Gesture detection module for storage devices

Abstract

This utility model discloses a gesture detection module for a storage device. The storage device has at least one horizontal shelf on the base of the cabinet, and multiple storage racks are placed on the surface of the shelf or between two adjacent shelves. Each storage rack has an inlet containing an item. At least one frame of the gesture detection module is installed on the front side of each shelf, and a control circuit and a detection unit electrically connected to the control circuit are housed within the frame. The detection unit has at least one distance sensor corresponding to the position of the storage rack. When a user's hand reaches into or near any storage rack to retrieve an item, if the distance sensor of the detection unit detects a decrease in the intensity of light reflected from the light source from above or below, it can be determined that there is a retrieval action at the storage rack where the item is stored. It can also be further determined whether the user's retrieval position is correct or whether there is any obstruction from foreign objects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a gesture detection module for use in storage devices, specifically referring to a cabinet with multiple storage shelves placed on a horizontal shelf, and a gesture detection module installed on the front side of each shelf. The module can detect the user's hand reaching into or approaching any storage shelf to retrieve an item via a distance sensor of the detection unit from top to bottom or bottom to top. Background Technology

[0002] Nowadays, when the general public registers for medical treatment at a hospital, they first go to the consultation room according to their department. The doctor will write a prescription on the computer based on the patient's condition and print it out in the consultation room. The prescription is then given to the patient to pay at the counter. After receiving the computer prescription and medicine bag, the outpatient pharmacy or emergency pharmacy can have the pharmacy staff pick up the medicines and quantities recorded on the computer prescription at the dispensing station. Only after verifying that the prescription held by the patient matches the computer prescription will the medicine bag containing the required amount of medicine be given to the patient.

[0003] Hospital pharmacies typically have a dispensing counter with multiple medicine boxes in each drawer of the cabinet. These boxes contain various medications, such as tablets, capsules, injections, sprays, or suppositories. Pharmacists can open the boxes to retrieve the medications based on the prescription information on the computer. However, due to the large quantity of medications stored in the cabinet, pharmacists often manually check the names and quantities of drugs during dispensing. This can easily lead to errors, such as misplacement of medicine boxes, misidentification of medications by name or appearance, or receiving the wrong medication as a gift. This can result in patients accidentally ingesting the wrong medication, harming their health. Therefore, addressing the issue of medication errors caused by the large number of medications and resulting in management oversights is a crucial area that those in the industry urgently need to research and improve. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, in view of the above deficiencies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a gesture detection module for use in storage devices.

[0005] This utility model provides a gesture detection module for a storage device. The storage device has a cabinet with at least one horizontal shelf on a base. Multiple vertical storage shelves arranged horizontally are placed on the surface of the shelf or between two adjacent shelves. Each storage shelf has a slot for placing items (such as medicine). At least one gesture detection module is installed on the front side of each shelf. The gesture detection module includes a frame and houses a control unit within the frame. The circuit forms an electrically connected detection unit, and the detection unit is equipped with at least one distance sensor corresponding to the position of the storage shelf. When a user's hand reaches into or approaches the storage shelf to take medicine, if the distance sensor of the detection unit detects a decrease in the intensity of the light flux reflected back from the light source from top to bottom or bottom to top, it can be determined that there is a medicine taking action at the storage shelf position where the medicine is stored. It can also be further determined whether the medicine taking position is correct or whether there is a foreign object obstructing the medicine taking position, providing comprehensive and convenient medicine taking action detection, and more effectively implementing medicine management.

[0006] The gesture detection module has at least one detection hole at the top of its frame corresponding to the position of the storage shelf. The detection unit has a circuit board, and the circuit board has at least one distance sensor aligned with the detection hole.

[0007] The control circuit of the gesture detection module has a main control board, and a display unit and a button switch are provided on the surface of the main control board. The rear side of the main control board is connected to the circuit board of the detection unit through a mounting plate to form a vertical arrangement.

[0008] The display unit is a multi-digit seven-segment display.

[0009] The main control board of the control circuit is attached to the back of a front cover, and the front cover is installed at the front opening of the frame. A panel is attached to the surface of the front cover so that the button switch is exposed on the surface of the panel and used as a confirmation key.

[0010] The push-button switch is an illuminated switch with a switch body and a press cover exposed on the panel surface.

