Management method for logistics smart locks, and smart cabinet

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a management method for logistics smart locks, and a smart cabinet. The management method is applied to a management system for logistics smart locks, wherein a management platform of the management system stores a plurality of pieces of upper-level lock information that match a plurality of logistics smart locks. The management method comprises: respectively collecting health state information of a plurality of logistics smart locks, wherein each logistics smart lock is stored in a different storage compartment of a smart cabinet of the management system; in response to the reception of a lock requirement instruction that comprises upper-level lock information, determining, from among a plurality of storage compartments that store logistics smart locks, a first target storage compartment where a first logistics smart lock, the health state information of which meets a usage requirement, and local lock information of which matches the lock requirement instruction, is located, wherein the local lock information comprises site information and attribute information of the logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartment; and sending an opening instruction to the first target storage compartment.

Description

Management methods for smart locks and smart cabinets in logistics

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411958278.X, filed on December 27, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the technical field of warehousing and logistics, and more specifically, to a management method for a smart lock and a smart cabinet. Background Technology

[0003] In the process of cargo transportation, especially in the logistics links between different countries and regions, smart locks play a crucial role in ensuring cargo safety, guaranteeing the effectiveness of supervision, and improving customs clearance efficiency. Almost all import and export goods require the use of smart locks for sealing and protection during transportation. The use of smart locks is particularly indispensable for high-risk goods, sensitive commodities, and goods requiring strict supervision.

[0004] As the types and quantities of smart locks in logistics increase, the traditional warehouse and manual management approach suffers from problems such as chaotic warehouse management, low operational efficiency, and lack of outbound diagnostics. This affects the transparency and tracking capabilities of goods in the supply chain and increases the risks of goods during transportation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this disclosure provides a management method for logistics smart locks and a smart cabinet, which can reduce the risks caused by logistics smart lock malfunctions during the transportation of goods.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure provides a management method for logistics smart locks, applied to a management system for logistics smart locks. The management platform of the management system stores information on multiple higher-level locks that match the multiple logistics smart locks. The higher-level lock information includes attribute information and permitted site information, whereby the site information includes origin information and destination information. The management method includes:

[0007] The health status information of multiple smart logistics locks is collected separately, and each smart logistics lock is stored in a different storage compartment of the smart cabinet in the above management system.

[0008] In response to receiving a lock request instruction including the aforementioned higher-level lock information, the system determines, from multiple storage compartments storing logistics smart locks, the location of a first target storage compartment containing a first logistics smart lock whose health status information meets the usage requirements and whose local lock information matches the aforementioned lock request instruction; wherein the aforementioned local lock information includes the site information and attribute information of the logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartment; and

[0009] Send an open command to the first target storage compartment.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the above management method further includes:

[0011] The aforementioned smart cabinet, in response to the received second lock information from the second logistics smart lock, generates a lock storage instruction;

[0012] According to the above lock storage instructions, a second target storage compartment is determined from the multiple storage compartments of the above smart cabinet that do not store logistics smart locks;

[0013] Send an open command to the second target storage compartment; and

[0014] After the second smart lock is placed into the second target storage compartment, the storage information of the second target storage compartment is bound to the information of the second lock.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, after the second logistics smart lock is placed into the second target storage compartment, the method further includes:

[0016] Obtain the tag information on the aforementioned second smart lock;

[0017] Compare the above label information with the above second lock information;

[0018] If the aforementioned label information matches the aforementioned second lock information, the storage information of the aforementioned second target storage compartment is bound to the aforementioned second lock information; and

[0019] If the label information does not match the second lock information, a prompt message will be issued.

[0020] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the above management method further includes:

[0021] After the first smart lock stored in the first target storage compartment is removed, the storage information of the first target storage compartment is unbound from the first lock information of the first smart lock.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the aforementioned health status information includes: the attribute information, battery level, health status, and usage frequency of the aforementioned smart logistics lock.

