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.

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.

A mail delivery assistance system comprises a letterbox for receiving mail consignments that has an opening and an electronic locking mechanism, a data processing device that comprises a database having an address file in which a respective addressee is associated with a building address, and a reader for capturing mail consignment data of a mail consignment. The reader, during operation, is communicatively connected to the data processing device in order to send the mail consignment data to the data processing device. The data processing device checks whether the mail consignment data match an addressee in the address file, and, if this is the case, generates a control signal for the locking mechanism in order to open the opening and to allow delivery of the mail consignment.

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 and methods for securely delivering, transferring ownership, storing, accessing and receiving or returning an item from another are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided to securely receive a variety of different sizes and types of packages at one or more locations, including but not limited to on or adjacent a recipient's property. In another embodiment, the system and method allow a user to receive, store and/or return an item without exposing the item to loss, damage, spoilage or other events that would impair the value of the items. Methods of utilizing the systems described herein are also disclosed.

An apparatus for physical correspondence recognition and processing in a postal system is described, comprising a housing comprising an opening for receiving physical correspondence, the physical correspondence including a readable element including textual information, and a secure enclosure for storing the physical correspondence, a visual processing and digitizing component, for processing the physical correspondence and the at least one readable element, dimension and weighing component for determining dimensions and weight of the physical correspondence, and a communication component coupled to the housing, for transmitting and receiving recognition and processing information related to the physical correspondence and readable element.

A parcel box includes a weather resistant housing, a temperature control system, a communication module, and electrical circuitry. The weather resistant housing includes a lockable door for providing access to a protected cavity configured for receiving a parcel for temporary secure storage of the parcel. The temperature control system selectively controls a temperature inside the protected cavity. The communication module receives delivery data including an estimated delivery time for the parcel. The electrical circuitry operates the temperature control system to adjust the temperature of the protected cavity to within a preferred temperature range prior to the estimated delivery time of the parcel and maintains the temperature for at least a specified period of time.

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.

A specially designed package receiving device configured to facilitate automatic receipt and notification of packages while preventing unauthorized ingress and egress there-through. The package receiving device includes a frame affixed to an existing support surface, an access panel pivotally coupled to the frame and being selectively rotated along clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a handle affixed to an upper exterior section of the access panel, a plurality of slats pivotally affixed to an interior side of the frame, a box for mail pivotally coupled to the interior side of the upper panel, and a dampening mechanism for providing greater resistive force against rotation of the access panel in the clockwise direction and less resistive force against rotation of the access panel in the counterclockwise direction.

A secure package receptacle for receiving a package. The receptacle comprises a storage area to receive the package. The storage area adopts at least the following statuses: free, in which the storage area is accessible and ready to receive the package; locked, in which the storage area is inaccessible; and reset, in which the storage area is accessible and ready to retrieve the package. A change in status of the storage area is determined based the current status and on the sensing of the opening and closing of a lockable door providing or preventing access to the storage area.