Item detection apparatus, method and storage system within a storage bin

Abstract

The application discloses a device and method for detecting items in a storage bin and a storage system. The device comprises a first light source, a receiving element array and a controller. The first light source is arranged in the storage bin, the receiving element array is laid on the bottom of the storage bin, and the receiving element array comprises a plurality of light receivers. The controller is used for determining the storage state of the storage bin according to the triggering condition of the light receivers when the first light source emits light. The storage state of the storage bin comprises a first state or a second state. The first state represents that the storage bin stores items, and the second state represents that the storage bin does not store items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electronic technology, and more specifically, to a device, method, and storage system for detecting items in a storage compartment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the rapid development of the express delivery and warehousing industries, increasingly higher demands are being placed on the management of goods entering and leaving the warehouse, as well as on the security and theft prevention of goods. Item detection plays a crucial role in these processes. However, existing item detection methods have relatively low reliability and are prone to missed detections. For example, placing a transmitter and receiver on opposite side walls of a storage compartment and determining the presence of items by observing the receiver's reception when the transmitter transmits a signal can lead to missed detections because items inside the compartment are not necessarily placed against the side walls. This can result in items not obstructing the transmitter or receiver. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of this disclosure is to provide an apparatus, method, and storage system for detecting items in a storage compartment, so as to reliably and accurately detect whether items are present in the storage compartment.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a device for detecting items inside a storage compartment of a locker is provided. The device includes a first light source, a receiver array, and a controller; the first light source is disposed inside the storage compartment, and the receiver array is laid at the bottom of the storage compartment, the receiver array including multiple light receivers; the controller is used to determine the storage state of the storage compartment based on the triggering of the light receivers when the first light source emits light; wherein the storage state of the storage compartment includes a first state or a second state, the first state indicating that items are stored in the storage compartment, and the second state indicating that no items are stored in the storage compartment.

[0005] Optionally, the first light source is a visible light source, and the light receiver is a visible light receiver.

[0006] Optionally, the first light source includes an array of emitting elements laid on top of the storage compartment, the array of emitting elements including multiple light emitters; the multiple light emitters and multiple light receivers correspond one-to-one.

[0007] Optionally, the first light source includes an array of emitting elements laid on the bottom of the storage compartment, the array of emitting elements including a plurality of light emitters; the array of emitting elements and the array of receiving elements are coplanar; the plurality of light emitters and the plurality of light receivers are arranged in an alternating interval; or, each of the plurality of points on the bottom of the storage compartment is respectively arranged with one light emitter and at least one light receiver, and the distance between any two adjacent points is a preset distance.

[0008] Optionally, a second light source is also included; the first light source is a non-visible light source; the second light source is disposed in the storage compartment and is a visible light source; the controller is further configured to turn on the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment is a first state, and turn off the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment is a second state.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for detecting items inside a storage compartment of a locker is provided. The storage compartment is equipped with a first light source, and a receiving element array is laid at the bottom, the receiving element array including multiple light receivers. The method includes: controlling the first light source to emit light, and determining the storage state of the storage compartment based on the triggering of the light receivers when the first light source emits light. The storage state of the storage compartment includes a first state or a second state, the first state indicating that items are stored in the storage compartment, and the second state indicating that no items are stored in the storage compartment.

[0010] Optionally, the first light source is a visible light source, and the light receiver is a visible light receiver; controlling the first light source to emit light includes: controlling the first light source to emit light according to a first preset time interval; the method further includes: maintaining the emitting state of the first light source when the storage state of the storage compartment is a first state.

[0011] Optionally, the storage compartment is provided with a second light source; the first light source is a non-visible light source, and the second light source is a visible light source; the method further includes: turning on the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment changes from a second state to a first state, and turning off the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment changes from a first state to a second state.

[0012] Optionally, the first light source includes an array of emitting elements, which is laid on the top or bottom of the storage compartment, and the array of emitting elements includes multiple light emitters; controlling the first light source to emit light includes controlling the light emitters in the array of emitting elements to emit light according to a preset emission mode.

[0013] Optionally, controlling the light emitters in the emitting element array to emit according to a preset emission mode includes: controlling the light emitters in the emitting element array to emit simultaneously; determining the storage state of the storage compartment based on the triggering status of the light receiver when the first light source emits light includes: in response to the first light source emitting light, if at least one light receiver is not triggered, determining the storage state of the storage compartment as a first state; otherwise, determining the storage state of the storage compartment as a second state.

[0014] Optionally, controlling the light emitters in the emitting element array to emit according to a preset emission mode includes: controlling the light emitters in the emitting element array to emit in turn; determining the storage state of the storage compartment based on the triggering status of the light receiver when the first light source emits light includes: when the first light emitter emits light, if at least one target light receiver is not triggered and the current storage state of the storage compartment is a second state, changing the storage state of the storage compartment from the second state to the first state; wherein, the first light emitter is any one of the light emitters, and the target light receiver is the light receiver that can be triggered by the first light emitter.

