Method for finding items for an intelligent cabinet system, and method for generating item-related information.
The intelligent cabinet system uses cameras and voice input to locate items by controlling drawer movement, addressing the issue of forgotten item locations and improving retrieval efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KING SLIDE TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Users often forget which drawer an item is stored in a cabinet and spend time searching for it due to the lack of efficient item location tracking.
An intelligent cabinet system equipped with a control device, electronic modules, and communication devices that utilize cameras and voice input to capture item identification features, search for corresponding item information, and control drawer movement based on stored data.
Facilitates quick and accurate retrieval of items by automatically moving drawers to their open positions upon request, enhancing user convenience and reducing search time.
Smart Images
Figure 2026073926000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cabinet system, and more specifically, to a method for finding an item for an intelligent cabinet system and a method for generating item-related information.
Background Art
[0002] In the prior art, a cabinet usually includes a plurality of movable parts, such as drawers. Drawers can store items. However, users may store various types of items in the drawers. Users often forget which drawer a specific item is stored in, and it takes time to find the item in the cabinet.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present invention provides an intelligent cabinet system, a method for finding an item for the intelligent cabinet system, and a method for generating item-related information.
[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for finding an item for an intelligent cabinet system is provided, and the intelligent cabinet system includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers 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 and including a first storage unit, a control unit electrically connected to the control device, an electronic module electrically connected to the control unit and including a driving device, the driving device being configured to drive a driving member to move, a communication device including a processing module, a second storage unit, and a camera module, At least one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit pre-stores a predetermined set of data, the predetermined set of data includes item information of at least one item and location information corresponding to the item information. The control unit is electrically connected to the control device via a wired connection, and the electronic module is electrically connected to the control unit via a wired connection. A method for finding an item, The steps include capturing identification features of a predetermined item using the camera module of a communication device, The processing module performs the step of searching for corresponding item information within a predetermined set of data according to the captured identification features, The process includes the step of, when corresponding item information is found, the communication device transmits a predetermined signal according to the location information corresponding to the found item information, When the control device receives a predetermined signal, it notifies the control unit, controls the drive device to move the drive member, and switches from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, thereby enabling the drawer corresponding to the position information to move from the retracted position.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for finding articles for an intelligent cabinet system is provided, and the intelligent cabinet system is The cabinet body and Multiple drawers are arranged in the cabinet body and are movable between a retracted position and an open position relative to the cabinet body, A control unit, including a first memory unit, is located in the cabinet body. A control unit electrically connected to the control device, An electronic module electrically connected to a control unit, including a drive device, the drive device being configured to drive and move a drive member, The communication device includes a processing module, a second storage unit, and an audio input module. At least one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit pre-stores a predetermined set of data, the predetermined set of data includes item information of at least one item and location information corresponding to the item information. The control unit is electrically connected to the control device via a wired connection, and the electronic module is electrically connected to the control unit via a wired connection. A method for finding an item, The steps include enabling the voice function of a communication device and allowing a user to input a voice message related to a given item via a voice input module, The processing module performs the step of searching for corresponding item information within a predetermined set of data in response to a voice message, The process includes the step of, when corresponding item information is found, the communication device transmits a predetermined signal according to the location information corresponding to the found item information, When the control device receives a predetermined signal, it notifies the control unit, controls the drive device to move the drive member, and switches from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, thereby enabling the drawer corresponding to the position information to move from the retracted position.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for generating article-related information for an intelligent cabinet system is provided, and the intelligent cabinet system is The cabinet body and Multiple drawers are arranged in the cabinet body and are movable between a retracted position and an open position relative to the cabinet body, A control unit, including a first memory unit, is located in the cabinet body. A control unit electrically connected to the control device, An electronic module electrically connected to a control unit, including a drive device, the drive device being configured to drive and move a drive member, A communication device on which an application program is installed, and which includes a processing module, a second storage unit, and a camera module. A method for generating information related to goods, The steps include: activating the camera module of the communication device using an application program, and capturing the QR code displayed on the receipt of a specified item through the lens of the camera module; The processing module generates the contents of the item according to the QR code, The system includes the steps of generating item information according to the contents of an item and storing the item information in a second storage unit by an application program.
