A delivery cabinet and a management method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of outdoor storage equipment technology, and discloses a parcel locker and its management method, comprising: a locker body, multiple storage compartments, multiple intelligent visual modules, multiple security execution modules, a control module, an energy storage and power generation module, and a communication module. The locker body has multiple storage compartments with doors; the energy storage and power generation module generates electricity based on ambient light and outputs a power supply voltage; the control module generates corresponding control signals based on external operation commands; each intelligent visual module is installed on a locker door, forming a visible area on the door, and the intelligent visual module switches its light transmission state based on the control signal from the control module; the security execution module controls the locker door to open or close based on the control signal from the control module, and sends the opening / closing status of the locker door to the control module. This invention significantly improves user privacy protection, while achieving flexible deployment through energy self-sufficiency, and enhancing the intelligence and convenience of the storage and retrieval process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of outdoor storage equipment technology, specifically to a parcel locker and its management method. Background Technology

[0002] Outdoor parcel lockers, as an important component of smart logistics terminals, have been widely used in parcel delivery and community services in recent years. However, existing outdoor parcel lockers still suffer from several key technical contradictions and systemic defects, affecting their practicality, installation flexibility, and user experience. 1. The contradiction between privacy protection and status visibility: Most parcel lockers on the market currently adopt an opaque design, which means that users cannot directly check the contents of the locker before picking up the package. They must open the locker door to see it, which is inconvenient. On the other hand, the few lockers that adopt a transparent design improve visibility, but this results in the contents of the package being directly exposed, which fails to protect user privacy.

[0003] 2. Limited power supply: Most existing express delivery lockers rely on external mains power, which severely restricts their installation location due to the limited availability of power outlets; even if some devices are battery powered, they need to be replaced or charged frequently, resulting in high maintenance costs and unreliability.

[0004] 3. Low level of intelligence: Traditional parcel lockers cannot achieve remote authorization, usage record tracking, and dynamic access control. Although some smart lockers have introduced electronic locks and basic communication functions in recent years, they still lack systematic design in terms of user authentication, multiple unlocking methods, and cloud collaboration, and cannot meet the access control requirements of modern logistics scenarios for security, convenience, and traceability.

[0005] 4. Low delivery efficiency: During the delivery process, couriers cannot visually determine whether there is available space inside the locker, which often leads to misdeliveries, repeated attempts, or the need to open each locker to check, reducing delivery efficiency and increasing equipment wear and energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a parcel locker and its management method to solve the problems of poor privacy and low delivery efficiency of outdoor parcel lockers in the prior art.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a parcel locker, comprising: a locker body, multiple storage compartments, multiple intelligent visual modules, multiple security execution modules, a control module, an energy storage and power generation module, and a communication module. The locker body has multiple storage compartments with doors. The energy storage and power generation modules are disposed within the locker body and connected to the control module. The energy storage and power generation modules are used to generate electricity based on ambient light and output a power supply voltage. The communication module is connected to the control module and a client, and is used to receive external operation commands from the client and / or send parcel locker status information to the client. The control module is disposed within the locker body and connected to each intelligent visual module and each security execution module. The control module is used to generate corresponding control signals based on external operation commands. Each intelligent visual module is disposed on a locker door, forming a visible area on the locker door. The intelligent visual module is used to switch its light transmission state based on the control signals from the control module. Each security execution module is embedded on the outside of a locker door and is used to control the locker door to open or close based on the control signals from the control module, and to send the opening / closing status of the locker door to the control module.

