Secured parcel locker system with improved security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic parcel locker systems face limitations in security due to simple authorization codes, require electrical power connections, and have complex and costly architectures that hinder flexibility and compartment swapping.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of autonomous compartments clusters with a locking module that uses a unique authenticator for secure communication, eliminating the need for physical power connections and allowing for easy installation and configuration upgrades by utilizing short distance wireless communication and cryptographic validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual authorization codes are used for parcel locker access, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual authorization code entry (mechanical/manual system) with biometric authentication and cryptographic validation (electronic/automated system). The locking module validates cryptographic signatures and biometric data automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually enter codes, thus improving both ease of operation and security simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the locking module automatically validates cryptographic signatures and biometric data without human intervention. The autonomous compartments independently perform authentication and locking operations, improving operational ease while maintaining high security through automated validation processes.
2Device complexity
If centralized control architecture is used, then communication management is simplified, but device complexity and installation cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control architecture into autonomous compartments, each with its own locking module capable of independent cryptographic validation. This segmentation distributes functionality across multiple independent units, reducing overall system complexity and enabling modular installation, thereby lowering installation costs while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of each compartment from centralized dependency to autonomous operation with cryptographic self-validation. Each locking module operates independently with pre-configured cryptographic keys, transforming the system from a complex centralized architecture to simpler modular units that are easier and cheaper to install.
3Productivity
If pre-assembled compartments are used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but adaptability and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates independently functional autonomous compartments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled in various configurations. Each compartment is a self-contained unit with complete locking and authentication capabilities, allowing flexible arrangement and adaptation to different installation spaces while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized modular production.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for operating an electronic locker system for parcel deposit and pickup via a network of at least one mobile device (102), the system comprising: a remote shipping system (106) communicating via a long distance communication network (104) with the at least one mobile device, at least one parcel locker (100) constituted of at least one autonomous compartments cluster (110i) including at least one compartment (112j) equipped with a door (116j) and including a locking module (120i), which controls locking and unlocking of the door and communicates locally with the at least one mobile device via a short distance communication (122i), and comprising an energy management module (236) configured for managing transitions of energy modes and allowing the at least one autonomous compartments cluster to be run in a sleep mode; the method comprising: establishing a communication between the at least one mobile device and the remote shipping system, regularly emitting by the locking module, while in the sleep mode, a broadcasted short message addressed to the at least one mobile device for establishing a short distance communication session with the at least one mobile device, receiving by the at least one mobile device from the remote shipping system an authenticator (300) provided in a ciphered form and used for sending by the at least one mobile device to the locking module a request including the authenticator, and deciphering with a secret key (254) stored in the locking module the authenticator for an automatic validation of the request, wherein no authorization code is generated and provided to the locking module for the automatic validation of the request.