Unmanned Delivery Compartment Key Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Verifying user identities for parcel delivery using unmanned devices, such as drones, is challenging as existing methods lack secure and efficient mechanisms to ensure that the correct recipient can access the parcel.
Innovation Solution
A system that binds a digital identity to a communication device associated with the user, generating a hashed key for both the unmanned device and the user's communication device, allowing the user to unlock the parcel compartment only upon matching keys, thereby ensuring secure and verified delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional delivery methods are used, then delivery can be accomplished through carriers or merchants, but secure verification of user identity for parcel access is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that acts as a mediator between the unmanned device and the user. The system generates and manages hashed keys that enable secure verification without requiring the unmanned device to directly store or process sensitive user identity data, thus enhancing security while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the user's identity verification credentials in the form of hashed keys. These hashed keys are generated from the user's identity information and stored both on the unmanned device and in the user's communication device, enabling verification through key matching without exposing the original identity data.
2Reliability
If hashed keys are generated and matched between devices, then secure parcel access is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual parcel access methods with an electronic key-based verification system. The hashed keys enable automated verification through digital communication between the unmanned device and the user's communication device, eliminating the need for physical keys or manual identity checking procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the user's identity information into hashed keys through a cryptographic hashing process. This parameter transformation converts complex identity data into fixed-length hash values that can be efficiently stored, transmitted, and compared, simplifying the verification process while maintaining security.
3Productivity
If unmanned devices are used for delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but secure user verification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the user's communication device to actively participate in the verification process by generating and providing the hashed key to the unmanned device. This self-service approach allows the user to verify their own identity through the key-matching process, reducing the burden on the unmanned device to perform complex verification operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the unmanned device communicates with the user's communication device to exchange verification information. The system provides feedback through the key-matching process, confirming successful verification when the hashed keys match, and enabling secure parcel release accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for distributing parcels to users by way of unmanned devices. One computer-implemented method includes actuating a locking mechanism of a compartment of the unmanned device to secure a parcel within the compartment and receiving, from a parcel provider associated with delivering the parcel to a user, a delivery location and a hashed key for the parcel. The method then also includes, at the delivery location of the parcel: capturing an image of a computer-readable indicia representative of a hashed key from the user; determining that the hashed key from the user and the hashed key received from the parcel provider match; and when the hashed keys match, actuating the locking mechanism associated with the compartment of the unmanned device to enable the user to access the compartment and retrieve the parcel.