Intelligent locker control system and controlling method of intelligent locker

Abstract

An intelligent locker control system includes a main cabinet, a slave cabinet including a cabinet main body connected to the main cabinet, a drawer module slidably disposed in the cabinet main body, a first locking device connected between the drawer module and the cabinet main body. A plurality of storage units accommodated in the drawer module, a second locking device connected to one of the storage units, and a controlling device. The main cabinet includes a touch display. The controlling device is configured to: display a schematic image on the tough display according to a predetermined access of the user; receive a controlling signal from the touch display; control the first locking device to unlock the drawer module according to the controlling signal; and control the second locking device to unlock the one of the storage units according to the controlling signal after determining that the drawer module is located outwardly of the cabinet main body of the slave cabinet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a smart cabinet control system and a smart cabinet control method. Prior Technology

[0002] In recent years, the application scenarios for smart lockers have become increasingly diverse. For example, smart lockers are now widely used in logistics and express delivery, community management, and sample storage. In existing smart locker products, several storage units used to store multiple items are usually formed into a single, integrated storage component.

[0003] However, when a storage unit malfunctions, even if only one of the several storage units is faulty, the repairman still needs to disassemble the entire storage assembly to repair the problematic unit, which significantly increases the maintenance cost of the smart cabinet. Furthermore, while existing smart cabinet products may have flip-top covers for the storage units, there is currently no effective way to prevent malfunctions caused by the flip-top opening during unlocking.

[0004] Therefore, how to propose an intelligent cabinet control system and intelligent cabinet control method that can solve the above problems is one of the problems that the industry is currently eager to invest research and development resources to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, one of the purposes of this disclosure is to propose an intelligent cabinet control system and an intelligent cabinet control method that can solve the above problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, an intelligent cabinet control system includes a main cabinet, a secondary cabinet, a drawer module, a first locking device, several storage units, a cover, a second locking device, and a control device. The main cabinet includes a touchscreen display configured to transmit control signals. The secondary cabinet includes a cabinet body connected to the main cabinet. The drawer module is slidably disposed within the cabinet body. The first locking device is connected between the drawer module and the cabinet body. Several storage units are accommodated within the drawer module. The cover is pivotally connected to one of the storage units. The cover and one of the storage units form an accommodating space. The second locking device is connected between the cover and one of the storage units. The control device is electrically or communicatively connected to the touchscreen display, the first locking device, and the second locking device. The control device is configured to: display a schematic screen on a touch screen according to the user's preset permissions; receive control signals from the touch screen; control a first locking device to unlock the drawer module according to the control signals; and control a second locking device to unlock one of the storage units according to the control signals when it is determined that the drawer module is located outside the cabinet body of the cabinet.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the main cabinet further includes a temperature display and a humidity display. The slave cabinet further includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to display the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor. The humidity sensor is configured to display the humidity value sensed by the humidity sensor.

[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the main counter further includes a scanning device configured to scan a barcode containing identity information.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the main counter further includes an authentication device configured to authenticate the user's identity information.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the cabinet further includes a first indicator light located on the surface of the drawer module.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the control device is further configured to: control the first indicator light to illuminate according to a control signal.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the cabinet further includes a second indicator light disposed on the cover.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the control device is further configured to: control the second indicator light to illuminate according to a control signal.

[0014] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the cabinet further includes a position sensor disposed on one of the storage units.

[0015] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the control device is further configured to: control a second locking device to unlock one of the storage units when the position sensor determines that one of the storage units is located outside the cabinet body of the cabinet.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a control method for a smart cabinet includes: scanning a barcode using a scanning device to obtain the user's identity information; verifying the identity information; displaying a schematic image of the smart cabinet on a touch screen display according to the user's preset permissions; receiving a control signal from the touch screen display; controlling a first locking device to unlock the drawer module according to the control signal; and when it is determined that the drawer module is located outside the cabinet body, controlling a second locking device to unlock the storage unit according to the control signal.

