Weight-based control lockers and their weight-based determination methods

Abstract

This invention relates to a weight-based locker and its weight-based identification method. Specifically, it involves accurately measuring the weight information of each preset item stored inside, storing the weight information of each preset item in a database of a computer host, and then having the processing module of the processor in the computer host analyze the information in the database to determine the total weight of the items in at least one or more electrically connected lockers. By analyzing the increase or decrease of the total weight, it determines whether the item has been correctly removed or placed. This achieves the goal of low-cost and high-precision item identification compared to other identification methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a weight-based control locker and its weight-based identification method, specifically a method that involves accurately measuring the weight of each stored item, storing the weight information of each item in a database, and then having a processor analyze the information in the database to determine the total weight of the items in each locker. By analyzing the total weight, the processor can determine whether the items have been correctly removed or placed in the locker, thereby achieving a lower cost and higher accuracy in item identification. Prior Technology

[0002] Note that with the convenience of modern life, daily needs can be met by shopping at nearby convenience stores. The diversity of life's necessities has led to the rise of various businesses and shops, such as pharmacies, hardware stores, 3C stores, and parts retailers. These shops offer a wide variety of products, including many small and difficult-to-identify items, which may lead to mistakes in the event of carelessness or being busy.

[0003] Among these, items and medicines in pharmacies and hospitals are crucial to patients, customers, and their families. It is extremely important to avoid situations where medicines or medications are mistakenly taken without the knowledge of the parties involved. Otherwise, the consequences of using the wrong medication would be unimaginable. However, using image recognition to determine medication dispensing is hampered by the high similarity of the packaging. Furthermore, the cost and maintenance of image recognition are relatively high. Apart from large hospitals, ordinary clinics and pharmacies cannot afford these expensive costs. This is the key issue that those in this industry urgently need to study and improve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems and deficiencies, the inventor collected relevant information, conducted multiple evaluations and considerations, and, based on years of experience accumulated in this industry, through continuous brainstorming, finally designed this kind of storage cabinet with weight discrimination control and its weight discrimination method, and the invention patent was born.

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a weight-based control method for lockers, comprising a computer host and at least one or more lockers, which performs weight determination of preset items according to the following steps: (A01) Input the weight information of the preset item to be stored or retrieved into an item list in the computer host for storage. (A02) A database in one of the processors in the computer host receives and stores the weight information in the item list, and a processing module in the processor receives and analyzes the weight information in the database, thereby identifying and calculating the individual weight and total weight of each preset item in at least one or more lockers. (A03) The preset item with the entered weight information is placed or taken out from the placement area on the top surface of the weighing unit of one of the plurality of storage spaces provided in at least one or more lockers. (A04) A second processing module within the weighing unit will detect the increase or decrease in weight in each of the placement areas via a detection unit and transmit weight change information to the second processing module. (A05) The second processing module receives the weight information transmitted by the processor and compares each piece of weight information with the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit. The second processing module determines whether an item is taken out or put in by the increase or decrease of the total weight borne in the placement area. If the weight increases, it is put in; if the weight decreases, it is taken out. The module then determines whether the weight of the preset item stored or taken out in each storage space is consistent. If so, step (A06) is executed; otherwise, step (A08) is executed. (A06) The second processing module determines that the added or reduced data is correct, and transmits the information to the database through the processing module in the processor for storage, and then continues to execute step (A07). (A07) The processing module in the processor transmits the correct item information to a display unit in a display device for display, and continues to execute step (A09). (A08) The second processing module will transmit an alarm message to an alarm device to trigger an alarm. The alarm device will be electrically connected to the display on a display device via the display module to notify the preset item that the removal or placement information is mismatched. At the same time, the speaker module in the alarm device will also emit an alarm sound to notify the preset item of the removal or placement error and continue to execute step (A09). (A09) Complete the weight determination.