[0015] Optionally, the method further includes: reporting the storage status of the storage compartment to the server; the reporting of the storage status of the storage compartment to the server includes at least one of the following: reporting the latest storage status of the storage compartment to the server at a second preset time interval; reporting the latest storage status of the storage compartment to the server when the storage status of the storage compartment changes.

[0016] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a locker, a first light source disposed within a storage compartment of the locker, a receiving element array disposed at the bottom of the storage compartment, a processor, and a memory; the memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the method for detecting items within the storage compartment of the locker as described in the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0017] The locker storage compartment item detection device, method, and storage system disclosed in this embodiment of the invention include a first light source installed inside the storage compartment and a receiving element array containing multiple light receivers laid at the bottom of the storage compartment. The presence or absence of items in the storage compartment is determined based on the triggering of the light receivers when the first light source emits light. When items are placed in the storage compartment, they partially block the light receivers, preventing them from being triggered. This allows for accurate determination of the storage status of the compartment, offering high reliability and minimizing the risk of missed detections.

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of the item detection device for the storage compartment of the locker provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown of an item detection device for a locker provided in this disclosure, installed inside the locker compartment.

[0022] Figure 3 The detection range formed by the transmitter and receiver provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 This illustration shows the arrangement of the transmitting element array and the receiving element array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5 This illustrates the arrangement of the transmitting element array and the receiving element array according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 This illustrates the arrangement of the transmitting element array and the receiving element array according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the effective range of transmission and reception on the surface of the storage compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0027] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an article covering a light receiver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 9 The flowchart of a method for detecting items in the storage compartment of a locker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0031] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0032] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0033] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0034] It should be noted that all actions involving the acquisition of signals, information, or data in this application are carried out in compliance with the relevant data protection laws and policies of the country where the application is located, and with the authorization granted by the owner of the relevant device.

[0035] This embodiment describes a device for detecting items inside the storage compartment of a locker, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the item detection device inside the locker's storage compartment includes a first light source, a receiving element array, and a controller.

[0036] The first light source is located inside the storage compartment, and the receiving element array is laid at the bottom of the storage compartment. The receiving element array includes multiple light receivers.

[0037] The primary light source can be a visible light source, such as a searchlight. It can also be a non-visible light source, such as an infrared lamp. The primary light source can be placed anywhere within the storage compartment; for example, it can be placed at the top or bottom of the compartment.

[0038] An array of receiving elements is installed at the bottom of the storage compartment. This array receives detection light emitted from a first light source; specifically, it uses multiple light receivers within the array to receive the detection light. If the first light source is a visible light source, the light receivers can receive visible light. If the first light source is a non-visible light source, the light receivers can receive non-visible light.

[0039] In one embodiment, a protective cover covers the top of the receiving element array. The material of the protective cover is selected based on the properties of the detection light to ensure that the detection light can pass through the protective cover without affecting the detection function of the item detection device. For example, the protective cover is made of glass, translucent acrylic material, or a light-transmitting sheet that can transmit light of a specific wavelength. For example, if the detection light is infrared, the protective cover is made of an infrared-transmitting filter.

[0040] The controller is used to determine the storage status of the storage compartment based on the triggering of the light receiver when the first light source emits light. The storage status of the storage compartment includes a first state or a second state. The first state indicates that items are stored in the storage compartment, while the second state indicates that no items are stored in the storage compartment.

[0041] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the controller may include a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the item detection device to perform item detection functions.

[0042] In one embodiment, if the receiving element array can receive detection light or the intensity of the received detection light exceeds a preset intensity threshold, the receiving element array will be triggered to send a specific signal to the controller. The controller determines whether an item exists in the storage compartment based on the triggering status of the receiving element array. In one example, the presence of an item in the storage compartment is determined as long as any one of the light receivers in the receiving element array is triggered.

[0043] When there are items stored in the storage compartment, the items cannot be suspended in the air. When the items are placed in the storage compartment, they will press down on the top of the receiving element array and block the receiving light path of the receiving element array. The controller can then determine whether there are items in the storage compartment based on the reception of the receiving element. This detection method has high reliability and is not prone to missed detection.

[0044] In the case of a storage system comprising multiple storage compartments, each compartment has a receiver array laid on its bottom wall, and multiple receiver arrays can share a single controller to reduce deployment costs.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first light source is a visible light source, and the light receiver is a visible light receiver.

