Claims:We claim:
1. A method (300) for automating a postal collection process, the method (300) comprises:
receiving a parcel in a postbox (102);
detecting the parcel using a sensor (214) installed in the postbox (102), wherein the parcel is detected when the parcel interrupts a signal of the sensor (214) thereby incrementing a parcel count; and
sending postbox information to a post office system (114) in real time when the parcel is detected, wherein the postbox information comprises the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox (102), and a volume of the postbox (102).

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least an Internet of Things (IOT) based Infrared (IR) sensor, a time of flight sensor, a Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor, and wherein the sensor (214) is fitted inside the postbox (102).

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprises authenticating the post collector prior to allowing the post collector to access the postbox (102).

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprises resetting the parcel count when the parcel is collected by the post collector.

5. A method (300) for automating a postal collection process, the method (300) comprises:
receiving, by a processor (108-B), postbox information in real time from a postbox (102), wherein the postbox information comprises a parcel count, coordinates of the postbox (102), and a volume of the postbox (102);
alerting, by the processor(108-B), a post collector based on the postbox information; and
determining, by the processor (108-B), a route for the post collector based on the postbox information and a set of parameters for postal collection.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the set of parameters comprises a distance of the postbox, a location of the post collector, a traffic condition.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the route is a shortest route.

8. A postbox (100) for automating the postal collection process, the postbox (102) comprises:
a hollow chamber (202) for receiving a parcel;
a sensor (214), installed within the hollow chamber (202), for detecting the parcel, wherein the parcel is detected when the parcel interrupts a signal of the sensor (214) thereby incrementing a parcel count; and
a transceiver (216) for sending information to a post office system (114) in real time when the parcel is detected, wherein the information comprises the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox (102), and a volume of the postbox (102).

9. A post office system for automating a postal collection process, the post office system (114) comprises:
a memory (112-B); and
a processor (108-B) coupled to the memory (112-B), wherein the processor (108-B) is configured for:
receiving postbox information in real time from a postbox (102), wherein the postbox information comprises a parcel count, coordinates of the postbox (102), and a volume of the postbox (102);
alerting a post collector based upon the postbox information; and
determining a route for the post collector based the postbox information and a set of parameters for postal collection.

Dated this 10th Day of December 2020

Amit Koshal of Photon Legal
IN/PA: 2358
Mob: 9910394896
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:

