CH715383A2 - Connected mailbox control device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connected mailbox device (1) comprising at least one mail receiving compartment (2, 3) having at least one entry (4, 5) for inserting mail into the compartment, an electronic control system (7) attached to the compartment; said compartment (2, 3) comprises at least one weighing means (10) configured to measure at least one value representative of the weight or pressure of the objects inserted in said compartment (2, 3) and to transmit this measured value or information for measuring the weight or pressure derived from the value measured at the control unit (8); the control unit being configured to communicate and / or make the measurement value or weight or pressure measurement information derived from the measured value available to a remote communication network.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connected mailbox device allowing the communication of information between the user and the device and / or between the delivery person and the user and / or between the delivery person and the device. The invention relates more particularly to a device for remote notification of delivery of mail to the place of the mailbox.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Connected mailbox systems exist but are essentially functionally focused on security problems. For example, patent application EP2913462A1 relates to an improved box comprising an electronic device for controlling the locking and unlocking of the lock. Operation is based on the request for authorization to open the box by the transporter to a remote computer system. The system provides a code to the delivery man who enters it on the box and can drop off his package. The owner is then informed of the remote filing by the computer system; which allows him to recover his package. The system also works according to a principle of deposit from the owner to the delivery person in order to facilitate the handling of packages. The system is known by the trade name Zabox <®>.

However, there is a need to communicate information remotely relating to the state of the box, in particular as regards the delivery of the delivery person and / or the state of filling of the box. When the user (owner or tenant) of the box is absent for several days or cannot move quickly to collect his mail or to receive a delivery, it is important that information is accessible to him at all times, including in time real, in order to more easily manage the collection of his mail, the delivery and / or manage the recovery of his mail from his mailbox or alternatively from a chosen recovery location.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to remedy at least some of the drawbacks of the state of the art and to propose a connected letter box device allowing the improvement of mail management.

The term "mail" in the context of the invention generally refers to letters, parcels and other objects delivered by a delivery person in a mailbox system.

A “letter box” according to the invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one partially closed compartment with at least one dedicated open entrance and / or an entrance closed as by a door which can be opened for insertion. preferably mail securely by a lock, mechanical and / or electronic padlock.

In one aspect, the invention thus relates to a mailbox control device comprising at least one mail receiving compartment having at least one entry for the insertion of mail into the compartment; the device comprising an electronic control system dedicated to the compartment comprising a control unit and a communication module configured to communicate information from the control unit on at least one remote communication network accessible by a terminal or terminals belonging to the users of the device.

According to an improvement, said compartment comprises at least one weighing means configured to measure at least one value representative of the weight or of the pressure relating to the objects inserted in said compartment and to transmit this measured value or weight measurement information or pressure derived this value measured at the control unit. In addition, the control unit is preferably configured to communicate this value or information derived from this value measured on said remote communication network. Information derived from the measured value can be a weight or pressure value or any other possible information.

The mailbox can include several compartments, in particular, compartments of the same type (for example letter compartments) belonging to separate users and / or compartments of different types (standard letter compartments or larger compartment for receiving packages). Several compartments can thus be linked to the same control system so as to pool electronic data processing, memory (s) and communication means.

Thus, the device according to the invention allows a remote user to be informed about the filling state of the box and to anticipate the collection of his mail in a more practical way. Depending on the information received, he can also have an idea of the type of mail received, especially if he is waiting for a large package.

In another aspect, the control system is configured to record and communicate or make available on the remote communication network the weighing information as soon as a variation of the representative value of weight or pressure over time is detected by the weighing means in the compartment or recorded by the control unit. In particular, it can communicate or make available the measured value or weight or pressure information derived from the measured value. The control system is preferably configured to record and communicate time information relating to the variation in weight or pressure (say “associated information” below), in particular the date and / or time of the measurement or recording of said variation. Thus, the device makes it possible to alert the user to the filling frequency of the box and to its filling state. It makes it easier to anticipate the management of mail recovery.