[0046] A visible light receiver can receive detection light emitted from a visible light source, and the presence of items in the storage compartment can be determined based on the triggering status of the receiver when the visible light source emits light. The visible light source can also be used for illumination, making it convenient for users to operate the storage compartment.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first light source includes an array of emitting elements installed on the top of the storage compartment. The array of emitting elements includes multiple light emitters. Each of the multiple light emitters corresponds to a multiple light receiver.

[0048] In a transmitting element array, one optical transmitter corresponds to one optical receiver. Detection light emitted by an optical transmitter can only be received by its corresponding optical receiver and will not be received by other optical receivers. For example, the transmitting element array may include a first optical transmitter and a second optical transmitter, and the receiving element array may include a first optical receiver and a second optical receiver. The first optical transmitter corresponds to the first optical receiver, and the second optical transmitter corresponds to the second optical receiver. The first optical receiver can receive the detection light emitted by the first optical transmitter, but will not receive the detection light emitted by the second optical transmitter. Similarly, the second optical receiver can receive the detection light emitted by the second optical transmitter, but will not receive the detection light emitted by the first optical transmitter.

[0049] The first light source is positioned at the top of the storage compartment, and the receiving element array is positioned at the bottom. Detection light is emitted from the top of the storage compartment, passes through the internal space, reaches the bottom, and is received by the receiving element array. If there are items inside the storage compartment, when the first light source emits light, the items will block part of the detection light emitted by the light emitter, preventing the corresponding light receiver from receiving the detection light. If there are no items inside the storage compartment, then all detection light emitted by the light emitters will be received by the corresponding light receivers.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first light source includes an array of emitting elements laid at the bottom of the storage compartment, and the array of emitting elements includes multiple light emitters.

[0051] Both the transmitting and receiving element arrays are laid at the bottom of the storage compartment, and together they form a detection element array. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the detection element array 101 is laid on the bottom wall A2 of the storage compartment A. The emitting element array is laid on the bottom wall A2 of the storage compartment A. The emitting element array is used to emit detection light to the top wall A1 of the storage compartment A. After the detection light reaches the top wall A1 of the storage compartment A, it will be reflected by the top wall A1 of the storage compartment A. The receiving element array is used to receive the detection light reflected back from the top wall A1 of the storage compartment A.

[0052] Since items cannot be suspended in the air when placed inside the storage compartment, they will press down on the top of the receiving element array, blocking the light path of the transmitting element array and the receiving element array. The controller can then determine whether there are items in the storage compartment based on the reception of the receiving elements. This detection method is highly reliable and is less prone to missed detections.

[0053] In one embodiment, the top wall of the storage compartment is white or light-colored to enhance the reflectivity of the top wall to the detection light, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the detection.

[0054] In one embodiment, the transmitting element array and the receiving element array are coplanar. This reduces the space occupied by the transmitting element array and the receiving element array during installation, thereby improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the storage compartment.

[0055] See below. Figure 3 As shown, the detection blind zone is introduced. Figure 3 The emitting element in it is a light emitter, used to emit detection light. Figure 3The receiving element in the image is a photodetector used to receive detection light. Assuming the divergence angle of the emitting element is α, the field of view of the receiving element is β, and the distance between the emitting and receiving elements is d, there will be a detection blind zone between the emitting and receiving areas—a blank area between them. When an object is entirely within this blind zone, it neither blocks the light path of the emitting element nor the light path of the receiving element, and therefore cannot be detected.

[0056] Based on the spatial relationships of geometric optics, the height h of the detection blind zone can be calculated using the following formula.

[0057]

[0058] To reduce detection blind spots and improve detection reliability, the detection element array may include multiple transmitting elements and multiple receiving elements. In one embodiment, the detection element array is a linear array arranged along the centerline of the long side of the storage compartment. In another embodiment, the detection element array is a planar array to further reduce the false negative rate. Furthermore, by increasing the element density in the detection element array, the reliability and accuracy of detection can be further improved, which is beneficial for detecting smaller items and can also help detect the location, length, width, and dimensions of items.

[0059] In one embodiment, the multiple transmitting elements and multiple receiving elements are arranged such that the area of ​​a single detection blind zone on the bottom wall of the storage compartment is smaller than a preset area threshold. In this way, the item detection device can detect items with smaller areas, further reducing the false negative rate and improving the accuracy of the detection results.

[0060] In one embodiment, the multiple transmitting elements and multiple receiving elements are arranged such that the area of ​​a single detection blind zone on the bottom wall of the storage compartment is less than a preset area threshold and the height is less than a preset height threshold. In this way, the item detection device can detect items with smaller areas and lower heights, further reducing the false negative rate and improving the accuracy of the detection results.

