Smart vending machines and vending machine control methods

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent vending machine and its control method. The intelligent vending machine includes a cabinet body, a door, a keyhole, a lock body, a first detection module, a second detection module, a third detection module, and a control module. By setting up three detection modules, the closed state of the door, the extension and retraction state of the latch, and the locked state are monitored. Based on the sequential relationship of the three detection signals and the corresponding opening and closing states, the system can comprehensively determine whether the intelligent vending machine is truly locked, thus solving the problem of deceptive locking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated vending machines, and in particular to an intelligent vending machine and a vending machine control method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing smart vending machines typically use electric bolt locks to open and close the doors. Traditional access control systems use electric bolt locks with two internal detection modules: a first detection module and a second detection module. These detect the door's open / closed state and the bolt's extension / retraction state, respectively. However, this detection method is susceptible to fraud. For example, after a user scans a code to open the door, they can bring a magnet close to the first detection module. At this point, the bolt is closed, and both the first and second detection modules will detect a closed state. The smart vending machine will then proceed with payment, but the door will not actually be closed. In this situation, the smart vending machine is completely vulnerable to theft. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose an intelligent vending machine and a vending machine control method, aiming to solve the problems of intelligent vending machines in the prior art and their susceptibility to fraud.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an intelligent vending machine, comprising: a cabinet body, a cabinet door, and a lock hole disposed on the cabinet door; the intelligent vending machine further comprises:

[0005] A lock body is disposed on the cabinet, and the lock body includes a lock tongue;

[0006] The first detection module is installed on the cabinet and is used to detect the open / closed status of the cabinet door;

[0007] The second detection module is located inside the lock body and is used to detect the extension state of the bolt.

[0008] The third detection module is installed on the cabinet door and is used to detect whether the lock tongue extends into the lock hole;

[0009] The control module is electrically connected to the first detection module, the second detection module, the third detection module, and the lock body, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first detection module includes a reed switch or a Hall switch, and the cabinet door is provided with a first magnetic element corresponding to the first detection module.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second detection module includes a micro switch or an infrared pair disposed inside the lock body, with the detection ends of the micro switch and the infrared pair facing the bolt.

[0012] In one embodiment, the third detection module includes a reed switch or Hall switch disposed in the cabinet door, and a second magnetic element corresponding to the third detection module is disposed on the latch.

[0013] In one embodiment, the free end of the locking tongue is provided with a mounting hole, and the second magnetic element is disposed in the mounting hole.

[0014] In one embodiment, an opening is provided on one side of the cabinet, a cabinet door is provided at the opening and hinged to the cabinet, and a lock body is provided above the cabinet door.

[0015] In one embodiment, the smart vending machine further includes a fourth detection module disposed on the cabinet body and close to the hinge of the cabinet body and the cabinet door, the fourth detection module being used to detect the open / closed state of the cabinet door.

[0016] This invention also proposes a vending machine control method, applied to the aforementioned smart vending machine, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Receive the first detection signal sent by the first detection module to determine the open / closed state of the cabinet door;

[0018] After confirming that the cabinet door is closed, a locking command is sent to the lock body to control the extension of the bolt;

[0019] Receive the second detection signal sent by the second detection module to determine the extension and retraction state of the bolt;

[0020] After confirming that the bolt has extended, the system receives a third detection signal from the third detection module to determine whether the bolt has entered the keyhole.

[0021] In one embodiment, after the step of determining whether the bolt has entered the keyhole, the method further includes:

[0022] Control the smart vending machine to enter the settlement process.

[0023] In one embodiment, before the step of receiving the first detection signal sent by the first detection module and determining the open / closed state of the cabinet door, the method further includes:

[0024] Receive purchase request information from users and control the lock body to unlock;

[0025] Receive the first detection signal sent by the first detection module, determine the opening and closing status of the cabinet door based on the first detection signal, and enter the retrieval process after the cabinet door is opened;

[0026] The system receives the first detection signal sent by the first detection module again, determines the opening and closing status of the cabinet door, determines that the retrieval process is complete after the cabinet door is closed, and calculates the retrieval time of the retrieval process.

