BE1023803B1 - DEVICE FOR RECEIVING AND / OR SENDING LETTERS AND PACKAGES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL MODULE THEREFOR - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to devices for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. The invention also relates to electromechanical modules for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. The invention further relates to methods for the detection of letters and packages. The invention further relates to devices for the detection of packages.

Description

DEVICE FOR RECEIVING / OR SENDING LETTERS AND PACKAGES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL MODULE THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to devices for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. The invention also relates to electromechanical modules for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. The invention further relates to methods for the detection of letters and packages. The invention further relates to devices for the detection of packages.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the steady rise of electronic commerce, the need for systems for receiving and / or sending packages unattended is increasing. After all, ordered orders are often offered to consumers' home addresses during the day and during the week, when those same consumers are working regularly. Furthermore, it is generally also very inconvenient for consumers to return products; often the products have to be taken to a post office.

When orders are delivered to a consumer's home address, and when the consumer is not at home, classically ordered orders are accepted by the neighbors. This solution is not ideal. In the first place there is a loss of efficiency because bodes have to find neighbors who are at home. In addition, the privacy of consumers is not guaranteed when neighbors accept their packages. Furthermore, it is not always possible that packages are delivered to the neighbors, for example when the neighbors are not at home.

In such a case, parcels are then normally delivered to a collection point, for example to a collection point in a neighboring supermarket. This is a disadvantage for the consumer because he or she loses time collecting the packages at the collection point. For the parcel supplier, the extra visit to the supermarket also entails a further loss of efficiency.

In order to offer a solution to the above problems, systems are increasingly being used for the unattended receipt and / or dispatch of packages. Existing systems, however, are expensive, not robust, energy-inefficient and / or not that easy to use. The present invention provides a solution for at least one of these shortcomings.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electromechanical module for controlling a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages comprising the following components: - a user interaction module; - a communication module; and, - a lock / unlock module that comprises at least one electronic lock; characterized in that the electromechanical module further comprises the following elements: - a parcel detection module comprising one or more parcel detection units, wherein at least one parcel detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources; and, a processor module operatively connected to the user interaction module, the communication module, the lock / unlock module, and the parcel detection module.

In some embodiments, the one or more light sources from the packet detection module comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some embodiments, the user interaction module is selected from the list comprising the following user interaction modules: a matrix barcode reader, a linear barcode reader, a radio wave identification module (RFID module), a module for identification with decimeter waves, and a combination of several of the previous communication modules.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module comprises a letter detection module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module comprises an energy supply module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module includes a parcel indicator, the parcel indicator being operatively coupled to the parcel detection module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module is configured to operate in at least two modes, at least one sleep mode and one standby mode, the electromechanical module further comprising an activatable on-off switch configured to, upon activation, the electromechanical module from the standby mode to bring to sleep mode or to bring the electromechanical module from sleep mode to standby mode.

In a further aspect the present invention comprises a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages, the device comprising the following elements: an electromechanical module according to an aspect of the present invention; - a letter compartment; - at least one parcel compartment; and a housing; wherein - each package compartment comprises a package detection unit.

In some embodiments, each package compartment comprises walls, and for each package compartment it applies that: the camera of the package detection unit is attached to a first wall of the package compartment; and, the one or more light sources of the parcel detection unit are attached to a wall of the parcel compartment that is adjacent or opposite to the wall to which the camera of the parcel detection unit is attached.

In some embodiments: the device has a front side and a rear side; - the rear is closed by means of the housing; - the front is closed by means of the housing, a letter opening, and one or more doors, - the letter opening gives access to the letter compartment; - give the doors from the one or more doors access to one or more parcel compartments; and, the front comprises a rocker valve with the rocker valve hinged to the front of the device, and the rocker valve is configured to make the letter compartment accessible to letters.

In some embodiments, the device comprises two package compartments, a lower package compartment and an upper package compartment, wherein - the lower package compartment is placed below the upper package compartment; - the lower parcel compartment and the upper parcel compartment are separated or separable by means of a valve, - the valve can be placed in an open position and in a closed position; - the lower and upper parcel compartments are separated from each other by the valve when the valve is in the closed position; and, the lower and upper package compartments form a continuous space when the valve is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the letter compartment is adjacent to at least one package compartment, and the letter compartment is separate or separable from the package compartment with the aid of a flap, the flap being foldable toward the rear of the device.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for detecting a parcel in a parcel compartment using a parcel detection unit wherein: the parcel detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources; - the parcel detection unit is operationally connected to a processor module; and wherein the method comprises the steps of: a. registering, with the help of the camera, a calibration image, the calibration image comprising a display of light emitted by the one or more light sources; b. storing, in a memory, the calibration image; c. recording, by means of the camera, a detection image, the detection image comprising a display of light emitted by the one or more light sources, the light emitted by the one or more light sources whether or not interacting with a packet; d. comparing the detection image with the calibration image; e. associating the detection image with the presence or absence of a package in the package compartment; wherein the parcel compartment preferably has a door, the door being provided with a door sensor configured to detect the opening and closing of the door, and wherein step c is preferably performed after opening and / or closing the door, more preferably after closing the door, even more preferably less than 5.0 minutes after closing the door, even more preferably less than 1.0 minutes after closing the door.