[0017] In summary, in the smart cabinet control system and method disclosed herein, since the smart cabinet includes a main cabinet and slave cabinets connected to the main cabinet, the main cabinet can control the locking and unlocking of the drawer modules and the storage units located within the drawer modules. In the smart cabinet control system and method disclosed herein, since the smart cabinet includes several drawer modules arranged along a third direction, a large number of items to be stored can be placed in several storage units within the slave cabinets. In the smart cabinet control system and method disclosed herein, since the smart cabinet includes several storage components that are detachable from the drawer modules, when a storage unit malfunctions, only the storage component containing the malfunctioning storage unit can be removed from the drawer module for further repair, which saves maintenance costs compared to conventional smart cabinets where the drawer module and storage components are integrally formed. In the smart locker control system and method disclosed herein, since the cover is pivotally connected to the storage unit, when the storage unit is in the unlocked state, the cover can rotate relative to the storage unit to expose the accommodating space, thereby allowing the user to retrieve items from the accommodating space and place items from the outside into the accommodating space. In the smart locker control system and method disclosed herein, since the second locking device unlocks the storage unit only when the drawer module is outside the locker body, the cover only pops open from the storage unit when the drawer module is outside the locker body, thereby preventing the cover from popping open inside the locker body and causing damage to the smart locker.

[0018] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by this disclosure, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following implementation methods and related figures. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0019] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an intelligent cabinet according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of an intelligent cabinet control system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a control method for an intelligent cabinet according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4A illustrates a schematic diagram of a scanning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure scanning a barcode on an identity document. Figure 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of a touch display showing a smart cabinet according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a cabinet according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5B illustrates a top view of a drawer module according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6A illustrates a schematic diagram of a drawer module located outside the cabinet body of a cabinet according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6B illustrates a top view of a drawer module located outside the cabinet body of a cabinet according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the storage unit being unlocked according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Implementation

[0020] The following drawings disclose several embodiments of this disclosure. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in a simple schematic manner in the drawings. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar elements in all drawings.

[0021] The following will describe in detail the structure, function, and connection relationship between the components included in the intelligent cabinet IL of this embodiment.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a smart cabinet IL according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the smart cabinet IL includes a main cabinet 100, slave cabinets 200, and drawer modules DM. The slave cabinets 200 are connected to the main cabinet 100. The drawer modules DM are slidably disposed in the slave cabinets 200. The drawer modules DM are configured to store several items. In some embodiments, the smart cabinet IL includes one main cabinet 100 and several slave cabinets 200. The several slave cabinets 200 are electrically or communicatively connected to the main cabinet 100. In some embodiments, the smart cabinet IL further includes support columns and rollers connecting the bottom of the main cabinet 100 and the slave cabinets 200. The support columns are configured to support the main cabinet 100 and the slave cabinets 200. The rollers are connected to the main cabinet 100 or to the slave cabinets 200 by a connecting rod. In a usage scenario, the support column can be adjusted in height by the user gripping and rotating it. When the height of the support column is greater than the total height of the rollers and connecting rods, the main cabinet 100 and the slave cabinet 200 are stationary relative to the ground. When the height of the support column is less than the total height of the rollers and connecting rods, the main cabinet 100 and the slave cabinet 200 can move on the ground by means of the rollers.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the main cabinet 100 includes a touch display 110, a temperature display 120, a humidity display 130, and a scanning device 140. The touch display 110, temperature display 120, and humidity display 130 are spaced apart from each other. The touch display 110 is configured to display a user interface. The touch display 110 is further configured to receive and transmit control signals from the user. In some embodiments, the touch display 110 is configured to receive touch signals from the user for controlling the drawer module DM. The temperature display 120 is configured to display temperature information from the cabinet 200. The humidity display 130 is configured to display humidity information from the cabinet 200. The scanning device 140 is configured to scan a barcode containing identification information.

[0024] In some embodiments, the master cabinet 100 and slave cabinets 200 are arranged along a first direction (e.g., direction X). In some embodiments where the smart cabinet IL includes several slave cabinets 200, the master cabinet 100 and several slave cabinets 200 are also arranged along the first direction (e.g., direction X). As shown in Figure 1, the smart cabinet IL includes one master cabinet 100 and two slave cabinets 200. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the number of master cabinets 100 and slave cabinets 200.

