,
any associated deposits made at the time of payment, and process deposit
refunds accordingly.
In order to verify that a consumer is eligible to receive the refund of the
deposit
10 to the consumer the following process is carried out.
The first step is for the consumer to locate a suitable collection point 16 at
which
they can deposit their empty drinks container 12.The collection point 16
typically
takes the form of a recycling bin 26 able to receive containers 12.
When the consumer is positioned next to a recycling bin 26, the consumer opens
the app 30 on their mobile device 32 and signs into their profile. The app 30
registers that the consumer is positioned next to a recycling bin 26 that
forms
part of the DRS system 10, rather than next to any bin, and identifies the
particular recycling bin 26 that the consumer is located next to. This is done
using the tag 28 attached to the recycling bin 26.
The tag 28 is configured to emit a short range communication signal which can
be received and read by a suitable receiving device, for example a mobile
computing device 32. The tag 28 therefore acts as a form of transmitter. The
emitted signal is used to distinguish one recycling bin 26 from another
recycling
bin 26. The signal emitted by the tag 28 on each recycling bin 26 is therefore
unique to each recycling bin 26. In addition to identifying the recycling bin
26, the
signal may include information about the location of the recycling bin 26 and
the
retailer or recycling company which may own the recycling bin 26. Unless the
mobile computing device 32 is within close proximity of the tag 28, the tag 28
cannot be recognised, providing validation that the mobile device 32 is in the
location of the recycling bin 26.
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The mobile computing device may also determine its current location using a
GNSS measurement such as GPS. Thus the current location of the recycling
bin can be inferred as the proximity of the bin to the smartphone is inferred.
The
location of the recycling bin 26 (from the phone location) is validated
against
centrally stored data, including the locations of all the recycling bins 26
that are
part of the verification system. Containers 12 will only be able to be scanned
if
they are within a certain proximity of the validated recycling bin 26,
preventing
someone from scanning the recycling bin 26 outside a retailer and then going
inside the retailer and scanning a container 12 on a shelf inside.
The tag 28 can use any suitable wireless communication protocol for example,
NFC, Bluetoothe, Bluetooth Low Energy or VViFie. Typically the tag 28 is a
passive NFC tag. The mobile computing device 32 therefore transmits an initial
signal to the tag 28 and then subsequently receives a signal back from the tag
28. The tag may, alternatively, be an RFID tag. In some cases, the tag 28 is
not
a transmitter as it does not emit a signal. In this case, the tag 28 may be in
the
form of a barcode which can be scanned by a mobile computing device 32 in
order to identify the recycling bin 26 and confirm proximity. As the recycling
bin
26 will, in general, be in a fixed location, it is possible to store this
predetermined
location of the recycling bin 26 in the tag 28, which is then able to
communicate
this information to the mobile device 32.
If the recycling bin 28 is likely to be moved around between several
locations,
the tag 28 can include a GPS tracker which is able to receive the location of
the
recycling bin 26 at any given time from a satellite. The GPS tracker can then
communicate the position information to the tag 28, which can then transmit
the
position as well as the unique identification of the recycling bin 26 to the
app 30.
The tag 28 therefore transmits recycling bin identification information
contained
within the tag 28, via the emitted signal, to the mobile device 32. Since, in
general, the recycling bin 26 will always be in the same location, the
identification information of the recycling bin 26 will automatically be
associated
with a particular location. If, on the other hand, the recycling bin
additionally
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comprises a GPS tracker, location information is also sent to the app 30 along
with the identification information.
Once the consumer has used the app 30 on their mobile device 32 to either
receive a signal from the recycling bin tag 28 or scan a code on the recycling
bin
28, the app 30 confirms that the consumer is located next to a recycling bin
26
that is part of the DRS system 10 and makes a note of the particular bin 26
that
the consumer is next to.
The consumer then uses the app 30 to scan the unique identification code 18 on
the drinks container 12. If the consumer is returning more than one drinks
container 12 in one visit, the consumer scans all the codes 18 on all the
containers 12 that the consumer is planning on returning.
Once all the codes 18 have been logged by the app 30, the app 30 confirms
whether or not the container 12 associated with each code 18 is valid. A valid
container 12 is one whose code 18 has not previously been scanned by any app
30 by any consumer that has signed up to the DRS system 10. An invalid
container 12 is one whose code 18 has already been logged by an app 30
indicating that that code 18 has already been used to claim a deposit. This
code
18 cannot be used again and so even if the consumer proceeds to recycle the
invalid container 12 they will not receive a deposit for that container 12.
