Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Smart Plastic Container Recycling System |
Jason Wright Jennifer Chen Smruthi Srinivasan |
Jeff Chang | design_document2.pdf final_paper1.pdf photo1.jpg photo2.jpg presentation1.pdf proposal2.pdf video |
|
| # Smart Plastic Container Recycling System Team Members: - Jennifer Chen (jc46) - Smruthi Srinivasan (smruthi2) - Jason Wright (jasonlw2) # Problem Recycling is growing more and more important as we aim to tackle the effects of climate change. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't know how to properly sort and separate their trash from recycling. In fact, estimates show that over 50% of waste ends up in landfills instead of being recycled. While other countries have effectively taught their population how to correctly recycle their items from a young age, the United States lacks education on proper recycling. This leads to contamination of other recyclables, ultimately preventing them from being recycled. We usually think of plastics as recyclable, but depending on the jurisdiction, some plastics may not be able to be recycled and if they are, they run the risk of contaminating all of the other recyclables. # Solution The solution to this problem is a device with an imaging system that can read the symbols printed on plastic containers. The device will be mounted by a recycling container. We would have a camera part of the system that reads the numbers and potentially the letters next to the symbols (https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/plastics-by-the-numbers/) and also a GPS sensor that determines what location we are in. That information will then be utilized to determine if this plastic can be recycled in that area or not using an API. Once the determination has been made, the UI will tell the user if they can recycle the item or not. Some plastics have the number embedded in the recycling sign while others have it printed next to the sign and the system will determine both forms of the symbol. # Solution Components - PCB - Microcontroller (ATmega32u4) - GPS sensor (NEO-6MV2) - Camera (IMX 219 NVIDIA Jetson) ## PCB and Microcontroller The microcontroller will take in the data gathered from the camera to process the symbol listed on the plastic containers. The image processing will be done using open source computer vision and machine learning libraries. The microcontroller will also receive the location data from the GPS subsystem. ## Sorting Actuator This subsystem would consist of a servomotor and a plate to set the disposable item on. Once a decision has been made on if the item is recyclable, the plate can rotate in one of two directions to drop the item into either a trash or recycling bin. Any servo with position feedback would do, such as the FEETECH FS5106B-FB. ## Camera Subsystem This subsystem requires the user to locate the symbol on their plastic container and point it at the camera. The camera will capture the symbol and transmit that image data to the microcontroller. It will be mounted on a counter in or near the kitchen. ## GPS Subsystem The GPS sensor will be located on our custom PCB. It will be used to track the current location and will transmit this data to the microcontroller. ## User Interface The user interface will show if the plastic can be recycled once the location and camera data is received. To make the determination, the location and camera data will be used to make an API call that retrieves information about plastics recycling. The final determination will be displayed on a LCD display next to the camera mount. ## Power Supply As a mounted item, it would make the most sense to use a wall outlet to supply power. Mounted Power Converters could then supply the various DC voltages needed for different components. # Criterion For Success The project is successful if the system is able to identify the symbols on the plastic containers and determine if the item can be recycled in the area. The UI will indicate this information to the user and the sorting system will dispose of the item in the proper bin. 1. Camera detects the plastic being positioned in front of it and system is able to identify the symbol listed on the plastic container 2. GPS location sensor determines the user’s location and pulls the data regarding recycling in that area 3. System correctly determines if container is recyclable or not, accurately conveys that information to the user via the LCD display, and places the container in the proper bin |
|||||