Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A letter box monitoring system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a letter box (102);
a letter box monitoring device (110) installed within the letter box (102), wherein the letter box monitoring device (110) comprising:
a sensor (122) configured to sense signals representing a numerical count of a number of letters (134a-134n) dropped into the letter box (102);
a display unit (124) to enable a user to input a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a password of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN); and
a control unit (126) connected to the sensor (122), and the display unit (124), wherein the control unit (126) is configured to:
receive the sensed signals from the sensor (122) at predefined time intervals;
determine the numerical count of the number of the letters (134a-134n) inside the letter box (102) based on the received sensed signals;
generate an alert notification when the determined numerical count of the number of the letters is at least one, wherein the alert notification comprises the determined numerical count of the number of the letters (134a-134n), and a predefined message; and
transmit the generated alert notification to a user device (106) of the user through a cloud server (104).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generated alert notification is transmitted as one of, an email, a text message, a push notification, a Short Message Service (SMS), or a combination thereof.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generated alert notification is displayed on the user device (106) through a letter box monitoring application (118).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (122) is an Infrared (IR) sensor.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined time intervals is in a range of 2 hours to 5 hours.
6. A method for notifying a user about letters inside a letter box (102), the method comprising steps of:
entering a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a password of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) through a display unit (124) of the letter box (102);
receiving sensed signals from a sensor (122) at predefined time intervals, wherein the sensed signals represents a numerical count of a number of the letters (134a-134n) dropped into the letter box (102);
determining the numerical count of the number of the letters (134a-134n) inside the letter box (102) based on the received sensed signals;
generating an alert notification when the determined numerical count of the number of the letters is at least one, wherein the alert notification comprises the determined numerical count of the number of the letters (134a-134n) and a predefined message; and
transmit the generated alert notification to a user device (106) of the user through a cloud server (104).
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the generated alert notification is transmitted as one of, an email, a text message, a push notification, a Short Message Service (SMS), or a combination thereof.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, comprising a step of displaying the alert notification on the user device (106) through a letter box monitoring application (118).
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sensor (122) is an Infrared (IR) sensor.
10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the predefined time intervals is in a range of 2 hours to 5 hours.
Date: 23 July 2020
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)

, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A LETTER BOX
APPLICANT(S)
NAME: A Rajeshwar Rao
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: S R Engineering College, Ananthasagar (V), Hasanparthy (M), Warangal, Telangana 506371

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and a method for monitoring a letter box, and more particularly to a system and method for notifying a user on receiving a letter in a letter box.
Description of Related Art
[002] Letters are generally delivered by a postal service officer by dropping the letters inside the letter box hung at the entrance gate, or installed in a compound of the house. However, people often neglect or fail to remember to collect the letters from the letter box. In some situations, a person needs to regularly visit the letter box regardless of weather conditions such as, rain, wind, cloud, dust storms, or snowfall to check the letter box for letters, couriers, or mails. However, there can be a high possibility of missing important applications, notices, couriers, and letters if the person fails to check the letter box on time. Therefore, traditional letter boxes require regular visits of an associated person using the letter box to check for any new mail personally.
[003] There is thus a need for a system and method for monitoring and managing a letter box in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[004] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a letter box monitoring system. The system comprising: a letter box, a letter box monitoring device installed within the letter box, wherein the letter box monitoring device comprising: a sensor configured to sense signals representing a numerical count of a number of letters dropped into the letter box; a display unit to enable a user to input a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a password of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN); and a control unit connected to the sensor, and the display unit, wherein the control unit is configured to: receive the sensed signals from the sensor at predefined time intervals; determine the numerical count of the number of the letters inside the letter box based on the received sensed signals; generate an alert notification when the determined numerical count of the number of the letters is at least one, wherein the alert notification comprises the determined numerical count of the letters and a predefined message; and transmit the generated alert notification to a user device of the user through a cloud server.
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for notifying a user about letters inside a letter box, the method comprising steps of: entering a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a password of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) through a display unit of the letter box; receiving sensed signals from a sensor at predefined time intervals, wherein the sensed signals represents a numerical count of a number of the letters dropped into the letter box; determining the numerical count of the number of the letters inside the letter box based on the received sensed signals; generating an alert notification, wherein the alert notification comprises the determined numerical count of the number of the letters and a predefined message; and transmit the generated alert notification to a user device of the user through a cloud server.
[006] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application provide a system and a method for providing real time data of letters inside a letter box using an application installed on a user device of a user. Next, embodiments of the present application provide an automatic alert system. Next, embodiments of the present application provide an easy to install and cost effective letter box monitoring system.