[0006] A secondary objective of this invention is that, in step (A01), the preset item to be stored must be precisely weighed before storage in order to adjust the accuracy of the decimal point.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is that in step (A02), after the database of the computer host has stored the latest weight information, it will transmit the weight information to the processing module for analysis. When the processing module compares the weight information with the items with the same data stored in the database, it will send a signal to the display device to notify the preset items with the same data to readjust the weight accuracy to ensure that the displayed weights of the preset items are different. Then, it will recalculate the individual weights and the total weight of the preset items in at least one or more lockers.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is that, in step (A05), the determination and identification of the weight of the second processing module is performed by the following steps: (A051) The second processing module records the total weight of each preset item on the original weighing unit's placement area, and then determines whether the preset item is to be taken out or placed based on the weight information transmitted by the processor. If it is to be taken out, step (A0511) is executed; if it is to be placed, step (A0512) is executed. (A0511) The second processing module subtracts the weight information transmitted by the processor from the total weight of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a first weight judgment information. Then, it subtracts the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit from the total weight of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a second weight judgment information. The first weight judgment information is then compared with the second weight judgment information. If the weights are the same, it means that the preset item taken out is correct, and step (A06) is executed. If the weights are different, it means that the preset item taken out is incorrect, and step (A08) is executed. (A0512) The second processing module adds the weight information transmitted by the processor to the sum of the weights of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a third weight judgment information. Then, it adds the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit to the sum of the weights of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a fourth weight judgment information. The third weight judgment information is then compared with the fourth weight judgment information. If the weights are the same, it means that the preset item taken out is correct, and the step is executed. If the weights are different, it means that the preset item taken out is incorrect, and the step (A08) is executed.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is that the processing module and the second processing module transmit signals and data via wired or wireless means. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0010] [Figure 1] is a perspective view of the weight-discrimination control locker of the present invention. [Figure 2] is a simplified block diagram of the weight-based control locker of the present invention. [Figure 3] is a flowchart (I) of the weight discrimination control locker of the present invention. [Figure 4] is a flowchart (II) of the weight discrimination control method for the locker of the present invention. [Figure 5] is a flowchart (III) of the weight discrimination control locker of the present invention. Implementation

[0011] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which are a three-dimensional view and a simplified block diagram of the weight-based control locker of the present invention. The weight-based control locker of the present invention mainly includes a computer host 1 and at least one or more lockers 2. The connection relationship of the aforementioned components is as follows:

[0012] The computer host 1 includes an item list 11 and a processor 12. The computer host 1 outputs the item information of the item list 11 to a database 121 in the processor 12 for storage of the item information. A processing module 122 in the processor 12 reads the item information in the database 121, analyzes it, and outputs it.

[0013] The at least one or more lockers 2 have multiple storage spaces 20 inside, and a weighing unit 21 is placed at the bottom of each storage space 20. The top of the weighing unit 21 is provided with a pre-set item (such as: medicine tablets, pills, capsules, medicine, injections, IV drips, sprays or ointments, medicated cloths, etc., or syringes, needles, cotton cloth, cotton balls, cotton swabs, bandages, straps or tape, paper adhesive, etc., or other small components). The weighing unit 21 is placed in a placement area 211 and is electrically connected to a second processing module 212. The second processing module 212 receives the item information transmitted by the processing module 122 and calculates the total weight stored in each weighing unit 21 based on the item information. A detection unit 213 installed in the weighing unit 21 is electrically connected to the second processing module 212 and directly detects the weight change of the preset item placed in the placement area 211. The detection unit 213 transmits the weight change in the weighing unit 21 to the second processing module 212 for analysis.

[0014] Furthermore, the processing module 122 within the aforementioned computer host 1 is further electrically connected to a display device 3, and the display device 3 is provided with a display section 31 for displaying information.

[0015] Furthermore, the second processing module 212 within the aforementioned weighing unit 21 is further connected to an alarm device 4. The second processing module 212 determines whether the weight of the preset item taken out or put in matches the total weight calculated from the item information based on the weight change of the item. If it matches, it is correct; otherwise, it is incorrect. The result is transmitted to a display module 411 of the alarm device 41, and the display module displays the warning information on the display section 31 of the electrically connected display device 3. The second processing module can also transmit the warning information to a speaker module 412 of the alarm device 4 to emit an alarm sound.

[0016] Please refer to Figures 3, 4, and 5, which are flowcharts (I), (II), and (III) of the weight-based control locker method of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the figures, the present invention includes a computer host 1 and at least one or more lockers 2, and performs weight determination of preset items according to the following steps:

[0017] (A01) Input the weight information of the preset item to be stored or retrieved into an item list 11 in the computer host 1 for storage.

[0018] (A02) A database 121 provided in one of the processors 12 in the computer host 1 will receive and store the weight information in the item list 11, and a processing module 122 provided in the processor 12 will receive and analyze the weight information in the database 121, and then identify and calculate the individual weight and total weight of each preset item in at least one or more lockers 2.

[0019] (A03) The preset item with the weight information entered is placed or taken out from the placement area 211 on the top surface of one of the multiple storage spaces 20 provided in at least one or more lockers 2.

[0020] (A04) A second processing module 212 in the weighing unit 21 will detect the increase or decrease of weight in each of the placement areas 211 via a detection unit 213 and transmit a weight change information to the second processing module 212.

[0021] (A05) The second processing module 212 receives the weight information transmitted by the processor 12 and compares the weight information with the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit 213. The second processing module 212 determines whether an item is taken out or put in by the increase or decrease of the total weight borne in the placement area 211. If the weight increases, it is put in; if the weight decreases, it is taken out. Then it determines whether the weight of the preset item stored or taken out in each storage space 20 is consistent. If so, step (A06) is executed; otherwise, step (A08) is executed.