[0008] The parcel locker provided by this invention achieves energy self-sufficiency using ambient light through an energy storage and power generation module, enabling the device to operate completely independently of the external power grid. This significantly improves deployment flexibility and installation convenience in power-free scenarios. The intelligent visual module integrated into the locker door can switch between transparent and privacy modes in real time based on electronic control signals. Under normal conditions, it effectively protects package privacy, while providing intuitive confirmation of the locker's interior space and items during operation, resolving the contradiction between the "invisibility" and "full exposure" of traditional parcel lockers. The security execution module, coordinated by the control module, achieves precise door lock control and provides real-time feedback on the actual opening and closing status, ensuring the safety, reliability, and traceability of each operation. The communication module upgrades the parcel locker from a passive storage device to an interactive and controllable IoT intelligent terminal. The parcel locker provided by this invention significantly improves the accuracy of parcel delivery, the convenience of package retrieval, and the level of intelligent equipment management while ensuring user privacy and package security. It achieves green self-powered operation, intelligent visual control, secure closed-loop management, and remote interconnection.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the energy storage power generation module includes: a photovoltaic unit and an energy storage unit, wherein the photovoltaic unit is connected to the energy storage unit, the photovoltaic unit is used to convert solar energy into electrical energy, and the energy storage unit is used to store electrical energy and supply power to each smart visual module, each security execution module and control module.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the intelligent visual module includes: a dimming unit and a light-transmitting panel, wherein the dimming unit is connected to the light-transmitting panel and the dimming unit is connected to a control module; the light-transmitting panel forms a visible area on the cabinet door; the dimming unit is used to switch the light-transmitting state of the light-transmitting panel based on the control signal from the control module.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, the light-transmitting state includes: a transparent state and a fogged state.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the system further includes: multiple storage status detection modules, wherein each storage status detection module is disposed in a storage compartment, each storage status detection module is connected to the control module, and the storage status detection module is used to detect whether there are items in the corresponding storage compartment.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the storage status detection module includes any one of a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a light blocking sensor.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides a management method for express delivery lockers, applied to the control module of the first aspect above or any corresponding embodiment thereof. The method includes: acquiring and verifying external operation commands; when the external operation command is determined to be a delivery command, executing a delivery linkage operation, the delivery linkage operation including: controlling the intelligent visual module on the locker door of the target storage compartment to switch to a transparent state and acquiring a delivery confirmation command, and then controlling the security execution module on the locker door to perform an unlocking action based on the delivery confirmation command; when the external operation command is determined to be a pickup command, executing a pickup linkage operation, the pickup linkage operation including: controlling the security execution module on the locker door to perform an unlocking action; and when the locker door is detected to be closed, controlling the intelligent visual module on the locker door to switch to a fogging state.

[0015] The parcel locker management method provided by this invention achieves intelligent optimization and closed-loop management of the parcel storage and retrieval process through the coordinated scheduling of the intelligent visual module and the security execution module by the control module: During the delivery stage, the locker is first switched to a transparent state for the courier to visually confirm the space inside; unlocking is only performed after clear delivery confirmation is obtained, effectively avoiding misdelivery and improving the success rate and efficiency of delivery. During the retrieval stage, unlocking is directly controlled, balancing convenience and privacy; and the locker door is automatically restored to a fogged state after each operation, protecting the user's package privacy under normal circumstances. This method deeply integrates electronic dimming, status perception, door lock control, and command verification, significantly improving the usability, reliability, and management intelligence level of the parcel locker while ensuring operational safety and privacy protection.

[0016] In one optional implementation, before performing the item retrieval linkage operation, the method further includes: when the external operation command is determined to be a item retrieval command, controlling the smart visual module on the cabinet door of the target storage compartment to switch to a transparent state.

[0017] In one optional implementation, after detecting that the cabinet door is closed, the method further includes: obtaining the storage status of the target storage compartment and the verified external operation command; if it is determined that there are items in the storage compartment and the external operation command is a delivery command, then sending a delivery success notification to the delivery party's client; if it is determined that there are no items in the storage compartment and the external operation command is a retrieval command, then sending a retrieval success notification to the retrieval party's client.

[0018] In one optional implementation, the method further includes: obtaining an external query instruction; and, based on the obtained external query instruction, providing feedback on the storage status of the target storage compartment. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a parcel locker according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the composition of the modules inside the express delivery locker according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the management method of a parcel locker according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the delivery operation according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of retrieving items according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It is understood that before using the technical solutions disclosed in the various embodiments of the present invention, users should be informed of the types, scope of use, and usage scenarios of the personal information involved in the present invention and their authorization should be obtained in accordance with relevant laws and regulations through appropriate means.

[0023] This embodiment provides a parcel locker, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes: multiple storage compartments 2, multiple intelligent visual modules 3, multiple security execution modules 4, a control module 5, an energy storage and power generation module 6, and a communication module 7, all installed in the cabinet 1. Each storage compartment 2 has a cabinet door, and each security execution module 4 is installed in a storage compartment 2 or inside the cabinet door. The control module 5, the energy storage and power generation module 6, and the communication module 7 are all installed inside the cabinet 1.