[007] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[008] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a letter box monitoring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of a letter box monitoring device of the letter box monitoring system installed within a letter box, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 1C illustrates a left perspective view of the letter box, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates components of a control unit of the letter box monitoring device, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary user interface displaying alert notifications when a letter is received in the letter box, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; and
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method for notifying a user regarding letters within the letter box, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein.
[0016] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a letter box monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The letter box monitoring system 100 comprise a letter box 102, a cloud server 104, and a user device 106. The letter box 102, the cloud server 104, and the user device 106 may be connected through a communication network 108, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 108 may be a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) of a house of a user. According to another embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 108 may include a data network such as, but not limited to, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 108 may include a wireless network, such as, but not limited to, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including an Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and so forth. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the letter box 102, the cloud server 104, and the user device 106 may be configured to communicate with each other by one or more communication mediums connected to the communication network 108. The communication mediums include, but are not limited to, a coaxial cable, a copper wire, a fiber optic, a wire that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of the user device 106, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication mediums, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the letter box 102 may be a traditional letter box hung at an entrance gate of the house of the user. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the letter box 102 may be installed in a compound of the house of the user. The letter box 102 may be provided to receive letters 134a-134n (hereinafter referred to as the letters 134) (as shown in FIG. 1B). In an embodiment of the present invention, the letters may include, but not limited to, mails, couriers, posts, and so forth.
[0023] Further, the letter box 102 may comprise a letter box monitoring device 110. According to embodiments of the present invention, the letter box monitoring device 110 may be an electrically operated device installed within the letter box 102 that may be configured to count a number of letters 134 dropped into the letter box 102 in real-time. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the letter box monitoring device 110 may be installed near an opening 132, as shown in the FIG. 1B of the letter box 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the letter box monitoring device 110 may be installed on a gate 130, as shown in the FIG. 1B of the letter box 102. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the letter box monitoring device 110 may be a battery operated device. Further, the working of the letter box monitoring device 110 will be explained in detail in conjunction with the FIG. 1B.
[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server 104 may be a centralized server for housing components associated with the letter box monitoring system 100 for the purpose of receiving, storing, processing, and distributing data. According to embodiments of the present invention the cloud server 104 may be, but not limited to, an enterprise cloud server, a managed services cloud server, a colocation cloud servers, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of cloud server 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] Further, the cloud server 104 may comprise a database 112. The database 112 may be configured for storage and retrieval of data associated with the letter box monitoring system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the database 112 may be, but is not limited to, a centralized database, a distributed database, a personal database, an end-user database, a commercial database, a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, a Non-SQL database, an operational database, a relational database, a cloud database, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the database 112 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of data storage and retrieval.
[0026] The user device 106 may be configured to enable the user to receive data and/or transmit data within the letter box monitoring system 100. The user may be, but not limited to, a resident, a postal officer, post man, a supervisor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user of the letter box monitoring system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user device 106 may be, but not limited to, a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and so forth. Embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user device 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, the user device 106 may comprise a user interface 114, and a processor 116. The user interface 114 may be configured to enable the user to input data into the letter box monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the user interface 114 may enable the user to receive data within the letter box monitoring system 100. The user interface 114 may be further configured to display output data associated with the letter box monitoring system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the user interface 114 may be, but is not limited to, a digital display, a touch screen display, a graphical user interface, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user interface 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of enabling the user to input data and to display an output data.
[0028] The processor 116 may be configured to receive and/or transmit data associated with the letter box monitoring system 100 using the communication network 108. Further, the processor 116 may be configured to process data associated with the letter box monitoring system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor 116 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a computing device, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processor 116 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data.
[0029] Further, the user device 106 may comprise a letter box monitoring application 118. The letter box monitoring application 118 may be a computer readable program installed on the user device 106 that may be configured to enable the user to access data associated with the letter box monitoring system 100.
[0030] FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of the letter box monitoring device 110 installed within the letter box 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the letter box monitoring device 110 may comprise a body 120, a sensor 122, a display unit 124, a control unit 126, and a battery 128.