[0025] In some implementations, the drawer module DM is configured to slide relative to the cabinet 200 along a second direction (e.g., direction Y).

[0026] In some embodiments, the smart cabinet IL includes several drawer modules DM disposed in the cabinet 200. In some embodiments where several drawer modules DM are disposed in the cabinet 200, the several drawer modules DM are arranged in a third direction (e.g., direction Z).

[0027] In some embodiments, the main cabinet 100 and the subsidiary cabinet 200 are elongated along a third direction (e.g., direction Z). More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the height of the main cabinet 100 extending in direction Z is greater than its length extending in direction X and its width extending in direction Y, and the height of the subsidiary cabinet 200 extending in direction Z is greater than its length extending in direction X and its width extending in direction Y.

[0028] In some implementations, the scanning device 140 may be, for example, a hand-held barcode scanner, an upright barcode scanner, an embedded barcode scanner, or other suitable barcode scanner.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of an intelligent cabinet control system ILCS according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the intelligent cabinet control system ILCS includes an intelligent cabinet IL as shown in Figure 1, and the intelligent cabinet IL is substantially composed of a master cabinet 100 and a slave cabinet 200. The master cabinet 100 and the slave cabinet 200 are electrically or communicatively connected to each other. The master cabinet 100 includes a touch display 110, a temperature display 120, a humidity display 130, a scanning device 140, an input device 150, a verification device 160, a database 170, and a control device 180. The slave cabinet 200 includes a receiving device 210, a temperature sensor 220, a humidity sensor 230, a first locking device 240, a second locking device 250, a first indicator light 260, a second indicator light 270, and a position sensor 280. The input device 150 is coupled to the touch display 110. The input device 150 is configured to accept input from the user. In some embodiments, when the touch display 110 is configured to display a user interface, the input device 150 is configured to receive control signals (e.g., touch signals) from the user, and then the touch display 110 transmits the control signals to the control device 180. In some embodiments, when the touch display 110 is simultaneously configured to receive and transmit control signals from the user, the intelligent cabinet control system ILCS may not have an input device 150. The authentication device 160 is configured to authenticate the user's identity information. The database 170 is configured to store the user's identity information and the user's preset permissions.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the receiving device 210 is electrically or communicatively connected to the control device 180, and is also electrically or communicatively connected to the temperature sensor 220, humidity sensor 230, first locking device 240, second locking device 250, first indicator light 260, second indicator light 270, and position sensor 280. The receiving device 210 is configured to receive control signals from the touch display 110. The temperature sensor 220 is located in the slave cabinet 200. The temperature sensor 220 is configured to sense the temperature inside the slave cabinet 200. The temperature display 120 is configured to display the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 220. The humidity sensor 230 is located in the slave cabinet 200. The humidity sensor 230 is configured to sense the humidity inside the slave cabinet 200. The humidity display 130 is configured to display the humidity value sensed by the humidity sensor 230. A first locking device 240 is connected between the drawer module DM and the cabinet body LMB (not shown). The first locking device 240 is configured to lock and unlock the drawer module DM. A second locking device 250 is connected between the cover CP and the storage unit SU (not shown) as shown in Figure 5B. The second locking device 250 is configured to lock and unlock the storage unit SU housed in the drawer module DM (as shown in Figure 5B). A first indicator light 260 and a second indicator light 270 are configured to illuminate or de-illuminate based on control signals. A position sensor 280 is disposed on the storage unit SU (not shown) as shown in Figure 5B. The position sensor 280 is configured to sense whether the drawer module DM is located outside the cabinet body LMB of the cabinet 200.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the control device 180 is electrically or communicatively connected to the touch display 110, temperature display 120, humidity display 130, scanning device 140, input device 150, verification device 160, database 170, receiving device 210, temperature sensor 220, humidity sensor 230, first locking device 240, second locking device 250, first indicator light 260, second indicator light 270, and position sensor 280. The control device 180 is configured to display a schematic screen on the user interface of the touch display 110 according to the user's preset permissions. The control device 180 is further configured to receive control signals from the touch display 110. The control device 180 is further configured to control the first locking device 240 to lock and unlock the drawer module DM according to the control signals. The control device 180 is further configured to control the second locking device 250 to lock and unlock the storage unit SU as shown in Figure 5B according to the control signals. The control device 180 is further configured to control the first indicator light 260 and the second indicator light 270 to illuminate or de-illuminate according to the control signal. The control device 180 is further configured to control the second locking device 250 to unlock the storage unit SU when the position sensor 280 determines that the storage unit SU is outside the cabinet body LMB of the slave cabinet 200.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a control method M for a smart cabinet according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the control method M for the smart cabinet is used to control the smart cabinet IL. The control method M for the smart cabinet shown in Figure 3 includes steps S301, S302, S303, S304, S305, S306, S307, and S308. For a better understanding of steps S301 and S302, please refer to Figures 3 and 4A. For a better understanding of step S303, please refer to Figures 3 and 4B. For a better understanding of step S304, please refer to Figures 3, 5A, and 5B. For a better understanding of steps S305 and S306, please refer to Figures 3, 6A, and 6B. For a better understanding of steps S307 and S308, please refer to Figures 3 and 7.

