Patent Application
20220240704
The present invention relates generally to the field of courier and delivery containers and mailboxes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a smart mailbox or delivery receptacle, that features an integrated camera and a mailbox or receptacle door locking system to allow a user to easily monitor the deliveries and pickups, and remotely lock or unlock the mailbox as needed by the user. The smart mailbox or other delivery receptacle of the present invention is designed to alert users, recipients or homeowners of the real-time status of the mailbox or container, delivery timings and more, using a companion software application installed on a user device such as a smart phone, tablet, computer or the like. The invention is advantageous to users as it prevents the mail, delivered items or packages from being stolen and eliminates the need to make multiple trips to the mailbox to check for any deliveries, mail or packages. The invention may be especially useful to those living in rural areas where their mailbox or delivery container may be down the street or at a remote location from where the home or individual is located. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, mailboxes, delivery boxes and other receptacles are well known in the state of the art to receive mail or packages for the users or other intended recipients. Generally, a mailbox or other delivery receptacle comprises a container having an interior space with a door having a slot to receive mail or parcels by postal carriers, couriers or other services or individuals delivering material to a particular address or location. The door to the box or receptacle is locked using standard mechanical locks. Although it is illegal for the individuals to tamper or take other individuals' mail, or packages, it unfortunately has become a very common occurrence. The conventional mailbox or delivery receptacle remains susceptible to theft and other intrusions that cause inconvenience to the users. People cannot constantly monitor their mailboxes or courier delivery boxes to prevent their packages and/or mail from being stolen or tampered with, such as the taking of personal information from the mail to be used in connection with identity theft or similar crimes. Once the package or mail is stolen or tampered with, the mailbox owner will not be able to know that a package has been stolen or whether mail was even delivered.
Further, individuals or homeowners often make multiple trips to their mailbox to manually check the mailbox or other courier receptacle to identify if any mail or packages have been delivered. People have to frequently check the mailbox so as not to miss any parcel or mail and prevent the deliveries from being tampered with or stolen. The frequent visits to the mailbox or courier box make it tiresome and frustrating for the individuals. Currently, there is no effective method to monitor deliveries of parcels, mail or other items while recipients are at home or other places.
Additionally, with a conventional mailbox, people use mechanical locks on the mailbox or receptacle door to lock or unlock the mailbox or container. Losing keys or forgetting a lock combination often requires the users to replace their locks, and that results in unnecessary expenses to have the lock changed or removed. The mechanical locks can be tampered with, leading to the stealing of mail or packages. Also, the security of the mailbox is again a matter of concern when the mailbox has a number lock, as others can attempt to open the number lock by figuring out its combination or tampering with the mailbox. Different solutions to such problems have been provided in the state of the art, however, no comprehensive solution to overcome all the above-mentioned problems has been satisfactorily devised.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox or delivery container that is designed to alert users or homeowners of real-time status of the mailbox or container and provide information on any delivery of packages or mail in the mailbox or other receptacle. There exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox that prevents the risk of theft or other intrusions in the mailbox or receptacle, and prevents the mail or deliveries from being stolen or tampered with. There exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox that allows the users to remotely view the inside of the mailbox and thereby eliminate the need to make unnecessary trips to their mailbox to check on mail and package deliveries. There exist a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox that allows the users to lock or unlock mailbox remotely to prevent others from stealing mail and/or packages. Finally, there exist a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox that provide an easy solution for one or more user, individuals, or homeowners to monitor the mailbox and deliveries in real-time.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a remote mailbox monitoring system that includes a mailbox, server system and remote terminal device for remotely controlling the smart mailbox. The mailbox includes a mailbox door for opening and closing the mailbox, and a servo motor that is connected to a pair of springs to control movement of the mailbox door. A high-resolution camera is used to capture video and images of the inside and around the mailbox, and a mail sensor is used to detect the presence of a parcel in the mailbox. A wireless transceiver is configured to establish communication with the server system and the remote terminal device and a solar panel is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the mailbox. The remote terminal device is connected to the mailbox and is configured to receive real-time notifications of attempts to access the mailbox, receive videos and images captured by the high-resolution camera and timestamps of the delivered parcels and mail through an installed software application.