[0061] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the multiple transmitting elements and multiple receiving elements can be arranged in various ways. Specifically, the arrangement and spacing of the elements can be determined based on the divergence angle of the transmitting elements, the field of view of the receiving elements, and the size requirements of the detectable object. Alternatively, the arrangement and spacing of the elements can be determined based on the actual test conditions.

[0062] In this embodiment, multiple light transmitters and multiple light receivers are arranged in an alternating manner. Alternatively, each of the multiple points at the bottom of the storage compartment is equipped with a light transmitter and at least one light receiver, and the distance between any two adjacent points is a preset distance.

[0063] The following describes two arrangement methods provided by embodiments of this disclosure:

[0064] In the first arrangement, see Figure 4 As shown, the optical transmitters T and optical receivers R are arranged in an alternating pattern. That is, the optical transmitters T and optical receivers R are alternately spaced in each row, and also alternately spaced in each column. In one example, the distance between the optical transmitters T and optical receivers R is 5 cm, but the actual distance will depend on the specific application and debugging.

[0065] For the second arrangement, see Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple spaced-apart detection points P at the bottom of the storage compartment. Each detection point P can include a light emitter T and a light receiver R. Figure 6 As shown, each detection point P can also include a light emitter T and multiple light receivers R. This arrangement allows light emitters and receivers to be present at the same location on the bottom wall of the storage compartment, facilitating row and column scanning and enabling the detection of the presence, location, and approximate size of items. In one example, the spacing between detection points P is 5 cm, but the actual spacing will depend on the specific application and setup.

[0066] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to control multiple light emitters to simultaneously emit detection light. In another embodiment, the controller is further configured to control multiple light emitters to emit detection light in turn. By having multiple emitting elements emit detection light in turn, and after obtaining the trigger status of the receiving element at each location, the positions of the untriggered receiving elements are recorded, thus obtaining the location and approximate size of the object.

[0067] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to determine the parameters of an item based on the reception status of the optical receiver and the transmission-reception matching relationship between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, when the item is present in the storage compartment. The parameters of the item include at least one of the following: location, size, and shape.

[0068] The transmit-receive matching relationship between an optical transmitter and an optical receiver refers to the following: for a specific optical transmitter, if certain optical receivers can receive the detection light emitted by it, then these optical receivers and that specific optical transmitter have a transmit-receive matching relationship. Similarly, for a specific optical receiver, if the detection light emitted by certain optical transmitters can be received by it, then these optical transmitters and that specific optical receiver also have a transmit-receive matching relationship. In other words, the transmit-receive matching relationship between optical transmitters and optical receivers can be many-to-many. The transmit-receive matching relationship between optical transmitters and optical receivers can be determined through pre-design or actual testing.

[0069] The controller determines the parameters of an item based on the reception status of the optical receivers and the transmission-reception matching relationship between the optical transmitter and the optical receivers. For example, if none of the multiple optical receivers with a transmission-reception matching relationship with a certain optical transmitter are triggered, it can be determined that the transmission path of that optical transmitter is blocked by an item. If some of the multiple optical receivers with a transmission-reception matching relationship with a certain optical transmitter are triggered and some are not triggered, it can be determined that the reception path of the non-triggered optical receivers is blocked by an item. Based on the blocking detection results, the approximate location of the bottom wall of the storage compartment blocked by the item can be determined. Based on the location of the obstruction on the bottom wall of the storage compartment, the location, size, and shape of the item can be determined.

[0070] Based on the vertical distance between the storage compartment surface and the transmitting and receiving element arrays, the transmitting angle of the transmitting element, and the receiving angle of the receiving element, the effective transmitting range and effective receiving range on the storage compartment surface can be calculated. Figure 7 As shown, the vertical distance L between the surface of the storage compartment and the transmitting element array and the receiving element array is 4 mm, and the transmission angle is θ. t The angle is 30°, and the receiving angle is θ. r If the angle is 90°, then the radius R of the effective firing range on the surface of the storage compartment is... t L*tan(θ) t / 2), the radius R of the effective receiving range on the surface of the storage compartment. r L*tan(θ) r / 2). If the vertical distance L is 4mm, the emission angle θ t The receiving angle is 30°, θ r If the angle is 90°, then the radius R of the effective launch range can be calculated. t The effective receiving range radius R is 1.07mm. r It is 4mm.

[0071] like Figure 8As shown, the receiver array comprises 88 optical receivers arranged in 8 rows and 11 columns. The row spacing is equal to the column spacing. The effective transmission range radius R can be determined based on this. t and the radius R of the effective receiving range r Calculate the spacing between the optical receivers, for example, a distance of 30 mm between two adjacent optical receivers. Matrix M represents the triggering status of each optical receiver in the receiving element. If an optical receiver does not receive the detection light, the corresponding element in matrix M has a value of 1; if an optical receiver receives the detection light, the corresponding element in matrix M has a value of 0. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the light receivers in boxes 801 and 802 are light receivers that are blocked by items in the storage compartment, and the corresponding matrix M is:

[0072]

[0073] If the items in the storage compartment block rows 3 to 6, then the width of the items is 30*(6-3) = 90mm. If the items in the storage compartment block the light receivers in columns 4 to 9, then the length of the items is 30*(9-4) = 150mm.

