Intelligent Cabinet System

Abstract

This invention provides an intelligent cabinet system that enables the movement of movable components via signals through a communication connection. [Solution] The intelligent cabinet system comprises a cabinet body, a plurality of movable members, a control device 32, a control unit 40a, an electronic module 34a, a power supply module, and a communication device. The control device is located in the cabinet body. The control unit is electrically connected to the control device. The electronic module is electrically connected to the control unit and includes a drive device for driving the drive members. The power supply module supplies power to the control device. The communication device is configured to transmit predetermined signals. When the control device receives a predetermined signal, it is configured to notify the control unit and control the drive device to move the drive members, switching from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state. As a result, one of the movable members moves from its retracted position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cabinet system, and more specifically, to an intelligent cabinet system.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, an intelligent cabinet includes a plurality of driving devices, which are usually arranged inside the cabinet body and configured to open the doors and drawers of the cabinet body. These driving devices are configured to communicate with a control device outside the cabinet body in a wireless manner. However, electromagnetic interference may occur between the driving devices and the control device, thereby reducing the communication quality of data transmission and possibly causing transmission delay due to carrier collision. Furthermore, each driving device in the cabinet body requires an independent power source (such as a battery) for normal operation. Although the above structure has the advantage of not requiring wiring, it still has problems of signal interference and power source replacement.

[0003] To meet the requirements of different markets, it is important to develop a variety of products.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an intelligent cabinet system.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent cabinet system includes a cabinet body, a plurality of movable members arranged on the cabinet body and movable between a retracted position and an open position with respect to the cabinet body, a control device arranged on the cabinet body, a control unit electrically connected to the control device, an electronic module electrically connected to the control unit, including a driving device, and the driving device is configured to drive a driving member to move, A power supply module configured to supply power to at least one of a control device, a control unit, and an electronic module, It comprises a communication device configured to transmit a predetermined signal, When the control device receives a predetermined signal, it is configured to notify the control unit, control the drive device to move the drive member, and switch from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, thereby enabling one of the movable members to move from the retracted position.

[0006] These and other objectives of the present invention will become undoubtedly apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following drawings and illustrations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of an intelligent cabinet system having a cabinet body composed of a plurality of movable members, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which multiple slide rail assemblies of an intelligent cabinet system are in a retracted state. [Figure 3] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which multiple slide rail assemblies of an intelligent cabinet system are in the open state. [Figure 4] This figure shows an intelligent cabinet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an intelligent cabinet system comprising control devices and at least one control unit connected to each other by wires, wherein the control unit is configured to control a corresponding movable member. [Figure 6] This figure shows the power supply configuration of an intelligent cabinet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a first type of power supply configuration for an intelligent cabinet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a second type of power supply configuration for an intelligent cabinet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows a third type of power supply configuration for an intelligent cabinet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which one of the movable members provided on the cabinet body of an intelligent cabinet system is in the open position. [Figure 11] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the second rail of the slide rail assembly is retracted relative to the first rail, and the control device, the control unit, and the electronic module are connected to each other by wire. [Figure 12] This figure shows an embodiment of the present invention in which, when the second rail of the slide rail assembly is moved to the open position in accordance with the elastic force of the elastic member, the control device, the control unit, and the electronic module are connected to each other by a wired connection. [Figure 13] This figure relates to an embodiment of the present invention and shows one of the movable members in the cabinet body of an intelligent cabinet system, which is open and contains one of the movable members in which an article is stored. [Figure 14] This figure shows a communication device in an intelligent cabinet system equipped with a communication device on which an application program is installed, relating to an embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration of the communication device is such that the screen of the communication device displays the functions of the application program. [Figure 15] This figure shows the screen of a communication device that displays item information and location information, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the configuration of a communication device having a camera module capable of capturing the identifying features of an item. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart relating to an embodiment of the present invention, showing how to find an item stored in an intelligent cabinet system. [Figure 18]This is another flowchart relating to an embodiment of the present invention for locating an item stored in an intelligent cabinet system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, the intelligent cabinet system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a cabinet body 22 and a plurality of movable members arranged in the cabinet body 22. The movable members may be drawers or door panels. In this embodiment, the movable members are drawers, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the intelligent cabinet system 20 has nine drawers, for example, the first drawer 24a to the ninth drawer 24i. However, the number of movable members is not limited to the embodiment. Also, the only difference between the first drawer 24a to the sixth drawer 24f and the seventh drawer 24g to the ninth drawer 24i is the size of the drawers.