[0027] If the pickup time exceeds the first preset time, the pickup process is judged to be abnormal.

[0028] In one embodiment, before the step of controlling the smart vending machine to enter the checkout process, the method further includes:

[0029] The locking time from receiving the locking command to receiving the third detection signal is compared with the second preset time.

[0030] If the locking time exceeds the second preset time, the door is deemed to be abnormal.

[0031] In one embodiment, before the step of sending a locking command to the lock body and controlling the extension of the bolt, the method further includes:

[0032] Receive the fourth detection signal from the fourth detection module, and determine the open / closed state of the cabinet door based on the fourth detection signal.

[0033] This invention uses a three-channel detection module to monitor the closed state of the cabinet door, the extension and retraction state of the latch, and the locking state. Based on the sequence of the three detection signals and the corresponding switch states, it can comprehensively determine whether the smart cabinet is truly locked, thus solving the problem of deception. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the intelligent vending machine of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lock body and cabinet door in the embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial sectional view of the cabinet door in the embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the lock body in the embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the functional modules of the smart vending machine in the embodiment;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the container control method of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the container control method of the present invention.

[0042] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0043]

[0044] The objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., then the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture, as shown in the attached figure. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0047] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, if the word "and / or" appears throughout the text, it means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0048] This invention proposes an intelligent vending machine, referring to... Figures 1 to 5 The smart vending machine includes a cabinet body 10, a cabinet door 11, and a lock hole provided on the cabinet door 11. The smart vending machine also includes:

[0049] A lock body 20 is mounted on the cabinet body 10, and the lock body 20 includes a latch 21; a first detection module 31 is mounted on the cabinet body 10 and is used to detect the open / closed state of the cabinet door 11; a second detection module 32 is mounted inside the lock body 20 and is used to detect the extended state of the latch 21; a third detection module 33 is mounted on the cabinet door 11 and is used to detect whether the latch 21 is inserted into the lock hole; and a control module is electrically connected to the first detection module 31, the second detection module 32, the third detection module 33, and the lock body 20.

[0050] In this embodiment, the lock body 20 is an electric bolt lock that controls the bolt 21 to extend after receiving a control signal. Specifically, the lock body 20 is mounted on the cabinet body 10 and located above the cabinet door 11, away from the hinge axis between the cabinet body 10 and the cabinet door 11. A corresponding lock plate with a lock hole is provided on the cabinet door 11. After the cabinet door 11 is closed, the bolt 21 of the lock body 20 is opposite to the lock hole below. When the cabinet door 11 is opened and closed, it sends a first detection signal to the first detection module 31. Upon receiving the first detection signal, the control module can determine whether the cabinet door 11 is in an open or closed state. Similarly, the extension and retraction of the bolt 21 will also cause the second detection module 32 to send a second detection signal. Upon receiving the second detection signal, the control module can determine whether the bolt 21 has extended. The bolt 21 sends a second detection signal when it enters and leaves the lock hole. Upon receiving the second detection signal, the control module can determine whether the bolt 21 is locked in the lock hole.

[0051] In this embodiment, the cabinet 10 is divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower. The upper section is used to install electrical control components such as power modules, PLCs, and communication modules. The middle section has an opening on one side, forming a cavity for accommodating goods. Shelves are installed in the cavity, and a corresponding automatic retrieval mechanism can also be installed within it. Light tubes are installed on the top and / or side walls of the cavity to provide illumination. A compressor for refrigeration is housed at the lower end of the cabinet 10. A condenser pipe is also installed in the upper section of the cabinet 10, and the condenser pipe is connected to the compressor. The condenser pipe casing cools the electrical control components and can also draw cold air into the cavity in the middle section via a fan to control the temperature inside the cavity, enabling the smart cabinet to store goods requiring low-temperature storage, such as milk and beverages.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cabinet door 11 is located at the opening in the middle section of the cabinet body, and the right side of the cabinet door 11 is hinged to the right side of the opening. A handle is provided on the surface of the cabinet door near the left edge. The lock body 20 is located in the upper section of the cabinet body 10, near the upper end of the cabinet door 11. The lock body 20 is located away from the hinge axis between the cabinet body 10 and the cabinet door 11, and is located directly above the handle. Thus, it can work together with the hinge axis to lock both sides of the cabinet door 11.