[0023] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the lock information further includes a lock number, with each of the aforementioned smart locks having a unique lock number, and the management method further includes:

[0024] Based on the lock number of the smart lock stored in each storage compartment, a communication connection is established with each of the aforementioned smart locks; and

[0025] Obtain the attribute information and health status of each of the above-mentioned smart logistics locks.

[0026] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the above management method further includes:

[0027] Charge the smart locks for logistics stored in each storage compartment;

[0028] Obtain the charging current of each smart lock located in each storage compartment; and

[0029] Based on the attribute information matched to each of the aforementioned smart logistics locks, the battery level of each smart logistics lock and its charging status are determined.

[0030] As another aspect of this disclosure, a smart cabinet applying any of the above-described management methods is provided. The management platform includes a local processor and a remote processor. The smart cabinet includes a cabinet body and a local processor. The cabinet body has multiple storage compartments that can be opened or closed. The local processor is installed in the cabinet body and is communicatively connected to the remote processor. The local processor is configured to collect health status information of each logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartments. In response to a lock demand command issued by the remote processor, the local processor determines, from the multiple storage compartments storing logistics smart locks, the first target storage compartment containing a first logistics smart lock whose health status information meets the usage requirements and whose local lock information matches the lock demand command, and sends an opening command to the first target storage compartment to open the first target storage compartment.

[0031] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cabinet interior forms an installation space and a storage space adjacent to the installation space. The smart cabinet also includes multiple first partitions and second partitions. The multiple first partitions are installed within the storage space to divide it into multiple storage compartments. The second partitions are arranged parallel to the width direction of the cabinet on the side of each of the multiple storage compartments opposite to the cabinet door, suitable for isolating each storage compartment from the installation space. The second partitions are made of insulating material and form multiple through holes to allow the local processor to communicate with each logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartment through these through holes.

[0032] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the smart locker further includes multiple charging devices, each of which has a charging head extending into each storage compartment to charge the smart lock after the charging head is inserted into it. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a logistics smart lock management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 schematically shows a first-view perspective view of the smart cabinet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 schematically shows a second perspective view of the smart cabinet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] The following are the labels in the attached diagram: 1-Cabinet; 11-Storage compartment; 12-Second partition; 13-Touch screen; 14-Lighting light; 15-Receipt printing device; 16-Barcode scanning device; 17-Cassette wheel; 18-Mounting base; 19-Rain cover; 101-Fan; 102-Monitoring equipment; 103-Router; 2-Local processor; 21-Control board; 22-Driver board; 23-Industrial computer; 24-Switching power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0040] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0041] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C", they should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning that is commonly understood by a person skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having A alone, a system having B alone, a system having C alone, a system having A and B, a system having A and C, a system having B and C, and / or a system having A, B, and C, etc.).

[0042] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the collection, updating, analysis, processing, use, transmission, provision, disclosure, and storage of data (e.g., including but not limited to user personal information) comply with relevant laws and regulations, are used for legitimate purposes, and do not violate public order and good morals. In particular, necessary measures have been taken to prevent unauthorized access to user personal information data and to safeguard user personal information security, network security, and national security.

[0043] In the embodiments disclosed herein, user authorization or consent is obtained before acquiring or collecting user personal information.

[0044] In the process of developing this disclosure, it was discovered that traditional shelving-style warehouses struggle to effectively classify and organize different types of smart locks for logistics. Manual management is prone to issues such as unclear placement and mixed storage, making it difficult to quickly locate specific smart locks when needed, thus reducing work efficiency. Manual inventory checks of smart locks are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, making it impossible to accurately grasp inventory status in a timely manner, potentially leading to inventory backlogs or shortages. The manual issuance and retrieval of smart locks is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring staff to verify information and record issuance and retrieval details one by one, which is prone to errors and delays. The storage warehouses for smart locks are typically far from where they are attached and detached, resulting in high operational time costs. Furthermore, the lack of outbound diagnostics before smart locks are retrieved means that faulty locks may be reused, causing anomalies in logistics monitoring.