In a further aspect, the present invention includes the use of a parcel detection unit that includes a camera and one or more light sources for the detection of a parcel in a parcel compartment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a device (100) according to the present invention for receiving and / or sending letters and packages.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the components of an electromechanical module (200) and their operational connections according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the rear side (110) of a device (100) for receiving and / or sending letters and packages according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows three panels. Panel A shows a method for receiving letters. Panel B shows a method for receiving packages. Panel C shows a method for retrieving letters and packages.

FIG. 5 shows a device (100) for receiving letters and / or packages.

Throughout the figures, identical and / or similar reference signs refer to identical and / or similar elements. In particular, the following numbering is used throughout the figures: 100 - device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages; 110 - rear of the device; 120 - recess in the rear of the device; 130 - wall coupling piece; 131 - protrusion with hook; 132 anchoring device; 140 - letter compartment; 150 - parcel compartment; 151 bottom of the parcel compartment; 160 - field of vision; 200 - electromechanical module; 210 - energy supply; 220 - smart module; 231 - lock; 232 - lock; 240 camera; 241 - camera; 242 - camera; 300 - letterbox; 310 - rocker valve; 311 letter opening; 320 valve; 400 - parcel compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used further in this text, the singular forms "one," "the," "the," include both the singular and the plural unless the context is clearly different.

The terms "include", "includes" as used further are synonymous with "inclusive", "include" or "contain," contain "and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional, unnamed members, elements or method steps. The terms "include", "includes" include the term "include".

The enumeration of numerical values based on numerical ranges includes all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the cited endpoints.

The term "about", as used when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, a duration, and so on, is intended to encompass variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably + 1-5% or less, more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less, from and from the specified value, insofar as the variations apply to function in the disclosed invention . It is to be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers per se has also been disclosed.

All documents quoted in the current specification are fully incorporated herein by reference.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning that those skilled in the art usually understand. As a further guide, definitions are included for further explanation of terms used in the description of the invention.

In some aspects, the present invention includes an electromechanical module for controlling a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. In general, the present electromechanical modules are extremely suitable for incorporation into devices for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. In particular, the devices for receiving and / or sending letters and packages can be made suitable for receiving and / or sending letters and packages in the absence of a user. Typically, the electromechanical module includes the following components: a user interaction module, a communication module, and a lock / unlock module that includes at least one electronic lock. For example, a code can be entered or read in via the user interaction module. The code is also called a digital key. If the code corresponds to a predetermined unlock code, the electronic lock can be locked. The predetermined code can, for example, be requested via the communication module. In particular, the predetermined code can, for example, be requested from a remote server. For example, packages and / or letters can be delivered and / or sent very efficiently in the absence of a user.

Furthermore, the electromechanical module generally also comprises a package detection module. With the aid of a parcel detection module, for example, a parcel can be detected in a parcel compartment of a device for receiving and / or sending letters and parcels. A parcel detection module comprises one or more parcel detection units. By providing a package detection unit in different package compartments, packages in those different package compartments can be detected. Typically, a parcel detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources. These are highly efficient and user-friendly parcel detection units. In addition, the one or more light sources can be further configured to light up when the door of a parcel compartment is opened. In this way, the light sources obtain a dual benefit: in the first place, they are part of a package detection unit, and in addition they give good visibility on the package compartment to a user. Such dual functionality provides optimum user comfort for a minimal cost.

In addition, the electromechanical module also includes a processor module that is operationally connected to the other components of the electromechanical module. In this way the other components of the electromechanical module can be controlled efficiently. The other components of the electromechanical module are, for example, the user interaction module, the communication module, the lock / unlock module, and the parcel detection module.

Such an electromechanical module is preferably built into a device for receiving and / or sending letters and / or packages. For example, letters and / or packages can be efficiently delivered to a user, and / or sent by a user, when the user is not available to personally accept and / or send the letters or packages.

The present invention further comprises a device for receiving and / or sending letters and / or packages. Typically, the device comprises the following elements: an electromechanical module as described herein; - a letter compartment; - at least one parcel compartment; and / or - a housing.

Typically, each parcel compartment includes a parcel detection unit.

Such a device can be used extremely efficiently for receiving and / or sending letters and packages, in particular in the absence of the receiver and / or sender of the letters or packages.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for detecting a package in a package compartment. Typically, a parcel detection unit is used for this detection. Typically, the parcel detection unit comprises a camera. The parcel detection unit preferably comprises one or more light sources. Courant, the parcel detection unit is operationally connected to a processor module.