[0011] The control circuit of the gesture detection module of this utility model has a display unit and a button switch on the front surface of the main control board. It is connected to the circuit board of the detection unit on the rear side of the main control board through a mounting plate. After the main control board is connected to the back of the front cover, the front cover can be installed at the front opening of the frame so that the control circuit and the detection unit can be housed in the frame. When the pharmacist takes the medicine, the control circuit can drive the control display unit to display the location of the corresponding medicine storage shelf and / or the medicine information, so that the pharmacist can quickly find the medicine to be taken. After the pharmacist completes the action of taking the medicine, he can press the button switch as a confirmation key, thereby realizing the function of electronic tag to facilitate picking or inventory operations. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the gesture detection module of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the gesture detection module of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the gesture detection module of this utility model from another perspective.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of the gesture detection module of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention during gesture detection.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the present invention during gesture detection.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Cabinet; 10-Accommodation space; 101-Storage space; 11-Base; 111-Side panel; 112-Countertop; 12-Shelf; 13-Storage shelf; 131-Accommodation slot; 14-Drawer; 2-Gesture detection module; 21-Frame; 211-Detection hole; 212-Front cover; 213-Panel; 22-Control circuit; 221-Main control board; 222-Display unit; 223-Button switch; 2231-Switch body; 2232-Press cover; 23-Detection unit; 231-Circuit board; 232-Proximity sensor; 24-Mounting plate; 241-Through hole; 3-Item; 4-User's hand. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives and effects of this utility model, the technical means and structure adopted by this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiment of this utility model, so as to facilitate a complete understanding.

[0024] Please see as follows Figures 1 to 8 The figures show a perspective view, an exploded perspective view, a front view, a perspective view, an exploded perspective view, a side sectional view, and a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment during gesture detection, all representing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the figures, the storage device of the present invention has a cabinet 1, with opposing upright side panels 111 on both sides of the base 11 of the cabinet 1. A storage space 10 is formed between the base 11 and the two side panels 111. At least one horizontal shelf 12 is provided within the storage space 10 of the base 11, and multiple horizontally arranged upright storage shelves 13 are placed on the surface of the shelf 12. Each storage shelf 13 has a storage slot 131 for storing various medicines or drugs, including but not limited to tablets, capsules, injections, sprays, suppositories, etc., and also for providing a place for the user's hand 4 to reach into the storage slot 131 to retrieve items 3.

[0025] Furthermore, the cabinet 1 described above is preferably implemented as a dispensing station, allowing pharmaceutical personnel (such as pharmacists or pharmacy students) to operate the system to perform dispensing or inventory operations. Inside the base 11, below the shelf 12, there is a tabletop 112 to separate a storage space 101 that is smaller than the accommodating space 10. The storage space 101 is equipped with multiple drawers 14, so that each drawer 14 can hold various medicines, drugs or other items 3, including but not limited to tablets, capsules, injections, sprays, suppositories, etc.

[0026] like Figures 4-7As shown, in this embodiment, the cabinet 1 has at least one gesture detection module 2 installed on the front side of each shelf 12. The gesture detection module 2 includes a U-shaped frame 21, and each frame 21 has at least one detection hole 211 corresponding to the position of any storage shelf 13. Each detection hole 211 is fitted with a snap-on plug or a protective sleeve. A front cover 212 is attached to the front opening of the frame 21, and a panel 213 is attached to the surface of the front cover 212. The inside of the frame 21 is a main control board 221 that houses the control circuit 22. A display unit 222 and a push-button switch 223 are provided on one side surface of the front cover 212. The display unit 222 is preferably a three-digit or multi-digit seven-segment display, but is not limited thereto. It can also be a graphic display or indicator light to display numbers, colors and / or graphics, barcodes, etc. The push-button switch 223 is preferably an illuminated switch, and a press cover 2232 exposed on the surface of the panel 213 is attached to the switch body 2231 to be used as a confirmation key, thereby realizing the function of electronic tag and facilitating users to perform picking or inventory operations.