In this manner, the novel smart mailbox of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively easy and convenient solution to monitor mailbox and keep a check on real-time delivery of the mail and parcels in the mailbox or other courier deliver container or receptacle. The smart mailbox or container works in coordination with a companion software application that has been installed on a smart device such as a smart phone, tablet or computer, and sends real-time alerts and/or notifications on the electronic devices of one or more users, homeowners or other individuals that may be connected to the box, such as a friend or family member seeking validation that their package was delivered. The real-time alerts or notifications can be in the form of a push notification or a visual alert such as the real-time status of the mailbox, or video footage, pictures, or different delivery timings that prevent the risk of theft or intrusion, thereby ensuring the safety of mail or packages in the mailbox.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a smart mailbox access system. The system includes a mailbox, or other container configured for the receipt of packages, mail or other deliveries. A server system and a computer-implemented software application is installed on a remote terminal device for remotely controlling the smart mailbox. The mailbox includes a mailbox door for opening and closing the mailbox and a servo motor which is connected to a pair of springs or latches to control movement of the mailbox door. A high-resolution camera is provided to capture video of the inside and around the mailbox. A mail sensor is used to detect the presence of a parcel or other items within the mailbox. A wireless transceiver is configured to establish communication with the server system, and the remote terminal device and a solar panel are configured to provide electrical power to the components of the mailbox or other receptacle. The remote terminal device is connected to the mailbox and is configured to receive real-time notifications of access to the mailbox, and receive videos or images captured by the high-resolution camera, which include timestamps of the delivered parcels or other items through the installed software application. The server system stores the videos and credentials, allowing secure access to the mailbox by remotely using the software application.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a system comprising a mailbox and a remote electronic device for remotely monitoring and controlling the mailbox is disclosed. The mailbox includes a microprocessor to receive instructions from the remote electronic device and transmits the mailbox information using a wireless communication channel established by a wireless transceiver to the remote electronic device. The remote electronic device is connected to the mailbox, and accesses the mailbox through an installed software application. The software application causes a processor of the electronic device to transmit actions such as the mailbox door locking or unlocking. Such instruction causes the microprocessor of the mailbox to actuate the door of the mailbox. The processor is further configured to receive real time notifications relating to access of the mailbox, receive videos or images captured by the high-resolution camera, provide timestamps for the delivered parcels and display the information using the installed software application.
In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a smart mailbox is disclosed. The smart mailbox is configured and designed to be connected to a remote terminal device and a server system. The mailbox includes a mailbox door for opening and closing and gaining access to the interior compartment the mailbox body. A mailbox cavity is provided to accommodate parcels, mail and packages. A servo motor is connected to a pair of springs to control movement of the mailbox door. A high resolution camera is used to capture video or images of inside and around the mailbox or other container. A gravimetric mail sensor is provided to detect the presence of a parcel or other items in the mailbox. A wireless transceiver is configured to establish communication with the server system and the remote terminal device. A solar panel is configured to capture solar power and provide converted electrical power to the components of the mailbox. A microprocessor is used to control operation of the mailbox based on remotely received instructions from the remote terminal device and provide notifications indicating the activity in the mailbox. The captured video or images by the camera are uploaded to the server system and the credentials to access the mailbox are verified at the server system for secure access. The server systems may be connected to an additional database which holds data and information relating to those individuals who may access the container, as well as other historical information of when prior attempts were made to gain entry to the mailbox. The mailbox has a timer circuit to timestamp the notifications, and to put the camera into sleep mode in case of inactivity for a predetermined period of time.
In yet a further embodiment, a method to remotely control and monitor a mailbox is described. The method includes the steps of initially connecting a remote control device having an installed software application on a smart device with the mailbox or other container configured to receive mail or packages. Next, the mailbox is securely accessed after verification of the credentials by a server. Then, real-time notifications of the activity of the mailbox are received and video or image recordings are captured by a camera of the mailbox. The notifications have a timestamp to allow a mailbox owner to analyze the received information. The software application can transmit mailbox control commands, such as locking and unlocking the door of the mailbox.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a smart mailbox or container is made from suitable rigid materials such as a metal, plastic or composite material, and is configured to receive mail, packages and other items and to provide the real-time status of the mailbox. The smart mailbox features an integrated camera that enables a user such as a mailbox owner to view the inside of the mailbox, and monitor their deliveries or packages once they have been made, until the homeowner can retrieve the contents from the box or container. The mailbox has a secured or locking door. The mailbox preferably comprises a servo motor that enables the user to remotely lock or unlock the locking door. The mailbox generates real-time status, images or video footage, or different delivery timings of the deliveries or packages, to an electronic device having the installed software application.
