SECURE MAILBOX SYSTEM

Abstract

A secure mailbox system includes a mailbox body including a secure compartment defining a secure interior space and a door connected to the secure compartment. The secure mailbox system includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the door in the closed position and unlock the door upon receiving an unlock signal; a sensing device configured to determine a unique identifier associated with an access device when the access device is in proximity to the sensing device; a memory configured to store a plurality of secure unique identifiers; and a processor communicably coupled with the locking mechanism, the sensing device, and the memory. The processor is configured to receive the unique identifier of the access device in proximity to the sensing device; generate the unlock signal if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers; and transmit the unlock signal to the locking mechanism.

Claims

1. A secure mailbox system comprising: a mailbox body comprising: a secure compartment defining a secure interior space; and a door connected to the secure compartment wherein the door is configured to move between a closed position and an open position, such that the secure interior space is inaccessible in the closed position and accessible in the open position; a locking mechanism configured to lock the door in the closed position and unlock the door upon receiving an unlock signal; a sensing device configured to determine a unique identifier associated with an access device when the access device is in proximity with the sensing device; a memory configured to store a plurality of secure unique identifiers; and a processor communicably coupled with the locking mechanism, the sensing device, and the memory wherein the processor is configured to: receive the unique identifier of the access device in proximity from the sensing device; determine if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers; generate the unlock signal if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers; and transmit the unlock signal to the locking mechanism to unlock the door.

2. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a remote server and a user device associated with a user of the mailbox body wherein each of the at least one of the remote server and the user device is communicably coupled to the processor and wherein the processor is further configured to transmit a notification after unlocking and/or locking of the door to the at least one of the remote server and the user device, the notification comprising data associated with unlocking and locking of the door.

3. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 further comprising a remote server communicably coupled to the processor wherein the processor is further configured to transmit an access data to the remote server after unlocking and/or locking of the door and wherein the access data comprises at least one of the unique identifier of the access device, a timestamp associated with unlocking of the door, and a timestamp associated with locking of the door after unlocking of the door.

4. The secure mailbox system of claim 3 further comprising a user device associated with a user of the mailbox body wherein the user device is communicably coupled with the remote server and wherein the remote server is configured to transmit a notification comprising the access data to the user device.

5. The secure mailbox system of claim 3 wherein the processor is further configured to update the plurality of secure unique identifiers stored in the memory based on a unique identifier list stored on the remote server.

6. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 further comprising an object sensing device communicably coupled to the processor wherein the object sensing device is configured to generate a detection signal upon detecting a package in the secure interior space of the secure compartment upon locking of the door after unlocking of the door.

7. The secure mailbox system of claim 6 wherein the object sensing device comprises at least one of a motion sensor, a weight sensor, and a camera.

8. The secure mailbox system of claim 6 wherein the processor is further configured to transmit an object received notification to at least one of a remote server and a user device associated with a user of the mailbox body upon receiving the detection signal from the object sensing device.

9. The secure mailbox system of claim 6 wherein the processor is further configured to transmit an object unsecured notification to at least one of a remote server and a user device associated with a user of the mailbox body if the object sensing device does not generate the detection signal upon locking of the door after unlocking of the door.

10. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 further comprising an alarm device communicably coupled to the processor wherein the alarm device is configured to generate an alarm signal when a time elapsed from unlocking of the door to locking of the door is greater than a predetermined time interval.

11. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 further comprising a power supply electrically coupled to at least the processor, the power supply comprising at least one of an AC power supply, a battery, a solar module, and combinations thereof.

12. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 wherein the mailbox body further comprises a secure access point in communication with the secure interior space of the secure compartment.

13. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 wherein the sensing device is a contact reader or a proximity reader.

14. The secure mailbox system of claim 1 wherein the mailbox body further comprises a regular compartment defining a regular interior space separate from the secure interior space of the secure compartment and wherein the regular compartment comprises a regular access point in communication with the regular interior space.

15. The secure mailbox system of claim 14 wherein the regular compartment is positioned adjacent to the secure compartment.

16. A secure mailbox system comprising: a mailbox body comprising: a secure compartment defining a secure interior space; and a door connected to the secure compartment wherein the door is configured to move between a closed position and an open position, such that the secure interior space is inaccessible in the closed position and accessible in the open position; a locking mechanism configured to lock the door in the closed position and unlock the door upon receiving an unlock signal; a sensing device configured to determine a unique identifier associated with an access device when the access device is in proximity with the sensing device; a remote server; a memory configured to store a plurality of secure unique identifiers; and a processor communicably coupled with the locking mechanism, the sensing device, the remote server, and the memory wherein the processor is configured to: receive the unique identifier of the access device in proximity from the sensing device; determine if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers; generate the unlock signal if the unique identifier matches with the one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers; transmit the unlock signal to the locking mechanism to unlock the door; and transmit an access data to the remote server after unlocking and/or locking of the door wherein the access data comprises at least one of the unique identifier of the access device, a timestamp associated with unlocking of the door, and a timestamp associated with locking of the door after unlocking of the door.