[0007] 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]
[0008] [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 that are electrically connected to each other via wires, the control unit being configured to control a corresponding movable member. [Figure 6] 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 7] A diagram showing a state in which a control device, a control unit, and an electronic module are electrically connected to each other in a wired manner with the second rail retracted with respect to the first rail of the slide rail assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a state in which a control device, a control unit, and an electronic module are electrically connected to each other in a wired manner when the second rail of the slide rail assembly is moved to the open position according to the elastic force of the elastic member, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] A diagram showing one of the movable members that are open in the cabinet body of the intelligent cabinet system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and one of the movable members in which one article is stored. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the configuration of a communication device in an intelligent cabinet system provided with a communication device in which an application program is installed, and the screen of the communication device displays the functions of the application program, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the screen of a communication device that displays article information and position information, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the configuration of a communication device having a camera module capable of capturing the identification features of an article. [Figure 13] A flowchart for finding an article stored in an intelligent cabinet system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Another flowchart for finding an article stored in an intelligent cabinet system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] A diagram showing a communication device capable of capturing a QR code (registered trademark) on a receipt. [Figure 16] A flowchart showing the generation of related information of an article in an intelligent cabinet system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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).
[0013] As shown in Figure 4, the intelligent cabinet system 20 further comprises a plurality of control units located in the cabinet body 22. For example, the first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b are arranged in a pair, adjacent to each other on the left and right sides, respectively, of the bottom of the corresponding drawers. The first control unit 40a and the second control unit 40b have substantially identical structural configurations. In this 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. Furthermore, 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 electrically connected to the control device 32 by a wired connection.
[0014] 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.
[0015] The communication device 42, the wireless device 44, and the control device 32 are configured to be linked to each other via wireless communication. In this 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 this 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® technology. In other embodiments, the communication device 42 may establish a communication link with the control device 32 using Bluetooth® technology.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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).
[0029] 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, 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) via cables 58. Thus, the power supply module 60 may supply the power required by the control unit 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) via the system power port 68. The power supply module 60 is electrically connected to the system power port 68 via a wired connection (e.g., via a Controller Area Network Bus (CAN bus) or an RS485 communication cable).
[0030] 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 6). 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] As shown in Figure 6, 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.
[0033] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the process of opening a drawer (e.g., the second drawer 24b) in the cabinet body 22. While Figures 7 and 8 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 7).
[0034] 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 7) to the second predetermined state K2 (shown in Figure 8), and enabling the second drawer 24b to move from the retracted position P1.
[0035] 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. As a result, the second rail 28 is driven in response to the predetermined elastic force F released from the elastic member 86, and the second drawer 24b is configured to move from the retracted position P1 (shown in Figure 7) to the open position P2 (shown in Figure 8). 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, when the second drawer 24b is in the open position P2 relative to the cabinet body 22, the user may place and store the first predetermined item 90 (such as soap as shown in Figure 9, 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 provides 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 10). 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.
[0038] Furthermore, the user can input item information 100 and location information 102 through the item function 94 (shown in Figure 11). 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 12) 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.
[0039] Preferably, the item information 100 includes information about the item name, quantity, price, and / or date of the first predetermined item 90 (shown in Figure 11). 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.
[0040] Preferably, the first designated article 90 has a first identification feature 104 (shown in Figure 9), 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.
[0041] As shown in Figure 12, 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 11). The communication device 42 is configured to find items stored in the intelligent cabinet system 20.
[0042] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, 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.
[0043] Furthermore, the user can walk to a suitable position 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.
[0044] Therefore, the user can find the items stored in the drawers of the intelligent cabinet system 20 by the following method.
[0045] A method for finding an item for the intelligent cabinet system 20 comprises the following steps: Step S10: Using the lens of the camera module of the communication device, capture an identification feature on the designated item. In step S10, the user can select the barcode function 96 (shown in Figure 10) 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, capture (or scan) the same identification feature 118 as the first identification feature 104 of the first designated item 90 described above on the second designated item 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 item 116, such as the item name and price of the second designated item 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 item. The application program can acquire relevant information about the second designated item 116 based on the photograph taken by the camera module 108. For example, the application program can perform text recognition based on the photograph of the second designated item 116 and acquire the item name of the second designated item 116. Alternatively, the application program can perform pattern comparison on the web based on the photograph of the second designated item 116 and acquire the item name of the second designated item 116.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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 the first predetermined state K1 (see also Figure 7) to the second predetermined state K2 (see also Figure 8). This allows 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 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] As shown in Figures 12 and 14, 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:
[0051] 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 10) 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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 7) to the second predetermined state K2 (see also Figure 8). This makes it possible for the drawer storing the first predetermined item 90 (for example, 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] Refer to Figure 15. Also, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the user can create item information 100 for an item and location information 102 for the drawer in which the item is stored (e.g., the second drawer 24b) through the item function 94 (shown in Figure 10) in the application program's operating interface 92.