Preferably, the code 18 on the container 12 is validated as each container 12
is
scanned in real time. However, in some examples, continuous scanning of all
the containers 12 may take place first and then all the codes 18 of all the
scanned containers 12 are validated once the scanning has been complete.
Once the app 30 has confirmed the validity, or invalidity, of all the
containers 12
scanned by the consumer, each valid container 12 is marked in the app 30 as
being associated with the recycling bin 28 at which the consumer has chosen.
This allows the app 30, and any interested third parties, to keep track of
which
containers 12 have been deposited in which recycling bins 26. Associating each
valid container 12 with a particular recycling bin 26 prevents that particular
container 12 from being associated with a different recycling bin 26 at a
later
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point in time. This would occur if someone fraudulently tried to deposit the
same
container 12 in more than one collection point 16 so as to claim multiple
rewards
for recycling the same container 12. The use of unique codes 18 on each
container 12 helps ensure that this type of fraud cannot occur.
Thus, associating each container 12 with a particular collection point 16,
such as
a particular recycling bin 26, prevents one container 12 from being deposited
at
more than one collection point 16. This is because the app 30 will already
have
registered the container 12 as being entered into the system with its
corresponding first collection point location and will not accept a second
collection point for the same container 12.
The app 30 checks whether the consumer and the recycling bin 26 are
sufficiently close together or otherwise proximal such that it can be assumed
that
the consumer will subsequently place the container 12 in question into the
recycling bin 26 in question. The app 30 therefore carries out a proximity
check
on the consumer and the recycling bin 26. The proximity check may be
performed by receipt of the short range communication signal since a signal
may
only be received when in proximity as it has a fixed propagation.
Similarly, if the tag is a passive NFC tag, only a short range of the
transmission
from the mobile computing device will enable the tag to communicate its stored
data to the mobile computing device.
In other more complicated examples, time of arrival information may be used.
The distance between the consumer and the recycling bin 26 can be determined
using the time it takes for signal emitted by the tag 28 to reach the mobile
device
32. If the calculated distance between the consumer and the recycling bin 26
is
within a certain limit, it is determined that the consumer is sufficiently
close to the
recycling bin 26.
As the app 30 has also received the identification information associated with
the
container 12, if the consumer is sufficiently close to the recycling bin 26 it
follows
that the container is also sufficiently close to the recycling bin 26 because
the
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consumer has scanned the container whilst within an acceptable relative
distance or proximity threshold of the recycling bin 26.
The proximity check is important because it prevents the consumer from
scanning a container 12 at one location and receiving identification
information
from a recycling bin 26 at a different location, which could increase the
likelihood
of fraudulently recycling containers 12 at more than one location point, or
indeed
not recycling the container 12 at all. The proximity check ensures that the
consumer is next to a recycling bin 26 with a container 12 to be recycled and
so
helps ensure that the steps of identifying the recycling bin 26 and the
container
12 are carried out at the same time and location. Additionally, the proximity
check ensures that containers 12 that have not yet been purchased cannot be
scanned and so no deposit or reward can be fraudulently credited to the
consumer.
Once the association process and proximity checks have been carried out, the
consumer receives an indication from the app 30 that the preliminary checks
have been successfully completed. The consumer then places the containers 12
into the recycling bin 26 for recycling. In some cases, once all the
containers 12
have been deposited into the recycling bin 26, the consumer confirms with the
app 30 that no more deposits are to be made. However, in other cases the app
will automatically log the consumer out based on a period of inactivity or the
consumer moving sufficient far away from the collection point 16 that they are
deemed to be not recycling.
In some implementations, the recycling bin 26 is fitted with a gate that is
controlled by the app 30. When the app 30 has confirmed that the container 12
is valid, the app 30 sends a signal to the gate to activate and open the gate.
The
consumer can then deposit the scanned container 12 into the recycling bin 26.
If
the app 30 determines that the container is not valid, the gate is not
activated
and the consumer is not able to recycle the invalid container 12. This
prevents
the recycling bin 26 from becoming contaminated with foreign objects which are
not intended to be recycled, for example general rubbish.
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The app 30 then calculates the values of the containers 12 that have been
returned and processes the transaction. The consumer's account can then be
credited either by refunding their deposit into their account, by receiving
reward
points which can be credited towards future purchases, or receiving vouchers
5 which can be spent in particular retailers.
Once the transaction has been completed, the consumer can sign out of their
account. Alternatively, the app 30 may automatically sign the consumer out
after
a certain period of inactivity has been registered. At any point in the
future, the
10 consumer may be able to log into their account and review a summary of
their
recycling history or redeem points and/or vouchers that the consumer has
collected.
