Detecting envelopes or parcels in a mailbox

Abstract

Detection of Envelopes or Parcels in a Mailbox: A method for detecting a change in the contents of a mailbox comprising the following steps: - periodic reading of the signal from a mass sensor to obtain mass measurement data representative of the mass of envelopes or parcels in the mailbox, - determination, from the mass measurement data, of a change Δm in the mass of the envelopes or parcels over time, - generation, based on at least this change, of a first signal indicating the presence or absence of envelopes or parcels in the mailbox, and a second signal indicating a change in the contents of the mailbox when at least one envelope or parcel is already present. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Detection of folds or parcels in a mailbox Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to tracking the contents of a mailbox. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method for detecting a variation in the contents of a mailbox. Prior art

[0002] There are many devices for detecting the presence of letters or parcels in a mailbox, i.e. for detecting whether a mailbox is empty or not.

[0003] US 2008 / 02783 relates to a method for detecting and identifying the contents of a mailbox comprising, among other things, a step of optical scanning of the interior of the mailbox.

[0004] US 6,831,558 describes a device comprising a motion detector for positioning in a mailbox, a transmitter electrically connected to the motion detector and a wireless receiver for receiving a signal from the detector to determine the presence of mail in the mailbox.

[0005] US 2004 / 0021571 describes a device intended to be positioned in a mailbox, comprising a photosensitive sensor and a loudspeaker, the loudspeaker being controlled by electronic control means so that the loudspeaker is triggered when the opening of the mailbox is detected by the photosensitive sensor.

[0006] US 2005 / 122220 discloses a method and device for remotely detecting and signaling the presence or absence of content in a mailbox via a transmitter-receiver pair.

[0007] These devices allow mailbox owners to know if their mailbox is empty, thus saving them from having to travel unnecessarily. However, they do not allow them to know what type of content is present in the mailbox. Thus, when the owner is waiting for a delivery, of a parcel for example, the indication of the presence of mail does not allow them to know if the delivery of their parcel has been made.

[0008] Furthermore, when the mailbox contains several letters and / or parcels, part of the contents of the mailbox may be stolen. Certain devices of the described art can still indicate the presence of mail even if part of the contents is missing. Statement of the invention

[0009] There is a need for a more secure mailbox, making it easier to remotely track deliveries of mail or parcels by their recipient.

[0010] The invention aims to meet this need. Summary of the invention Detection method

[0011] The invention relates to a method for detecting a variation in the content of a mailbox, comprising the following steps:

[0012] - periodic reading of the signal from a mass sensor so as to obtain data mass measurement representative of the mass of letters or parcels in the mailbox,

[0013] - determination from mass measurement data of a variation Am of the mass of folds or packages over time,

[0014] - generation, as a function of at least this variation, of a first piece of information indicating the presence, or absence, of letters or parcels in the box, and a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the box when at least one letter or parcel is already present.

[0015] The first and / or second information may be automatically transmitted, in particular by sending an email, an SMS or a notification, to a mobile phone or a computer of a user or a connected intercom.

[0016] The second information preferably includes an indication relating to the withdrawal of letters or parcels and / or the addition of letters or parcels in the mailbox.

[0017] Advantageously, the detection method according to the invention makes it possible not only to determine whether the mailbox is empty, that is to say to determine the presence or absence of content in the mailbox, but also to determine whether a letter or parcel has been added or removed.

[0018] The invention makes it possible to distinguish a fold from a package based on the determined mass variation.

[0019] Thus, the second information may include an indication relating to the type of mail or parcel removed and / or added to the mailbox, in particular letter or parcel. In particular, the second information may indicate whether the addition and / or removal corresponds to a mail, or on the contrary whether it corresponds to a parcel. Furthermore, the second information may also indicate whether it is an advertising leaflet.

[0020] The variation in mass can be compared to at least one threshold value to determine whether the variation is linked to an arrival, or a withdrawal, of a package or letter, the second information comprising an indication specifying whether the variation in the content is linked to an arrival, or a withdrawal, of a package or letter.