17. The secure mailbox system of claim 16 further comprising a user device associated with a user of the mailbox body wherein the user device is communicably coupled with the remote server and wherein the remote server is configured to transmit a notification comprising the access data to the user device.

18. The secure mailbox system of claim 16 wherein the processor is further configured to update the plurality of secure unique identifiers stored in the memory based on a unique identifier list stored on the remote server.

19. The secure mailbox system of claim 16 further comprising a user device associated with a user of the mailbox body and communicably coupled to the processor wherein the processor is further configured to transmit a notification after unlocking and/or locking of the door to at least one of the remote server and the user device, the notification comprising data associated with unlocking and locking of the door.

20. A secure mailbox system comprising: a mailbox body comprising: a secure compartment defining a secure interior space; and a door connected to the secure compartment wherein the door configured to move between a closed position and an open position, such that the secure interior space is inaccessible in the closed position and accessible in the open position; a locking mechanism configured to lock the door in the closed position and unlock the door upon receiving an unlock signal; a sensing device configured to determine a unique identifier associated with an access device when the access device is in proximity with the sensing device; an object sensing device configured to generate a detection signal upon detecting a package in the secure interior space of the secure compartment upon locking of the door after unlocking of the door; a memory configured to store a plurality of secure unique identifiers; and a processor communicably coupled with the locking mechanism, the sensing device, the object sensing device, and the memory wherein the processor is configured to: receive the unique identifier of the access device in proximity from the sensing device; determine if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers; generate the unlock signal if the unique identifier matches with the one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers; transmit the unlock signal to the locking mechanism to unlock the door; and transmit an object received notification to at least one of a remote server and a user device associated with a user of the mailbox body upon receiving the detection signal from the object sensing device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a secure mailbox system including a mailbox body including a secure compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 3A shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system showing a door in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3B shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system showing the door in an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of access data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system including an override button, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 6A shows a schematic view of the mailbox body further including a regular compartment and the door in the closed position, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6B shows a schematic view of the mailbox body including the regular compartment and the door in the open position, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for a secure mailbox system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0038] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0039] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term about. As used herein, a, an, the, at least one, and one or more are used interchangeably.

[0040] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term generally, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within 20% for quantifiable properties).

[0041] The term substantially, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0042] The term about, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0043] As used herein, the terms first and second are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting this disclosure. The terms first and second when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0044] As used herein, at least one of A and B should be understood to mean only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0045] As used herein, the term network may be associated with transmission of messages, packets, signals, and/or other forms of information between and/or within one or more network devices. In some examples, the network may include one or more wired and/or wireless networks operated in accordance with any communication standard that is or becomes known or practicable.

[0046] Signal, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, one or more electrical signals, optical signals, electromagnetic signals, analog and/or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, a bit and/or bit stream, or the like.

[0047] The term transmit, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, sending data from one point to another, sending a message or other information from one location to another, sending information over a communication line and/or a circuit, and/or sending out a signal by electromagnetic radiation (e.g., electromagnetic field and/or electromagnetic wave) and/or over a wire and/or cable (e.g., fiber optic cable, etc.).

[0048] The term wireless, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, describing a device that communicates with one or more other devices via electromagnetic radiation (e.g., electromagnetic field or electromagnetic wave) and/or communications that take place without the use of interconnecting wires and/or cables. Wireless devices can communicate even if they are not physically connected. Wireless can refer to lacking or not requiring wires and/or cables.

[0049] As used herein, the term communicably coupled refers to direct coupling between components and/or indirect coupling between components via one or more intervening components. Such components and intervening components may comprise, but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signal conveyed from a first component to a second component may be modified by one or more intervening components by modifying the form, nature, or format of information in a signal, while one or more elements of the information in the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can be recognized by the second component.

[0050] As used herein, the terms(s) electrically coupled and/or electrically connected refer to direct coupling between components and/or indirect coupling between components via one or more intervening electric components, such that an electric signal can be passed between the two components. As an example of indirect coupling, two components can be referred to as being electrically connected, even though they may have an intervening electric component between them which still allows an electric signal to pass from one component to the other component. Such intervening components may comprise, but are not limited to, wires, traces on a circuit board, and/or another electrically conductive medium/component.