[0074] In this embodiment, the detection device further includes a second light source. The first light source is a non-visible light source. The second light source is disposed inside the storage compartment and is a visible light source. The controller is also used to turn on the second light source when the storage compartment is in the first storage state and to turn off the second light source when the storage compartment is in the second storage state.

[0075] The storage compartment is equipped with both a first light source and a second light source. The first light source is a non-visible light source, used to emit detection light to detect whether there are items inside the storage compartment. The second light source is a visible light source, used for illumination.

[0076] The status of the second light source can be controlled via a controller. When the storage compartment is empty, it indicates that the user does not need to use it, and the controller can turn off the second light source to reduce the power consumption of the detection device. When the storage compartment contains items, it indicates that the user will use it, and the controller can turn on the second light source to provide lighting inside the storage compartment for user convenience.

[0077] Typically, the power of non-visible light sources is lower than that of visible light sources. To ensure adequate illumination of the storage compartment, a visible light source needs to be installed inside. Using a visible light source to detect the presence of items in the storage compartment would increase the power consumption of the detection device.

[0078] By setting up visible and non-visible light sources inside the storage compartment, using non-visible light sources to detect whether there are items inside and using visible light sources for illumination when there are items inside, the power consumption of the detection device can be reduced while ensuring the lighting effect of the storage compartment.

[0079] The item detection device of this disclosure includes multiple light emitters and multiple light receivers. Thus, even when the storage compartment is closed or the door is open (i.e., when ambient light is entering the storage compartment), items inside the compartment pressing against the light receivers will still block some of the ambient light from entering, and the items will still be detected. In other words, the item detection device of this disclosure will not be affected by external ambient light interference.

[0080] The item detection device of this disclosure embodiment may further include a communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is used to send the detection results obtained by the controller to a server or terminal device. In another embodiment, the communication module is used to establish a communication connection between the optical receiver and the controller, and also to establish a communication connection between the optical transmitter and the controller. On the one hand, the controller can send control commands to the optical transmitter through the communication module; on the other hand, the optical receiver can send its own detection data to the controller. In this case, the controller does not need to be deployed locally in the storage compartment.

[0081] The article detection device of this disclosure can effectively reduce the detection blind zone, improve the consistency and reliability of object detection, and reduce the risk of missed detection. The article detection device of this disclosure uses a simple and direct measurement method and is inexpensive. The article detection device of this disclosure is highly flexible, and the element density, cost, and measurement mode of the detection element array can be adjusted according to actual applications.

[0082] like Figure 9 As shown in the figure, this embodiment introduces a method for detecting items inside a storage compartment of a locker. A first light source is provided inside the storage compartment, and a receiving element array is laid at the bottom. The receiving element array includes multiple light receivers. The method includes steps 9100-91200.

[0083] Step 9100: Control the first light source to emit light.

[0084] Step 9200: Determine the storage status of the storage compartment based on the triggering of the light receiver when the first light source emits light. The storage status of the storage compartment includes a first state or a second state. The first state indicates that there are items stored in the storage compartment, and the second state indicates that there are no items stored in the storage compartment.

[0085] After the first light source emits light, if the receiving element array can receive the detection light or the intensity of the received detection light exceeds a preset intensity threshold, the receiving element array will be triggered to send a specific signal to the controller. The controller determines whether an item exists in the storage compartment based on the triggering status of the receiving element array. In one example, the presence of an item in the storage compartment is determined as long as any one of the light receivers in the receiving element array is triggered.

[0086] When there are items stored in the storage compartment, the items cannot be suspended in the air. When the items are placed in the storage compartment, they will press down on the top of the receiving element array and block the receiving light path of the receiving element array. The controller can then determine whether there are items in the storage compartment based on the reception of the receiving element. This detection method has high reliability and is not prone to missed detection.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first light source is a visible light source, and the light receiver is a visible light receiver. Step 9100 includes: controlling the first light source to emit light according to a first preset time interval. The method further includes: maintaining the emitting state of the first light source when the storage state of the storage compartment is a first state.

[0088] The primary light source is a visible light source, which emits detection light to detect whether there are items in the storage compartment. The primary light source can also be used for illumination, making it easier for users to retrieve items. The light receiver is a visible light receiver used to receive the visible light emitted by the primary light source.