Although the steps of identifying the recycling bin 26 using the tag 28 and
15 validating the container 12 using the unique identification code 18 have
been
described as separate steps, in practice they may be carried out at the same
time. For example, while the consumer is scanning the unique identification
code
18 on the container 12, the app 30 may pick up a signal emitted from the tag
28
on the recycling bin 26 to identify the recycling bin 26 and implicitly
determine
20 proximity.
In some implementations, the recycling bins 26 are in wireless communication
with a remote server. The recycling bins 26 may send a signal, for example via
the tag 28 on the recycling bin 26, to the server when the recycling bin 26 is
full.
A processing company can then automatically schedule a recycling truck to the
collection point 16 and empty all the recycling bins 26 at that collection
point 16
which are full.
In some cases, the recycling bins 26 are fitted with crushers to crush the
empty
drinks containers 12 to increase the number of containers 12 which can be
recycled at any given recycling bin 26.
In order to avoid the need for the consumer to scan all the unique
identification
codes 18 on all the containers 12, which may take some time, the scanning of
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the unique identification code 18 may be done by the collection point 16, for
example by a scanning or imaging device located on the recycling bin 26.
In this case, as before, the consumer locates a suitable collection point 16,
for
example a recycling bin 26, at which they can deposit their empty drinks
container 12.
When the consumer is positioned next to the recycling bin 26, the consumer
optionally opens the app 30 on their mobile device 32 and signs into their
profile.
The app 30 registers that the consumer is positioned next to a recycling bin
26
that forms part of the DRS system 10, rather than next to any bin, and
identifies
the particular recycling bin 26 that the consumer is located next to. Again,
this is
done using the tag 28 attached to the recycling bin 26. This can be carried
out
by the consumer holding their mobile device 32 near the tag 28 on the
recycling
bin 28 or physically placing the mobile device 32 on a specific target point
on the
recycling bin 28. The specific target point may correspond to the position of
the
tag 28 if the tag 28 is attached to the outside of the recycling bin 26.
Alternatively, the specific target point could be marked on the outside of the
recycling bin and be positioned above the tag 28 which is located within the
recycling bin 26.
Similarly, the mobile computing device 32 may be passive and communicates
identification information to the recycling bin 26 which processes the
transaction
in communication with a remote server.
As before, the tag 28 uses any suitable wireless communication protocol to
communication with the app 30 on the mobile device 32. The consumer
therefore uses the app 30 on their mobile device 32 to receive a signal from
the
recycling bin tag 28 and the app 30 confirms that the consumer is located next
to
a recycling bin 26 that is part of the DRS system 10. The app 30 can then make
a record of the particular recycling bin 26 that the consumer is next to.
Whilst the app is in wireless communication with the recycling bin 28, the
consumer brings the container 12 to be recycled into close proximity with the
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scanning or imaging device. In this case, the unique identification code 18 on
the
container is also is the form of a tag which can transmit a short range
signal. The
signal transmitted by the unique identification code 18 uniquely identifies
the
container 12 to the recycling bin 28. The signal is received by the scanning
or
imaging device and subsequently transmitted to the tag 28 on the recycling bin
26, the tag 28 acting as a transceiver, and then both the identification of
the
recycling bin 28 and the container 12 are sent to the app 30 via the tag 28.
The container 12 which is to be recycled is therefore associated with the
particular recycling bin 28 at which the consumer is located. This prevents
the
consumer from scanning the unique identification code 18 on the container 12
and then not recycling the container 12
In all the examples described above, if the location of the collection point
16 is
fixed, the mobile device 32 can be verified as being in close proximity of the
collection point 16 (such as a recycling bin 26) through geolocation. This can
be
performed either through reporting to a central server by the app 30 or by the
app 30 itself determining a current GPS location of the mobile device 32 and
comparing that location to the fixed location of the collection point 16.
The verification process is then carried out as before. If both the recycling
bin 28
and the container 12 are valid, the consumer's account is credited and the
container 12 is recycled. Thus, the account is only credited if the consumer
is
located next to a valid recycling bin 28 with a valid container 12 which can
be
recycled.
As not all consumers have access to mobile computing devices, it is important
that the DRS system 10 can still be used by consumers without requiring the
need for a mobile device. In this implementation, the DRS system 10 functions
as an over-the-counter system rather than as the self-service system described
above. Using the over-the-counter system rather than the self-service system
requires the consumer to recycle containers 12 at a branch of a participating
retailer. It is important is that the consumer can be verified as recycling
the
container 12 by proximity.