[0051] The present disclosure relates to a secure mailbox system. The secure mailbox system includes a mailbox body. The mailbox body includes a secure compartment defining a secure interior space. The mailbox body further includes a door connected to the secure compartment. The door is configured to move between a closed position and an open position, such that the secure interior space is inaccessible in the closed position and accessible in the open position. The secure mailbox system further includes a locking mechanism and a sensing device. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the door in the closed position and unlock the door upon receiving an unlock signal. The sensing device is configured to determine a unique identifier associated with an access device when the access device is in proximity with the sensing device. The secure mailbox system further includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store a plurality of secure unique identifiers. The processor is communicably coupled with the locking mechanism, the sensing device, and the memory. The processor is configured to receive the unique identifier of the access device in proximity from the sensing device and determine if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers. The processor is further configured to generate the unlock signal if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers and transmit the unlock signal to the locking mechanism to unlock the door.

[0052] The secure mailbox system may allow access to the secure compartment only to authorized personnel upon identification via the access device. Therefore, the secure mailbox system may reduce the risk of theft of packages placed in the secure compartment of the mailbox body, as theft may increase costs and poses risk of unnecessary interactions between individuals and criminals.

[0053] Referring now to figures, FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a secure mailbox system (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the secure mailbox system (100) includes a mailbox body (102). The mailbox body (102) may be associated with a user (not shown). The user may use the mailbox body (102) to receive delivery mail or packages.

[0055] The mailbox body (102) includes a secure compartment (104) defining a secure interior space (106). The secure compartment (104) may include a plurality of walls defining the secure interior space (106).

[0056] The mailbox body (102) further includes a door (108) connected to the secure compartment (104). In some embodiments, the door (108) may be configured to enclose the secure interior space (106) of the secure compartment (104).

[0057] FIG. 3A shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system (100) showing the door (108) of the mailbox body (102) in a closed position P1 according to an embodiment the present disclosure. FIG. 3B shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system (100) showing the door (108) of the mailbox body (102) in an open position P2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3B, the door (108) is configured to move between the closed position P1 and the open position P2 such that the secure interior space (106) is inaccessible in the closed position P1 and accessible in the open position P2.

[0059] In some embodiments, in the open position P2 of the door (108), the secure interior space (106) may be accessible for placing an object (e.g., mail, a package, or a courier) therewithin.

[0060] In some embodiments, the door (108) may be attached to the secure compartment (104) using one or more connectors (140). The one or more connectors (140) may facilitate moving of the door (108) between the open position P2 and the closed position P1. One nonlimiting example of the one or more connectors (140) may be hinges. Other examples may be known to those of skill in the art.

[0061] The secure mailbox system (100) further includes a locking mechanism (110). The locking mechanism (110) is configured to lock the door (108) in the closed position P1 and unlock the door upon receiving an unlock signal S1.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the locking mechanism (110) includes a latch-catch mechanism. The latch-catch mechanism includes a catch (110A) and a latch (110B). The catch (110A) may be attached to the mailbox body (102) (e.g., one of the plurality of walls of the secure compartment [104]) and the latch (110B) may be attached to the door (108) of the mailbox body (102). Some other nonlimiting examples of the locking mechanism (110) may include bolts, a magnetic lock, or any other locking mechanism known to those of skill in the art. Each of said locking mechanisms can be operably modified from a locked state to an unlocked state upon receipt of the unlock signal S1. In some cases, the unlock signal S1 moves a mechanical aspect of the locking mechanism (110), while in other cases the unlock signal S1 modifies an electronic state, such as an electromagnet, to generate the change in the state of the locking mechanism (110).

[0063] The secure mailbox system (100) further includes a sensing device (112). The sensing device (112) is configured to determine a unique identifier (134) associated with an access device (114) when the access device (114) is in proximity with the sensing device (112).

[0064] The sensing device (112) may be any type of sensing device for reading any type of identifier associated with the access device (114). In some embodiments, the sensing device (112) is a contact reader or a proximity reader.