[0009] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cabinet body 22 is formed with a plurality of storage spaces configured to accommodate drawers in correspondence. In Figures 2 and 3, the first drawer 24a to the sixth drawer 24f are removed from the storage spaces of the cabinet body 22. Preferably, the intelligent cabinet system 20 further comprises a plurality of slide rail assemblies, which are configured to support drawers in correspondence. For example, the first slide rail assembly 26a and the second slide rail assembly 26b are configured as a pair and are configured to support the left and right sides of the bottom of the corresponding drawer, respectively. The first slide rail assembly 26a and the second slide rail assembly 26b have substantially the same structural configuration, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0010] Each slide rail assembly (e.g., first slide rail assembly 26a or second slide rail assembly 26b) includes a first rail 27 and a second rail 28 that are longitudinally movable relative to each other. The first rail 27 is configured to be attached (e.g., fixed) to a predetermined wall of the cabinet body 22, and the second rail 28 is configured to support a drawer. The second rail 28 is movable relative to the first rail 27 between a retracted position P1 (shown in Figure 2) and an open position P2 (shown in Figure 3), thereby improving the smoothness of the drawer moving between the retracted position P1 and the open position P2 relative to the cabinet body 22. Preferably, each slide rail assembly (e.g., first slide rail assembly 26a or second slide rail assembly 26b) further includes a third rail 30, which is movably mounted between the first rail 27 and the second rail 28, extending the travel distance of the second rail 28 relative to the first rail 27.

[0011] The intelligent cabinet system 20 further comprises a control device 32 (or controller) and a plurality of electronic modules. The control device 32 is located in the cabinet body 22. For example, the control device 32 is located in a predetermined location in the storage space of the cabinet body 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic modules are located in pairs. For example, the first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b are located in pairs so as to be adjacent to each other on the left and right sides of the bottom of the corresponding drawer. The first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b have substantially identical structural configurations. Each electronic module (e.g., the first electronic module 34a or the second electronic module 34b) is located corresponding to an extension 38 of the first rail 27 of a slide rail assembly (e.g., the first slide rail assembly 26a or the second slide rail assembly 26b).

[0012] As shown in FIG. 4, the intelligent cabinet system 20 further includes a plurality of control units disposed in the cabinet body 22. For example, the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b are arranged in pairs and are respectively adjacent to the left and right sides of the bottom of the corresponding drawer. The first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b have substantially the same structural configuration. In the present embodiment, each first control unit 40a is integrated into the corresponding first electronic module 34a, and each second control unit 40b is integrated into the corresponding second electronic module 34b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each control unit is electrically connected to the corresponding electronic module. For example, the first control unit 40a is electrically connected to the corresponding first electronic module 34a, and the second control unit 40b is electrically connected to the corresponding second electronic module 34b. Further, the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b are electrically connected to the control device 32. Preferably, the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b are connected to the control device 32 in a wired manner.

[0013] The intelligent cabinet system 20 further includes a communication device 42. Preferably, the intelligent cabinet system 20 further includes a wireless device 44, a gateway 46, and a cloud server 48.

[0014] The communication device 42, the wireless device 44, and the control device 32 are configured to be interconnected via wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the communication device 42 is configured to establish a wireless communication link with the control device 32 via the wireless device 44, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The wireless device 44 may be a wireless access point or a wireless router, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the communication device 42 is configured to establish a communication link with the control device 32 via the wireless device 44 using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) technology. In other embodiments, the communication device 42 may establish a communication link with the control device 32 using Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology.

[0015] Furthermore, the wireless device 44 and the gateway 46 are configured to be linked to each other, thereby enabling the application environment of the intelligent cabinet system 20 to be extended from a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN). Additionally, the wireless device 44 is configured to establish a communication link with the cloud server 48 via the gateway 46. Meanwhile, the communication device 42 is configured to establish a communication link with the cloud server 48 via the wireless device 44 and the gateway 46. Alternatively, the communication device 42 may establish a communication link with the cloud server 48 using mobile communication technology such as fourth-generation mobile communication technology (4G) or fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G). The communication device 42 may be a smartphone or a tablet computer, but the present invention is not limited to these. Preferably, the communication device 42 has an application program installed.

[0016] Preferably, the control device 32 includes a first storage unit 50 for storing predetermined data of the intelligent cabinet system 20. The predetermined data set may include item information and / or location information. For example, the item information is information about a specific item stored in the intelligent cabinet system 20, and the location information is information about the corresponding drawer that stores the aforementioned specific item. Furthermore, the predetermined data set may include the state of each drawer (e.g., retracted or open). An electronic module (e.g., a first electronic module 34a or a second electronic module 34b) may include a detection unit configured to determine that a drawer is in the retracted state when it detects that the second rail 28 is in the retracted position P1 relative to the first rail 27, and to determine that a drawer is in the open state when it detects that the second rail 28 is no longer in the retracted position P1 relative to the first rail 27. Furthermore, the predetermined data set may include system power information of the intelligent cabinet system 20 (e.g., remaining power information of the intelligent cabinet system 20). However, the contents of the predetermined data set are not limited to these.

[0017] Preferably, the first storage unit 50 may be a memory card (e.g., a microSD memory card), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0018] Preferably, the communication device 42 includes a second storage unit 52, the wireless device 44 includes a third storage unit 54, and the cloud server 48 includes a fourth storage unit 56. The third storage unit 54 may be a memory card or a USB flash drive, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0019] Preferably, the control device 32 further includes a wireless module 36. The communication device 42 is configured to establish a wireless communication link with the wireless module 36 of the control device 32, thereby synchronously updating a predetermined set of data stored in the first storage unit 50 of the control device 32 and storing it in the second storage unit 52 of the communication device 42.

