Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a safe and secured parcel collection assistive device that is capable of collecting multiple parcels in a self-sufficient manner by authenticating parcel delivery individual and accordingly allows the individual to access a storage for accommodating parcel securely.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Parcel collection is a critical service in modern logistics, driven by the growing demands of e-commerce and global trade. As online shopping continues to surge, consumers increasingly seek convenient and flexible options for receiving their purchases. Parcel collection services address this need by offering designated locations where customers can pick up their packages at their convenience, rather than waiting for home delivery. This system alleviates issues such as missed deliveries and provides a solution for those who may not be available during traditional delivery windows. Furthermore, parcel collection points, such as lockers or retail partners, often streamline the logistics chain, reducing the burden on delivery drivers and minimizing the environmental impact associated with multiple delivery attempts. The rise of urbanization and the corresponding pressure on delivery infrastructure also necessitate efficient parcel collection solutions to manage the volume of shipments and avoid congestion. In essence, parcel collection is a response to the evolving needs of consumers and the logistical challenges faced by delivery networks, offering a practical and efficient approach to modern parcel management.

[0003] Parcel collection equipment includes a range of technologies designed to facilitate the efficient retrieval of packages. Parcel lockers, which are automated systems allowing customers to pick up parcels at their convenience from secure, self-service kiosks. These lockers are typically found in high-traffic areas such as shopping centers or transit stations. Another important piece of equipment is the parcel collection point, often located in retail stores or convenience shops, where customers can retrieve their packages during regular business hours. Additionally, some systems utilize smart locker technology with integrated sensors and digital interfaces for enhanced user experience. However, each of these solutions has drawbacks. Parcel lockers, while convenient, require significant initial investment and maintenance costs. They also face limitations in capacity and can be susceptible to vandalism or theft. Collection points in retail stores might lead to longer wait times during peak hours and can cause additional foot traffic for the retailers.

[0004] US2006169762A1 discloses an apparatus for receiving parcels having a structural frame and a parcel drop having a fully open and a fully closed position is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bin, a first opening between the bin and the structural frame through which patrons may deposit parcels into the bin at least when the parcel drop is in the fully open position. The apparatus further includes a second opening within the bin through which deposited parcels may fall out of the bin at least when the parcel drop is in the fully closed position. The parcel drop is rotatably coupled to the structural frame. Although US’762 relates to a parcel collection device and method, however, the cited art has limitation in eliminating chances of causing damage to the parcel by handling multiple parcels securely.

[0005] JP2828060B2 discloses a problem to be solved: To attain a package collection/delivery system capable of completely managing information from the collection of packages up to the completion of delivery at real time. Solution: When a sender executes operation for sending a package by a package collection part arranged in each place, the information is sent to a collection/delivery information management part in a collection/delivery information center through a line network and the package is accepted. A transport means transports the collected package to a package distribution center, sorted and delivered to a delivery destination by a transport means. At the time of delivery, an information I/O part reads out a bar code from each package at each point of time and sends the read information to the management part. Thus, the current state of each package can be managed at real time from its reception. Though JP’060 relates to a package collection and delivery system, however, the cited art has limitation in collecting parcel in an automated manner from an authenticated parcel delivery individual.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for parcel delivery, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to collect parcel by authenticating parcel delivery individual in a self-sufficient manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of authenticating parcel delivery individual for delivery of parcel and accordingly accommodates a parcel safe and securely.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of collecting parcel in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of authenticating parcel delivery individual and accordingly allows the individual to access a storage for accommodating parcel securely.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of eliminating chances of causing damage to the parcel by handling multiple parcels securely.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a safe and secured parcel collection assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in receiving and storing multiple parcels by authenticating parcel delivery individual to deliver the parcel.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a safe and secured parcel collection assistive device comprises of a hollow cuboidal body developed to be positioned on front wall of a house, configured with plurality of suction cups arranged on rear portion of the body for affixing the body with surface of the wall, the body is arranged with a touch interactive display panel and configured with a user-interface that is accessed by a parcel delivery individual for providing input regarding details required by the individual prior accommodating parcels within the body, a speaker integrated on the body that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to produce audio notification for the individual in order to guide the individual regarding set of information that are to be filled, followed by actuation of the panel to display a form which is to be filled by the individual for providing the individual’s information along with the individual’s delivery company name and employee identity number, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body to determine facial features of the individual, which is recorded and compared to data corresponding to the user-specified identity number corresponding to a database linked with the microcontroller in order to authenticate the individual.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a user-interface installed in a computing unit accessed by a concerned owner of the body, upon authenticating the individual the microcontroller sends an alert notification on the computing unit for allowing the owner to initiate opening of a motorized lid configured on front portion of the body, and upon acceptance from the owner, the microcontroller actuates the lid to open for allowing the individual to accommodate parcel inside a pouch configured inside the body, a motorized roller housed inside the body, and wrapped with a rope that is further coiled around mouth portion of the pouch via plurality of holes carved on the pouch, a weight sensor is configured on the pouch for detecting accommodation of parcel inside the pouch, and upon successful detection, the microcontroller actuates the roller to rotate on its axis, thereby applying tension on the rope, resulting in sealing the pouch’s opening an impact sensor is configured on the pouch for detecting impact of the parcel over the pouch, based on which the microcontroller actuates an air compressor installed with the pouch for inflating and inflatable member fabricated on walls of the pouch in view of accommodating the parcel within the body, eliminating chances of causing damage to the parcel, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a safe and secured parcel collection assistive device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a safe and secured parcel collection assistive device that is capable of accommodating parcel by authenticating parcel delivery individual to access a storage for delivering parcel. In addition, the device is capable of storing multiple parcels safely.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a safe and secured parcel collection assistive device is illustrated, comprises of a hollow cuboidal body 101 having plurality of suction cups 102 arranged on rear portion of the body 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 arranged on the body 101, a speaker 104 integrated on the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the body 101, a motorized lid 106 configured on front portion of the body 101, a pouch 107 configured inside the body 101, a motorized roller 108 housed inside the body 101, and an inflatable member 109 fabricated on walls of the pouch 107.