[0089] During the process of detecting whether there are items in the storage compartment, the first light source emits light at a first preset time interval. For example, the first preset time interval can be 5 minutes, in which case the first light source emits light once every 5 minutes. The first preset time interval can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it. For example, if the storage compartment is used frequently, the first time interval can be reduced accordingly to ensure that items in the storage compartment can be detected in a timely manner. If the storage compartment is used infrequently, the first time interval can be increased to reduce the number of times the first light source emits light and reduce power consumption.

[0090] After the first light source emits light, the storage status of the storage compartment is determined based on the triggering status of the light receiver. If the storage compartment is in the second state, indicating that there are no items inside, the first light source continues to emit light at a first preset time interval. If the storage compartment is in the second state, indicating that there are items inside, the first light source is kept constantly lit to illuminate the storage compartment and facilitate user retrieval of items.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first light source can be used for both illumination and detection of the storage status of the storage compartment, eliminating the need for other light sources and reducing the cost of the storage compartment. Simultaneously, during the detection of the storage status, the first light source emits light at a first time interval, reducing the number of times the first light source emits light and lowering power consumption. After detecting that there are items in the storage compartment, the first light source is kept illuminated, allowing the user to easily retrieve the items.

[0092] In this embodiment, a second light source is provided inside the storage compartment. The first light source is a non-visible light source, and the second light source is a visible light source. The method further includes: turning on the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment changes from a second state to a first state, and turning off the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment changes from a first state to a second state.

[0093] The storage compartment is equipped with both a first light source and a second light source. The first light source is a non-visible light source, used to emit detection light to detect whether there are items inside the storage compartment. The second light source is a visible light source, used for illumination.

[0094] When the storage status of the storage compartment changes from the second state to the first state, it indicates that there are items inside. At this time, the second light source is turned on to illuminate the storage compartment, making it easier for the user to retrieve items. When the storage status changes from the first state to the second state, it indicates that the items inside the storage compartment have been removed, and there are no items inside. At this time, the second light source is turned off to reduce power consumption.

[0095] In this embodiment, the first light source includes an array of emitting elements, which is installed on the top or bottom of the storage compartment. The array of emitting elements includes multiple light emitters. Step 9100 includes step 9110: controlling the light emitters in the array of emitting elements to emit according to a preset emission mode.

[0096] A light emitter is used to emit detection light. The array of emitting elements can be placed on the top or bottom of the storage compartment. During the detection of the storage status of the compartment, the light emitter emits light in a preset manner.

[0097] In one embodiment, step 9110 includes controlling the light emitters in the emitting element array to emit simultaneously. Step 9200 includes: in response to the first light source emitting light, if at least one light receiver is not triggered, determining the storage state of the storage compartment as a first state; otherwise, determining the storage state of the storage compartment as a second state.

[0098] The transmitting element array includes multiple light emitters, and the receiving element array includes multiple light receivers, with a one-to-one correspondence between the light emitters and receivers. During the detection of the storage status of the storage compartment, multiple light emitters in the transmitting element array emit light simultaneously. If any light receiver is not triggered, it indicates that its light path is blocked, meaning there are items in the storage compartment, and the storage status is in state one. If all light receivers are triggered, it means all receivers have received the detection light, and there are no items in the storage compartment, so the storage status is in state two.

[0099] For example, the receiving element array includes a first light receiver, a second light receiver, and a third light receiver. After the first light source emits light, the first and second light receivers receive the detection light and are triggered. The third light receiver does not receive the detection light and is not triggered, so the storage compartment is in the first state.

[0100] This embodiment enables the simultaneous emission of light from the light emitters in the emission element array, thereby quickly determining the storage status of the storage compartment and improving the efficiency of detecting the storage status of the storage compartment.

[0101] In one embodiment, step 9110 includes: controlling the light emitters in the emitting element array to emit in turn.

[0102] Each light emitter can be made to emit light sequentially, with the others remaining silent while one emitter is emitting light. For example, if the emitting element array includes 10 light emitters, the first light emitter can be made to emit light first, and after the first light emitter stops emitting light, the second light emitter can be made to emit light, and so on, for a total of 10 times.

[0103] Step 9200 includes: when the first light transmitter emits light, at least one target light receiver is not triggered and the current storage state of the storage compartment is the second state, changing the storage state of the storage compartment from the second state to the first state. Here, the first light transmitter is any light transmitter, and the target light receiver is a light receiver that can be triggered by the first light transmitter.

[0104] The first light emitter can be any one of the multiple light emitters in the emitting element array. The target light receiver is the light receiver corresponding to the first light emitter, and the target light receiver can be triggered by the first light emitter. After the first light emitter emits light, if at least one target light receiver is not triggered, it means that the untriggered target light receiver is blocked by an item, and there is an item in the storage compartment. At this time, the storage status of the storage compartment is changed from the second state to the first state.

