A method for quickly guiding express delivery by using visual intelligence technology

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology. The method includes a smart locker communication network comprising a smart locker group, a camera, a cloud server, and a handheld terminal. The smart locker group consists of several smart lockers and also includes a control host that connects to the cloud server via a data communication network. The surface of each smart locker is marked with its locker number. Each smart locker is equipped with an audio-visual reminder device, including a speaker and indicator lights, with each compartment containing an indicator light. The camera and handheld terminal are connected to the cloud server. The speaker and indicator lights are connected to the control host. This invention uses a camera to capture the actions of placing a package and closing the locker door, enabling express delivery using visual intelligence technology. It also uses the camera to determine the size of the package to quickly guide the courier to place it in the appropriate locker compartment, significantly improving delivery speed and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of express delivery technology, specifically a method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology. Background Technology

[0002] In the current parcel delivery process, couriers can only deliver parcels or takeout orders to smart lockers one item at a time. Each item requires scanning a storage code on the locker using a handheld terminal, selecting the appropriate locker compartment size, opening the corresponding compartment door, scanning the waybill information on the parcel or takeout order, placing the item in the compartment, closing the door, and confirming the storage information on the control panel. This method requires multiple scans and confirmations on the scanning device or handheld terminal, resulting in slow delivery speeds and a high risk of errors.

[0003] Furthermore, this invention aims to design a system that can guide couriers to quickly locate the open compartment of the delivery locker during the delivery process, thereby further improving delivery efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for quickly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is: a method for quickly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology, characterized in that it includes an intelligent cabinet communication network, which includes intelligent cabinet groups, cameras, cloud servers, and handheld terminals; The intelligent cabinet group consists of several intelligent cabinets, and also includes a control host, which is connected to a cloud server via a data communication network; the surface of each intelligent cabinet is marked with its cabinet number. The smart cabinet is equipped with a lighting reminder device, including indicator lights; The camera, handheld terminal, and cloud server are connected for data transmission. The indicator light is connected to the control host; The delivery method includes the following steps: S1, the courier scans the locker number on the smart locker with a handheld terminal to start the package storage process, and the control host opens all the locker doors of the unused compartments in the smart locker. S2, the camera captures the number and location of the opened cabinet doors and sends the data back to the cloud server, recording the number and location of the unused compartments in the smart cabinet. S3: The courier scans the waybill with a handheld terminal, and the handheld terminal transmits the scanned data to the cloud server. S4, the camera takes a picture of the package in the courier's hand and transmits the picture data to the cloud server. The cloud server determines the size of the package and selects one or more cabinet doors that match the size to open. The control host sends a command to the indicator light of the cabinet group where the opened cabinet door is located. S5, the indicator light is on, guiding the courier to the corresponding parcel locker; S6, the courier selects one of the open compartments, puts in the package with the scanned waybill, and closes the door to store the package; S7: After the camera recognizes the two actions of the courier putting in the package and closing the cabinet door, it sends the information to the cloud server to match and record the smart cabinet number, the location information of the storage compartment unit, and the tracking number on the waybill. It also updates the number and location information of the remaining unused compartment units. S8. The tracking number matching information generated in step S7 is stored in the local host or cloud server and fed back to the recipient's mobile phone number via communication. S9. The courier closes the open cabinet doors on the remaining unused compartments, ending the delivery.

[0006] Preferably, the camera can see the compartment units on the smart cabinet, including fixed cameras installed on the smart cabinet or in the station, as well as wearable mobile cameras.

[0007] Preferably, the smart cabinet is equipped with a sound reminder device, including a speaker, which is connected to the control host. In step S4, the camera takes a picture of the package in the courier's hand and transmits the picture data to the cloud server. The cloud server determines the size of the package and selects one or more cabinet doors that match the size to open. The control host sends a command to the speaker and the indicator light of the cabinet group where the opened cabinet door is located, as an alternative to step S4, S4'. S5, the indicator light turns on, and the loudspeaker announces that the courier should go to the express locker corresponding to the indicator light, as an alternative to step S5'; Preferably, after step S6 is completed, if the camera detects that no package has been placed inside, it indicates that the door was closed by mistake and the door will automatically reopen; the courier will then repeat step S6 to deliver the package.

[0008] Preferably, according to the document storage action in step S6, the camera records the video of the storage action period and stores it locally in the control host or a local video recording storage facility connected to the control host. The cloud server retains the image photo index of the document storage action and can quickly retrieve the locally stored video through the image photo index.

[0009] Preferably, after step S6, the control host verifies whether the cabinet door of the smart cabinet storage compartment is closed. After verification, step S7 is performed.