[0021] The method may include triggering an alarm when the variation is linked to a withdrawal of a parcel or letter, in particular to a withdrawal carried out while the device is in alert mode, no alarm preferably being triggered when the alert mode of the device has been deactivated.

[0022] Advantageously, the alert mode can be deactivated when a letter or parcel must be removed from the mailbox, for example when returning it to the sender.

[0023] The conditions for triggering the alert can be modified depending on the information a user wishes to receive.

[0024] The periodic reading can be carried out with a period of at least 1 min, at least 5 min, at least 15 min, or even at least 30 min.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises putting into a standby state with reduced energy consumption between two readings.

[0026] The determination of the mass variation may include a comparison of mass measurements corresponding to two immediately successive measurements, for example by calculating a ratio or by calculating a difference of the mass measurements. Thus, depending on the sign of the mass variation or its comparison with 1, it is in particular possible to determine whether mail is added between two successive measurements, or conversely whether mail is removed between the two successive measurements.

[0027] A step of comparing a mass measurement with a reference value m0 can be carried out, the reference value being for example the mass measured by the mass sensor when no content is present on the support. The sensor is thus tared taking into account the weight of the support.

[0028] The detection method may further comprise the analysis of mass measurement data originating from a plurality of mass sensors representative of the masses of letters or parcels in several letter boxes present in a predefined geographical perimeter, in order to detect an arrival of letters or parcels in several boxes corresponding to the round of an operator of a letter or parcel delivery service or advertising leaflets.

[0029] In particular, it is possible to determine whether a letter or parcel has been removed from or added to a mailbox, but also to know whether an addition corresponds to the round of a delivery service operator or whether the addition concerns a leaflet.

[0030] The detection method may comprise comparing a message sent by an operator of a delivery service indicating that the delivery of a letter or parcel has been carried out with the first and second information. In particular, the method may comprise sending the operator a message confirming the deposit in the mailbox, and comparing the time of sending of this message with that entered by the operator of a delivery service on his terminal.

[0031] Device for detecting a variation in the contents of a mailbox

[0032] The invention also relates to a device for detecting a variation in the contents of a mailbox comprising:

[0033] - a support arranged to define in the bottom of the box a surface for receiving folds or parcels;

[0034] - at least one mass sensor delivering a signal representative of the mass of the folds or packages present on the support;

[0035] - a processing unit connected to the mass sensor and configured to read the signal of the mass sensor periodically,

[0036] - a communication circuit connected to the processing unit and allowing transmit data to a web server,

[0037] - optionally, a detector for opening a mailbox door and / or arrival of a new letter or package and / or movement, in particular detecting the presence of a delivery operator within a predefined perimeter,

[0038] the processing unit being configured to address to said server mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor,

[0039] the processing unit being arranged to switch to a standby state with reduced electrical consumption between two readings of the mass sensor and / or when the device comprises a detector, to switch to a standby state with reduced electrical consumption and wake up in the event of detection of a signal from this detector representative of the opening of the door or the arrival of a letter or parcel or of a movement, then transmit to the web server the value read by the mass sensor via the communication circuit.

[0040] The processing unit is preferably arranged to read the signal from the mass sensor with a time interval of more than 1 min between two successive readings.

[0041] System and device for detecting a variation in the content of a mailbox

[0042] The invention also relates to a system, in particular for implementing the method according to the invention as defined above, comprising a web server and at least one device for detecting a variation in the content of a mailbox, the detection device comprising:

[0043] - a support arranged to define in the bottom of the box a surface for receiving folds or parcels;

[0044] - at least one mass sensor delivering a signal representative of the mass of the folds or packages present on the support;

[0045] - a processing unit connected to the mass sensor and configured to read the signal of the mass sensor periodically,

[0046] - a communication circuit connected to the processing unit and allowing transmit data to the web server,

[0047] the processing unit being configured to address to said server data of mass measurement obtained with the mass sensor in order to allow the server to determine a variation Am in the mass of the letters or parcels over time and then generate a first piece of information indicating a presence, or absence, of letters or parcels in the box, and a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the box when at least one letter or parcel is already present.