[0053] This patent, based on existing electric bolt locks, embeds a magnet within the bolt 21 while maintaining the internal electrical scheme of the electric bolt lock. This electric bolt lock is installed on the cabinet, with the lock plate installed at the corresponding position on the cabinet door 11. Simultaneously, a reed switch or Hall effect switch is installed inside the cabinet door 11 at the corresponding position where the bolt 21 is lowered. This signal is also sent to the host computer system. When the door is closed and the bolt 21 is lowered, this signal can sense the closing signal. Therefore, when all three signals are closed, the smart vending machine is in a locked state. When a user scans a code to shop, the cloud sends an unlocking command. At this time, the second detection signal inside the lock is open, followed by the third detection signal. When the user opens the door, the first detection signal also becomes open, and the user can shop normally. When the user closes the door, the three signals sequentially become closed: the bolt 21 is lowered when the first detection signal is closed, the external second detection signal is closed, and the internal second detection signal is closed. The software needs to distinguish the order of these three signals during detection. If the sequence of signals is abnormal, it may indirectly indicate that the smart vending machine is engaging in fraudulent activities. The abnormal behavior may present several issues, and the specific handling methods are shown in the table below:

[0054]

[0055] By implementing rigorous logic control over the three sets of signals, it is possible not only to effectively detect whether the smart locker is malfunctioning, but also to achieve the function of preventing fraudulent entry into the smart locker.

[0056] Typical fraudulent entry methods involve using a magnet near the first detection module 31 to simulate a closed cabinet door. The first detection module 31 then sends a detection signal to the control module, which determines the cabinet door 11 is closed and sends a locking command to the lock body 20. The lock body 20 then extends the bolt 21. Without the third detection module 33, the second detection module 32 detects the bolt 21 extending and determines that the settlement conditions are met. However, the cabinet door 11 is actually still open. This invention uses a third detection module 33 to verify whether the bolt 21 is engaged in the lock cylinder. If it is, the settlement conditions are met, preventing fraudulent entry.

[0057] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5The first detection module 31 includes a reed switch or a Hall switch, and a first magnetic element corresponding to the first detection module 31 is provided on the cabinet door 11. In this embodiment, the first magnetic element includes a first magnet provided on the cabinet door 11, and the reed switch or Hall switch is provided on the cabinet body 10. When the cabinet door 11 is closed, the first magnet approaches the reed switch or Hall switch to detect the opening and closing status of the cabinet door 11. Alternatively, the first detection module 31 can also be a limit switch provided in the cabinet body 10. When the cabinet door 11 is closed, the limit switch is triggered to output a first detection signal, thus achieving monitoring of the opening and closing status of the cabinet door 11 without the need for a first magnetic element. It is worth noting that the control module can be a PLC control board, and the reed switch, Hall switch, or limit switch is electrically connected to the control module to realize the transmission of control signals and the first detection signal.

[0058] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5 The second detection module 32 includes a microswitch or infrared photodiode disposed inside the lock body 20, with the detection ends of the microswitch and infrared photodiode facing the bolt 21. In this embodiment, the microswitch and infrared photodiode are disposed inside the lock body and are also electrically connected to the control module to realize the transmission of control signals and second detection signals. The lock body 20 includes a housing, a bolt 21 slidably disposed inside the housing, a coil for driving the bolt 21 to extend and retract, and a PCB board electrically connected to the coil. The PCB board is electrically connected to the control module. The microswitch is disposed on the PCB board, with its detection end located on the movement path of the bolt 21. When the bolt 21 extends, it triggers the microswitch to conduct and send an electrical signal. When the bolt 21 retracts, the microswitch disconnects and the electrical signal changes. The infrared photodiode is also disposed on the PCB board and includes a transmitter and a receiver, which are disposed on opposite sides of the transmission path. When the latch 21 retracts, the receiver can receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter. When the latch 21 extends, the receiver cannot receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter due to the obstruction of the latch 21, thus changing the output signal. By distinguishing the above signal, the extension / retraction state of the latch 21 can be determined.