[0024] Figure 2 In the middle, the energy storage power generation module is connected to the control module. The energy storage power generation module is used to output the power supply voltage after generating electricity based on ambient light.

[0025] Specifically, the energy storage and power generation module converts ambient light energy into electrical energy through built-in photovoltaic modules, and after internal voltage regulation, provides a continuous and stable operating voltage for the control module.

[0026] Figure 2 In this system, each security execution module is embedded on the outside of a cabinet door. The security execution module is used to control the cabinet door to open or close based on the control signals from the control module, and sends the opening and closing status of the cabinet door to the control module.

[0027] Specifically, each security execution module integrates an electronic lock, drive circuit, and status sensor. Its mechanical latch or motor transmission mechanism is embedded in the cabinet door frame and corresponding position of the door frame. When the security execution module receives the unlocking or locking digital signal from the control module, the drive circuit controls the electromagnet to engage or the motor to rotate forward and backward, realizing the retraction and ejection of the latch, thereby completing the opening and locking of the cabinet door. At the same time, the magnetic sensor or position switch built into the module detects the latch displacement or the door closing position in real time, and feeds back the status electrical signal representing "unlocked", "locked" or "door not closed" to the control module, forming a closed-loop monitoring and reporting of the door lock action execution result.

[0028] Figure 2 In this system, the control module is connected to each intelligent visual module and each security execution module. The control module is used to generate corresponding control signals based on external operation commands.

[0029] Specifically, the control module establishes independent bidirectional communication links with each intelligent visual module, each security execution module, and the communication module through its internally integrated microprocessor and communication interface circuit. When the control module receives a valid external operation command, the microprocessor parses the command type and target address, and generates corresponding digital dimming signals (such as PWM voltage waveforms) and door lock drive signals (such as high and low level pulses) according to the preset control logic and timing. These signals are then sent synchronously or time-divisionally to the designated modules via the corresponding communication interfaces, achieving precise coordinated control of the light transmission and locking states of each cabinet door.

[0030] Figure 1 In this system, each intelligent visual module is installed on a cabinet door, forming a visible area on the cabinet door. The intelligent visual module is used to switch its own light transmission state based on the control signal from the control module.

[0031] Specifically, each intelligent visual module receives a dimming control signal from the control module. By analyzing the voltage amplitude parameter in the dimming control signal, it directly adjusts the electric field intensity of its own light-transmitting layer to switch between high and low light transmittance, thereby controlling the brightness and transparency of the visible area of ​​the cabinet door.

[0032] Figure 2 In the middle, the communication module is connected to the control module and the client. The communication module is used to receive external operation instructions from the client and / or send the status information of the express cabinet to the client.

[0033] Specifically, the communication module is responsible for establishing and maintaining a communication link between the control module and the client. It can receive various operation commands issued by the client in real time and forward the commands to the control module for processing. At the same time, it actively collects or responds to the system operation status and cabinet operation records provided by the control module, encapsulates the information and sends it to the client, thereby realizing two-way data interaction between remote control and status feedback.

[0034] For example, when a user needs to make a delivery, the user sends a delivery request command to the control module of the express locker through the client. After the control module verifies the permissions and selects the target storage compartment, it first controls the smart visual module of the locker door to switch to a transparent state, so that the user can remotely or on-site intuitively confirm the space status inside the locker. After the user confirms that the delivery is possible and sends a delivery confirmation command, the control module then drives the security execution module of the corresponding locker door to perform the unlocking action. After the user puts the package in and closes the locker door, the control module automatically restores the smart visual module to a private state and updates the storage compartment status to "occupied".

[0035] For example, when a user needs to pick up a package, the user authenticates their identity through the client and sends a pickup request command to the control module of the express locker. After the control module verifies the request, it directly drives the security execution module of the corresponding locker door to perform the unlocking action. After the user opens the locker door, takes out the package, and closes the locker door, the control module updates the storage compartment status to "idle" and can send a pickup completion notification to the user's client.

[0036] Optionally, when the control module detects that there are no items in the storage compartment, it can control the corresponding smart visual module to switch to a transparent state, so that users can remotely or on-site intuitively confirm the space status inside the cabinet and determine whether there is space to deliver items.

