State monitoring system applied to storage bin and storage bin

Abstract

The invention discloses a state monitoring system applied to a storage bin and the storage bin, and relates to the technical field of automatic monitoring. The system comprises a point light source array, a photoelectric sensor array and a signal processing module, the point light source array and the photoelectric sensor array are arranged in the storage bin, the point light source array sends directional light to the interior of the storage bin, light spots or shadows are formed on the inner wall, and the photoelectric sensor array outputs discrete electric signals according to the light receiving condition. And the signal processing module calculates the shadow area according to the discrete electric signal and detects the volume state of the storage bin. The storage condition in the storage bin can be detected under the condition that the bin door is closed, so that crew members are assisted to efficiently and reasonably allocate the space of the storage bin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automated monitoring technology, and in particular to a state monitoring system applied to a storage bin and the storage bin. Background Art

[0002] In aircraft cabin applications, fixed luggage storage spaces are required to facilitate passengers' travel with carry-on belongings. However, storage space is limited. Although airlines have implemented size and quantity restrictions on carry-on luggage to prevent passengers from carrying too much carry-on luggage, the further development of the civil aviation industry, the increase in passenger numbers, and the pursuit of higher occupancy rates by airlines have placed higher demands on the space utilization of cabin storage compartments. This requires flight attendants to more efficiently and intuitively understand the luggage occupancy situation throughout the cabin so that storage space can be allocated appropriately.

[0003] Based on the current cabin configuration, flight attendants can only visually see the occupancy status of the luggage storage compartment after opening the door. Some passengers will close the compartment after placing their luggage, even if the compartment is not full. This causes flight attendants to frequently open the compartment for inspection, increasing their working time.

[0004] To address the problems with the use of luggage storage bins operated by the above airlines, an efficient and convenient automated method is urgently needed to monitor the utilization rate of luggage storage space to assist flight attendants in quickly completing the luggage placement and registration work before takeoff. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a status monitoring system for storage bins and storage compartments, aiming to address the existing problem of a lack of automated means for detecting the occupancy status of storage compartment interiors, leading to inefficient luggage placement in the passenger cabin. Based on photoelectric detection technology, the system employs a light source and a corresponding photoelectric sensor array within a closed compartment. The system converts the received light intensity into an electrical signal for shadow area detection, thereby estimating the occupancy rate within the bin and automatically monitoring the bin's occupancy status when closed. This facilitates crew members' understanding of the bin's storage status even when the compartment door is closed, facilitating more efficient and rational allocation of bin space.

[0006] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: In a first aspect of the present invention, a state monitoring system for a storage bin is provided. The storage bin is a closed box structure having an openable door. The state monitoring device comprises: a point light source array, disposed inside the storage bin and on one side close to the door, for sending directional light toward the opposite side of the door; forming a light spot on the opposite side when the light is not blocked, and forming a shadow when the light is blocked; a photoelectric sensor array, disposed inside the storage bin and on the opposite side of the door, for receiving the light and converting the light intensity into a discrete electrical signal; A signal processing module is used to calculate the shadow area according to the discrete electrical signal and detect the volume status of the storage bin according to the shadow area.

[0007] In some embodiments, the state monitoring system further includes a power distribution module, which is respectively connected to the point light source array, the photoelectric sensor array and the signal processing module, and is used to supply power to the point light source array, the photoelectric sensor array and the signal processing module respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the status monitoring system further includes a switching circuit, which is connected in series with the power distribution module and the point light source array; when the door of the storage bin is opened, the switching circuit is disconnected, so that the point light source array is powered off; when the door of the storage bin is closed, the switching circuit is turned on, so that the point light source array is powered on and operates.

[0009] In some embodiments, the state monitoring system further includes a switch detection module, which is connected to the switch circuit and is configured to obtain an on / off state of the switch circuit and send the on / off state to a control terminal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the point light source array is a linear array including multiple point light sources, the photosensor array is a two-dimensional array including multiple photosensors, the number of columns of the photosensor array is equal to the number of columns of the point light source array, and each column of the photosensors receives direct light from the point light sources in the corresponding column.