The method typically comprises the following steps: a. Registering, using the camera, a calibration image, the calibration image comprising a display of light emitted from the one or more light sources; b. storing, in a memory, the calibration image; c. recording, by means of the camera, a detection image, the detection image comprising a display of light emitted by the one or more light sources, the light emitted by the one or more light sources being interrupted or not by a packet; d. comparing the detection image with the calibration image; and, e. associating the detection image with the presence or absence of a package in the package compartment.

In this way, a package in a package compartment can be efficiently detected. In this way, it can also be efficiently checked whether a package was actually placed in the package compartment at the time of delivery and / or shipment of the package.

The present invention is further described in the following aspects:

In a first aspect, the present invention comprises an electromechanical module for controlling a device for receiving and / or receiving letters and packages which comprises the following components: - a user interaction module; - a communication module; and, - a lock / unlock module that comprises at least one electronic lock; wherein the electromechanical module further comprises the following elements: - a package detection module comprising one or more package detection units, wherein at least one package detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources; and, a processor module operatively connected to the user interaction module, the communication module, the lock / unlock module, and the parcel detection module.

This electromechanical module can be built into a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. The device for receiving and / or sending letters and parcels can thus be made suitable for receiving and / or sending letters and parcels in the absence of the receiver and / or sender of the letters or parcels. In particular, package detection units comprising a camera and one or more light sources allow very robust package detection. This is in contrast to parcel detection units based on a load cell. In particular, package detection units based on a load cell are more susceptible to errors, particularly in the case of low weight packages.

Preferably, the user interaction module is configured to receive authentication information from a user. In this way, easy access to an establishment for receiving and / or sending letters and packages can be given to entitled persons. An example of an entitled person is a messenger who delivers a package, or a recipient of a package, or a sender of a package, or a messenger who picks up a package. At the same time, this is an efficient way to deny unauthorized persons access to an establishment for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. An example of an unauthorized person is a pack thief.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module comprises one or more user interaction modules. In this way users can use the electromechanical module in a more flexible way.

Preferably, all parcel detection modules comprise at least one camera and one or more light sources. In this way, packages can be very efficiently and robustly detected in every package compartment where a package detection module is installed.

The processor module preferably comprises a pcb which comprises a processor. This benefits the cost efficiency of electromechanical modules according to the present invention.

In some embodiments, the lock / unlock module comprises at least one electrically driven hinge. Thus, a door of a parcel compartment of a device for receiving and / or sending letters and parcels can be efficiently opened with the lock / unlock module.

A user interaction module is a module that is suitable for receiving information from a user, and / or for making information available to a user. User interaction modules are described in more detail later in this text.

A communication module is a module that is suitable for communicating with a remote server. The communication can be done using a connection such as an internet connection, telephone connection, or fax connection. The connection may or may not be wireless.

In some embodiments, the communication module comprises a module that uses ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) radio wavelengths, and / or that uses UNB (Ultra Narrow Band) modulation. An example of a communication module that uses ISM wavelengths and UNB modulation is a SIGFOX module. A further example of a suitable communication module is a LORA module. Such modules make it possible to communicate with a very low cost per message sent.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module comprises a communication module that is integrated with the energy supply module. This can be done, for example, with the help of "power line communication (PLC)" technology. With PLC technology, communication takes place via the electricity network.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module comprises an energy supply module that is integrated with a communication module. This can be done, for example, using "power over ethernet (POE)" technology.

In this way, an electromechanical module can work fully (or partially) stand-alone, with only limited intervention, or even without intervention, from further hardware of a user.

The communication module is preferably configured and / or configurable to be operationally connected and / or connectable to a remote server, which is elaborated later.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module comprises one or more communication modules. This benefits the multipurpose usability of the electromechanical module. In addition, the reliability of the electromechanical module can also be increased by adding redundancy. A locking / unlocking module is a module that is operationally connected to the processor module and which comprises at least one electronic lock. For example, the electronic lock can be operatively connected to the door of a parcel compartment and can be configured to open and close the door of the parcel compartment, controlled by the processor module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module includes one or more locking / unlocking modules. In this way the electromechanical module can be used in both small systems, medium systems, or large systems. An example of a small system is a smart letter box with one parcel compartment for a single-family home. An example of a medium-sized system is a smart letterbox with three parcel compartments for an apartment building with three apartments. An example of a large system is a smart letterbox with n parcel compartments in an apartment building with n apartments, where n is greater than 3, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128. Preferably, for use in apartment buildings, at least one locking / unlocking module provided per apartment.

A parcel detection module is a module that comprises one or more parcel detection units. When the electromechanical module is used in a smart letter box with several parcel compartments, then preferably one parcel detection unit is used per parcel compartment. This is an efficient use of resources.

