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 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.

A drone operated delivery receptacle for receiving packages. The delivery receptacle includes a housing having a base, sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The open upper end includes one or more gates that are movable between an open and closed configuration, and are configured to open when a delivery drone is detected by a control unit of the delivery receptacle. Preferably, the one or more gates are configured to automatically open when a drone is detected so as to allow the drone to deposit the package therein. A front wall of the housing comprises one or more doors thereon that allow the user to access the interior volume of the housing to retrieve the package therein.

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.

An aerial delivery system includes an elongate member, a cover, a sensor, and a motorized actuator. The elongate member has both a top end and a bottom end, and is configured to receive items, particularly mail and packages, from a delivery means, particularly an aerial drone. The cover is removably attached to the top end of the elongate member, and is configured to allow entry of mail and packages into the elongate member. The sensor is also removably attached to the top end of the elongate member, and is configured to identify the delivery means.

A smart parcel safe including a container defining an enclosure with an opening, a lid attached to the container by hinges and formed to fit over the opening and securely close the enclosure in a closed orientation, the lid being hinged to move from the closed orientation into an open orientation so as to provide access to the enclosure through the opening, a mobile communication device including an app designed to control locking/unlocking of an associated locking mechanism, and an electronically controlled locking mechanism affixed to the container and the lid, the electronically controlled locking mechanism being associated with the mobile communication device so as to be locked/unlocked in response to operation of the mobile communication device.

A smart parcel safe including a container defining an enclosure with an opening, a lid attached to the container by hinges and formed to fit over the opening and securely close the enclosure in a closed orientation, the lid being hinged to move from the closed orientation into an open orientation so as to provide access to the enclosure through the opening, a mobile communication device including an app designed to control locking/unlocking of an associated locking mechanism, and an electronically controlled locking mechanism affixed to the container and the lid, the electronically controlled locking mechanism being associated with the mobile communication device so as to be locked/unlocked in response to operation of the mobile communication device.

A smart postal mailbox device is disclosed that incorporates a camera and an imaging processing capability. When the device is in place inside a postal mailbox and is activated by a content element being placed in, or removed from, the mailbox, the camera obtains an image of the interior of the mailbox, which it then analyzes by first using pre-processing to correct for geometric distortion. The image is then decomposed using vision related algorithms into a discreet information dataset. This discrete data set is compared to previous data sets using a neural decision tree. If appropriate, the device transmits a message informing a remote user of the current state of the mailbox.

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.

An item drop box sensor system for detecting items deposited within a drop box may be configured to detect movement of an item deposit tray and to detect items deposited within the drop box. The drop box sensor system may comprise one or more tray movement sensors for detecting movement of the deposit tray, one or more item detection sensors configured to detect items passing into the drop box via the deposit tray, and an onboard controller for selectively activating the various sensors to conserve power and for transmitting data indicative of the status of the drop box to a central server configured for scheduling item pickups for various geographically spaced drop boxes.