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To use the over-the-counter system, employees of the retailer may use the same
app 30 described previously that is used by the consumers of the self-service
system. This allows a single app 30 to be developed which can be used by a
wide variety of consumers and is compatible with multiple different system.
Alternatively, in other implementations, the app used by the employees may be
slightly different to the app 30 used in the self-service system. For example,
the
app 30 may include additional functionality which is specific to a particular
retailer such as promotions and offers.
When the consumer returns to the retailer to recycle their empty containers
12,
the employee scans the identifiers 14 on all the containers 12 that the
consumer
is returning in that particular visit. As before, when the identifier 14 of
each
container 12 is scanned, the app 30 verifies whether the container 12 is
genuine
or not by determining whether or not the particular identifier 14 has been
scanned previously or not. Once the validity check has been performed, each
valid container 12 is associated with the location of the retailer as before.
Thus,
each container 12 will be registered by the app 30 as being deposited at a
particular retailer.
As the location of the retailer will not change, the fact that an employee has
scanned the container 12 and this scanning action will be automatically
associated with the location of the retailer confirms that the consumer is
sufficiently close to the recycling point 16. Thus, a specific proximity check
does
not need to be performed because the proximity check is automatically carried
out by virtue of the fact that the employee must be located at the recycling
point
16 and, by extension, the consumer and container 12 must also be located at
that same recycling point 16.
The employee then receives confirmation that the container 12 is genuine and
deposits the container 12 in a collection point 16. Once all valid deposits
have
been made the consumers account can be credited, as before. Alternatively, the
employee may directly give the consumer the refund as cash. If the employee
receives an indication that the container 12 is not valid, he may either
return the
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container 12 to the consumer or recycle the container 12 anyway but no refund
is issued for that container 12.
Once the container 12 has been successfully deposited, in both the self-
service
system and the over-the-counter system, an external recycling company is
responsible for processing the containers 12. In some optional implementations
when the recycling company receives the containers 12 (or the collection
points
or contents thereof in bulk) the recycling company can mark the containers 12
as
having been successfully received at the recycling centre. This could be done
through the app 30 and the recycling company can indicate to a central server
that the container 12 has been received. A consumer's account can then be
updated to indicate that the recycling process for a particular container 12
that
the consumer has deposited has been successfully completed. Thus the
consumer receives confirmation that their containers 12 have been collected
and
processed by the recycling company.
In some optional implementations, the consumer will only receive their reward
once this final confirmation has been sent to their account. The final
confirmation
step therefore acts as a final fraud-preventing barrier as the consumer only
receives their reward for recycling once it has been confirmed that the
container
12 which they intended to recycle did in fact get recycled. This reduces the
chance of the consumer depositing containers 12 into collection points 16 that
are not valid or from trying to recycle invalid containers 12 at valid
collection
points. Thus, the optional verification system provides a closed loop checking
system to help prevent individuals from fraudulently claiming rewards which
they
are not eligible for.
Containers 12 which are found to be in an unapproved recycling bin or a found
littering the streets, in other words, those not correctly deposited, will be
able to
be associated with the consumer who claimed back the deposit or reward. It
will
therefore be possible to determine which consumers are not complying with the
recycling scheme. In this case, the reward or deposit initially credited to
that user
could be withdrawn or withheld, in order to encourage compliance.
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In order to provide an additional and optional audit step, should it be
desired, the
recycling centre may include an optional identification system which is able
to
identify both the recycling bin 26 and the containers 12 within the recycling
bin
26 arriving at the recycling centre. The identification of the containers 12
and
5 recycling bins 26 may be carried out using the unique identifiers 14 on
the
containers 12 and the tag 28 on the recycling bins 26.
Typically an identification system as used with the system herein will be a
scanning system which is able to scan the identifier 14 on the container 12.
The
10 identification system also includes a receiver which is able to receive
the emitted
signal from the tag 28 and read the identification information contained
within the
tag 28.
Once the identification system has retrieved the identification information of
both
15 the container 12 and the recycling bin 26 in which it was deposited, the
identification system associates the container 12 with the recycling bin 26.
The
identification system is preferably in data communication with a server so
that
once the association between the container 12 and the recycling bin 26 has
been made, this association can be communicated to the app 30.
