Electronic Locker Access via Mobile Short-Range Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic parcel locker systems are costly, energy-intensive, and limited by the need for wireless long-distance communication, which restricts installation locations and compromises security due to simple authorization codes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing mobile devices for operation via short-distance communication networks, eliminating the need for on-site user interfaces and long-distance communication, enabling secure and complex authorization procedures, and allowing for installation in areas without wireless coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional user interfaces with touchscreens and barcode readers are used, then parcel locker operation is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the parcel locker itself and relocates it to the user's mobile device. The mobile device's screen and input mechanisms serve as the interface, while the parcel locker becomes a simple execution device that receives commands wirelessly. This eliminates the need for touchscreens, barcode readers, and other costly interface components embedded in the locker.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile device universal by using it for multiple purposes: as the user interface, as the authorization device, and as the communication terminal. The same mobile device that users carry for other purposes is leveraged to operate the parcel locker, eliminating the need for dedicated interface hardware at the locker location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless long-distance communication is used for remote system connectivity, then centralized management is enabled, but installation location flexibility is reduced and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into two parts: wireless communication for user interaction (at the locker) and long-distance communication for centralized management (at the remote system). The mobile device handles local wireless communication with the locker, while the remote system uses long-distance communication only when needed for centralized coordination, reducing overall energy consumption and enabling installation in locations with limited wireless infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If simple authorization codes are used for access control, then ease of use is maintained, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the mobile device as an intermediary that handles complex security operations. The mobile device can display complex authorization codes, capture images of identification documents, and perform biometric authentication, while the parcel locker itself only needs to execute simple verification commands. This separates the security complexity from the user interaction point, maintaining ease of use while enhancing security.
4Ease of operation
If barcode readers and touchscreens are embedded in parcel lockers, then user interaction is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all expensive interface components (touchscreens, barcode readers, cameras) from the parcel locker manufacturing process and relocates them to the user's existing mobile device. The parcel locker manufacturing is simplified to only include the enclosure, compartment mechanisms, and basic wireless communication module, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full user interaction capability through the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating electronic lockers for parcel deposit and collection and pick-up wherein a remote shipping system transmits to at least one mobile device via a long distance communication network data related to parcels to be handled by at least one electronic locker and wherein a user operates the at least one electronic locker with the at least one mobile device via a short distance communication network without using a user interface of the at least one electronic locker and wherein the at least one electronic locker using the at least one mobile device via the short distance communication network transmits data related to parcels handling during the user operation of the at least one electronic locker.