HK1091928A

HK1091928A - Networked waste processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: HK1091928A
Application number: HK06112035.6A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Frederico Wagner; Fabio Zsigmond; Geraldo Luiz Yoshizawa
Original assignee: Ikan Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 2003-02-24
Filing date: 2004-02-24
Publication date: 2007-01-26

Abstract

The present invention is related to methods and systems for waste disposal and replacement of disposed of items. In one embodiment, a waste disposal system includes a waste disposal unit (10) having a processor (400), an item code scanner, and a network interface coupled to the processor. The system further includes a remote processing system configured to be coupled to the waste disposal unit (10) via a network (700), the remote processing system including a database (720) that stores product preferences associated with a user of the waste disposal unit, and instructions configured to receive scanned information from the waste disposal unit for at least a first item, to select at least a first potential substitute item to place the first item based at least in part on the scanned information and the user preference, and to add the potential substitute item to a user order.

Description

Networked waste treatment device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to waste disposal, and more particularly to methods and systems for waste disposal processing and replacement of disposed items.

Background

Due to the increasing expansion of the world's population, the ancient solutions for landfill waste are becoming increasingly unattractive for a number of reasons, including, for example, the availability of limited disposal sites and the resulting environmental pollution. In an effort to help alleviate some of the problems associated with waste, recycling solutions have gained widespread acceptance. While recycling processes function by reducing the overall amount of waste material and more efficiently utilizing natural resources, the collection and sorting of items to be recycled is generally inefficient and expensive.

Another consideration in modern waste disposal is that when an item is discarded it is often replaced. This typically requires a human operator to take steps to ensure that the obsolete item is replaced.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to processing waste items, processing information about waste items, and replacing waste items.

An embodiment of the present invention advantageously uses consumption volume to automatically generate shopping orders and select samples, and facilitates inventory management, waste disposal, and recycling. Embodiments of the present invention may save time, effort and money for consumers.

In an exemplary embodiment, a disposal device scans data stored on discarded item packages. The scanned data is processed and used to generate shopping orders, supply samples, to control inventory and/or to manage waste disposal operations. In particular, an order is automatically generated based at least in part on the scanned data and user preferences. Advantageously, the user may modify the order, delivery date and time. Product samples are also supplied based at least in part on user preferences.

In addition, substantially real-time consumption information enables suppliers to forecast future customer orders, thereby enabling suppliers to more efficiently manage inventory and enabling manufacturers to better plan production. Similarly, substantially real-time disposal information enables operators of waste disposal and reclamation to better plan waste and reclaim collection and processing operations.

An embodiment of a waste disposal system comprises: a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit comprising: a processor; a scanner coupled to the processor, the scanner configured to scan codes related to items deposited in the waste disposal unit; and a network interface coupled to the processor, the network interface configured to send and receive information over a network. The waste disposal system further comprises a remote processing system configured to be coupled to a waste disposal unit via the network, the remote processing system comprising: a database storing product preferences associated with a user of the waste disposal unit; first instructions configured to receive at least one first item of scanned information from a waste disposal unit; second instructions configured to select at least a first potential replacement item to replace the first item based at least in part on the scanned information and user preferences; and third instructions configured to add the potential replacement item to the user order.

An embodiment provides a method of electronically processing user preference information to select alternative products, comprising: receiving identification information of the abandoned items of the user through a network; accessing preference information of a user from a database; and sending a suggestion over the network of a replacement item for the obsolete item based at least on the obsolete item identification information and the preference information, wherein the replacement item differs from the obsolete item in at least one aspect.

Another embodiment provides a method of electronically processing user preference information and selecting alternative products, comprising: receiving, over a network, identification information for an item that is packaged for disposal by a user; accessing preference information of a user from a computer-readable memory; and adding a replacement item to the user order that packages the discarded item based at least on the discarded item identification information and the preference information.

Yet another embodiment provides a method of managing user orders, comprising: receiving a rule defined by a user for specifying an order triggering program (order placement trigger) through a network; storing the user-defined rules in a computer-readable memory; receiving information of the obsolete items of the user through the network; generating an order based at least in part on the waste item information; and ordering according to the order form at least partially in response to the user-defined rule.

An embodiment provides a handling and provisioning system, comprising: a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit comprising: a processor; a scanner coupled to the processor, the scanner configured to scan codes related to items deposited in the waste disposal unit; and a network interface coupled to the processor, the network interface configured to send and receive information over a network; and a remote processing system configured to be coupled to the waste disposal unit via the network. The remote processing system includes: a database storing sample preferences associated with a user of the waste disposal unit, wherein the sample preferences are stored at least in part to select samples to be provided to the user; first instructions configured to receive at least a first item of scanned information from a waste disposal unit; second instructions configured to determine from the received scan information that the first item is a sample; third instructions configured to receive, via the waste disposal unit, indication information regarding whether a user wants to order a substitute for a sample; fourth instructions configured to locate an alternative option for the sample; fifth instructions configured to send the alternative option to the waste disposal unit; and sixth instructions configured to receive an option selected by a user from the waste disposal unit.

Another embodiment provides a method of selectively providing a sample, comprising: receiving user-specified sample preferences from a first user over a network; storing the sample preferences in a user database; receiving, from a networked waste bin, discard information regarding at least a first item package disposed of by a user; and cause delivery of a first sample to the user based at least in part on the sample preferences and the rejection information.

Another embodiment provides a method of selectively providing a sample, comprising: receiving user-specified sample preferences from a first user over a network; storing the preferences in a database; and causing delivery of a first sample to the first user that satisfies the user-specified sample preference.

Another embodiment provides a system for processing and provisioning of handled data, comprising: a database storing sample preferences associated with users of at least a first waste disposal unit; a processing system configured to be coupled at least to the first waste disposal unit via a network, the processing system comprising: first instructions stored in a computer-readable memory configured to receive at least a first item of information from a waste disposal unit; second instructions stored in the computer-readable memory configured to determine from the received scan information that the first item is a sample; and third instructions stored in the computer-readable memory configured to receive, via the waste disposal unit, an indication as to whether a user wants to order a non-sample form of the first item.

An embodiment provides a waste information processing apparatus, including: a discarding unit comprising: a processor; a scanner coupled to the processor, the scanner configured to scan code related to items deposited in the scrap units; a network interface coupled to the processor, the network interface configured to send and receive information over a network; a database storing information about the contents of the obsolete units and user-related profiles of the obsolete units; and a remote processing system configured to be coupled to the abandonment unit via the network, the remote processing system comprising: first instructions stored in a computer-readable memory configured to receive at least a portion of stored information from the database, wherein the received information provides an indication of when to replenish at least a first item; second instructions stored in the computer-readable memory configured to provide at least a portion of the received information to at least a first supplier such that the first supplier can predict inventory demand.

Another embodiment provides a method for providing information that may be used to predict inventory, comprising: receiving, over a network, information regarding the content of at least a first networked obsolete unit and user-related profile information of the first obsolete unit, including at least one of delivery and shipping preferences; and providing at least a portion of the received information to at least a first entity over a network such that the first entity can predict inventory requirements.

Another embodiment provides a method of allocating an order, comprising: receiving order information for orders of a plurality of users over a network, wherein at least a portion of the order information is based on information scanned from disposed items; accessing first pricing information from a computer-accessible memory based, at least in part, on the order information; automatically grouping a portion of the order into a first group based at least on a first characteristic; setting a highest acceptable bid based at least in part on the first pricing information; receiving, over a network, quotes for a first set of orders from a supplier; selecting at least one supplier based on the offer; and ordering the first set of orders with the selected supplier.

Another embodiment provides a device configured to distribute orders, comprising: a network interface configured to couple to a plurality of waste disposal units; a processor coupled to the network interface; first instructions stored in a processor-accessible memory configured to receive content information from the plurality of waste disposal units; second instructions stored in the processor-accessible memory configured to generate a user order based at least in part on the content information; third instructions stored in the processor-accessible memory configured to group a portion of the order into a first set based on at least one first characteristic; fourth instructions stored in the processor-accessible memory configured to process quotes for the first set of orders from the supplier; and fifth instructions, stored in the processor-accessible memory, configured to select at least one supplier based on the offer.

An embodiment provides a waste collection device, comprising: a network interface configured to receive status information of a networked waste disposal unit associated with a first user; a data store containing user rules; first processor-executable instructions configured to read a user-specified waste collection rule from the data store; second processor-executable instructions configured to determine whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied based at least in part on the status information; third processor-executable instructions configured to, if the user-specified waste collection rule is not satisfied, determine again whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied after a predetermined period of time has elapsed; and fourth processor-executable instructions configured to cause a waste collection entity to collect waste if the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied, wherein the waste collection entity is selected based at least in part on the first user preference stored in computer-readable memory.

Another embodiment provides a waste management device comprising: a network interface configured to receive sensor information from a networked waste disposal unit fullness sensor associated with a first user; a data store storing user defined rules and preferences; a waste collection activation system that reads a user-specified waste collection rule of a first user from the data store and determines whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied based at least in part on the sensor information, wherein if the user-specified waste collection rule is not satisfied, the waste collection activation system again determines whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied after a predetermined condition, and if the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied, the waste collection activation system sends an instruction to a waste collection entity to collect waste, wherein the waste collection entity is selected based at least in part on a first user preference accessed from the data store.

Another embodiment provides a method of treating waste, the method comprising: reading user-specified waste collection rules for the first user from a computer-accessible memory; determining whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied based at least in part on a status of a waste unit received over a network; if the user-specified waste collection rules are not satisfied, then after a predetermined condition, determining again whether the user-specified waste collection rules are satisfied; and if the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied, causing a waste collection entity to collect waste, wherein the waste collection entity is selected based at least in part on a first user preference accessed from a computer-readable database.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic waste unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the back of the control panel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the internal components of a control panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

figure 5 is a block diagram of an electronic waste network according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a detailed process of waste disposal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a networked system.

Figures 8A-C illustrate a second exemplary waste disposal facility and ordering system.

Fig. 9A-B illustrate an exemplary scanning, identifying, and ordering process.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary waste and/or recycling process.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary process for selecting a user to receive a sample.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process of collecting and distributing sample feedback information.

FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary sample preference profile.

FIG. 13B illustrates an exemplary coupon processing method.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary pattern rule generation/modification process.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary pattern rule form.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary mode selection form.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary product record.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary pattern application process.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary bidding process.

Detailed Description

Throughout the following description, the term "website" is used to refer to a user accessible network site that implements the basic World Wide Web (World Wide Web) standard for encoding and sending hypertext documents. Currently these standards include HTML (hypertext markup language), HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), Java, and XML. It should be understood that the term "website" is not intended to mean a single geographic location, as a Web or other network site may, for example, include multiple geographically dispersed computer systems suitably linked together. Furthermore, although the following description refers to an embodiment utilizing the Internet and related protocols, other networks and other protocols, such as networked interactive television, may also be used. In addition, unless indicated otherwise, the functions described herein are preferably performed by executable code and instructions running on one or more general purpose computers. However, the invention may also be implemented using a special purpose computer, a state machine and/or hardwired electronic circuits.

As will be described below, in an exemplary embodiment, a disposal unit scans data stored on discarded item packages. The scanned data is processed and used to generate shopping orders, supply samples, to control inventory and/or to manage waste disposal operations. In particular, a shopping order is automatically generated based at least in part on the scanned data and the user preferences. Advantageously, the user may modify the time deadline of the order and delivery schedule. In an embodiment, product samples are also supplied based at least in part on user preferences.

In addition, real-time consumption information enables suppliers to forecast future customer orders, thereby enabling suppliers to more efficiently manage inventory and enabling manufacturers to better plan production. Similarly, real-time disposal information enables operators of waste disposal and recycling to better plan waste and recycling collection and processing operations.

Referring to fig. 1, an electronic waste disposal unit 10 includes a storage area 120, a controllable cover 110 removably attached to cover the storage area 120, and a control panel 100 disposed on top of the controllable cover 110 including one or more sub-covers. Optionally, the cover 110 may be motorized under the control of the CPU400 illustrated in fig. 4. Storage region 120 may take any suitable shape (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, square, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the waste material is deposited by gravity in a suitable container. As illustrated, the controllable cover 110 includes 4 sub-covers for covering four independent openings 112, 113, 114 and 115 of four independent storage tanks 112a, 113a, 114a and 115a, respectively, which correspond to the openings 112, 113, 114 and 115, respectively. In the closed position, the sub-covers work together to provide a temporary holder in which waste items (not shown) to be discarded can be placed. The waste items to be discarded are placed so that a scanning device 140 on the control panel 100 can electronically read a code (e.g., barcode) on the waste item. The waste items are identified and appropriate openings are activated to allow waste items placed on the controllable cover 110 to fall into appropriate storage bins (112a, 113a, 114a, and 115a) in the storage area 120. The storage tanks (112a, 113a, 114a, and 115a) and the storage regions 120 may be constructed of metal and made using known construction methods or may be constructed of a polymer or composite material.

Each of the storage tanks (112a, 113a, 114a and 115a) may contain a removable liner (not shown) to facilitate emptying of the unit 10. The liner may be disposable and be attributed to waste material or it may be a reusable liner that can be emptied into a larger holding location and returned to the unit 10. The liner may be made in different colors to indicate the type of recycled product present therein. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other means for sorting and classifying waste material may be appropriate and considered within the scope of the present disclosure, such as by using a conveyor system to transport waste items identified in the manner disclosed above to storage area 120. Also, while four openings (112, 113, 114, and 115) are shown, more or fewer openings may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The control panel 100 is described with reference to fig. 2-4. As shown, the control panel 100 is configured to facilitate a user interface for operating the waste unit 10. The control panel 100 includes an information display 130 displaying information about waste items discarded according to the present invention. Examples of such displayable information include a detailed description about the item, a cost of replacing the item, a title of the item, an identification code, product advertising, and other information useful to the user. The displayable information may be customized to suit the individual needs of the user. The displayable information may be stored in a database resident within the unit 10 or may be accessed from a remote database using a communications network such as the internet.

Although display 130 is depicted as a visual display, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to use any suitable means for communicating the desired information to the user, such as speech synthesis output devices. Thus, for example, one embodiment of the waste unit 10 includes a control panel interface and/or voice command and output interface as described with respect to the control panel 100, whereby the user can provide verbal instructions to the unit 10 and the unit can provide feedback and information through the use of an audio signal. Display 130 may optionally be a touch screen display via which user input may be provided.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a discard button 125 is used to initiate a control command to scan for waste items. Other methods may be used, such as a pressure activated switch located on the controllable cover 110 automatically starting the scanning process when the waste item is placed on the controllable cover 110. Optionally, a motion or presence sensor circuit may be included in addition to the discard button 125 or in place of the discard button 125. As a person or object approaches or approaches the unit, the scanner is activated and begins to function in response to the sensor detecting the presence of the person or object. Optionally, the user may be required to enter a password before performing the scan to thereby prevent a child or other unauthorized person from using the system.