In an optional implementation proposed in addition to the concepts described
above, the system may check if the association made initially at the time of
deposition by the consumer matches the association made by an identification
system at the recycling centre. If the associations match, then it may be
inferred
that the container 12 has been has been received at the recycling centre and
successfully processed, completing the recycling process. The system may
optionally then release the refund or reward to the consumer. If the
associations
do not match, the app 30 may inform the user and no refund or reward may be
issued.
In both the self-service implementation and the over-the-counter
implementation,
the app 30 may be connected to with communication with an online database,
for example a cloud-based database. The database may include details of all
the
containers 12 and their associated identifiers 14 that form part of the DRS
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system 10. When the app 30 scans the identifier 14 on the container 12, the
database may be updated to indicate that that particular identifier 14 and
container 12 has been processed for a first time. When a consumer tries to use
the same identifier 14 for a second time, the database communicates to the app
30 that the identifier 14 has already been processed once and is not available
for
processing a further time. The app 30 can then inform the consumer that the
container 12 is not valid and reject the identifier 14.
In addition, the database provides a convenient way of storing all the
information
about the container 12 of the DRS system 10 in one place that can be accessed
by all apps 30 in the DRS system 10. This ensures that if different consumers
try
to use the same identifier 14, only the first consumer using that identifier
14 can
claim the reward while the second consumer will be informed that the
identifier
14 is no longer valid. The database therefore further increases the security
of the
overall DRS system 10 as all consumers have access to the most recent, update
information regarding their containers.
The database can also be used to provide recycling companies with information
about recycling patterns in particular areas or in relation to particular
types of
products, for example plastic versus glass containers. This information can
subsequently be used by recycling companies to ensure that the DRS system is
running efficiently. For example, more collection points 16 can be placed in
areas where recycling rates are particularly high.
In some implementations, blockchain may be used to track the attribution of
value in the DRS system 10. A system for attributing value using blockchain is
described in United Kingdom patent application GB1810209.5 by the same
applicant which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In this
case
both the initial deposit paid during the purchase and the refund are logged
and
checked by the blockchain to ensure that the refund is associated with the
correct initial deposit and purchase. This helps prevent individuals
fraudulently
claiming refunds when they have not made an initial purchase or trying to
claim
a greater refund than is justified by the initial purchase.
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Instead of recycling bins 26 being located remotely, either at a centralised
collection point or within a retailer, a suitable recycling bin 26 can be
installed in
or at the home of the consumer. This allows consumers to quickly and easily
recycle their containers 12 at home, without the need to travel anywhere
specific
in order to recycle the container 12. The at-home system operates in the same
way as describe above in that the recycling bin 26 comprises a tag 28 which is
scanned and associated with the particular container 12 being recycled in
order
that the consumer's account can be credited either once the deposit has been
made to the recycling centre or upon scanning of the container 12 within
suitable
proximity of the collection point 16.
In conclusion, the present invention provides a recyclable container
verification
method which can be carried out on a processor, as will be summarised with
reference to Figure 3. The first step is for the processor to retrieve S101
container identification information from the container 12. The processor then
retrieves S102 collection identification information from a collection point
16, the
collection identification information identifying a particular collection
point 16 for
receiving containers 12 which are to be recycled. Once the identification
information has been retrieved, the processor identifies S103 whether a
relative
location of the container 12 and the collection point 16 is with a proximity
threshold. A database is then accessed S104 which includes container
identification information for multiple containers 12 and collection
identification
information for multiple collection points 16. A comparison S105 is then
performed by the processor to see whether the retrieved container
identification
information and the retrieved collection identification information match the
entries within the database. If both the retrieved container identification
information and the retrieved collection identification information are found
in the
database, the processor outputs S106 an entry into the database which
associates the container 12 with the collection point 16 if the relative
location is
within the proximity threshold. A container 12 is then deemed recycled only
when a notification is received in proximity of a suitable collection point
16.
The above described verification and validation system encourages consumers
to recycle their single use containers without introducing, or increasing, the
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likelihood of fraud into the recycling system through, for example,
dishonourable
eligibility claims of consumers to various refund or rewards schemes.
The verification and validation system achieves this through a single use
identification code associated with each container. Once the code has been
registered as used for a first time, it is no longer possible to use the same
code
again. This reduces the chance of the same container being recycled and
claiming the reward more than once.
In addition, the verification and validation system increases the chance of
the
container actually being recycled rather than being scanned and then just
thrown
away. This is achieved through a combination of the association process, which
links a container to a particular collection or recycling point and the
proximity
check, which checks that the container is in close proximity with the
recycling
point. The risk that containers that are not deposited correctly can also
advantageously be traced back to the relevant consumer.