[0105] If all light emitters emit light, the corresponding light receiver for each light emitter will be triggered, indicating that all light receivers are not blocked and there are no items in the storage compartment. At this time, the storage status of the storage compartment will be changed from the first state to the second state.

[0106] In this embodiment, the method further includes: reporting the storage status of the storage compartment to the server. Reporting the storage status of the storage compartment to the server includes at least one of the following: reporting the latest storage status of the storage compartment to the server at a second preset time interval; or reporting the latest storage status of the storage compartment to the server when the storage status of the storage compartment changes.

[0107] When reporting the storage status of a locker to the server, the report can be made at a second preset time interval. For example, if the second preset time interval is 10 minutes, a message will be sent to the server every 10 minutes to report the storage status of the locker. If the locker has multiple lockers, the storage status of all lockers can be reported together each time. For example, if the locker has 30 lockers, the storage status of all 30 lockers will be reported every 10 minutes.

[0108] This embodiment reports the latest storage status of the storage compartment to the server according to a second preset time interval. By controlling the size of the second preset time interval, the number of communications with the server can be reduced, thereby reducing the server load.

[0109] When reporting the storage status of a locker compartment to the server, you can also report the latest storage status of the locker compartment when its status changes. If a locker has multiple compartments, and the status of one compartment changes, only that compartment's status needs to be reported to the server; the status of the other compartments does not need to be reported. For example, if a locker has 30 compartments and the status of the 5th compartment changes, only the status of the 5th compartment needs to be reported to the server; the status of the remaining compartments does not need to be reported.

[0110] This embodiment enables the server to obtain the storage status of the storage compartment in real time by reporting the latest storage status of the storage compartment to the server when the storage status of the storage compartment changes.

[0111] This disclosure also includes a storage system. The storage system includes a locker, a first light source disposed within a storage compartment of the locker, a receiving element array disposed at the bottom of the storage compartment, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the method for detecting items within the storage compartment of the locker as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0112] This disclosure may relate to method steps and / or computer program products. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions loaded thereon for causing a processor to implement various aspects of the invention.

[0113] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example—but not limited to—an electrical storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multifunction disc (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices, and any suitable combination thereof.

[0114] The computer program instructions used to perform the operations of this invention may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving a remote computer, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry, such as programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), is personalized by utilizing state information from the computer-readable program instructions. This electronic circuitry can execute the computer-readable program instructions to implement various aspects of the invention.

[0115] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for detecting items inside a storage compartment of a locker, characterized in that, Includes a first light source, a receiver array, and a controller; The first light source is located inside the storage compartment, and the receiving element array is laid at the bottom of the storage compartment. The receiving element array includes multiple light receivers. The controller is used to determine the storage status of the storage compartment based on the triggering of the light receiver when the first light source emits light; wherein the storage status of the storage compartment includes a first status or a second status, the first status indicating that there are items stored in the storage compartment, and the second status indicating that there are no items stored in the storage compartment; The controller controls multiple light emitters to emit detection light. Based on the reception status of the light receivers and the transmission-reception matching relationship between the light emitters and receivers, the parameters of the item are determined: if none of the multiple light receivers with a transmission-reception matching relationship with a light emitter are triggered, it is determined that the transmission path of that light emitter is blocked by the item; or, if some of the multiple light receivers with a transmission-reception matching relationship with a light emitter are triggered and some are not, it is determined that the receiving path of the untriggered light receivers is blocked by the item. The positions of the untriggered receivers are recorded. Based on the blocking detection results, the location where the bottom wall of the storage compartment is blocked by the item is determined, and the position, size, or shape of the item is determined. The system controls the simultaneous or staggered emission of light transmitters in the emission element array. When the first light transmitter emits, at least one target light receiver is not triggered and the current storage state of the storage compartment is the second state. The storage state of the storage compartment is changed from the second state to the first state. Here, the first light transmitter is any light transmitter, and the target light receiver is a light receiver that can be triggered by the first light transmitter. There is a detection blind zone between the emission range of the emission element and the reception range of the receiving element. When an item is completely located within the detection blind zone, the item does not block the light emission path of the emission element or the light reception path of the receiving element, so the item cannot be detected. The arrangement of multiple emission elements and multiple receiving elements is configured such that the area of ​​a single detection blind zone is less than a preset area threshold.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first light source is a visible light source, and the light receiver is a visible light receiver.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first light source includes an array of emitting elements laid on the top of the storage compartment, the array of emitting elements including a plurality of light emitters; The plurality of optical transmitters and the plurality of optical receivers correspond one-to-one.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first light source includes an array of emitting elements laid on the bottom of the storage compartment, the array of emitting elements including multiple light emitters; The transmitting element array and the receiving element array are coplanar; The plurality of optical transmitters and the plurality of optical receivers are arranged in an alternating interval manner; or, Each of the multiple points at the bottom of the storage compartment is equipped with a light transmitter and at least one light receiver, and the distance between any two adjacent points is a preset distance.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, It also includes a second light source; The first light source is a non-visible light source; The second light source is located inside the storage compartment and is a visible light source; The controller is also configured to turn on the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment is in the first state, and turn off the second light source when the storage state of the storage compartment is in the second state.