The mailbox of the present invention can have an outer camera to monitor the proximity of individuals or vehicles to the mailbox. The microprocessor of the mailbox and server can analyze the access code before providing access to the mailbox. In one embodiment, the server system receives information from the mailbox and transmits the information to the remote terminal device while storing the information for future use. The timestamp and videos or images that are captured by the mailbox camera are stored in the cloud storage of the server or other connected database.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox or other delivery container that is designed to alert users or homeowners of the real-time status of the mailbox or receptacle and provide information on any delivery of packages, other items or mail in the mailbox or receptacle. There exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox or container that prevents the risk of theft or other intrusions of the mailbox, and prevents the mail or deliveries from being stolen or tampered with. There exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox that allows the users and other individuals to remotely view the inside of the mailbox or container and eliminates the need to make unnecessary trips to their mailbox to check on mail and package deliveries. There exist a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox that allows the users to lock or unlock mailbox remotely to prevent others from stealing mail, contents or packages. Finally, there exist a long-felt need in the art for a smart mailbox that provide an easy solution for one or more users, individuals or homeowners to monitor their mailbox and deliveries in real-time.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel mailbox mentoring system comprising a mailbox and a remote electronic device for remotely monitoring and controlling the mailbox is disclosed. The mailbox or delivery receptacle includes a microprocessor to receive instructions from the remote electronic device and transmits mailbox information using a wireless communication channel established by a wireless transceiver to the remote electronic device. The remote electronic device is connected to the mailbox and accesses the mailbox through an installed software application. The software application causes a processor of the electronic device to transmit access information to the mailbox to allow for the door locking or unlocking instruction, causing the microprocessor of the mailbox to actuate the door of the mailbox. The processor is further configured to receive real time notifications of access to the mailbox, receive videos captured by the high resolution camera and timestamps of the delivered parcels and display the information using the installed software application.
Referring initially to the drawings,
In the present embodiment, the smart mailbox 100 is installed on a post or stand and has an inner cavity 102 for accommodating mail, packages and parcels. The mailbox body or surface 104 can be manufactured from a lightweight and durable material such as plastic, or any metal, metal alloy or any other composite material. To access the inner cavity 102 of the mailbox 100, the mailbox 100 has a locking door 106. The locking door 106 moves between an open position and a closed position, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the inner cavity 102 of the mailbox or delivery receptacle 100. The locking door 106 has a magnetic locking fastener 108 which allows for the opening and closing of the door 106 or access panel.
To provide security for the mailbox 100, the inner cavity 102 of the mailbox 100 has an integrated camera 110 which is configured and designed to record and stream video of the inner cavity 102 of the mailbox 100, or to take images of the contents of the cavity 102. The camera 110 allows the owner of the mailbox 100, or homeowners or other individuals to monitor the mailbox 100 remotely and eliminates the need to physically visit the mailbox 100 in order to check for mail, packages and parcels. The recording by the camera 110 is stored on a cloud server of a service provider or other database 303 (see
The inner cavity 102 has a pair of springs 114 that are designed to ensure that the locking door or access panel 106 automatically closes without the user or homeowner having to push or pull the locking door 106. The springs 114 are attached to the ends of the front edge of the inner cavity 102 that make use of the tension of the spring movement to automatically move the door 106 to the closed position from an open position.
The locking door 106 has a servo motor 116 that allows an owner or other authorized individual access to the mailbox 100 to remotely lock or unlock the locking door 106 using the companion smartphone application. The servo meter 116 is connected to springs 114 which allow for the movement of the door 106 automatically on an instruction received from the remote electronic device. The servo motor 116 used in the mailbox 100 is a rotary actuator or linear actuator that allows precise control of the angular or linear position of the door. The servo motor 116 is designed to automatically lock the locking door 106 of the mailbox 100. The servo motor 116 allows the springs 114 to slowly or quickly release tension developed in the springs 114, to automatically move the locking door 106 to the closed position. The servo motor 116 allows the springs 114 to stretch to a predetermined length to develop sufficient tension in the springs 114 to allow the door 116 to be in an open position. The opening of door and tensioning of the springs can be adjusted to an intermediate position to allow the door to only be partially opened versus fully opened. The intermediate position allows a user to confirm the contents of the space without having to fully open the mailbox in case the user wants to withdraw the contents at a later date.
The mailbox 100 has a durable solar panel 112 integrated on one of its top or side surfaces depending on the position of the sun. The solar panel 112 has a plurality of solar cells to absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. The electrical energy is stored in an internal battery contained withing the mailbox 100 or positioned externally from the mailbox, e.g. underneath to provide electrical power to the camera 110, servo motor 116 and other electronic components of the mailbox 100.
It should be noted that all the electronic components of the smart mailbox 100 are connected through one or more wired circuits within the mailbox 100. The wired circuits are insulated and protected from water or moisture such as rain, mist, fog, snow, hail or other environmental conditions. The operations of the electronic components of the mailbox 100 can be controlled remotely using the companion smartphone application. The mailbox 100 has a wireless transceiver to communicate with one or more remote electronic devices and the server, thereby allowing the mailbox owner and service providers to remotely monitor the status and condition of the mailbox 100.
The server 202 stores the authentication information such as a passcode of the mailbox 100 which is inputted by a user on the electronic device to remotely open or close the door of the mailbox 100 or to position the mailbox door in an intermediate position. Further, the server 202 stores the recording of the camera installed in the mailbox 100. The server 202 also facilitates communication between the mailbox 100 and the remote terminal device 204.