[0059] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5The third detection module 33 includes a reed switch or Hall effect switch disposed in the cabinet door 11, and a second magnetic element 22 corresponding to the third detection module 33 is disposed on the latch 21. In this embodiment, the reed switch is also called a magnetic reed switch. The magnetic reed switch consists of two magnetic reeds sealed in a glass tube, usually composed of iron and nickel. The two magnetic reeds overlap but are separated by a small gap of only a few micrometers. An appropriate external magnetic field will cause the two magnetic reeds to contact, and the reeds act as a magnetic flux conductor. When not in operation, the two reeds are not in contact. When a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet or electromagnetic coil is applied, the external magnetic field causes different polarities to be generated near the endpoints of the two reeds. When the magnetic force exceeds the elastic force of the reeds themselves, the two reeds will attract each other and conduct the circuit. When the magnetic field weakens or disappears, the reeds are released due to their elasticity, and the contact surfaces will separate, thereby opening the circuit. This enables the detection of the second magnetic element 22 in the latch 21.

[0060] Hall effect switches are a type of active magnetoelectric conversion device. Based on the Hall effect principle, they are manufactured using integrated packaging and assembly processes. They can easily convert magnetic input signals into electrical signals for practical applications, while also meeting the requirements of ease of operation and reliability in industrial settings. The input of a Hall effect switch is characterized by magnetic flux density B. When the value of B reaches a certain level (such as B1), the trigger inside the Hall effect switch flips, and the output level of the Hall effect switch also flips accordingly, thereby enabling the detection of the second magnetic component 22 in the latch 21.

[0061] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5 The free end of the locking tongue 21 is provided with a mounting hole, and the second magnetic element 22 is disposed in the mounting hole. In this embodiment, the second magnetic element 22 is a magnetic ball disposed in the mounting hole. The aforementioned reed switch, Hall switch, or limit switch is electrically connected to the control module to realize the transmission of control signals and the first detection signal. In one embodiment, refer to... Figures 1 to 5 The smart vending machine also includes a fourth detection module disposed on the cabinet body 10, near the hinge of the cabinet body 10 and the cabinet door 11. The fourth detection module is used to detect the open / closed state of the cabinet door 11. Since reed switches, Hall switches, and limit switches have a certain detection range, there is a possibility that the cabinet door 11 may not be fully closed, yet the first detection module 31 and the third detection module 33 may still be triggered. By placing the fourth detection module near the hinge, the position of the cabinet door 11 can be detected from two directions, avoiding detection errors and also increasing the difficulty of deceiving the door.

[0062] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5Alternatively, another lock body can be installed at the bottom of the door, with a lock hole on the door corresponding to the bolt of this lock body. This lock body is also located on the side away from the door hinge, specifically directly below the upper lock body, achieving double locking of both the top and bottom of the door to prevent theft of goods by prying open the door from the bottom. The lower lock body only needs to be installed with a microswitch corresponding to the second detection module in the upper lock body. After the control module receives the third detection signal, it can control the lower lock body to lock.

[0063] This invention also proposes a container control method, referring to... Figures 1 to 7 The container control method is applied to the aforementioned smart container and includes the following steps:

[0064] S21 receives the first detection signal sent by the first detection module 31 and determines the open / closed state of the cabinet door 11. In this step, when the state of the cabinet door 11 changes, the first detection module 31 generates the first detection signal and sends the first detection signal to the control module. The control module analyzes the first detection signal and determines whether the cabinet door 11 is currently in an open or closed state.

[0065] After S22 determines that the cabinet door 11 is closed, it sends a locking command to the lock body 20 to control the bolt 21 to extend. In this step, after the control module determines that the cabinet door 11 is closed, it sends a locking command to the lock body 20. After receiving the locking command, the lock body 20 drives the bolt 21 to extend.

