Smart mailbox, smart mailbox system and related method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uncertainty in delivery times for internet shopping creates inconvenience for both senders and recipients, as they often need to coordinate for mail receipt or delivery, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially when security or access issues arise.
Innovation Solution
A smart mailbox system with a locked box, communication unit, and processor that manages box opening codes, includes cameras for monitoring, sensors for security, and a method for generating new codes, allowing secure and convenient mail receipt and sending without the need for direct recipient presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mailbox requires recipient presence for mail receipt, then security is maintained, but convenience and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smart mailbox as an intermediary device between the sender and recipient. The mailbox automatically receives, stores, and delivers mail without requiring the recipient to be present, thus resolving the contradiction between security and convenience. The mailbox acts as a trusted mediator that maintains security through automated authentication while eliminating the need for coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart mailbox performs self-service functions including automatic authentication of recipients, automated mail storage, and intelligent delivery notification. The system independently manages the mail receipt process without human intervention for authentication and storage, thereby improving convenience while maintaining security through automated procedures.
2Ease of operation
If box opening codes are reused for multiple deliveries, then ease of operation improves, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic box opening codes that automatically expire or change after each successful delivery. This dynamic code generation ensures that each delivery uses a fresh, secure code while maintaining ease of operation through automated code management. The system balances security and convenience by dynamically adjusting authentication credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing multiple box opening codes in advance, or by automatically generating new codes before each delivery event. This preliminary preparation ensures that secure codes are ready when needed, maintaining both security through code freshness and ease of operation through automated availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mailbox comprises a box body with a door having a lock, a mailbox unlocking code input device for inputting an unlocking code to unlock the mailbox, a communication module for communicating with a remote management terminal, a storage at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for storing one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and a processor at the mailbox or the remote management terminal for identifying whether the input mailbox unlocking code matches the one or more preset mailbox unlocking codes, and issuing a mailbox unlocking instruction if matching. The processor comprises a mailbox unlocking code management circuit used to invalidate the matched mailbox unlocking code after the mailbox is unlocked, generate a new mailbox unlocking code when no valid mailbox unlocking code is currently available, and store the new mailbox unlocking code in the storage. The mailbox can safely, conveniently and automatically receive and/or send mail.