AUTOMATING POSTAL COLLECTION

Applicant:
Tata Projects Limited
An Indian Company,
Having Address – Mithona Towers–1,Opposite Wesley Co-ed. Jr.College, PG Road, near Paradise Circle, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[001] The present application does not claim a priority from any other application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to automating postal collection process.
BACKGROUND
[003] The advent of postal services has made reaching out to people across the globe facile. In the recent times, with the increased use of electronic mail, and courier services the usage of postal services has decreased. Thus, postal services need to compete with electronic mail and courier services thereby necessitating greater efficiency and cost control, Initially, a post collector would visit a postbox at a regular interval to withdraw all the posts. Nowadays, the postbox receives fewer posts at irregular intervals. This results in a significant amount of time and fuel wastage, as the post collector would drive all the way to the postbox to find no posts inside. Moreover, in recent times, global warming is increasing at an alarming rate. Excess use of automobiles has aggravated the situation even further. Therefore, it has become imperative to prevent unnecessary drives and reduce carbon footprint, whenever and wherever possible.
SUMMARY
[004] Before the present system(s) and method(s), are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to systems and methods for automating a postal collection process and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[005] In one implementation, a method for automating a postal collection process is disclosed. Initially, a parcel may be received in a postbox. Further, the parcel may be detected using a sensor installed in the postbox. The parcel interrupts a signal of the sensor thereby incrementing the parcel count. Finally, postbox information may be sent to a post office system in real time when the parcel deposit is detected. It may be noted that the postbox information comprises the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and a volume of the deposits in the postbox. In one implementation, the aforementioned method for automating a postal collection process may be performed by a processor using programmed instructions stored in a memory.
[006] In another implementation, a method for automating the postal collection process is disclosed. Initially, postbox information may be received in real time from a postbox. It may be noted that the postbox information may comprise a parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and a volume of the deposits in the postbox. Further, a post collector may be alerted based upon the postbox information. Finally, a route may be determined for the post collector based on the postbox information and a set of parameters for postal collection. In one implementation, the aforementioned method for automating a postal collection process may be performed by a processor using programmed instructions stored in a memory.
[007] In yet another implementation, a postbox for automating the postal collection process is disclosed. The postbox may comprise a hollow chamber for receiving a parcel. Further, a sensor may be installed within the hollow chamber for detecting the parcel when deposited. It may be noted that the parcel may be detected when the parcel interrupts a signal of the sensor thereby incrementing a parcel count. Further, the postbox may comprise a transceiver for sending information to a post office system in real time when the parcel deposit is detected. The information may comprise the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and a volume of the deposits in the postbox.
[008] In yet another implementation, a post office system for automating the postal collection process is disclosed. Initially, postbox information may be received in real time from a postbox. The postbox information comprises a parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and a volume of the deposits in the postbox. Further, a post collector may be alerted based on the postbox information. Finally, an optimal route may be determined for the post collector based on the postbox information and a set of parameters for postal collection. The set of parameters may comprise a distance of the postbox, a location of the post collector, and traffic conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of a construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures, however, the invention is not limited to the specific method and system for automating a postal collection process disclosed in the document and the figures.
[010] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[011] Figure 1 illustrates a network implementation for automating a postal collection process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[012] Figure 2 illustrates a postbox, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[013] Figure 3 illustrates a method for automating a postal collection process using the postbox. The method is illustrated in the form of flow chart, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[014] Figure 4 illustrates a method for automating a postal collection process using the post office system. The method is illustrated in the form of flow chart, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[015] The figure depicts an embodiment of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
[016] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “receiving”, “detecting”, “sending,”, “determining”, and “alerting”, and other forms thereof, are intended to be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary systems and methods are now described.
[017] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[018] The present subject matter discloses a method and a system for automating a postal collection process. In order to automate the postal process a postbox or a smart postbox is used. The postbox comprises a sensor and a communication module. The sensor and the communication module are installed inside the postbox. The postbox is configured to receive a parcel. The parcel may be a letter, a document, a bag, a box, an envelope, and like articles. Further, the postbox automatically detects the parcel using the sensor. The postbox then sends postbox information in real time to a post office system about the detection of the parcel. Further, the post office system alerts a post collector based upon the postbox information. Furthermore, the post office system determines a route for the post collector. In an embodiment, the post collector sends a signal from a device to the post office system about the collection of the parcel. In another embodiment, the postbox sends an alert to the post office system when the available volume inside the postbox is completely utilized.
[019] In one implementation, the post office system sends a notification to a ‘post collector A’ nearest to the postbox upon detecting the parcel. The post collector may transfer the notification to a ‘post collector B’ with a reason on why the ‘post collector A’ is unable to receive the parcel. While aspects of described system and method for automating the postal collection process may be implemented in any number of different computing systems, environments, and/or configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system.
[020] Referring now to Figure 1, a network implementation 100 of a postbox 102 for automating the postal collection process is disclosed. Initially, the postbox 102 receives a parcel. The postbox 102 sends information to the post office system 114 upon detection of the parcel. The user uses one or more user devices 104-1, 104-2, …104-N, collectively referred to as user devices 104, hereinafter, or applications residing on the user devices 104 for sending an input to a post office system 114. Further, the post office system 114 may send a notification upon detection of the parcel to the post collector.