[0020] Preferably, the wireless device 44 is configured to establish a wireless communication link with the wireless communication module 36 of the control device 32 by operating the communication device 42, thereby synchronously updating a predetermined set of data stored in the first storage unit 50 of the control device 32 and storing it in the third storage unit 54 of the wireless device 44.

[0021] Preferably, the wireless device 44 is configured to establish a wireless communication link with the cloud server 48 by operating the communication device 42, thereby synchronously updating a predetermined set of data stored in the third storage unit 54 of the wireless device 44 and storing it in the fourth storage unit 56 of the cloud server 48. Furthermore, a predetermined set of data stored in the second storage unit 52 of the communication device 42 may be synchronously updated and stored in the third storage unit 54 of the wireless device 44. Other users may establish a communication link with the wireless device 44 using a separate communication device and obtain information about the items stored in the drawers of the intelligent cabinet system 20 by downloading a predetermined set of data stored in the third storage unit 54 of the wireless device 44.

[0022] Therefore, the predetermined sets of data stored in the control device 32, the communication device 42, the wireless device 44, and the cloud server 48 can be updated in synchronous manner with each other. As a result, in order to obtain the latest predetermined set of data, the communication device 42 carried by the user can execute an application program and establish a wireless communication link with the control device 32, the wireless device 44, and / or the cloud server 48, whether indoors or outdoors. For example, when the user is indoors, the communication device 42 may establish a wireless communication link with the wireless device 44 or the control device 32 to obtain the latest predetermined set of data. When the user is outdoors, the communication device 42 may establish a wireless communication link with the cloud server 48 to obtain the latest predetermined set of data, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0023] Furthermore, the administrator of the intelligent cabinet system 20 (for example, the user of the communication device 42) can use the communication device 42 and grant permission for another communication device to access the intelligent cabinet system 20. For example, the communication device 42 provides a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) to another communication device to retrieve relevant settings of the intelligent cabinet system 20, thereby allowing the user of the other communication device to quickly operate the intelligent cabinet system 20.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, each control unit (e.g., the first control unit 40a or the second control unit 40b) is electrically connected to the control device 32 via a cable 58 (e.g., a Controller Area Network Bus (CAN bus) or an RS485 communication cable). Specifically, the control units (e.g., the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b), the electronic modules (e.g., the first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b), and the control device 32 are electrically connected to each other via an interference prevention cable 58 (e.g., a Controller Area Network Bus or an RS485 communication cable). Furthermore, signals or packets transmitted between the control device 32, the control units, and the electronic modules are dynamically or statically encrypted to prevent interception or decryption of the signals or packets.

[0025] Furthermore, each drawer (for example, the first drawer 24a to the ninth drawer 24i) operates with a corresponding pair having a first control unit 40a and a second control unit 40b. Through the control units (for example, the corresponding pair having the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b) and the corresponding electronic modules (for example, the first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b), the control device 32 is configured to control each drawer to open from the retracted position.

[0026] Furthermore, each drawer and its corresponding first control unit 40a and second control unit 40b have identification codes. For example, the identification code for the first drawer 24a is set to "11111", the identification code for the first control unit 40a corresponding to the first drawer 24a is set to "111111", and the identification code for the second control unit 40b corresponding to the first drawer 24a is set to "011111". The first digit "1" of the identification code for the first control unit 40a represents the left side, and the second to sixth digits "11111" indicate that the first control unit 40a corresponds to the first drawer 24a. In other words, the identification code "111111" can be interpreted as the control unit responsible for the left side of the first drawer 24a. On the other hand, the first digit "0" of the identification code for the second control unit 40b represents the right side, and the second to sixth digits "11111" indicate that the second control unit 40b corresponds to the first drawer 24a. In other words, the identification code "011111" can be interpreted as the control unit responsible for the right side of the first drawer 24a. Therefore, depending on the identification code of the drawer, the control device 32 determines which pair of the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b to notify and further controls the corresponding pair of electronic modules. However, the format of the identification code is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the user can write exclusive or customized identification codes to the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b using an application in the communication device 42.

[0027] Therefore, the control device 32 is configured to establish a wireless communication link between the wireless device 44, the communication device 42, and the cloud server 48. The control device 32 is configured to establish a wired communication link between the control units (for example, the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b) and the electronic modules (for example, the first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b).

[0028] Preferably, the intelligent cabinet system 20 further includes a power supply module 60, which is configured to supply power to a system power port 68. The system power port 68 is electrically connected to the control unit 32, control units (e.g., a first control unit 40a and a second control unit 40b), and electronic modules (e.g., a first electronic module 34a and a second electronic module 34b) via cables 58. Thus, the power supply module 60 may supply the power required by the control unit 32, control units (e.g., a first control unit 40a and a second control unit 40b), and electronic modules (e.g., a first electronic module 34a and a second electronic module 34b) via the system power port 68. The power supply module 60 is connected to the system power port 68 by a wired connection (e.g., via a Controller Area Network Bus (CAN bus) or an RS485 communication cable).