The weighing means can also be configured using several geographically placed sensors in the compartment, in particular under a wall for receiving the weighing means for measuring representative values of weight or pressure at different locations in the compartment. In this case, other information can be determined from the measured values such as a determination of the size of the content inserted in the compartment. The control unit can be configured to determine different information chosen from: an average of weight or pressure, a particular distribution of weight or pressure in the compartment or even a determination of the size of the content of the object or objects inserted in the compartment based on a comparative analysis of the values measured by each sensor or by a group of sensors. The analysis can be done by artificial intelligence means integrated in the control unit or other means.

According to a preferred aspect, the control system comprises at least one identifier of the user or users associated with the compartment in order to control the communication of said information on the remote network and to make it accessible only to the user or users identified by the control system. This information includes weight or weight information and any other related information. Thus, the box device is autonomous from the point of view of the ownership and security of the information communicated.

In one aspect, the control system comprises at least one mobile telephone module (GPRS), an internet module, or Wifi or Bluetooth for communicating said information over a mobile telephony or internet communication network and accessible by an application (“App”) from a mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) or a short message service (such as SMS or web messaging) or messaging service such as email or a dedicated website.

The communication module can include several modules of different types such as a mobile phone communication network and an internet network. Communications can take place over the internet using a modem in the module. The modem can be of the Ethernet type connected to the network card of the control unit and / or to a computer external to the device or can be a wireless modem which connects to a computer using a wireless LAN connection wireless network. In the latter case, the communication module does not need to be physically placed near the compartment but can be protected in a separate frost-free room, for example.

The communication module preferably comprises a short-range wireless communication module such as Bluetooth or Wifi for the exchange of data with a mobile terminal of a user who presents himself before the device like that of a delivery man.

According to a preferred mode, the communication module comprises a mobile telephone module capable of containing at least one smart communication card with communication memory, such as a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) or equivalent, associated with the user or users of one or more compartments; said card being configured in the system to store all the detected and / or recorded information. The smart card thus contains the identifier linked to the user of the compartment or compartments concerned.

The control unit and the communication module can be part of the same electronic card on which are assembled the different control elements (processor, memory, input / output, etc.) and at least certain communication modules . Such a card can for example be a single-board computer.

Preferably, the control system is autonomous in energy and includes a battery or electric accumulator. In this case, the device can be installed in areas where an electrical connection is impossible or unwanted. If the device is placed in a living room, it is possible to connect the system to the electrical network via an electric current transformer integrated into the device or external.

In one aspect, the weighing means of the device comprises at least one force or pressure sensor and at least one receiving wall which is connected to said sensor. The receiving wall is preferably horizontal or inclined at an angle of less than 30 degrees relative to the horizontal in the compartment. The sensor, as known per se, converts a force into a measurable electrical signal. The sensors used are generally resistive or capacitive elements such as strain gauge or piezoelectric force sensors. If necessary, the sensors can be connected to an amplifier contained in the control unit or integrated into the sensor in order to amplify the measured electrical signal.

Preferably, the sensor and the control unit are configured to detect any change in weight over time detected on the receiving wall in the compartment. The choice of sensors depends on the precision sought which is preferably in the range of +/- 1 gram.

In one possible mode, the compartment may include a fixed bottom and, a movable bottom wall comprising the receiving wall partly at least superimposed and placed above the fixed bottom. The pressure or force sensor (s) can thus be positioned between the fixed bottom and the movable bottom wall and be connected to the movable bottom wall. The movable bottom wall can be mounted "floating" on the sensors without any other link disturbing the weighing. The movable bottom wall can be formed for example of a mono- or multilayer plate of metal, plastic, elastomer or a combination of these materials. It can be thin, for example, 1–3 millimeters.