[021] It may be noted that the postbox 102 may be accessed by multiple users through one or more user devices 104-1, 104-2…104-N. In one implementation, the postbox102 may be communicatively connected to a cloud-based computing environment. Examples of the user devices 104 may include, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a mobile device, a tablet, and a workstation. The user devices 104 are communicatively coupled to the postbox 102 through a network 106.
[022] Although the present disclosure is explained considering that the post office system 114, it may be understood that the post office system 114 may be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook, a workstation, a virtual environment, a mainframe computer, a server, a network server, the cloud-based computing environment. It will be understood that the post office system 114 may be accessed by multiple users through one or more user devices 104-1, 104-2…104-N. In one implementation, the post office system 114 may comprise the cloud-based computing environment in which the user may operate individual computing systems configured to execute remotely located applications. Examples of the user devices 104 may include, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a mobile device, a tablet, and a workstation. The user devices 104 are communicatively coupled to the post office system 114 through a network 106.
[023] In one implementation, the network 106 may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network 106 can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network 106 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network 106 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.
[024] In one embodiment, the postbox 102 may include at least one processor 108-A, an input/output (I/O) interface 110-A, and a memory 112-A. The post office system 114 may also include at least one processor 108-B, an input/output (I/O) interface 110-B, and a memory 112-C. It may be noted that at least one processor 108-A, 108-B may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, Central Processing Units (CPUs), state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 108-A, 108-B is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 112-A, 112-B.
[025] The I/O interface 110-A, 110-B may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 110-Amay allow the postbox102 to interact with the user directly or through the client devices 104. Similarly, the I/O interface 110-B may allow the post office system 114 to interact with the user directly or through the client devices 104. Further, the I/O interface 110 may enable the postbox102 and the post office system 114 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface 110-A, 110-B can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 110-A, 110-Bmay include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
[026] The memory 112-A, 112-B may include any computer-readable medium or computer program product known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, Solid State Disks (SSD), optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 112-A, 112-Bmay include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The memory 112-A, 112-Bmay include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the postbox102 and the post office system 114. In one embodiment, the memory 112-A, 112-B, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the programs or the coded instructions.
[027] As there are various challenges observed in the existing art, the challenges necessitate the need to build the postbox102 for automating the postal process. At first, a user may use the user device 104 to access the postbox 102 via the I/O interface 110-A. The user may register the user devices 104 using the I/O interface 110-A in order to use the postbox102. In one aspect, the user may access the I/O interface 110-A of the postbox102.
[028] Similarly, the post office system 114 may also be used for automating the postal process. At first, a user may use the user device 104 to access the post office system 114 via the I/O interface 110-B. The user may register the user devices 104 using the I/O interface 110-B in order to use the post office system 114. In one aspect, the user may access the I/O interface 110-B of the post office system 114. The detail functioning of the postbox 102 and the post office system 114 is described below with the help of figures.
[029] The present subject matter discloses a system and a method for automating the postal process. The postbox 102 receives a parcel in a hollow chamber. The parcel may include, but not limited to a letter, a document, a bag, a box, an envelope, and alike.
[030] Further to receiving the parcel, the postbox 102 detects the parcel using a sensor installed in the postbox. The sensor may be an Internet of Things (IoT) based Infrared (IR) sensor, a time of flight sensor, a Light Detection And Ranging(LiDAR) sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor, .In an example, the postbox 102 may comprise the sensor to compute volume inside the postbox 102. The sensor may be fitted inside the postbox 102. The parcel is detected when the parcel interrupts a signal of the sensor thereby incrementing a parcel count. In one embodiment, the parcel count may be zero when no parcel is present inside the postbox. It may be noted that the parcel count increases every time a parcel interrupts a signal of the sensor. At the same time, the volume inside the postbox 102 is also updated upon receiving the parcel.
[031] Further to detecting the parcel, the postbox 102 sends postbox information in real time to the post office system 114 when the parcel is detected. The postbox information comprises the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and a volume inside the postbox. The information may be sent to the post office system 114 using a communication module. Example of the communication module include GSM, CDMA, and others. It may be noted that the sensor and the communication module may be operated using a battery installed inside the postbox 102.
[032] In an example, consider there are 20 parcels present in the postbox 102. Assuming the volume of the postbox is 50%. Further, a letter is received in a postbox 102. The letter interrupts the signal of the sensor. Hence, the parcel count becomes 21, and the volume of the postbox becomes 60%. The postbox then sends real time information to a post office system 114 about the detection of the letter. The real time information may be the updated parcel count (21 in this case), coordinates of the postbox, and the volume of the postbox (60% in this case).
[033] Further to sending the postbox information to the post office system 114, the post office system 114 detects a post collector within a predefined radius of the postbox 102. It may be noted that the post collector is nearest to the postbox 102. In one embodiment, the post office system 114 detects a post collector who can reach the postbox 102 at the earliest considering the distance, an estimated time to reach the postbox 102, and the real time traffic condition in the city.
[034] Further to detecting the post collector, the post office system 114 may send an alert to the post collector based on the postbox information. The postbox information may comprise the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and volume of the postbox.
[035] In an example, a post collector A is 2-kilometres away from the postbox and a post collector B is 3-kilometres away from the postbox. An estimated time required for the post collector A to reach the postbox is 30 minutes. The estimated time required for the post collector B is 10 minutes. The post office system 114 may automatically send the notification to the post collector B as post collector B can reach to the postbox in 10 minutes.