[0031] The letter box monitoring device 110 may be attached on the letter box 102 to continuously monitor the number of the letters 134 inside the letter box 102 in real-time. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the letter box monitoring device 110 may be installed on an inner surface of the gate 130 near the opening 132 of the letter box 102. The opening 132 may be used to receive the letters 134, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the body 120 may be designed to house components of the letter box monitoring device 110. According to embodiments of the present invention, the body 120 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a metal, a plastic, a wood, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the body 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 122 may be installed within the letter box monitoring device 110 such that the letters 134 falling into the letter box 102 may be in a field of view of the sensor 122. The sensor 122 may be configured to sense signals representing the number of the letters 134 dropped into the letter box 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 122 may be, but not limited to, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 122 may be an Infrared (IR) sensor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensor 122 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] The display unit 124 of the letter box monitoring device 110 may be configured to enable the user to input a Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the communication network 108 such as, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), in an embodiment of the present invention. The SSID of the WLAN may be entered through the display unit 124 along with a password to successfully establish a connection between the letter box monitoring device 110 and the WLAN. According to embodiments of the present invention, the display unit 124 may be, but not limited to, a digital display, a touch screen display, a graphical user interface, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the display unit 124 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may enable the user to enter a response such as the SSID, password etc. into the letter box monitoring device 110.
[0033] The control unit 126 may be configured to process data associated with the letter box monitoring system 100 to generate an output, and perform other operations related to the letter box monitoring system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 126 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a computing device, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 126 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data. Further, the working of the control unit 126 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2A.
[0034] Further, he battery 128 may be provided to supply electrical energy to the components such as, the sensor 122, the display unit 124, and the control unit 126 of the letter box monitoring device 110. The battery 128 may be, but not limited to, an alkaline battery, a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, a Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, a Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery, a Lead-Acid battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the battery 128 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of supplying electrical energy. In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery 128 may be configured to generate a voltage equal to 9 Volts (V) of power. Further, a voltage regulator (not shown) may be used to regulate the voltage generated by the battery 128 of the letter box monitoring device 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a LM1117 voltage regulator may be used to regulate the voltage generated by the battery 128 to a value of 3.3 Volts (V). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the voltage regulator including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of regulating the voltage supplied to the letter box monitoring device 110. Further, the gate 130 of the letter box 102 may be attached to the body 120 through a hinge mechanism (not shown), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hinge mechanism may enable a smooth opening and/or closing of the gate 130 for enabling an access to an inside of the letter box 102. Further, the gate 130 may comprise the opening 132 provided to enable a second user such as, a postman, to drop the letters 134 inside the letter box 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the opening 132 may be a horizontal opening present near a central axis of the gate 130.
[0035] FIG. 1C illustrates a left perspective view of the letter box 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The letter box 102 may be a box like structure that may be designed to hold letters 134 and other postal materials. Further, the letter box 102 may be made up of a material, such as, but not limited to, an iron, an aluminum, a wood, a fiberglass, a hardened plastic, a chromed steel, a stainless steel, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the letter box 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, a shape of the letter box 102 may be, such as, but not limited to, a cuboid, a cylindrical, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any of the shape for the letter box 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the letter box 102 may comprise a rear wall 136, side walls 138a-138b, a bottom surface 140, and a top canopy 142. The gate 130 of the letter box 102 may be designed to act as a front wall of the letter box 102 in a closed position that may further comprise the opening 132. In an embodiment of the present invention, the opening 132 of the gate 130 may be a horizontal opening having a horizontal length of 150 millimeter (mm) that may be provided to enable the second user to drop the letters 134 inside the letter box 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the opening 132 may be covered by an overhang 144 that may be integrally made with the gate 130, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the overhang 144 that may be removably attached to the gate 130.
[0036] According to embodiments of the present invention, the rear wall 136, the side walls 138a-138b, the bottom surface 140 and the gate 130 (in a closed position) may form a cuboidal shape of the letter box 102. Further, a length of the letter box 102 may be 200 mm, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a height of the letter box 102 excluding a height of the top canopy 142 may be 300 mm. Further, a width of the letter box 102 may be 100 mm, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a length of the top canopy 142 may be made slightly greater than the length of the letter box 102 to form an overhang shade for the letter box 102. Further, the length of the top canopy 142 may be 240 mm, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates components of the control unit 126 of the letter box monitoring device 110, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 126 may comprise a device configuration module 200, a data collection module 202, a data processing module 204, a notification module 206, and a communication module 208.
[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, a switch (not shown) disposed on the body 120 of the letter box monitoring device 110 may be configured to generate an activation signal when the user activates the switch. The activation signal may enable the device configuration module 200 that may be configured to activate the sensor 122 and the display unit 124 of the letter box monitoring device 110. The sensor 122 may be configured to sense signals representing a numerical count of the number of the letters 134 dropped into the letter box 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the device configuration module 200 may be configured to receive the sensed signals from the sensor 122 at predefined time intervals. According to embodiments of the present invention, the predefined time intervals may be in a range of 2 hours to 5 hours. Furthermore, the device configuration module 200 may be configured to transmit the received sensed signals to the data collection module 202, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device configuration module 200 may be configured to enable the user to input the SSID and the password of the WLAN that may enable the letter box monitoring device 110 to be connected to the WLAN through the communication device (not shown) of the letter box monitoring device 110. According to embodiments of the present invention, the WLAN may be the communication network 108 of the house of the user that may enable a communication between the letter box 102 and the user device 106 of the user.
