INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM

Abstract

 The present invention highly accurately predicts a time until next introduction of waste into a waste hopper. The information processing device (1) includes: a measured value obtaining section (11) configured to obtain a measured value of a waste height at predetermined time intervals; and a predicted pattern information generating section (12) configured to generate predicted pattern information which indicates over-time changes in the waste height until next introduction of waste into the waste hopper, the predicted pattern information generating section (12) generating the predicted pattern information on the basis of (i) a measured value obtained during a period from introduction of waste into the waste hopper to the next introduction of the waste and (ii) a past pattern of over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, an information processing device for predicting over-time changes in the amount of waste introduced into a waste hopper provided in a waste incineration plant.

Background Art

[0002] In general, a waste incineration plant includes: (i) a waste pit for temporarily storing waste brought by a garbage truck; (ii) a waste hopper into which the waste in the waste pit is periodically introduced; and (iii) an incinerator for incinerating the waste introduced into the waste hopper. The waste in the waste pit is mixed with use of a crane and then introduced into the waste hopper to be incinerated by the incinerator.

[0003] The waste in the waste hopper is fed into the incinerator in predetermined amounts to be incinerated, and is therefore gradually reduced. In order to uninterruptedly and stably supply waste to be incinerated in the incinerator, the waste needs to be introduced into the waste hopper before waste shortage occurs. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a method of controlling a crane, including (i) calculating time at which to introduce waste next and (ii) providing the crane with a command to introduce the waste. The time at which to introduce the waste next is calculated on the basis of (A) the level (i.e., waste height) to which the waste was introduced into the hopper by the crane, (B) the weight of the waste introduced, and/or (C) the waste feeding rate of a waste feeding device which sends the waste from the hopper into the incinerator.

Citation List

[Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Literature 1]
Japanese Patent Application Publication Tokukaihei No. 10-311519 (Publication date: November 24, 1998)

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0005] According to the method disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a time, in which the waste height in the waste hopper to fall from the upper limit level to the lower limit level, is estimated by using linear approximations on the basis of the waste feeding rate. However, the time required for incineration changes in a complex manner depending on, for example, the characteristics of the waste introduced into the waste hopper. Therefore, an error occurs in this calculation method. If an error is contained in the time of the next waste introduction, a greater amount of waste needs be introduced into the waste hopper than required so that the waste will not be insufficient.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above described problem, and an object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide an information processing device or the like capable of highly accurately predicting over-time changes in the waste height in a waste hopper.

Solution to Problem

[0007] In order to attain the object, an information processing device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is an information processing device configured to predict over-time changes in a waste height of waste in a waste hopper, including: a measured value obtaining section configured to obtain a measured value of the waste height at predetermined time intervals; and a predicted pattern information generating section configured to generate predicted pattern information on the basis of (i) a measured value obtained during a period from introduction of waste into the waste hopper to next introduction of waste thereinto and (ii) a past pattern of over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper, the predicted pattern information indicating over-time changes in the waste height until the next introduction of the waste.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0008] With an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to highly accurately predict over-time changes in waste height in a waste hopper.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] 

Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view schematically illustrating configurations of a waste pit, a waste hopper, and an incinerator.
(a) of Fig. 3 is an image of an opening of waste hopper and of a surface of waste in the waste hopper, which image is captured by a camera provided above the waste hopper. (b) of Fig. 3 is a view schematically illustrating an example of a waste height measuring band provided in the waste hopper.

Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a pattern of over-time changes in waste height in the waste hopper.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a process carried out by the information processing device.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of generating predicted pattern information.

Fig. 7 is a conceptual view illustrating a process in which (i) measured values of the waste height in the waste hopper are obtained, (ii) predicted pattern information is generated, and then (iii) time, at which the waste height reaches a predetermined level, is calculated on the basis of the predicted pattern information thus generated.

Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an example of a display screen which displays at least one of: (i) predicted pattern information and (ii) predicted time calculated on the basis of the predicted pattern information.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a view illustrating an example of patterns of schedules of crane operations.

Fig. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device in accordance with Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a data structure of a waste characteristic correction coefficient.

Description of Embodiments

Embodiment 1

[0010] The following description will discuss an embodiment of the present invention in detail.

(Schematic configuration of waste incineration plant 100)

[0011] First, a waste incineration plant 100, to which the information processing device 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can be applied, will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a view schematically illustrating configurations of a waste pit 90, a waste hopper 91, and an incinerator 94.

[0012] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the waste incineration plant 100 includes (i) the waste pit 90 that temporarily stores waste which is brought by the garbage truck, (ii) the waste hopper 91, and (iii) the incinerator 94. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows, for example, (i) a crane 96, (ii) a camera 92 for capturing, from above, an image of the inside of the waste hopper 91, (iii) a waste height measuring band 93 provided at a position so that an image of the waste height measuring band 93 is captured by the camera, and (iv) a waste feeding device 95 for feeding waste in the waste hopper 91 to the incinerator 94.

[0013] The waste hopper 91 is a container for storing waste to be fed to the incinerator 94. Waste G introduced into the waste hopper 91 is fed, by the waste feeding device 95, through a waste guiding path at the bottom part of the waste hopper 91 to a grate 98 of the incinerator 94, and incinerated in the incinerator 94. After the waste has been introduced into the waste hopper 91, the waste is fed to the incinerator 94 in a plurality of times (e.g., 10 times to 20 times). The amount and height of the waste in the waste hopper 91 therefore show a fluctuation pattern of (i) rapidly increasing when the waste is introduced and then (ii) decreasing over time. The pattern of the over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91 will be described later with concrete examples.

