Drone Parcel Receiving Enclosure With Secure Optical Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fully automated air parcel delivery systems face risks of misuse, including interception, unwanted deliveries, drone vandalism, and theft, due to precision navigation issues and lack of secure authentication, especially with untrustworthy operators and vulnerable navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A receiving device with a weather-protected enclosure, infrared signaling, and wireless authorization mechanisms, using cryptographic keys and QR code readers for secure communication, allowing precise drone navigation and preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite navigation systems are used for drone delivery, then navigation coverage is improved, but navigation precision deteriorates due to signal distortion and selective availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local reference station as an intermediary between the satellite navigation system and the drone. This reference station receives satellite signals, determines its precise position through multiple satellite measurements, and transmits correction data to drones in its coverage area. The correction data compensates for signal distortions and selective availability effects, enabling precise navigation while maintaining wide coverage through the reference station's local correction zone
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the reference station continuously monitor satellite navigation signals and compute correction values based on its known precise position. These correction values are fed back to drones in real-time, allowing them to compensate for navigation errors. The feedback loop ensures that even when satellite signals are distorted or selectively degraded, drones can maintain accurate positioning within the reference station's coverage area
2Productivity
If fully automated drone delivery is implemented, then delivery efficiency is improved, but security against misuse and theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a secure authentication protocol before the drone approaches the delivery location. The reference station and drone exchange cryptographic credentials in advance, and the receiving device verifies the drone's authorization before accepting the package. This preliminary security check prevents unauthorized drones from intercepting or stealing packages, maintaining security while enabling fully automated delivery operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary anti-action by having the reference station transmit authentication data and security credentials to the drone before the delivery operation begins. The receiving device is pre-configured with authorization verification mechanisms that actively prevent unauthorized access. This preliminary protective measure counteracts potential security threats before they can manifest, allowing automated delivery to proceed securely
3Measurement precision
If precise geo-coordinates are used for delivery locations, then delivery precision is improved, but vulnerability to address falsification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the reference station as an intermediary that verifies delivery locations. Instead of directly trusting geo-coordinates provided by the drone or receiver, the reference station independently determines its precise position through satellite navigation and compares it with the expected delivery location. This intermediary verification prevents address falsification while maintaining the precision benefits of geo-coordinate-based delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by having the reference station continuously monitor and verify the actual delivery location against the intended coordinates. If there is a discrepancy indicating potential address falsification, the reference station can alert the system and prevent the delivery. This feedback mechanism maintains delivery precision while protecting against coordinate manipulation
4Reliability
If cryptographic authentication is implemented for drone-receiver communication, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based authentication systems with electronic cryptographic methods. Instead of using physical keys, cards, or biometric devices, the system uses software-based cryptographic protocols that can be implemented in the drone's flight controller and the receiving device's microcontroller. This substitution maintains high security while reducing mechanical complexity and enabling fully automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cryptographic authentication system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, serving both security authentication and identification purposes. The same cryptographic credentials used for authentication also identify the drone and receiver to each other, eliminating the need for separate identification mechanisms. This universality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining strong security
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances security and precision in drone parcel delivery by ensuring only authorized devices can receive packages, reducing risks of misuse and theft, while minimizing mechanization and configuration costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signaling device, here a light-emitting diode 204, which preferably emits signals in the infrared range
Implementation Method 2
the opening being surrounded by a frosted, optically transparent ring 206 which scatters the light of the optical signaling device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3.1~3.2
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a receiving apparatus (200, 300, 400, 500) for packages (1) or packets delivered by air, having an enclosure (201, 301) that protects against weathering and has an opening (202) for inserting a package (1) or a packet, an optical signal apparatus (204), which preferably transmits signals in the infrared range and is arranged in the enclosure (201) so as to be protected against weathering and illuminates the opening (202) when transmitting signals, an apparatus (207) for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals, an apparatus (208) for wired, optical or wireless reception of authorisation information, such as cryptographic keys, and of delivery information, wherein during an approach by a drone (100) the latter transmits a signal by means of which the drone (100) announces itself, and the apparatus (207) for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals receives this signal from the drone, the optical signal apparatus (204) then transmits a coded signal arranged beforehand by the apparatus (208) for wired, optical or wireless reception of authorisation information, which signal is used by the receiving apparatus (200, 300, 400, 500) to make itself noticeable to the drone (100) by virtue of the optical signal apparatus (204), when transmitting signals, illuminating the opening (202) with the signal.