[0010] Preferably, the handheld terminal is a device with scanning, reading and interactive input command functions, including a mobile phone, barcode scanner, and RFID reader / writer; In step S1, RFID electronic tags are installed on the smart locker. The courier reads the RFID electronic tags with a handheld terminal, and all the unused compartments in the smart locker are opened, serving as an alternative to step S1, S1'.

[0011] Preferably, when the next package needs to be delivered after the first package is delivered in step S8, steps S3-S8 are repeated to achieve batch delivery of packages.

[0012] Preferably, the camera identifies and records the status of the grid unit at regular intervals.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The delivery method of this invention utilizes visual intelligence technology to assist in the delivery of express packages. During the delivery process, a camera captures the size of the package, and a cloud server configures the corresponding storage compartment. Light or audio-visual reminders quickly guide the courier to the appropriate locker compartment for package selection. This invention also uses a camera to capture the open / closed state of idle locker compartments, and the courier's actions of placing packages and closing the locker door, matching the location of the storage compartment with the waybill. This reduces the need for selection and scanning on handheld terminals, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of express delivery. Furthermore, this delivery method also enables the batch delivery of multiple packages at once. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is one of the intelligent communication network relationship diagrams of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the delivery process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the delivery process in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the delivery process in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the delivery process in Embodiment 4 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the delivery process in Embodiment 5 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the delivery process in Embodiment 6 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is the second intelligent communication network relationship diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Example 1 A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology includes a smart locker communication network, which comprises smart locker units, cameras, a cloud server, and handheld terminals. The intelligent cabinet group consists of several intelligent cabinets, and also includes a control host, which is connected to a cloud server via a data communication network; the surface of each intelligent cabinet is marked with its cabinet number. The smart locker is equipped with a light reminder device, including indicator lights; the indicator lights are connected to the control host; the control host controls the switching of the indicator lights, and the design of the indicator lights can quickly guide the courier to the locker. The camera and handheld terminal are connected to the cloud server for data transmission. The camera can see all the compartments of the smart locker. The camera includes a fixed camera installed on the smart locker or in the station and a wearable mobile camera. The fixed camera installed on the smart locker or in the station can capture the status of all the compartments of the smart locker from a fixed angle. The wearable mobile camera is a wearable mobile camera worn by the courier, which can capture the status of the package to be delivered or the compartment of the smart locker from the courier's perspective.

[0016] The handheld terminal is a device with scanning, reading, and interactive input command functions. It includes mobile phones, barcode scanners, and RFID readers / writers. The handheld terminal includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones and barcode scanners, and is used for scanning, reading, and inputting interactive commands with a control host or cloud server.

[0017] The delivery method includes the following steps: S1, the courier scans the locker number on the smart locker with a handheld terminal to start the package storage process, and the control host opens all the locker doors of the unused compartments in the smart locker. S2, the camera captures the number and location of the opened cabinet doors and sends the data back to the cloud server, recording the number and location of the unused compartments in the smart cabinet. S3: The courier scans the waybill with a handheld terminal, and the handheld terminal transmits the scanned data to the cloud server. S4: The camera captures images of the package in the courier's hand and transmits the data to a cloud server. The cloud server then determines the package's dimensions. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ability to photograph objects and automatically measure their dimensions using cameras is quite mature. For example, with the ever-improving capabilities of smartphone cameras, current models can even automatically measure dimensions while taking a picture. After the camera automatically measures the package's dimensions, it selects one or more cabinet doors that match the dimensions to open. The control unit then sends commands to the indicator lights of the cabinet group containing the opened cabinet doors. S5, the indicator light is on, guiding the courier to the corresponding parcel locker; S6, the courier selects one of the open lockers, places the package with the scanned waybill inside, and closes the locker door to store the package. In existing delivery methods, the courier first needs to select the size of the locker, and the smart locker will open a locker of that size for delivery. However, this method can lead to courier misjudgments, meaning the selected locker size may not be large enough to accommodate the package, requiring the courier to start over, resulting in low delivery efficiency. In this embodiment, the cloud server has already matched the package with a suitable locker size and quickly guided the courier to the corresponding locker, significantly increasing delivery speed. More importantly, the system can dynamically verify the matching accuracy between locker occupancy status and package size in real time, resulting in a low error rate.

[0018] After step S6 is completed, if the camera does not recognize the action of not putting in the express package, it means that the door was closed by mistake. The door will automatically reopen, and the courier will repeat step S6 to deliver the package.

[0019] As a further optimization, after step S6, the control host verifies whether the smart cabinet storage compartment door is closed properly. Once verified, it proceeds to step S7. Because the electric lock is electromagnetic, the door's closed position is determined by the electric lock's status signal fed back to the control host from the position sensor on the electric lock. If the feedback indicates the lock's bolt is closed, it proceeds to step S7. If, after verification, the electric lock is found to be open, the courier will be prompted that the door is not closed and must be manually closed before proceeding to step S7.