In particular, the weighing means comprises at least two force or pressure sensors, horizontally spaced from each other and positioned below the movable bottom wall. The control unit can thus be configured to receive and record the measurements from the sensors. Recording can be done in real time or at regular time intervals, for example, every 200 milliseconds, every 3 seconds, every minute or every hour view. In one case, the unit can calculate an average or a median based on the measured values of the sensors. In another case, the unit may retain only the highest measured value among those measured by the various sensors. The values can be converted into weight (an accumulation and / or a variation of value) by the control unit.

Alternatively, the weighing means can be arranged in the form of a grid of piezoelectric sensors under or inside a receiving wall which can be deformed under the effect of the weight of a small object (at minimum of 30 or 40 grams). Thus, the weighing means dedicated to the compartment of the box can be a flexible mat incorporating the piezoelectric sensors.

According to a possible mode, an additional weighing means is provided which is in the form of an extension mat or a scale arranged outside the compartment and connected to the control system. Preferably, the weighing means comprises communication means making it possible to establish a wireless communication link with the control system of the device. These means can be short range wireless communication means of the radio frequency (RD), Bluetooth or Wifi type. The conveyor belt or the balance communicates the same types of data relating to the weight of the objects deposited as for the weighing means housed in the compartments.

Thus, the weighing means can be arranged to detect pressure differences on the receiving wall according to a grid formed by several piezoelectric wires configured in one or more rows. In particular, according to one possible mode, the weighing means comprises a flexible receiving wall under which is placed a piezoelectric grid formed by a first row of electrically conductive wires or strips and a second row of electrically crossing conductive wires or strips ( for example, perpendicularly) the first row of wires.

In this case, the control unit can be configured to measure the values of an electrical variable of the signal, in particular a variation of the electrical conductance, between two adjacent wires or bands of the grid and to establish a matrix two-dimensional representative of the pressure exerted on each row of the grid or at each intersection between two wires or strip of the rows of the grid. Thus, the control unit can measure and analyze the variables and transform them into a map of the forces or weights exerted by the objects in the compartment. Thus, it is possible to better inform about the contents of the box, in particular the filling rate, the size of the objects, the type of mail (letter or parcel), etc. The accuracy of the measurements depends, among other things, on the flexibility of the receiving wall and the sensitivity of the grid measurement.

According to one possible mode, the device comprises at least one user interface configured to display a readable code on the interface. The code can be generated by the control unit according to a program stored in a memory. The code can be a bar code such as a 1D, 2D code such as a QR code or any other code containing data decodable by a computer data processing unit. The code can be displayed on the interface at the user's request by wireless communication (for example, short range such as Bluetooth or Wifi) between the communication module of the control system and a user's terminal . The communication module in this case comprises, in addition to at least one remote communication module, at least one communication module close to the Bluetooth or Wifi type. For example, the code can be displayed and therefore read by the delivery person or the user who owns the compartment (s). Preferably, the code contains at least one user identifier and / or a user address making it possible to validate the belonging of a compartment to a given user and / or to communicate information on a user's terminal, for example via another terminal. , for example, the delivery terminal itself when presented to the user interface. The user interface is placed on an external surface of the device as on one side of the compartment or of the control device.

The user interface can be deported relative to the mailbox. It can be part of an intercom, for example which can be installed in a building hall.

According to a given configuration, the user interface is a graphical interface and said code is configured to be scanned by scanning means of a mobile communication terminal and decoded by processing means of the terminal. The terminal can be a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop. It can belong to the delivery person (La Poste or others), for example, who comes to deliver the mail.

The code may thus contain information identifying the user of the compartment or compartments. Each code can be dedicated to each user. It can be renewed periodically according to an automatic modification program of the control unit.

In one aspect, the code can be associated with a program on a mobile terminal of a first user, for example the delivery person, who is configured to generate one or more messages sent from his mobile terminal to the terminal. a second user, in particular the one to whom the compartment or compartments belong. In this way, it is possible to establish communication, in real time on delivery information, such as by a dedicated application (App), telephony messaging like SMS, internet messaging like WhatsApp or others. In one possible example, a response to accept or refuse delivery may be requested from the user of the compartment by the delivery person within a given time (for example 15 seconds).