[0037] Optionally, the interaction between the intelligent visual module and the control module includes centralized control functionality. Administrators can send global control commands to the control module via a client. Upon receiving the command, the control module can simultaneously broadcast a unified dimming signal to all intelligent visual modules corresponding to all storage compartments, enabling one-click switching of all cabinet doors to either fully transparent or fully frosted states. This facilitates quick and unified adjustment of the visual transparency of all compartments during cleaning, maintenance, overall inspections, or special display scenarios, improving management flexibility and operational efficiency.

[0038] Optionally, the size and number of storage compartments can be set as needed.

[0039] Optionally, a touch screen display 8 is also installed on the cabinet 1. The touch screen display is connected to the control module via a display interface and is powered by an energy storage and power generation module. The touch screen display can be used to display the usage status of each storage compartment, operation guidance interface, advertisements or notification information, and receive instructions (such as retrieval code, function selection) input by the user through touch operation, and transmit the instruction data to the control module for processing, realizing localized human-computer interaction and information display.

[0040] The parcel locker provided in this embodiment achieves energy self-sufficiency using ambient light through an energy storage and power generation module, enabling the device to operate completely independently of the external power grid. This significantly improves deployment flexibility and installation convenience in power-free scenarios. The intelligent visual module integrated into the locker door can switch between transparent and privacy modes in real time based on electronic control signals. Under normal conditions, it effectively protects package privacy, while providing intuitive confirmation of the locker's interior space and items during operation, resolving the contradiction between the "invisibility" and "full exposure" of traditional parcel lockers. The security execution module, coordinated by the control module, achieves precise door lock control and provides real-time feedback on the actual opening and closing status, ensuring the safety, reliability, and traceability of each operation. The communication module upgrades the parcel locker from a passive storage device to an interactive and controllable IoT intelligent terminal. The parcel locker provided in this embodiment, while ensuring user privacy and package security, significantly improves the accuracy of parcel delivery, the convenience of package retrieval, and the level of intelligent equipment management, achieving green self-powered operation, intelligent visual and controllable operation, secure closed-loop management, and remote interconnection.

[0041] In some alternative implementations, the energy storage power generation module includes: a photovoltaic unit and an energy storage unit, wherein the photovoltaic unit is connected to the energy storage unit, the photovoltaic unit is used to convert solar energy into electrical energy, and the energy storage unit is used to store electrical energy and supply power to each smart visual module, each security execution module and control module.

[0042] Specifically, the photovoltaic unit absorbs solar energy and generates direct current through photoelectric conversion materials (such as silicon-based photovoltaic panels) laid on its surface; the energy storage unit is usually a rechargeable battery pack, which is connected to the photovoltaic unit through a charging management circuit. It is used to store the electrical energy output by the photovoltaic unit and release the stored electrical energy during periods of insufficient sunlight or at night, providing continuous and stable operating power for the intelligent visual module, security execution module, control module and other electrical components in the system, thereby ensuring the autonomous operation of the express cabinet around the clock without external mains power access.

[0043] Alternatively, the photovoltaic unit can be a crystalline silicon solar panel, a thin-film solar cell (such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, etc.), or other types of photoelectric conversion devices (such as dye-sensitized solar cells, organic photovoltaic modules, or concentrated photovoltaic systems), which can effectively convert ambient light (including direct sunlight, diffused light, or artificial light sources) into electrical energy and power the system.

[0044] In some optional implementations, the intelligent visual module includes: a dimming unit and a light-transmitting panel, wherein the dimming unit is connected to the light-transmitting panel and the dimming unit is connected to the control module; the light-transmitting panel forms a visible area on the cabinet door; the dimming unit is used to switch the light transmission state of the light-transmitting panel based on the control signal from the control module.

[0045] Specifically, the dimming unit receives dimming control signals from the control module and outputs corresponding driving voltages to the light-transmitting panel according to the signal content. As a component of the visible area of ​​the cabinet door, the light-transmitting panel has its internal electronically controlled dimming material undergoing optical property changes under the action of the driving voltage, thereby realizing reversible switching between high and low light transmittance states and completing the active control of the visual transparency of the cabinet door.