[0020] S7: After the camera recognizes the two actions of the courier putting in the package and closing the cabinet door, it sends the information to the cloud server to match and record the smart cabinet number, the location information of the storage compartment unit, and the tracking number on the waybill. It also updates the number and location information of the remaining unused compartment units. S8. The tracking number matching information generated in step S7 is stored in the local host or cloud server and fed back to the recipient's mobile phone number via communication. S9. The courier closes the open cabinet doors on the remaining unused compartments, ending the delivery.

[0021] In this embodiment, according to the storage action in step S6, a camera records video of the storage action period. The camera identifies and records the status of the grid unit at regular intervals, the length of which can be adjusted and selected during actual use. The video is then locally stored as evidence in the control host or a local video recording storage facility connected to the control host. The cloud server retains an image / photo index of the storage action and can quickly retrieve the locally stored video through this index. This step allows for retrieval of evidence in case of disputes, reflecting the actual situation at the time the storage action occurred. To improve storage efficiency, local evidence storage in the control host or local video recording storage facility, and retrieval of the locally stored evidence through the image / photo index on the cloud server, reduces the workload of the cloud server, improves the reliability of the evidence, and enhances the smoothness of the entire system operation.

[0022] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that step S1' is an alternative to step S1 in Embodiment 1. The handheld terminal is an RFID reader / writer, and RFID electronic tags are set on the smart locker. With this handheld terminal method, there is no need to scan the locker number; the courier only needs to bring the handheld terminal close to the RFID electronic tag on the smart locker to read the RFID tag. All unused compartments in the smart locker then open for the package storage process. This method is more convenient and faster than Embodiment 1.

[0023] Example 3 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the smart cabinet is equipped with a sound reminder device, including a speaker, which is connected to the control host. Step S4' is an alternative to step S4. The camera takes a picture of the package in the courier's hand and transmits the picture data to the cloud server. The cloud server determines the size of the package and selects one or more cabinet door opening units that match the size. The control host sends instructions to the speaker and the indicator light of the cabinet group where the opening cabinet unit is located. Step S5' is an alternative to step S5: the indicator light illuminates, and a loudspeaker announces that the courier should go to the corresponding locker. The combination of the loudspeaker and indicator light creates an audio-visual reminder to guide the courier to the corresponding locker and select the appropriate compartment for package delivery more quickly.

[0024] Example 4 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that it can also perform bulk delivery of express packages, including the following steps: After the first package is delivered via steps S1-S8, when delivering the next package, steps S3-S8 are repeated to achieve batch delivery of packages.

[0025] In this embodiment, after the first package is delivered through steps S1-S8, when delivering the next package, the remaining unused locker compartments with open doors from the previous package delivery process can be utilized. This is because after the previous package was delivered, the cloud server updated the number and location information of the remaining unused locker compartments in step S7. The courier can directly input interactive commands on the handheld terminal to notify the control host to directly perform the storage action for the next package. In actual operation, after the previous package is delivered, the terminal can prompt the courier to continue with the next package or end the delivery. When the courier selects the next package, steps S3-S8 are repeated to achieve batch package delivery.

[0026] S9. After delivery is completed, the courier will close the open cabinet doors on the remaining unused compartments to end the delivery.

[0027] Example 5 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that it can also perform bulk delivery of express packages, including the following steps: After the first package is delivered via S1'-S8, when delivering the next package, steps S3-S8 are repeated to achieve batch delivery of packages.

[0028] In this embodiment, after the first package is delivered through steps S1'-S8, when delivering the next package, the remaining unused locker compartments with open doors from the previous package delivery process can be utilized. This is because after the previous package was delivered, the cloud server updated the number and location information of the remaining unused locker compartments in step S7. The courier can directly input interactive commands on the handheld terminal to notify the control host to directly perform the storage action for the next package. In actual operation, after the previous package is delivered, the terminal can prompt the courier to continue storing the next package or end the delivery. When the courier selects to store the next package, steps S3-S8 are repeated to achieve batch package delivery.

[0029] S9. After delivery is completed, the courier will close the open cabinet doors on the remaining unused compartments to end the delivery.

[0030] Example 6 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 3 is that it can also perform bulk delivery of express packages, including the following steps: After delivering the first package using steps S1-S2-S3-S4'-S5'-S6-S7-S8, when delivering the next package, the process repeats steps S3-S4'-S5'-S6-S7-S8 to achieve batch delivery of packages.