[0011] In some embodiments, a light guiding cavity is provided at the front end of each photoelectric sensor, and the light path guiding direction of each column of the light guiding cavity is aligned with the luminous angle of the point light source of the corresponding column to shield the light of the point light source of the adjacent column and the diffusely reflected light.

[0012] In some embodiments, the point light source is a visible light source or an infrared light source; when it is a visible light source, the photoelectric sensor is a corresponding visible light receiving sensor, and when it is an infrared light source, the photoelectric sensor is a corresponding infrared light receiving sensor.

[0013] In some embodiments, the status monitoring system further includes a display module, which is disposed outside the storage bin; the display module is connected to the signal processing module and is configured to display a detection result of the volume status.

[0014] In some embodiments, the storage compartment is a storage compartment for carrying carry-on luggage in an airplane cabin, a train carriage, or an EMU.

[0015] The second aspect of the present invention provides a storage bin, comprising the state monitoring system for storage bins according to any one of the first aspects of the present invention. Compared with existing technologies, this invention offers the following advantages and benefits: Based on photoelectric detection technology, it employs a light source and a corresponding photoelectric sensor array within a closed compartment. The light intensity is converted into an electrical signal for shadow area detection, thereby estimating the occupancy rate within the storage compartment and enabling automatic monitoring of the compartment's usage status even when closed. Furthermore, the system features simple equipment, low voltage and power consumption, lightweight design, and low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the examples. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope. A person of ordinary skill in the art can also derive other relevant drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 It is a side view of the flip-up storage compartment; Figure 2 It is a side view of the pull-down storage compartment; Figure 3 is a system architecture diagram of a condition monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an application scenario diagram of a flip-up storage bin according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an application scenario diagram of a pull-down storage bin according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a mapping diagram of a sensor array and volume according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a light guiding cavity design according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with examples and drawings. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0018] It should be noted that the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to other steps or units inherent in the device.

[0019] The terms used in various embodiments of the present invention are only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise limited, all terms used here (including technical terms and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those of ordinary skill in the art generally understood by the various embodiments of the present invention. The terms (such as those defined in generally used dictionaries) will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field and will not be interpreted as having idealized meaning or too formal meaning, unless clearly defined in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention provides a status monitoring system and a storage bin for use in a storage bin, which are suitable for scenarios requiring monitoring of the internal usage of a closed storage space or management of multiple storage bins, including but not limited to management of storage bins for carry-on luggage in airplane cabins, train carriages, or EMUs, warehouse storage management, etc., and are conducive to automated monitoring.

[0021] Taking the aircraft cabin application scenario as an example, the working principle of the state monitoring system applied to the storage bin of the present invention is explained. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the current closed storage compartments in various civil aviation applications generally adopt the storage compartment design with two opening modes: flip-up and pull-down. Figure 1 Shown is a side view of the flip-up storage compartment. Figure 2 Shown is a side view of a pull-down storage bin. They all have an openable door, but the method of opening the door is different. When the door is closed, it is a fully enclosed structure to ensure safety during flight. When the storage bin is not closed, the volume of its internal space can be directly seen by passengers and crew members, and no other means of detection are required. However, when the storage bin is closed, its volume status is unknown, and crew members need to open it to understand its internal situation. To address this problem, the present invention proposes a system that can automatically monitor the internal usage status when the door is closed, so as to help crew members quickly find empty or underloaded storage bins.

[0022] It should be understood that the storage compartment in this embodiment refers to any closed box structure with a storage function that has an openable side, including but not limited to storage cabinets, suitcases and other objects with the same properties in any usage scenario, and the box structure includes but is not limited to tetrahedrons, polyhedrons, cylinders, and special-shaped bodies. The door of the box can be a part of the box body (such as Figure 1 The flip-up storage bin shown in FIG) can also be a part outside the box body, such as an accessory to the box body (such as Figure 2 drop-down storage compartment shown).