Other user functions may be incorporated as desired and are representatively illustrated as button 126. Button 126 may be a software programmable button configured by a user to customize unit 10 or it may be a specific functional input such as an override switch. A bar code or RFID scanner 140 is positioned to scan waste items placed on the controllable cover 110 to identify the items by using a machine-scannable code attached thereto. The code may be appended by the manufacturer or it may be applied by the user of the invention. Other electronic identification devices and processes may be used. For example, an optical laser scanner may be used to scan the item packaging and/or label to identify the item. Alternatively or additionally, a magnetically encoded tag may be included on the item scanned by a corresponding magnetic scanner included in the unit.

The control unit 100 may also have various interface components as required by the particular application. In one embodiment, the control unit 100 includes a keyboard port 240, a serial port 230, a telephone line adapter 220, and a network adapter, such as an Ethernet adapter 210. A keyboard (not shown) may be used to enter alphanumeric information such as an entry code or discard instruction into the control unit 100. The keyboard may also be included directly on the control panel 100. The serial port 230 may be used to connect various peripheral devices such as, but not limited to, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a printer, a backup drive, etc. Such devices are known in the art and the present invention allows the user to employ appropriate techniques to interface with the control unit 100 to best suit the user's needs. For example, a tape or solid state backup drive may be inserted into serial port 230 for night time backup of day activities of unit 10 or a user may connect a PDA or personal computer to control unit 100 by using an appropriate interface (i.e., serial port 230 or network adapter 210, etc.) for downloading the contents of unit 10 into the PDA or personal computer.

The waste unit may include other interfaces such as a parallel port, firewire port, USB2 port, pointing device input as known in the art, among other input/output interfaces. In addition to standard telephone inputs such as telephone line adapter 220, a wireless communication link may be used to communicate with a communication network (i.e., the internet) through the use of antenna 200. The antenna 200 may also be placed within the control unit 100. A power button 250 is provided to control power of the electronic devices included in the control unit 100.

As is known in the art, the control unit 100 is a CPU400, associated memory 414, and other components that allow the CPU400 to function as a computer. Memory 414 may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory that stores program code and data that is executed by CPU400 to process data and control the operation of the waste unit, including scanner 140, cover 110, network interface 210, control panel 100, and other waste unit devices. For example, the non-volatile memory may include fixed or removable solid state FLASH memory, a magnetic disk drive, and/or an optical disk drive. Volatile memory can include RAM.

CPU400 may be permanently connected to a communications network or may initiate a connection as needed. The connection of the unit 10 will be discussed in more detail below. The power supply 410 is used to power the waste unit 10. The power source 410 may receive power from an AC line or it may be battery or solar powered.

Referring now to fig. 2, 3 and 5, a communication network 730 (e.g., the internet) is used to connect each unit 10 with one or more central databases 720 that record the handled content of each unit 10. As is known in the art, communication network 730 may be accessed through a wireless connection using network adapter 210, or by connecting control unit 100 to a modem (not shown) using telephone line adapter 220, or through an internal modem (not shown) coupled to antenna 200. The connection may be via a broadband connection, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), T1 line, satellite link, and/or cable networking, sometimes referred to as an "always-on" connection. A dial-up modem plugged into a telephone line or a networked connection such as a wide area network (LAN or WAN) may be used to provide the required connections.

Suppliers, market researchers, recycling companies, and other interested parties 700 also connect by using a communication network 730 to access the information contained in the central database 720. Each waste unit 10 sends information including the type and quantity of waste stored in each bin (112a, 113a, 114a and 115 a). When it is time to empty the bin, the user or third party contractor 700 may be notified by a message sent from the central database 720 using the communication network 730 or may be notified by a notification message appearing on the information display 130 located on the control unit 100 that the bin needs to be emptied. Other notification methods may be used, such as indicator lights (not shown) mounted on the control unit 100 or on the controllable cover 110. In embodiments that rely on notifications from the central database 720 to inform interested parties (users or third party contractors, such as recycling companies) that the bin needs to be emptied, a communication (e.g., an email, phone or data message) may be sent back to the CPU400 in the control unit 100. The information may be displayed on information display 130. The choice of method for communicating the flush instruction may be selected by the user to best suit the application.

In operation, the waste item is temporarily placed on the controllable cover 110 so that the barcode reader 140 can scan the item's identification code. Most products today have scannable codes attached to them, and the process for handling code-free and illegible items will be discussed below. The barcode reader 140 identifies the waste item by using an identification database (not shown) accessible by the CPU 400. The identification database may be physically present within the waste unit 10 or it may be accessible by the CPU400 via the communication network 730. The user presses the discard button 125 to initiate the process of scanning and identifying items. Additionally or alternatively, a motion or presence sensor may detect the presence of a person or object and at least partially respond to the presence of a person or object, the unit initiates the identification and scanning process. Once the item is identified, relevant information such as description, title, record code, or alternative price is displayed on display 130. If the user wishes to record the rejected item, an order is initiated according to predefined order instructions. The logging process may occur automatically, i.e. whenever the identified item is handled by using unit 10, the CPU generates a logging instruction and sends it to a selected supplier. The central database receives and stores scanned scrap item information from each user. Optionally, a central computing system coupled to the central database generates the order according to user preferences. The user preferences may be entered by the user by: via an online web page, telephone, facsimile and/or waste unit touch screen display, keypad or otherwise. Thus, in one embodiment, the order is optionally not sent directly to the supplier and/or the order is not generated by the waste disposal unit. In one embodiment, the order may optionally be generated by the waste disposal unit via the Internet or other network and sent directly to the supplier. In either case, the recording process is automatically completed.

In another embodiment, the user is given the opportunity to confirm the desire to record the obsolete item. User selections may be entered into control unit 100 by using any suitable input method, such as pressing a "soft button" 126 presented on a touch screen display when instructions displayed on information display 130 indicate that the "soft button" 126 is pressed; pressing a key on a keyboard (not shown) or by speaking if a voice recognition input is implemented, as is well known in the art. In one embodiment, unit 10 sends information about the discarded items handled in unit 10 to a central recording site, such as a buyer workstation (not shown), and allows the recording decisions to be centralized rather than done separately at the local unit 10 level. Once the identification is complete, the appropriate box (112a, 113a, 114a and 115a) is selected to store the item. The opening (112, 113, 114 and 115) of the appropriate bin is opened and the item falls into the selected bin. The central database 720 is informed of the location of the scrap item. The appropriate bin is selected according to recycling criteria that can be customized depending on the user's geographic location and available recycling options. Examples that include a simple recycling scheme may include separating the waste into glass, plastic, metal, and all other materials. A more elaborate scheme may be used to suit the individual needs of the user, such as separating different colored glass or different kinds of plastic, etc.

Certain items, such as discarded organic or packaging materials, cannot be identified by the unit 10 and a user may simply wish to discard them without identification or recordal. It can be simply discarded using the bypass means, as achieved by pressing the button (if the "soft button" 126 is so programmed). Of course, any other input means indicative of a discard selection, as discussed above, is acceptable. Recyclable but not recorded items may still be identified to be placed in the appropriate bin and update the central database 720 with the contents of the units 10.

Initial programming of the cell 10 is provided by the manufacturer of the cell 10. The manufacturer may give different options such as providing a unit 10 with only one wireless interface for connection with the communication network 730 or may provide a "standard" unit 10 comprising the most common options, where the user uses the unit 10 in such a way that it works in the case of user applications. Another embodiment includes a user-programmable unit 10 that is customizable by the user. It is contemplated that an operating system may be implemented in CPU400 along with a user-specified program interface that may allow a user to select various options from a presented menu. In another embodiment, a larger user of the present invention may indicate the desired function and the manufacturer may program specific requirements into individual cells 10. Some units 10 may be programmed to meet different requirements (i.e., some units 10 may have a speech recognition input while other units use a keyboard) and in turn communicate over the communication network 730 and cooperate together to perform the required functions as a whole.

Referring to fig. 6, a flow diagram of a method of disposing of waste material in accordance with the present invention describes a method of using an apparatus comprising one or more cells 10. Initially, waste items are placed on the controllable cover 110 (step S-100). A bypass is presented to the user to handle cases of unrecognizable or scannable items (step S-105). The item selected for bypass is simply discarded (step S-110). The items so discarded are placed in a general purpose storage bin. If bypass is not selected (step S-105), the item is scanned to see (see) if the code is detectable (step S-115). If no code is found, the user is given an opportunity to manually enter the code (step S-120). If the item code is located (step S-115) or manually entered (step S-120) (the code may be manually entered using an appropriate input device such as voice recognition or a keyboard as discussed above), the codes are compared using a recognition database (step S-125). If a matching code is found in the database, information such as title, alternative price or record code is displayed on the display 140 (step S-140) to allow the user to decide whether to replace and record the item (step S-145). If no match is found (step S-125), the unit may optionally search using the communication network 730 (step S-130) and if a match is found, display the information as discussed above. If no code is located (step S-135), the user is still given the opportunity to record the item (step S-145), however, no information will be displayed and a code will have to be manually entered (steps S-150 and S-155) if no code has been previously manually entered. A record instruction is generated and sent to the appropriate supplier (step S-160). In an embodiment, the recording instructions are generated by the CPU400 according to programming provided and customized by the user as discussed above. The recording instructions may be printed out and sent to the supplier by mail or may be sent to the supplier electronically. However, as noted above, the order is optionally generated and sent by the central computer system rather than the waste disposal unit. Next, the appropriate bin opening (112, 113, 114, and 115) is selected (step S-165) and the content database is updated to maintain a record of the items stored therein (step S-170). As discussed above, the appropriate bin is selected by reference to local reclamation rules programmed into the CPU400 or by general rules programmed by the manufacturer.

A user of the scrap unit 10 can customize each unit to meet the user's specified requirements. Examples of user preferences may be specified to include a recording period, such as weekly, monthly, or when the total value of the recording equals or exceeds a particular level. Other customizable preferences include: which supplier or suppliers to use, which can be further customized by the best price; a particular supplier of a particular consumer product; payment methods such as credit cards, bills, checks, etc.; which recycling company or companies to employ, etc. Because the waste unit 10 is customizable, a high degree of flexibility is experienced by the user when implementing the present invention. The user benefits from using the waste unit 10 to allow for automatic replacement of consumables and automatic separation of recyclable materials. Since the use of the waste unit 10 records the consumer goods as specified by the user, inventory can be reduced resulting in increased productivity on the part of the user. If the waste unit 10 is used in a home setting, the user will spend less time in the supermarket since a list of consumer goods used is constantly available. The "grocery list" may be generated by the waste unit 10. Furthermore, due to the ease and automation of handling recyclable products, users can financially benefit from the resale of recyclable materials sorted by unit 10. Also, all of the following system and transaction information may be obtained by the user via the internet: record period, record level, supplier, billing information, subscription history, subscription status, user account information, recycling options, credit, etc.

The role of the central database 720 in the scrap unit 10 function is to store a detailed listing of the contents of each unit 10 linked to the database 720. In addition, the central database 720 stores the user preferences discussed above, such as frequency of logging, where to log from, best price paid, and the like. Likewise, the central database functions to authorize credit transactions between users, suppliers, and other third parties, such as recycling companies and market research companies. The central database may also send order confirmation or purge instructions as discussed above. These instructions and confirmations may be sent by email, "regular mail," or fax. Another role of the central database 720 is as a statistical data collector that enables users to better anticipate their future needs and trends.

Suppliers in the re-supply process benefit by optionally receiving automatic records that enhance customer loyalty. Credits may be pre-authorized to reduce the risk of logoff. The supplier also benefits from the statistical data generated by the central database 720 that allows the supplier to reduce the required inventory to meet customer demand. Written confirmations or orders are sent by the central database 720 to provide a book contract to promote good business relationships.

Recovery companies participating therein benefit by having a stable source of recovered product, which can optionally be segregated by using a waste disposal unit with multiple chambers, without having to handle intermediate products at elevated costs. Credits to material received from a user may be credited through the central database 10, thereby streamlining operation. In addition, many users wish to contract directly with the recycling company to automatically empty the units 10, thereby increasing the revenue for the recycling company.

Other third parties, such as market research companies, benefit by having a detailed listing of the items handled in each unit 10. This would allow the study of ways to reduce supplier and user waste and investigate consumer behaviour. In addition, research can be conducted in a variety of ways to develop more environmental packaging, particularly for high volume items as identified by the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a networked waste treatment and replenishment system. The treatment unit 7002 is coupled to one or more remote data processing systems 7005, including servers and databases 7004, via a wide area network such as the internet 7006. Database 7004 may further include one or more of a user account database 7010, a products database 7012, a samples database 7014, a manufacturers database 7015, a coupons database 7016, and a content/recovery database 7018 for disposal unit 7002. The database 7004 may optionally be searched for records having corresponding field data by using an SQL query that uses one or more database fields. For example, referring to the product database schema discussed below, to locate a sample having a vegetarian component, a query may be generated to locate a product database record with the sample flag set to "1" and the trait feature set to "vegetarian".