A parcel detection unit is a device suitable for detecting parcels. The details of the parcel detection unit are provided elsewhere in this document. Preferably, packages are detected with a package detection unit as provided herein and / or according to a method for detecting packages as provided herein. This method is explained in detail elsewhere in this text.

A processor module is a module that comprises a processor chip.

Preferably, the various components of the electromechanical module are operationally connected to each other and / or can be connected by means of cabling. This is a very cost-effective way to connect the various components of the electromechanical module. In addition, this can increase the safety of the electromechanical module since wire connections can be more resistant to external influences compared to wireless connections. However, in some embodiments, the various components of the electromechanical module are operationally connected to each other via a wireless connection. This can be a place efficient way to connect the different components of the electromechanical module.

Typically, the user interaction module, the communication module, and the processor module are included in a smart module. A smart module preferably also comprises a housing enclosing the user interaction module, the communication module, and the processor module. This can increase the modularity and ease of use of the present electromechanical modules.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module is operably connectable and / or connected to a memory module.

In this way information can be stored locally in the electromechanical module.

In some embodiments, the memory module includes a SIM card (English: subscriber identity module (SIM). SIM cards are very cost-effective memory modules.

In some embodiments, the memory module comprises an internal memory that is built into the electromechanical module. This increases the storage capacity of the memory module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module includes both a removable memory and an internal memory. The removable memory is, for example, a SIM card. In this way an electromechanical module can be provided with a very extensive memory, some parts of which can be removed mechanically. This can be an efficient way to, for example, transfer user-specific information that can be stored on the removable memory from one electromechanical module to another electromechanical module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module as described herein forms part of a kit, wherein the kit comprises an electromechanical module and a memory module. In this way an electromechanical module can be installed efficiently.

In some embodiments, the one or more light sources from the packet detection module comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

LED lighting can be a very space and energy efficient light source. Thus, the space and energy efficiency of electromechanical modules according to the present invention is increased by the use of LEDs.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module is operationally connected and / or operationally connectable to a SIM card.

In some embodiments, the user interaction module is selected from the list comprising the following user interaction modules: a matrix barcode reader, a linear barcode reader, a module for identification with radio waves (RFID module), a module for identification with decimeter waves, and a combination of several of the previous user interaction modules.

These user interaction modules allow a highly efficient interaction between a user and an electromechanical module according to the present invention.

An example of a matrix barcode is a QR code. An example of a linear barcode is a classic barcode. An example of a module for identification with radio waves is an NFC module. An example of a module for identification with decimeter waves is a bluetooth module.

In some embodiments, the user interaction module includes a touch screen. With a touch screen, users can interact with the electromechanical module in a very intuitive way.

In some embodiments, the user interaction module includes a matrix barcode reader, a linear barcode reader, an RFID module, and a module for identification with decimeter waves. In this way, users can interact very efficiently with the electromechanical module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module further comprises a letter detection module.

In this way, letters deposited in the letter compartment can be efficiently detected.

Preferably the letter detection module comprises a rocker valve sensor. This is a very cost-efficient embodiment of a letter detection module.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module further comprises an energy supply module. This is an efficient way to power an electromechanical module.

In some embodiments, the energy supply module comprises a solar panel and a battery. In this way energy can be efficiently produced and stored in and / or for the electromechanical module.

In some embodiments, the energy supply module comprises a connection device for connection to mains voltage. This can be an efficient energy supply way in the absence of sufficient sunlight.

In some embodiments, the energy supply module comprises both a solar panel and battery and a connection device for connection to the mains. In this way the electromechanical module can be efficiently supplied with green power and at the same time the connection to the mains provides a redundant power supply for times of limited sunlight. At the same time, the solar cell and battery offer a redundant power supply device for when the electricity grid fails due to a power outage. Thus, the influence of energy-related malfunctions on the delivery and / or dispatch of packages using electromechanical modules according to the present invention is minimized.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module further comprises a parcel indicator, the parcel indicator being operatively coupled to the parcel detection module.

In this way a user can be informed efficiently about the presence of a package.

The term "parcel indicator" as used herein refers to a device configured to indicate to a user whether or not a parcel is detected by the parcel detection module. A parcel indicator typically comprises a luminous element. This is a very intuitive embodiment of a package indicator. The luminous element is, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode). This is a very energy-efficient form of a luminous element.

When the electromechanical module is installed in a letter box that includes a parcel compartment, the parcel indicator is preferably configured to indicate whether or not there is a parcel in the parcel compartment. In this way a user can easily and efficiently be made aware that there is a package in the package compartment.

In some embodiments, the package indicator includes a luminous body configured to illuminate when a package is in the package compartment, and to extinguish when there is no package in the package compartment.