[0045] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a logistics smart lock management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] As one aspect of this disclosure, a management method for logistics smart locks is provided, applied to a management system for logistics smart locks. The management platform of the management system stores multiple upper-level lock information that matches multiple logistics smart locks. The upper-level lock information includes attribute information and allowed station information, where the station information includes origin information and destination information. As shown in Figure 1, the management method includes operations S100 to S120.

[0047] During operation of S100, health status information of multiple smart locks is collected. Each smart lock is stored in a different storage compartment of the smart cabinet in the management system.

[0048] In operation S110, in response to receiving a lock demand command including upper-level lock information, the system determines from multiple storage compartments storing logistics smart locks the first target storage compartment where the first logistics smart lock's health status information meets the usage requirements and its local lock information matches the lock demand command; wherein, the local lock information includes the site information and attribute information of the logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartment.

[0049] In operation S120, an open command is sent to the first target storage compartment.

[0050] According to the logistics smart lock management method of this disclosure, each logistics smart lock is stored in a separate storage compartment of a smart cabinet. By automatically collecting the health status information of the logistics smart locks stored in each storage compartment, the management platform can quickly assess which logistics smart locks are in a usable state, thereby improving management efficiency and reducing the time and labor required for manual inspection. After receiving lock information, among multiple storage compartments storing logistics smart locks, a first target storage compartment is determined to contain the first logistics smart lock whose health status information meets the usage requirements and whose local lock information matches the lock requirement instruction. This ensures that only logistics smart locks in good condition are used to seal and protect goods, thereby reducing the risk caused by logistics smart lock malfunctions during transportation.

[0051] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a smart logistics lock is a lock that utilizes electronic and communication technologies to achieve remote control, status monitoring, and data recording, and is widely used in logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management. It can be combined with a Global Positioning System (GPS) or other positioning technologies to achieve real-time tracking of goods.

[0052] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the attribute information of a smart logistics lock may include at least one of the following: type of smart logistics lock, security features, associated container or transport vehicle information, and type of goods (such as perishable goods, dangerous goods, valuables, etc.).

[0053] In one illustrative embodiment, different types of goods require matching smart locks with corresponding types of containers. For goods requiring frequent loading and unloading, simpler smart locks are needed to reduce operation time and improve efficiency. For valuable goods, smart locks with advanced encryption, vandal-resistant design, and real-time tracking capabilities may be necessary. For perishable goods, smart locks equipped with temperature and humidity sensors may be required to ensure the goods are transported under appropriate conditions. For bulk cargo, such as coal or ore, durable mechanical locks or smart locks with real-time positioning capabilities may be required.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by matching local lock information with upper-level lock information, it can be ensured that goods are safely transported between the correct origin and destination, preventing mis-distribution of goods. Furthermore, if the health status information meets the usage requirements, it can ensure that the logistics smart lock maintains sufficient power between the origin and destination, sustaining the required locking time between the origin and destination, thus ensuring the safety of goods transportation.

[0055] According to embodiments of this disclosure, both origin and destination information may include the name, address, and type of the station (such as distribution center, warehouse, transit station, terminal delivery point, etc.).

[0056] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the lock information also includes an identification code. Each of the smart logistics locks has a unique identification code, which represents the identity information of the smart logistics lock. For example, it can be one or more of the following: serial number, QR code, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, etc.

[0057] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the health status information includes one or more combinations of the following: the attribute information of the logistics smart lock, battery level, health status, and usage frequency.

[0058] In one illustrative embodiment, health status information can be prioritized, for example, by attribute information, health level, battery level, or frequency of use.

[0059] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the lock information also includes a lock number, with each of the logistics smart locks having a unique lock number.

[0060] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the management method further includes communicating with each smart lock based on the lock number of the smart lock stored in each storage compartment.

[0061] In one illustrative embodiment, the management platform can be connected to the smart locks stored in each storage compartment via Bluetooth.

[0062] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the management method further includes acquiring attribute information, health status, and usage frequency of each logistics smart lock.

