Integrated Utility Pole and Smart Trash Compactor

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting nodes in a mesh network embedded in objects. The nodes, which are individually capable of sensing and/or transmitting data, are paired together such that when one node is active, the other node is collecting energy via solar, wind, or other energy collecting means. When a node reaches a certain energy level, the nodes can switch status, such that the passive node becomes active and vice versa. Exemplary objects in which the systems can be embedded include benches, receptacles, and light fixtures.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a first node comprising a solar powered trash compactor; and   a second node configured adjacent to the first node, wherein the second node comprises at least an antenna for providing wireless communication to mobile devices within a range of the antenna.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third node configured adjacent to the second node, wherein the third node comprises equipment for operating the antenna of the second node.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second node comprises a pole on which the antenna is configured. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first node and the second node are either physically connected or not physically connected. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first node and the third node have a same curved top portion. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second node further comprises a light pole. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third node configured adjacent to the second node, wherein the third node comprises a recycle receptacle.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the first node, the second node and the third node are physically connected. 
     
     
         9 . A system comprising:
 a solar-powered trash receptacle;   a recycling receptacle;   a solar panel configured on the recycling receptacle; and   WiFi communication equipment and antenna, wherein the solar-powered trash receptacle and the recycling receptacle are configured adjacent to one other and wherein the WiFi communication equipment and antenna are configured within the recycling receptacle and powered by at least one of the solar panel or the solar-powered trash receptacle.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein power for running the WiFi communication equipment and antenna is exchanged between the solar panel and the solar-powered trash receptacle. 
     
     
         11 . A system comprising:
 a solar-powered trash receptacle;   a recycling receptacle;   a communication equipment receptacle;   a pole, wherein the solar-powered trash receptacle, the recycling receptacle, the communication equipment receptacle and the pole are adjacent to each other and physically integrated.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an antenna configured on the pole; and   communication equipment, wherein the communication equipment receptacle stores the communication equipment for providing wireless communication to mobile devices within range of the antenna.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a light configured on the pole.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the pole is configured adjacent to the communication equipment receptacle. 
     
     
         15 . A system comprising:
 a first node comprising a solar powered trash compactor;   a second node co-located with the first node, the second node comprising communication equipment;   a pole configured adjacent to the first node and adjacent to the second node; and   an antenna configured on the pole.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the antenna is connected to the communication equipment of the second node. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the second node comprises a communication equipment receptacle that contains the communication equipment. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the first node, the second node and the pole are physically integrated. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the first node provides power at last part of the time to the communication equipment of the second node. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the second node further comprises a solar panel that provides power to the communication equipment. 
     
     
         21 . A system comprising:
 a solar-powered trash receptacle; and   a communication equipment receptacle, wherein the solar-powered trash receptacle and the communication equipment receptacle are configured adjacent to each other and in physical contact with each other.