The device can also include a camera and / or a microphone and / or a speaker located outside the compartment and in that the control unit is configured to activate the camera and / or the microphone and / or a loudspeaker, remotely by recording the measurement by the user's terminal or after reading the code or after receiving a message, for communication of images and / or sounds on the user's terminal . These means can be deported from the mailbox. They can be part of at least one intercom, for example which can be installed in a building hall. They can be shared so as to serve for several mailboxes.

The invention also relates to a mailbox or a set of mailboxes comprising a device as defined above. In particular, the box includes at least one mail receiving compartment having at least one entry for inserting mail into the compartment. Preferably, the box comprises at least two compartments or a plurality of compartments.

In one aspect, the invention also relates to a weighing notification method implemented by a device as defined above, comprising a step of detecting a change in weight by weighing means, a step for calculating and recording the variation in weight by a control unit of a control system of the device and a step of communicating or making available measurement information or information derived from this measurement information or from associated information on a remote communication network.

Preferably, the information communicated or made available includes the total weight or the cumulative weight measured by the measuring means and / or a variation of the measured weight.

Preferably, the associated information communicated or made available includes time information relating to the variation in weight, in particular the date and / or time of the measurement or recording of said variation in weight.

The invention also relates to a method of notification of delivery of mail implemented by generic means of data processing of a mobile terminal in communication with the device and comprises the following steps: scanning of said code displayed on the user interface by means of scanning of said mobile terminal, identification of the code as belonging to a second user, sending a message containing multiple delivery choices to a terminal of a second user and selection by this second mobile terminal of a delivery choice from among the multiple choices, in particular a deposit choice or a refusal choice and, reception of the selection by the mobile terminal of the first user and, optionally, sending a confirmation notification in response to the choice selected by the second user, in particular a notification of deposit or recovery of the delivery at a place other than in the device.

The invention also relates to a data processing device comprising means for implementing the method of notification of delivery as defined above.

The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead the latter to implement the method as defined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: <tb> fig. 1 <SEP> is a schematic illustration of a device of the invention according to a first mode; <tb> fig. 2 <SEP> is a schematic illustration of a device according to a second embodiment; <tb> fig. 3 <SEP> is a more detailed illustration of the device, of the terminals and of communications between the device and the terminals in the context of the second embodiment; <tb> fig. 4 <SEP> a flow chart of the weighing notification process implemented by the electronic device control system; <tb> fig. 5 <SEP> is a flowchart of the delivery notification process implemented by the device's electronic control system; <tb> fig. 6 <SEP> is a flowchart of the notification process implemented by the terminal of a user such as a delivery person; <tb> fig. 7 <SEP> is a schematic illustration of a device of the invention according to the third embodiment; <tb> fig. 8 <SEP> illustrates a weighing means according to the third embodiment.

For the sake of clarity, identical elements will be identified by identical reference signs in all of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

According to a first mode illustrated in FIG. 1, the mailbox device 1 comprises, for example, a first compartment 2 for receiving letters and a second compartment 3 for receiving packages. The two compartments are of design and sizes adapted to their use. In particular, the first compartment 2 includes at least one entrance 4 which can be opened for the insertion of letters by the delivery person. The second compartment may include an entrance 5 which can be closed and locked by locking means 6 making it possible to secure the insertion of the packages. The second compartment is preferably larger than the first compartment for receiving larger packages. The first compartment can also include a second closed and lockable entry. The device can also include a single compartment common to letters and parcels. The number of compartments is not limited to two.

The device comprises an electronic control system 7 attached to the compartments, preferably located on one side of the device or behind it- The system can be protected by a protective case for example. The control system 7 comprises a control unit 8 and a communication module 9 configured to communicate information from the control unit over a communication network as will be described in relation to FIG. 3 further.