The user account database 7010 includes user account information including contact information for the user, preferences including order, sample, mode, shipment and/or delivery preferences. All or part of the user account information may be entered or submitted by the user via a website, a disposal unit, telephone, regular mail, email, etc. and later modified. An exemplary user account database 7010 includes the following fields or records, one or more of which may store user information:

user account database schema

Field(s)	Description of data
Field(s)	Description of data	User name	First name, first letter, surname
Company(s)	Company name (if any)	User name	First name, first letter, surname
Company(s)	Company name (if any)	Mailing/shipping address	Street address, city, state, zip code, country
Bill address	Street address, city, state, zip code, country	Mailing/shipping address	Street address, city, state, zip code, country

Day telephone	Telephone number capable of contacting user during daytime
Day telephone	Telephone number capable of contacting user during daytime	Night telephone	The user being reachable at evening or nightTelephone number
Fax number	Facsimile number of user	Night telephone
Fax number	Facsimile number of user	Mobile phone number	Cellular telephone number for a subscriber
E-mail address	User's e-mail address	Mobile phone number	Cellular telephone number for a subscriber
E-mail address	User's e-mail address	User ID	Unique user identifier
User password:	password for accessing user account	User ID	Unique user identifier
User password:	password for accessing user account	System options	Connection configuration (broadband, dial-up, DSL, T1), Internet provider, etc
Operating system	Operating system of user's personal computer (Windows ME, 2000, XP; MAC OSX, Linux, etc.)	System options
Operating system		Family/company demographics	Family members or employees, age, male population, female population, and family income
Payment preferences	Preferred payment means (credit card, electronic funds transfer, check, payment by debit, etc.) and corresponding payment information (credit card number and credit card expiry, bank account number, check account number) and the beauty of the orderLimitation of yuan	Family/company demographics
Payment preferences		Other payment means	Other payment methods (credit card, electronic funds transfer, check, payment by accounting, etc.) and corresponding payment information (credit card number and credit card expiry date, bank account number, check account number, etc.)
Treatment unit 1 identifier	A unique identifier, such as a serial number, associated with the user's first treatment unit	Other payment means
Treatment unit 1 identifier		Disposal Unit 1 Capacity	Capacity of measuring unit of disposal unit 1 (gallon, liter, etc.)
Treatment unit 2 identifier	A unique identifier, such as a serial number, associated with the user's second treatment unit	Disposal Unit 1 Capacity
Treatment unit 2 identifier		Disposal Unit 2 Capacity	Capacity of measuring unit of disposal unit 2 (gallon, liter, etc.)
Handling unit n identifier	Unique identifiers associated with the nth unit of treatment of the user, e.g. serial number	Disposal Unit 2 Capacity
Handling unit n identifier		N capacity of disposal unit	Capacity of measuring unit of disposal unit n (gallon, liter, etc.)
User subscription preferences	Criteria for selecting who to order the order (selecting suppliers within the user's zip code, order from a particular named supplier or suppliersOrder, selection of the supplier giving the best offer, selection of the supplier accepting the specified payment preferences, etc.)	N capacity of disposal unit
User subscription preferences		User subscription trigger preferences	Criteria for when to order (date, amount of order, time limit, etc.)
Order confirmation preferences	Providing order confirmation (telephone, email, regular mail and/or fax) as specified	User subscription trigger preferences
Order confirmation preferences		Sample marking	Indicia indicating whether the user would like to accept a product sample ("1" -yes, "0" -no)

User sample: preference(s)	Criteria for selecting product samples to be provided to a user
User sample: preference(s)		Mode suggestion option flags	Indicia indicating whether the user wants to substitute a product according to mode preference ("1" -yes, "0" -no)
Mode replacement option flags	Indicating whether the user wants a flag of an automatically replaced alternative product on the user order ("1" -yes, "0" -no) according to the mode preference, optionally allowing only one of the mode replacement option flag and the mode suggestion flag to be set	Mode suggestion option flags
Mode replacement option flags		Mode preference	User selected order and shipping modes
Freight preferences	User preferred delivery level or method (same day, next day, two days, standard, lowest cost, environmentally friendly delivery)	Mode preference	User selected order and shipping modes
Freight preferences		Rapid purchase shipping preferences	The user prefers the shipping level or method of quick purchase option (same day, next day, two days, standard, lowest cost, environmentally friendly). In general, the quick purchase shipment preference will be a form of shipment that is faster than the form of shipment specified in the shipment preference field.
Delivery options	A preferred date of shipment per week, a preferred time range of shipment, a signature required at shipment, and the like. Certain shipping options may be unavailable for certain forms of shipping.	Rapid purchase shipping preferences
Delivery options		Pattern rules	User-specified pattern rules
Waste collection provider preferences	Preferred waste disposal providers (a user may designate a provider identifier, designate the lowest cost provider or the provider offering the highest price for recycling a product)	Pattern rules	User-specified pattern rules
Waste collection provider preferences		Waste collection trigger preferences	Collecting rules: collection is made on a specified day, at a specified interval (twice weekly, once weekly), a specified amount of time since last collection, and/or when one or more treatment devices are at a specified fill level (half-full, three-quarters full, full)

The order database 7012 stores pending or ordered user orders. An exemplary database record for a given user order may contain the following fields:

order database schema

Field(s)	Description of data
Field(s)	Description of data	User ID	Unique identifier of user as recorded in user account database
Item 1 code	SKU or other code for identifying item 1	User ID
Item 1 code	SKU or other code for identifying item 1	Item 1 price	Price quoted to a user when adding item 1 to the user's order
Date of item 1	Date item 1 was added to the order	Item 1 price
Date of item 1	Date item 1 was added to the order	Item 1 coupon	Coupon code for user-submitted coupon associated with order for item 1
Item 1 price date guarantee	If the user has not ordered, then item 1 price guaranteed expiration date	Item 1 coupon
Item 1 price date guarantee		Number of items 1	Number of items 1 to be ordered
Status of state	Order status of item 1 (pending, ordered or completed)	Number of items 1	Number of items 1 to be ordered
Status of state	Order status of item 1 (pending, ordered or completed)	Item n code	SKU or other code for identifying item n

Price of item n	Price quoted to a user when adding item n to the user's order
Price of item n		Date of item n	Date item n was added to the order
Item n coupon	Coupon code for a coupon submitted by a user in relation to an order for item n	Date of item n	Date item n was added to the order
Item n coupon		Item n price date guarantee	If the user has not ordered yet, the expiration date guaranteed by the price of item n
Status of state	Order status of item n (pending, ordered or completed)	Item n price date guarantee

The product database 7014 maps barcodes or other item codes to SKUs, product names, costs, sizes, calories, packaging materials, and the like. An exemplary product database 7014 includes the following fields or records:

product database schema

Field(s)	Description of data
Field(s)	Description of data	Product code	Item SKU
Price	Item prices from a supplier selected according to user order preferences, which may be dynamically retrieved from a supplier's product price database.	Product code	Item SKU
Price		Number of each item	The number of units included in the project, e.g. number of cans of soda or number of ounces of cleaning solution in a bottle of cleaning solution
Component (A)	Composition of items	Number of each item
Component (A)	Composition of items	Calories of	Number of calories in the project or number of calories per unit of project
Characteristic features	Whether the item is low sodium, low cholesterol, low carbohydrate, defatted, peanut-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, non-dairy, vegetarian or not can be specified	Calories of
Characteristic features		Packaging material	Type of packaging material for the item (recyclable plastic, recyclable cardboard, recyclable metal, non-recyclable plastic, non-recyclable cardboard, non-recyclable metal, other non-recyclable substance)
Name of the product	Literal name of item	Packaging material
Name of the product	Literal name of item	Sample marking	When the flag is set to "0", it indicates that the item is not a sample, and when set to "1", it indicates that the item is a sample
Series of	Product series	Sample marking
Series of	Product series	Type (B)	Type of product
Manufacturer(s)	Name of manufacturer or other manufacturer identifier	Type (B)	Type of product
Manufacturer(s)	Name of manufacturer or other manufacturer identifier	Stock keeping	Number of items in inventory

The manufacturer database 7015 includes information about the manufacturer, which may be useful when locating products associated with the manufacturer that have characteristics or attributes that certain users may consider desirable, such as environmental exposure of the manufacturer, employee exposure, support for a given social cause, and the like. For example, the user may indicate that the user prefers or requires the ordered items to come from a manufacturer that provides health insurance for employees and donates to aids prevention organizations. When the waste treatment and replenishment system orders replacement items for a user, the system will search the manufacturer database to locate manufacturers that meet the criteria, and then search the corresponding replacement items from the located manufacturers. An exemplary manufacturer database 7015 includes the following fields or records:

manufacturer database schema

Field(s)	Description of data
Field(s)	Description of data	Manufacturer ID	Manufacturer name or other identifier
ISO 9000	Indication of quality specifications relative to ISO 9000	Manufacturer ID	Manufacturer name or other identifier
ISO 9000	Indication of quality specifications relative to ISO 9000	Life wages	Indication of whether the manufacturer paid employee life wages or specified minimum wages
Health plaster	Indication of whether the manufacturer provides health benefits and/or insurance to employees	Life wages
Health plaster		Children's worker	Instructions on whether the manufacturer hired a child worker
Charitable/social cause	Name, tax ID and/or other identifier given money or other resources by the manufacturer	Children's worker
Charitable/social cause		Renewable resources	Percentage of energy from renewable resources utilized by a manufacturer

The sample database 7016 stores information about available samples and their characteristics, which may include sample product category, sample size and content, or sample composition. Optionally, the sample database 7016 need not be used, but rather the sample product information is stored in a sample database, with the sample indicia being used to indicate which product is a sample as discussed above. An exemplary sample database 7014 includes one or more of the following fields or records:

sample database schema

Field(s)	Description of data
Field(s)	Description of data	Sample item product code	Sample item SKU
Generic product code	SKU corresponding to non-sample form of sample item	Sample item product code	Sample item SKU
Generic product code	SKU corresponding to non-sample form of sample item	Number of each item	Number of units included in sample item
Sample item composition	Sample item composition	Number of each item	Number of units included in sample item
Sample item composition	Sample item composition	Sample item calories	Number of calories in the item or number of calories per item unit
Sample item packaging material	Type of packaging material for the sample item (recyclable plastic, recyclable cardboard, recyclable metal, non-recyclable plastic, non-recyclable cardboard, non-recyclable metal, other non-recyclable substance)	Sample item calories
Sample item packaging material		Sample item product name	Textual name of sample item
Stock keeping	Number of sample items in inventory	Sample item product name	Textual name of sample item

The coupon database includes a mapping of coupon codes to the items or services to which the coupons can be applied, a coupon start date indicating when a coupon can be used first, a coupon expiration date, an indication as to whether the coupon can or cannot be used in conjunction with other coupons, an optional unique code number identifying each coupon, a coupon status indicating whether a corresponding coupon can still be used, and a record for a given customer's coupon or a coupon that can only be used a specified number of times, as to whether the coupon has been used and/or the number of times the coupon has been used.

The coupon face value may be expressed as dollars or a specified monetary value, percentage discount, free shipping coupon, or "buy X, comp Y" coupon, where if a user purchases one or more X products, the user obtains one or more Y items for free. The coupon may be in the form of a member allowance, such as a discount offered to members or preferred members of a buyer club or organization. The coupon may be an electronic coupon having a code that may be entered via the disposal unit 7002 or computing device terminal 7008. An exemplary coupon database 7016 includes one or more of the following fields or records:

coupon database schema

Field(s)	Description of data
Field(s)	Description of data	Coupon identifier	Code associated with a coupon
Date of start	Date on which coupon is first valid	Coupon identifier	Code associated with a coupon
Date of start	Date on which coupon is first valid	Expiration date	Last day of coupon validation
Number of times of use	Number of times coupon is available	Expiration date	Last day of coupon validation
Number of times of use	Number of times coupon is available	Number of uses	Number of times coupon has been used
Coupon face value	Expressed as a specified monetary value, percentage discount, free delivery or "buy X free get Y"	Number of uses	Number of times coupon has been used

The content/recovery database 7020 may include a list of items and/or packaging materials deposited in each of the disposal units 7002, where multiple disposal units 7002 may be associated with the same user and/or different users. An exemplary content/recovery database 7020 for a user includes one or more of the following fields or records:

content/recycle database schema

Field(s)	Description of data
Field(s)	Description of data	User ID	Unique identifier of user as recorded in user account database
Treatment unit 1 identifier	Unique identifier associated with a first user handling unit	User ID
Treatment unit 1 identifier		Item 1 code	SKU or other code for identifying item 1
Item 1 packaging material	Item 1 packaging material type (recyclable plastic, recyclable cardboard, recyclable metal, non-recyclable plastic, non-recyclable cardboard, non-recyclable metal, other non-recyclable substance) for an item (obtained by accessing a product database using the item 1 code)	Item 1 code	SKU or other code for identifying item 1
Item 1 packaging material		Item n code	SKU or other code for identifying item 1
Item n packaging material	Item n's packaging material type (recyclable plastic) for an item (obtained by accessing a product database using item 1 code)Materials, recyclable cardboard, recyclable metals, non-recyclable plastics, non-recyclable cardboard, non-recyclable metals, other non-recyclable materials)	Item n code	SKU or other code for identifying item 1

The data processing system 7005 including the database 7004 may be associated with: data processing system operators, supermarkets, distribution centers, waste disposal and recovery entities, delivery services, logistics companies, and/or third party operators. As illustrated in fig. 8A, disposal unit 7002 optionally maintains a database that stores the same or similar information as database 7004 discussed above, however, each unit 7002 optionally stores only one user's user account and subscription information, family status, and/or disposal unit. Optionally, portions of the user account, product, manufacturer, sample, coupon, and content/recycling database information are recorded by only one of the local database and the remote database, while portions of the user account, product, manufacturer, sample, coupon, and content/recycling database information will be recorded in both the local database and the remote database.

The processing unit 7002 is optionally coupled to the local external computing device 7008 via a peripheral interface such as a USB or firewire bus, via a wired local area network such as ethernet, and/or a wireless network such as iEEE 802.11b or iEEE 802.11g compliant network. The computing device 7008 may be a personal computer, a set-top box, a PDA, a web appliance, etc. Computing device 7008 may be used to establish and change preferences for unit 7002, store, retrieve, and modify content and order forms, and may be used to access a system operator's website to establish accounts, view and modify account information, review and modify order information, and the like. Additionally, computing device 7008 may be used by unit 7002 as an access point to network 7006.

As illustrated in fig. 8A, the disposal unit 7002 includes an integrated computer 804 and/or an interface to external computing devices such as: such as computing device 7008, or other personal computer, network appliance, interactive television, set-top box, personal digital assistant, etc. The overall computer 804 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or controller 806 and memory 807 including volatile memory 808 and non-volatile memory 810 for storing data and program code 811. The whole computer 804 processes data and controls the operation of the treatment unit 7002, which treatment unit 7002 includes a scanner, a cover, a network interface, and a user interface. For example, the non-volatile memory 810 may include fixed or removable solid state FLASH memory, battery powered memory, magnetic and/or optical disk drives. The volatile memory 808 can include, for example, RAM.

Stored program code 811 may include one or more instructions, which may be linear code and/or may be organized into modules or objects configured to receive and process input, provide output, and selectively store data. The data may include the serial number of the unit 7002, user preference data, a mapping of product codes or SKUs to product names, dimensions and packaging materials, and disposal unit 7002 content information regarding items placed in the disposal unit 7002, a shopping list, passwords and/or unique identifiers for accessing remote databases and services, and the like. The data may be stored in one or more local databases, such as a user account database 812, an order database 814, a product database 815 that includes a mapping of item codes to item product information, a sample database 816, a coupon database 818, and a waste/recovery database 820. The local user accounts, orders, products, samples, coupons, and waste/recovery databases 812, 814, 815, 816, 818, and 820 may store the same or similar information as discussed above with respect to the respective remote user accounts, products, manufacturers, samples, coupons, and content/recovery databases 7010, 7012, 7014, 7015, 7016, 7018, 7020.