[0033] The following details steps S301, S302, S303, S304, S305, S306, S307, and S308.

[0034] In step S301, the barcode BC is scanned using the scanning device 140 to obtain the user's identity information.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 4A. Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a scanning device 140 scanning a barcode BC on an identity document IDC according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, in this embodiment, the scanning device 140 can obtain a user's identity information by scanning the barcode BC. Specifically, the barcode BC is located on the user's identity document IDC, and the barcode BC contains the user's identity information. For example, the identity document IDC may be, for example, the user's employee ID card, and the barcode BC contains the user's employee number, name, department, job title, or other possible identity information.

[0036] In one usage scenario, when a user wants to retrieve an item stored in the secondary locker 200, the user can use the handheld scanning device 140 to scan the barcode BC on their ID card (IDC). Then, the control device 180 in the main locker 100 receives the information about the barcode BC from the scanning device 140, thereby obtaining the user's identity information.

[0037] In step S302, identity information is verified.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 4A. After performing step S301, the control device 180 controls the verification device 160 to verify the user's identity information. Specifically, after the control device 180 receives the relevant barcode BC information from the scanning device 140, the control device 180 controls the verification device 160 to perform the identity verification procedure. Specifically, the verification device 160 is configured to compare whether the user's identity information matches the corresponding user's identity information stored in the database 170.

[0039] In one usage scenario, after a user scans the barcode BC of their ID document IDC using the handheld scanning device 140, the verification device 160 compares the information in the barcode BC with the user's identity information stored in the database 170. In some embodiments, when the verification device 160 performs the step of verifying identity information (i.e., step S302), the user interface of the touch display 110 can display a prompt screen to remind the user to wait for the verification device 160 to complete the identity verification process.

[0040] In step S303, a schematic image of the smart cabinet IL is displayed on the touch screen 110 according to the user's preset permissions.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 4B. Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of a touch display 110 showing a schematic screen of a smart cabinet IL according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, in this embodiment, after the verification device 160 completes the step of verifying identity information (i.e., step S302), the touch display 110 can display text content and a schematic screen of the smart cabinet IL. For example, the text content may include phrases such as "Identity verification passed" and "Please select the desired location" to prompt the user to select a compartment in the smart cabinet IL that they wish to use. The schematic screen of the smart cabinet IL may be a simple illustration of the structure of the smart cabinet IL. For example, the schematic screen may be a compartment illustration of a drawer module DM, which corresponds to the spatial arrangement of several storage units SU in the drawer module DM as shown in Figure 5B. Then, the user can tap the schematic screen on the touch display 110 to select the compartment they wish to use. In some embodiments, the schematic screen is displayed according to the user's preset permissions. For example, a user may not be able to use all the compartments in the smart locker IL, so the schematic screen only shows the compartments that the user is authorized to use for selection. As shown in Figure 4B, in some embodiments, the schematic screen displays the compartments that the user is authorized to use in a filled-in format.

[0042] In one usage scenario, after the verification device 160 completes the identity verification process (i.e., step S302), the user can select a schematic screen displayed on the touch screen 110. For example, as shown in Figure 4B, based on the user's preset permissions, the user can only select cell "6th floor, number 13". Therefore, the schematic screen only displays "6th floor, number 13" in a filled-in manner. Then, the user selects the location "6th floor, number 13" to choose the cell they wish to use.