Each compartment 2, 3 comprises a weighing means 10. The weighing means is configured to measure a change in weight during the insertion of a new object into the compartment and / or the cumulative weight of the objects inserted in the compartment and to transmit this measurement information to the control unit 8. Depending on the type of sensor, the information can be transmitted analogically or digitally in the form of raw data of the measured electrical signal (“measurement information”) or in the form of a conversion into force or weight data ("information derived from measurement information"). The weighing means 10 will be described in relation to the first compartment 2 knowing that it is preferably identical for the second compartment 3. The weighing means 10 comprises force or pressure sensors 11, 12 located between a fixed bottom 13 and a movable bottom 14. The movable bottom 14 can be a substantially horizontal wall mounted floating on the force sensors 11, 12. The sensors therefore rest on the fixed bottom to which they are preferably secured. The movable wall 14 is capable of short displacements at least vertically but could be guided by vertical guiding means (not shown) to avoid any disturbing horizontal or inclined displacement. For example, the number of sensors can be between 1 and 10, preferably 2 or 3. The force sensors are distributed at a distance under the movable bottom 14 and at equal distance from the center of the wall so as to guarantee good distribution masses and a center of gravity closest to the geometric center of the movable wall. For example, if a single sensor is used, it is preferably located in the center of the wall. If two sensors are used, they are preferably distributed opposite the center and equidistant from it. For three sensors, they are preferably located equidistant from the center and according to an isosceles triangle or else two of the sensors are opposite and the third is in the center. They are connected to the control unit 8 of the electronic control system by a wired or wireless connection 15. They can be connected in series with each other by an electrical connection 16 or wirelessly. When the sensors are connected wirelessly to the control system, the weighing means has an integrated control unit comprising a transmitter associated with at least one memory and autonomous electrical means such as an electric battery for supplying the 'unit.

In the example, the device is shown in relation to a mailbox comprising several compartments but in the same way, it can be common and associated with several boxes belonging to different users.

According to a second mode illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the same means have the same references as the first embodiment of FIG. 1.

The electronic control system 7 comprises the control unit 8 and the communication module 9. The essential function of the control unit is to control the input of data from the various sensors and to control the module communication 9 for the output data on the network (s).

The control unit 8 according to the invention is a computer unit known per se which comprises at least one computer data processing module (processor) using one or more digital semiconductors, a data storage module ( RAM, ROM, flash, virtual, etc.) containing the operating system and programs necessary for the operation of the unit and the processing of data with the electronic means of the devices (sensors, communication module, source of electrical energy , etc.).

The force sensors 11, 12 of the weighing means are connected to the control unit by wired or wireless means. Beyond a determined detection threshold, the electrical signals from the sensors are converted into analog codes at the sensor or the control unit and are then converted to digital weight values for display. Preferably, the accuracy of triggering the measurement is of the order of a gram. The sensor measurements can be transmitted continuously or periodically. The measurements can be recorded in the control unit 8 for immediate or deferred processing. The processor of the unit can carry out the conversions in weight and the communication on the basis of programs loaded in memory to carry out averages or medians, measurement values of different sensors and / or select certain values among the communicated values or communicate the first detected value from any sensor.

The communication module 9 can include one or more modules. For example, it comprises a mobile telephony module 17 capable of communicating with a telephony network 18 connecting the device to terminals 22, 23 such as portable telephones. The module can include a GSM, GPRS, 3G or 4G standard modem. the module can include a communication antenna 32. The mobile telephone module preferably comprises a chip communication card 19 including a memory such as a SIM card for example. Thus, the smart card 19 can record data relating to the user of the device and / or of one or more compartments as an identifier. The smart card can also be used to record data relating to the weighing by the weighing means 10 such as the measured weight, the date and the time of recording of the measurement.

For reasons of compactness and cost, the control unit can integrate at least part of the communication module (for example a GPRS, 3G or 4G module). The module can advantageously be integrated into a single-board computer, for example of the Rasberry Pi or equivalent type.

Addition or alternatively, the communication module 9 may include a modem 20 allowing data communication over an internet network 31 such as ADSL, Wifi, Wimax (or others) with the terminals 22, 23.