[0014]  The camera 92 and the waste height measuring band 93 are provided for measuring the waste height in the waste hopper 91. An upper end part of the waste height measuring band 93 is fixed to an upper end part of the waste hopper 91 so that the waste height measuring band 93 hangs toward the inner side of the waste hopper 91. The camera 92 is provided at a position so as to be able to capture images of a surface of the waste G in the waste hopper 91 and the waste height measuring band 93. The camera 92 and the waste height measuring band 93 will be described later.

[0015] The crane 96 is used to move and mix the waste G in the waste pit 90 and to introduce the waste G inside the waste pit 90 into the waste hopper 91. The crane 96 includes a bucket 97 suspended with use of a wire. Opening and closing actions of the bucket 97 allow the crane 96 to grab waste in the waste pit 90 and drop the grabbed waste.

[0016] The crane 96 is a crane controlled by a crane control device 4 (not illustrated). The crane 96 includes, for example, the bucket 97 described above and the wire for vertically moving the bucket 97. A command from the crane control device 4 controls the crane 96 to (i) move along a rail provided above the waste pit 90 and the waste hopper 91 and (ii) carry out a commanded operation. For example, when a command to mix the waste G in the waste pit 90 is given, the crane 96 lowers the bucket 97 to an instructed position in the waste pit 90 at which to grab the waste, and grabs the waste at the position. Then, the crane 96 moves the bucket 97 to an instructed position at which the waste is to be released, and the crane 96 opens the bucket 97 at the indicated position to carry out mixing. That is, an operation of mixing the waste is an operation to grab and drop the waste. In addition, when a command is given to introduce the waste inside the waste pit 90 into the waste hopper 91, the crane 96 then (i) grabs the sufficiently mixed waste G in the waste pit 90, (ii) moves the bucket 97 to the position above the waste hopper 91, and (iii) drops the grabbed waste G into the waste hopper 91.

(Camera 92 and waste height measuring band 93)

[0017] The camera 92 and the waste height measuring band 93 provided for measuring the waste height in the waste hopper 91 will be described next with reference to Fig. 3. (a) of Fig. 3 is a waste hopper image of an opening of the waste hopper 91 and of the surface of the waste G in the waste hopper 91, which waste hopper image is captured by the camera 92 provided above the waste hopper.

[0018] The camera 92 is, for example, a CCD camera. While the waste incineration plant 100 is operating, the camera 92 captures waste hopper images as illustrated in (a) of Fig. 3. A waste hopper image is transmitted from the camera 92 to the waste height measuring device 2 (not illustrated). The waste height measuring device 2 measures the waste height at a time point of capturing the waste hopper image by, through analysis of the captured image, calculating the length of a part of the waste height measuring band 93, which part is exposed above the surface of the waste in the image received.

[0019] The waste height measuring band 93 can be configured to have, for example, a scale indicating distances from the lowest portion (bottom part) of the waste hopper 91. (b) of Fig. 3 is a view schematically illustrating an example of the waste height measuring band 93 provided in the waste hopper 91. For example, the waste height measuring band 93 can have horizontal lines at positions corresponding to predetermined waste height levels (L1 to L3). A distance between the waste height level (one of L1 to L3) and the current waste height can be measured on the basis of, for example, (i) which of these lines is exposed at an upper surface of the waste G and (ii) a distance between the exposed line and the surface of the waste. For example, (a) of Fig. 3 shows that the lines of the waste height level L1 and L2 are exposed, and the line of the waste height level L3 is not exposed because the line of the waste height level L3 is buried in the waste G.

[0020] Note that if three levels, L1 to L3, are to be set as predetermined waste height levels, for example, a reintroduction possible level L1, an introduction command level L2, and a waste insufficiency level L3 can be set, respectively. Note also that more than three levels can be set as predetermined waste height levels.

[0021] Note that the reintroduction possible level L1 is a level (waste height) at which waste does not overflow from the waste hopper 91 even if the waste is introduced into the waste hopper 91. Ordinarily, at this stage, no waste is to be introduced, and the operation of moving and mixing the waste in the waste pit 90 is prioritized.

[0022] The introduction command level L2 is a level (waste height) at which a next command to introduce waste into the waste hopper 91 is given. When the introduction command level is reached, a command to introduce waste into the waste hopper 91 is given. After a command to introduce waste is given to the crane 96, it takes a certain period of time until the waste is actually introduced into the waste hopper 91. This is because the following actions (1) to (4) are ordinarily necessary: (1) to move the crane 96 to a predetermined position where mixed waste in the waste pit 90 is present, (2) to grab the waste, (3) to move the crane 96 to the position corresponding to the waste hopper 91, and (4) to introduce the waste inside the bucket 97 into the waste hopper 91. The introduction command level L2 is preferably set in view of a time required for the actions (1) to (4).

[0023] The waste insufficiency level L3 is a level (waste height) at which the waste to be sent from the waste hopper 91 to the incinerator 94 becomes insufficient (so-called "waste run-out" state). The incineration plant 100 is operated while the waste height in the waste hopper 91 is regulated so that the waste height does not reach the waste insufficiency level L3.

(Pattern of over-time changes in waste height in waste hopper 91)

[0024] Next, a typical pattern of changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91 over time will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a pattern of the over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91. In Fig. 4, the vertical axis indicates the waste height in the waste hopper 91, and the horizontal axis indicates time.