[0043] In step S304, a control signal is received from the touch display 110.

[0044] After the user completes the selection of the compartment in step S303, the touch display 110 generates a corresponding control signal. This control signal is configured to control the first locking device 240 and the second locking device 250 to lock and unlock the drawer module DM and the storage unit SU, respectively. For better understanding, the detailed structural configuration of the cabinet 200 will be described in further detail below.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 5A. Figure 5A is a perspective view of a secondary cabinet 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, in this embodiment, the secondary cabinet 200 includes a cabinet body LMB. As shown in Figures 1 and 5A, the cabinet body LMB is connected to the main cabinet 100. A drawer module DM is slidably disposed within the cabinet body LMB of the secondary cabinet 200. Specifically, the cabinet body LMB has a receiving groove that receives the drawer module DM. In some embodiments, the drawer module DM slides relative to the cabinet body LMB of the secondary cabinet 200 along a second direction (e.g., direction Y). As shown in Figure 5A, in this embodiment, a first indicator light 260 is configured to indicate whether the drawer module DM is in a locked or unlocked state. Specifically, in some embodiments where the smart cabinet IL includes several drawer modules DM, each drawer module DM is provided with a first indicator light 260. The first indicator light 260 is disposed on the drawer module DM. More specifically, the first indicator light 260 is located on the surface of the drawer module DM. As shown in Figure 5A, the first indicator light 260 is exposed relative to the cabinet body LMB of the cabinet 200. This allows the user of the smart cabinet IL to directly determine whether the drawer module DM is locked or unlocked by visually observing the first indicator light 260.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5A, in some embodiments, six drawer modules DM are accommodated in the cabinet body LMB of cabinet 200. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the number of drawer modules DM.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 5B. Figure 5B is a top view of a drawer module DM according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, in this embodiment, the smart cabinet IL further includes a cover CP. The cover CP is disposed on a storage unit SU. Specifically, each storage assembly SA includes several storage units SU. In other words, several storage units SU are housed in the drawer module DM. The cover CP is pivotally connected to the storage units SU. In some embodiments, each storage unit SU is pivotally connected to the cover CP. Specifically, in some embodiments where the smart cabinet IL includes several storage units SU, each storage unit SU is provided with a second indicator light 270. The second indicator light 270 is configured to indicate whether the storage unit SU is in a locked state or an unlocked state. The second indicator light 270 is disposed on the cover CP. More specifically, the second indicator light 270 is located on the surface of the cover CP. This allows the user of the smart cabinet IL to directly determine whether the storage unit SU is locked or unlocked by visually observing the second indicator light 270 when the drawer module DM is outside the receiving slot of the cabinet body LMB of the cabinet 200.

[0048] In some other embodiments, the second indicator light 270 may also be located on the storage unit SU instead of on the cover CP.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 5B. As shown in Figure 5B, in this embodiment, the smart cabinet IL further includes several locking fasteners FP. The locking fasteners FP are configured to secure the storage components SA and the drawer module DM to each other. Specifically, each storage component SA is secured to the drawer module DM by a locking fastener FP. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, one end of the storage component SA is secured to the left side panel of the drawer module DM by a locking fastener FP, and the other end of the storage component SA is secured to the right side panel of the drawer module DM by another locking fastener FP. As shown in Figure 5B, in some embodiments, since the drawer module DM accommodates five parallel storage components SA, and each storage component SA contains five linearly arranged storage units SU, each drawer module DM accommodates a total of twenty-five storage units SU, and these twenty-five storage units SU form a 5×5 matrix structure.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, in one usage scenario, when the storage unit SU malfunctions, the maintenance personnel of the smart cabinet IL can remove the storage assembly SA containing the malfunctioning storage unit SU from the drawer module DM. Specifically, the maintenance personnel of the smart cabinet IL can loosen the fasteners FP at both ends of the storage assembly SA to remove the storage assembly SA containing the malfunctioning storage unit SU, and then perform maintenance on the malfunctioning storage unit SU.