[0063] According to embodiments of this disclosure, usage frequency can be statistically analyzed by the management system, and the attribute information and health status of each logistics smart lock can be read from each logistics smart lock.

[0064] In one illustrative embodiment, the management platform performs real-time comprehensive sorting of the smart locks located in each storage compartment according to type, health status, battery status, and usage frequency. This allows it to identify a first smart lock from among multiple smart locks of the same type that meet the lock requirement instructions, possessing the correct site information, high health status, acceptable battery status, and low usage frequency. Based on the storage information of each compartment, the platform then identifies a first target storage compartment containing the first smart lock and sends an opening command to that compartment, thus opening it.

[0065] In one illustrative embodiment, when a smart lock needs to be retrieved, the user can scan the coded image (e.g., a QR code) on the smart locker through a management platform (e.g., via an application on a terminal device such as a mobile phone, laptop, or smartwatch), and then input the lock requirement command for the first smart lock to be retrieved to open the first target storage compartment containing the first smart lock. The coded image on the smart locker can represent at least one of the following: locker number, location, etc.

[0066] In another illustrative embodiment, when a smart lock needs to be retrieved, the user can enter the lock number of the first smart lock to be retrieved into a management platform (e.g., through an application on a terminal device such as a mobile phone, laptop, or smartwatch) to query the locker number of the target smart lock. The location of the target smart locker is determined based on the locker number. After scanning the coded image (e.g., a QR code) on the target smart locker, the user enters the lock number of the second smart lock to generate a lock request command.

[0067] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the management method further includes:

[0068] The smart cabinet responds to the second lock information received from the second logistics smart lock and generates a lock storage instruction.

[0069] Based on the lock storage instruction, a second target storage compartment is determined from among the multiple storage compartments of the smart cabinet that do not contain a logistics smart lock.

[0070] Send an open command to the second target storage compartment.

[0071] After the second smart lock is placed into the second target storage compartment, the storage information of the second target storage compartment is bound to the information of the second lock.

[0072] In such an embodiment, by binding the information of the second target storage compartment with the information of the second lock, multiple smart locks stored in the storage compartment can be statistically analyzed according to the type of smart lock, which helps to facilitate real-time and visual management of inventory.

[0073] In one illustrative embodiment, when a smart lock for logistics needs to be stored, the coded image (e.g., a QR code) on a second smart lock for logistics after the user has used it can be scanned by a scanning device on the smart cabinet.

[0074] The scanning device uploads the scanned lock number information to the management platform, which then assigns a separate second target storage compartment to the corresponding second logistics smart lock according to the rules, and then sends an opening command to the second target storage compartment.

[0075] In another illustrative embodiment, when a smart lock needs to be stored, the user can generate a lock storage instruction by scanning the coded image (e.g., a QR code) on the smart locker through a management platform (e.g., via an application on a terminal device such as a mobile phone, laptop, or smartwatch) and then entering the lock number of the second logistics smart lock. The coded image on the smart locker can represent at least one of the following: locker number, location, etc.

[0076] In one illustrative embodiment, the management platform can sort multiple storage compartments that do not store a smart lock according to their serial numbers and sequentially assign a second target storage compartment. If some of the storage compartments that do not store a smart lock malfunction, the malfunctioning compartments are skipped.

[0077] For example, multiple storage compartments containing smart locks are numbered 1, 4, 27, and 30. When a smart lock needs to be stored, the smart cabinet, in response to receiving the second lock information from the second smart lock, can determine that the storage compartment numbered 1 is the second target storage compartment. Alternatively, it can determine that the storage compartment numbered 30 is the second target storage compartment.

[0078] For example, multiple storage compartments containing smart locks are numbered 2, 4, 16, and 17. When a smart lock needs to be stored, if the smart cabinet, in response to the received second lock information of the second smart lock, malfunctions in storage compartment number 2 (e.g., charging failure, communication failure, door opening / closing failure, etc.), then storage compartment number 4 can be identified as the second target storage compartment.