Typically, the luminous body only lights up when a package lights up in the package compartment and when a user has authenticated himself. For example, unauthorized persons cannot know whether or not there is a package in the package compartment. This improves the privacy of users and the safety of packages.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical module is configured to operate in at least two modes, at least one sleep mode and one standby mode, the electromechanical module further comprising an activatable on-off switch configured to, upon activation, the electromechanical module from the standby mode to bring to sleep mode or to bring the electromechanical module from sleep mode to standby mode. Thus, the energy efficiency of an electromechanical module according to the present invention is increased.

The term "sleep mode" as used herein refers to a configuration of an electromechanical module in which energy is saved by deactivating one or more components of the electromechanical module. In some embodiments, all components of the electromechanical module are deactivated in sleep mode.

The term "waking position" as used herein refers to a configuration in which, in comparison with the sleep position, more components of the electromechanical module are activated.

The phrase "activatable on-off switch" as used herein refers to a switch configured to switch, upon activation, the electromechanical module from standby to sleep or from sleep to standby.

In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. Typically, the device comprises one or more elements selected from the list comprising: - an electromechanical module, preferably an electromechanical module according to the first aspect of the present invention or an embodiment thereof; - a letter compartment; - at least one parcel compartment; and, - a housing.

With the aid of such a device, packages can be received and / or sent very efficiently in the absence of a user.

Typically, at least one, preferably each package compartment, comprises a package detection unit. For example, packages can be detected in each package unit. In this way a user can know in which parcel compartment a delivered and / or to be sent parcel is placed. A messenger can also know if there is still room for a package to be delivered in a specific package compartment. In addition, a user can easily find out in this way whether there is still room to ship a package in a package compartment.

Thus, in its second aspect, the present invention comprises a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages, the device comprising the following elements: an electromechanical module according to the first aspect of the present invention or an embodiment thereof; - a letter compartment; - at least one parcel compartment; and a housing; wherein - each package compartment comprises a package detection unit.

Such a device can be used extremely efficiently for receiving and / or sending letters and packages, in particular in the absence of the receiver and / or sender of the letters or packages. Such a device is also very easy to install, even plug and play.

Furthermore, a device according to the present invention is self-sufficient. It is, as it were, a polyvalent standalone unit that can be placed in a multitude of locations. For example, the device can be placed on a driveway in front of a user's house. Furthermore, the device can, for example, be placed on a wall of an owner's house or in the vicinity of an owner's workplace.

In a home and / or business context, a device according to the present invention can also be used, for example, for passing on and / or delivering personal documents.

The term "letter compartment" as used herein refers to a compartment that is suitable for receiving and / or sending letters.

The term "package compartment" as used herein refers to a compartment that is suitable for receiving and / or sending packages. In some embodiments, one or more package compartments are configured to include one package. In some embodiments, one or more package compartments are configured to include multiple packages. In some embodiments, a device for receiving and / or sending letters and / or packages comprises one or more package compartments.

The term "housing" as used herein refers to a structural element of a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages that forms a mechanical barrier between the outside world and an electromechanical module, a letter compartment, and / or at least one package compartment.

In some embodiments, the lock / unlock module and / or the cabling are encased in the housing. This can increase the ease of use.

In some embodiments, the parcel compartment is cooled, for example with the aid of a heat pump built into the device for receiving and / or sending letters and parcels.

In some embodiments, each package compartment comprises walls, and it applies to each package compartment that: the camera of the package detection unit is attached to a first wall of the package compartment; and, the one or more light sources of the parcel detection unit are attached to a wall of the parcel compartment that is adjacent or opposite to the wall to which the camera of the parcel detection unit is attached.

In this way a package in a package compartment can be efficiently detected.

Preferably the field of view of the camera comprises the bottom of the package compartment. This increases the efficiency and robustness of the package detection.

In some embodiments, the bottom of a package compartment comprises stainless steel. This ensures excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the bottom of the package compartment. In some embodiments, the stainless steel is designed as strips.

In some embodiments, the device is configured and / or configurable to be operatively connected to one or more central servers. Preferably, the connection is established with a communication module as described above. Preferably, information about users, packages, package compartments, and smart mailboxes is stored in an electronic memory in the one or more central servers.

Preferably, the one or more central servers are configured to assign renewable codes to users, packages, and / or devices for receiving and / or sending packages. This increases safety. Furthermore, shorter codes can also be used in this way, so that data traffic can be reduced. This also improves safety. Preferably, the renewable codes do not include an identifier statically associated with a parcel compartment. This also improves safety. This also allows shorter codes, which reduces data traffic for the same functionality.

In some embodiments, the doors are rotatably connected to the housing via one or more hinges. The hinges are preferably encased in the housing. This way, protruding parts of the hinges can be prevented from damaging packages.