[0051] In some embodiments, to enhance the securing effect, several locking fasteners FP may be provided at each end of the storage component SA. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the number of locking fasteners FP.

[0052] In one usage scenario, after the user completes the selection of a compartment in step S303, the corresponding control signal generated by the touch display 110 is transmitted to the control device 180. The control signal contains information about the compartment in the smart cabinet IL that the user wishes to use. Then, the control device 180 transmits this control signal to the slave cabinet 200, and the receiving device 210 receives the control signal from the touch display 110.

[0053] In step S305, the first locking device 240 is controlled to unlock the drawer module DM according to the control signal.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 6A. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing the drawer module DM located outside the cabinet body LMB of the cabinet 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, in this embodiment, after the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200 receives a control signal from the touch display 110, the control device 180 controls the first locking device 240 to unlock the drawer module DM according to the control signal. Specifically, before executing step S305, the first locking device 240 is in a locked state. That is, when the first locking device 240 is in a locked state, the drawer module DM cannot move freely relative to the cabinet body LMB. After the receiving device 210 receives the control signal, the first locking device 240 unlocks the drawer module DM, thereby allowing the drawer module DM to slide relative to the cabinet body LMB.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 6B. Figure 6B is a top view of the drawer module DM located outside the cabinet body LMB of the cabinet 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, in this embodiment, after the first locking device 240 unlocks the drawer module DM, the drawer module DM can slide relative to the cabinet body LMB, and the maximum range of motion of the drawer module DM is such that the drawer module DM is completely located outside the cabinet body LMB.

[0056] In one usage scenario, after receiving a control signal from the touch display 110 from the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200, the control device 180 controls the first locking device 240 to unlock the drawer module DM. This allows the user to pull the drawer module DM, causing it to move away from the cabinet body LMB along a second direction (e.g., direction Y).

[0057] In step S306, the first indicator light 260 is controlled to illuminate according to the control signal.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 6A. In this embodiment, after receiving a control signal from the touch display 110 from the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200, the control device 180 not only controls the first locking device 240 to unlock the drawer module DM according to the control signal, but also controls the first indicator light 260 to illuminate according to the control signal. Specifically, before executing step S306, the first indicator light 260 is in a dark state. That is, when the first locking device 240 is in a locked state, the first indicator light 260 is in a dark state. After the receiving device 210 receives the control signal, the first locking device 240 unlocks the drawer module DM, and the first indicator light 260 illuminates (i.e., changes from dark to bright).

[0059] In one usage scenario, after receiving a control signal from the touch display 110 from the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200, the control device 180 controls the first indicator light 260 to illuminate. This allows the user to determine whether the drawer module DM can be pulled out based on the indicator light 260.

[0060] In some other embodiments, the first indicator light 260 can use different colored lights to indicate locked and unlocked states. For example, when the drawer module DM is locked, the first indicator light 260 can display a red light. When the drawer module DM is unlocked, the first indicator light 260 can display a green light. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the light display format of the first indicator light 260.

[0061] In step S307, when it is determined that the drawer module DM is located outside the cabinet body LMB of the cabinet 200, the second locking device 250 is controlled to unlock the storage unit SU according to the control signal.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cover CP pivotally connected to a storage unit SU according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, one side of the cover CP is pivotally connected to one side of the storage unit SU. Specifically, the cover CP is essentially a flip-top cover. The cover CP and the storage unit SU form a receiving space AS. More specifically, the receiving space AS is defined on one side by the cover CP and on the other five sides by the storage unit SU. The receiving space AS is configured to store items that the user wishes to place or retrieve.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, after receiving a control signal from the touch display 110 from the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200, the control device 180 controls the second locking device 250 to unlock the target storage unit TSU according to the control signal. The target storage unit TSU corresponds to the compartment that the user wishes to use. Specifically, before executing step S307, the second locking device 250 is in a locked state. That is, when the second locking device 250 is in a locked state, the target storage unit TSU cannot move freely relative to the cabinet body LMB. After the receiving device 210 receives the control signal, the second locking device 250 unlocks the target storage unit TSU, thereby allowing the cover CP to rotate relative to the target storage unit TSU. Specifically, when the target storage unit TSU is in a locked state, the cover CP will seal the target storage unit TSU so that the items contained in the storage space AS are not exposed. Conversely, when the target storage unit TSU is in the unlocked state, one side of the cover CP will rotate relative to the target storage unit TSU along a pivot to expose the item contained in the accommodating space AS, as shown in Figure 7. In some embodiments, the cover CP will spring open from the target storage unit TSU when the target storage unit TSU changes from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0064] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the control device 180 controls the second locking device 250 to unlock the target storage unit TSU only when the position sensor 280 determines that the target storage unit TSU is located outside the cabinet body LMB.