For example, some or all of the databases 812, 814, 815, 816, 818, and 820 may be located in the non-volatile memory 810 of the handling unit 7002 or in a memory of the local personal computer 7008.

Exemplary treatment unit 7002 includes an interface device 822 to a wide area network (e.g., the internet) directly and/or via an external device. The interface device 822 may be a dial-up modem, cable modem, DSL modem, T1 modem, wireless modem, satellite interface, or other network interface that interfaces with a public switched telephone network, cable network, DSL or ADSL line, T1 line, wireless network, satellite network, or other network, respectively. Network interface device 822 is coupled to CPU 806 and to a data network or a telephone network. If a wireless interface device is used, an antenna 829 is included. The handling unit 7002 may also be coupled to a public switched telephone network, a cable network, a DSL or ADSL line, a T1 line, a wireless network, a satellite network, or other network via a wireless access point.

Handling unit 7002 further includes, directly and/or via an external device, a user interface device 824 such as a touch-screen or non-touch-screen display 831, keyboard, voice command interface, etc., which are optionally grouped on a control panel distributed over different portions of unit 7002 as illustrated in fig. 8B. The user interface device may be fixedly mounted, attached via a hinge so the angle of the device 824 may be changed by the user, or may be detachable and may interface with the treatment unit 7002 by using a wireless interface device such as a bluetooth or IEEE 802.11 interface device.

In an embodiment, the handling unit 7002 comprises an integrated display with a touch screen, keys, printer, and which may be further operated via the external computing device 7008. The computing device 7008 may be coupled to the unit 7002 via a local peripheral bus interface 828, such as a USB or firewire interface, or via a local area network such as an ethernet or wireless IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g network.

As discussed in more detail below, the CPU 806 may be further coupled to a fill level detection sensor system 843 and a pressure sensor 849.

The treatment unit 7002 may include an on/off power key 830 and hard and/or soft keys for one or more particular functions displayed on the touch screen. The function of the keys is programmable by software. These keys enable the user to modify the operation of unit 7002 and/or process user orders without having to go through a complex menu hierarchy, although such a menu hierarchy may also be used. For example, the special function keys may include a "buy now" key 832, a "buy now" key 834, and a "waste" key 836.

Activation of the buy key 832 now overrides the user order trigger preferences and, conversely, triggers ordering of a stored, pending order substantially instantaneously in real time. Thus, the order will be ordered during the current opening of the disk or during the next connection of unit 7002 to remote system 7005. Activation of the quick purchase key 834 causes an instruction to be sent to the system 7005 operator to cause delivery of one or several specifically scanned products by using the fastest available or an expedited delivery service. For example, the consumer may use the quick buy key 834 when the consumer is in a need for a light or battery. Activation of the discard key 836 adds scan information for the discard item to a waste/recycle database, but will not add the discard item to a pending order. Thus, when the user does not want a replacement for a disposed item, the user can activate the waste key 836. Optionally, the present purchase order and the quick purchase order may also be issued by the user via the waste treatment and replenishment system operator's website.

The treatment unit 7002 includes one or more scanners 838 coupled to the CPU 806. The scanner 838 is used to scan codes on disposed items, coupons, or other materials. These codes may be used to encode one or more of the following: product code, SKU, project name, project size, project container type and material, project trademark, project cost, and project expiration date. The scanner may comprise one or more optical scanners, such as a barcode scanner or an RFID scanner.

The RFID scanner includes an antenna or coil, a transceiver, and a decoder. RFID scanners are used to scan RF tags that are programmed with information that is affixed to an item. The transceiver generates a signal, such as a radio signal, that is transmitted by an antenna. The radio signal is used to activate the RF tag and to read and write data thereto. The antenna may be mounted on cover 842, for example, or in or on the body of unit 7002.

The scanner may include a handheld magnetic head 840 coupled to the treatment unit 7002 via a cable or wireless bluetooth connection. In another embodiment, the scanner head 840 is fixedly mounted to the treatment unit 7002. In one embodiment, the scanner is a self-contained unit that stores scanned data internally and then downloads that data to the processing unit 7002 or to a computing device such as computing device 7008.

As illustrated in fig. 8C, a cover or lid 842 is optionally provided to close the opening 846 of the case of the disposal unit 7002. The lid 842 may be automatically opened and closed by one or more motors 845 for receiving and discarding items. Motor 845 may be located external or internal to unit 7002. Additionally or alternatively, the lid 842 may be manually opened and closed. The cover 842 may be a two-piece fitting having two covers 842A, 842B, each covering about half of the opening 846 of the tank and meeting approximately in the middle of the tank opening 846.

A processor-controlled actuator or solenoid 847 may be used to selectively hold the cover 842 or covers in the closed position or may release the cover 842 or covers to cause them to spin open. The actuator 847 may be located on the exterior or interior of the unit 7002. Additionally, each cover 842A, 842B may have a spring-loaded hinge to rotatably open without additional motive force. In another embodiment, only a single cover 842 hingedly secured on one side is used. The cover(s) may be used to support the item during the scanning process or optionally provide a separate stand to support the item.

A fill level detection sensor system 843 coupled to the CPU 806 is located within the disposal unit 7002 to detect and confirm that the user disposed the item. The sensor system 843 may include one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the sensor system 843 may include an optical sensor that emits a beam of light and detects, via reflection from an item, when an object, such as a treated item, falls in the path of the beam. In another embodiment, the sensor system 843 may include a sonar sensor that emits sound waves and detects, via reflection from items, when an object, such as a item being handled, falls in the path of the sound waves. The detection sensor system may include several sensors of different heights to detect the degree of fullness of the unit 7002. For example, the sensors may be placed at a point where the capacity is half, three quarters, and full.

Additionally, a pressure sensor 849 coupled to the CPU 806 and in contact with the cover 842 may be used to sense when an item is placed on the cover 842 or when a user presses the cover 842, where the user pressing the cover 842 would then cause the scanning process to begin. In another embodiment, the user activates a soft or hard key to initiate the scan.

The body of the disposal unit 7002 may be made of a variety of materials such as, for example, plastic, rubber, metal, cardboard, or a combination thereof. In addition, the disposal unit 7002 can be made in different capacity sizes, such as 9 gallons, 13 gallons, 25 gallons, and the like. The treatment unit 7002 may be powered, for example, by AC lines, batteries, and/or solar energy. The disposal unit 7002 may be used in conjunction with a removable, disposable garbage bag.

Optionally, the user sets user profile information and preference information via a website or other site associated with the disposal unit 7002 operator or via a telephone, mail, or computer readable medium prior to generating an order or the like using the disposal unit 7002. For example, the user may access the website by using the computing device 7008. In addition, the user may access a website to manage the user's account, including viewing the user's order history, managing open and pending orders, viewing order status, and viewing the user's consumption statistics over a specified period of time or viewing the user's consumption statistics from the account. The information may include, for example, the information discussed above with respect to the user account database schema or portions thereof.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary scanning, identifying, and ordering process. However, not all states need to be performed and the order of the processes may be altered. In addition, during the appropriate processing state, the user may be dynamically presented with the order currently pending by the user in response to the user's request or other triggering procedure. Similarly, an indication of when the pending order was actually ordered and/or the next scheduled delivery date for the pending order may be presented to the user in response to the user's request or other triggering procedure. Information may be presented to the user on the treatment unit display 825 or the local computing device display. Further, the user may interrupt the process by activating the waste key.

Beginning in state 902, the process proceeds to state 904, where the user sets or modifies account preferences. As similarly discussed above, the preferences may include order, sample, mode, shipment, and delivery preferences. For example, a user may specify an order trigger preference that causes an order to be placed. The user may specify that the trigger has elapsed a specified period of time (e.g., a week or month) since the previous order. Another trigger preference may be to place an order when the total amount of the order is equal to or above a certain dollar amount. The subscription preferences may specify which vendor or vendors to employ. The user may also specify that orders should be placed to the provider with the lowest total order price (including shipping), a specific supplier for a specific consumer product, and specific payment providers that accept payments such as credit card payments, debit payments, or check payments.

As discussed below, the sample preferences may include types of products that the user specifies that the user does not accept the sample, such as those containing food types such as pork, poultry, beef, fish, and/or seafood. The sample preference may further indicate that the user only wants samples with certain characteristics. For example, for food products, the user may specify that he wants only a sample of certain types or categories of food products, such as a vegetarian food, a low fat, a low sodium, and/or a kosher food product.

Shipping and delivery preferences may include frequency of delivery, day of week, time, address, order confirmation by phone or email, signature at delivery, normal shipment, low price delivery or expedited delivery for selecting "environmentally friendly ship-to-date". The "environmentally friendly ship-to-date" process is used to reduce traffic volume and pollution by planning deliveries within a geographic area, such as a neighborhood, or within a postal code, so that deliveries may be made to the area multiple times on the day to thereby reduce the number of trips to the area and thus reduce traffic volume and pollution.

At state 905, the special command key is read. For example, the processing unit 7002 detects whether the user activates a special function key or otherwise provides a corresponding instruction via an interrupt, scan, or polling routine. As discussed above with respect to fig. 8B, the designated function keys may include a "buy now" key 832, a "buy quickly" key 834, and a "waste" key 836. Optionally, the purchase and quick purchase instructions may be issued by the user via the waste treatment and replenishment system operator's website.

At state 906, the user scans a machine-scannable code printed on or otherwise attached to the discarded item. The scan information may be received and stored in local memory 807 and/or one or more remote databases 7004. The scan operation may be initiated by a user activating a scan key or may be initiated automatically by the handling unit 7002 in response to an item being adjacent to unit 7002 or placed on cover 842. The processed item may be a food container, a cleaning product container, or the like. The container may be empty, partially filled or full.

The scannable code may be attached by a manufacturer, retailer, distributor, or the user may apply the code. The code may be a barcode, RFID tag, other electronic tag, magnetically encoded tag, or the like. Once the item is scanned, the door of the disposal unit 7002 is opened, either automatically or manually, the user deposits the item in the disposal unit 7002, and the sensor system 843 optionally confirms that the item is indeed deposited. Once the confirmation is provided, the remote or local content/recycle database is updated to include the obsolete item.

If the user presses the "discard" instruction key, the process proceeds to state 934 and the discard subroutine is executed. At state 936, the scanned item is not added to the pending order and the process ends. Thus, when the user does not want a substitute for the disposed item, the user can activate the discard key 836 or otherwise provide an discard instruction. The user is optionally required to provide feedback on the reason why the user does not want to order a replacement for the obsolete item. For example, reasons for unsubscribing may include: "i no longer use this type of product" or "i already have an inventory of this product in my home". Optionally, if the discarded item is a sample, feedback may be required regarding a particular sample, such as "i have tried the sampled product but i do not like", "i have tried the sampled product and like it, but i still prefer to use my current brand", "i do not try the sample and do not like to order". The user is asked to select one reason and the selected reason is stored locally by the handling unit 7002 and/or sent to the remote database 7004 for storage. The user feedback can then be distributed to the appropriate manufacturer, retailer, distributor, marketing entity, and advertisers who can use the feedback for market analysis and/or to improve their supplied products.

If the waste key is not activated, the process proceeds from state 907 to state 908. At state 908, the scanned code is used to determine one or more of the following: an attribute of the item, a size of the item, a container type of the item, a brand of the item, a cost of the item, and/or an expiration date of the item. The scanned code may include the above information directly or may include a product code or SKU that may be used as a key to locating and accessing the information in a local or remote product database.

The product database may be stored in a local memory of the disposal unit 7002, such as product database 815, and/or may be accessible via a local or wide area network. For example, the product database may be a remotely located database 7004 and it may be accessed by a number of handling units 7002 over network 7006. As similarly discussed above, the remote database 7004 may be associated with a supermarket, a distribution center, a waste disposal and recovery entity, a delivery service, and/or a third party operator.

Transactions with the remote database 7004 may be performed securely using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, using a web secure HTTP (S-HTTP) protocol, using digital authentication to provide encryption and authentication. Other forms of secure communication, such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN), may also be used. Additionally, unit 7002 may send a password or unique identifier associated with disposal unit 7002 or the owner or licensor of disposal unit 7002 for authentication purposes.

In an embodiment, the handling unit 7002 first attempts to locate and access the desired item information from the internally stored product database 815, and if no match is found, the remote database 7004 is accessed. The local database 815 may be periodically updated by synchronizing with one or more remote databases 7004 using, for example, SyncML file exchange.

If the remote database 7004 is accessed, the code of the scanned product and/or information related thereto is sent to the remote data processing system 7005 through the discard unit 7002 once a secure connection is established. The remote database 7004 locates information corresponding to the code of the scanned product. However, when an attempt to connect to remote data processing system 7005 is unsuccessful or remote database 7004 or remote data handling system 7005 is otherwise unavailable, handling unit 7002 stores the product code and other information in local memory 810. Then, the handling unit 7002 will attempt to connect to the remote data processing system 7005 according to one or more predetermined rules, such as every predetermined number of minutes or at another specified time. Optionally, until the connection is successfully made, a warning is displayed to the user on the treatment unit display 825 to notify the user of the connection failure. Once a connection is established with the remote data processing system 7005, the product code is sent to the database 7004 through the unit 7002.

The information accessed from the local or remote database may include product name, price, cost per unit, size, calories, ingredients, categories, and other information stored in the database, including, for example, the information discussed above with respect to the product database 7014. The located information may be sent back directly to the treatment unit 7002 or to a local computing device 7008 coupled to the treatment unit 7002. The information, or a portion thereof, is then displayed to the user and the lid 842 of the disposal unit is opened, either automatically or manually.

For example, the information may be displayed on the treatment unit display 825 or a local computing device 7008 monitor. The user may print out the information by using the disposal unit printer 856 or by using a printer that is directly connected to the computing device 7008. In addition, relevant information, such as advertisements or electronic coupons for products, can be sent from remote data processing system 7005 to processing unit 7002 for display or printing. The advertisement or coupon may optionally be based on one or more of the following: items handled by the user, pending orders, selected patterns, purchasing habits and previous orders, and family demographics.

At state 910, the scanned item is determined to be a sample by using the handling unit 7002, computing device 7008, or remote data processing system 7005. The decision process is made by comparing the scanned information to data stored in a remote and/or local product database 7014, 815 or in a remote or local sample database 7016, 816. For example, if the scanned information contains a product code, an SQL query may be generated to locate the corresponding product database record, and if the sample flag is set to "1", the scanned item is identified as a sample. Otherwise, the scanned item is not identified as a sample. Alternatively or additionally, an SQL query may be generated to locate the corresponding sample database record, and if a match is found, the item is identified as a sample. Otherwise the item is not identified as a sample. If the item is not identified as a sample, the process proceeds to state 911 where a mode application is executed, as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 18. The process then proceeds from state 911 to state 918.