[0023] See Figure 3 The architecture diagram of the condition monitoring system shown in the figure includes a point light source array, a photoelectric sensor array, and a signal processing module. The point light source array is located inside the storage bin, near the door, such as directly on the door or on the wall near the entrance. It transmits directional light toward the opposite side of the door. When the light is unobstructed, it forms a light spot on the opposite side; when the light is obstructed, it forms a shadow. The photoelectric sensor array is located inside the storage bin, opposite the door, to receive the light from the point light sources. Each photoelectric sensor converts the intensity of the received light into a discrete electrical signal. The signal processing module receives and processes these discrete electrical signals, generating a projected dot matrix image through dot matrix simulation. This projected dot matrix image can be used to estimate the current storage bin volume usage status. The signal processing module can be implemented using a single-chip microcontroller (MCU), which can be designed inside the storage bin, allowing for a flat design by utilizing the free board space of the photoelectric sensor array.

[0024] In this implementation, estimating the volume occupancy status of the storage bin based on the projected dot matrix image is a fuzzy detection, that is, the detection result reflects the status of the bin as empty, fully loaded, or with remaining space, rather than accurately calculating the occupied volume. The operation process is simple, the computing resource requirements are low, and efficient and low-cost monitoring is achieved. Therefore, it is suitable for scenarios such as cabin scenarios where a large number of storage bins need to be monitored.

[0025] The point light source array can be a one-dimensional array or a two-dimensional array, depending on the vertical height of the storage bin. For example, a two-dimensional array is used when the height is high so that the light can cover the entire vertical space. The point light source can be a visible light source or an infrared light source. When using a visible light source, the photoelectric sensor is a corresponding visible light receiving sensor, such as a photoresistor or photodiode. When using an infrared light source, the photoelectric sensor is a corresponding infrared light receiving sensor, such as an infrared receiver.

[0026] The photoelectric sensor array is a two-dimensional array comprising multiple photoelectric sensors, evenly distributed on the inner wall of the storage bin, and is used to receive light emitted by a dot matrix light source. In areas where light can directly reach, the photoelectric sensors are illuminated by the light spots. When blocked by objects in the storage bin, the photoelectric sensors are covered by shadow areas. Therefore, by detecting the shadow-covered areas of the photoelectric sensor array, the current volume usage status in the storage bin can be detected, and the volume usage information can be transmitted to the crew's control terminal through the microcontroller data interface.

[0027] In one embodiment, the number of columns in the photosensor array is the same as the number of columns in the point light source array. If the point light source array is a one-dimensional array, the number of columns in the point light source array is equal to the number of point light sources. The point light sources are directional, and each column of photosensors receives direct light from the point light sources in the corresponding column. The photosensor array has at least three rows to adequately cover the longitudinal area.

[0028] See also Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, Figure 4 The figure shows an application scenario of the above-mentioned condition monitoring system applied to a flip-up storage bin. Figure 5 The figure shows an application scenario of the above-mentioned state monitoring system applied to a drop-down storage bin. A one-dimensional array of point light source strips is set at the bottom edge of the entrance side, and multiple point light sources are evenly distributed along the width direction so that the light can cover the entire horizontal space. The denser the light sources and sensors, the more accurate the projected dot matrix image. According to the principle of rectilinear propagation of light, the incident light forms a light spot on the inner wall on the opposite side of the entrance side (including the right inner wall and part of the top inner wall). The photoelectric sensor array is evenly distributed on the right inner wall and part of the top inner wall of the box to receive these lights. If the point light source strip is set at the top of the entrance side of the storage bin, a light spot will be formed on the right inner wall and part of the bottom wall of the box. In this case, the photoelectric sensor array is evenly distributed on the right inner wall and part of the bottom wall of the box.