[0066] S23 receives the second detection signal sent by the second detection module 32 and determines the extension / retraction state of the latch 21. In this step, a change in the extension / retraction state of the latch 21 will generate a second detection signal from the second detection module 32, which will then send the signal to the control module. The control module analyzes the second detection signal to determine whether the latch 21 is currently extended or retracted. If the second detection module 32 does not send a second detection signal, a container malfunction is determined, which could be a malfunction of the lock body 20 or the second detection module 32.

[0067] After determining that the bolt 21 is extended, S24 receives a third detection signal sent by the third detection module 33 to determine whether the bolt 21 has entered the keyhole. In this step, after the control module determines that the bolt 21 is extended, if the bolt 21 has entered the keyhole, the third detection module 33 will generate a third detection signal and send it to the control module. The control module can determine that the bolt 21 has entered the keyhole by receiving the third detection signal.

[0068] If all three signals are in the off state, the smart vending machine will proceed to the checkout process. This invention, through rigorous logical control of the three sets of signals, can not only effectively detect whether the smart vending machine lock body 20 is faulty, but also achieve the function of preventing fraudulent entry into the smart vending machine.

[0069] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 Before the step of receiving the first detection signal sent by the first detection module 31 and determining the open / closed state of the cabinet door 11, the method further includes:

[0070] S11 receives the user's purchase request information and controls the lock body 20 to unlock. In this step, when the user scans the code to make a purchase, the cloud sends an unlocking command. At this time, the second detection signal inside the lock is open, and then the third detection signal is also open.

[0071] S12 receives the first detection signal sent by the first detection module 31, determines the open / closed state of the cabinet door 11 based on the first detection signal, and enters the retrieval process after the cabinet door 11 is opened; when the user opens the door, the first detection signal also turns open, and the user can shop normally.

[0072] S13 receives the first detection signal sent by the first detection module 31 again, determines the open / closed state of the cabinet door 11, determines the retrieval process is complete after the cabinet door 11 is closed, and calculates the retrieval time. After the user completes retrieval, the cabinet door 11 is closed, and the first detection module 31 sends the first detection signal to the control module. The control module determines that the cabinet door 11 is closed based on the first detection signal. Then, the time between the opening and closing of the cabinet door 11 is calculated, which is the aforementioned retrieval time.

[0073] S14 When the pickup time exceeds the first preset time, the pickup process is deemed abnormal. In this step, the control module compares the pickup time with the first preset time, which is 2-3 minutes. If the pickup time exceeds the first preset time, the pickup process is deemed abnormal, and the container is at risk of theft or damage. Subsequently, the control module sends the abnormality information to the cloud or the administrator's mobile device, uploading the pickup video recorded by the external camera of the container during this pickup process, for manual judgment and handling of the abnormality.

[0074] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 Before the step of controlling the smart vending machine to enter the settlement process, the following steps are also included:

[0075] The locking time from receiving the locking command to receiving the third detection signal is compared with the second preset time. In this step, the lock body 20 will generally execute the locking action immediately upon receiving the locking command. The time interval between receiving the locking command from the lock body 20 and the bolt 21 falling into the keyhole is in milliseconds. The above time interval is defined as the locking time. The second preset time is 50~500ms. By comparing the locking time and the second preset time, it is possible to determine whether the signal is delayed from the time dimension.

[0076] If the locking time exceeds a second preset time, a lock malfunction is determined. In this step, the control module outputs a judgment result. If the locking time is less than or equal to the second preset time, it indicates no signal delay, and the bolt 21 successfully locks. If there is a delay, i.e., the locking time exceeds the second preset time, it indicates a lock-baiting situation. An external person may simulate the magnetic field environment of the bolt extension by placing a magnet in the keyhole. However, it is difficult to simultaneously simulate the two magnetic field environments of the first detection module 31 and the third detection module 33 when the cabinet door is closed and the bolt is extended, respectively. This embodiment adds a judgment condition to further prevent lock-baiting.