[0057] As shown in Figure 16, the method for generating item-related information for an intelligent cabinet system comprises the following steps.
[0058] Step S30: The camera module of the communication device is activated by the application program, and the QR code (registered trademark) on the receipt for the specified item is captured through the lens of the camera module. In step S30, the user can activate the camera module 108 of the communication device 42 by the application program, and capture (or scan) the QR code (registered trademark) 122 on the receipt 120 (receipt, acknowledgment 120) for the specified item (e.g., first specified item 90 or second specified item 116) through the lens 114 of the camera module 108. For example, if a user purchases a specified item at a store, the store issues the user a receipt with a QR code (registered trademark) containing purchase information for the specified item (item name, quantity, price, and / or date, etc.).
[0059] Step S32: The processing module generates the contents of the item according to the QR code (registered trademark). In step S32, the processing module 106 generates the contents of the item according to the QR code (registered trademark) 122, and the contents of the item include the name of the specified item purchased, the quantity, the price and / or the date. The contents of the item are displayed accordingly on the screen 43 of the display module 112. For example, the specified item purchased by the user may be soap, the quantity purchased may be 3, the purchase price may be 90 yen, and / or the purchase date may be June 6, 2023.
[0060] Step S34: Generate item information according to the contents of the item, and store the item information in the second storage unit 52 by the application program. In step S34, the user can quickly and easily create item information 100 (see also Figure 11) according to the information in the contents of the item by the application program. Furthermore, the item information 100 is stored in the second storage unit 52 (see also Figure 15) by the application program. Preferably, the item-related information generation method further includes a step in which the screen 43 of the communication device 42 displays the item information 100.
[0061] Preferably, the method for generating item-related information further includes the step of placing and storing a predetermined item (e.g., a first predetermined item 90 or a second predetermined item 116) in one of the drawers, and then storing the location information 102 of the predetermined item (e.g., second drawer 24b) in a second storage unit 52. For example, a user can manually input the location information 102 of the predetermined item through an application program. Alternatively, if a user uses an application program to create item information 100 by selecting to open one of the drawers, the application program automatically sets the location information 102 of the predetermined item to the opened drawer. Once the location information 102 of the predetermined item is input or set, the application program further stores the location information 102 in the second storage unit 52.
[0062] Preferably, the method for generating item-related information further includes the step of displaying item information 100 and location information 102 on the screen 43 of the communication device 42.
[0063] Preferably, the method for generating item-related information further includes the step of editing item information 100 and location information 102 on a screen 43 using an application program.
[0064] Preferably, the method for generating item-related information further includes the steps of establishing a wireless communication link between the communication device 42 and the control device 32, synchronously updating the item information 100 and location information 102 stored in the second storage unit 52, and storing them in the first storage unit 50.
[0065] Accordingly, the intelligent cabinet system 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features.
[0066] 1. The user can find items stored in movable parts (such as drawers) in the cabinet body 22 using the barcode function 96 and the voice function 98. The item function 94 may enable the user to input item information 100 and location information 102 into the communication device 42.
[0067] 2. The control device 32 is located in the cabinet body 22. Furthermore, 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) are electrically interconnected by a wired connection to avoid electromagnetic interference and to improve communication quality.
[0068] 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. A method for finding articles for an intelligent cabinet system, the intelligent cabinet system is The cabinet body and The cabinet body comprises a plurality of drawers, which are arranged within the cabinet body and are movable between a retracted position and an open position relative to the cabinet body. The control device, which includes a first storage unit, is 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, The system includes a communication device comprising a processing module, a second storage unit, and a camera module. At least one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit stores a predetermined set of data in advance, and the predetermined set of data includes item information of at least one item and location information corresponding to the item information. A method for finding an item, The steps include capturing identification features of a predetermined item using the camera module of the communication device, The processing module performs the step of searching for corresponding item information within the predetermined set of data according to the captured identification features, The process includes the step of, when the corresponding item information is found, the communication device transmits a predetermined signal according to the location information corresponding to the found item information, A method for finding an item, wherein when the control device receives a predetermined signal, the control device notifies the control unit, controls the drive device to move the drive member, and switches from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, thereby enabling the drawer corresponding to the position information to move from the retracted position.