[0046] For example, the light-transmitting state includes a transparent state and a fogged state. The light-transmitting panel uses polymer-dispersed liquid crystal dimming glass as the light-transmitting panel. Its dimming unit drives the liquid crystal molecules inside the glass to change according to the voltage signal sent by the control module, thereby realizing the switching of the panel between the transparent state and the fogged state.

[0047] For example, the user sends an operation command containing the light transmission state to the control module through the client interface. Based on the operation command, the control module controls the dimming unit to output a corresponding voltage signal. When the control module determines that it needs to switch to the transparent state, it controls the dimming unit to apply a preset level of voltage to the light-transmitting panel, causing the liquid crystal molecules to align in an orderly manner. This results in a light transmittance of more than 80% for the light to pass through the panel in a straight line, making the interior of the storage compartment clearly visible. When the control module determines that it needs to switch to the fogging state, it controls the dimming unit not to output voltage, causing the liquid crystal molecules to align randomly. This results in a light transmittance of less than 10% for the light to be scattered by the panel, achieving privacy protection inside the storage compartment.

[0048] Optionally, in addition to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal dimming film / glass mentioned in the example, electrochromic glass can also be used. This material, by injecting electrochromic material between two conductive layers, can undergo ion insertion / extraction reactions after applying voltage, thereby achieving reversible and continuous adjustment of the transmittance of visible and near-infrared spectra. Furthermore, other technologies based on changing optical properties through electrical signals, such as suspended particle devices, liquid crystal dimming devices (e.g., guest-host type liquid crystals), or dimming units based on the principle of electrowetting, etc., any functional material capable of switching between a transparent state and a light-blocking state (or an intermediate state) through electronic control, falls within the scope of intelligent dimming devices covered in this embodiment. In some optional embodiments, it also includes: multiple storage status detection modules, wherein each storage status detection module is respectively set in a storage compartment, and each storage status detection module is connected to the control module. The storage status detection module is used to detect whether there are items in the corresponding storage compartment.

[0049] Specifically, the system also deploys multiple storage status detection modules. Each module is independently installed inside its corresponding storage compartment and connects to the control module via wired or wireless means. It also obtains operating power from the energy storage and power generation module. The module has built-in sensors that continuously or trigger the detection of the space occupancy of its storage compartment and uploads the detection signal indicating "item present" or "item absent" to the control module in real time, providing accurate perception basis for the status judgment and linkage control of the delivery and retrieval process.

[0050] Optionally, the storage status detection module may include: a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a light blocking sensor.

[0051] This embodiment provides a method for managing express delivery lockers, applicable to the control module of the above embodiment or any corresponding implementation, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes: Step S1: Obtain and verify external operation commands.

[0052] For example, the control module, through its connected communication module, listens in real time and receives encrypted operation instruction data packets sent from authorized clients (such as courier applications or user mini-programs) or local interactive interfaces (such as touchscreens). Subsequently, the control module calls the internally stored authentication protocol and permission rules to decrypt and parse the instruction data packets, verify the operator's identity (such as account ID or dynamic token) and operation permissions (such as whether they have the right to deliver or retrieve items from the target storage compartment), and determines the validity of the instruction format and content. After successful verification, the key parameters in the instruction are extracted, including the operation type (delivery / retrieval), the target storage compartment number, and optional additional information, laying the foundation for the accurate execution of subsequent steps.

[0053] Step S2: When the external operation command is determined to be a delivery command, the delivery linkage operation is executed. The delivery linkage operation includes: controlling the smart visual module on the cabinet door of the target storage compartment to switch to the transparent state and obtaining the delivery confirmation command, and then controlling the security execution module on the cabinet door to perform the unlocking action based on the delivery confirmation command.

[0054] For example, Figure 4 In the process, after the control module determines that it is a delivery instruction, it first outputs a high-level dimming signal to the intelligent visual module of the target storage compartment, driving its dimming unit to switch the light-transmitting panel to a transparent state, providing the delivery person with a visual confirmation interface of the space inside the cabinet; then, the control module waits for and listens for the secondary confirmation instruction from the delivery person's client (such as the instruction generated by clicking the "Confirm Delivery" button) forwarded by the communication module. After receiving the confirmation signal, it immediately sends a pulse unlocking signal to the security execution module corresponding to the same storage compartment, triggering its electromagnetic lock mechanism to release the locked state, completing the serialized security delivery process of "visual confirmation-physical unlocking".