[0077] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 Before the step of sending the locking command to the lock body 20 and controlling the extension of the bolt 21, the method further includes: receiving a fourth detection signal from the fourth detection module, and determining the open / closed state of the cabinet door 11 based on the fourth detection signal. In this step, since the reed switch, Hall switch, and limit switch have a certain detection range, there may be a situation where the cabinet door 11 is not fully closed but the first detection module 31 and the third detection module 33 are triggered. By setting the fourth detection module in the area near the hinge, the position of the cabinet door 11 can be detected from two directions, avoiding detection errors and increasing the difficulty of deceiving the door. Even if an external person simultaneously simulates the two magnetic field environments for the first detection module 31 and the third detection module 33 when the cabinet door is closed and the bolt is extended, respectively, the magnetic field environment for the fourth detection module must also be simulated, and the locking conditions must be met in the time sequence, which further reduces the success rate.

[0078] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 The step of sending a locking command to the lock body 20 and controlling the extension of the bolt 21 when the cabinet door 11 is closed further includes:

[0079] Upon receiving the locking command, lock body 20 waits for a third preset time before extending the bolt 21. Normally, upon receiving the locking command, lock body 20 immediately performs the locking action, immediately extending the bolt 21. In this step, a preset program waits for a third preset time after receiving the locking command before performing the locking action. This third preset time is a random duration, specifically 0.5 to 2 seconds, and the waiting time for each adjacent locking action is not equal. The setting of the third preset time for each locking action is controlled by an algorithm built into lock body 20.

[0080] The first closing time from when the lock body 20 receives the locking command to when it receives the third detection signal is compared with the third preset time. Since the second preset time, i.e. the locking time of the lock body 20, is in the millisecond range and can be ignored here, the first closing time should be equal to the third preset time.

[0081] The settlement process begins when the first closing time equals the third preset time. In this step, if the first closing time is greater than or less than the third preset time, it indicates that there is fraudulent entry or equipment malfunction.

[0082] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 The step of sending a locking command to the lock body 20 and controlling the extension of the bolt 21 when the cabinet door 11 is closed further includes: after the cabinet door 11 is closed, waiting for a fourth preset time period before sending a locking command to the lock body 20. In this step, upon receiving the locking command, the lock body 20 immediately performs the locking action, driving the bolt 21 to extend. In this invention, a fourth preset time period is set as a verification condition.

[0083] The second closing time, from receiving the first detection signal to receiving the third detection signal, is compared with the fourth preset time. The settlement process begins when the second closing time matches the fourth preset time. Since the second preset time, i.e., the locking time of the lock body 20, is in the millisecond range, it can be ignored here; therefore, the second closing time must be equal to the fourth preset time. In this step, if the second closing time is greater than or less than the fourth preset time, it indicates a fraudulent entry or a device malfunction.

[0084] Both of the above embodiments add settlement conditions from the time dimension. Since the third and fourth preset durations in each locking action are random durations, it is impossible for external personnel to simulate three signals in the order and at preset time intervals, thus making the fraudulent locking attempt impossible.

[0085] This invention fully realizes the function of preventing fraudulent access to the smart vending machine; at the same time, through software detection, it can detect whether there are any abnormalities in the lock-related components and lock itself. Once an abnormality is detected, it can promptly send an alert to after-sales service through the management backend, which is convenient for after-sales service to troubleshoot the vending machine in a timely manner; it can accurately determine the actual state of the lock tongue 21 and whether the cabinet door 11 is truly locked.