Preferably it may include a Bluetooth module 31 allowing close wireless connection 30 with a terminal 23 close to the device such as mobile phone, laptop, tablet, intercom etc.

According to a basic mode of use of the device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the control unit 8 is configured to detect the variations in weight applied to the weighing means 10 in a first step 100. When a letter is deposited, the values of the force or pressure sensors are received by the control unit. The values are preferably sent in real time or in the shortest possible period (of the order of a second). In the next step 110, the control unit then calculates the weight measurement and saves it in a memory. In a next step 120, the information is then sent or made available on the network in an accessible manner to the terminals 22 of the users concerned. The information may include an origin, a date and / or a time and at least one data relating to the weight. The date and time preferably correspond to that of the recording of the weighing. Weight data can simply indicate a total weight measured in the compartment. The data may include a difference in weight measured between two variations in weight detected over time by the weighing means.

The information can be sent by telephone or internet messaging (SMS, Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.) or via a dedicated application or even be available on a secure website accessible by the user via a keyword for example .

The device may include additional media type sensors in order to make the device more interactive in close communication, that is to say, with a user who appears in front of the device, such as a delivery person for example. Thus, the device can include in camera 24 and / or a microphone 25. These media sensors 24, 25 can be arranged on an external wall of a compartment, such as for example on an external edge of the first highest compartment. They can also be deported from the box and / or be shared for several boxes.

The device can also include means for transmitting sound information such as a loudspeaker 26 and / or an audible warning device 27. These means are controlled by the electronic control system to deliver to a first nearby user (for example a deliveryman) useful information such as an alert of prolonged absence of a second user (for example the owner of the compartment) or to put users in contact with each other as via a VoIP type communication protocol for example.

The device advantageously comprises a user interface 28 for delivering messages to the near user. These messages can be pre-recorded by the user of the compartment (s) before his absence, for example, or recorded by the terminal of the remote user.

The user interface 28 is preferably configured to be able to display a code 29 which can be interpreted by the terminal of the near user. For this, the control unit 8 is configured to generate a code allowing the identification of the user to which the device belongs and to transmit it to the terminal 23 of the near user, such as the delivery person. Thus, the code can be configured from one or more identifiers contained in the smart card 19. The code can contain information other than the identifier such as alerts, messages, for example, related to weighing measurements and allowing the near user to know the filling state of the compartment or compartments. The code can be changed at regular time intervals and then saved, for example, every day to improve security during identification. In this sense, the code can be personal to the user and unique. The code is preferably an optical code such as a 1D or 2D bar code.

In its main function, the code aims to initiate a delivery notification procedure between the terminal 23 of the near user and the terminal 22 of the remote user. This procedure is made possible thanks to the connectivity of the device via the communication module (s) 19–21 and the networks 18, 30 and 31.

Thus the control unit 8 can include one or more programs making it possible to make code 29 available according to a process illustrated in FIG. 5. In a first step 200, the presence of the close user is detected. This detection can be automatic or forced as by presence detection means by voice or image via the microphone 25 or the camera 24 or an infrared presence sensor. Alternatively or additionally, presence detection can be done by launching an application on the terminal of the near user allowing communication with the control unit via the near network 30 and / or with the terminal 22 of the remote user via mobile telephone networks 18 or internet 31. Once this step has been validated, in a second step 210, the control unit 8 generates the code 29 and in a third step 220, displays it on the interface user. Other steps can be added or interposed for security or validation reasons.

The delivery notification procedure can be programmed on an application contained in the terminal 23 of the near user. The terminal 22 of the remote user also preferably contains a compatible application making it possible to receive and process the messages sent by the application of the terminal of the near user. A dedicated application on the remote user's terminal is however not necessary and could be replaced by communication via an electronic messaging service.

