Parcel Locker Authentication Using Encrypted Mobile Access
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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
A parcel locker system with autonomous compartments clusters that use a mobile device for communication via a long-distance network, employing a broadcasted short message for authentication and encryption, eliminating the need for physical connections and allowing for easy installation and configuration upgrades.
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 verification (electronic/automated system). The locking module uses fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, or other biometric modalities to automatically verify user identity and generate authenticated access tokens, eliminating the need for manual code input while significantly enhancing security through unique biological identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where users automatically provide their biometric data (fingerprint, face, iris) which the locking module independently verifies and processes. The cryptographic authentication mechanism allows the locker to autonomously generate and manage access tokens without human intervention, improving both security through automated verification and ease of operation through contactless access.
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 segments the centralized control architecture into distributed autonomous locking modules, each capable of independent operation with local authentication and control capabilities. Each locking module functions as an independent unit that can be manufactured and installed separately, reducing overall system complexity and enabling modular deployment without requiring complex centralized infrastructure or expensive professional installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the centralized system and embeds it directly within each locking module. This extraction allows each module to operate autonomously with built-in authentication, locking control, and communication capabilities, eliminating the need for complex centralized control infrastructure and reducing installation costs while maintaining simplified communication through standardized protocols.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed compartment configuration is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic compartment configuration where the system can adaptively reassign and reconfigure compartment assignments based on real-time requirements. The locking modules support dynamic updating of access permissions, compartment capacities, and user authorizations without physical reconfiguration, allowing the system to maintain precise manufacturing specifications while providing flexible adaptability to changing operational needs through software-controlled dynamics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for operating an electronic locker system for parcel deposit and pick-up via a network of at least one mobile device, the system comprising: a remote shipping system communicating via a long distance communication network with the at least one mobile device, at least one parcel locker constituted of at least one autonomous compartments cluster including at least one compartment equipped with a door and including a locking module, which controls locking and unlocking of the door and communicates locally with the at least one mobile device via a short distance communication, and comprising an energy management module 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 generated by the remote shipping system and provided in a ciphered form to said at least one mobile device, this authenticator being 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 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.