[0065] In one usage scenario, after receiving a control signal from the touch display 110 from the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200, the user pulls the unlocked drawer module DM. Next, the position sensor 280 determines whether the target storage unit TSU is outside the cabinet body LMB during the user's pulling of the drawer module DM. Then, when the position sensor 280 detects that the target storage unit TSU is outside the cabinet body LMB, the control device 180 controls the second locking device 250 to unlock. This allows the user to reach into the storage space AS to retrieve an item after pulling the drawer module DM and waiting for the cover CP corresponding to the target storage unit TSU to pop open.

[0066] In step S308, the second indicator light 270 is controlled to illuminate according to the control signal.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 6B and 7. In this embodiment, after receiving a control signal from the touch display 110 from the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200, the control device 180 not only controls the second locking device 250 to unlock the target storage unit TSU according to the control signal, but also controls the second indicator light 270 to illuminate according to the control signal. Specifically, before executing step S308, the second indicator light 270 is in a dark state. That is, when the second locking device 250 is in a locked state, the second indicator light 270 is in a dark state. After the receiving device 210 receives the control signal, the second locking device 250 unlocks the target storage unit TSU, and the second indicator light 270 illuminates (i.e., changes from dark to bright).

[0068] In one usage scenario, after receiving a control signal from the touch display 110 from the receiving device 210 of the cabinet 200, the control device 180 controls the second indicator light 270 to illuminate. This allows the user to determine whether it is permissible to retrieve an item from the storage space AS based on the indicator light 270.

[0069] In some other embodiments, the second indicator light 270 can use different colored lights to indicate locked and unlocked states. For example, when the storage unit SU is locked, the second indicator light 270 can display a red light. When the storage unit SU is unlocked, the second indicator light 270 can display a green light. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the light display format of the second indicator light 270.

[0070] In some embodiments, steps S305, S306, and S308 can be executed simultaneously. Specifically, when the first locking device 240 unlocks, the first indicator light 260 and the second indicator light 270 also illuminate simultaneously. In some other embodiments, steps S305 and S306 can be executed simultaneously, followed by steps S307 and S308. Specifically, the second locking device 250 unlocks and the second indicator light 270 illuminates only after the first locking device 240 has unlocked and the drawer module DM has been pulled until the target storage unit TSU is completely outside the cabinet body LMB.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first locking device 240 may be, for example, a motor lock or other suitable locking device. In some embodiments, the second locking device 250 may be, for example, an electronic lock or other suitable locking device. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the types of the first locking device 240 and the second locking device 250.

[0072] With the aforementioned structural configuration, when the user of the smart cabinet IL wants to take or place items, the cover CP is only unlocked when the drawer module DM is outside the cabinet body LMB of the cabinet 200. Therefore, it can prevent the cover CP from unlocking and popping open in the cabinet body LMB, which would cause damage to the smart cabinet IL.