[0029] Preferably, the intelligent cabinet system 20 further includes a sensor 62 located in the cabinet body 22. The sensor 62 is electrically connected to the control device 32. In this embodiment, the sensor 62 is integrated into the control device 32. The sensor 62 is configured to detect whether or not someone is approaching the cabinet body 22. When the sensor 62 detects that someone is approaching the cabinet body 22, the intelligent cabinet system 20 is configured to switch from a power-saving mode to an operating mode, thereby enabling the wireless module 36 of the control device 32 to receive a predetermined signal S from the communication device 42 (see also Figure 10). For example, when the intelligent cabinet system 20 is in power-saving mode, the control device 32 is configured to control the power module 60 to supply power only to the sensor 62 and not to other components (such as the wireless module 36, control unit, and electronic module). Furthermore, while the control device 32 is configured to control the power module 60 to supply power to all relevant components when the intelligent cabinet system 20 is in operating mode, the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the arrangement of the sensor 62 allows the intelligent cabinet system 20 to switch from operating mode to power-saving mode in order to reduce power consumption. In other words, when the intelligent cabinet system 20 is in power-saving mode, it may have even lower power consumption.

[0030] Preferably, sensor 62 is a radar sensor. The radar sensor has multiple frequency bands capable of handling multiple frequency resolutions required in different environments. The variety of objects stored in the drawer can affect the reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves. In this embodiment, sensor 62 is used to detect electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 60 GHz. This is because electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 60 GHz have a shorter wavelength, making them more easily diffracted and more easily transmitted through obstacles. In this embodiment, sensor 62 is a radar sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Sensor 62 may be other types of sensors.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the power module 60 includes a power supply unit 64 and a buck boost charger 66 (or buck boost power supply circuit).

[0032] The power supply unit 64 is configured to supply power to the buck boost charger 66 by wire or wireless means, and the buck boost charger 66 is configured to regulate the power (for example, by increasing or decreasing the voltage) and transmit the power from the power supply unit 64 to the system power port 68. This supplies power to the control device 32, the control units (for example, the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b), and the electronic modules (for example, the first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b).

[0033] Preferably, the power module 60 further includes a power storage unit 70 that functions as a backup power source for the intelligent cabinet system 20. The power storage unit 70 may be a battery pack consisting of multiple batteries connected in series. However, the number of batteries is not limited in this invention.

[0034] Preferably, the power supply unit 64, the back boost charger 66, the system power port 68, and the power storage unit 70 are electrically connected to each other.

[0035] Figure 7 shows a first type of power supply unit 64, for example, a wireless power supply unit. Furthermore, the power supply unit 64 includes a transmitter 72 and a receiver 74. Preferably, the transmitter 72 is located outside the cabinet body 22, and the receiver 74 is located inside the cabinet body 22. The receiver 74 is wired to a back boost charger 66. Preferably, the cabinet body 22 includes wood or other non-metallic material, but the present invention is not limited thereto. If the cabinet body 22 is made of a metallic material, a connector may be mounted in an appropriate position to connect to an inductor that receives electromagnetic energy. This electromagnetic energy is transmitted to a receiving board inside the cabinet body 22 to power the intelligent cabinet system 20. Such a configuration is applicable to a movable iron cabinet.

[0036] The transmitter 72 is electrically connected to a utility power supply 73 (commercial power supply 73). For example, the power supply unit 64 further includes a power converter 76 electrically connected between the transmitter 72 and the utility power supply 73. The power converter 76 is configured to convert AC power supplied by the utility power supply 73 to DC power. The transmitter 72 includes a first coil. The transmitter 72 is configured to use the first coil to generate an electromagnetic wave in response to the power supplied from the power converter 76 and to transmit the electromagnetic wave to a second coil of the receiver 74. The receiver 74 is configured to convert the electromagnetic wave received by the second coil into electricity and transmit it to a buck boost charger 66. The power IC of the buck boost charger 66 adjusts the power transmitted from the receiver 74 to the appropriate voltage value required for the operation of the intelligent cabinet system 20 and further transmits the adjusted power to the system power port 68. Furthermore, the adjusted power from the buck boost charger 66 is stored in a power storage unit 70. In other words, the power storage unit 70 is charged by the buck boost charger 66. If the utility power supply 73 suddenly stops supplying AC power (i.e., if a power outage occurs), the power storage unit 70 is configured to supply power to the system power port 68, thereby continuing to supply power to the control device 32, the control units (e.g., the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b), and the electronic modules (e.g., the first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b).

[0037] Figure 8 shows a second type of power supply unit 64, for example, a wired power supply unit. Furthermore, power supply unit 64 includes a power converter 76 that is electrically connected to the utility power supply 73. The power converter 76 is configured to convert the AC power supplied from the utility power supply 73 into DC power and then transmit the DC power to a buck boost charger 66 via a transmission cable 78 having a DC connector or a USB Type-C connector. The buck boost charger 66 is configured to regulate the power and transmit the power from power supply unit 64 to the system power port 68. Furthermore, a power storage unit 70 may be charged by the buck boost charger 66.