The smartphone device or terminal 204 with an installed companion software application 206 acts as a remote-control device for controlling the operations of the mailbox 100. The terminal device 204 receives real-time alerts and notification from the smart mailbox 100 when one or more sensors of the mailbox 100 detects an activity in or around the mailbox 100 such as opening or closing of the door, receiving a parcel in the inner cavity, or other similar activity. In one embodiment, the mailbox-monitoring service provider server 202 sends real-time alerts or notifications to one or more mobile phones or other electronic devices 204. Real time alerts and notifications which are sent to the mailbox owner or other authorized individuals may indicate whether the mailbox contains a parcel, mail or other items, and whether the door is open, closed or in an intermediate position, whether the system or a component is operational, capturing images, detecting motion or detecting a presence of an object or user, etc.
Additionally, the mailbox-monitoring service provider server 202 can receive instructions from the terminal devices 204 to control the operations of the mailbox or other delivery receptacle 100. The server 202 can also retrieve information from the mailbox 100, including, for example, the state, condition or temperature of the mailbox 100 and desired components.
It should be appreciated that mailbox owners or other authorized individuals receive real-time alerts of the activities in and around the mailbox 100 for remote monitoring. The camera of the mailbox 100 is useful to keep an eye on the deliveries and packages in order to prevent the risk of theft or spoilage if the delivery is for perishable foods, medicines or other sensitive items. The alerts and/or notifications shown on the software application 206 can be in the form of a push notification, audio alerts, visual alerts such as picture, video footage, current status of the mailbox or others.
The mailbox 100 has a mail sensor 302 that can detect mail, parcels or packages placed in the mailbox 100. The mail sensor 302 can be a gravimetric sensor, for detecting the weight of the parcels or packages inside the mailbox 100. The mail sensor 302 is operatively connected to a mailbox microprocessor 304 that generates real-time alerts or notifications when the presence of a parcel or package is detected. A database 303 is provided and includes information relating to who can access the mailbox or container, as well as historical information on access attempts that were made. A sensor 305, such as a temperature sensor, may be provided so that if perishable items are delivered to the box, such as food or medicine, the individual can be alerted when the temperature inside the box is approaching a threshold or has otherwise been exceeded and triggers an alarm on the smart device. A wireless transceiver 306 allows the mailbox 100 to communicate wirelessly using an electronic network or internet to a remote device such as a server or remote terminal devices.
It should be noted that the mailbox microprocessor 304 receives information collected by the sensors and analyzes the environment around the mailbox or delivery receptacle 100, and accordingly provides instructions to the servo motor for opening or closing the door of the mailbox 100 or holding the door in an intermediate position. Additionally, the microprocessor 304 can activate the sleep mode or active mode of the camera 110. The sleep mode of the camera can be activated for power saving, and the active mode of the camera can be activated in case any activity is detected in or around the mailbox 100. A timer circuit 308 allows to timestamp the notifications of the parcels or mail received in the mailbox 100 and can further be used for providing a timer value to automatically activate the sleep mode of the camera 110.
To provide power to the electronic components, the mailbox 100 comprises a solar power source 112 on the top or side surface of the mailbox 100, that converts the solar energy into electrical energy for the operation of the smart mailbox 100. The panels may also be provided on the post or other support, depending on the desired position, to capture the most solar energy. Various electronic components of the mailbox 100 are arranged in an invisible manner and are connected through one or more wired circuits. Alternatively, the sensors can be integrated to one or more integrated chips. The microprocessor provides instructions to the sensors and electronic components for performing the operation of the mailbox 100.
Using the instruction header real-time status 601, mailbox status provides information related to the closed or open position of the door, additional information such as battery level or subscription options for the mailbox owner can be shown. The video recording option 602 displays the live or recorded video or images captured by the camera installed in the inner cavity of the mailbox 100. The video recording can provide information related to the parcel deliveries and pickups, and can also detect the person who is accessing the mailbox door.
To allow the mailbox owner to verify the delivery timings of parcels or other items in the mailbox or delivery receptacle, the software application 206 provides a delivery timings 603 option that provides information or details of the times that mail, packages or parcels were delivered to the mailbox or delivery receptacle. It should be appreciated that the camera of the mailbox can automatically turn on when an activity or movement is detected inside or around the mailbox.
For remotely opening and closing the mailbox, the software application 206 displays a lock mailbox door option 604, an unlock mailbox door option 605 and an intermediate position 606. Instructions from the smartphone application allow the mailbox owner to operate the mailbox and prevent unauthorized access. For operating the door, an access code can be required for authentication of the mailbox owner.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “smart mailbox”, “mailbox” and “intelligent mailbox” are interchangeable and refer to the smart mailbox 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the smart mailbox or delivery receptacle 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the smart mailbox 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the smart mailbox or receptacle 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the smart mailbox 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the smart mailbox 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/145,751, which was filed on Feb. 4, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63145751 | Feb 2021 | US |