[0048] The system may comprise a plurality of detection devices in communication with the web server, the web server being configured to analyze the mass measurement data from at least some of these devices in order to determine for each the first and / or the second information.

[0049] Analysis of mass measurement data from multiple devices can determine whether all or some of the mailboxes in an area have received an advertising leaflet or whether a delivery operator has completed a round.

[0050] Preferably, the portion of the devices is determined so that the devices considered for the analysis are part of a predefined perimeter around the mailbox whose variation in content is to be analyzed. For example, the predefined perimeter is representative of a building, a street or a neighborhood.

[0051] Preferably the detection device as defined above comprising:

[0052] - a support arranged to define in the bottom of the box a surface for receiving folds or parcels;

[0053] - at least one mass sensor delivering a signal representative of the mass of the folds or packages present on the support;

[0054] - a processing unit connected to the mass sensor and configured to read the signal of the mass sensor periodically,

[0055] - a communication circuit connected to the processing unit and allowing transmit data to a web server,

[0056] - optionally, a detector for opening a mailbox door and / or arrival of a new letter or package and / or movement, in particular detecting the presence of a delivery operator within a predefined perimeter,

[0057] the processing unit being configured to address to said server mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor,

[0058] the processing unit being arranged to switch to a standby state with reduced electrical consumption between two readings of the mass sensor and / or when the device comprises a detector, to switch to a standby state with reduced electrical consumption and wake up in the event of detection of a signal from this detector representative of the opening of the door or the arrival of a letter or parcel or of a movement, then transmit to the web server the value read by the mass sensor via the communication circuit.

[0059] The processing unit can advantageously operate in real time.

[0060] The processing unit may comprise a microcontroller, for example of the Arduino® type.

[0061] The communication circuit can communicate with the web server by means of a short-range network, via WIFI, or Bluetooth, or a long-range network, via LORA®.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the communication circuit may comprise a connected intercom.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the system is configured to form a network of mailboxes each comprising a detection device and a communication circuit with a web server, the mailboxes forming the network being positioned for example in the same building. Each communication circuit can communicate with the web server by means of a short-range network, for example via WIFI or Bluetooth.

[0064] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the mass sensor is composed of several detection modules distributed, preferably uniformly, on the support, so that the processing unit can estimate a location of the mail on the support, as a function of point masses, each of the point masses being measured by a detection module of the mass sensor.

[0065] This embodiment can make it possible to distinguish different folds or packages by locating them on the support, thus leading to the generation of a second, more precise piece of information.

[0066] The mass sensor may include a load cell, a strain gauge sensor, a spring sensor, or a piezoelectric sensor, among other possibilities.

[0067] The mass sensor may be incorporated into the support.

[0068] Alternatively, the support rests on the mass sensor, preferably directly on the mass sensor.

[0069] The device may comprise one or more detectors for opening a door of the mailbox and / or for the arrival of a new letter or parcel and / or for movement.

[0070] In particular, a detector may comprise a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a contact sensor, and / or an angle sensor.

[0071] A contact sensor may be arranged so as to enable detection of an opening of the mailbox, in particular an opening from the street in the case of a mailbox which can open both outwards and inwards.

[0072] An angle sensor may be arranged to enable detection of a mailbox door opening.

[0073] This device may comprise an optical sensor arranged so as to enable the detection of the arrival of a letter or parcel in the mailbox. For example, the device comprises a camera, and preferably the camera observing the interior of the mailbox.

[0074] The device may comprise an opening sensor, for example of the magnet and flexible reed switch type, intended to detect an opening or closing of the mailbox door.

[0075] The device may comprise means for transmitting the first and second information to a mobile telephone or a computer of a user.

[0076] The first and second information may be presented to the user by visual, sensory and / or audio communication means.

[0077] The means of communication may include an audible alarm and / or a visual interface.

[0078] The detection device can be powered by any power supply means, in particular by means of a battery or a connection to an electrical network.