[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, the data collection module 202 may be configured to receive the sensed signals from the device configuration module 200. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data collection module 202 may be further configured to store the received sensed signals onto the database 112 of the cloud server 104. Further, the data collection module 202 may be configured to transmit the received sensed signals to the data processing module 204.
[0040] The data processing module 204 may be configured to process the received sensed signals from the sensor 122 to determine the numerical count of the number of the letters 134 dropped into the letter box 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the data processing module 204 determines that no letters 134 are present inside the letter box 102 based on the received sensed signals, then the data processing module 204 may be configured to set a counter (not shown) installed within the letter box monitoring device 110 to an initial value of “0”. In another embodiment of the present invention, if the data processing module 204 determines that a new letter is dropped inside the letter box 102 then the data processing module 204 may be configured to increment a final value of the counter of the letter box monitoring device 110 to “1”. The data processing module 204 may be configured to interpret the incremented final value of the counter as the numerical count of the number of the letters 134 inside the letter box 102.
[0041] Further, the data processing module 204 may be configured to generate an alert notification that may comprise the numerical count of the number of the letters 134 inside the letter box 102 and a predefined message. In an embodiment of the present invention, the predefined message may be “Check your Letter Box, you have received letter”. Further, the data processing module 204 may be configured to transmit the generated alert notification to the notification module 206 at the predefined time intervals. According to embodiments of the present invention, the predefined time intervals may be in the range of 2 hours to 5 hours. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 204 may be configured to generate an alert notification each time when a letter is received in the letter box 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 204 may be configured to generate an alert notification at one time in a day such as, at a user defined time, for example, at 6 Post-Meridiem (PM) in the evening.
[0042] Further, the data processing module 204 may be configured to generate an alert notification at the end of the day when no letter is received in the letter box 102, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] The notification module 206 may be configured to receive the generated alert notification from the data processing module 204, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the notification module 206 may be configured to transmit the generated alert notification to the cloud server 104 using the communication module 210 over the communication network 108. The notification module 206 may be configured to transmit the generated alert notification as, but not limited to, an email, a text message, a push notification, a Short Message Service (SMS), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any of the method for transmitting the alert notification including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the alert notification may be stored onto the database 112, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server 104 may be configured to transmit the received alert notification to the user device 106 of the user over the communication network 108. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor 116 of the user device 106 may be configured to receive the alert notification. Further, the processor 116 may be configured to display the alert notification through the letter box monitoring application 118, as shown in FIG. 3, installed on the user device 106 using the user interface 114, according to embodiments of the preset invention.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary user interface 300 of the letter box monitoring application 118 displaying the alert notification on the user device 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the letter box monitoring application 118 may be configured to display the alert notification as an email using the user interface 114 of the user device 106 of the user. Further, the alert notification may comprise the numerical count of the number of the letters 134 inside the letter box 102 and a predefined message. In an embodiment of the present invention, the predefined message may be “Check your Letter Box you have received letter”.
[0045] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method 400 for notifying the user about letters 134 inside the letter box 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 402, the letter box monitoring system 100 may enable the user to enter the SSID and the password of the WLAN. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user may enter the SSID and the password of the WLAN through the display unit 124 of the letter box monitoring device 110. The WLAN may be the communication network 108 of the house of the user that may be capable of connecting the letter box monitoring device 110 with the user device 106 of the user.
[0047] At step 404, the letter box monitoring system 100 may receive sensed signals from the sensor 122. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensed signals may represent a numerical count of the number of the letters 134 dropped inside the letter box 102.
[0048] At step 406, the letter box monitoring system 100 may determine the numerical count of the number of the letters 134 inside the letter box 102 based on the received sensed signals.
[0049] At step 408, the letter box monitoring system 100 may generate an alert notification. The alert notification may comprise the numerical count of the number of the letters 134 inside the letter box 102 and a predefined message. In an embodiment of the present invention, the predefined message may be “Check your Letter Box you have received letter”.
[0050] At step 410, the letter box monitoring system 100 may transmit the generated alert notification to the cloud server 104. Further, the alert notification may be stored onto the database 112 of the cloud server 104, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] At step 412, the letter box monitoring system 100 may display the alert notification through the letter box monitoring application 118 installed on the user device 106 of the user.
[0052] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks. Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks.
[0053] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.