[0023] The proposed device includes a body 101 preferably in hollow cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on front wall of a house. The body 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or plastic that ensures rigidity of the body 101 for longevity of the device. The rear portion of the body 101 is integrated with plurality of suction cups 102 for affixing the body 101 with surface of the wall. The suction cups 102, mentioned herein, create a negative air pressure against the surface for creating a vacuum inside the cups 102. The cups 102 further stick over the surface, thus, helping the body 101 to affix on the surface.

[0024] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the body 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0026] A parcel delivery individual accesses a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over the body 101 and configured with a user-interface for providing input regarding details required by the individual prior accommodating parcels within the body 101. When the delivery individual touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 103 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 103 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 103 in order to process the signal and determine the delivery individual’s selection and store the delivery individual response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the delivery individual’s input.

[0027] The body 101 is arranged with a speaker 104 which is activated by the microcontroller to guide the user regarding set of information that are to be filled. The speaker 104 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 104, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 104 for guiding the user to fill set of information as input.

[0028] After the user input via the speaker 104, a form is displayed over the display panel 103 which is required to be filled by the user for providing the individual’s information along with the individual’s delivery company name and employee identity number.

[0029] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 integrated on the body 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the body 101 such that determine facial features of the individual. The imaging unit 105 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 105 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0030] The microcontroller records and compares the facial features of the individual from the linked database. In case the data corresponding to the user-specified identity number, the microcontroller authenticates the individual.

[0031] The concerned owner of the body 101 is notified regarding the authentication via a user-interface installed in a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller by means of a communication module. a communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0032] The user after the authentication needs to allow the individual to access the body 101 for accommodating a parcel. The user via the user interface of the computing unit provides command to the microcontroller for opening of a motorized lid 106 configured on front portion of the body 101. The motorized lid 106 comprises of a lid 106 connected to a motor via a shaft in view allowing the individual to accommodate parcel in the body 101. Upon actuation of the lid 106 by the microcontroller, the motor starts to rotate in a clockwise/anticlockwise direction to impart rotational movement to the lid. Thus, opening the lid 106 in view allowing the individual to accommodate parcel in a pouch 107 configured inside the body 101.

[0033] The pouch 107 is integrated with a weight sensor which detects accommodation of parcel inside the pouch 107. The weight sensor used herein is a kind of a transducer. The weight sensor depends on the conversion of a load into an electronic signal. The signal is a change in voltage or current otherwise a frequency on the basis of load and the signal is sent to the microcontroller for processing in order to monitor weight of the pouch 107 which corresponds to accommodation of the parcel. The weight sensor is calibrated by the microcontroller such that differentiates between packages and further capable of ensuring first received package remains inside until the appropriate conditions are met.