[0065] In some embodiments, the sensing device (112) may be an RFID reader, and the access device (114) may be a corresponding RFID tag. In some examples, the access device (114) may be associated with a delivery person assigned to deliver the mail or couriers to the user, or a delivery person authorized by the user. Further, the unique identifier (134) may be associated with the identity of the delivery person. In some examples, the access device (114) may be associated with the user and the unique identifier (134) may be associated with an identity of the user. In preferred embodiments, the unique identifier (134) includes a composite number, having a first portion of the unique identifier (134) referring to a carrier operator, such as the United States Postal Service, and a second portion of the unique identifier (134) referring to the delivery person (who would be the postman/postwoman). As a nonlimiting example, the unique identifier (134) may include a ten-character alphanumeric unique identifier, and the first four characters of which may identify the carrier operator company, and the last six characters may identify the delivery person (e.g., the postman/postwoman) associated with the given unique identifier (134). Certainly, a single user unique identifier can have background information/data that would identify the carrier operator company, but it may not be directly embedded within the unique identifier (134). In some embodiments, a unique code, such as an alphanumeric code, may be manually entered into a keypad, or access may be provided by a key inserted into a keyhole, allowing for access to the secure portion of the secure mailbox.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sensing device (112) may be attached to an exterior surface (138) of the mailbox body (102). In some other embodiments, the sensing device (112) may be attached to an interior surface (139) of the mailbox body (102). However, under each scenario, the sensing device (112) is positioned such that it can receive or interact with the access device (114) and otherwise read or interact with the access device (114) so as to obtain the unique identifier (134).

[0067] The secure mailbox system (100) further includes a memory (116) and a processor (118). The processor (118) is communicatively coupled with the locking mechanism (110), the sensing device (112), and the memory (116). The memory (116) is configured to store a plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) (shown in FIG. 1).

[0068] The memory (116) may include any form of memory for storing data and executable software instructions, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory.

[0069] The processor (118) may include one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores configured to receive, store, and perform one or more functionalities. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a general-purpose processor (e.g., ARM-based processor), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a fixed function circuitry, a programmable circuitry, any combination of fixed function circuitry, a programmable circuitry, an equivalent discrete logic circuitry or an integrated logic circuitry, and the like.

[0070] In some embodiments, the processor (118) may be local to the mailbox body (102). In some other embodiments, the processor (118) may be remote from the mailbox body (102). The processor (118) is intended to broadly cover both physical processing devices as well as cloud computing solutions.

[0071] The processor (118) may be suitable for receiving one or more signal from a sender and a processed signal may be sent further for transmission. The processor (118) may include receptors, and transmitters for receiving and transmitting respective signals. The processor (118) may be used to store programs, executable code, and data persistently. Accordingly, the processor (118) may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described. In addition, in some aspects the functionality described may be provided within dedicated hardware and/or software modules. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0072] As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor (118) may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to some embodiments while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor (118) is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor (118) to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor (118) is embodied as the ASIC, FPGA, or the like, the processor (118) may have specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the memory (116) and the processor (118) may be integrated into a single hardware unit, such as a system on a chip (SoC) or integrated circuit (IC).

[0073] The processor (118) is configured to receive the unique identifier (134) of the access device (114) in proximity from the sensing device (112). For instance, the processor (118) may receive the unique identifier (134) of the access device (114) when the delivery person places the access device (114) proximal to the sensing device (112). In some other examples, the processor (118) may receive the unique identifier (134) of the access device (114) when the user places the access device (114) proximal to the sensing device (112).

[0074] The processor (118) is configured to determine if the unique identifier (134) matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135). In other words, the processor (118) is configured to determine if the unique identifier (134) received from the access device (114) matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135). The processor (118) is further configured to generate the unlock signal S1 if the unique identifier (134) matches with the one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) and transmit the unlock signal S1 to the locking mechanism to unlock the door (108). Hence, only if the unique identifier (134) matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) is the processor (118) configured to generate the unlock signal S1. Further, only upon receiving the unlock signal S1 is the door (108) unlocked.

[0075] Once the door (108) is unlocked, the door (108) may be movable to the open position P2 from the closed position P1. Therefore, the delivery person or the user may be able to access the secure interior space (106) once the door (108) is unlocked. Specifically, the delivery person may be able to access the secure interior space (106) and may place the package (e.g., the courier) inside the secure interior space (106) or the user may be able to access the secure interior space (106) and may retrieve the package from the secure interior space (106).

[0076] After placing the package inside the secure interior space (106) of the secure compartment (104), the delivery person may lock the door (108) again using the locking mechanism (110). In other cases, after retrieving the delivery box or the courier from the secure interior space (106) of the secure compartment (104), the user may lock the door (108) again using the locking mechanism (110).

[0077] The door (108) may be locked by moving the door (108) from the open position P2 to the closed position P1.

[0078] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism (110) may further generate a lock signal (not shown) upon locking the door (108) after unlocking the door (108). The locking mechanism (110) may further transmit the lock signal to the processor (118).