6. A method for detecting items inside a storage compartment of a locker, characterized in that, The storage compartment is equipped with a first light source, and a receiving element array is laid at the bottom, the receiving element array including multiple light receivers; The method includes: Control the first light source to emit light, and determine the storage status of the storage compartment based on the triggering status of the light receiver when the first light source emits light; The storage state of the storage compartment includes a first state or a second state. The first state indicates that there are items stored in the storage compartment, and the second state indicates that there are no items stored in the storage compartment. The controller controls multiple light emitters to emit detection light. Based on the reception status of the light receivers and the transmission-reception matching relationship between the light emitters and receivers, the parameters of the item are determined: if none of the multiple light receivers with a transmission-reception matching relationship with a light emitter are triggered, it is determined that the transmission path of that light emitter is blocked by the item; or, if some of the multiple light receivers with a transmission-reception matching relationship with a light emitter are triggered and some are not, it is determined that the receiving path of the untriggered light receivers is blocked by the item. The positions of the untriggered receivers are recorded. Based on the blocking detection results, the location where the bottom wall of the storage compartment is blocked by the item is determined, and the position, size, or shape of the item is determined. The system controls the simultaneous or staggered emission of light transmitters in the emission element array. When the first light transmitter emits, at least one target light receiver is not triggered and the current storage state of the storage compartment is the second state. The storage state of the storage compartment is changed from the second state to the first state. Here, the first light transmitter is any light transmitter, and the target light receiver is a light receiver that can be triggered by the first light transmitter. There is a detection blind zone between the emission range of the emission element and the reception range of the receiving element. When an item is completely located within the detection blind zone, the item does not block the light emission path of the emission element or the light reception path of the receiving element, so the item cannot be detected. The arrangement of multiple emission elements and multiple receiving elements is configured such that the area of ​​a single detection blind zone is less than a preset area threshold.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first light source is a visible light source, and the light receiver is a visible light receiver; The control of the first light source to emit light includes: controlling the first light source to emit light according to a first preset time interval; The method further includes: When the storage state of the storage compartment is in the first state, the luminous state of the first light source is maintained.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The storage compartment is equipped with a second light source; the first light source is a non-visible light source, and the second light source is a visible light source; The method further includes: When the storage state of the storage compartment changes from the second state to the first state, the second light source is turned on; when the storage state of the storage compartment changes from the first state to the second state, the second light source is turned off.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first light source includes an array of emitting elements, which is laid on the top or bottom of the storage compartment, and the array of emitting elements includes multiple light emitters; The control of the first light source to emit light includes: controlling the light emitter in the emitting element array to emit light according to a preset emission mode.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control of the optical transmitters in the transmitting element array to transmit according to a preset transmission mode includes: controlling the optical transmitters in the transmitting element array to transmit simultaneously; The step of determining the storage state of the storage compartment based on the triggering status of the light receiver when the first light source emits light includes: in response to the first light source emitting light, if at least one light receiver is not triggered, the storage state of the storage compartment is determined to be a first state; otherwise, the storage state of the storage compartment is determined to be a second state.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control of the optical transmitters in the transmitting element array to emit according to a preset emission mode includes: controlling the optical transmitters in the transmitting element array to emit in turn; The step of determining the storage state of the storage compartment based on the triggering status of the light receiver when the first light source emits light includes: when the first light transmitter emits light, if at least one target light receiver is not triggered and the current storage state of the storage compartment is the second state, changing the storage state of the storage compartment from the second state to the first state; wherein, the first light transmitter is any one of the light transmitters, and the target light receiver is the light receiver that can be triggered by the first light transmitter.

12. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: reporting the storage status of the storage compartment to the server; The reporting of the storage status of the storage compartment to the server includes at least one of the following: The latest storage status of the storage compartment is reported to the server at a second preset time interval; When the storage status of the storage compartment changes, the latest storage status of the storage compartment is reported to the server.

13. A storage system, characterized in that, It includes a locker, a first light source installed in the locker's storage compartment, an array of receiving elements, a processor, and a memory installed at the bottom of the storage compartment; The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, implement the method of any one of claims 6-12.

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