[0079] Preferably, the device is factory-calibrated, empty, i.e. without any folds or packages on the support. Mailbox

[0080] The invention also relates to a mailbox comprising a detection device according to the invention.

[0081] The device can advantageously be installed in an existing mailbox, the support being positioned on the bottom of the mailbox.

[0082] A mailbox according to the invention preferably complies with at least one of the standards NF D 27 404 and NF D 27 405. Brief description of the drawings

[0083] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0084] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] shows a diagram of an embodiment of a mailbox according to the invention;

[0085] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of a detection device according to the invention;

[0086] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents the mailbox of [Fig.l] in which mail is filed;

[0087] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows schematically an embodiment of a mailbox according to the invention;

[0088] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates an example of a system according to the invention;

[0089] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates an example of implementation of a method according to the invention; and

[0090] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a particular implementation of a method according to the invention.

[0091] In the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or have identical functions bear the same reference sign. Their description is not repeated with respect to each of the figures, only the main differences between the embodiments being mentioned. Detailed description

[0092] Illustrated in [Fig.l] is a mailbox 1 according to the invention, comprising a detection device 2 according to the invention. Detection device

[0093] The detection device 2 may comprise, as seen in [Fig.2], in exploded view, and in [Fig.3], a support 20 arranged to define in the bottom of the box a surface for receiving folds 24 or parcels 22, at least one mass sensor 10 and a processing unit 30.

[0094] The mass sensor delivers a signal representative of the mass of the folds or packages present on the support 20.

[0095] In a particular embodiment, the detection device 2 further comprises a communication circuit connected to the processing unit and making it possible to transmit data to a web server 7.

[0096] The detection device 2 may also comprise, as a variant or additionally, means for transmitting the first and second information to communication means 40, for example a mobile telephone or a computer of a user. Support

[0097] The support 20 preferably has a flat surface.

[0098] Preferably, the dimensions of the support are determined so that the detection device can be integrated into any type of mailbox, in particular into mailboxes complying with standards NF D 27 404 or NF D 27 405.

[0099] The mass sensor 10 can be integrated into the support.

[0100] Alternatively, the holder rests on the mass sensor when the device is placed in the mailbox. Sensors

[0101] In the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the mass sensor is composed of several modules 12; 14; 16; 18 connected to the support 20 so as to allow location of the folds or parcels placed on the support. Each module measures a point mass. The association of the point masses measured by all the modules makes it possible to determine a mass of folds or parcels on the support.

[0102] Each mass sensor module may include a load cell, a strain gauge, a spring and / or a piezoelectric sensor.

[0103] In addition, the device may comprise one or more detectors 40a; 40b for opening the mailbox door and / or for the arrival of a new letter or parcel and / or for movement, in addition to the mass sensor. The detectors 40a 40b may comprise a proximity sensor, a movement sensor, a contact sensor, or an angle sensor. This list is not limiting.

[0104] For example, the device comprises a camera making it possible, after analysis of the images acquired by the camera, to determine whether an individual has approached the detection device and / or to determine whether a letter 24 or a parcel 22 has been moved, for example introduced or removed from the mailbox. The camera, or generally any optical sensor, may be arranged so as to acquire measurements relating to the inside of the mailbox and / or relating to the outside of the mailbox.

[0105] Such an optical sensor can be useful for specifying which mail or parcel delivery operator is responsible for depositing or withdrawing mail or parcels.

[0106] The device may comprise a door opening detector 40a; 40b intended to detect an opening or closing of the mailbox door, for example by contact of the sensor with said door or when two portions of the sensor come into contact. Such an embodiment is illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0107] The detection device may include a GPS, which allows the server to know the position of the mailbox.

[0108] The detection device may comprise an inclinometer.

[0109] The detection device may include an accelerometer, making it possible in particular to detect if a package has been thrown into the mailbox. Processing unit

[0110] The processing unit is connected to the mass sensor and configured to read the signal from the mass sensor periodically and to send to the server mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor.