[0079] In some embodiments, the receipt of the unlock signal S1 is stored within the memory (116) or a database (162) (shown in FIG. 5), whether local or remote. In some embodiments, the processor (118) is further configured to transmit an access data (152) after unlocking and/or locking of the door (108).

[0080] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the access data (152) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the storage of the unlock signal S1 within the memory (116) or the database (162) defines a parameter, including the access data (152), that defines a timestamp T1 associated with unlocking the door (108) and the unique identifier (134) and confirms the operation of generating the unlock signal S1. The access data (152) defining the timestamp T1 and the unique identifier (134) thus identifies who accessed the locking mechanism (110) and when the unlock signal S1 was generated.

[0082] In some embodiments, upon the closure of the door (108), a further entry is provided with additional data, such as a timestamp T2 associated with locking the door (108). The access data (152) includes the timestamp T2. By generating a second entry upon locking of the door (108) and defining the time the door (108) is closed, a complete transaction (i.e., opening and closing of the door [108]) and/or access of the secure compartment (104) of the mailbox body (102) can be identified that shows who opened the door (108), at what time the door (108) was opened, and then at what time the door (108) was closed, thereby defining an extent that the door (108) is actually closed. As detailed herein, where the door (108) is not closed, and remains open, a signal, and/or a transmission to the delivery person and/or the user of the mailbox body (102) can be generated to identify if the door (108) remains open. This may be intentional, such as a package being unable to fit, or it may be unintentional through a user error.

[0083] In some embodiments, the secure mailbox system (100) further includes at least one of a remote server (120) and a user device (122) associated with the user of the mailbox body (102). Each of the at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122) is communicably coupled to the processor (118). In some embodiments, the secure mailbox system (100) includes each of the remote server (120) and the user device (122) associated with the user of the mailbox body (102). In some embodiments, the user device (122) is communicably coupled with the remote server (120). In some embodiments, the database (162) is communicably coupled with the remote server (120).

[0084] In some embodiments, each of the at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122) is communicably coupled to the processor (118) via a network (132). In some embodiments, the remote server (120) and the user device (122) are configured to be communicatively coupled to the processor (118) via the network (132). In some embodiments, the remote server (120) and the user device (122) are configured to be communicatively coupled to the processor (118) via different networks.

[0085] The network may be may include one or more networks of any type, including, a public land mobile network (PLMN), a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network [PSTN] and/or a wireless network), a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) network, a private network, the Internet, an intranet, and/or another type of suitable network.

[0086] In some embodiments, the remote server (120) is configured to store a unique identifier list (136). The remote server (120) may include a memory (not shown) to store the unique identifier list (136). In some embodiments, the processor (118) is further configured to update the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) stored in the memory (116) based on the unique identifier list (136) stored on the remote server (120).

[0087] The unique identifier list (136) may include unique identifiers of authorized personnel that may be allowed to have access to the mailbox body (102). Specifically, the unique identifier list (136) may include the unique identifiers of the authorized personnel that may be allowed to have access to the secure interior space (106) of the mailbox body (102). The unique identifier list (136) may also include a unique identifier of the user or a third-party user that is provided with an authorization to access the secure interior space (106).

[0088] In some cases, the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) may be updated periodically. In some cases, the unique identifier list (136) may be updated for each order to be delivered to the user of the mailbox body (102) and the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) may be subsequently updated for each order accordingly.

[0089] In some examples, the unique identifier list (136) may be associated with a service provider and may include the unique secure identifiers of the respective access devices associated with the server provider. The service provider may be an e-commerce company providing delivery services. In some examples, the unique identifier list (136) may include one or more unique secure identifiers of one or more access devices associated with one or more delivery persons assigned for delivering the order. In some examples, a unique secure identifier can be provided to a delivery person by the user so as to provide access to the secure interior space (106).

[0090] As discussed earlier, when the sensing device (112) determines the unique identifier (134) of the access device (114), the processor (118) receives the unique identifier (134) from the sensing device (112), determines if the unique identifier (134) matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) stored in the memory (116), generates the unlock signal S1 if the unique identifier (134) matches with the one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135), and transmits the unlock signal S1 to the locking mechanism (110) to unlock the door (108). Upon receiving the unlock signal S1, the locking mechanism unlocks the door (108).

[0091] In some embodiments, the processor (118) is further configured to transmit a notification (150) after unlocking and/or locking of the door (108) to the at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122). The notification (150) includes data associated with unlocking and locking of the door (108). In some examples, the notification (150) may be in a form of a text or an e-mail. In some cases, the notification (150) may include an alert on the user device (122).