If the scanned item is identified as a sample, the process proceeds from state 910 to state 912. The user is queried, either directly through the disposal unit 7002 or through the remote processing system 7005 via the disposal unit 7002 or computing device 7008, as to whether the user wants to order an item in a generic, non-sample form.

If the user's answer is negative, the process proceeds to state 938 and asks the user to provide feedback regarding why the user does not want to order a generic non-sample format item. For example, reasons for unsubscribing may include: "i do not use this type of product", "i have tried the sampled product, but i don't like", "i have tried the sampled product and like it, but i still prefer to use my current brand", "i have not tried it, nor do i want to order". The user is asked to select one reason and at state 940, the selected reason is stored locally by the handling unit 7002 and/or sent to the remote database 7004 for storage. The user feedback can then be distributed to the appropriate manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and persons who can use the information to conduct market analysis and/or improve their supply of products.

If the user's reply is affirmative at state 912, the process proceeds to state 914 and asks the user to specify the size and/or number of common form elements that the user wants to order. At state 916, user order information is received and added to pending user orders stored in the remote and/or local order databases or, if there are no pending orders, to a new order. In addition, the fact that the user orders the common form after rejection of the sample is recorded in the remote database 7004 for distribution to suppliers, retailers, research and/or marketing institutions that can use this information to conduct marketing analyses and/or improve their supply of products. The process then proceeds to state 918.

As discussed above, if the scanned item is not a sample, or if the user has ordered a sample of the item in a generic form, the process proceeds to state 918. At state 918, the special key activation (if any) read from state 905 is retrieved.

If the user provides a "buy now" instruction, the process proceeds to state 920 and a buy now subroutine is executed. At state 922, the item is added to the pending order and the order is ordered, overriding or bypassing the user's preference trigger. The order instruction is sent to one or more data processing systems 2005 via network 7006. At state 924, the delivery preferences of the user are retrieved from a local or remote user account database. For example, the user may specify that the current day, next day, two days, standard, least cost, or most environmentally friendly shipping method be used. At state 926, the order is delivered by the delivery service or provider according to the user's standard shipping preferences.

If the user provides a "quick purchase" instruction at state 918, the process proceeds to state 928 and a quick purchase subroutine proceeds. Optionally, at state 929, the user is queried via the disposition unit 7002 whether the user wants to apply a quick purchase instruction to the user's entire pending order form, to a subset of the pending order form or only to the item just scanned. The query may originate from the handling unit 7002 itself, or may be sent from the data processing system 7005.

At state 930, the order is ordered with expedited delivery as specified by the user instructions, and an order instruction is sent to one or more remote data processing systems 7005. Thus, even if the user has specified in the shipping preference field of the user account database that the lowest cost delivery should typically be used, a higher level delivery service will be used by issuing a quick purchase instruction. The expedited delivery may optionally have a default value, such as delivery on the day. Alternatively or additionally, the user may specify in the quick purchase shipping preference field of the user account what level or type of delivery service to use when receiving the quick purchase instruction. For example, the user may specify that the current day, the next day, two days, or a standard shipment be used for quick purchases. At state 936, the order is delivered to the shipping address specified by the user through the delivery service or provider using the specified or default quick purchase shipment.

If at state 918 the user provides an "abandon" instruction, the process proceeds to state 934 and an abandon subroutine is executed. At state 936, the scanned item is not added to the pending order and the process ends. Thus, when the user does not want a substitute for the item being disposed of, the user can activate the discard key 836 or otherwise provide an instruction to discard.

If at state 918 the user does not activate a special function key as discussed above or otherwise issue a corresponding instruction, the process passes to state 942 where the scanned item is added to the user's pending order form stored in the remote and/or local order databases. At state 944, the user's subscription preferences are retrieved from the remote and/or local user account database. In state 946, the subscription is made in the presence of a subscription-triggering program preference specified by the user. As discussed above, the user subscription trigger preferences may be: ordering the order one week after the previous order, two weeks after the previous order, monthly, at other specified times or periods, or when the total amount of the order equals or exceeds a certain level. In state 948, the order is delivered by the delivery service or provider according to the user's standard account shipping preferences.

Once an order is ordered, an order confirmation may be provided by the system operator, the supplier, or the delivery service. Optionally, one or several preferred types of confirmations may be specified by the user and the preferences stored in a remote or local user account database for later retrieval. The acknowledgement may be sent to the user via: e-mail, general mail, web page, text message, real-time message, or using other messaging techniques as specified by the user or using a default subscription confirmation type. The order confirmation includes a list of ordered items, the cost of each item, the total cost, any discounts applied, delivery fees (if any), and scheduled delivery dates and times or date and/or time ranges for which deliveries were made. The order confirmation will also indicate whether there are any unavailable items in the ordered items. A shipping confirmation may similarly be provided the day before delivery or when the order has been delivered. The shipment confirmation may provide an updated delivery date and time.

Optionally, delivery may be performed by a third party logistics company such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, or the United states postal service. The disposal and replacement system operator may print a user address label and provide the label and/or product (e.g., sample product) to the logistics company responsible for delivery.

An embodiment of the present invention facilitates efficient waste collection, processing and recovery operations. As discussed above, when scanning discarded items, the disposal unit 7002 and/or remote database 7004 record information identifying the scanned items and thus have information about the disposal unit content. The information can then be used to access information about the materials of the packaging and containers for the discarded items. In one embodiment, the disposal unit 7002 contains a waste bag. When the user replaces the waste bag, the user activates a replace waste bag button and in response to the above actions, the disposal unit 7002 prints one or more barcodes on the waste bag or on a label affixed to the waste bag by the user. Optionally, the waste bag may have a pre-printed unique barcode serving as a waste bag serial number, which may then be associated in the database with waste bag content and/or a user. The printed bar code contains information printed thereon about the material used in the discarded packages and containers. The user can scan the barcode and the information is sent to a waste management company. Optionally, the consumer will receive credit or payment from a waste management company, government agency, or other entity for its recyclable waste.

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary waste and/or recycling process. The process begins at state 1002 and proceeds to state 1004. Retrieving the user waste/recycle collection trigger preferences or rules from a local or remote user account database. For example, the acquisition trigger program preference may specify that the acquisition should occur on a specified day of the week, at a specified interval (twice a week, weekly), and/or when one or more treatment units are at specified fill levels (half full, three quarters full, full). At 1006 it is determined whether the preference trigger specifies a fill level. If so, the process proceeds to state 1008 and the fill level is read by fill level sensor system 843. At state 1010, the fill level is compared to the fill level specified by the preference trigger and if the fill level equals or exceeds the fill level specified by the preference trigger, then the process passes to state 1012. Otherwise, the process proceeds to state 1016 and repeats the process after a determined time interval, which may be, for example, hourly, every 8 hours, daily, or other interval.

At state 1012, the garbage collection provider preferences are read from the user account database. For example, the user may specify a specific provider by using the name or other identifier of the provider, or specify the provider that employs the lowest cost. If the user specifies the provider with the lowest cost, the collection is decided upon the bid. The information included in the bid request includes the disposition unit 7002 content so that the bidder can determine the value of the recyclable product and the cost of disposing the non-recyclable item. At 1014, the selected provider is instructed to perform the acquisition and the acquisition is performed.

If at state 1006 the trigger preference is determined to not be based on the fill level, the process proceeds to state 1018 where a determination is made as to whether the acquisition trigger preference specifies an acquisition interval or a specified day. If not, the process proceeds to state 1020 and a default waste/recycle collection schedule is used. The process then proceeds to states 1012 and 1014, as similarly discussed above.

If it is determined at state 1018 that the acquisition trigger preference specifies an acquisition interval or a specified day, the process proceeds to state 1022 and determines whether acquisition instructions are provided at this time. If so, the process proceeds to states 1012 and 1014 as discussed above. Otherwise, the process proceeds to state 1024 and repeats the process after a predetermined period of time.

A process of providing a sample according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As orders begin to be automatically generated based on the consumer's actual consumption of items, the consumer is less affected by the advertisements and less likely to engage in impulse purchasing behavior. Advantageously, as similarly described above, although an automatic ordering process exists, an embodiment of the present invention provides a process for manufacturers and suppliers to sell new items to consumers. In addition, the consumer is provided with a process of specifying characteristics of the item of interest to the consumer in the sampling process.

The sampling process is optionally an opt-in process (opt-in process) in which the user indicates that he wishes to participate in the sampling process. By incorporating a sampling scheme, a qualified user will receive a free sample of the product for delivery to their home or other designated delivery address. The sample optionally includes a barcode or other code on the product packaging indicating that the product is a sample. The barcode may be included or otherwise be an item SKU. After using or consuming the product, the user scans the code and places the product in disposal unit 7002 as similarly discussed above for the non-samples. The customer's order to be ordered may then be modified to include a generic form of the sampled product. Optionally, the user is prompted to confirm that the user wants to add the sample in the common form to the order before adding it to the order. The fact that the user ordered the sample product in its ordinary form is stored in a sample database for distribution to the appropriate manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and advertisers to the extent permitted by the applicable privacy policies and/or government regulations.

The exemplary sampling process further prompts the user to provide feedback and then collects and stores the feedback in a sample database. As similarly discussed above, in an embodiment, when a user handles a sampled product, the user scans the code of the sampled product and the handling unit or remote data processing system identifies the discarded product as a sample from the scanned code. If the user then activates the waste key, which indicates that the user does not want to order the common form of the sampled product, the user is prompted to provide feedback. For example, a form of feedback is presented on the display of the treatment unit listing several potential reasons that the user may not want to record the item. The user is asked to select a reason and, once the user performs the selection, the selection is stored locally by the handling unit and/or sent to a remote sample database for storage. As discussed in more detail below, the user feedback may then be distributed to the appropriate manufacturer, retailer, distributor, marketing institution, and advertiser.

The sampling process enables manufacturers, retailers, distributors, marketing institutions, and advertisers to develop more effective marketing campaigns because it will automatically prompt users to order or confirm orders for sampled items. This can result in a higher conversion rate than the success rate achieved by conventional sampling, advertising, shelf promotions in supermarkets, etc., where the user orders a common form of the sampled product.

In addition, the supply of samples is more centralized and accurate than many conventional techniques. The samples provided to a given user may be selected based on user profile information including: the user's subscription history, the user's preferences and selected preference patterns, the user's family demographics, the user's address, etc., will help identify the appropriate target consumer for a given marketing campaign. As illustrated in fig. 11, at state 1102, user account information including user demographic information, sample opt-in information, sample preference and pattern information, and past order history information is received and stored in a database. At state 1104, the user account information is retrieved and the demographic information is compared to the target consumer demographic data for a given product or service. At state 1106, based on the comparison, the user's opt-in information, and the sample preference information, a target consumer is selected to receive a sample of a given product or service. In one embodiment, an SQL query is generated using the aforementioned parameters, and the SOL query is used to query the sample product database 7014 to determine samples that are appropriate for the user. At state 1108, the sample and the user address and address label are provided to the supplier, shipping and/or logistics company and the sample is delivered.

Advantageously, the sampling process provides detailed consumption and user impression feedback. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process of collecting and distributing sample feedback information. At state 1202, all or a portion of users receiving a sample of a given product or service are selected to review a survey request. This portion of the user may optionally be limited to only including users who have scanned the sample as part of a discard process to indicate that the user has used the sample. In state 1204, the survey is sent to the user via the disposition unit 7002, email, regular mail, web page, text message, or by telephone. At state 1206, the results of the survey are received. Additionally or alternatively, the following information is provided:

-percentage and number of family members ordering a given product after receiving a sample of said product

-percentage and number of family members who place sampled products in disposal unit 7002 and do not order the products and/or activate the discard key

Reason why family members do not order sampled products provided during the abandonment process or provided in response to surveys provided later.

In state 1208, the survey results are distributed to the appropriate manufacturer, retailer, distributor, marketing institution and/or advertiser.

FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary sample preference form that a user may access via a website, email, or other form. The form may include a field in which the user may agree to participate in the sampling process by entering the appropriate indicator character or activating a corresponding link. The table lists products and product types that the user may indicate that the user will or will not accept their free sample. For example, as illustrated in fig. 13, the user may indicate on the table that the user will not accept product samples containing certain food types, such as pork, poultry, beef, fish, seafood, or will only accept certain types of food products, such as vegetarian, low-fat, low-sodium, or kosher food products.

An embodiment of the sampling process further includes a coupon process in which the user has a coupon that entitles him to enjoy a free product or sample, a discount on the price of the product, a promotion (e.g., purchase one product and obtain another product free of charge), etc.

The waste treatment and replenishment system operator, manufacturer, retailer, distributor and/or advertiser can provide coupons to users in the form of hard copy coupons with printed coupon barcodes, through the use of ordinary mail or at the time of delivery of an order. The coupon barcode may comprise a special barcode including, for example, eTrash's custom UPC numeric System character # 4.

The coupon may also be in the form of an electronic coupon or text coupon code that may be electronically mailed to the user or provided to the user via a website and printed out by the user. The coupon may also be sent to the user's disposal unit 7002 and displayed to the user through the unit 7002 or a connected computing device and/or printed out. As discussed above, the coupon information may be stored in a coupon database. The coupon database may include a coupon identifier, a start date, an end date, a number of times the coupon may be used, a number of times the coupon has been used, and a coupon face value. For example, the coupon face value may be expressed as a specified monetary value, a percentage discount, free shipment, or "buy X free get Y".

If the coupon is a hard copy coupon or a print of an electronic coupon, the user can scan the coupon code to enter or apply the coupon by using the handling unit 7002 scanner. If the coupon is in the form of a text coupon code, the user may type in the code by using the keyboard or touch screen keyboard of the handling unit 7002. If a coupon is sent to the processing unit 7002 or displayed through use of the processing unit 7002, the coupon may be automatically applied to the appropriate purchase event.

The coupon may include various usage restrictions. For example, the coupon may be limited to a single user or to a single use per household. Coupons may also have time limitations. Optionally, a "numbering barcode" may be used, wherein each coupon has a unique barcode number. When the coupon is entered and applied, the coupon's use is recorded in a coupon database and the designated barcode is "deactivated" to prevent further use of the coupon.