[0038] Figure 9 shows a third type of power supply unit 64, for example, a wired power supply unit. Furthermore, the power supply unit 64 includes an electronic device 80. The electronic device 80 is configured to transmit the power stored in the electronic device 80 to a buck boost charger 66 via a predetermined transmission cable 82 (e.g., a USB Type-C transmission cable). The buck boost charger 66 is configured to regulate the power and transmit it from the electronic device 80 to the system power port 68, thereby further supplying power to the control device 32, the control units (e.g., a first control unit 40a and a second control unit 40b), and the electronic modules (e.g., a first electronic module 34a and a second electronic module 34b). Furthermore, a power storage unit 70 may be charged by the buck boost charger 66. Preferably, the electronic device 80 may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a mobile power bank, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0039] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 42 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal S, such as a control signal, via an application program in order to control and open one of the drawers provided in the cabinet body 22. For example, the second drawer 24b is opened by moving from the retracted position P1 to the open position P2.

[0040] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the process of opening a drawer (e.g., the second drawer 24b) in the cabinet body 22. While Figures 11 and 12 show only the first electronic module 34a, the first control unit 40a, and the first slide rail assembly 26a corresponding to the second drawer 24b for illustrative purposes, the second electronic module 34b, the second control unit 40b, and the second slide rail assembly 26b corresponding to the second drawer 24b perform the same or similar operations. Furthermore, the first electronic module 34a, the first control unit 40a, and the control device 32 are electrically connected to each other via a controller area network bus or an RS485 communication cable. The first electronic module 34a includes a drive device 88 configured to drive and move a drive member 84. The first slide rail assembly 26a, on the other hand, is a push-open slide rail assembly. Specifically, the first slide rail assembly 26a further includes an elastic member 86. When the second rail 28 of the first slide rail assembly 26a supporting the drawer (for example, the second drawer 24b in Figure 1) is in a retracted position P1 relative to the first rail 27, the second drawer 24b is correspondingly in a retracted position P1 relative to the cabinet body 22. As a result, the elastic member 86 is configured to accumulate a predetermined elastic force F (as shown in Figure 11).

[0041] The control device 32 is configured to receive a predetermined signal S from the communication device 42 (the content of the predetermined signal S includes the identification code of the second drawer 24b and / or the identification code of the first control unit 40a corresponding to the second drawer 24b). When the control device 32 receives the predetermined signal S, the control device 32 is configured to notify the first control unit 40a corresponding to the second drawer 24b according to the identification code in the predetermined signal S. This controls the drive device 88 to drive and move the drive member 84, switching from the first predetermined state K1 (shown in Figure 11) to the second predetermined state K2 (shown in Figure 12), and enabling the second drawer 24b to move from the retracted position P1.

[0042] Preferably, when the drive member 84 is moved and switches from a first predetermined state K1 to a second predetermined state K2, a predetermined elastic force F of the elastic member 86 is released to the second rail 28. This drives the second rail 28 in response to the predetermined elastic force F released from the elastic member 86, moving the second drawer 24b from a retracted position P1 (shown in Figure 11) to an open position P2 (shown in Figure 12). During the process of the drive member 84 switching from the first predetermined state K1 to the second predetermined state K2, the drive member 84 is configured to activate the elastic member 86 and release the predetermined elastic force F. For example, the drive member 84 can directly contact the elastic member 86 to activate it and release the predetermined elastic force F. Alternatively, the drive member 84 can indirectly activate a predetermined device that locks the elastic member 86 via other predetermined components, thereby allowing the elastic member 86 to release the predetermined elastic force F.

[0043] Preferably, the drive device 88 is a motor or an electromagnetic actuator, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, when the drive device 88 is a motor, the rotating shaft of the drive device 88 may directly drive and move the drive member 84 to switch from a first predetermined state K1 to a second predetermined state K2. Alternatively, the rotating shaft of the drive device 88 may indirectly drive and move the drive member 84 via related components to switch from a first predetermined state K1 to a second predetermined state K2. When the drive device 88 is an electromagnetic actuator, the drive device 88 may drive related components by electromagnetic force to move the drive member 84 to switch from a first predetermined state K1 to a second predetermined state K2.

[0044] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, when the second drawer 24b is in the open position P2 relative to the cabinet body 22, the user may place and store a first predetermined item 90 (such as soap as shown in Figure 13, but the present invention is not limited thereto) in the second drawer 24b. The screen 43 (e.g., touchscreen) of the communication device 42 is configured to display an operation interface 92 of an application program and provide relevant functions for the user to select. In this embodiment, the operation interface 92 provides an item function 94, a barcode function 96, and a voice function 98 (shown in Figure 14). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the second drawer 24b is shown as an example. The user may open another drawer and place and store the first predetermined item 90 or other items.

[0045] Furthermore, the user can input item information 100 and location information 102 through the item function 94 (shown in Figure 15). The item information 100 and location information 102 may be pre-stored in the second storage unit 52 of the communication device 42 (see also Figure 16) as part of a predetermined set of data. When the communication device 42 establishes a wireless communication link with the control device 32, the predetermined set of data stored in the second storage unit 52 is updated synchronously and may be stored in the first storage unit 50 of the control device 32 in the cabinet body 22. In other words, the first storage unit 50 and the second storage unit 52 pre-store the item information 100 and location information 102.