[0055] Step S3: When the external operation command is determined to be a retrieval command, the retrieval linkage operation is executed. The retrieval linkage operation includes controlling the security execution module on the cabinet door to perform the unlocking action.

[0056] For example, Figure 5 In the process, after the control module determines that it is a retrieval command and passes the identity verification, it directly sends a continuous level or pulse unlocking signal to the security execution module of the target storage compartment to drive the lock to perform the unlocking action. During this process, the intelligent visual module maintains the current light transmission state unchanged (usually maintaining a fogged state to protect privacy), or can receive additional dimming signals according to the preset strategy to perform accompanying state switching, so as to realize rapid identity response and door lock control in the retrieval process.

[0057] Step S4: When the cabinet door is detected to be closed, control the smart visual module on the cabinet door to switch to the atomization state.

[0058] For example, after the door status sensor detects that the cabinet door is closed, the control module sends a status reset signal to the smart visual module of the cabinet door, driving it to switch to the fogging state, restoring the visual privacy of the storage compartment, and synchronously updating the status of the storage compartment in the system to occupied or vacant.

[0059] The parcel locker management method provided in this embodiment achieves intelligent optimization and closed-loop management of the parcel storage and retrieval process through the coordinated scheduling of the intelligent visual module and the security execution module by the control module: During the delivery stage, the locker is first switched to a transparent state for the courier to visually confirm the space inside; unlocking is only performed after clear delivery confirmation is obtained, effectively avoiding misdelivery and improving the success rate and efficiency of delivery. During the retrieval stage, unlocking is directly controlled, balancing convenience and privacy; and the locker door is automatically restored to a fogged state after each operation, protecting the user's package privacy under normal circumstances. This method deeply integrates electronic dimming, status perception, door lock control, and command verification, significantly improving the ease of use, reliability, and management intelligence level of the parcel locker while ensuring operational safety and privacy protection.

[0060] In some optional implementations, before performing the item retrieval linkage operation, the method further includes: when the external operation command is determined to be a item retrieval command, controlling the smart visual module on the cabinet door of the target storage compartment to switch to a transparent state.

[0061] Specifically, before executing the retrieval linkage operation, the control module, after verifying the validity of the retrieval command, first sends a dimming drive signal to the smart visual module of the target storage compartment, causing its light-transmitting panel to switch to a transparent state. This preset transparency operation is used to provide the retrieval user with a visual confirmation interface of the items inside the cabinet before unlocking, allowing them to intuitively verify the appearance or storage location of the package. After that, the system triggers the security execution module to perform the unlocking action. This allows the user to clearly see the appearance, quantity, and arrangement of the packages inside before opening the cabinet door, which can effectively avoid accidental, wrong, or missed items, and is especially suitable for scenarios where multiple packages are placed together or for retrieval on behalf of others.

[0062] In some optional implementations, when the cabinet door is detected to be closed, the method further includes: obtaining the storage status of the target storage compartment and the verified external operation command; if it is determined that there are items in the storage compartment and the external operation command is a delivery command, then sending a delivery success notification to the delivery party's client; if it is determined that there are no items in the storage compartment and the external operation command is a retrieval command, then sending a retrieval success notification to the retrieval party's client.

[0063] Specifically, when the locker door closure detection is triggered, the control module simultaneously calls the built-in status sensor of the storage compartment to obtain the real-time storage status and performs cross-judgment based on previously verified and stored external operation command types: If the sensor returns an "item present" signal and the historical command record is a delivery command, a delivery success status message is sent to the delivery client via the communication module. The control module or associated cloud service can simultaneously send a package arrival notification to the recipient's client (such as SMS, APP push, or WeChat notification) based on the waybill information or pre-set recipient contact information. This notification may include key information such as the pickup code, locker location, express locker number, and estimated storage time limit to remind the recipient to pick up the package in time. If the sensor returns an "no item present" signal and the historical command record is a pickup command, a pickup success confirmation message is sent to the pickup client. This mechanism achieves reliable closed-loop confirmation and proactive notification of operation results through dual verification of physical status detection and operation command traceability.

[0064] Optionally, after determining that the item has been successfully retrieved, the control module can switch the smart visual module corresponding to the storage compartment to a transparent state, so that subsequent delivery personnel or maintenance personnel can remotely or on-site intuitively confirm that the cabinet is in a clean and available state, thereby providing immediate visual space confirmation for the next round of delivery operations.