[0034] A roller 108 is configured inside the body 101 and coiled with a rope. The rope is further coiled with the pouch 107 around the mouth portion by means of multiple holes which are carved on the pouch 107. Upon successful detection of the accommodation of the parcel, the microcontroller activates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the roller 108 to rotate on its axis. This rotation of the roller 108 applies tension in the rope, consequently resulting in sealing of the mouth portion of the pouch 107 ’s opening.

[0035] The walls of the pouch 107 are configured with an inflatable member 109 which is connected with an air compressor installed on the body 101 to inflate the member 109 as per requirement. While accommodation of parcel in the pouch 107, the impact of the parcel over the pouch 107 is monitored by an impact sensor integrated in the pouch 107. The impact sensor detects the impact through vibrations. When the surfaces of the impact sensor experience a sudden impact, the vibrations are imparted which are converted to suitable output, which is transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0036] Based on the impact, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor for inflating the inflatable member 109. The air compressor works by drawing in ambient air and compressing it to a higher pressure using a piston. The compressed air is then stored in a tank or reservoir and release through an air valve to supply compressed air into the member 109. The inflated member 109 then eliminates eliminating chances of causing damage to the parcel.

[0037] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the body 101 arranged with the touch interactive display panel 103 which is accessed by the parcel delivery individual for providing input regarding details required by the individual prior accommodating parcels within the body 101. Then, the speaker 104 guides the individual regarding set of information that are to be filled, followed by actuation of the panel 103 to display the form which is to be filled by the individual for providing the individual’s information along with the individual’s delivery company name and employee identity number. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 determine facial features of the individual, which is recorded and compared to data corresponding to the user-specified identity number corresponding to the database linked with the microcontroller in order to authenticate the individual. Upon authenticating the individual, the microcontroller sends the alert notification on the computing unit for allowing the owner to initiate opening of the motorized lid 106 and upon acceptance from the owner, the microcontroller actuates the lid 106 to open for allowing the individual to accommodate parcel inside the pouch 107 configured inside the body 101. The weight sensor detects accommodation of parcel inside the pouch 107, and upon successful detection, the microcontroller actuates the roller 108 to rotate on its axis, thereby applying tension on the rope, resulting in sealing the pouch 107 ’s opening.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A safe and secured parcel collection assistive device, comprising:

i) a hollow cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on front wall of a house, configured with plurality of suction cups 102 arranged on rear portion of said body 101 for affixing said body 101 with surface of said wall, wherein said body 101 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 103 and configured with a user-interface that is accessed by a parcel delivery individual for providing input regarding details required by said individual prior accommodating parcels within said body 101 ;
ii) a speaker 104 integrated on said body 101 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to produce audio notification for said individual in order to guide said individual regarding set of information that are to be filled, followed by actuation of said panel 103 to display a form which is to be filled by said individual for providing said individual’s information along with said individual’s delivery company name and employee identity number;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on said body 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity to said body 101, respectively, to determine facial features of said individual, which is recorded and compared to data corresponding to said user-specified identity number corresponding to a database linked with said microcontroller in order to authenticate said individual;
iv) a user-interface installed in a computing unit accessed by a concerned owner of said body 101, wherein upon authenticating said individual said microcontroller sends an alert notification on said computing unit for allowing said owner to initiate opening of a motorized lid 106 configured on front portion of said body 101, and upon acceptance from said owner, said microcontroller actuates said lid 106 to open for allowing said individual to accommodate parcel inside a pouch 107 configured inside said body 101; and
v) a motorized roller 108 housed inside said body 101, and wrapped with a rope that is further coiled around mouth portion of said pouch 107 via plurality of holes carved on said pouch 107, wherein a weight sensor is configured on said pouch 107 for detecting accommodation of parcel inside said pouch 107, and upon successful detection, said microcontroller actuates said roller 108 to rotate on its axis, thereby applying tension on said rope, resulting in sealing said pouch 107 ’s opening.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an impact sensor is configured on said pouch 107 for detecting impact of said parcel over said pouch 107, based on which said microcontroller actuates an air compressor installed with said pouch 107 for inflating and inflatable member 109 fabricated on walls of said pouch 107 in view of accommodating said parcel within said body 101, eliminating chances of causing damage to said parcel.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller and weight sensor is calibrated to differentiate between packages and ensure that first received package remains inside until the appropriate conditions are met.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.