[0046] Preferably, the item information 100 includes information about the name, quantity, price, and / or date of the first predetermined item 90 (shown in Figure 15). In this embodiment, the first predetermined item 90 is placed and stored in the second drawer 24b, which can be moved to a retracted position P1 and closed (shown in Figure 1). The user can then input the information of the second drawer 24b as information for storing the location information 102 of the first predetermined item 90. After manually inputting (or editing) the item information 100 and location information 102, the user can select a save option to store the item information 100 and location information 102 in the second storage unit 52 as part of a predetermined data set, thereby recording that the first predetermined item 90 was stored in the second drawer 24b.

[0047] Preferably, the first designated article 90 has a first identification feature 104 (shown in Figure 13), such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark), but the present invention is not limited to these. The first identification feature 104 includes related information of the first designated article 90, such as the name and price of the first designated article 90.

[0048] As shown in Figure 16, the communication device 42 includes a processing module 106, a second storage unit 52, a camera module 108, an audio input module 110, and a display module 112, all of which are electrically connected to each other. The processing module 106 is the central processing unit of the communication device 42, the second storage unit 52 is memory, the camera module 108 includes a lens 114, the audio input module 110 is configured to receive audio input from a user, and the display module 112 includes a screen 43 (see also Figure 15). The communication device 42 is configured to find items stored in the intelligent cabinet system 20.

[0049] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, if a user forgets which drawer in the cabinet body 22 the first designated item 90 is located in, the user can attempt to find the first designated item 90 by scanning the barcode (or QR code®) printed on the outer box of the same item as the first designated item 90.

[0050] Furthermore, the user can walk to a suitable location near the cabinet body 22. Therefore, the intelligent cabinet system 20 is configured to switch from power-saving mode to operating mode when the sensor 62 detects that the user is approaching the cabinet body 22. The method for finding an item in the intelligent cabinet system 20 includes the following steps.

[0051] Step S10: Using the lens of the camera module of the communication device, an identification feature is captured on the designated article. In step S10, the user can select the barcode function 96 (shown in Figure 14) of the application program of the communication device 42. The camera module 108 of the communication device 42 is turned on and, through the lens 114, an identification feature 118 identical to the first identification feature 104 of the first designated article 90 is captured (or scanned) on the second designated article 116. The second identification feature 118 may be a barcode (or QR code®), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The second identification feature 118 may have relevant information about the second designated article 116, such as the name and price of the second designated article 116. On the other hand, the identification feature is not limited to a barcode or QR code®. Furthermore, the identification feature may be text displayed on the outer box of the article.

[0052] Step S12: The processing module 106 searches for corresponding item information according to the captured identification features. In step S12, the processing module 106 searches for corresponding item information 100 in a predetermined set of data pre-stored in the second storage unit 52, according to the captured second identification feature 118. For example, the processing module 106 is configured to obtain related information of the second predetermined item 116, such as the item name and price of the second predetermined item 116, according to the captured second identification feature 118 of the second predetermined item 116. The processing module 106 then searches a predetermined set of data pre-stored in the second storage unit 52 for item information 100 having the same item name (and / or the same price). If the processing module 106 finds item information 100 having the same item name (and / or the same price) in the predetermined set of data pre-stored in the second storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S14. If the processing module 106 does not find item information 100 having the same item name (and / or the same price) from a predetermined set of data previously stored in the second storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0053] Step S14: When the corresponding item information 100 is found, the communication device 42 transmits a predetermined signal S according to the location information 102 corresponding to the found item information 100. When the control device 32 receives the predetermined signal S, the control device 32 notifies the corresponding control unit and controls the drive device 88 to move the drive member 84, switching from the first predetermined state K1 to the second predetermined state K2. This makes it possible for the drawer corresponding to the location information 102 to move from the retracted position P1.

[0054] In step S14, if the processing module 106 determines that the pre-stored item name of the first predetermined item 90 matches the item name of the second predetermined item 116 (for example, both item names are soap), it means that the corresponding item information has been found. When the corresponding item information is found in the predetermined set of data, the processing module 106 is configured to obtain the location information of the first predetermined item 90 (for example, the second drawer 24b) from the predetermined set of data. The screen 43 then displays the corresponding options for the location information so that the user can select them by touch. When the user selects the corresponding option for the location information on the screen 43, the communication device 42 transmits a predetermined signal S (the content of the predetermined signal S includes the identification code of the second drawer 24b and / or the identification codes of the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b corresponding to the second drawer 24b). When the control device 32 receives a predetermined signal S, it notifies the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b corresponding to the second drawer 24b, and controls the drive device 88 to move the drive member 84, switching from a first predetermined state K1 (see also Figure 11) to a second predetermined state K2 (see also Figure 12). This allows the drawer containing the first predetermined item 90 (e.g., the second drawer 24b) to move from the retracted position P1. For example, the second drawer 24b is configured to open and move from the retracted position P1 to the open position P2 in response to the release of a predetermined elastic force F on the second rail 28. Thus, the user can find the first predetermined item 90 in the opened second drawer 24b.

[0055] Step S16: If the corresponding item information cannot be found, the screen 43 of the communication device 42 displays a message indicating an identification error. For example, if the processing module 106 determines that the item name of the second predetermined item 116 does not match the pre-stored item information of the first predetermined item 90 (for example, the item name of the second predetermined item 116 is not soap), it means that the corresponding item information could not be found. If the corresponding item information cannot be found in the predetermined data set, the processing module 106 is configured to control the screen 43 and display a message indicating an identification error. In other words, there is no drawer that stores an item with the same item name as the second predetermined item 116. Therefore, the drawers of the intelligent cabinet system 20 (drawers 1 to 9 24a-24i) will not be opened.