[0027] Furthermore, the main control board 221 of the aforementioned control circuit 22 is vertically mounted on its upper rear side, connected to the circuit board 231 of the detection unit 23 via a mounting plate 24. At least one distance sensor 232 is provided on the surface of the circuit board 231 facing the mounting plate 24, and this distance sensor 232 is preferably based on time-of-flight (TOF) measurement. The laser distance sensor uses Flight-Time (ToF) ranging technology, but is not limited to this. It can also be an infrared (IR) distance sensor or an ultrasonic distance sensor. A through hole 241 is provided on the surface of the mounting plate 24, which is aligned with the detection hole 211 of the distance sensor 232 and the frame 21. The circuit board 231 can be electrically connected to the main control board 221 through a connector, flexible circuit board or flexible flat cable to drive and control the action of each distance sensor 232 to detect through the detection hole 211 of the frame 21. The detection principle is to receive the energy (or light flux) intensity of the laser or infrared light source emitted after hitting the object, calculate the distance between them, and thus determine whether the object is close. This can be used to detect the user's gesture to take the item 3 in the storage shelf 13.

[0028] In this embodiment, the cabinet 1 is preferably equipped with multiple spaced-apart gesture detection modules 2 on the front side of each shelf 12, and the distance sensor 232 of each detection unit 23 corresponds to the position of any storage shelf 13. The user's retrieval action can be detected through the detection hole 211 of the frame 21 to determine if the retrieval position is correct. If the user's hand 4 is detected to be reaching into or near the storage shelf 13 where the item 3 is located, a warning voice can be emitted through the speaker. However, this is not a limitation; the cabinet 1 can be equipped with multiple spaced-apart gesture detection modules 2 on the front side of each shelf 12. A gesture detection module 2 can also be installed on the front side of the shelf 12, and the gesture detection module 2 can correspond to any storage shelf 13 position. Multiple display units 222 and button switches 223 can be provided on the main control board 221 of the control circuit 22, and multiple distance sensors 232 can be provided on the circuit board 231 of the detection unit 23. The storage shelves 13 placed on the shelf 12 can also be arranged in a spatial combination according to their shape, size, position and number, so as to realize the modular installation function. Therefore, they are all described together in the following instructions.

[0029] When a user (such as a pharmacist or pharmacy staff) wants to retrieve the medication prescribed on the prescription, they can use the barcode reader on cabinet 1 (such as the dispensing station) to read the two-dimensional barcode on the prescription. The main control unit of the dispensing station controls the control circuit 22 of the gesture detection module 2, which causes the display unit 222 to emit a constant or flashing light to show the location of the corresponding item 3 (such as medicine) on the storage shelf 13 and / or information about the medicine, allowing pharmacy staff to quickly and visually locate the medicine they need.

[0030] However, when a user's hand 4 reaches into the receiving slot 131 of the storage shelf 13 to retrieve item 3, the distance sensor 232 of the detection unit 23 can detect the user's gesture or retrieving action from bottom to top through the detection hole 211 of the frame 21. That is, if the distance sensor 232 detects a decrease in the intensity of the light flux reflected back from the light source during the process of the pharmacist's hand reaching into or approaching the storage shelf 13, it indicates that there is a retrieving gesture. In this way, it can be determined that there is a retrieving action in the storage shelf 13 where the corresponding item 3 is stored, and it can also be further determined whether the retrieving position is correct or not. The system detects whether the medicine is obstructed by foreign objects, and after the pharmacist completes the action of taking the medicine, they can press the button cover 2232 of the button switch 223. This will trigger the switch body 2231 to output a signal to the control circuit 22, which will then send it back to the main control unit of the dispensing station to perform a confirmation action. This gesture detection module 2 uses the distance sensor 232 to detect whether the item 3 in the corresponding storage shelf 13 of the cabinet 1 has been taken out. Compared with the traditional use of light sensors, pressure sensors, etc., it can provide a comprehensive and convenient detection of medicine taking action, and can more effectively implement medicine management.