[0086] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart vending machine, comprising a cabinet body, a cabinet door, and a lock hole disposed on the cabinet door, characterized in that, The smart vending machine also includes: A lock body is disposed on the cabinet, and the lock body includes a lock tongue; The first detection module is installed on the cabinet body and is used to detect the open / closed status of the cabinet door; The second detection module is located inside the lock body and is used to detect the extension state of the bolt. The third detection module is installed on the cabinet door and is used to detect whether the lock tongue extends into the lock hole; The control module is electrically connected to the first detection module, the second detection module, the third detection module, and the lock body, respectively. The control module: Receive the first detection signal sent by the first detection module to determine the open / closed state of the cabinet door; After confirming that the cabinet door is closed, wait for the fourth preset time, and send a locking command to the lock body to control the bolt to extend; wherein, the second closing time from receiving the first detection signal to receiving the third detection signal is compared with the fourth preset time, and the smart cabinet is determined to be abnormal if the second closing time is greater than or less than the fourth preset time. Alternatively, after confirming that the cabinet door is closed, a locking command is sent to the lock body, and the bolt is extended after waiting for a third preset time. The first closing time from when the lock body receives the locking command to when it receives the third detection signal is compared with the third preset time. If the first closing time is greater than or less than the third preset time, the smart cabinet is determined to be abnormal. Receive the second detection signal sent by the second detection module to determine the extension and retraction state of the bolt; After confirming that the bolt has extended, the system receives a third detection signal from the third detection module to determine whether the bolt has entered the keyhole.

2. The intelligent vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first detection module includes a reed switch or a Hall switch, and the cabinet door is provided with a first magnetic component corresponding to the first detection module.

3. The intelligent vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second detection module includes a micro switch or an infrared sensor disposed inside the lock body, with the detection ends of the micro switch and the infrared sensor facing the bolt.

4. The intelligent vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third detection module includes a reed switch or Hall switch installed in the cabinet door, and a second magnetic component corresponding to the third detection module is provided on the lock tongue.

5. The intelligent vending machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The free end of the locking tongue is provided with a mounting hole, and the second magnetic component is disposed in the mounting hole.

6. The intelligent vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, An opening is provided on one side of the cabinet, the cabinet door is located at the opening and is hinged to the cabinet, and the lock body is located above the cabinet door.

7. The intelligent vending machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The smart vending machine also includes a fourth detection module disposed on the cabinet body and near the hinge of the cabinet body and the cabinet door, the fourth detection module being used to detect the open / closed state of the cabinet door.

8. A container control method, characterized in that, The smart vending machine applied to any one of claims 1-7 includes the following steps: Receive the first detection signal sent by the first detection module to determine the open / closed state of the cabinet door; After confirming that the cabinet door is closed, wait for the fourth preset time, and send a locking command to the lock body to control the bolt to extend; wherein, the second closing time from receiving the first detection signal to receiving the third detection signal is compared with the fourth preset time, and the smart cabinet is determined to be abnormal if the second closing time is greater than or less than the fourth preset time. Alternatively, after confirming that the cabinet door is closed, a locking command is sent to the lock body, and the bolt is extended after waiting for a third preset time. The first closing time from when the lock body receives the locking command to when it receives the third detection signal is compared with the third preset time. If the first closing time is greater than or less than the third preset time, the smart cabinet is determined to be abnormal. Receive the second detection signal sent by the second detection module to determine the extension and retraction state of the bolt; After confirming that the bolt has extended, the system receives a third detection signal from the third detection module to determine whether the bolt has entered the keyhole.

9. The container control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the step of determining whether the bolt has entered the keyhole, the method further includes: Control the smart vending machine to enter the settlement process.

10. The container control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before the step of receiving the first detection signal sent by the first detection module and determining the open / closed state of the cabinet door, the method further includes: Receive purchase request information from users and control the lock body to unlock; Receive the first detection signal sent by the first detection module, determine the opening and closing status of the cabinet door based on the first detection signal, and enter the retrieval process after the cabinet door is opened; The system receives the first detection signal sent by the first detection module again, determines the opening and closing status of the cabinet door, determines that the retrieval process is complete after the cabinet door is closed, and calculates the retrieval time of the retrieval process. If the pickup time exceeds the first preset time, the pickup process is judged to be abnormal.

11. The container control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before the step of controlling the smart vending machine to enter the settlement process, the following steps are also included: The locking time from receiving the locking command to receiving the third detection signal is compared with the second preset time. If the locking time exceeds the second preset time, the door is deemed to be abnormal.

12. The container control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before the step of sending the locking command to the lock body and controlling the extension of the bolt, the method further includes: Receive the fourth detection signal from the fourth detection module, and determine the open / closed state of the cabinet door based on the fourth detection signal.

Images