[036] Further to alerting a post collector, a route may be determined for the post collector based on the postbox information and a set of parameters for postal collection. It may be noted that the route is a shortest route. In an example, the route is displayed on the post collector’s device (a smartphone). The shortest route is determined by implementing a shortest distance algorithm on real time location of the post collector and the coordinates of the postbox 102.
[037] Consider an example, there are 5 postboxes (A, B, C, D, and E) in a region. A post collector has to collect parcels from all 5 postboxes (A, B, C, D, and E). The post office system 114 may determine a shortest route based on the coordinates of the 5 postboxes. It may be noted that the post office system 114 may display the shortest route on the post collector’s device.
[038] In an embodiment, the postbox 102 may transmit an updated postbox information to the post office system 114 after the post collector collects the parcels from the postbox. The updated postbox information comprises at least an updated volume of the postbox and the parcel count. In one embodiment, the post collector may collect the parcel upon verifying credentials of the post collector. It may be noted that the postbox 102 may authenticate the post collector prior to allowing the post collector to access the postbox 102. It may also be noted that opening and closing of the postbox 102 may be possible upon successful authentication. In one example, the parcel count and the volume inside the postbox 102 may reset when the post collector collects all the parcels present in the postbox 102. In an embodiment, the post collector manually updates the parcel count using the device.
[039] Consider an example, assuming that the postbox contains 40 parcels that occupy 80% of the volume of the postbox. Further, a post collector collects 20 parcels from the postbox. Hence, the parcel count becomes 20 and the volume of the postbox becomes 50%. Further, the postbox 102 transmits the updated postbox information about the parcel count and the volume of the postbox to the post office system114.
[040] Consider an example, a parcel is received in a postbox. Further, the parcel is detected using a sensor. Furthermore, the postbox sends postbox information to post office system. The post office system receives the postbox information in real time. The postbox information comprises the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and the volume of the postbox. Further, the post office system alerts a post collector based on the postbox information. Furthermore, the post office system determines a route for the post collector based on the postbox information and a set of parameters for postal collection. The set of parameters may comprise the distance of the postbox, the location of the post collector, the traffic condition. In the example, the post office system determines the shortest route for the post collector.
[041] In an embodiment, the post office system may determine the route based on the volume of the postbox. Consider an example, assuming there are two postboxes (postbox A and postbox B) in an area. Assuming volume of the postbox A is 95% and the volume of the postbox B is 30%. The post office system will alert the post collector to go to postbox A first as the volume of the postbox A is higher as compared to the postbox B.
[042] Referring now to Figure 2, the postbox 102 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the postbox 102 may comprise a hollow chamber202, a sensor 214, a communication module 212, a transceiver216, a reset button 210, a battery, a dynamic lock 206 and, an outlet vent 208. In an embodiment, the dynamic lock 206 maybe unlocked by the post collector based on predefined credentials. It may be noted that the sensor 214, communication module 212 and, reset module 210 button may be fixed on the inner side of the postbox 102 and may not be visible from the outside.
[043] The sensor 214 maybe one of an IoT based Infrared sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, an imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the postbox 102 may send metadata information of the sensor 214 to the post office system 114. In an example, the IoT based Infrared sensor may detect receipt of the parcel when signal of the IoT based Infrared sensor is interrupted. The GPS sensor may share the coordinates of the postbox 102. The imaging sensor and the pressure sensor may compute the volume inside the postbox 114.The reset module 210 button may be pressed by the post collector to reset the parcel count present in the hollow chamber 202.
[044] Referring now to figure 3, a method 300 for automating the postal collection process using the postbox 102 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 300 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
[045] The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 300 or alternate methods for automating the postal collection process. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 300 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method 300 for automating the postal collection process data can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below the method 300 may be considered to be implemented in the above-described system 102.
[046] At block 302, a parcel may be received in a postbox. The parcel may be a letter, a document, a bag, an envelope, a box, and alike.
[047] At block 304, the parcel may be detected using a sensor installed in the postbox. The parcel may be detected when the parcel interrupts a signal of the sensor (214) thereby incrementing a parcel count.
[048] At block 306, postbox information may be sent to a post office system in real time when the parcel is detected. The postbox information may comprise the parcel count, coordinates of the postbox, and volume of the postbox.
[049] Referring now to figure 4, a method 400 for automating the postal collection process using the post office system 114 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
[050] The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 400 or alternate methods for automating the postal collection process. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 400 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method 400 for automating the postal collection process data can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below the method 400 may be considered to be implemented in the above-described system 102.
[051] At block 402, postbox information may be received in real time from a postbox. The postbox information may comprise a parcel count, coordinates of the postbox (102), and a volume of the postbox 102.
[052] At block 404, a post collector may be alerted based on the postbox information.
[053] At block 406, a route may be determined for the post collector based on the postbox information and a set of parameters for postal collection. The set of parameters may comprise a distance of the postbox, a location of the post collector, a traffic condition.
[054] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[055] In some embodiments, the system may help a post collector reduces an unwanted trip to the postbox when the postbox is empty.
[056] In some embodiments, the time required for the post collector to reach to the postbox may be reduced by using a shortest distance algorithm.
[057] In some embodiments, a post office system may monitor the postbox remotely.
[058] In some embodiments, the post office system may enable remote monitoring of the postbox.
[059] In some embodiments, the post office system may avoid the postbox (202) from being overfull.
[060] Although implementations for a method and system for automating a postal collection system have been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for constructing the method and system for automating a postal collection system.