The letter opening preferably comprises a rocker valve. This allows the letter compartment to be efficiently protected from rain and wind. Preferably, each door gives access to one parcel compartment. This is an efficient use of resources. In some embodiments, the device comprises one package compartment. This is an efficient solution in terms of location optics. It is also a cost efficient solution when only one package is delivered and / or shipped at a time. In some embodiments, the device comprises two package compartments. This way, two packages can easily be delivered and / or sent at the same time. The device preferably has a front side and a rear side.

In some embodiments, one or more doors in the front of the device provide access to one or more parcel compartments. In this way the one or more parcel compartments can be efficiently reached.

In some embodiments, a letter opening in the front of the device provides access to the letter compartment. The letter compartment is thus easily accessible for letters. In some embodiments, the front includes a rocker valve. The letter compartment, for example, is well protected against rain and wind. The rocker valve is preferably hinged to the front of the device. The rocker valve can thus be easily opened. Preferably, the toggle valve is configured to make the letter compartment accessible to letters. This way, letters can easily be deposited in the letter compartment. The rocker valve preferably comprises a gripping edge. The rocker valve can thus be easily opened. The rocker valve preferably comprises a holder for a nameplate. For example, a user's name and address can be efficiently displayed on a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages according to the present invention.

Thus, in some embodiments: the device has a front and a rear; - the rear is closed by means of the housing; - the front is closed by means of the housing, a letter opening, and one or more doors, - the letter opening gives access to the letter compartment; - give the doors from the one or more doors access to one or more parcel compartments; and, the front comprises a rocker valve wherein the rocker valve is hinged to the front of the device, and wherein the rocker valve is configured to make the letter compartment accessible to letters.

In this way, packages and letters can be delivered, sent and / or collected very efficiently.

In some embodiments, the doors comprise glass. This can be a cost-efficient embodiment of a door. In some embodiments, the doors have a thickness of 4.0 mm. This gives a good balance between mechanical strength and material use.

The device is preferably configured to be operably and reversibly connectable to a SIM card via the rear of the device.

In some embodiments, the device comprises two packages of compartments, a lower package compartment and an upper package compartment, wherein - the lower package compartment is placed below the upper package compartment; - the lower parcel compartment and the upper parcel compartment are separated or separable by means of a valve, - the valve can be placed in an open position and in a closed position; - the lower and upper parcel compartments are separated from each other by the valve when the valve is in the closed position; and, the lower and upper package compartments form a continuous space when the valve is in the open position.

In this way the device can be efficiently configured for receiving and / or sending packages of different sizes without wasting space.

In some embodiments, the letter compartment is adjacent to at least one package compartment, and the letter compartment is separate or separable from the package compartment with the aid of a flap, the flap being foldable toward the rear of the device.

Such a valve is generally difficult to see for a parcel supplier. This can therefore improve the privacy of a user.

Preferably the valve comprises a handle. This allows a user to open the valve efficiently. The valve can preferably be opened manually by the owner of the device. This is a cost-efficient implementation. However, in some embodiments, the valve is automatically public and lockable. This can save time during the collection of letters.

In some embodiments, the valve is unlocked only when a user has performed a specific authentication step. In some embodiments, the specific authentication step includes the use of a digital key. In this way, access to the letter compartment can be given to an owner of the device and access to the letter compartment can also be denied to users who have no authorization to read the letters, an example of such users being parcel suppliers.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a post. In this way the device can be positioned efficiently on the ground floor.

In some embodiments the device further comprises a wall coupling piece, wherein - the wall coupling piece is suitable for being mounted and / or being mounted on a wall; - the wall coupling piece is attached or can be attached to the rear of the letter compartment and / or to the rear of one or more parcel compartments.

In this way the device can be attached to a wall efficiently.

In some embodiments, the connection between the wall coupling piece and the rear of the device comprises a reversible connection. The reversible connection typically comprises a slit-shaped recess in the rear of the device, and a protrusion with gripping hook of the wall coupling piece. The protrusion with gripping hook of the wall coupling piece is configured to be slidable through the recess in the rear of the device. The gripping hook of the protrusion interacts with the rear of the device to form an obstruction to lateral translation of the device for receiving and / or sending letters and parcels, in the direction transverse to the wall coupler, and away from the wall coupler. This can facilitate the attachment of a device according to the present invention to a wall.

In some embodiments, the mechanical connection between the wall coupling piece and the device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages comprises one or more anchoring devices, for example by three anchoring devices. This can strengthen the mechanical connection between the wall coupling piece and the device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. Consequently, the device also becomes more difficult to move, which increases the safety of the packets and letters that are delivered and / or sent using the device.

In some embodiments, the anchoring direction is selected from the list comprising: screws, bolts, and rivets. In this way a very efficient and cost-effective anchoring can be achieved.