For free sample product coupons, the waste processing system receives the coupon code information once the user scans or otherwise enters the coupon code. The system then sends instructions to fulfill the sampled order along with address information to a third party logistics company or other fulfillment entity. The use of sample product coupons would advantageously increase the use of the sampling process. For example, a manufacturer may approve the distribution of 10,000 coupons to selected consumers and then assess the conversion rate of the number of people who subsequently order the sampled product among the people who receive and/or use the sample. Based on the results of the evaluation, the manufacturer may decide to send an additional number of sample product coupons to additional selected consumers and/or to generally distribute additional coupons to the average consumer.

FIG. 13B illustrates an exemplary coupon processing method. The process begins at state 1302 and proceeds to state 1304. The user scans the coupon code by using, for example, the scanner 838 illustrated in fig. 8B, and sends the scanned code to the processing system 7005. The processing system 7005 uses the code to query the coupon database 7018 to identify which product the user chooses to use in conjunction with the coupon and the product size and configuration of the coupon that can be used. Processing system 7005 also verifies that the date is between the coupon start and end dates. If applicable, the processing system further determines whether the coupon can only be used a specified number of times, and if so, whether the specified number of times has been exceeded. In state 1308, the options are sent to the disposal unit 7002 or computer terminal 7008 for display to the user.

In state 1310, the processing system receives the product size, configuration, and/or quantity selected by the user. At state 1312, indicia that the coupon has been used is stored in association with the coupon code in the coupon database 7016. Information regarding coupon usage may be provided to suppliers, retailers, research and/or marketing institutions that may use the information to conduct marketing analyses and/or improve their supply of products. At state 1314, the user order is stored in the order database 7012. At state 1316, the process ends.

For discount coupons, once a user scans or otherwise enters the coupon code, the waste treatment and replenishment system operator receives the coupon code information and applies the discount to the user's pending order, provided the order meets the conditions for the discount. Additionally, there is a limit to the number of discount coupons that can be used for a given number of applicable products in a given order.

In one embodiment, the user may have the ability to change, define, and generate new purchasing habits by specifying the corresponding order and delivery mode. The user may enable a mode option as part of their account settings. If the user enables the mode option, the system then proposes an alternative product to the user. By utilizing auto-replenishment and the pattern, the user can beneficially change their shopping habits to thereby purchase healthier foods with little effort.

When providing suggestions of alternative products, the selected pattern guides and defines the automatic search filtering according to certain previously defined user replacement rules and restrictions, such as dietary preferences, for alternative products similar to the scanned and discarded items. In addition, certain modes may change delivery and order characteristics, such as when ordering an order and/or scheduling delivery.

The user may configure, modify and view their mode rules and definitions via the system operator web station or through the use of the treatment unit 7002 user interface. These rules may be stored as part of the user account information. FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary pattern rule generation/modification process. At state 1402, the process flows to state 1404, where a rule guide or form is provided. The user may use the wizard or form to generate and add a new rule or modify an existing rule to be applied to a user selected product category and/or subcategory. Upon selecting a product category and subcategory (if applicable), the user may select from the corresponding mode menu. An exemplary mode menu is as follows:

meal mode

Fat free pattern

Low fat mode

Gluten-free mode

Mode without peanut

Salt free mode

High protein mode

Egg-free mode lactose-free mode

Non-dairy mode

Kosher product model

Organic mode

Natural mode

Social patterns

Popular mode

Selection of celebrities

Mode of biodegradable packaging

Selection of experts

Ecological packaging mode

M.d. (suggested by doctor) mode

Security mode

At state 1406 it is determined whether the user wants to edit an existing rule. If the user wants to edit an existing rule, the process proceeds to state 1410 where the rule to be edited is retrieved from the user account database, displayed, and edited by the user. If the user does not want to edit an existing rule, the process proceeds from state 1406 to state 1408 and the wizard guides the user through the process of generating new rules. In state 1412, the new and edited rules are stored in the record of the user account, and the process ends in state 1414.

When the user scans the item being handled, if the system is able to find products similar to the scanned product that meet the user-specified or selected mode, then a query is made via the user interface of the display unit as to whether the user would like to change brand, product, series, and/or type. For example, the "brand" of yogurt may be dynes (Dannon), "product" is yogurt, "line" is fat-free or low fat, and "type" may be a taste, such as strawberry. As another example, the "brand" of the razor may be Gillette, "the" product "may be a" razor, "the" line "may be a line of products such as Mach3, and the" type "may be a number per pack, such as 3 packs.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary add pattern rule table. For example, the schema rules table may be provided to the user as a web page on the user computing device or via a handling unit. The user may select a particular product or product type from the product category field. The product category field may be a text entry field in which the user types in the product or product category, or it may be a menu including predetermined products or product categories. The product categories can be, for example, food categories such as yogurt, shellfish, cheese, butter, cereals, salad dressings, pasta, snacks, soups, tea, coffee, fruit juices, cake mix, canned fruit, infant formula, and the like. The product category can be non-food categories such as dish soap, dishwasher detergent, hand soap, batteries, sandwich bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, coffee filters, water filters, garbage bags, and the like.

Conditional factors such as "yes" or "not" may be specified. A mode field is used to select from among predetermined preference modes, such as those discussed above, or to use a user-defined preference mode. An elasticity field allows a user to specify an absolute or relative elasticity level when accepting a recommendation for a product replacement or replacement product. For example, a user may specify a lower level of resiliency to indicate that the user is unwilling to change brands, types, families, and/or categories. A user may specify a higher level of resiliency to indicate that the user is willing to change brands, types, families, and/or categories.

If the user checks or otherwise selects the mode selection "OK" field box, then if no products meeting the rules are found during the search for alternative products, the user will not be offered an alternative product and/or an alternative product will not be automatically added to the user's order.

If the user checks or otherwise selects the mode selection "apply the rule to sample" field box, then the user will be selected samples that satisfy the selected mode rule.

If the user checks or otherwise selects the mode selection "apply the rule only to the product category" field box, the system will override other rules that may otherwise be applied to the selected product category. If the selected mode has a rating associated with it, then the rating method is selected via the rating method field. If the system finds more than one matching product for a scanned product, the user may specify via the rating method field that the product with the highest rating from one or more rating entities may be added to the user order. For example, the rating may be from a review of the entity, such as a product review website or magazine that provides reviews. Alternatively or additionally, the quota may be based on market data, such as product sales, product preferences of the system operator or employee thereof, and/or preferences of one or more user-specified celebrities.

In addition, when a user specifies more than one mode for a given product or product type, the user may specify mode priorities, i.e., the order in which the mode filtering rules are applied. The user may modify the mode priority by changing the priority encoding or by dragging and dropping the modes to form a list corresponding to the desired application order.

Exemplary user selectable modes will now be discussed in more detail.

-a meal mode: the system searches for meals or low calorie products that are similar to meals or low calorie products that are scanned and satisfy other rules and definitions (if any) applied by the user.

No fat/low fat profile: the system searches for fat-free or low-fat products that are similar to the fat-free or low-fat products that are scanned and satisfy other rules and definitions (if any) applied by the user.

-kosher product mode: the system searches for kosher products that are similar to kosher products that are scanned and satisfy other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user.

-organic mode: the system searches for organic products that are made or produced without the use of pesticides, similar to organic products that are scanned and meet other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user.

-natural mode: the system searches for natural products made without artifacts that are similar to natural products that are scanned and satisfy other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user.

-a popular mode: the system searches for the most popular brands of products based on sales volume or dollar value similar to the scanned products, and which satisfy other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user.

-selection of celebrities: the system searches for products similar to the scanned product that have been identified as preferred products or brands by the specified or selected celebrity, and which satisfy other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user. Optionally, the user may specify the celebrity. In addition, the waste treatment and replenishment system operator can agree with the celebrity as to his preferred products disclosed by the celebrity and his products generally purchased. Optionally, in exchange, the manufacturer will pay a marketing fee or provide other incentives, such as grocery shopping for celebrities for an agreed amount of time.

-biodegradable packaging mode: the system searches for products similar to the scanned product, assuming it has biodegradable packaging and meets other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user.

-selection of experts: the system searches for products similar to the scanned product, assuming it is a brand that the expert likes or recommends and satisfies other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user. The expert may be associated with a specialized company, association, or magazine reviewing scanned types of products, such as food or wine magazines. The expert may also be a collection of consumer opinions. For example, the highest ranked products classified by some consumers may be designated as a choice by an expert. Optionally, the user may select which expert should be employed. The system operator may agree with such experts and magazines to provide such selections or suggestions.

-m.d. mode: the system searches for products similar to the scanned product and which are coordinated with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease and which satisfy other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user. For example, there may be dietary restrictions associated with certain medical conditions. The medical dietary restrictions may be set and specified by the user's physician or by using dietary guidelines specified or approved by a well-known medical association.

-a secure mode: the system defines the purchase and/or selection of a particular product or product category selected by the user, such as wine, cigarettes, over-the-counter medicines (i.e., parents can establish an account for their children but prevent their children from ordering wine or cigarettes). In addition, the user may specify other restrictions, such as restricting the selection of replacement items to those items having a specified expiration date or later, or to those items that are or are not from a specified country of origin.

-ecological packaging mode: the system searches for products similar to the scanned products that have more ecological security or recyclable packaging (i.e., coca-cola: changing a 12 ounce plastic bottle to a 12 ounce aluminum can, recycled paper packaging, recyclable paper packaging) than the scanned products and that meet other rules and restrictions (if any) applied by the user.

1. -a social pattern: the system searches for products similar to the scanned products, assuming that the social career in which the manufacturer is involved conforms to, or at least partially conforms to, the social career in which the user is interested or specified, and that the products satisfy other rules and restrictions applied by the user. The user may specify which social cause the user wants to be concerned about (i.e., treatment of american or foreign workers, conquering hunger in africa, struggling with global warming, efforts to protect biodiversity, recovery efforts, energy utilization, cooperative disposition issues, etc.). Such information about the manufacturer may optionally be stored in a manufacturer database, such as the manufacturer database 7015 described above. Using such a model can advantageously promote a company to be more socially responsible to thereby gain market share. Based on the user preference reports provided by the waste treatment and replenishment system operator, the company receiving the reports will know that it may be willing to change the number of consumers in purchasing habits if the manufacturer is involved in solving a specified social problem. Optionally, the user may enter a code corresponding to the desired predetermined manufacturer characteristic via a touch screen, keyboard, etc. of the unit. For example, the touch screen may include a social mode soft key for entering such a code, which may be an alphanumeric code. Upon activation of the social mode key, an entry field is displayed to receive the code. By way of illustration, an environmental organization may arrange an advertisement in a magazine explaining the problems that plastic packaging poses to the environment. The advertisement may provide a code corresponding to a corresponding social pattern in which products are to be ordered from a manufacturer using eco-friendly packaging. For example, the advertisement may be recited as: "if you want to order a product from a manufacturer using eco-friendly packaging, press the social mode key and enter" 524 "and your password (if needed), and the mode will be automatically added to your account".

-travel mode: this mode has particular use for travelers. When the travel mode is selected, the next automatic delivery date is overridden by a user-specified delivery date, such as the date the user returned from traveling.

-other modes: other pre-customized rules and definitions from specialized organizations, such as those that provide weight control regimens or muscle shaping regimens.

To better ensure consumer satisfaction, the user may instruct the system to provide a confirmation communication, such as via email, regular mail, web page, text message, real-time message, telephone, or by using other messaging techniques, that requires the user to provide confirmation of proposed changes in the product and the order triggered by the selected mode. The user instructions may be provided by using a user preference table.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary pattern selection table 1600 for a plurality of product categories having user-specified priorities. The exemplary table includes a priority field, a product category field, a mode selection field, a qualification field, an elasticity field, and a description field. The restrictive field is used to indicate whether the user wants to restrict the alternative or proposed alternative products or items to those that do not include a component or have some other characteristic. The description field can be used to describe or specify the characteristics defined via the restrictive field. For example, one or more ingredients that have been defined by a user, i.e., that are not acceptable in an alternative or replacement product, may be enumerated in the description.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary record for a product including product name, price, specification, brand, type, series, and category/flavor fields. Other fields such as ingredient, calorie, and/or trait characteristics fields may also be included. Thus, when searching for replacements or proposed replacements, the system determines whether the specifications, brands, types, families, and categories/tastes, and other characteristics of a potential replacement product correspond to those characteristics that are acceptable to the user. If they correspond to those characteristics acceptable to the user, the product is a suitable replacement product or recommended replacement product, and the user is provided with the product name and price and/or an order to add the item to the user.

Fig. 18 illustrates an exemplary mode application process corresponding to the mode override state 911 illustrated in fig. 9. Beginning at state 1802, the process flows to state 1804 where the mode suggestion option flag and the mode replacement option flag are read from the user account database. If either of the two flags is set, indicating that the user wants the system to determine whether there are appropriate replacement products for the obsolete item that should be proposed to or automatically added to the user's order, the process proceeds to state 1806 and a first replacement mode rule is retrieved from the user account database. At state 1808 it is determined whether the rule applies to the waste product category and/or subcategory. For example, the categories may be yogurt, soda, coffee, cereals, salad dressings, meat, detergents, toothpaste, soap, or light bulbs, and the corresponding subcategories may include strawberry flavored yogurt, cola soda, instant coffee, hot cereal (hot cereal), italian salad dressing, beef, tile detergent, children's toothpaste, soft soap, and fluorescent light bulbs. If the rule does not apply, the process passes to state 1814. Then the rule is applicable, then the process proceeds to state 1810.

At state 1810, the product database is searched or queried to determine if there are matching replacement products that satisfy the rule. If there is no matching replacement product, then the process passes from state 1812 to state 1824, where the user is queried as to whether the user includes a replacement for the waste product in the user's order. If the user's answer is negative, the process proceeds to state 1826, where the process of adding a substitute product to the user's order is paused or cancelled, and the process proceeds to end state 1828. If the user's answer is in the affirmative, then the process proceeds from state 1824 to state 1818.

Referring back to state 1812, if there is a matching replacement product, the process proceeds from state 1812 to state 1814. At state 1814, a determination is made whether the user has defined additional rules. If so, the process returns to state 1806 where additional rules are applied to further filter out or exclude potential replacement products. Otherwise, the process proceeds to state 1816. If more matching products are identified in state 1810, then in state 1816, user preferences are retrieved from the user account database to rank the identified replacement products according to which replacement product more closely satisfies the user preferences. In one embodiment, the cheapest matching product is designated as the highest ranking product. Next, the highest ranked product is selected as a substitute product.

If the user's mode override option flag is set, then at state 1818, confirmation is provided to the user via email, a handling unit, or otherwise, regarding the addition of the substitute to the user order. If the user's mode proposal option flag is set, the user will then be asked if they want to accept the proposed replacement, and the user's response, entered via the treatment unit user interface or otherwise, will be stored and acted upon. In state 1820, a replacement product is added to the user order, and the process ends in state 1828.