[0079] According to embodiments of this disclosure, after the second smart lock is placed into the second target storage compartment, the following steps are also included:

[0080] Obtain the tag information from the smart lock on the second logistics line;

[0081] Compare the tag information with the second lock information;

[0082] If the tag information matches the second lock information, the storage information of the second target storage compartment is bound to the second lock information; and

[0083] If the tag information does not match the second lock information, a prompt message will be issued.

[0084] In such an embodiment, by obtaining the tag information on the second smart lock, the tag information can be compared with the second lock information. If the tag information and the second lock information do not match, a prompt message (such as an audio prompt, a sound and light prompt, or a pop-up prompt on the management platform) can be issued. This can immediately remind that the smart lock used in the storage compartment is not the smart lock that should be placed there, thus avoiding the phenomenon of misplacement, multiple placement, or no placement of smart locks, and preventing logistics chaos or loss caused by incorrect placement.

[0085] In one illustrative embodiment, each storage compartment is equipped with a high-frequency RFID module. The high-frequency RFID module in each compartment reads the RFID tag on the smart lock placed inside, checking for misplacement, multiple placements, or absence of the smart lock. If the verification is successful, the management platform binds the storage information of the compartment with the lock information of the smart lock inside. If the tag information does not match the lock information of the smart lock to be placed in the compartment, a prompt message is issued (or the compartment can be opened) to remind the user to replace the smart lock.

[0086] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the management method further includes: after the first logistics smart lock stored in the first target storage compartment is removed, unbinding the storage information of the first target storage compartment from the first lock information of the first logistics smart lock.

[0087] In this embodiment, after the storage information of the first target storage compartment is unbound from the first lock information of the first logistics smart lock, the management platform will know that the first target storage compartment is now empty and can be used to store other logistics smart locks, which can improve the utilization efficiency of the storage compartment. Furthermore, the automated unbinding process reduces manual operation steps and improves the management efficiency of the logistics smart locks.

[0088] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the management method further includes charging the logistics smart locks stored in each storage compartment.

[0089] In this embodiment, by charging the smart lock placed in each storage compartment, the smart lock can be ensured to work normally when needed, and its normal use will not be affected by insufficient power.

[0090] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the management method further includes: acquiring the charging current of each logistics smart lock located in each storage compartment.

[0091] In this embodiment, acquiring the charging current allows for real-time monitoring of the charging status of each smart lock, ensuring the charging process proceeds normally. Furthermore, by monitoring the charging current, abnormalities during the charging process can be detected promptly, such as charger malfunctions or battery problems, allowing for preventative measures to be taken to avoid potential failures.

[0092] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the management method further includes: determining the battery level of each smart lock based on the attribute information matched to each smart lock, and determining the charging status of each smart lock.

[0093] In such an embodiment, the current power level of each smart lock can be determined more accurately based on the charging current and the attribute information of the smart lock (such as battery capacity, charging efficiency, etc.).

[0094] As another aspect of this disclosure, a smart cabinet applying any of the above-described management methods is provided. The management platform includes a local processor and a remote processor. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the smart cabinet includes a cabinet body 1 and a local processor 2. The cabinet body 1 has multiple storage compartments 11 that can be opened or closed. The local processor 2 is installed inside the cabinet body 1 and is communicatively connected to the remote processor. The local processor 2 is configured to collect health status information of each logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartments. In response to a lock demand command issued by the remote processor, the local processor 2 determines, from the multiple storage compartments storing logistics smart locks, the first target storage compartment containing a first logistics smart lock whose health status information meets the usage requirements and whose local lock information matches the lock demand command, and sends an opening command to the first target storage compartment to open the first target storage compartment.

[0095] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a remote processor can manage multiple smart cabinets simultaneously, each smart cabinet may have a unique number or coded image.

[0096] In one illustrative embodiment, a smart cabinet may have 10, 26, 30, or 35 individual storage compartments. It is understood that the specific number of storage compartments can be designed according to actual needs.