[0092] In some embodiments, the processor (118) is further configured to transmit the access data (152) to the remote server (120) after unlocking and/or locking of the door (108). In some embodiments, the remote server (120) is configured to transmit the notification (150) including the access data (152) to the user device (122). Such transmissions may then be stored within the memory (116) or the database (162) to identify the actions occurring from the unlocking and/or locking of the door (108). Such historical data provides for a trail of the entry into the secure interior space (106). A further transmission can also be included, when the owner/user then uses their own access device (114) to open the door (108) and obtain the packages within the secure interior space (106). Such entry may also be further captured within the data stored in the memory (116) or in the database (162).

[0093] As discussed, the access data (152) includes at least one of the unique identifier (134) of the access device (114), the timestamp T1 associated with unlocking of the door (108), and the timestamp T2 associated with locking of the door (108) after unlocking of the door (108).

[0094] In some embodiment, the processor (118) may generate the timestamp T1 at a time of generating the unlock signal S1 and the timestamp T2 at a time of receiving the lock signal from the locking mechanism (110). Such timestamp T2 becomes instrumental in the data that defines the operations of opening and closing of the door (108). Each time that an access device communicates with the server, a data entry can be provided into the database for tracking purposes. Each database entry can include, as nonlimiting examples, the unique identifier, the time, the status of the locking system, the weight of the package, duration of the time the door is open, etc. Furthermore, an opening or closing of the door can also trigger such database entry so that each step and each action that is performed is tracked within the database and comprises a corresponding entry into the database to store such actions.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, in some embodiments, the secure mailbox body (100) further includes an object sensing device (124) communicably coupled to the processor (118). In some embodiments, the object sensing device (124) is configured to generate a detection signal S2 upon detecting a package (144) in the secure interior space (106) of the secure compartment (104). In some embodiments, the object sensing device (124) is configured to generate the detection signal S2 upon detecting the package (144) in the secure interior space (106) of the secure compartment (104) upon locking of the door (108) after unlocking of the door (108).

[0096] In some embodiments, the object sensing device (124) includes at least one of a motion sensor, a weight sensor, and a camera. As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the processor (118) is further configured to transmit an object received notification (154) to at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122) associated with the user of the mailbox body (102) upon receiving the detection signal S2 from the object sensing device (124).

[0097] In some embodiments, the processor (118) is further configured to transmit an object unsecured notification (156) to at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122) associated with the user of the mailbox body (102) if the object sensing device (124) does not generate the detection signal S2 upon locking of the door (108) after unlocking of the door (108).

[0098] Hence, when the door (108) is unlocked and subsequently locked but the package (144) is not received within the secure interior space (106), then the processor (118) is configured to generate the object unsecured notification (156). This may be in cases when the package (144) is too large and left unattended by the delivery person. However, in certain cases, the issue may be a user error.

[0099] In some embodiments, the secure mailbox system (100) further includes an alarm device (126) communicably coupled to the processor (118). The alarm device (126) is configured to generate an alarm signal S3 when the time elapsed from unlocking of the door (108) to locking of the door (108) is greater than a predetermined time interval.

[0100] For example, the alarm device (126) is configured to generate the alarm signal S3 when the time elapsed from unlocking of the door (108) to locking of the door (108) is greater than 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, greater than 15 minutes, or greater than 30 minutes. In some other examples, the processor (118) may determine the time elapsed from unlocking of the door (108) to locking of the door (108) based on the timestamp T1 and the timestamp T2.

[0101] In some embodiments, the alarm device (126) may be further configured to generate the alarm signal S3 when the locking mechanism (110) does not transmit the lock signal for a predetermined time interval after receiving the unlock signal S2 from the processor (118). The alarm signal S3 can be an audible alarm or may be a notification generated to one or more end users on the system (e.g., the delivery person and/or the user of the mailbox body [102]).

[0102] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the secure mailbox system (100) showing an override button (160) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] In some cases, the alarm signal S3 may be sufficient for the delivery person to determine that an error has occurred, such as a failure to resecure the door (108). In other cases, the signal S3 is generated, but the status of the door (108) and of the package is intentional, such as an oversized package that does not fit into the secure interior space (106). The delivery person can then override the alarm signal S3 using the override button (160) by identifying the intentional error, such as the package did not fit within the secure compartment (104), and such information can be transmitted to the user of the mailbox body (102), allowing for the user to then take appropriate action. The override button (160) is configured to generate an override signal S4 for discontinuing the alarm signal S3 generated by the alarm device (126). In some embodiments, the override button (160) may be communicatively coupled with the processor (118), and the processor (118) may receive the override signal S4 from the override button (160) for discontinuing the alarm signal S3.