[0111] The reading of the signal from the mass sensor by the processing unit may comprise a temporary recording of a measurement of the signal; in particular, the storage of the recording may be carried out in a buffer memory.

[0112] The reading period may be at least 1 minute, at least 5 minutes, at least 15 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour.

[0113] The processing unit can operate in real time, that is to say that the user can know in real time whether a letter or parcel is added or removed from the mailbox.

[0114] Preferably, the processing unit is arranged to switch to a standby state with reduced power consumption between two readings of the mass sensor.

[0115] When the device comprises a detector 40a; 40b for opening the door of the mailbox and / or for the arrival of a new letter or parcel and / or for movement, the processing unit can be arranged to switch to a standby state at consumption reduced electrical power and wake up in the event of detection of a signal from this detector representing the opening of the door or the arrival of a letter or parcel or movement, then transmit to the web server the value read by the mass sensor via the communication circuit. Web server

[0116] The processing unit is configured to address to said server mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor.

[0117] The web server 7 is configured to determine a variation Am in the mass of the letters or parcels over time and then generate a first piece of information indicating a presence, or absence, of letters or parcels in the box, and a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the box while at least one letter or parcel is already present there.

[0118] In particular, the web server comprises computer means making it possible to determine, from the mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor 10, the variation Am in the mass of mail items and parcels, and to generate the first information indicating a presence, or absence, of mail items or parcels in the box and the second information indicating a variation in the contents of the box while at least one mail item or parcel is already present there.

[0119] The web server can be configured to:

[0120] - record a mass measurement at different successive acquisition times pe periodic;

[0121] - for each acquisition instant t, determine a variation in the mass of folds or parcels between the acquisition time t and the immediately preceding acquisition time t-At from the mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor at times t and t-At;

[0122] - depending on the variation in the mass of folds or parcels, in particular if the variation the mass of folds or parcels is greater than a predefined threshold, generate the first information and the second information.

[0123] The determination of the mass variation may include the comparison of the mass measurement at time t with the mass measurement at time t-At by calculating a ratio (mt / mt-At ) or by calculating the difference (mt - mt-At ).

[0124] When the difference (mt - mt-At ) is substantially equal to 0, preferably equal to 0, it can be concluded that the variation in mass is substantially zero, respectively zero, and therefore that the content is identical at times t and t- At. On the contrary, when l(mt - mt-At )l is greater than a predefined threshold, it can be concluded that the mass of folds and / or parcels has varied between times t and t-At and therefore that the content is different. Depending on the sign of the variation in mass ((mt - mt-At ) >0 or (mt - mt-At ) <0), it is possible to determine whether a fold or a parcel has been added between times t and t- At, or conversely if a letter or parcel was removed between times t and t- At.

[0125] The web server can be configured to compare the mass measurement data with a reference value m0, the reference value corresponding for example to the signal delivered by the mass sensor when no fold or package is present on the support.

[0126] An alarm may be triggered based on the determined mass variation. Preferably, the alarm is triggered when the mass variation is greater in absolute value than a predefined threshold value. Preferably, the alarm is triggered when the mass variation is negative and greater in absolute value than a predefined threshold value.

[0127] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention may comprise an alert mode, a mode in which the alarm may be triggered. When the device is not in alert mode, then the alarm is not triggered.

[0128] Preferably, the time interval At is sufficiently small so as to be able to distinguish any withdrawal and / or addition likely to take place during a day. Detectors

[0129] The web server can be configured to analyze information from a detector of opening of the mailbox door and / or arrival of a new letter or parcel and / or movement, the detectors being different from the mass sensor.

[0130] As previously indicated, the detector may comprise a contact sensor, an optical sensor or a motion sensor.

[0131] Preferably, the variation in mass is compared to at least one threshold value to determine whether the variation is linked to an arrival, or a withdrawal, of a package or letter, the second information comprising an indication specifying whether the variation in the content is linked to an arrival, or a withdrawal, of a package or letter.

[0132] In a particular embodiment, the detector comprises a transmitter-receiver pair, a transmitter being carried by a delivery service operator, the receiver being positioned near the mailbox. The web server can analyze the information from the detector to determine whether a letter or parcel has been added to the mailbox during the round of said delivery service operator.