[0029] When nothing is placed in the bin, the light inside is unobstructed, and each photoelectric sensor receives direct light of sufficient intensity, outputting a high-level voltage signal, with a discrete electrical signal of 1. When the bin is full, all incident light is blocked, and the photoelectric sensor array is shaded, outputting a low-level voltage signal, with a discrete electrical signal of 0. When the bin is partially full, some photoelectric sensors are shaded, while others receive direct light of sufficient intensity. Some positions in the matrix are 1, while others are 0. Through dot matrix simulation, a projected dot matrix image is generated, and the shadow coverage area is determined, which can be used to estimate the internal volume usage status.

[0030] The number of sensors used in the photoelectric sensor array and the specific arrangement in the storage bin can be flexibly arranged according to the internal space of the storage bin (such as the shape of the bin wall, the size of the space, the location of the bin door, etc.), and a denser sensor array can improve the volume detection accuracy. The detection accuracy is proportional to the density of the sensor array. Figure 6 The sensor array and volume mapping diagram shown, Figure 6 Using a 4×5 array, with yellow representing bright spots and blue representing shadows, the volume usage status can be divided into fully occupied, 1 / 3 empty, 2 / 3 empty, and completely empty in different array directions, based on the proportion of sensors in the array that are illuminated. As can be seen from the results in the figure, the space in the first three columns is almost full, while the last two columns still have space and can continue to store a certain amount of luggage. Similarly, if the illuminated sensors are in the first two rows, there is still space above the surface storage compartment. It is understandable that if an 8×8 array is used, the volume detection result can be accurate to 1 / 8. Finally, the detection results are displayed or sent to the crew terminal for prompting, making it easier for crew members to allocate storage space.

[0031] In one embodiment, see Figure 7 As shown, a light guiding cavity is set at the front end of each photoelectric sensor, and the light path guiding direction of each column of light guiding cavities is aligned with the luminous angle of the point light source in the corresponding column to shield the light of the point light source in the adjacent column and the diffusely reflected light.

[0032] Adjacent light source interference occurs when other point light sources on the light strip directly illuminate the photoelectric sensor, increasing the amount of light it receives. Diffuse reflection interference within the box occurs when light diffusely reflects off the inner walls or physical surfaces and then strikes the photoelectric sensor, causing interference. A certain amount of scattered light can still be received in areas obscured by objects. The light-guiding cavity design within the sensor array shields the photoelectric sensor from interference from external light sources, adjacent light sources, and diffuse reflections. Because the emission directions of the light sources are relatively concentrated, the light path guidance aligns with the luminous angle of the light spot, allowing the photoelectric sensor to receive only direct light from that direction and shield light from other directions. This provides an anti-interference effect and more accurate detection results.

[0033] Furthermore, multiple light-guiding cavities are combined to form a plate-shaped array housing. This not only facilitates the installation and positioning of the photoelectric sensor, but also protects it from scratches and damage when placing and removing luggage. Similarly, a protective cover can be placed over the point light source to protect it.

[0034] In one embodiment, see Figure 3As shown, the condition monitoring system also includes a power distribution module, which is connected to the point light source array, the photoelectric sensor array, and the signal processing module to provide power to each of these three modules. By managing the power supply to these three modules, the condition monitoring function is activated upon power-up, enabling control of the system's operating mode.

[0035] Further, see Figure 3 As shown, the status monitoring system also includes a switching circuit, which is connected in series with the power distribution module and the point light source array; when the door of the storage bin is opened, the switching circuit is disconnected, so that the point light source array is powered off; when the door of the storage bin is closed, the switching circuit is turned on, so that the point light source array is powered on.

[0036] The status monitoring system of the present invention can effectively detect the usage status of the internal volume when the storage bin is in a closed state, that is, when there is no other light source. Taking this application scenario into consideration, the opening and closing of the storage bin is further associated with the status monitoring, so as to automatically turn on the status monitoring when the storage bin is closed, and disconnect the power supply when the storage bin is opened. At the same time, detecting the closing status of the storage bin before the plane takes off to ensure the safety of the flight process is also one of the important tasks of the flight attendants. While monitoring the usage status of the storage bin, this implementation also detects the switch status of the storage bin door. Among them, the switching circuit can adopt a power drive switching circuit such as a MOS tube, and use the switch signal of the bin door as the driving end enable signal, and control the on and off of the switching circuit by the switch status of the bin door.