[0073] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed above, it is clear that in the smart cabinet control system and control method disclosed herein, since the smart cabinet includes a main cabinet and slave cabinets connected to the main cabinet, the main cabinet can control the locking and unlocking of the drawer modules and the storage units located in the drawer modules. In the smart cabinet control system and control method disclosed herein, since the smart cabinet includes several drawer modules arranged along a third direction, a large number of items to be stored can be placed in several storage units in the slave cabinets. In the smart cabinet control system and control method disclosed herein, since the smart cabinet includes several storage components that are detachable from the drawer modules, when a storage unit malfunctions, only the storage component containing the malfunctioning storage unit can be removed from the drawer module for further repair, which saves maintenance costs compared to conventional smart cabinets where the drawer modules and storage components are integrally formed. In the smart locker control system and method disclosed herein, since the cover is pivotally connected to the storage unit, when the storage unit is in the unlocked state, the cover can rotate relative to the storage unit to expose the accommodating space, thereby allowing the user to retrieve items from the accommodating space and place items from the outside into the accommodating space. In the smart locker control system and method disclosed herein, since the second locking device unlocks the storage unit only when the drawer module is outside the locker body, the cover only pops open from the storage unit when the drawer module is outside the locker body, thereby preventing the cover from popping open inside the locker body and causing damage to the smart locker.

[0074] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Anyone skilled in the art may make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0075] 100: Main counter 110: Touchscreen display 120: Temperature display 130: Humidity display 140: Scanning device 150: Input device 160: Verification device 170: Database 180: Control device 200: From the cabinet 210: Receiving device 220: Temperature sensor 230: Humidity sensor 240: First locking device 250: Second locking device 260: First indicator light 270: Second indicator light 280: Position sensor AS: Compartmental Space BC: Barcode CP: Cover DM: Drawer Module FP: Locking firmware IDC: Identification Documents IL: Smart Cabinet ILCS: Intelligent Cabinet Control System LMB: Cabinet Body M: Method S301, S302, S303, S304, S305, S306, S307, S308: Steps SA: Storage component SU: Storage Unit TSU: Target Storage Unit X, Y, Z: Direction

[0076] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number) none Overseas storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) none

Claims

1. A smart cabinet control system, comprising: a main cabinet including a touch display configured to transmit a control signal; a slave cabinet including a cabinet body connected to the main cabinet; a drawer module slidably disposed in the cabinet body; a first locking device connected between the drawer module and the cabinet body; a plurality of storage units housed in the drawer module; a cover pivotally connected to one of the storage units, wherein the cover and the storage unit form an accommodating space; a second locking device connected between the cover and the storage unit; and a control device electrically or communicatively connected to the touch display, the first locking device, and the second locking device, the control device being configured to: display a schematic image on the touch display according to preset permissions of a user; and receive the control signal from the touch display. The first locking device is controlled to unlock the drawer module according to the control signal; and when it is determined that the drawer module is located outside the cabinet body of the cabinet, the second locking device is controlled to unlock the drawer module in the storage unit according to the control signal.

2. The intelligent cabinet control system as described in claim 1, wherein the main cabinet further includes a temperature display and a humidity display, and the slave cabinet further includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, the temperature sensor being configured to display a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, and the humidity sensor being configured to display a humidity value sensed by the humidity sensor.

3. The smart cabinet control system as described in claim 1, wherein the main cabinet further includes a scanning device configured to scan a barcode containing identity information.

4. The smart cabinet control system as described in claim 1, wherein the main cabinet further includes an authentication device configured to authenticate one of the user's identity information.

5. The intelligent cabinet control system as described in claim 1, wherein the cabinet further includes a first indicator light located on one surface of the drawer module.

6. The intelligent cabinet control system as described in claim 5, wherein the control device is further configured to: control the first indicator light to illuminate according to the control signal.

7. The intelligent cabinet control system as described in claim 1, wherein the cabinet further includes a second indicator light disposed on the cover.

8. The intelligent cabinet control system as described in claim 7, wherein the control device is further configured to: control the second indicator light to illuminate according to the control signal.

9. The smart cabinet control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cabinet further includes a position sensor disposed on one of the storage units.

10. The intelligent cabinet control system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control device is further configured to: control the second locking device to unlock the storage unit when the position sensor determines that the item in the storage unit is located outside the cabinet body of the cabinet.

11. A control method for a smart cabinet, comprising: scanning a barcode using a scanning device to obtain identity information of a user; verifying the identity information; displaying a schematic image of the smart cabinet on a touch screen display according to preset permissions of the user; receiving a control signal from the touch screen display; controlling a first locking device to unlock a drawer module according to the control signal; and when it is determined that the drawer module is located outside the cabinet body of a secondary cabinet, controlling a second locking device to unlock a storage unit according to the control signal.

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