Controlling access to a parcel box
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel delivery and sending methods are inefficient and costly, as they require the recipient or sender to be present, leading to logistical burdens and potential parcel damage or loss, especially when parcels are delivered or sent in their absence.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for controlling access to a parcel box using a scanner to read machine-readable labels, which queries third-party services for the parcel's location and grants access to the secured storage compartment if it matches the parcel box's location, allowing secure delivery and pickup without requiring the recipient or sender's presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a parcel box secures parcels by making them unreachable (e.g., specific shape or mechanism), then parcel security is improved, but parcel send capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The parcel box transitions from a static secure storage unit to a dynamic system that can change its accessibility state. The compartment is designed to be reachable during pick-up operations while remaining secure during normal storage, allowing the system to adapt between security mode and access mode based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The parcel box enables self-service functionality where recipients can autonomously retrieve parcels using a pick-up code without requiring carrier presence or manual unlocking. The system automatically validates the code and grants access, eliminating the need for complex manual unlocking mechanisms while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If a parcel box uses a number lock or remote access control, then parcel security is improved, but operational complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical number locks with an automated electronic code validation system. Instead of requiring manual lock/unlock operations, the system uses an automated mechanism that validates the pick-up code and automatically unlocks the compartment, eliminating complex manual operations while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables recipients to independently access parcels by entering a pick-up code without requiring carrier intervention or complex authentication procedures. The automated validation and unlocking process simplifies the operation to a single code entry, making the system as easy to use as traditional mailboxes while maintaining enhanced security.
3Reliability
If parcel delivery requires recipient presence, then parcel security is improved, but logistical efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and communicating the pick-up code to the recipient before the parcel arrives. The recipient can then autonomously retrieve the parcel upon arrival without requiring carrier presence, allowing the carrier to complete deliveries efficiently without waiting for recipient availability while maintaining secure handover.
Solution Approach 2:
The parcel box enables recipients to independently complete the parcel retrieval process using the pick-up code without requiring carrier presence or manual assistance. This self-service capability allows carriers to deliver parcels to the box and depart immediately, dramatically improving delivery efficiency while maintaining secure parcel transfer through automated code validation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a computer-implemented method for controlling access to a parcel box (120) comprising a secured storage compartment (121) for storing parcels, and further comprising a scanner (122) for scanning machine-readable labels (110). The computer-implemented method comprises obtaining (101), from the parcel box, a parcel identifier (111) further obtained by scanning a machine-readable label associated with a parcel by means of the scanner. The computer-implemented method further comprising querying (102) one or more third party services for a location of the parcel (112) associated with the parcel identifier; and, if the location of the parcel matches a location of the parcel box (113), granting access (104) to the secured storage compartment of the parcel box.