[0031] Please refer to the following for further information. Figures 9-10 The figures show a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention and a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment during gesture detection. As can be clearly seen from the figures, the gesture detection module 2 of the present invention features a modular design. Preferably, the distance sensor 232 of the detection unit 23 detects the user's gestures or object-grabbing actions from bottom to top through the detection hole 211 at the top of the frame 21. However, this is not a limitation. If the storage rack 13 is placed between two adjacent shelves 12 of the cabinet 1, the distance sensor 232 of the detection unit 23 can be changed to detect the user's gestures or object-grabbing actions from top to bottom. The specific installation method is as follows. The frame 21 is inverted so that its detection hole 211 faces downward, i.e., the detection hole 211 is at the bottom of the frame 21. The main control board 221 of the control circuit 22 is attached to the back of the front cover 212. The circuit board 231 of the detection unit 23 is attached to the lower rear side of the main control board 221 through the mounting plate 24 to form a vertical arrangement. The front cover 212 can then be attached to the front opening of the frame 21, and the control circuit 22 and the detection unit 23 are housed together inside the frame 21. At the same time, the distance sensor 232 of the detection unit 23 is aligned with the detection hole 211 at the bottom of the frame 21, so as to detect the user's gestures or object picking actions from top to bottom.

[0032] The above detailed description is only for the purpose of describing a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present utility model. However, this embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. All other equivalent changes and modifications made without departing from the spirit of the art disclosed in the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0033] In summary, the gesture detection module for storage devices described above can indeed achieve its function and purpose when used, therefore this utility model is indeed a utility model with excellent practicality.

Claims

1. A gesture detection module for a storage device, the storage device having a cabinet, and at least one horizontal shelf provided on the base of the cabinet, with a plurality of horizontally arranged vertical storage shelves placed on the surface of the shelf, and each of the plurality of storage shelves having a receiving slot for placing items, characterized in that: At least one gesture detection module is installed on the front side of the shelf of the cabinet. The gesture detection module includes a frame and houses a control circuit and a detection unit within the frame. The control circuit is electrically connected to the detection unit, and the detection unit is provided with at least one distance sensor corresponding to any position of the storage shelf, for detecting a user's hand reaching into or approaching the storage shelf to retrieve an item from bottom to top.

2. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 1, wherein, The top of the frame of the gesture detection module is provided with at least one detection hole corresponding to the position of the storage shelf. The detection unit has a circuit board, and the circuit board is provided with at least one distance sensor aligned with the detection hole.

3. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 2, wherein, The control circuit of the gesture detection module has a main control board, and a display unit and a button switch are provided on the surface of the main control board. The rear side of the main control board is connected to the circuit board of the detection unit through a mounting plate to form a vertical arrangement.

4. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 3, wherein, The display unit is a multi-digit seven-segment display.

5. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 3, wherein, The main control board of the control circuit is attached to the back of a front cover, and the front cover is installed at the front opening of the frame. A panel is attached to the surface of the front cover so that the push-button switch is exposed on the panel surface and used as a confirmation key.

6. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 5, wherein, The push-button switch is an illuminated switch with a switch body and a press cover exposed on the panel surface.

7. A gesture detection module for a storage device, the storage device having a cabinet, and at least one horizontal shelf provided on the base of the cabinet, with multiple horizontally arranged vertical storage shelves placed between two adjacent shelves, and each of the multiple storage shelves having a receiving slot for placing items, characterized in that: At least one gesture detection module is installed on the front side of the shelf of the cabinet. The gesture detection module includes a frame and houses a control circuit and a detection unit within the frame. The control circuit is electrically connected to the detection unit, and the detection unit is provided with at least one distance sensor corresponding to any position of the storage shelf, for detecting a user's hand reaching into or approaching the storage shelf to retrieve an item from above.

8. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 7, wherein, The bottom of the frame of the gesture detection module is provided with at least one detection hole corresponding to the position of the storage shelf. The detection unit has a circuit board, and the circuit board is provided with at least one distance sensor aligned with the detection hole.

9. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 8, wherein, The control circuit of the gesture detection module has a main control board, and a display unit and a button switch are provided on the surface of the main control board. The rear side of the main control board is connected to the circuit board of the detection unit through a mounting plate to form a vertical arrangement.

10. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 9, wherein, The display unit is a multi-digit seven-segment display.

11. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 9, wherein, The main control board of the control circuit is attached to the back of a front cover, and the front cover is installed at the front opening of the frame. A panel is attached to the surface of the front cover so that the push-button switch is exposed on the panel surface and used as a confirmation key.

12. The gesture detection module for use in a storage device of claim 11, wherein, The push-button switch is an illuminated switch with a switch body and a press cover exposed on the panel surface.

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