Referring back to state 1804, if neither the mode proposal option flag or the mode replacement option flag is set, the process proceeds to state 1822 where the user's account data is read to determine if there are other modes set, such as the travel mode discussed above. If so, then these modes are followed and the process proceeds to an end state 1828.

In addition, inventory management and control may be performed more accurately and more responsively by using the disposal unit content information, the user order preferences, and the user order history. As discussed above, the handling and replacement system stores information about products scanned and deposited in the handling unit. The information is then used to generate substantially real-time information about the consumption of the product by the respective family member. In addition, based on user ordering preferences, delivery preferences, and content information for the disposal unit, information about items consumed but not replenished, the disposal and replacement system may predict when a replacement product will or may be ordered from a supplier for replenishment.

In particular, the disposal and replacement system creates or updates a database of consumed products to be replenished based on content information, user profiles, and/or user pending orders. For example, the database may be stored in the handling unit or in a remote data processing system, such as remote data processing system 7005. The database includes an identifier of the product to be replenished, the quantity of the product, the expected date that the quantity of the product will be required, the zip code and/or region where the product is required, and the retailer or distributor that needs the corresponding quantity of the product. The database may be queried by authorized retailers and manufacturers according to disposal and replacement system rules and privacy regulations using SQL queries or the like. Alternatively or additionally, information regarding the type and quantity of goods that need to be replaced may be provided to selected retailers and suppliers via email or by other means without requiring a query. Retailers and manufacturers optionally do not have competitor information or a given user's designated order/family member status. For example, ordering information for multiple users may be aggregated and provided to a provider without uniquely identifying individual users.

To locate information of interest, the retailer or manufacturer may define its query by:

-by zip code;

-a region of passage;

-passing the product;

-by date of delivery;

-a number of passes;

-by a specified delivery date;

-by the manufacturer, and/or;

-by the retailer.

Manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers can utilize substantially real-time consumption information for sales forecasting and production planning to improve efficiency and logistics, reduce labor capital requirements, and assess product unit sales performance.

In particular, the retailer may analyze data retrieved from the database to predict future sales and better plan purchases, reduce inventory, and manage partial fulfillment of orders. The queried information may be used by the manufacturer to assess the success of the product launch by zip code, region, date, etc. In addition, manufacturers can more efficiently supply products to their regional distributors based on zip codes or the region where the goods are consumed. The manufacturer may further use the product consumption information for production planning purposes.

For example, when a user has designated to order an order with a designated retailer or supplier, the designated retailer or supplier knows that the user will order the order with them and can use the high-level knowledge of the pending user order to keep the corresponding items and quantities on the order in inventory.

Many different entities involved in the order and supply chain processes may be co-located within the same facility or network center to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The different entities may include manufacturers, retailers, and logistics companies that share warehouses and docks. Labor costs and general expenses will be shared among groups such as cooperative agencies. The manufacturer will rank the inventory according to the sales forecast, and the retailer can electronically purchase the item as it chooses or bids on the customer order that it wants to fulfill and as it actually fulfills the order.

Additionally, embodiments of the waste disposal and replacement system provide home inventory management to consumers. Specifically, the waste disposal and replacement system analyzes the product consumption patterns of consumers for a certain time or for a predetermined period of time and calculates the optimal inventory levels of family members. Once the ranking is found, the system alerts and prompts the consumer to purchase an alternative item that has been fully consumed, or an item that is predicted by the waste disposal and replacement system to be fully consumed within a predetermined period of time based on past disposal history. The waste disposal and replacement system also informs or advises the user not to purchase the backlog product until the home reaches an optimal or preferred inventory level.

Optionally, the waste treatment and replenishment system operator takes steps to ensure privacy for the consumer. For example, one or more of the following techniques may be used: identifying a family member or user by using only an alphanumeric code; providing only address information to an entity delivering the order, such as a logistics company; communications with the handling unit 7002 and/or computing device may be encrypted; optionally, only the order content and the customer identification alphanumeric code are communicated to the retailer; and/or optionally only the delivery address and only the specified order content.

If the user specifies in the user ordering preferences to order an order for a specified retailer or provider, the system will receive the user order and forward the order directly to the retailer or provider. If the user specifies that the order is to be ordered to a retailer or supplier having the best overall order price, optionally including a delivery fee, the order is managed according to the following exemplary process.

In one embodiment, when a user specifies that an order be filled by the lowest priced supplier, once the system receives and stores the user order preferences, shipping preferences, and the order, the system provides the order information and the desired delivery date and/or shipping date to potential bidders such as retailers and other suppliers. The bidder then sends its bid, including the order and pricing information for order delivery, back to the system. The system then compares and/or ranks the bids and identifies the lowest price bid, the next lowest price bid, and so on. The lowest cost provider is then ordered an order that may meet or be within a predetermined range of the desired delivery and/or shipping date.

FIG. 19 illustrates a bidding process that may be used if the user requires the least priced vendor. Beginning at state 1901, the process proceeds to state 1902, where the system retrieves the user's order preferences, shipping preferences, and orders. In state 1904, the system accesses the supplier database, e.g., via the supplier's website, by using an online robot, etc., and retrieves the price of the supplier for the item on the order. At state 1906, the lowest total price for the order is determined. The process is repeated for orders by other users ordered during a predetermined time period. At state 1908, the orders are grouped or aggregated and the grouped situation is "published" in a secure area of the system web site for auction using, for example, XML protocols. The grouping may be based on requested delivery, date of order, similarity or commonality of items ordered, and/or geographic location. At state 1910, the lowest prices previously identified for each user order in a given group are aggregated together.

At state 1912, the supplier, such as a retailer, provides a discount for the bid price of each set of orders compared to its normal retail or wholesale price. The given set that is retained is set to the total price that the set previously calculated. That is, a successful bid needs to be below the total price of the group. At state 1916, the lowest cost bidder is determined. At state 1916, when bidding ends, a given set of orders will be forwarded to the best or lowest bidder. At state 1918, the discount is applied to orders proportional to the overall discount for a given set of bids. The process ends at state 1920.

If a retailer or supplier wants to bid on a user's order, but is informed that the order includes a "reserved" item, i.e., the user has specified an order that will order certain items from a specified different retailer or supplier, the retailer or supplier may decline to participate in an auction to supply the user's items.

The above-described handling unit may further be optionally used for voting. For example, the treatment unit touch screen may be used to present the number of votes and receive votes on the quality of the item by the manufacturer or provider or votes on how socially responsible the manufacturer or provider is. The votes may be collected, stored, and added, and the user may use the results of these votes to select a manufacturer and/or vendor. Optionally, the user may be required to provide a unique identifier such as a password and/or social security number for voting purposes.

The handling unit may also optionally request service or otherwise provide a request by activating an appropriate soft button. For example, a soft button may be provided that corresponds to a nanny request. Similarly, a soft button may be provided to place an emergency call to police, fire department or ambulance services.

In addition, the bar code scanner may be used to scan a bar code on a bill. The user may then enter a password and provide the appropriate authorization to be sent to the system by the handling unit, and the bill is debited to a specific credit card, debit account or other financial instrument.

It is to be understood that certain variations and modifications of the present invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is not limited by the description or the previous description.

Claims

1. A disposal and supply system, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit comprising:

a processor;

a scanner coupled to the processor, the scanner configured to scan a code on an item stored in the waste disposal unit;

a network interface coupled to the processor, the network interface configured to send and receive information over a network; and

a remote processing system configured to be coupled to the waste disposal unit via the network, the remote processing system comprising:

a database storing sample preferences associated with a user of the waste disposal unit, wherein the sample preferences are stored at least in part to select samples to be provided to the user;

first instructions configured to receive at least a first item of scan information from the waste disposal unit;

second instructions configured to determine from the received scan information that the first item is a sample;

third instructions configured to receive, via the waste disposal unit, an indication of whether the user wants to order a substitute for the sample;

fourth instructions configured to locate an alternative option for the sample;

fifth instructions configured to send the alternative option to the waste disposal unit;

sixth instructions configured to receive an option selection of the user from the waste disposal unit.

2. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the remote processing system further includes seventh instructions configured to receive, via the waste disposal unit, at least one indication of a reason why the user does not want to order a substitute for the sample, and receive, via the waste disposal unit, an indication that the user wants to order a substitute for the sample.

3. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the remote processing system further includes seventh instructions configured to provide the user with a selectable reason to not order a substitute for at least one sample.

4. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the remote processing system further comprises:

seventh instructions configured to receive a reason for not ordering a substitute for the at least one sample; and

eighth instructions configured to provide the reason to one of at least one manufacturer, retailer, distributor, marketing entity, and advertiser.

5. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the remote processing system further includes seventh instructions configured to cause a non-sample surrogate for the sample to be delivered to the user.

6. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the waste disposal unit further includes a touch screen unit configured to display information to the user and receive user input.

7. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the waste disposal unit further includes a presence detection circuit that activates the scanner in response to detecting the presence of an object.

8. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the waste disposal unit further includes a detachable display and a user input device coupled via a wireless network.

9. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the waste disposal unit is configured to require a user password before performing a scan.

10. The waste disposal system of claim 1, wherein: the scanner is one of a bar code scanner and a wireless radio frequency scanner.

11. A method of selectively providing a sample, comprising: comprises the following steps:

receiving user-specified sample preferences from a first user over a network;

storing the sample preferences in a user database;

receiving, from a networked waste bin, discard information regarding at least a first item package handled by the user; and

causing delivery of a first sample to the user based at least in part on the sample preferences and the discard information.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: further comprising:

receiving, from a networked waste bin, discard information regarding at least a first sample item package disposed of by the user;

causing a subscription form for the first sample item in plain form to be presented to the user; and

receiving an order for the non-sample form of the item from the user.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein: further comprising:

causing a subscription form for the first sample item in plain form to be presented to the user;

receiving an item indication from the user that the user does not want to order the sample item in a generic form; and

the user is asked to provide reasons why the ordering of the sample items in their normal form is not desired.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: further comprising providing the user with an optional reason for not ordering the first sample item in the generic form.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: the user-selectable reasons include at least two or more of the following:

the user does not use the item type;

the user uses the sample item but dislikes it; and

the user uses and likes the sample item, but prefers another brand.

16. A method of selectively providing a sample, comprising: comprises the following steps:

receiving user-specified sample preferences from a first user over a network;

storing the preferences in a database; and

causing delivery of a first sample to the first user that satisfies the user-specified sample preference.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: further comprising:

receiving coupon information via a waste disposal unit; and

causing delivery of an item corresponding to the coupon to the first user.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein: further comprising receiving an indication from a waste disposal unit that the first sample has been used.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein: further comprising:

receiving an indication that at least the first sample's packaging has been placed in a disposal unit;

cause a query to be presented to the first user via the disposal unit to determine whether the first user wants to order the first sample in non-sample form; and

a reply to the query is received.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: further comprising causing at least one query to be presented to the first user to determine at least one of a size and a quantity of the non-sample form desired by the user.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein: further included is receiving information scanned from the first sample by the first user using a scanner coupled to a waste disposal unit.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein: further comprising:

receiving demographic information and sample preferences associated with a second user; and

causing a sample corresponding to the user sample preferences and demographics to be delivered to the second user.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein: further comprising determining at least one of a percentage and a number of users ordering the first sample in a non-sample form after receiving the sample of the product.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein: further comprising determining at least one of a percentage and a number of users who disposed the first sample and did not order a non-sample form.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein: further comprising:

receiving an indication that packaging of at least the first sample has been deposited in a disposal unit;

causing a query to be presented to the first user to determine whether the first user wants to order the first sample in a non-sample form;

receiving a negative reply to the query;

cause a query to be presented to the first user to determine a reason why the first user does not want to order the first sample in a non-sample form;

receiving a reply from the first user including at least a first reason from the first user indicating a reason why the first user does not want to order the first sample in a non-sample form;

providing information regarding the reply to one of at least one manufacturer, retailer, distributor, marketing entity, and advertiser.

26. A disposable data processing and provisioning system, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

a database storing sample preferences associated with a user of at least a first waste disposal unit;

a processing system configured to be coupled to at least the first waste disposal unit via a network, the processing system comprising:

first instructions stored in a computer-readable memory configured to receive at least a first item of information from the waste disposal unit;

second instructions, stored in computer-readable memory, configured to determine from the received scan information that the first item is a sample; and

third instructions stored in computer readable memory configured to receive, via the waste disposal unit, an indication as to whether the user wants to order the first item in non-sample form.

27. The disposable data processing and provisioning system of claim 26, wherein: further comprising:

fourth instructions, stored in the computer-readable memory, configured to locate an alternative option to the first item;

fifth instructions stored in computer-readable memory configured to send the alternative option to the first waste disposal unit; and

sixth instructions, stored in computer-readable memory, configured to receive an option selection of the user from the waste disposal unit.

28. The disposable data processing and provisioning system of claim 26, wherein: the processing system further includes fourth instructions stored in the computer-readable memory configured to receive, via the waste disposal unit, at least one indication of a reason why the user does not want to order the first item in non-sample form, and receive, via the waste disposal unit, an indication that the user wants to order the first item in non-sample form.

29. The disposable data processing and provisioning system of claim 26, wherein: the processing system further includes fourth instructions stored in the computer-readable memory that cause presenting to the user, via the waste disposal unit, a selectable reason for not ordering the first item in non-sample form.

30. The disposable data processing and provisioning system of claim 26, wherein: the remote processing system further comprises:

fourth instructions, stored in the computer-readable memory, configured to process a reason for not ordering the first item in non-sample form; and

fifth instructions stored in the computer-readable memory configured to provide the reason to one of at least one manufacturer, retailer, distributor, marketing entity, and advertiser.

31. The disposable data processing and provisioning system of claim 26, wherein: the processing system further includes fourth instructions configured to cause a non-sample surrogate for the first item to be delivered to the user.

32. A method of selectively providing a sample, comprising: comprises the following steps:

receiving user-specified sample preferences from a first user over a network;

storing the sample preferences in a user database;

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: further comprising:

receiving an order for the item in the non-sample form from the user.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein: further comprising:

35. The method of claim 34, wherein: further comprising providing the user with an alternative reason to not order the first sample item in the generic form.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: the user-selectable reasons include at least two or more of the following:

the user does not use the item type;

the user uses the sample item but dislikes it; and

the user uses and likes the sample item, but prefers another brand.