[0104] In some embodiments, the alarm signal S3 is transmitted to the user of the mailbox body (102), and such alarm signal S3 generates a notification such as an e-mail, a text message, or other form of notification via the processor (118) that is delivered to a previously specified receipt address (such as a telephone number or e-mail address), which is defined by the user of the mailbox body (102). In all such cases, the actions of generating the notification can be stored within the memory (116) or within the database (162), thus providing a traceable record of the actions at the mailbox system (100). Such information may be important for each of the carrier company and the owner for verifying the status of a package (e.g., the package [144]), and/or determining how and when a theft may have occurred.

[0105] In some embodiments, the secure mailbox system (100) further includes a power supply (128) electrically coupled to at least the processor (118). The power supply (128) includes at least one of an AC power supply, a battery, a solar module, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the power supply (128) may be electrically coupled to the locking mechanism (110), the object sensing device (124), and/or the alarm device (126). The power supply (128) may include any energy storage devices, as per desired application attributes.

[0106] In some embodiments, the mailbox body (102) further includes a secure access point (130) in communication with the secure interior space (106) of the secure compartment (104). The secure access point (130) may have any shape or size, as per desired application attributes. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 through 3B, the secure access point (130) is a slot.

[0107] The secure access point (130) may be configured to receive the package (144) without a need to unlock the door (108). Specifically, the secure access point (130) may be configured to receive the package (144) without moving the door (108) to the open position P2. Lower value items or regular mail may be dropped directly into the secure compartment (104) via the secure access point (130).

[0108] In some embodiments, the object sensing device (124) may generate the detection signal S2 upon receiving the package (144) through the secure access point (130).

[0109] The processor (118) may further be configured to transmit the object received notification (154) (shown in FIG. 3B) to at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122) indicating that the package (144) has been received.

[0110] In some embodiments, the door (108) of the mailbox body (102) further includes a handle (142). The handle (142) may facilitate opening and closing of the door (108), thereby providing access to the secure interior space (106) to the delivery person or the user.

[0111] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a schematic view of the mailbox body (102) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows the mailbox body (102) with the door (108) in the closed position P1 and FIG. 6B shows the mailbox body (102) with the door (108) in the open position P2.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the mailbox body (102) further includes a regular compartment (146) defining a regular interior space (148) separate from the secure interior space (106) of the secure compartment (104).

[0113] The mailbox body (102) further includes a regular door (108) connected to the regular compartment (146). In some embodiments, the regular door (108) may be configured to enclose the regular interior space (148) of the regular compartment (146). In some embodiments, the secure mailbox system (100) further includes a locking mechanism (110) configured to lock the door (108). The locking mechanism (110) may include a latch-catch mechanism including a catch (110A) and a latch (110B), or any other locking mechanism as per desired application attributes.

[0114] In some embodiments, the regular compartment (146) is positioned adjacent to the secure compartment (104). In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the regular compartment (146) is positioned above the secure compartment (104). In some other embodiments, the regular compartment (146) may be positioned below the secure compartment (104).

[0115] In some embodiments, the regular compartment (146) includes a regular access point (145) in communication with the regular interior space (148). Lower value items or regular mail may be dropped directly into the regular compartment (146) via the regular access point (145).

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the secure compartment (104) does not include the secure access point (130). However, in some embodiments, the secure compartment (104) may also include the secure access point (130).

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6B, as the processor (118) is configured to generate the unlock signal S1 only if the unique identifier (134) matches with the one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers (135) stored in the memory (116), the secure mailbox system (100) may allow access to the secure compartment (104) only to authorized personnel upon identification via the access device (114).

[0118] Further, as the processor (118) is configured to transmit the access data (152) to the remote server (120), the remote server (120) may store the access data (152) that may be utilized for analysis in case of any disputes or for monitoring purposes.

[0119] Further, as the processor (118) is further configured to transmit the notification (150) after unlocking and/or locking of the door (108) to the at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122), the remote server (120) and the user device (122) may track and have a record of a safe delivery of the package (144).

[0120] Furthermore, as the object received notification (154) is transmitted to at least one of the remote server (120) and the user device (122), the remote server (120) and/or the user may be notified that package (144) has been received in the secure compartment (104). Moreover, if the mailbox body (102) is opened, and the package (144) is not received in the secure compartment (104), a notification (e.g., the object unsecured notification [156]) or an alert may be generated, for example, via the alarm device (126). This may be in cases when the package (144) is too large and left unattended by the delivery person or a theft attempt. In such cases, an appropriate action may be taken by the remote server (120) and/or the user.