[0097] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication link between the local processor and the remote processor may include various connection types, such as wired and / or wireless communication links, etc.

[0098] According to embodiments of this disclosure, users can use a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a third terminal device, etc., to interact with a remote processor via a network to receive or send messages, etc. Various communication client applications can be installed on the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the third terminal device, such as shopping applications, web browser applications, search applications, instant messaging tools, email clients, and / or social platform software, etc. (only examples). It is understood that, depending on implementation needs, any number of terminal devices, networks, and servers can be included.

[0099] The first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the third terminal device can be various electronic devices with a display screen and support web browsing, including but not limited to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

[0100] A remote processor can be a server that provides various services, such as a backend management server that supports websites browsed by users using a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and a third terminal device (for example only). The backend management server can analyze and process data such as received user requests, and feed back the processing results (such as web pages, information, or data obtained or generated according to user requests) to the terminal devices.

[0101] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the smart cabinet can be installed in a location close to the unlocking or padlocking point, as needed.

[0102] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the remote processor can be a processor of a logistics monitoring platform.

[0103] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in FIG3, the cabinet 1 forms an installation space and a storage space adjacent to the installation space. The smart cabinet also includes multiple first partitions and second partitions 12. Multiple first partitions are installed within the storage space to divide the storage space into multiple storage compartments 11. Second partitions 12 are arranged parallel to the width direction of the cabinet 1 on the side of the multiple storage compartments opposite the cabinet door of each compartment, suitable for isolating each storage compartment from the installation space. The second partitions are made of insulating material and form multiple through holes to allow a local processor to communicate with each logistics smart lock stored in a storage compartment through the through holes.

[0104] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second partition can be made of acrylic material.

[0105] According to embodiments of this disclosure, each storage compartment of the smart cabinet is provided with a separate cabinet door, which opens in response to an opening command.

[0106] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a touch screen 13 is installed on the smart cabinet to display information (such as health status information, prompts, etc. of each smart lock located in the storage compartment) and for operation.

[0107] In one illustrative embodiment, a coded image of the smart cabinet can be formed on the touchscreen 13, and the coded image of the smart cabinet can correspond to the number of the smart cabinet.

[0108] In one illustrative embodiment, a barcode scanning device 16 is installed on the smart cabinet body 1. Users can scan the QR code on the smart lock to obtain the lock information of the smart lock.

[0109] In one illustrative embodiment, a receipt printing device 15 is installed on the smart cabinet body 1, which is used to print business vouchers.

[0110] In one illustrative embodiment, an operating light 14 is installed on the upper part of the smart cabinet to facilitate nighttime operation by the user.

[0111] In one illustrative embodiment, the local processor 2 includes a control board 21, a driver board 22, and an industrial computer 23.

[0112] In one illustrative embodiment, a control board 21 is provided in the installation space. The control board 21 is used to control the opening and closing of the cabinet doors of the storage compartments and to perform health self-checks on the smart locks of logistics. It also interacts with an industrial computer (e.g., an Android industrial computer) or a remote processor.

[0113] In one illustrative embodiment, a drive board 22 is provided within the installation space. The drive board 22 is used to control the charging of the smart logistics lock in each storage compartment and to send the detected charging current to the control board 21.

[0114] In one illustrative embodiment, the local processor 2 also includes a switching power supply 24. The switching power supply 24 is installed within the mounting space and is used to power the internal devices of the smart cabinet and to provide charging functionality for the logistics smart lock.

[0115] In one illustrative embodiment, the industrial computer 23 is used to load the local program for the operation cabinet.

[0116] In one illustrative embodiment, a router 103 is installed within the installation space, which can be used to provide network signals for communication connections with a remote processor.

[0117] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the smart locker also includes multiple charging devices, each charging device having a charging head that extends into each storage compartment to charge the smart lock after the charging head is inserted into it.

[0118] In such an embodiment, each charging device can have multiple types of charging heads to match different types of smart locks for logistics.

[0119] In an alternative embodiment, the charging device can be a wireless charging device.