[0025]  As described earlier, waste G introduced into the waste hopper 91 is fed by the waste feeding device 95 through a waste guiding path at the bottom part of the waste hopper 91 to the grate 98 of the incinerator 94, and incinerated in the incinerator 94. Therefore, as the waste is fed from the inside of the waste hopper 91 to the incinerator 94, the waste height in the waste hopper gradually decreases. When the waste height in the waste hopper 91 decreases to a height between the reintroduction possible level L1 and the waste insufficiency level L3, the next waste introduction is carried out. This causes the waste height in the waste hopper to rapidly rise. In this manner, the waste height in the waste hopper 91 periodically repeats such a fluctuation as rapid increases and gradual decreases. Hereinafter, a period from introduction of waste into the waste hopper 91 to the next introduction of waste, that is, a period in which the waste height gradually decreases after introduction of the waste will be referred to as "cycle".

[0026] A cycle T1 indicates a period from the introduction of waste into the waste hopper 91 until the next introduction of waste. This also applies to a cycle T2 and a cycle T3. A cycle T4 is shown in such a manner as to be divided into (i) the first half (period T4-1) starting at the waste introduction following the period T3 and ending when the waste height is measured three times and (ii) the second half (period T4-2) in which the waste height has not yet been measured.

[0027] In Fig. 4, some of the measured waste heights are indicated by "x" marks, black stars, black circles, and black triangles, and some of the predicted values of the waste heights are indicated by a hollow star, a hollow circle, and a hollow triangle.

[0028] The information processing device 1 predicts over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91 in each cycle. Specifically, in the cycle T4, the information processing device 1 generates predicted pattern information which indicates over-time changes in waste heights in the period T4-2 on the basis of (i) the measured values (the "x" marks in the period T4-1) obtained up to the current time and (ii) the patterns of the over-time changes in waste heights in the waste hopper 91 in the past cycles. As will be described in detail later, the information processing device 1 uses the generated predicted pattern information to predict (i) predicted time t1 at which the waste height will reach the reintroduction possible level L1, (ii) predicted time t2 at which the waste height will reach the introduction command level L2, and (iii) predicted time t3 at which the waste height will reach the waste insufficiency level L3. Hereinafter, a time elapsed from a time point at which one cycle started will be simply referred to as "time".

(Configuration of information processing device 1)

[0029] The configuration of the information processing device 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will be described next with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1.

[0030] The information processing device 1 includes (i) a control section 10 which collectively controls each section of the information processing device 1 and (ii) a storage section 20 which stores various data used by the information processing device 1. The control section 10 includes a measured value obtaining section 11, a predicted pattern information generating section 12, and a period determining section 13. The storage section 20 stores past pattern information 21. The past pattern information 21 is information indicating past patterns of over-time changes in waste heights in the waste hopper 91 of the waste incineration plant 100. The past pattern information 21 includes information indicating the plurality of patterns above. In the example illustrated in (c) of Fig. 7, the waste height, the time, and the probability are normalized.

[0031] The waste height measuring device 2 measures the waste height in the waste hopper 91 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every minute). Specifically, the waste height measuring device 2 carries out the following (1) to (3): (1) to obtain a waste hopper image at predetermined time intervals, (2) to analyze (i) a region corresponding to the waste height measuring band 93 included in the waste hopper image and (ii) a region corresponding to a surface of waste G in the waste hopper 91, and (3) to measure a value of the waste height in the waste hopper 91 at a time point at which the waste hopper image was captured. Note that the method of measuring the waste height is not limited to the method in this example, but can be a method in which, for example, a sensing device such as a distance sensor is used.

[0032] The measured value obtaining section 11 obtains a measured value of the waste height of the waste in the waste hopper 91 at predetermined time intervals. For example, the measured value obtaining section 11 obtains the measured value of the waste height in the waste hopper 91 each time the waste height is measured by the waste height measuring device 2. In addition, the measured value obtaining section 11 sequentially stores the obtained measured values in the storage section 20.

[0033] The predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information. Note that predicted pattern information is information indicating over-time changes obtained on the basis of (i) a measured value obtained during a period from introduction of waste into the waste hopper to next introduction of waste thereinto and (ii) a past pattern of over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91, the predicted pattern information indicating over-time changes in the waste height until the next introduction of the waste. For example, the information can indicate over-time changes in the waste height from a time point at which the measured value was last obtained to a time point at which waste is to be introduced into the waste hopper 91 next. In this example, predicted pattern information is a curve indicating over-time changes in a predicted value of a waste height, which predicted value follows a measured value obtained. However, the predicted pattern information is not limited to this example. For example, the predicted pattern information can be a non-linear function that approximately represents over-time changes in waste height in the future. If the predicted pattern information is an approximate function, any non-linear function can be used. The predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates new predicted pattern information each time waste is introduced into the waste hopper 91.

[0034] With use of the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12, the period determining section 13 determines a waste introduction period from a time point at which the waste height in the waste hopper 91 reaches the reintroduction possible level L1 to a time point at which the waste height reaches a predetermined lower limit. Note that the predetermined lower limit can be, for example, the waste insufficiency level L3. In this case, the waste introduction period is a period in which the waste height in the waste hopper 91 is (i) equal to or less than the reintroduction possible level L1 and (ii) higher than the waste insufficiency level L3. Based on the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12, the period determining section 13 can calculate predicted times t1 to t3 as predicted times at which the waste height in the waste hopper 91 reaches the reintroduction possible level L1, the introduction command level L2, and the waste insufficiency level L3, respectively.