According to Figs. 2 and 6, the program of the terminal 23 of the near user for the implementation of the delivery notification method can begin with a first step 300 of digitization of the unique code 29. The digitization can be carried out by digitizing means 33 of near terminal 5 23 such as a camera associated with a digitization program contained in a memory of the terminal. Then, in a test step 310, the code 29 can be identified by the program by comparing the identifier to a list of identifiers and thus allow the sending of delivery messages from terminal to terminal via the mobile telephone network 18 or internet 31. The list can be stored in the terminal and / or be in a remote server and checked from the terminal for authentication. In the next step 320, a message is sent relating to the delivery. This message can include various information intended for the remote user such as an origin such as the identity of the sender, a date and time as well as explanatory content such as "package with signature". Finally, the message can create a multiple choice interface to process the delivery. This interface is then displayed on the terminal of the remote user. The possible choices can be a deposit acceptance order 330, a deposit refusal order 340. The program can optionally provide a response time limit, for example, 15 seconds, during which the choice must be received on the terminal. the near user. It can then be a response time defined in test step 350. Thus, depending on the choice received, the program generates the sending of a second message from the terminal of the near user to the terminal of the remote user. This message confirms a delivery method. For example, if the choice is a deposit acceptance order, the message notifies the remote user of the deposit in step 360. If, on the contrary, the choice is a refusal order or no choice within the time provided , the message notifies for example a possible place of recovery of the parcel in step 370. It goes without saying that the process can include many possible variants.

In particular, according to a possible mode illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the weighing means 3 comprises a flexible receiving wall 40 under which is placed a piezoelectric grid 41 formed by a first row 42 of electrically conducting wires and a second row 43 of electrically crossing conducting wires, preferably perpendicularly the first row 42. For example, the wires can consist of a core of electrically conductive material such as copper and an external piezoelectric sheath such as a polymer (EVA, PE) charged with conductive particles such as black carbon. Thus, the compression of the wires 42, 43 by the pressure exerted by the mail on the flexible wall 40 leads to a modification of the electrical conductance between the two rows of wires.

It goes without saying that the wires could be replaced by strips or other elongated resistive structures of small thickness.

The receiving wall 40 is preferably a thin plastic sheet (0.3–2 mm for example) and flexible so that it can deform under the effect of a light weight.

In a possible variant, the receiving wall 40 is formed by the grid itself.

The variation of the electrical signal between the adjacent wires can be measured by the device's control unit and transformed into a map of the forces exerted on the wall. For example, the control unit establishes an orthogonal system of coordinates x, y corresponding respectively to the first and second rows 42, 43. The control unit thus calculates the total weight of the content (mail) on the wall but also the weight distributed on the grid. It is thus possible to determine the size of the content by comparing the variations on the coordinate system. The total weight of the content can also be determined by mapping. As in the previous mode, the variation can be associated with a measurement and / or recording time allowing the user to be informed of the progress of filling the compartment.

The grid of wires could be replaced by individual sensors positioned in a grid (one sensor per node).

As shown in fig. 7, the control device according to the invention may comprise an additional weighing means 50 in the form of a mat or an extension balance arranged outside the compartment and connected to the control system. This carpet or scale is then used for the removal of large packages. It is not necessarily housed in a compartment but can be simply placed on a surface near the mailbox, for example below or above the compartments or in an open compartment 44 as shown. This weighing means can be fitted with piezoelectric force or pressure or strain gauge sensors. The weighing means can be a flexible mat or a balance with a movable receiving wall as described above.

The additional weighing means 50 preferably comprises a transmitter 45, for example in the form of an electronic unit secured to the belt or the balance, allowing a wireless communication link with the control system 7. In this case , the transmitter can include a power supply (battery or mains), data processing means, at least one memory and a short-range communication module such as radio frequency, Bluetooth or Wifi. Of course, the additional weighing means can also be connected to the system 7 by a wire connection.

The described functionalities associated with the weighing means 10 of the compartments are applicable to the additional weighing means 50.

