Automated Package Delivery with Electronic Lock Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems lack efficient and effective end-to-end security measures, as they are prone to errors, tampering, and inefficiencies, especially with the use of drones which can lead to unauthorized access and package damage.
Innovation Solution
An automated package delivery system that uses an electronic lock encrypted with a recipient's decryption key, facilitating key exchange and sensor tag features to ensure secure delivery from sender to recipient, with physical and logical routing of packages through distribution facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional package delivery methods are used, then delivery can be completed, but the package is vulnerable to tampering, theft, and loss at multiple stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-securing the package with an electronic lock and pre-exchanging encryption keys between sender and recipient before the package leaves the sender's location. The lock code is encrypted and the decryption key is provided to the recipient in advance, ensuring security measures are in place before potential threats arise during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated delivery system as an intermediary between sender and recipient, which includes distribution facilities that scan packages, retrieve encryption keys, and coordinate key exchange. This intermediary system manages the security infrastructure, allowing senders and recipients to remain remote while maintaining secure end-to-end delivery through automated facilities that handle the complex security coordination.
2Productivity
If drones are used for automated delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but the package remains vulnerable to unauthorized access and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-secures packages with electronic locks and pre-exchanges encryption keys before automated delivery begins. The lock code is encrypted using the recipient's public key, and the decryption capability is provided to the recipient in advance, ensuring that even if a drone is compromised, the package contents remain protected without requiring human intervention during delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual security verification with automated electronic key exchange systems. Scanners at distribution facilities automatically retrieve encryption keys from databases using package identifiers, and the system automates the coordination between physical package movement and cryptographic key management, eliminating the need for human drivers or manual security checks during transit.
3Reliability
If encryption key exchange is implemented between sender and recipient, then end-to-end security is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated delivery systems and distribution facilities as intermediaries that host and manage the encryption key infrastructure. These facilities contain databases storing encryption keys associated with package identifiers, and they automatically retrieve and exchange keys between senders and recipients. This intermediary approach allows complex cryptographic operations to be performed centrally rather than requiring each user to manage their own key exchange infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables senders and recipients to independently perform security operations using automated tools. Senders can encrypt lock codes using recipient public keys obtained from the system, and recipients can automatically retrieve their private decryption keys from distribution facility databases using their identifiers. This self-service capability allows users to participate in the security process without requiring the other party's direct involvement or complex coordination.
4Reliability
If electronic locks with encrypted lock codes are used, then package access security is improved, but the risk of losing decryption keys increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes decryption capability locally to recipients through their identification credentials rather than centralizing all keys in one location. Each recipient has their private decryption key stored locally in their device or account, associated with their identifier. This local storage approach means that even if central databases are compromised, individual recipient keys remain secure, and if a recipient's device is lost, only that specific package is affected while other packages remain secure through other recipients' local key storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel techniques are described for automated physical package delivery with end-to-end package security. For example, a sender can secure contents of a physical package using an electronic lock locked using a lock code. The lock code is encrypted by applying an encryption key to generate an encrypted lock code. The encryption key is generated in accordance with a decryption key associated with the recipient, such that application of the decryption key by the recipient to the encrypted lock code can generate an unlock code to unlock the electronic lock. An intermediary automated package delivery system can provide one or more end-to-end security features, including facilitating key exchange features between the sender and recipient, applying additional sensor tag features, and directing autonomous delivery features.