[0056] As shown in Figures 16 and 18, in addition to barcode scanning, the user may also attempt to locate the first designated item 90 by voice. Another method for finding an item in the intelligent cabinet system 20 includes the following steps:

[0057] Step S20: Enable the voice function of the communication device 42, allowing the user to input a voice message related to a specified item. In step S20, the user may select the voice function 98 (shown in Figure 14) of the application program of the communication device 42. The user may directly say the name of the first specified item 90 (e.g., soap) to the voice input module 110 of the communication device 42. This configures the voice receiving unit (sound pickup unit, microphone) of the voice input module 110 to receive the user's voice message V.

[0058] Step S22: The processing module 106 searches for corresponding item information in response to the voice message. In step S22, the processing module 106 searches for corresponding item information in a predetermined set of data (including item information 100 and location information 102) pre-stored in the second storage unit 52, in response to the voice message V. For example, the processing module 106 is configured to obtain the item name from the voice message V using voice recognition technology. The processing module 106 then searches the predetermined set of data pre-stored in the second storage unit 52 for item information 100 having the same item name. If the processing module 106 finds item information 100 having the same item name from the predetermined set of data pre-stored in the second storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S24. If the processing module 106 does not find item information having the same item name from the predetermined set of data pre-stored in the second storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0059] Step S24: When the corresponding item information 100 is found, the communication device 42 transmits a predetermined signal S according to the location information 102 corresponding to the found item information 100. When the control device 32 receives the predetermined signal S, the control device 32 notifies the corresponding control unit and controls the drive device 88 to move the drive member 84, switching from the first predetermined state K1 to the second predetermined state K2. This makes it possible for the drawer corresponding to the location information 102 to move from the retracted position P1.

[0060] In step S24, if the processing module 106 determines that the item name of item information 100 in a pre-stored set of predetermined data matches the item name recognized in response to the voice message V (e.g., soap), it means that the corresponding item information has been found. When the corresponding item information is found in the set of predetermined data, the processing module 106 is configured to obtain the location information (e.g., second drawer 24b) of the first predetermined item 90 from the set of predetermined data. Subsequently, the screen 43 displays the corresponding options for the location information so that the user can select them by touch. If the user selects the corresponding option for the location information on the screen 43, the communication device 42 transmits a predetermined signal S (the content of the predetermined signal S includes the identification code of the second drawer 24b and / or the identification codes of the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b corresponding to the second drawer 24b). When the control device 32 receives a predetermined signal S, it notifies the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b corresponding to the second drawer 24b, and controls the drive device 88 to move the drive member 84, switching from the first predetermined state K1 (see also Figure 11) to the second predetermined state K2 (see also Figure 12). This makes it possible for the drawer storing the first predetermined item 90 (e.g., the second drawer 24b) to move from the retracted position P1. For example, the second drawer 24b is configured to move from the retracted position P1 to the open position P2 when a predetermined elastic force F is released to the second rail 28. Thus, the user can find the first predetermined item 90 in the opened second drawer 24b.

[0061] Step S26: If the corresponding item information cannot be found, the screen 43 of the communication device 42 displays a message indicating an identification error. For example, if the processing module 106 determines that the item name of item information 100 in a predetermined set of pre-stored data does not match the item name recognized in response to the voice message V, it means that the corresponding item information could not be found. When the corresponding item information cannot be found from the predetermined set of data, the processing module 106 is configured to control the screen 43 to display a message indicating an identification error. In other words, there is no drawer to store the first predetermined item 90 (for example, the first predetermined item 90 has been removed, and the item information and location information of the first predetermined item 90 have been deleted). Therefore, the drawers of the intelligent cabinet system 20 (drawers 1 to 9 24a-24i) will not be opened.

[0062] Accordingly, in an embodiment of the intelligent cabinet system 20 of the present invention, the power module 60 is configured to supply power to the system power port 68 of the intelligent cabinet system 20. The power unit 64 of the power module 60 is electrically connected to the utility power supply 73 to supply power by wire or wireless means. If the utility power supply 73 stops supplying power, the power storage unit 70 may supply power to the system power port 68. Alternatively, if the utility power supply 73 stops supplying power, the electronic device 80 may supply power to the system power port 68. The control device 32 is located in the cabinet body 22. Furthermore, the control device 32, the control units (e.g., the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b), and the electronic modules (e.g., the first electronic module 34a and the second electronic module 34b) are electrically interconnected by wire to avoid electromagnetic interference and to improve communication quality.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the apparatus and method while maintaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be interpreted only within the scope of the limitations of the appended claims.