(Overview of process carried out by information processing device 1)

[0035] A flow of the process carried out by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of the process carried out by the information processing device 1.

[0036] Each time the waste height measuring device 2 measures a waste height in the waste hopper 91, the measured value obtaining section 11 obtains a measured value which is a measurement result (Step S1).

[0037] The predicted pattern information generating section 12 then (i) receives the measured values from the measured value obtaining section 11 and (ii) reads out, from the past pattern information 21, a pattern of the past over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91 (Step S2). Then, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information indicating the over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91 from a time point at which the measured value was last obtained to a time point at which the next waste introduction is to be carried out (Step S3). The step S3 will be described later in detail with reference to Fig. 6.

[0038] Next, based on the predicted pattern information generated in the step S3, the period determining section 13 calculates a predicted time at which the waste height in the waste hopper 91 reaches a predetermined level (Step S4). The period determining section 13 can determine the above described waste introduction period.

[0039] The information processing device 1 outputs, to an external device (e.g., the display device 3), at least one of the predicted pattern information and the predicted time (Step S5). The output control in the step S5 can be carried out by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 if the predicted pattern information is to be outputted, and can be carried out by the period determining section 13 if the predicted time is to be outputted. In addition, a block for controlling the output of these pieces of information can be added to the control section 10 so as to carry out the output control in the step S5.

[0040] Next, the measured value obtaining section 11 determines whether or not the next waste has been introduced into the waste hopper 91 (Step S6). Because the crane 96 is driven when the waste is to be introduced, the above determination can be carried out on the basis of whether or not a signal, which indicates that the crane 96 has taken an action to introduce the waste, has been received from the crane control device 4. Note that this determining method is not limited to any particular one. For example, when a change in the waste height measured by the waste height measuring device 2 shifts from decreasing to increasing, it can be determined that the next waste has been introduced.

[0041] If the measured value obtaining section 11 determines in the step S6 that the next waste has not been introduced (NO in the step S6), the process returns to the step S1 to obtain the next measured value. In this case, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information which corresponds to a series of the measured values obtained through adding, by the subsequent processes in the steps S2 and S3, new measured values to the measured values which have been obtained. By thus generating new predicted pattern information on the basis of newly obtained measured values, it is possible to improve prediction accuracy as one cycle progresses.

[0042] If the measured value obtaining section 11 determines in the step S6 that the next waste has been introduced (YES in the step S6), the measured value obtaining section 11 also obtains measured values of the waste height (Step S7). After the step S7, the process proceeds to the step S2. In this case, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information which corresponds to the measured values measured for newly introduced waste by the processes in the steps S2 and S3.

[0043] After completion of one cycle, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 can add, to the past pattern information 21 stored in the storage section 20, predicted pattern information generated by using the measured values obtained in the cycle.

(Generation of predicted pattern information)

[0044] Next, a flow of a process in which predicted pattern information is generated will be described with use of Fig. 6 while reference to Fig. 7 is also made. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of generating predicted pattern information. Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a process in which (i) measured values of the waste height in the waste hopper 91 are obtained, (ii) predicted pattern information is generated, and then (iii) time, at which the waste height reaches a predetermined level, is calculated on the basis of the predicted pattern information thus generated.

[0045] Fig. 6 shows an example of a flow of the process carried out by the predicted pattern information generating section 12. The prediction information generating section 12, which carries out the process illustrated in Fig. 6, obtains a probability distribution of over-time changes in the waste height by statistically analyzing a plurality of past patterns of over-time changes in the waste heights, which over-time changes include those similar to over-time changes in the measured values. Based on this probability distribution, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information.

[0046] First, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 extracts, from the past pattern information 21, a plurality of past patterns of over-time changes in waste heights, which over-time changes include those similar to the over-time changes in the measured values of the waste height in the waste hopper 91 (Step S31). The over-time changes in the measured values of the waste height in the waste hopper 91 are obtained by the measured value obtaining section 11 during a period from a starting time point of one cycle to a prediction starting time point t0. The predicted starting time point t0 means a time point at which the predicted pattern information generating section 12 starts generating predicted pattern information. (a) of Fig. 7 illustrates the over-time changes in the waste heights over the time points at which the measured value obtaining section 11 obtained the measured values P1 to P3. (b) of Fig. 7 illustrates four patterns of over-time changes in waste heights, which (i) have been extracted by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 from the past pattern information 21 and (ii) include those similar to the over-time changes in waste height over the measured values P1 to P3. The past patterns stored in the past pattern information 21 are preferably normalized in terms of waste height and time. This allows the predicted pattern information generating section 12 to extract, from pieces of past pattern information on cycles under various past circumstances, past pattern information on over-time changes similar to tendency of over-time changes in the waste height in the current cycle.

[0047] The predicted pattern information generating section 12 then statistically analyzes the extracted past pattern of the over-time changes in the waste height so as to calculate a probability distribution of the over-time changes in the waste height (Step S32). (c) of Fig. 7 illustrates a probability distribution showing how the waste height will change over time in the future, which probability distribution is calculated by statistically analyzing the extracted pattern of the over-time changes in the waste height in the past.