[0065] In some optional implementations, the method further includes: obtaining an external query instruction; and, based on the obtained external query instruction, providing feedback on the storage status of the target storage compartment.

[0066] Specifically, the control module continuously listens for external query commands forwarded by the communication module. Upon receiving a valid query request, the module immediately calls the status detection unit corresponding to the target storage compartment to obtain the current storage status (such as occupied / idle, package detection results), and encapsulates the status information into a response data packet, which is then returned to the client that initiated the query through the communication module, enabling users or managers to remotely view and track the status of the cabinet in real time.

[0067] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A parcel locker, characterized in that, include: The cabinet includes multiple storage compartments, multiple smart visual modules, multiple security execution modules, a control module, an energy storage and power generation module, and a communication module. The cabinet is equipped with multiple storage compartments with doors; The energy storage and power generation module is installed in the cabinet and is connected to the control module. The energy storage and power generation module is used to output power supply voltage after generating electricity based on ambient light. The communication module is connected to the control module and the client. The communication module is used to receive external operation instructions from the client and / or send the status information of the express cabinet to the client. The control module is installed in the cabinet and is connected to each of the intelligent visual modules and each of the security execution modules. The control module is used to generate corresponding control signals based on the external operation commands. Each of the intelligent visual modules is respectively installed on one of the cabinet doors, forming a visible area on the cabinet door. The intelligent visual module is used to switch its own light transmission state based on the control signal of the control module. Each security execution module is embedded on the outside of one of the cabinet doors. The security execution module is used to control the cabinet door to open or close based on the control signal from the control module, and to send the opening and closing status of the cabinet door to the control module.

2. The express delivery locker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage power generation module includes: a photovoltaic unit and an energy storage unit, wherein... The photovoltaic unit is connected to the energy storage unit, and the photovoltaic unit is used to convert solar energy into electrical energy; The energy storage unit is used to store electrical energy and to power the control module.

3. The express delivery locker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent visual module includes: a dimming unit and a light-transmitting panel, wherein... The dimming unit is connected to the light-transmitting panel, and the dimming unit is also connected to the control module; The light-transmitting panel forms a visible area on the cabinet door; The dimming unit is used to switch the light transmission state of the light-transmitting panel based on the control signal from the control module.

4. The express delivery locker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The light-transmitting state includes: transparent state and fogged state.

5. The express delivery locker according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple storage status detection modules, among which, Each of the storage status detection modules is installed in one of the storage compartments, and each of the storage status detection modules is connected to the control module. The storage status detection modules are used to detect whether there are items in the corresponding storage compartment.

6. The express delivery locker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The storage status detection module includes any one of the following: a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a light blocking sensor.

7. A method for managing express delivery lockers, characterized in that, Applied to the control module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprises: Obtain and verify external operation commands; When the external operation command is determined to be a delivery command, a delivery linkage operation is executed. The delivery linkage operation includes: controlling the intelligent visual module on the cabinet door of the target storage compartment to switch to a transparent state and obtaining a delivery confirmation command, and then controlling the security execution module on the cabinet door to perform an unlocking action based on the delivery confirmation command. When the external operation command is determined to be a retrieval command, a retrieval linkage operation is executed, which includes controlling the security execution module on the cabinet door to perform an unlocking action. When the cabinet door is detected to be closed, the intelligent visual module on the cabinet door is controlled to switch to the atomization state.

8. The management method for express delivery lockers according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before executing the package pickup linkage operation, the following is also included: When the external operation command is determined to be a retrieval command, the intelligent visual module on the cabinet door of the target storage compartment is switched to a transparent state.

9. The management method for express delivery lockers according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the cabinet door is detected to be closed, the following is also included: Obtain the storage status of the target storage compartment and the verified external operation commands; If it is determined that there are items in the storage compartment and the external operation command is a delivery command, a delivery success notification is sent to the delivery party's client. If it is determined that the storage compartment is empty and the external operation command is a retrieval command, a retrieval success notification is sent to the retrieval client.

10. The management method for express delivery lockers according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Retrieve external query commands; Based on the obtained external query command, the storage status of the target storage compartment is fed back.

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