Claims

1. The cabinet body and A plurality of movable members are arranged on the cabinet body and are movable between a retracted position and an open position relative to the cabinet body, The control device located in the cabinet body, A control unit electrically connected to the control device, An electronic module electrically connected to the control unit, including a drive device, the drive device comprising an electronic module configured to drive and move a drive member, A power supply module configured to supply power to at least one of the control device, the control unit, and the electronic module, It comprises a communication device configured to transmit a predetermined signal, When the control device receives a predetermined signal, the control device is configured to notify the control unit, control the drive device to move the drive member, switch from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, thereby enabling one of the movable members to move from the retracted position. Intelligent cabinet system.

2. The movable member is a drawer, and the intelligent cabinet system further comprises a plurality of slide rail assemblies configured to support a plurality of the movable members accordingly. Each slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, and an elastic member, wherein the first rail is configured to be attached to the cabinet body, and the second rail is movable relative to the first rail and configured to support the movable member. When the movable member is in the retracted position relative to the cabinet body, the elastic member is configured to accumulate a predetermined elastic force. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 1, wherein when the drive member is moved to switch from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, the elastic member is configured to release a predetermined elastic force, and thereby, in accordance with the predetermined elastic force released from the elastic member, the second rail is configured to drive the movable member to move from the retracted position to the open position.

3. Furthermore, the communication device, which includes a wireless device, is linked to the control device via the wireless device. The control device includes a first storage unit configured to store a predetermined set of data for an intelligent cabinet system, The communication device is configured to establish a communication link with the control device, thereby synchronously updating the set of predetermined data stored in the first storage unit of the control device and storing it in the second storage unit of the communication device. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless device is configured to establish a communication link with the control device by operating the communication device, thereby synchronously updating the set of predetermined data stored in the first storage unit of the control device and storing it in the third storage unit of the wireless device.

4. Furthermore, it includes a cloud server and a gateway, The wireless device is configured to establish a communication link with the cloud server by operating the communication device, thereby synchronously updating the set of predetermined data stored in the third storage unit of the wireless device and storing it in the fourth storage unit of the cloud server. The wireless device is configured to establish a communication link with the cloud server via the gateway. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 3, wherein the communication device is configured to establish a communication link with the cloud server.

5. The aforementioned power module includes a power supply unit and a back boost charger. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit is configured to supply power to the buck boost charger by wired or wireless means, and the buck boost charger is configured to transmit power from the power supply unit to at least one of the control device, the control unit, and the electronic module.

6. The power supply unit includes a power converter, which is configured to be electrically connected to a utility power supply. The power module further includes a power storage unit, which is electrically connected to the buck boost charger and configured to store power transmitted from the buck boost charger. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 5, wherein, when the utility power supply stops supplying power, the power storage unit is configured to supply the stored power to at least one of the control device, the control unit, and the electronic module.

7. The power supply unit includes an electronic device, which is configured to supply power to the back boost charger via a USB Type-C cable. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 5, wherein the back boost charger is configured to transmit power from the electronic device to at least one of the control device, the control unit, and the electronic module.

8. The cabinet body and Multiple first control units and multiple second control units, Each of the multiple first electronic modules and the multiple second electronic modules includes a drive device, and the drive device is configured to drive and move the multiple first electronic modules and the multiple second electronic modules, A plurality of movable members arranged on the cabinet body and movable between a retracted position and an open position relative to the cabinet body, each movable member being controlled by a corresponding pair of the first control unit and the second control unit and a corresponding pair of the first electronic module and the second electronic module so as to be opened from the retracted position, A control device located in the cabinet body, comprising the first control unit, the second control unit, the first electronic module, and the second electronic module, which are electrically connected by a wired connection. A power supply module configured to supply power to the control device, A communication device configured to transmit a predetermined signal, wherein the content of the predetermined signal includes an identification code. When the control device receives a predetermined signal, it is configured to notify the pair of the first and second control units corresponding to the identification code, and to control the drive devices of the corresponding pair of the first and second electronic modules to move the drive member, switching from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, thereby enabling the movable member corresponding to the identification code to move from the retracted position. Intelligent cabinet system.

9. The movable member is a drawer, and the intelligent cabinet system further comprises a plurality of slide rail assemblies configured to support a plurality of the movable members accordingly. Each slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, and an elastic member, wherein the first rail is configured to be attached to the cabinet body, and the second rail is movable relative to the first rail and configured to support the movable member. When the movable member is in the retracted position relative to the cabinet body, the elastic member is configured to accumulate a predetermined elastic force. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 8, wherein when the drive member is moved to switch from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, the elastic member is configured to release a predetermined elastic force, and thereby, in accordance with the predetermined elastic force released from the elastic member, the second rail is configured to drive the movable member to move from the retracted position to the open position.

10. The aforementioned power module includes a power supply unit and a back boost charger. The power supply unit is configured to supply power to the buck boost charger by wire or wireless means, and the buck boost charger is configured to transmit power from the power supply unit to at least one of the control device, the first control unit, the second control unit, the first electronic module, and the second electronic module. The power supply unit includes a power converter, which is configured to be electrically connected to a utility power supply. The power module further includes a power storage unit, which is electrically connected to the buck boost charger and configured to store power transmitted from the buck boost charger. The intelligent cabinet system according to claim 8, wherein, when the utility power supply stops supplying power, the power storage unit is configured to supply the stored power to at least one of the control device, the first control unit, the second control unit, the first electronic module, and the second electronic module.

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