37. A waste disposal system, comprising:

a waste disposal unit, the waste disposal unit comprising:

a processor;

a database storing product preferences associated with users of the waste disposal units;

second instructions configured to select at least a first potential replacement item to replace the first item based at least in part on the scanning information and the user preferences;

third instructions configured to add the potential replacement item to a user order.

38. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: the third instructions are further configured to send to the waste disposal unit to display to the user a confirmation request to add the potential replacement item to the user order.

39. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: the third instructions automatically add the potential replacement item to the user order.

40. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: the preference includes a plurality of priority rules, and the second instructions are further configured to apply the rules based at least in part on the priority.

41. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: further comprising:

fourth instructions configured to query the user whether the user would like to change brands; and

fifth instructions configured to store a reply to the query in the database.

42. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: further included are fourth instructions configured to receive an indication from the user regarding a level of user resilience in accepting at least one of a product replacement and an alternative product suggestion.

43. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers at least one of the following foods: a diet, a fat-free food, a low-fat food, a gluten-free food, a peanut-free food, a salt-free food, a high-protein food, an egg-free food, a lactose-free food, a non-dairy food, a kosher food, an organic food, and a natural food.

44. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers at least two of the following foods: a diet, a fat-free food, a low-fat food, a gluten-free food, a peanut-free food, a salt-free food, a high-protein food, an egg-free food, a lactose-free food, a non-dairy food, a kosher food, an organic food, and a natural food.

45. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: the waste disposal unit comprises a user interface device having at least one of the following keys: a key configured to immediately cause an order to be ordered, a key configured to cause an order to be delivered using expedited delivery services, and a key configured to prevent an item from being added to the order.

46. The waste disposal system of claim 37, wherein: further included is a pattern entry field configured to enter a code corresponding to a predetermined social pattern.

47. A method of electronically processing user preference information to select alternative products, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

receiving, over a network, identification information of an item obsolete by the user;

accessing preference information for the user from a database; and

sending, over the network, a suggestion of an alternative item to the obsolete item based at least on the identification information and the preference information of the obsolete item, wherein the alternative item differs from the obsolete item in at least one respect.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein: further comprising:

receiving a user instruction to provide an alternative suggestion; and

storing the user instruction in the database.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information is used for a first user to specify a product category.

50. The method of claim 47, wherein: further comprising receiving an indication from the user regarding a level of user resilience in accepting at least one of a product replacement and a substitute product suggestion.

51. The method of claim 47, wherein: further comprising:

inquiring whether the user is willing to change brands;

receiving a reply to the query; and

storing a reply to the query in the database.

52. The method of claim 47, wherein: further including selecting a provider of the alternative item based on a user-specified purchase option selected from the group consisting of one or more of the user's zip code, a user-specified vendor, and a vendor price for the alternative item.

53. The method of claim 47, wherein: further comprising receiving a shipping option specified by a user selected from the group consisting of one or more of a day of the week and an environmentally friendly shipping process.

54. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes a plurality of priority rules.

55. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes at least a first rule.

56. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information comprises an indication of at least a first component not desired by the user.

57. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers a meal.

58. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers a fat free food product.

59. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers kosher food.

60. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers organic food.

61. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers natural food.

62. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers a food product that does not include the first ingredient.

63. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers popular food.

64. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers food products that are preferred by at least a first celebrity.

65. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers food from a manufacturer that participates in at least one first social cause.

66. The method of claim 47, wherein: further comprising receiving code corresponding to a predefined manufacturer's community profile.

67. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user wants to prevent purchase of at least one of a first product and a first product category.

68. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers at least two of the following foods: a meal, a fat-free food, a low-fat food, a kosher food, an organic food, a natural food, a popular food, at least one first celebrity favorite food, a food with biodegradable packaging, a food recommended by at least one first source, and a food recommended by at least one first physician.

69. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers a food product having a first eating characteristic.

70. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers items having a first packaging characteristic.

71. The method of claim 47, wherein: the user preference information includes an indication that the user prefers the items recommended by the first source.

72. The method of claim 47, wherein: the identification information is based at least in part on information obtained from a code on the item.

73. The method of claim 47, wherein: the identification information is based at least in part on information obtained from a code on the item, wherein the code is applied by the user.

74. The method of claim 47, wherein: the identification information is based at least in part on information obtained from a code on the item, wherein the code is scanned by the user.

75. The method of claim 47, wherein: the identification information is based at least in part on information obtained from a code on the item, wherein the code is scanned using a scanner coupled to a container into which the item is discarded.

76. A method of electronically processing user preference information and selecting alternative products, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

receiving, over a network, identification information for an item, a package of the item being discarded by the user;

accessing preference information for the user from a computer-readable memory; and

adding a replacement item for the item whose packaging was discarded to a user order based at least on the identifying information of the discarded item and the preference information.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein: the act of accessing preference information further comprises:

accessing a first preference rule from a computer readable memory;

accessing the second preference rule from the computer readable memory; and

identifying the replacement item based at least on the first preference rule and the second preference rule.

78. The method of claim 76, wherein: the identification information is based at least in part on information scanned from the package.

79. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

receiving at least a first delivery preference instruction over the network;

storing the delivery preference instructions in a computer-readable memory;

accessing the delivery preference instructions from computer readable memory after adding the replacement item to the user order; and

causing delivery of the alternative item based at least in part on the delivery preference instruction.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein: further comprising:

receiving a delivery preference override instruction over the network; and

delivering a second item to the user based at least in part on the delivery preference instructions.

81. The method of claim 76, wherein: sending the identification information to a server system hosting an item database over the network.

82. The method of claim 76, wherein: the replacement item is a different brand than the obsolete item.

83. The method of claim 76, wherein: storing the waste item in a networked waste disposal unit and storing the preference information in the disposal unit.

84. A method of managing user orders, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

receiving, over a network, a user-defined rule specifying a subscription trigger;

storing the user-defined rules in a computer-readable memory;

receiving information of the obsolete items of the user through the network;

generating an order based at least in part on the waste item information; and

ordering according to the order form at least partially in response to the user-defined rule.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein: the rule includes the dollar value of the order.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein: the rules are configured to trigger an order when the order is at least equal to a first value.

87. The method of claim 84, wherein: the rules are configured to trigger a subscription after a specified period of time.

88. An apparatus for processing waste information, comprising:

a discarding unit comprising:

a processor;

a scanner coupled to the processor, the scanner configured to scan a code on items stored in the scrap unit;

a network interface coupled to the processor, the network interface configured to send and receive information over a network;

a database storing information about the contents of the discarded units and a profile associated with a user of the discarded unit; and

a remote processing system configured to be coupled to the abandonment unit via the network, the remote processing system comprising:

first instructions stored in a computer-readable memory configured to receive at least a portion of the stored information from the database, wherein the received information provides an indication of when to replenish at least a first item;

second instructions stored in the computer-readable memory configured to provide at least a portion of the received information to at least a first supplier such that the first supplier can predict inventory demand.

89. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein: the profile includes delivery preferences.

90. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein: the profile includes shipping preferences.

91. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein: the profile includes a subscription trigger.

92. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein: the profile includes vendor preferences.

93. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein: the first supplier is at least one of a retailer, wholesaler, and delivery service entity.

94. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein: the information provided to the at least first vendor does not uniquely identify the user.

95. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein: the information provided to the at least first provider is aggregated with information of other users.

96. A method of providing information suitable for forecasting inventory, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

receiving, over a network, information regarding at least a first networked waste unit content and profile information associated with a user of the first waste unit, including at least one of delivery preferences and shipping preferences; and

providing at least a portion of the received information to at least a first entity over a network such that the first entity can predict inventory requirements.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein: the profile includes vendor preferences.

98. The method of claim 96, wherein: the first entity is at least one of a retailer, wholesaler, and delivery service entity.

99. A method of distributing an order, comprising: comprises the following steps:

receiving order information for a plurality of user orders over a network, wherein at least a portion of the order information is based on information scanned from the located items;

accessing first pricing information from a computer-accessible memory based, at least in part, on the order information;

automatically grouping a portion of the order into a first group based at least on a first characteristic;

setting a highest acceptable bid based at least in part on the first pricing information;

receiving, over the network, quotes for the first set of orders from a supplier;

selecting at least one supplier based on the offer; and

ordering the first set of orders with the selected supplier.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein: the first characteristic is a requested delivery date.

101. The method of claim 99, wherein: the first characteristic is a subscription date.

102. The method of claim 99, wherein: the first characteristic is popularity of the ordered item.

103. The method of claim 99, wherein: the first characteristic is a geographic location.

104. The method of claim 99, wherein: applying a discount from the selected supplier to the first set of orders in proportion.

105. An apparatus configured to distribute orders, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

a network interface configured to couple to a plurality of waste disposal units;

a processor coupled to the network interface;

first instructions stored in a processor-accessible memory configured to receive content information from the plurality of waste disposal units;

second instructions stored in the processor-accessible memory configured to generate a user order based at least in part on the content information;

third instructions, stored in the processor-accessible memory, configured to group a portion of the order into a first group based at least on the first characteristic;

fourth instructions, stored in processor-accessible memory, configured to process quotes for the first set of orders from a supplier; and

fifth instructions stored in the processor-accessible memory configured to select at least one vendor based on the offer.

106. The apparatus according to claim 105, wherein: further included are sixth instructions, stored in processor-accessible memory, configured to order the first set of orders from the selected supplier.

107. The apparatus according to claim 106, wherein: further included are seventh instructions, stored in processor-accessible memory, configured to apply a discount from the selected supplier to the first set of orders.

108. The apparatus according to claim 105, wherein: the first characteristic is a requested delivery date.

109. The apparatus according to claim 105, wherein: the first characteristic is a subscription date.

110. The apparatus according to claim 105, wherein: the first characteristic is popularity of the ordered item.

111. The apparatus according to claim 105, wherein: the first characteristic is a geographic location.

112. A waste collection device, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

a network interface configured to receive status information of a networked waste disposal unit associated with a first user;

a data store containing user rules;

a first processor-executable instruction configured to read a user-specified waste collection rule of a first user from the data store;

second processor-executable instructions configured to determine whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied based at least in part on the status information;

third processor-executable instructions configured to, if the user-specified waste collection rule is not satisfied, determine again whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied after a predetermined period of time has elapsed; and

fourth processor-executable instructions configured to cause a waste collection entity to collect the waste if the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied, wherein the waste collection entity is selected based at least in part on a preference of the first user stored in computer-readable memory.

113. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: further comprising:

fifth processor-executable instructions configured to receive information regarding the contents of at least a first waste bin;

sixth processor-executable instructions configured to provide at least a portion of the content information to a plurality of waste treatment entities;

seventh processor-executable instructions configured to receive bids for waste collection from at least a portion of the plurality of waste processing entities; and

eighth processor-executable instructions configured to select one or more of the waste processing entities to collect the waste based at least in part on the bids.

114. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: further included are fifth instructions configured to receive fill level information from the networked waste disposal unit.

115. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied when the networked waste disposal unit associated with the first user is at least at a first fill level.

116. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rules are satisfied based at least in part on the elapse of at least a first time period since a previous waste collection.

117. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rule specifies a day of the week.

118. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: the preference relates to a fee charged for the waste collection.

119. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: the preferences identify preferred waste collection entities.

120. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: the waste collection entity is selected from the waste collection entities based at least in part on a waste collection bid.

121. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: further included are fifth computer-executable instructions configured to receive user instructions to override the user-specified waste collection rule.

122. The apparatus according to claim 112, wherein: further comprising a trash bag including at least one of a bar code and a radio frequency tag providing at least one of a code usable to identify the user via at least one database and a code providing content information.

123. A waste management device, characterized by: comprises the following steps:

a network interface configured to receive sensory information from a networked waste disposal unit fullness sensor associated with a first user;

a data store storing user-defined rules and preferences;

a waste collection activation system that reads a user-specified waste collection rule of a first user from the data store and determines whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied based at least in part on the sensory information, wherein if the user-specified waste collection rule is not satisfied, the waste collection activation system again determines whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied after a predetermined condition, and if the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied, the waste collection activation system sends an instruction to a waste collection entity to collect the waste, wherein the waste collection entity is selected based at least in part on a preference of the first user accessed from the data store.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising:

receiving information about the contents of at least a first waste bin over the network;

providing at least a portion of the content information to a plurality of waste processing entities;

receiving bids for collecting waste from at least a portion of the plurality of waste processing entities; and

selecting one or more of the waste processing entities to collect the waste based at least in part on the bids.

125. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising sensing a fill level of a waste disposal unit associated with the first user.

126. The method of claim 123, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied when the waste disposal unit associated with the first user is at least at a first fill level.

127. The method of claim 123, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rules are satisfied when at least a first time period has elapsed since a previous waste collection.

128. The method of claim 123, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rule specifies a day of the week.

129. The method of claim 123, wherein: the preference relates to a fee charged for the waste collection.

130. The method of claim 123, wherein: the preferences identify the preferred waste collection entity.

131. The method of claim 123, wherein: the waste collection entity is selected from the waste collection entity based at least in part on a waste collection bid.

132. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising receiving a user instruction to override the user-specified waste collection rule.

133. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising causing the printer to print the contents of a waste bin.

134. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising providing waste content information of at least a first waste container to the waste collection entity.

135. A method of waste treatment characterized by: the method comprises the following steps:

reading from the computer accessible memory a waste collection rule specified by a user of the first user;

determining whether the user-specified waste collection rules are satisfied based at least in part on the status of waste units received over a network;

if the user-specified waste collection rule is not satisfied, then after a predetermined condition, determining again whether the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied; and

causing a waste collection entity to collect the waste if the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied, wherein the waste collection entity is selected based at least in part on a preference of the first user accessed from a computer-readable database.

136. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising:

137. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising sensing a fill level of a waste disposal unit associated with the first user.

138. The method of claim 123, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rule is satisfied when the waste disposal unit associated with the first user is at least at a first fill level.

139. The method of claim 123, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rules are satisfied when at least a first time period has elapsed since a previous waste collection.

140. The method of claim 123, wherein: the user-specified waste collection rule specifies a day of the week.

141. The method of claim 123, wherein: the preference relates to a fee charged for the waste collection.

142. The method of claim 123, wherein: the preferences identify the preferred waste collection entity.

143. The method of claim 123, wherein: the waste collection entity is selected from the waste collection entities based at least in part on a waste collection bid.

144. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising receiving a user instruction to override the user-specified waste collection rule.

145. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising causing the printer to print the contents of a waste bin.

146. The method of claim 123, wherein: further comprising providing waste content information of at least a first waste container to the waste collection entity.