[0120] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the charging device is controlled by the switching power supply 24 to charge the logistics smart lock.

[0121] In one illustrative embodiment, a cable outlet is formed at the top of the cabinet for leading out a signal antenna.

[0122] In one illustrative embodiment, the bottom of the cabinet is provided with a plurality of lockable casters 17 to facilitate movement of the cabinet and to lock the cabinet in a predetermined position.

[0123] In one illustrative embodiment, the bottom of the cabinet is provided with multiple outwardly extending mounting bases 18, which are used to fix the cabinet to the ground.

[0124] In one illustrative embodiment, the top of the cabinet is provided with a rain cover 19 to avoid the effects of direct sunlight and rain on the cabinet.

[0125] In one illustrative embodiment, the rear door of the cabinet is equipped with a cooling fan 101 for cooling the equipment inside the cabinet.

[0126] In one illustrative embodiment, the top of the cabinet is equipped with a monitoring device 102 (e.g., a camera) that can remotely monitor the smart cabinet in real time.

[0127] In one illustrative embodiment, before a smart logistics lock is put into use, information such as the usage site, lock number, and type must be entered into the management platform.

[0128] When users need to store their smart locks, they first scan the QR code on the smart lock using the scanning device on the smart cabinet. The smart cabinet then uploads the scanned lock number information to the management platform, which assigns a separate storage compartment to the corresponding smart lock according to the rules. After opening the compartment door, the user places the smart lock into the compartment, inserts the charging cable, and closes the door.

[0129] After the cabinet door is closed, the high-frequency RFID module inside the storage compartment reads the RFID tag on the smart lock to check for incorrect, multiple, or missing items on the smart lock. Once the check is successful, the management platform binds the smart lock to the storage compartment.

[0130] The management platform sorts the smart locks in the operation cabinets in real time by type, health status, power status, and usage frequency, and displays the results on the display screen on the smart cabinet.

[0131] When a user needs to retrieve the smart lock, the management platform will remotely open the first target storage compartment on the smart locker according to the screening order. After the door of the first target storage compartment is opened, the user unplugs the charging cable of the smart lock, takes out the smart lock, and closes the door. The management platform then unbinds the lock information of the smart lock from the storage information of the storage compartment.

[0132] By linking the storage information of the storage compartments with the lock information of the smart locks, the management platform can achieve inventory counting and management.

[0133] Based on the selection criteria, the management platform can recommend the most suitable smart locks for logistics to users, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of inventory management.

[0134] Information regarding the issuance and recycling of smart locks in logistics can be automatically recorded by the smart locker and management platform, which can significantly improve operational efficiency and avoid errors that may occur due to manual recording.

[0135] Smart lockers can be used in outdoor and semi-outdoor environments. By rationally planning the placement of the lockers, users can minimize the distance and time required to retrieve and return the locks, thereby improving user experience and operational efficiency.

[0136] When a user needs to store a smart lock, the smart locker, after obtaining the lock number of the smart lock to be stored, will establish a communication connection with the smart lock via the Bluetooth module on the control board and initiate the smart lock's self-test function. After the self-test is completed, the smart locker will upload the self-test results to the management platform and display and mark the smart lock's status on the smart locker's display screen. Users can also manually mark the health status of the smart lock according to actual operating conditions.

[0137] Through this self-inspection mechanism, the management platform can monitor the health status of each smart lock in real time. Smart locks with problems can be put back into use after appropriate repairs.

[0138] The smart locker also has a charging function. Each storage compartment is equipped with a variety of charging heads to meet the charging needs of different types of smart locks. The control board inside the smart locker reads the charging current of each compartment in real time and determines the power status and charging abnormalities of the lock based on the type of smart lock.