[0133] The detector(s) present, in addition to the mass sensor, make it possible to generate a first piece of information and / or a second piece of information which is more precise.

[0134] A delivery operator may indicate, for example by means of a transmitter or by any signal sent to the web server, that the delivery has been made. It is possible to compare the indication sent by the delivery operator and the mass variation of the mailbox. If the mass variation is not consistent with the indication sent by the delivery operator, an alarm, the sending of an SMS or a notification may be triggered. This may be the case if the letter or parcel has been deposited in an incorrect mailbox or if the delivery operator indicated that they had made the delivery before actually having made the delivery of the letter or parcel. Means of communication

[0135] The communication means 40 make it possible to transmit the first and second information generated by the server 30 to the user.

[0136] The communication means 40 can communicate with the web server 7 and possibly the processing unit 30 via wireless communication, in particular via Bluetooth, WIFI, any point-to-point communication means, in particular via a module of the spread spectrum modulation type, for example LoRa®. This list is not limiting.

[0137] The communication means 40 may also include wired connections.

[0138] The communication means 40 may comprise a user interface, for example example a screen, one or more LEDs, and / or a sound transmitter.

[0139] The detection device can be powered by any power supply means, in particular by means of a battery or by connection to an electrical network. Mailbox

[0140] [Fig.l] illustrates a mailbox 1 comprising a detection device 2 according to the invention. In [Fig.3], the mailbox of [Fig.l] comprises letters 24 and parcels 22.

[0141] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3, the detection device is removable. This has the advantage of being able to repair or change the detection device without having to change the mailbox, and vice versa.

[0142] The mailbox 1 according to the invention is preferably according to at least one of the standards NF D 27 404 and NF D 27 405.

[0143] The mailbox can be lockable. System

[0144] [Fig.5] illustrates a system 3 according to the invention.

[0145] The system 3 comprises a web server 7 and at least one detection device 2a; 2b.

[0146] Preferably, the system 3 comprises, as illustrated in [Fig.6], several detection devices 2a; 2b according to the invention.

[0147] Each detection device 2a; 2b can be connected to a mailbox.

[0148] Preferably each detection device 2a; 2b comprises:

[0149] - a support 20 arranged to define in the bottom of the box a receiving surface of 24 folds or 22 parcels;

[0150] - at least one mass sensor 10 delivering a signal representative of the mass of the folds or packages present on the support;

[0151] - a processing unit 30 connected to the mass sensor and configured to read the ground sensor signal periodically,

[0152] - a communication circuit connected to the processing unit and allowing transmit data to the web server,

[0153] the processing unit being configured to send to said server mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor in order to allow the server to determine a variation Am in the mass of the mail or parcels over time and then generate a first piece of information indicating a presence, or absence, of mail or parcels in the box, and a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the box while at least one mail or parcel is already present there.

[0154] In one embodiment, the mass data is stored in a database 50.

[0155] The first and second information can be stored therein.

[0156] Advantageously, the mass data from a first detection device 2a relating to a first mailbox of the system 3 can be used to determine a second item of information relating to the content of a second mailbox comprising a second detection device 2b of the system 3.

[0157] Detection devices 2a; 2b of a system may in particular be arranged in mailboxes of the same building, the same street, or the same district.

[0158] In particular, such a system makes it possible to detect whether a letter of the same weight is deposited in all the mailboxes within a predefined perimeter; the web server can, by analyzing the mass data, deduce a probability that this letter corresponds to an advertising leaflet.

[0159] Furthermore, such a system makes it possible to detect whether the addition of folds or parcels corresponds to the passage of a delivery service operator by analyzing the variations in mass of the detection devices placed in mailboxes within a predefined perimeter.

[0160] When the detection devices are intended to be positioned in mailboxes in the same building, their communication circuits may operate via a short-range network. Detection method

[0161] [Fig.6] illustrates steps of a detection method according to the invention.