[0022] (A06) The second processing module 212 determines that the added or reduced data is correct, and transmits the information to the database 121 via the processing module 122 in the processor 12 for storage, and then continues to execute step (A07).

[0023] (A07) The processing module 122 in the processor 12 transmits the correct item information to a display unit 31 in a display device 3 for display, and continues to execute step (A09).

[0024] (A08) The second processing module 212 will transmit an alarm message to an alarm device 4 to trigger an alarm. The alarm device 41 in the alarm device 4 will be electrically connected to the display section 31 on the display device 3 via the display module 411 to notify the preset item that the information of taking out or putting in the preset item is mismatched. At the same time, the speaker module 412 in the alarm device 4 will also emit an alarm sound to notify the preset item of the error in taking out or putting in the preset item and continue to execute the steps (A09).

[0025] (A09) Complete the weight determination.

[0026] In addition, in the above step (A01), the preset item to be stored must be accurately weighed before storage to ensure the accuracy of the decimal point so as not to be confused with other items.

[0027] Furthermore, in the aforementioned step (A02), after the database 121 of the computer host 1 has stored the latest weight information, it will transmit the weight information to the processing module 122 for analysis. When the processing module 122 compares the weight information with the items stored in the database 121, it will send a signal to the display device 3 to notify the preset items with the same data to readjust the weight accuracy to ensure that the displayed weights of the preset items are different. Then, it will recalculate the individual weights and the total weight of the preset items in at least one or more lockers 2.

[0028] Furthermore, in the aforementioned step (A05), the determination and identification of the weight of the second processing module 212 is performed by executing the following steps:

[0029] (A051) The second processing module 212 records the total weight of each preset item on the placement area 211 of the original weighing unit 21, and then determines whether the preset item is to be taken out or placed based on the weight information transmitted by the processor 12. If it is to be taken out, step (A0511) is executed; if it is to be placed, step (A0512) is executed.

[0030] (A0511) The second processing module 212 subtracts the weight information transmitted by the processor 12 from the total weight of each preset item in the original weighing unit 21's placement area 211 to obtain a first weight judgment information. Then, it subtracts the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit 213 from the total weight of each preset item in the original weighing unit 21's placement area 211 to obtain a second weight judgment information. The first weight judgment information is then compared with the second weight judgment information. If the weights are the same, it means that the preset item taken out is correct, and step (A06) is executed. If the weights are different, it means that the preset item taken out is incorrect, and step (A08) is executed.

[0031] (A0512) The second processing module 212 adds the weight information transmitted by the processor 12 to the total weight of each preset item in the original weighing unit 21's placement area 211 to obtain a third weight judgment information. Then, it adds the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit 213 to the total weight of each preset item in the original weighing unit 21's placement area 211 to obtain a fourth weight judgment information. The third weight judgment information is then compared with the fourth weight judgment information. If the weights are the same, it means that the preset item taken out is correct, and step (A06) is executed. If the weights are different, it means that the preset item taken out is incorrect, and step (A08) is executed.

[0032] Furthermore, the aforementioned processing module 122 and the second processing module 212 transmit signals and data via wired or wireless means.

[0033] Furthermore, this invention is designed for weighing and identifying small items (such as various medicines or tools). Compared to visual identification, the cost of identifying such items by weight is relatively low. Moreover, the accuracy of weight control allows for more precise identification of whether items have been correctly removed or placed. Since the composition, manufacturer, packaging, and quantity of contents of different items vary, the adjustment of the decimal point precision during weight identification is a factor in weight recognition. The main objective of this invention is to determine whether items have been removed or placed incorrectly through complete weight measurement, with greater accuracy and lower cost.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications and equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present invention should also be included within the patent scope of the present invention and are hereby stated.

[0035] In summary, the weight-based control locker and its weight-based method of this invention are highly effective in practical applications, thus demonstrating excellent practicality. To meet the requirements for an invention patent, this application is hereby filed in accordance with the law. We hope the Examiner will grant this application as soon as possible to protect the inventor's hard work and creation. If the Examiner has any questions, please feel free to contact us. The inventor will do their utmost to cooperate. Thank you for your assistance.

[0036] 1: Computer host 11: Item List 12: Processor 121: Database 122: Processing Module 2: Lockers 20: Storage space 21: Weighing Unit 211: Placement Area 212: Second processing module 213: Detection Unit 3: Display device 31: Display Section 4: Warning device 41: Warning devices 411: Display Module 412: Speaker Module A01-A09, A051, A0511, A0512: Steps

Claims

1. A weight-based control locker, comprising a computer host and at least one or more lockers, wherein: The computer host includes an item list and a processor. The computer host outputs the item information of the item list to a database in the processor for storage of the item information. A processing module in the processor reads the item information in the database, analyzes it, and outputs it. The locker contains multiple storage spaces, with a weighing unit at the bottom of each space and a placement area for a pre-defined item at the top. The weighing unit is electrically connected to a second processing module, which receives information about the item and calculates the total weight stored in each weighing unit. A detection unit within the weighing unit is electrically connected to the second processing module and directly detects changes in the weight of the pre-defined item placed in the placement area. This detection unit transmits the weight change within the weighing unit to the second processing module for analysis, determining whether it matches the total weight calculated from the item information. If it matches, the result is correct; otherwise, it is incorrect.