[0031] In this embodiment, after the first package is delivered via steps S1-S2-S3-S4-S5-S6-S7-S8, when delivering the next package, the remaining unused locker compartments with open doors from the previous package delivery process can be utilized. This is because after the previous package was delivered, the cloud server updated the number and location information of the remaining unused locker compartments in step S7. The courier can directly input interactive commands on the handheld terminal to notify the control host to directly perform the storage action for the next package. In actual operation, after the previous package is delivered, the terminal can prompt the courier to continue storing the next package or end the delivery. When the courier selects to store the next package, steps S3-S8 are repeated to achieve batch package delivery.

[0032] S9. After delivery is completed, the courier will close the open cabinet doors on the remaining unused compartments to end the delivery.

[0033] This embodiment solves the problem that the original express delivery process required multiple manual scanning operations with a handheld terminal for each item, resulting in slow delivery speed and a high risk of errors, and greatly speeds up delivery and improves delivery accuracy.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" and similar terms should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to an electrical connection, a communication connection, or a data connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology, characterized in that... This includes a smart cabinet communication network, which comprises smart cabinet units, cameras, cloud servers, and handheld terminals. The intelligent cabinet group consists of several intelligent cabinets, and also includes a control host, which is connected to a cloud server via a data communication network; the surface of each intelligent cabinet is marked with its cabinet number. The smart cabinet is equipped with a lighting reminder device, including indicator lights; The camera, handheld terminal, and cloud server are connected for data transmission. The indicator light is connected to the control host; The delivery method includes the following steps: S1, the courier scans the locker number on the smart locker with a handheld terminal to start the package storage process, and the control host opens all the locker doors of the unused compartments in the smart locker. S2, the camera captures the number and location of the opened cabinet doors and sends the data back to the cloud server, recording the number and location of the unused compartments in the smart cabinet. S3: The courier scans the waybill with a handheld terminal, and the handheld terminal transmits the scanned data to the cloud server. S4, the camera takes a picture of the package in the courier's hand and transmits the picture data to the cloud server. The cloud server determines the size of the package and selects one or more cabinet doors that match the size to open. The control host sends a command to the indicator light of the cabinet group where the opened cabinet door is located. S5, the indicator light is on, guiding the courier to the corresponding parcel locker; S6, the courier selects one of the open compartments, puts in the package with the scanned waybill, and closes the door to store the package; S7: After the camera recognizes the two actions of the courier putting in the package and closing the cabinet door, it sends the information to the cloud server to match and record the smart cabinet number, the location information of the storage compartment unit, and the tracking number on the waybill. It also updates the number and location information of the remaining unused compartment units. S8. The tracking number matching information generated in step S7 is stored in the local host or cloud server and fed back to the recipient's mobile phone number via communication. S9. The courier closes the open cabinet doors on the remaining unused compartments, ending the delivery.

2. The method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1, characterized in that... The camera can see the compartments on the smart cabinet, including fixed cameras installed on the smart cabinet or inside the station, as well as wearable mobile cameras.

3. The method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1, characterized in that... The smart cabinet is equipped with a sound reminder device, including a speaker, which is connected to the control host. In step S4, the camera takes a picture of the package in the courier's hand and transmits the picture data to the cloud server. The cloud server determines the size of the package and selects one or more cabinet doors that match the size to open. The control host sends a command to the speaker and the indicator light of the cabinet group where the opened cabinet door is located, as an alternative to step S4, S4'. S5, the indicator light turns on, and the loudspeaker announces that the courier should go to the parcel locker corresponding to the indicator light, as an alternative to step S5'.

4. The method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1, characterized in that... After step S6 is completed, if the camera detects that no package has been placed inside, it indicates that the door was closed by mistake and will automatically reopen. The courier will then repeat step S6 to deliver the package.

5. A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1, characterized in that... According to the document storage action in step S6, the camera records the video of the document storage action period and stores it locally in the control host or a local video recording storage facility connected to the control host. The cloud server retains the image photo index of the document storage action and can quickly retrieve the locally stored video through the image photo index.

6. A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that... After step S6 is completed, the control host verifies whether the cabinet door of the smart cabinet storage compartment is closed. After verification, step S7 is performed.

7. A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1, characterized in that... The handheld terminal is a device with scanning, reading and interactive input functions, including a mobile phone, barcode scanner and RFID reader / writer.

8. A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1, characterized in that... In step S1, RFID electronic tags are installed on the smart locker. The courier reads the RFID electronic tags with a handheld terminal, and all the unused compartments in the smart locker are opened, serving as an alternative to step S1, S1'.

9. A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1, characterized in that... After completing step S8 and delivering one package, when it is time to deliver the next package, repeat steps S3-S8 to achieve batch delivery of packages.

10. A method for rapidly guiding express delivery using visual intelligence technology according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that... The camera records the status of the grid unit at regular intervals.

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