[0162] The method may comprise the following steps:

[0163] - periodic reading of the signal from a mass sensor so as to obtain data mass measurement representative of the mass of letters or parcels in a mailbox,

[0164] - determination from mass measurement data of a variation Am of the mass of folds or packages over time,

[0165] - generation as a function of at least this variation of a first information indicating the presence, or absence, of letters or parcels in the box, and a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the box when at least one letter or parcel is already present.

[0166] The method may comprise placing in a standby state with reduced energy consumption. In this case, the method comprises waking up from the standby state to perform the next reading of the signal. The waking up may alternatively or additionally be performed when sensors or detectors other than the ground sensor send a wake-up signal. For example, when a door opening detector detects the opening of the mailbox door.

[0167] [Fig.7] illustrates an example of implementation of a detection method according to the invention.

[0168] A method for detecting a variation in the content of a mailbox according to the invention may comprise the following steps: a. At an initial time t, acquisition of at least one first measurement of the mass of letters or parcels present in the mailbox; b. At a time t + At, acquisition of at least a second measurement of the mass of letters or parcels present in the mailbox; c. comparison of the first and second mass measurements so as to determine a variation in the mass Am of the contents of the mailbox between times t and t+At; d. determination of a first piece of information indicating the presence, or absence, of letters or parcels in the mailbox, and of a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the mailbox when at least one letter or parcel is already present there, based on the mass measurements acquired and the comparison of step c);

[0169] then return to step b).

[0170] Preferably, the method also comprises, after step d) and before resuming step b), step e):

[0171] e) transmission of the first and second information. Steps a) and b)

[0172] Steps a) and b) may include transmitting the first and second mass measurements to the web server and / or to a database or buffer. Step c)

[0173] In step c), the determination of the mass variation may include the comparison of the first mass measurement at time t with the second mass measurement at time t-At by calculating a ratio (mtlmbAt Jou by calculating the difference (m, - m,^).

[0174] Preferably, step c) is implemented by computer means, for example by a processing unit or a web server.

[0175] A processing unit may be a microcontroller, for example an Arduino board.

[0176] In step c), a comparison of at least one of the first and second mass measurements acquired in steps a) and b) with a reference value m0 can be carried out, the reference value corresponding for example to the signal delivered by the mass sensor when no fold or parcel is present on the support. Step d)

[0177] In step d), a first piece of information is determined indicating the presence or absence of letters or parcels in the mailbox and a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the mailbox while at least one letter or parcel is already present there.

[0178] At the end of step d), the method is repeated at step b); steps b) to d) are carried out in a loop, the acquisition of mass measurements being carried out periodically.

[0179] The return to step b) can be carried out after the lapse of a period of time, so that two immediately successive steps b) are separated by a predetermined period At.

[0180] Between two mass measurement acquisitions, an energy consumption standby state can be carried out.

[0181] The time interval between two immediately successive steps b) may be greater than or equal to 1 minute, greater than or equal to 5 minutes, greater than or equal to 15 minutes, or even greater than or equal to 30 minutes.

[0182] The time interval between two immediately successive steps b) may be less than or equal to 1 hour.

[0183] Step d) can be performed by a microcontroller. Alternatively, step d) can be performed by a web server. Step e)

[0184] Step e) can be implemented by communication means, communicating with each other by wired or wireless connection for example via Bluetooth, WiFi or LoRa®.

[0185] In a particular embodiment, step e) is only carried out when a variation in the content of the mailbox is detected.

[0186] The detection method can be implemented by means of a detection device 2 according to the invention, in particular by means of a mailbox 1 according to the invention or a system 3 according to the invention.

[0187] The invention allows a user to simply track the contents of a mailbox and in particular to track the letters and parcels entering and leaving the mailbox. In particular, the invention makes it possible to know not only that the mailbox is not empty but also to know whether the contents of the mailbox are a parcel and / or a letter, without having to move.

[0188] Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described.

[0189] The support is for example not limited to a flat shape and can have various shapes.