2. moreover, If the corresponding item information is found, the screen of the communication device displays the corresponding options for the location information corresponding to the found item information. The process includes the step of, if the corresponding item information cannot be found, the screen of the communication device displays a message indicating an identification error, The screen is a touchscreen, and the identification feature is a barcode or a QR code. A method for finding an article according to claim 1, wherein both the first storage unit and the second storage unit pre-store the set of predetermined data.
3. The intelligent cabinet system further includes a plurality of slide rail assemblies configured to support a plurality of the drawers, 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 drawer. When the drawer is in the retracted position relative to the cabinet body, the elastic member is configured to accumulate a predetermined elastic force. The method for finding an item further includes a step in which the elastic member releases a predetermined elastic force when the drive member is moved to switch from the first predetermined state to the second predetermined state, The method for finding an article according to claim 1, wherein, in response to a predetermined elastic force released from the elastic member, the second rail drives the drawer to move from the retracted position to the open position.
4. A method for finding an article according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of establishing a wireless communication link between the communication device and the control device, synchronously updating the set of predetermined data previously stored in at least one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit, and storing it in the other of the first storage unit and the second storage unit.
5. The intelligent cabinet system further includes a wireless device and a cloud server, moreover, The steps include linking the communication device with the control device via the wireless device, The steps include: operating the communication device to establish a communication link between the wireless device and the control device, 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; A method for finding an article according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: operating the communication device to establish a communication link between the wireless device and the cloud server; 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.
6. The intelligent cabinet system further includes a gateway, The wireless device is linked to the cloud server via the gateway, The method for finding an article according to claim 5, further comprising the step of establishing a wireless communication link between the communication device and the cloud server.
7. A method for finding an article according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the control device by a wire, and the electronic module is electrically connected to the control unit by a wire.
8. A method for finding articles for an intelligent cabinet system, the intelligent cabinet system is The cabinet body and The cabinet body comprises a plurality of drawers, which are arranged within the cabinet body and are movable between a retracted position and an open position relative to the cabinet body. The control device, which includes a first storage unit, is 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, The communication device includes a processing module, a second storage unit, and an audio input module. At least one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit stores a predetermined set of data in advance, and the predetermined set of data includes item information of at least one item and location information corresponding to the item information. The control unit is electrically connected to the control device by a wired connection, and the electronic module is electrically connected to the control unit by a wired connection. A method for finding an item, The steps include enabling the voice function of the communication device and allowing the user to input a voice message related to a predetermined item via the voice input module, The processing module performs the steps of searching for corresponding item information within the set of predetermined data in response to the voice message, The process includes the step of, when the corresponding item information is found, the communication device transmits a predetermined signal according to the location information corresponding to the found item information, A method for finding an item, wherein when the control device receives a predetermined signal, the control device notifies the control unit, controls the drive device to move the drive member, and switches from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, thereby enabling the drawer corresponding to the position information to move from the retracted position.
9. A method for generating article-related information for an intelligent cabinet system, wherein the intelligent cabinet system is The cabinet body and The cabinet body comprises a plurality of drawers, which are arranged within the cabinet body and are movable between a retracted position and an open position relative to the cabinet body. The control device, which includes a first storage unit, is 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 communication device on which an application program is installed, and which includes a processing module, a second storage unit, and a camera module. A method for generating information related to goods, The steps include: activating the camera module of the communication device by the application program, and capturing a QR code displayed on a receipt for a predetermined item through the lens of the camera module; The processing module includes the steps of generating the contents of an item in accordance with the QR code, A method for generating article-related information, comprising the steps of generating article information according to the content of an article, and storing the article information in the second storage unit by the application program.
10. moreover, The steps include: placing the predetermined item in one of the drawers and storing it thereafter, and then storing the location information of the predetermined item in the second storage unit; The steps include establishing a wireless communication link between the communication device and the control device, synchronously updating the item information and location information stored in the second storage unit, and storing them in the first storage unit, The method for generating article-related information according to claim 9, further comprising the step of displaying the article information and the location information on the touchscreen of the communication device.