[0048] Then, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates, as predicted pattern information, a pattern of over-time changes in the waste height, which are most probable in the calculated probability distribution (Step S33). In (d) of Fig. 7, the broken line Z indicates a curve showing over-time changes in the waste height with the highest probability of occurring (i.e., of being measured) in the probability distribution as illustrated in (c) of Fig. 7. Note that this curve is also a velocity approximation curve indicating the most probable rate at which waste is fed from the inside of the waste hopper 91 to the incinerator 94.

[0049] The predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information as indicated with the solid line (corresponding to the broken line Z in (d) of Fig. 7) illustrated in (e) of Fig. 7, and the process proceeds to the step S4 illustrated in Fig. 5. As illustrated in (e) of Fig. 7, predicted time t1 (plotted with the star in the (e) of Fig. 7), at which the waste height will reach the reintroduction possible level L1, can be predicted by using the generated predicted pattern information. Likewise, it is also possible to predict (i) predicted time t2 (plotted with the hollow circle in (e) of Fig. 7) at which the waste height will reach the introduction command level L2 and (ii) predicted time t3 (plotted with the hollow triangle in (e) of Fig. 7) at which the waste height will reach the waste insufficiency level L3.

[0050]  By thus predicting a time until the next waste introduction with high accuracy, it is possible to optimize an operation schedule of the crane 96 during the period until the next introduction of waste into the waste hopper 91. This makes it possible to efficiently carry out an operation such as transferring and mixing the waste in the waste pit 90, and therefore further improves the homogenization of the waste in the waste pit 90. If the homogeneity of the waste introduced into the waste hopper 91 is improved, it is also possible to improve combustion stability of the waste in the incinerator.

<Variations>

[0051] In the above example, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generated predicted pattern information by using a statistical analysis method. However, the method of generating predicted pattern information is not limited to this example. The predicted pattern information generating section 12 can generate predicted pattern information by calculating a predicted value of a waste height to be measured next, through applying a time series estimation technique such as the Kalman filter.

[0052] The predicted pattern information generating section 12 can be configured to obtain a measured value of the waste height at predetermined time intervals from the measured value obtaining section 11 so as to repeatedly calculate a predicted value of the waste height at a time point which is a predetermined time ahead of the current time point. For example, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 can employ the Kalman filter for such a configuration. In such a case, for example, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 can be configured to employ, as a predicted value of the next waste height, data outputted from the Kalman filter in response to inputting of the following (1) and (2) into the Kalman filter: (1) the current waste height observed; and (2) a predicted value calculated a predetermined time earlier. For example, if the predicted value of the waste height a predetermined time after obtaining of the measured value P3 is to be calculated, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 inputs, into the Kalman filter, (i) the measured value P3 and (ii) a predicted value outputted at a time point at which the measured value P2 is observed.

[0053] Alternatively, based on the over-time changes in the measured values (e.g., P1 to P3 of Fig. 7) obtained by the measured value obtaining section 11, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 can estimate the current (at a time point at which, for example, the measured value P3 of Fig. 7 is measured) rate at which waste is being fed from the inside of the waste hopper 91 to the incinerator 94. In this case, with use of the estimated rate, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information by calculating a predicted value corresponding to the waste height to be measured next.

[0054] Furthermore, based on an error between the waste height measured following the measured value P3 of Fig. 7 (e.g., measured value P4) and the predicted value calculated above, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 can re-estimate the rate at which the waste is fed from the inside of the waste hopper 91 to the incinerator 94 at the time point at which the measured value P4 is measured. In this case also, with use of the estimated rate, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information by calculating a predicted value corresponding to the waste height to be measured next.

[0055] Each time a measured value is obtained, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 can thus estimate the current rate at which the waste is being fed from the inside of the waste hopper 91 to the incinerator 94. In this case also, it is possible that, with use of the estimated rate, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 generates predicted pattern information by sequentially calculating, by using the time series estimation technique, a predicted value corresponding to the waste height to be measured next.

[0056] Alternatively, the predicted pattern information generating section 12 can be configured to generate predicted pattern information by using, for example, any of the following methods: regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, AR model (autocorrelation model), ARIMA model (autoregressive integrated moving average model), SARIMA model (seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model), and LSTM (a kind of deep learning).

(Displaying example)

[0057] It is possible that in the step S5 of Fig. 5, at least one of the following is outputted to the display device 3: (i) predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 and (ii) predicted time calculated by the period determining section 13. Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an example of a display screen which displays at least one of: (i) predicted pattern information and (ii) predicted time calculated on the basis of the predicted pattern information.

[0058] The display device 3 illustrated in (a) of Fig. 8 displays the waste hopper image of the opening of the waste hopper 91 and of the surface of the waste G in the waste hopper 91, which waste hopper image is captured by the camera 92 provided above the waste hopper. In the example of (a) of Fig. 8, a display region 31 displays "Time required until re-introduction: 123 seconds". If a time required until re-introduction is possible is to be displayed, the period determining section 13 can (i) calculate predicted time t1 at which the waste height reaches the reintroduction possible level L1 and (ii) calculate, as the required time, a time from the current to the predicted time t1. In the example of (a) of Fig. 8, the display region 31 is located at an upper end part of the display screen. However, the location of the display region 31 is not limited to the upper end part, provided that the visibility of the waste hopper image is secured.

