Parcel Locker Wireless Access Control to Prevent Code Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel delivery systems are inefficient for apartment block residents, as delivery personnel cannot leave parcels at the door and must return them to a post office or pick-up point, requiring registration on a remote server, which limits access to only registered delivery personnel.
Innovation Solution
A parcel distribution system with lockers that use short-range wireless transceivers and processors to unlock with user-specific codes generated by a portable electronic device, allowing any delivery person to deposit parcels without registration, and updating codes via a remote server for secure and flexible access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If delivery personnel are registered on a remote server to access the shared parcel box, then security and tracking are improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate because only registered delivery people can deliver parcels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (portable electronic device acting as a bridge) that mediates between the delivery person and the parcel box. This device generates opening codes and establishes temporary wireless communication with the box, allowing unregistered delivery people to deliver parcels while maintaining security through code-based access control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service delivery where the portable electronic device automatically generates opening codes and manages the delivery process without requiring delivery personnel to be pre-registered on the remote server. The box autonomously verifies codes and manages access, eliminating the need for manual registration while maintaining security
2Reliability
If the postman returns the parcel to the post office or pick-up point, then security against theft is improved, but loss of time and convenience deteriorate as the addressee must travel to collect the parcel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the portable electronic device generate opening codes in advance and prepare the parcel box for delivery before the delivery person arrives. The box is pre-configured to accept and verify codes, enabling immediate delivery without requiring the addressee to be present or travel to a pick-up point
Solution Approach 2:
The addressee can retrieve parcels at any time using their own portable electronic device, which automatically generates opening codes and communicates with the box. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the addressee to travel to a post office or pick-up point, allowing convenient retrieval from home while maintaining security through code-based access
3Ease of operation
If multiple opening codes are stored in the locker, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but security and reliability worsen due to potential code misuse or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by generating opening codes that are valid only for specific time periods or single-use instances. The portable electronic device generates codes with embedded temporal or usage constraints, and the box verifies these constraints during access attempts, ensuring codes expire or become invalid after use, thereby maintaining security while allowing flexible access
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the opening codes by embedding dynamic information such as time stamps, usage counters, or cryptographic elements. The portable electronic device generates codes with varying parameters based on the delivery context, and the box verifies these parameter changes to ensure code authenticity and prevent misuse, maintaining security while enabling flexible access for authorized users
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (100) and a method (200, 300) for distributing parcels, comprising:at least one locker (110) for receiving parcels, including:a first processor (115) for controlling the locking/unlocking of an access door (111) according to a control signal,at least one portable electronic device (120) including:a second processor (124) for generating the control signal, the control signal comprising at least one opening code associated with a parcel previously ordered from a commercial site by the user,wherein the first processor (115) is further configured to:unlock an access door (111) when the user places the portable electronic device (120) close to the parcel receiving locker (110) such that a first short-range wireless transceiver (114) and a second short-range wireless transceiver (123) interface so as to form a short-range local area network (10), andprevent subsequent unlocking of the access door (111) with previously used opening codes.