2. The weight-based control locker as described in claim 1, wherein the processing module within the computer host is further electrically connected to a display device, and the display device is provided with a display section for displaying information.

3. The weight-based control locker as described in claim 2, wherein the second processing module within the weighing unit is further connected to an alarm device, and the second processing module determines whether the preset item has been correctly removed or placed based on changes in the weight of the item, and transmits the result to a display module of the alarm device. The display module displays the warning information on the display section of the electrically connected display device, and the second processing module can also transmit the warning information to a speaker module of the alarm device to emit an alarm sound.

4. A weight-based control locker weight determination method, comprising a computer host and at least one or more lockers, wherein the weight of each preset item is determined according to the following steps: (A01) Input the weight information of the preset item to be stored or retrieved into an item list in the computer host for storage; (A02) A database in a processor in the computer host receives and stores the weight information in the item list, and a processing module in the processor receives and analyzes the weight information in the database, thereby identifying and calculating the individual weight and total weight of each preset item in at least one or more lockers; (A03) Place or retrieve the preset item with the input weight information from the placement area on the top surface of a weighing unit in one of the multiple storage spaces in at least one or more lockers; (A04) A second processing module in the weighing unit detects the increase or decrease in weight in each placement area via a detection unit and transmits weight change information to the second processing module; (A05) The second processing module receives the weight information transmitted by the processor and compares the weight information with the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit. The second processing module determines whether an item is taken out or put in by the increase or decrease of the total weight borne in the placement area. If the weight increases, it is put in; if the weight decreases, it is taken out. The module then determines whether the weight of the preset item stored or taken out in each storage space is consistent. If so, step (A06) is executed; otherwise, step (A08) is executed. (A06) The second processing module determines that the increase or decrease data is correct and transmits the information to the database through the processing module in the processor for storage. Then, step (A07) is executed. (A07) The processing module in the processor transmits the correct item information to a display unit in a display device for display. Then, step (A09) is executed. (A08) The second processing module will transmit an alarm message to an alarm device to trigger an alarm. The alarm device will be electrically connected to the display on a display device via the display module to notify the preset item that the removal or placement information is mismatched. At the same time, the speaker module in the alarm device will also emit an alarm sound to notify the preset item of the removal or placement error and continue to execute step (A09); (A09) Complete the weight determination.

5. The weight determination method for the weight determination control locker as described in claim 4, wherein in step (A01), the preset item to be stored must be accurately weighed before storage to adjust the accuracy of the decimal point.

6. The weight determination method for the weight determination control locker as described in claim 4, wherein in step (A02), after the database of the computer host has stored the latest weight information, it will transmit the weight information to the processing module for analysis. When the processing module compares the weight information with the items stored in the database, it will send a signal to the display device to notify the preset items with the same data to readjust the weight accuracy to ensure that the displayed weights of the preset items are different. Then, it will recalculate the individual weights and the total weight of the preset items in at least one or more lockers.

7. The weight determination method of the weight determination control locker as described in claim 4, wherein in step (A05), the weight determination and identification of the second processing module is performed by the following steps: (A051) The second processing module records the total weight of each preset item on the placement area of ​​the original weighing unit, and then determines whether the preset item is taken out or placed based on the weight information transmitted by the processor. If it is taken out, step (A0511) is performed; if it is placed, step (A0512) is performed. (A0511) The second processing module subtracts the weight information transmitted by the processor from the sum of the weights of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a first weight judgment information. Then, it subtracts the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit from the sum of the weights of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a second weight judgment information. The first weight judgment information and the second weight judgment information are then compared. If the weights are the same, it means the preset item taken out is correct, and step (A06) is executed. If the weights are different, it means the preset item taken out is incorrect, and step (A08) is executed. (A0512) The second processing module adds the weight information transmitted by the processor to the sum of the weights of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a third weight judgment information. Then, it adds the weight change information transmitted by the detection unit to the sum of the weights of the preset items in the original weighing unit's placement area to obtain a fourth weight judgment information. The third weight judgment information is then compared with the fourth weight judgment information. If the weights are the same, it means that the preset item taken out is correct, and the step is executed. If the weights are different, it means that the preset item taken out is incorrect, and the step (A08) is executed.

8. The weight determination method for the weight determination control locker as described in claim 4, wherein the processing module and the second processing module transmit signals and data via wired or wireless means.

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