In a third aspect, the present invention comprises a method for detecting a package in a package compartment. The package is preferably detected with the aid of a package detection unit. This way, packages can be detected very efficiently.

Typically, the parcel detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources. This increases the efficiency of parcel detection. With such a parcel detection unit, parcels can also be detected in a more robust way compared to parcel detection units based on parcel detection with a weighing cell. In other words, parcel detection units comprising a camera and one or more light sources are less prone to erroneous parcel detection than parcel detection units based on a weighing cell.

Typically, the parcel detection unit is operationally connected to the processor module. In this way, images detected by the camera can be processed efficiently.

Preferably, the third aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for detecting a parcel in a parcel compartment using a parcel detection unit wherein: the parcel detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources; the parcel detection unit is operationally connected to a processor module; and wherein the method comprises the steps of: a. registering, with the help of the camera, a calibration image, the calibration image comprising a display of light emitted by the one or more light sources; b. storing, in a memory, the calibration image; c. recording, by means of the camera, a detection image, the detection image comprising a display of light emitted by the one or more light sources, the light emitted by the one or more light sources whether or not interacting with a packet; d. comparing the detection image with the calibration image; e. associating the detection image with the presence or absence of a package in the package compartment; wherein the parcel compartment preferably has a door, the door being provided with a door sensor configured to detect the opening and closing of the door, and wherein step c is preferably performed after opening and / or closing the door, more preferably after closing the door, even more preferably less than 5.0 minutes after closing the door, even more preferably less than 1.0 minutes after closing the door.

In this way, packages can be delivered very efficiently to and / or sent by a user in the absence of the user. Packages can also be detected very robustly.

This method is preferably carried out with the aid of an electromechanical module according to the present invention. This increases the efficiency of the process. This method is preferably carried out with the aid of a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages according to the present invention. This increases the efficiency of the process.

In some embodiments, step d comprises the following sub-steps: d1. determining the difference between the calibration image and the detection image; d2. comparing the difference of the calibration image and the detection image with a limit value; and step e comprises one of the following steps: e1 if the difference between the calibration image and the detection image is greater than or equal to the limit value, performing the step: associating, by the processor module, the detection image with the presence of a package in the package compartment; e2. if the difference between the calibration image and the detection image is greater than, or equal to, the threshold value, performing the step: associating, by the processor module, the detection image with the absence of a packet in the packet compartment.

The efficiency and / or robustness of the detection can thus be improved.

In some embodiments: - step d1 comprises determining the difference between the light intensity of one or more pixels of the calibration image with corresponding pixels of the detection image. Corresponding pixels are pixels that physically match each other in the camera's image detection chip. step d2 comprises comparing the difference between the light intensity of one or more corresponding pixels.

This way, packages can be detected efficiently.

In some embodiments, step d1 comprises summing the light intensities of one or more pixels in the calibration image and summing the light intensity of one or more corresponding pixels in the detection image; and, step d2 comprises comparing the summed light intensity of the one or more pixels of the calibration image and the summed light intensity of the one or more corresponding pixels of the detection image.

This way, packages can be detected efficiently.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention includes the use of a parcel detection unit that includes a camera and one or more light sources for the detection of a parcel in a parcel compartment. This way, packages can be detected very robustly and efficiently.

Preferably, the parcel detection unit is a parcel detection unit as described above. In this way, packages can be detected very efficiently and robustly.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

By way of example, we refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a device (100) for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. The device comprises a letterbox (300), a parcel compartment (400), and an electromechanical module that includes a smart module (220). The letterbox (300) includes a rocker cover (310). Example 2

By way of further example, we refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an electromechanical module (200). In particular, various components of the electromechanical module (200) and their mutual operational connections are shown.

The electromechanical module comprises a smart module (220). The smart module is operationally connected to an energy supply module (210). The energy supply module provides energy for the other components of the electromechanical module (200).

Furthermore, the smart module (220) is operationally connected with two locks (231,232) and two cameras (241,242).

Example 3

By way of further example, we refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a device (100) for receiving and / or sending letters and packets and in particular a detail of the rear side (110) of this device (100). The rear (110) of the device (100) comprises two recesses (120). The two recesses (120) are configured to form a, reversible or non-reversible, connection to a wall connector (130). In particular, the connection is formed with a protrusion with gripping hook (131) that forms part of the wall coupling piece (130). Further, the wall coupling piece (130) is further connected to the rear (110) of the device (100) with the aid of three anchoring devices (132).

Example 4

By way of further example, we refer to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the use of a device (100) for receiving and / or sending letters (panel A), for receiving and / or sending packages (panel B), and for collecting letters and packages (panel C) . The receiving and / or sending of letters is done through a letter opening (311). The receiving and / or sending of packages is done in a package compartment (400). The collection of packages is done directly from the package compartment (400). Letter retrieval takes place via a flap (320) between a letter compartment (not shown) and the parcel compartment (400).