[0059] (b) of Fig. 8 is an example of the display screen showing the over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91. As in this example, the display device 3 can display, for example, (i) measured values of the waste height in the waste hopper 91, (ii) past patterns of the over-time changes in the waste heights, and (iii) predicted pattern information generated. As illustrated in a display region 32 of (b) of Fig. 8, the display screen can display the predicted time t1, the predicted time t2, and the predicted time t3. In the example of (b) of Fig. 8, the display screen displays (i) predicted pattern information generated at a time point 15 minutes after the waste was introduced into the waste hopper 91 and (ii) over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper 91 with respect to the reintroduction possible level.

[0060] In this example, the display screen is displaying (i) measured values at time points (plotted with squares in the (b) of Fig. 8) obtained by the measured value obtaining section 11 around 16 minutes to 18 minutes after the introduction of the waste and (ii) predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 by using hollow circles and a thick solid line. In this example, the display screen is also displaying the following predicted times determined by the period determining section 13 on the basis of the predicted pattern information generated (see the display region 32 in (b) of Fig. 8): the predicted time "27.23 (min)" at which the waste height of the waste in the waste hopper 91 reaches the reintroduction possible level; predicted time "31.28 (min)" at which the waste height reaches the introduction command level; and the predicted time "35.08 (min)" at which the waste height reaches the waste insufficiency level. In the example of (b) of Fig. 8, with use of the solid lines (corresponding to the broken lines in (d) of Fig. 7), the display screen displays a plurality of past patterns of over-time changes in the waste heights, which patterns (i) were used for generating the predicted pattern information and (ii) include over-time changes similar to the over-time changes in the measured values. However, it is not essential to display these pieces of information.

[0061] By causing the display device 3 to thus display at least one of the predicted pattern information and the predicted time determined on the basis of the predicted pattern information, for example, a person monitoring the operation status of the waste incineration plant 100 can be properly notified of information concerning (i) the current state of the waste height in the waste hopper 91 and (ii) time at which waste is to be introduced next.

Embodiment 2

[0062] The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, members which are identical in function to the members described in Embodiment 1 are given respective identical reference signs, and descriptions of those members are not repeated.

(Configuration of information processing device 1a)

[0063] With use of certain information, the information processing device 1a can (i) determine a schedule of an operation to be carried out by the crane 96 and (ii) give a command to the crane control device 4 according to the schedule thus determined. Examples of the certain information encompass: the predicted time t1 at which the waste height in the waste hopper 91 reaches the reintroduction possible level L1; the predicted time t2 at which the waste height reaches the introduction command level L2; and the predicted time t3 at which the waste height reaches the waste insufficiency level L3. With the information processing device 1a having such a configuration, it is possible to automate the control of the crane operation. The information processing device 1a having such a configuration will be described below.

[0064] The configuration of the information processing device 1a will be described here with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0065] A control section 10a of the information processing device 1a includes a measured value obtaining section 11, a predicted pattern information generating section 12, a period determining section 13, a schedule determining section 14, and a command output section 15. In addition to the past pattern information 21, the storage section 20a of the information processing device 1a also stores waste information 22 and operation requiring time data 23.

[0066] The waste information 22 is information including, for example, (i) information concerning the current status of waste (the degree to which a mixing operation and a transfer operation are required) in the present waste pit 90 and (ii) information concerning the characteristics of the waste introduced into the waste hopper 91.

[0067] The operation requiring time data 23 is data concerning time which is reserved for carrying out operations to "mix", "transfer", and "introduce" waste by the crane 96.

[0068] The schedule determining section 14 is configured to (i) determine the next execution time at which waste is to be introduced into the waste hopper 91 during a waste introduction period and (ii) determine the number of times and execution time(s) of an operation to be carried out in the waste pit 90 before the next execution time. For example, reference is made to the waste information 22 and the operation requiring time data 23. Then, if there are a plurality of operations to be carried out by the crane 96 before waste is introduced into the waste hopper 91 next, the schedule determining section 14 determines the types of the operations, the combinations of the operations, and the order of the operations as a crane operation schedule.

[0069] The command output section 15 gives a command to the crane control device 4 so that the action of the crane 96 will be controlled on the basis of the schedule thus determined by the schedule determining section 14.

[0070] It is thus possible that the information processing device 1a determines a schedule of operations to be carried out by the crane 96, and gives a command to the crane control device 4 according to the schedule thus determined. A schedule, in which crane operations are efficiently combined, is determined by the information processing device 1a, and the crane is controlled according to the schedule. This makes it possible to produce efficiency in the operations to be carried out by the crane 96.

(Operation schedule)

[0071] Fig. 10 is a view illustrating an example of patterns of schedules of crane operations as determined by the schedule determining section 14. The patterns 1 to 4 illustrated in Fig. 10 are exemplary patterns of schedules in a case where the following three crane operations are combined: "mixing", "transfer" and "introduction". However, the patterns are not limited to these examples.

[0072] The pattern 1 is a schedule in which only mixing operations to mix waste in the waste pit 90 are repeated (four times in the example illustrated in Fig. 10) before waste is introduced next. For example, if the waste information 22 indicates that there is no waste in the waste pit 90 which has been mixed to such an extent that the waste is suitable for introducing into the waste hopper 91, the schedule determining section 14 can determine such a schedule as the pattern 1.

[0073] The patterns 2 and 3 are schedules in which transfer operations are inserted after or between mixing operations. For example, in a case where mixing operations are to be carried out at two points in the waste pit 90, the order in which the mixing operations and the transfer operations are combined can be changed as appropriate according to how positions at which the transfer operations and the mixing operations are to be carried out are relative to each other.

