An intelligent item receptacle, system, and method for providing supplemental media content in response to depositing an item having media indicia disposed thereon. An intelligent item receptacle includes an item receptacle securely enclosing an interior volume, an item sensor configured to detect an inserted item, a camera within the interior volume configured to capture an image of the item, and an output configured to play audio or visual content to bystanders outside the item receptacle. Processing circuitry within the item receptacle analyzes the image to determine if the media indicia are present on the item and, if present, causes the output to play the audio or visual content associated with the media indicia.

Systems are disclosed for producing audio that is audible outside a collection box for delivery items, the collection box including a user-operated door. The system can include a trigger device, a sensor, an audio transducer that generates the produced audio from an audio signal, an audio chip and one or more processors. The sensor can detect the trigger device when the trigger device is in close proximity, and the one or more processors can be operably connected to the sensor and to the audio chip, where the one or more processors signal the audio chip to send the audio signal to the audio transducer. The one or more processors can further receive and record a status signal indicating that the door is in an opened state. Systems can further include an environmental sensor that measures environmental information.

An adaptive electric dual-controlled intelligent lock includes a mechanical clutching structure and an intelligent electronic control structure. The mechanical clutching structure includes a lock head, a lock cylinder and a lock tongue, wherein: the lock cylinder includes movable buckles, springs and a bearing. After being inserted into the keyhole of the lock head and then into the locked groove, a key is turned, the movable buckles move in an elastic range of the springs and drive the lock tongue connected with the bearing to swing, thereby realizing a mechanical unlocking process. The intelligent electronic control structure includes a PCB (printed circuit board), a motor and a shifting lever, wherein: a wireless control module is connected with an external mobile intelligent device; after the motor is started, the shifting lever pushes the movable buckles, so that the bearing drives the lock tongue to swing, thereby achieving an intelligent unlocking process.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for an automated mailbox system. The automated mailbox system includes a personal device configured to manage a robot. The robot includes a base that forms a foundation for the robot and is coupled to a post. The robot includes a mailbox having a door. The mailbox is configured to receive documents when in the open position. The robot includes a transportation component that moves the robot in multiple directions among multiple locations. The transportation component is configured to move the robot in a first direction to a first location.

This invention involves a novel method, device, system and apparatus to receive return or exchange goods and services at one's doorstep securely. The invention involves a novel security apparatus and a parcel receptacle. The security apparatus is connectable to any fixture, including to one or more parcel receptacles. The parcel receptacles can be of many types. The parcel receptacles can be secured via a physical cable and a security apparatus, or secured via connectivity to the wireless network of a parcel recipient. The parcel receptacles can also be secured via a novel GPS module, accelerometer and other technological devices inside parcel receptacle. The locking mechanism in the security apparatus and/or on the parcel receptacle can be of technological in nature using the latest advancements in wireless technology, or alternatively, involve simple physical lock and key mechanisms. The apparatus allows access to parcels to authenticated users only, and involve many safety features including an audible alarm and other tamper-proof mechanisms to ensure safety of parcels.

A method of operating an apparatus for receiving one or more mail items is described. The method includes activating the communication between a user interface device and a remote device; generating, by an electronic control unit, at least one random alphanumeric code; sending, via a network interface device, the random alphanumeric code to the remote device; sending, by the remote device and via the network interface device, an unlock signal based on the random alphanumeric code to the electronic control unit. An unlock signal is processed by the electronic control unit to unlock the movable closure element and allow one or more mail items to be introduced in or withdrawn from the internal cavity.

An adaptive electric dual-controlled intelligent lock includes a mechanical clutching structure and an intelligent electronic control structure. The mechanical clutching structure includes a lock head, a lock cylinder and a lock tongue, wherein: the lock cylinder includes movable buckles, springs and a bearing. After being inserted into the keyhole of the lock head and then into the locked groove, a key is turned, the movable buckles move in an elastic range of the springs and drive the lock tongue connected with the bearing to swing, thereby realizing a mechanical unlocking process. The intelligent electronic control structure includes a PCB (printed circuit board), a motor and a shifting lever, wherein: a wireless control module is connected with an external mobile intelligent device; after the motor is started, the shifting lever pushes the movable buckles, so that the bearing drives the lock tongue to swing, thereby achieving an intelligent unlocking process.

A mailbox management system includes a server, a client-mailbox store, a mailbox management application installed on a mobile device of a client-mailbox store operator, and a mobile application installed on a mobile device of a mailbox user. The client-mailbox store includes a physical mailbox assigned to the mailbox user, and the server is connected to the mailbox management application, the mobile application, and a third party virtual mailbox provider. The mailbox management application is configured to receive label information of a mail, and the server is configured to receive the label information from the mobile application and send it to the mobile application of the recipient mailbox user. The mobile application is further configured to present an open and scan action option, a forward action option, a shred action option, and a trash action option to the mailbox user concerning the mail.

Disclosed herein is an automated system to provide delivery persons a simpler manner of recognizing the exact location of a target destination. Such a system includes the utilization of an illuminating device, whether for direct signal viewing or for projection of an indicating signal, provided on a mailbox or other structure placed roadside near or adjacent to, at least, a home or like edifice. The illuminating device may be solar-powered to provide an efficient manner of providing sufficient electricity to generate the necessary illumination result (or projection thereof). The system thus allows for integration of such an illuminating device within an overall process wherein a delivery person (or even a visitor, for that matter) may utilize a GPS or like app as a guide to the desired location with the illumination thereof upon entry within a certain zone proximate to the target edifice for more reliable delivery results.

An apparatus comprising: a retaining device for retaining planar items including mail and/or documents, in which mail can be located and from which mail can be collected; a control means; a sensor means for indicating to the control means information indicative of mail and/or documents having been placed in the retaining device and/or removed from the retaining device, wherein the control means is arranged to cause, in response thereto, at least one action to be performed.