Mailbox Energy-Based Sensing for Automatic Remote Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users currently need to physically inspect their mailboxes to determine if mail has been delivered, lacking an automated notification system to inform them of receipt before approaching the mailbox.
Innovation Solution
An automatic mail notification system comprising an energy emitter, sensing device, detection device, and communication device that emits energy, detects changes in the energy signal, and conveys a digital message to notify users of the mailbox state via a wireless communication link, using energy sources like LEDs or acoustic sources and protocols like Wi-Fi or NFC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a user physically inspects the mailbox to determine mail delivery, then the user can confirm receipt of mail, but the user must move in proximity to the mailbox and spend time inspecting its contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification system consisting of an energy emitter, sensing device, detection device, and communication device. This intermediary automatically detects mail presence and transmits notification to the user's receiving device, eliminating the need for direct physical inspection of the mailbox and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The mailbox system performs self-service by automatically detecting the presence of mail through energy emission and sensing, generating a digital message that notifies the user. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring its own state and communicating delivery information without requiring user presence or manual checking.
2Loss of information
If the user approaches the mailbox to check for mail, then the user can see if mail has been delivered, but the user cannot know the mailbox state remotely before moving to the location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary communication system that transmits mailbox state information to the user's receiving device. The energy emitter and sensing device detect mail presence, and the communication device conveys this information remotely, allowing users to know the mailbox state without physically approaching it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically approaching and visually inspecting the mailbox with an automated sensing and communication system. The energy-based detection and digital message transmission substitute for the mechanical movement and visual confirmation previously required.
3Extent of automation
If an automatic detection system is implemented in the mailbox, then users can receive remote notifications of mail delivery, but the device complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (energy emitter, sensing device, detection device, communication device, and energy source) into an integrated notification system within the mailbox. This merging approach enables automatic detection and notification functionality while consolidating components into a unified system.
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
Enables users to receive notifications about mail delivery remotely, enhancing convenience by automatically informing them of the mailbox state without needing to physically check, using energy sources and communication protocols to convey digital messages.
Implementation Method 1
the energy is an electromagnetic energy with one of the following: visible wavelengths, infrared wavelengths, microwave or radio wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a sensing device coupled to the energy emitter device, the sensing device configured to receive the energy from the energy emitter device to produce a sensed signal
Implementation Method 3
the wireless communication link conforms with one of the following wireless protocols: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), long-term evolution (LTE), a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) wireless protocol
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a mail notification system. In accordance with one aspect, a mail notification system, includes an energy emitter device configured to emit energy; a sensing device coupled to the energy emitter device, the sensing device configured to receive the energy from the energy emitter device to produce a sensed signal; a detection device coupled to the sensing device, the detection device configured to detect a transition state of the sensed signal and configured to produce a digital message; and a housing configured to receive one or more mail, wherein the housing houses the energy emitter device, the sensing device, and the detection device.