[0074] The pattern 4 is a schedule in which a transfer operation is inserted a plurality of times in addition to the mixing operation. The schedule determining section 14 can determine such a schedule as the pattern 4 in a case where, for example, the waste information 22 stores information which indicates that the degree to which the waste in the waste pit 90 needs to be moved and transferred is increasing.

[0075] The schedule determining section 14 determines a schedule including a mixing operation to mix the waste in the waste pit 90 during the waste introduction period. This makes it possible to introduce well-mixed waste into the waste hopper 91, and therefore allows the waste, which is to be fed to the incinerator 94 to be incinerated, to be stably incinerated.

Embodiment 3

[0076] The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, members which are identical in function to the members described in Embodiments 1 and 2 are given respective identical reference signs, and descriptions of those members are not repeated.

(Configuration of information processing device 1b)

[0077] Predicted pattern information is generated by analysis of past patterns of over-time changes in waste heights, and may therefore contain an error resulting from differences in characteristics of wastes introduced into the waste hopper 91. Therefore, for the purpose of improving the accuracy of the predicted pattern information, a configuration can be employed so as to correct the predicted pattern information in view of the characteristics of wastes introduced into the waste hopper 91. An information processing device 1b thus configured will be described below.

[0078] Depending on the characteristics of waste introduced into the waste hopper 91, a period of time required to incinerate the waste in the incinerator 94 varies. For example, in a case of heavy and wet waste, it tends to take a longer period of time to incinerate the waste than in the case of light and dried waste. Therefore, the information processing device 1b in accordance with Embodiment 3 is equipped with a function of properly correcting predicted pattern information according to the characteristics of the waste introduction into the waste hopper 91.

[0079] The configuration of the information processing device 1b will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device in accordance with Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0080] The control section 10b of the information processing device 1b includes a measured value obtaining section 11, a predicted pattern information generating section 12, and a predicted pattern information correcting section 16. The storage section 20a of the information processing device 1b stores waste characteristic correction coefficient 24 in addition to past pattern information 21.

[0081] From the crane control device 4 which controls the overall action of the crane 96, the predicted pattern information correcting section 16 obtains weight information which indicates the weight of waste which has been introduced into the waste hopper 91. The crane control device 4 can (i) measure the weight of the waste when the waste grabbed in the waste pit 90 is lifted by a bucket 97 and (ii) output, to the predicted pattern information correcting section 16, weight information that is a value concerning an increase from the weight of the bucket 97 when the bucket 97 is empty. Alternatively, the weight information outputted by the crane control device 4 can be a value concerning a difference between weights before and after the output bucket 97 grabbing the waste in the waste pit 90 is opened above the waste hopper 91.

[0082] It should be noted that the volume of waste to be grabbed by opening and closing of the bucket 97 substantially depends on an inner space of the bucket 97 when the bucket 97 is closed. Therefore, the weight indicated by weight information and the specific gravity of waste introduced into the waste hopper 91 are proportional to each other when buckets 97 of an identical size are used. That is, when the weight information indicates heavy waste, it is assumed that the waste is wet and is therefore difficult to incinerate. When the weight information indicates light waste, it is assumed that the waste is dry and is therefore easy to incinerate.

[0083] The predicted pattern information correcting section 16 refers to the waste characteristic correction coefficient 24 as illustrated in Fig. 12, so as to determine a waste characteristic correction coefficient corresponding to the weight indicated by the weight information obtained. Fig. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a data structure of the waste characteristic correction coefficient 24. In the example illustrated in Fig. 12, it is assumed that the weight V is lighter than the weight W.

[0084] For example, if the weight of the waste indicated by the weight information is less than V, the waste introduced into the waste hopper 91 is dry and is therefore easier to incinerate in comparison with the average wastes in the past. In this case, with use of the waste characteristic correction coefficient C1, the predicted pattern information correcting section 16 corrects the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 so that the corrected predicted pattern information shows that (i) the over-time changes in the waste height caused by a feeding operation to feed the waste (which was introduced into the waste hopper 91) to the incinerator 94 are more rapid than those indicated by the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 and (ii) a period of time until the waste height reaches a predetermined waste height level is shorter than that indicated by the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12.

[0085] In contrast, if the weight of the waste indicated by the weight information is more than W, the waste introduced into the waste hopper 91 is wet and is therefore more difficult to incinerate in comparison with the average wastes in the past. In this case, with use of the waste characteristic correction coefficient C3, the predicted pattern information correcting section 16 corrects the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 so that the corrected predicted pattern information shows that (ii) the over-time changes in the waste height caused by a feeding operation to feed the waste (which was introduced into the waste hopper 91) to the incinerator 94 are more gradual than those indicated by the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12 and (ii) a period of time until the waste height reaches a predetermined waste height level is longer than that indicated by the predicted pattern information generated by the predicted pattern information generating section 12.

[0086] Each time waste is introduced into the waste hopper 91, the predicted pattern information is thus corrected in view of the characteristics of the waste introduced. This further improves the accuracy of the predicted pattern information so as to make it possible to precisely predict time at which waste is to be introduced into the waste hopper 91 next.

[Software Implementation Example]

[0087] Control blocks of the information processing devices 1, 1a, and 1b (particularly, the control sections 10, 10a, and 10b) can be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) provided in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like or can be alternatively realized by software.