[0190] In addition, the web server can be configured to estimate the filling rate of the mailbox, and notify a predefined recipient when the filling rate exceeds a predefined value, so that this recipient moves to empty it.

[0191] The communication means may be configured to transmit information to the web server. For example, the user may wish to modify a threshold, beyond which he wishes to be notified or configure the content or form of the first and / or second information to be transmitted depending on an addition or removal of a mail or parcel.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for detecting a variation in the contents of a mailbox, comprising the following steps: - periodic reading of the signal from a mass sensor (10) so as to obtain mass measurement data representative of the mass of letters or parcels in a mailbox, - determination from the mass measurement data of a variation Am in the mass of the letters or parcels over time, - generation as a function of at least this variation, of a first piece of information indicating a presence, or absence, of letters or parcels in the box, and of a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the box while at least one letter or parcel is already present there.

2. Method according to claim 1, the first and / or second information being automatically transmitted, in particular by sending an email, an SMS or a notification, to a mobile phone or a computer of a user or a connected intercom.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 and 2, comprising the analysis of mass measurement data coming from a plurality of mass sensors representative of the masses of letters or parcels in several letter boxes present in a predefined geographical perimeter, in order to detect an arrival of letters or parcels in several boxes corresponding to the round of an operator of a delivery service for letters or parcels or advertising leaflets.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the comparison of a message sent by an operator of a delivery service indicating that the delivery of a letter or parcel has been carried out with the first and second information, in particular, comprising the sending to the operator of a message confirming the deposit in the mailbox, and the comparison of the time of sending of this message with that entered by the operator of a delivery service on his terminal.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the periodic reading being carried out with a period of at least 1 min.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the second information comprising an indication relating to a withdrawal of letters or parcels and / or to an addition of letters or parcels in the mailbox, in particular letters or parcels.

7. Method according to claim 6, the second information comprising in addition, an indication of the type of letters or parcels removed and / or added to the mailbox.

8. Device (2) for detecting a variation in the contents of a mailbox, comprising: - a support (20) arranged to define in the bottom of the box a surface for receiving letters (24) or parcels (22); - at least one mass sensor (10) delivering a signal representative of the mass of the letters or parcels present on the support; - a processing unit (30) connected to the mass sensor and configured to read the signal from the mass sensor periodically, - a communication circuit connected to the processing unit and making it possible to transmit data to a web server, - optionally, a detector for opening a door of the mailbox and / or arrival of a new letter or parcel and / or movement, in particular detecting the presence of a delivery operator within a predefined perimeter, the processing unit being configured to send to said server mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor,the processing unit being arranged to switch to a standby state with reduced power consumption between two readings of the mass sensor and / or when the device comprises a detector to switch to a standby state with reduced power consumption and wake up in the event of detection of a signal from this detector representative of the opening of the door or the arrival of a letter or parcel or of a movement, then transmit to the web server the value read by the mass sensor via the communication circuit.,

9. Device according to claim 8, the processing unit being arranged to read the signal from the mass sensor with a time interval of more than 1 min between two successive readings.

10. System, in particular for implementing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a web server (7) and at least one device (2) for detecting a variation in the contents of a mailbox, in particular according to any one of claims 8 and 9, the detection device comprising: - a support (20) arranged to define in the bottom of the box a surface for receiving folds (24) or parcels (22); - at least one mass sensor (10) delivering a signal representative of the mass of the folds or packages present on the support; - a processing unit (30) connected to the mass sensor and configured to read the signal from the mass sensor periodically, - a communication circuit connected to the processing unit and allowing data to be transmitted to the web server, the processing unit being configured to send to said server mass measurement data obtained with the mass sensor in order to allow the server to determine a variation Am in the mass of the mail or parcels over time and then generate a first piece of information indicating a presence, or absence, of mail or parcels in the box, and a second piece of information indicating a variation in the contents of the box while at least one mail or parcel is already present there.

11. A system according to claim 10, comprising a plurality of detection devices (2) in communication with the web server (7), the web server being configured to analyze the mass measurement data from at least some of the devices in order to determine the first and / or the second information.

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