[0139] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations are not explicitly described in the present disclosure. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0140] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Although various embodiments have been described above, this does not mean that the measures in the various embodiments cannot be used advantageously in combination. Various substitutions and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

A management method of a logistics intelligent lock, applied to a management system of the logistics intelligent lock, a management platform of the management system storing a plurality of upper lock information matched with a plurality of the logistics intelligent lock, wherein the upper lock information comprises attribute information and site information allowing trial use, and the site information comprises departure information and destination information; wherein, The management method comprises: Respectively collecting health state information of a plurality of logistics intelligent locks, wherein each logistics intelligent lock is stored in a different storage compartment of an intelligent cabinet of the management system; In response to receiving a lock demand instruction comprising the upper lock information, determining, from a plurality of storage compartments storing the logistics intelligent lock, a first target storage compartment in which a first logistics intelligent lock with health state information meeting use requirements and local lock information matching the lock demand instruction is located; wherein the local lock information comprises site information and attribute information of the logistics intelligent lock stored in the storage compartment; and Sending an opening instruction to the first target storage compartment. The management method according to claim 1, further comprising: The intelligent cabinet generates a lock storage instruction in response to receiving second lock information of a second logistics intelligent lock; According to the lock storage instruction, a second target storage compartment is determined from a plurality of storage compartments of the intelligent cabinet which do not store the logistics intelligent lock; Sending an opening instruction to the second target storage compartment; and After the second logistics intelligent lock is placed in the second target storage compartment, the storage information of the second target storage compartment is bound with the second lock information. The management method according to claim 2, wherein The second logistics intelligent lock is placed in the second target storage compartment, further comprising: Obtaining label information on the second logistics intelligent lock; Comparing the label information with the second lock information; In the case that the label information matches the second lock information, the storage information of the second target storage compartment is bound with the second lock information; and In the case that the label information does not match the second lock information, a prompt information is sent. The management method according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: After the first logistics intelligent lock stored in the first target storage compartment is taken out, the storage information of the first target storage compartment is unbound with the first lock information of the first logistics intelligent lock. The management method according to claim 1, wherein The health state information comprises attribute information, power, health degree and use frequency of the logistics intelligent lock. The management method according to claim 5, wherein The lock information further comprises a lock number, each logistics intelligent lock has a unique lock number, and the management method further comprises: According to the lock number of the logistics intelligent lock stored in each storage compartment, each logistics intelligent lock is communicatively connected; and Obtaining attribute information and health degree of each logistics intelligent lock. The management method according to claim 6, further comprising: Charging the logistics intelligent lock stored in each storage compartment; Obtaining charging current of each logistics intelligent lock located in each storage compartment; and According to the attribute information matched with each logistics intelligent lock, judging power of each logistics intelligent lock, and judging charging state of each logistics intelligent lock. The intelligent cabinet comprises: An intelligent cabinet applying the management method of any one of claims 1-7, the management platform comprising a local processor and a remote processor, wherein, ​ A cabinet body has a plurality of openable or closable storage compartments; and A local processor is installed in the cabinet body and is in communication connection with the remote processor. The local processor is configured to collect health status information of each logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartments. The local processor determines a first target storage compartment in which a first logistics smart lock with health status information meeting the use requirements and local lock information matching the lock requirement instruction is located from a plurality of storage compartments storing logistics smart locks in response to the lock requirement instruction issued by the remote processor, and sends an opening instruction to the first target storage compartment to open the first target storage compartment. The intelligent cabinet according to claim 8, wherein, The cabinet body forms an installation space and a storage space adjacent to the installation space. The smart cabinet further comprises: A plurality of first partitions are installed in the storage space to separate the storage space into a plurality of storage compartments; and A second partition is arranged on the side opposite to the cabinet door of each storage compartment in parallel with the width direction of the cabinet body, and is suitable for isolating each storage compartment from the installation space; The second partition is made of insulating material and forms a plurality of through holes to allow the local processor to communicate with each logistics smart lock stored in the storage compartment through the plurality of through holes. The smart cabinet according to claim 8 further comprises: A plurality of charging devices, and a charging head of each charging device extends into each storage compartment to charge the logistics smart lock after the charging head is inserted into the logistics smart lock.

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