[0121] Hence, the secure mailbox system (100) of the present disclosure may enable safe delivery of the packages (144) (e.g., the couriers/packages). The secure mailbox system (100) may further track, log, and provide alerts to the remote server (120) and/or the user (e.g., the user of the mailbox body [102]).

[0122] Theft tracking can be determined by use of the secure system (100). For example, in one embodiment, a package (e.g., the package [144]) is generated at a first location and a given weight is determined. The weight is typically utilized for determining the cost of shipment and thus is recorded usually both on the package (144) and also within data (e.g., the access data [152]) regarding the transmission of the package (144). For many carriers, packages contain tracking information, and the tracking information would include such weight-related information.

[0123] In an embodiment, the secure mailbox system (100) includes a weight sensor as the object sensing device (124). When the package (144) arrives in the secure mailbox system (100), upon placement of the package (144) within the secure interior space (106) and onto the weight sensor, an immediate determination can be made if the package (144) conforms with its mailed weight. Thus, when a package has the same weight, the package can be assumed to be whole and unadulterated. However, where the package (144) has a first weight (at shipping) that differs from the received weight within the secure interior space (106), then a further alarm (not shown) may be necessary to be generated to the system (100).

[0124] In a further preferred embodiment, the system (100) operates by defining a package, having a specific tracking number, and a defined weight. The tracking number is scanned at different time points, and such information stored within databases and accessible by a user, which allows for tracking of the package (144). Upon presenting the package (144) at the secure mailbox system (100), the delivery person can use the access device (114) to unlock the door (108) wherein the access device (114) defines the unique identifier (134). The processor (118) determines if the unique identifier (134) is authorized, and the unique identifier (134) is authorized the door (108) is unlocked via the unlock signal S1. The delivery person then scans the tracking number and places the package (144) into the secure interior space (106) over the object sensing device (124), e.g., on the weight sensor in the current example. The weight sensor defines the received weight for the package (144) and captures the first weight (at shipping) from the tracking number. The processor (118) confirms that the received weight is within a defined tolerance of the original first weight of the package (144) and authorizes the closing and locking of the door (108).

[0125] If the received weight does not conform to the defined tolerance, an alarm would be defined and the package (144) may be rejected. This allows for an immediate review of the package (144) to ensure that the contents of the package (144) remain within the package (144) and that the contents have not been previously removed. The delivery person can note any irregularities with the package (144), such as being damaged, opened, lost, etc., and such information is then usable for the various parties using the carrier services to determine a timeframe for the possible damage/irregularity to have occurred. This can help identify the timing of the possible damage/theft of contents of a package, and defining which party is responsible for the same.

[0126] For example, if a package (e.g., the package [144]) is scanned at a first weight at mailing but scans at a second weight, different from the first weight, in attempting to deliver to the secure mailbox system (100), then the irregularity occurred when the package was in the hands of the delivery person. If, on the other hand, the package is properly delivered but the end user (e.g., the user of the mailbox [102]) reports an irregularity, then the delivery person has strong evidence that the package was properly delivered in the same form as it was received, and the error falls upon the originator of the package (i.e., the wrong items were packaged therein, or omitted), or the error is the user's error (fraud). The system (100) thus aids in creating appropriate transactional records for reducing error and/or theft in such a manner.

[0127] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method (200) for a secure mailbox system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The secure mailbox system may be similar to the secure mailbox system (100) described herein with respect to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0128] At step (202), the method (200) includes receiving a unique identifier associated with the access device by a sensing device of the system when the access device is in proximity with the sensing device.

[0129] At step (204), the method (200) includes determining if the unique identifier matches with one of a plurality of secure unique identifiers stored in a memory of the system by a processor of the system.

[0130] At step (206), the method (200) includes generating an unlock signal if the unique identifier matches with one of the plurality of secure unique identifiers.

[0131] At step (208), the method (200) includes transmitting the unlock signal to a locking mechanism of the mailbox body to unlock the door.

[0132] At step (210), the method (200) includes transmitting access data to a remote server or the memory after unlocking and/or locking of door. The access data includes at least one of the unique identifier of the access device, a timestamp associated with unlocking of the door, and a timestamp associated with locking of the door after unlocking of the door.

[0133] At step (212), the method (200) includes storing the access data in the memory or a database of the remote server.

[0134] Therefore, the method (200) may ensure a safe delivery of the packages (e.g., the couriers). The access data stored in the memory, or the database may be utilized to track, log, and provide alerts to the remote server and/or an end user.

[0135] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0136] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.