[0037] In one embodiment, the status monitoring system further includes a switch detection module, which is connected to the switch circuit and is used to obtain the on / off status of the switch circuit and send the on / off status to the crew's control terminal.

[0038] In one embodiment, see Figure 3 As shown, the status monitoring system also includes a display module, which is arranged outside the storage bin; the display module is connected to the signal processing module and is used to display the detection result of the volume status.

[0039] In some embodiments, the display module is further connected to the switch detection module to display the switch status of the storage bin.

[0040] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage bin having a closed box structure with one side openable for storing items. A status monitoring system as described in any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention is provided within the bin to monitor the internal volume of the bin. The operating principle of the status monitoring system is described in the aforementioned embodiments and will not be further elaborated here.

[0041] The electronic components used in this system are mature and widely used in the industrial, automotive, and aviation sectors, ensuring high reliability. The housing and structural materials are based on materials with established aviation applications, ensuring high reliability. Data exchange within the system is simple, enabling easy integration. Large-scale deployment requires only simple modification and installation of storage silos.

[0042] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation method of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A status monitoring system applied to a storage warehouse, characterized in that: The storage bin is a closed box structure with an openable door; the status monitoring device includes: a point light source array, disposed inside the storage bin and on one side close to the door, for sending directional light toward the opposite side of the door; forming a light spot on the opposite side when the light is not blocked, and forming a shadow when the light is blocked; a photoelectric sensor array, disposed inside the storage bin and on the opposite side of the door, for receiving the light and converting the light intensity into a discrete electrical signal; A signal processing module is used to calculate the shadow area according to the discrete electrical signal and detect the volume status of the storage bin according to the shadow area.

2. The state monitoring system for storage bins according to claim 1, characterized in that: The state monitoring system further includes a power distribution module, which is connected to the point light source array, the photoelectric sensor array and the signal processing module respectively, and is used to supply power to the point light source array, the photoelectric sensor array and the signal processing module respectively.

3. The state monitoring system for storage bins according to claim 2, characterized in that: The status monitoring system also includes a switching circuit, which is connected in series with the power distribution module and the point light source array; when the door of the storage bin is opened, the switching circuit is disconnected, so that the point light source array is powered off; when the door of the storage bin is closed, the switching circuit is turned on, so that the point light source array is powered on and operates.

4. The state monitoring system for storage bins according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The state monitoring system further includes a switch detection module, which is connected to the switch circuit and is used to obtain the on / off state of the switch circuit and send the on / off state to the control terminal.

5. The state monitoring system for storage bins according to claim 1, characterized in that: The point light source array is a linear array including multiple point light sources, and the photosensor array is a two-dimensional array including multiple photosensors. The number of columns of the photosensor array is equal to the number of columns of the point light source array, and each column of the photosensors receives direct light from the point light sources in the corresponding column.

6. The state monitoring system for storage bins according to claim 5, characterized in that: A light guiding cavity is provided at the front end of each photoelectric sensor, and the light path guiding direction of each column of the light guiding cavity is aligned with the luminous angle of the point light source of the corresponding column to shield the light and diffusely reflected light of the point light source of the adjacent column.

7. The state monitoring system for storage bins according to claim 5, characterized in that: The point light source is a visible light source or an infrared light source; when it is a visible light source, the photoelectric sensor is a corresponding visible light receiving sensor; when it is an infrared light source, the photoelectric sensor is a corresponding infrared light receiving sensor.

8. The state monitoring system for a storage bin according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The state monitoring system further includes a display module, which is arranged outside the storage bin; the display module is connected to the signal processing module and is used to display the detection result of the volume state.

9. The state monitoring system for storage bins according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage compartment is a storage compartment in an airplane cabin, a train compartment or an EMU for storing carry-on luggage.

10. A storage bin, characterized in that: It includes a status monitoring system applied to a storage bin as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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