Example 5

By way of further example, we refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows a device (100) for receiving and / or sending letters and packages. The device (100) comprises a letter compartment (140), a parcel compartment (150), and a smart module (220). The letter compartment (140) comprises a camera (240). The field of view (140) of the camera (240) includes the bottom (151) of the package compartment (150). This way, packages can be detected efficiently and robustly.

Claims (13)

CONCLUSIONS (typed version) Electromechanical module for controlling a device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages comprising the following components: - a user interaction module; - a communication module; and, - a lock / unlock module that comprises at least one electronic lock; characterized in that the electromechanical module further comprises the following elements: - a package detection module comprising one or more package detection units that detect packages placed in a package compartment, wherein at least one package detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources; a letter detection module that detects letters deposited in a letter compartment; and, - a processor module operatively connected to the user interaction module, the communication module, the lock / unlock module, the parcel detection module and the letter detection module. The electromechanical module according to claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources from the packet detection module comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The electromechanical module according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the user interaction module is selected from the list comprising the following user interaction modules: a matrix barcode reader, a linear barcode reader, a module for identification with radio waves (RFID module), a module for identification with decimeter waves, and a combination of several of the previous communication modules. The electromechanical module according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an energy supply module. The electromechanical module according to any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a parcel indicator, the parcel indicator being operatively coupled to the parcel detection module. The electromechanical module according to any of claims 1 to 5, which is configured to operate in at least two modes, at least one of which is a sleep mode and a standby mode, the electromechanical module further comprising an activatable on-off switch configured to, upon activation , to move the electromechanical module from the standby position to the sleep position or to bring the electromechanical module from the sleep position to the standby position. A device for receiving and / or sending letters and packages, the device comprising the following elements: - an electromechanical module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - a letter compartment; - at least one parcel compartment; and a housing; wherein - each package compartment comprises a package detection unit and walls. The device according to claim 7, wherein each parcel compartment comprises walls, and wherein for each parcel compartment: - the camera of the parcel detection unit is attached to a first wall of the parcel compartment; and, the one or more light sources of the parcel detection unit are attached to a wall of the parcel compartment that is adjacent or opposite to the wall to which the camera of the parcel detection unit is attached. The device according to any of claims 7 or 8, wherein - the device has a front side and a rear side; - the rear is closed by means of the housing; - the front is closed by means of the housing, a letter opening, and one or more doors, - the letter opening gives access to the letter compartment; - the doors from one or more doors give access to one or more parcel compartments; and, the front comprises a rocker valve wherein the rocker valve is hinged to the front of the device, and wherein the rocker valve is configured to make the letter compartment accessible to letters. The device according to any of claims 8 to 9, which comprises two package compartments, a lower package compartment and an upper package compartment, wherein - the lower package compartment is placed below the upper package compartment; - the lower parcel compartment and the upper parcel compartment are separated or separable by means of a valve, - the valve can be placed in an open position and in a closed position; - the lower and upper parcel compartments are separated from each other by the valve when the valve is in the closed position; and, the lower and upper package compartments form a continuous space when the valve is in the open position. The device of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the letter compartment is adjacent to at least one parcel compartment, and wherein the letter compartment is separate or separable from the parcel compartment using a flap, the flap being foldable toward the rear of the institution. A computer-implemented method for detecting a parcel in a parcel compartment using a parcel detection unit, wherein: the parcel detection unit comprises a camera and one or more light sources; the parcel detection unit is operationally connected to a processor module; and wherein the method comprises the steps of: a. registering, with the help of the camera, a calibration image, the calibration image comprising a display of light emitted by the one or more light sources; b. storing, in a memory, the calibration image; c. recording, by means of the camera, a detection image, the detection image comprising a display of light emitted by the one or more light sources, the light emitted by the one or more light sources whether or not being interacting by a packet; d. comparing the detection image with the calibration image; e. associating the detection image with the presence or absence of a package in the package compartment; wherein the parcel compartment preferably has a door, the door being provided with a door sensor configured to detect the opening and closing of the door, and wherein step c is preferably performed after opening and / or closing the door, more preferably after closing the door, even more preferably less than 5.0 minutes after closing the door, even more preferably less than 1.0 minutes after closing the door. The method of claim 12 wherein step d comprises the following sub-steps: d1. determining the difference between the calibration image and the detection image; d2. comparing the difference of the calibration image and the detection image with a limit value; and wherein step e comprises one of the following steps: e1 if the difference between the calibration image and the detection image is greater than, or equal to, the limit value, performing the step: associating, by the processor module, the detection image with the presence of a package in the package compartment; e2. if the difference between the calibration image and the detection image is greater than, or equal to, the threshold value, performing the step: associating, by the processor module, the detection image with the absence of a packet in the packet compartment.