[0088] In the latter case, the information processing devices 1, 1a, and 1b each include a computer that executes instructions of a program that is software realizing the foregoing functions. The computer, for example, includes at least one processor and at least one computer-readable storage medium in which the program is stored. An object of the present invention can be achieved by the processor of the computer reading and executing the program stored in the storage medium. Examples of the processor encompass a central processing unit (CPU). Examples of the storage medium encompass a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a read only memory (ROM), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, and a programmable logic circuit. The computer may further include a random access memory (RAM) or the like in which the program is loaded. Further, the program may be made available to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network and a broadcast wave) which allows the program to be transmitted. Note that an aspect of the present invention can also be achieved in the form of a computer data signal in which the program is embodied via electronic transmission and which is embedded in a carrier wave.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. The present invention also encompasses, in its technical scope, any embodiment derived by combining technical means disclosed in differing embodiments.

[0090] Aspects of the present invention can also be expressed as follows:
In order to attain the object, an information processing device (1, 1a, 1b) in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is an information processing device configured to predict over-time changes in a waste height of waste in a waste hopper, including: a measured value obtaining section (11) configured to obtain a measured value of the waste height at predetermined time intervals; and a predicted pattern information generating section (12) configured to generate predicted pattern information on the basis of (i) a measured value obtained during a period from introduction of waste into the waste hopper to next introduction of waste thereinto and (ii) a past pattern of over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper, the predicted pattern information indicating over-time changes in the waste height until the next introduction of the waste.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the predicted pattern information indicating the over-time changes in the waste height until the next introduction of waste is generated on the basis of (i) measured values obtained during a period from the introduction of the waste into the waste hopper to the next introduction of waste and (ii) a pattern of over-time changes in waste height in the past. The predicted pattern information thus generated reflects both the measured values and past pattern. Therefore, by using the predicted pattern information, it is possible to highly accurately predict the over-time changes in waste height even if the over-time changes in the waste height shows various patterns.

[0092] The information processing device can be configured so that the predicted pattern information generating section is configured to (i) obtain a probability distribution of the over-time changes in the waste height on the basis of a plurality of past patterns of over-time changes in waste heights and (ii) generate the predicted pattern information on the basis of the probability distribution.

[0093] According to the above configuration, the predicted pattern information is generated on the basis of the probability distribution of the over-time changes in the waste height with use of a plurality of patterns of the over-time changes in waste heights in the past. This makes it possible to further accurately predict over-time changes in waste height.

[0094] The information processing device can further include: a period determining section (13) configured to determine, with use of the predicted pattern information, a waste introduction period until a time point at which the waste height in the waste hopper reaches a predetermined lower limit; and a schedule determining section (14) configured to determine (i) the number of times an operation is to be carried out in the waste pit during the waste introduction period and (ii) one or more time points at which the operation is to be carried out, the operation including a mixing operation to mix the waste in the waste pit.

[0095] With the above configuration, it is possible to feed the mixed waste to an incinerator to incinerate the waste. This makes it possible to stably incinerate waste.

[0096]  The information processing device can be configured to correct the predicted pattern information so that over-time changes in the waste height become more gradual when waste of a heavier weight is introduced into the waste hopper.

[0097] A heavier weight of waste introduced into the waste hopper tends to cause a longer period of time to be incinerated, so that over-time changes in waste height caused by a feeding operation to feed the waste from the waste hopper to the incinerator tends to be more gradual. With the above configuration, it is possible to properly correct the predicted pattern according to the characteristics of waste introduced into the waste hopper.

[0098] An information processing device in accordance with the foregoing aspects of the present invention can be realized by a computer. In this case, the present invention encompasses: an information processing program for the information processing device which program causes a computer to operate as the foregoing sections (software elements) of the information processing device so that the information processing device can be realized by the computer; and a computer-readable storage medium storing the information processing program therein.

Reference Signs List

[0099] 

1, 1a, 1b Information processing device

11 Measured value obtaining section

12 Predicted pattern information generating section

13 Period determining section

14 Schedule determining section

90 Waste pit

91 Waste hopper

94 Incinerator

Claims

1. An information processing device configured to predict over-time changes in a waste height of waste in a waste hopper, comprising:

a measured value obtaining section configured to obtain a measured value of the waste height at predetermined time intervals; and

a predicted pattern information generating section configured to generate predicted pattern information on the basis of (i) a measured value obtained during a period from introduction of waste into the waste hopper to next introduction of waste thereinto and (ii) a past pattern of over-time changes in the waste height in the waste hopper, the predicted pattern information indicating over-time changes in the waste height until the next introduction of the waste.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein
the predicted pattern information generating section is configured to (i) obtain a probability distribution of the over-time changes in the waste height on the basis of a plurality of past patterns of over-time changes in waste heights and (ii) generate the predicted pattern information on the basis of the probability distribution.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a period determining section configured to determine, with use of the predicted pattern information, a waste introduction period until a time point at which the waste height in the waste hopper reaches a predetermined lower limit; and

a schedule determining section configured to determine (i) the number of times an operation is to be carried out in the waste pit during the waste introduction period and (ii) one or more time points at which the operation is to be carried out,

the operation including a mixing operation to mix the waste in the waste pit.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 through 3, further comprising:
a predicted pattern information correcting section configured to correct the predicted pattern information so that over-time changes in the waste height become more gradual when waste of a heavier weight is introduced into the waste hopper.

5. An information processing program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to claim 1, the program causing the computer to function as each of the measured value obtaining section and the predicted pattern information generating section.

Drawing