Claims (15)

1. Mailbox control device (1) provided with at least one mail receiving compartment (2, 3) having at least one entry (4, 5) for the insertion of mail in the compartment; the device comprising: an electronic control system (7) dedicated to the compartment comprising: a control unit (8), a communication module (9) configured to communicate information from the control unit (8) on at least one remote communication network (18, 21) accessible by terminals belonging to the users of the device, characterized in that the device comprises at least one weighing means (10) configured to measure at least one value representative of the weight or pressure of the objects inserted in said compartment (2, 3) and to transmit this measured value or weight measurement information or pressure derived from the value measured at the control unit (8), and in that the control unit (8) is configured to communicate and / or make available the measurement value or a measurement information of the weight or of the pressure derived from the value measured on said remote communication network (18 , 31). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system (7) is configured to record and communicate or make available on said remote communication network (18, 31) the measured value or information derived from the value measured as soon as a variation of the measured value is detected by the weighing means (10) in said compartment (2, 3) and / or recorded by the control unit (8). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control system (7) is configured to record and communicate time information relating to the variation of the measured value or the information of weight or pressure derived of the measured value, in particular the date and / or time of the measurement or of the recording of said variation. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication module (9) comprises at least one mobile telephone module (17) (GPRS, 3G, 4G), an internet module (20), Wifi (21) or Bluetooth (30) for communicating said information over a mobile telephone (18) or internet (31) communication network and accessible via an application (“App”) on a mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) or a service short messages like SMS or WhatsAp or messaging like email or a dedicated website. 5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the communication module (9) comprises a mobile telephone module (17) capable of containing at least one at least one smart communication card (19) with memory, associated with the user or users of each compartment; said card being configured in the system to store all the detected and / or recorded information. 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing means (10) comprises at least one force or pressure sensor (11, 12) and at least one receiving wall (14) which is connected to said sensor; the force sensor (11, 12) and the control unit (8) being configured to detect any change in weight over time detected on the receiving wall in the compartment. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the weighing means (10) comprises a fixed bottom (13) and, a movable bottom wall (14) comprising the receiving wall partly at least superimposed and placed au- above the fixed bottom; the pressure or force sensor (s) (11, 12) being positioned between the fixed bottom and the movable bottom wall and connected to the movable bottom wall. 8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the weighing means (10) comprises a flexible receiving wall under which or inside which is placed a grid of piezoelectric sensors, preferably formed of a first row of electrically conductive wires and a second row of electrically conductive wires perpendicular to the first row, the control unit being configured to measure the values of an electric variable between two adjacent wires of the grid and to establish a representative dimensional matrix forces exerted on each row of the grid or at each intersection between two wires of the rows of the grid. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional weighing means (50) in the form of a mat or a balance arranged outside the compartment and connected to the control system (7), preferably by a wireless communication link. 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one user interface (28) configured to display a code (29) on the interface generated by the control unit (8); the interface (28) being a graphical interface and said code (29) being configured to be scanned by scanning means (33) of a mobile communication device (23). 11. Device according to claim 10 characterized in that said code (29) contains information identifying the user of the compartment (2) or compartments (2, 3) and in that the control unit (8 ) is configured to send information relating to the delivery after recognition of the code (19) identifying the user. 12. Letter box or set of letter boxes comprising a device according to any one of the preceding claims. 13. Weighing notification method implemented by a device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 comprising a step (100) of detecting a change in weight or pressure by the weighing means (10), a step (110) of calculating and recording the change in weight by a control unit (8) of a control system (7) of the device and a step (120) of communicating the measurement or measurement information information derived from this measurement information over a remote communication network (18, 31). 14. Mail delivery notification method implemented by generic data processing means of a mobile terminal (23) of a first user in communication with the device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that it includes the following steps: - scanning of said code (29) displayed on the user interface by a mobile terminal (23) of a first user, - identification of the code (19) as belonging to a second user, - sending a message containing delivery choices, in particular a deposit (330) or refusal (340) order and, - optionally, sending a notification of confirmation (360) of a deposit or recovery (370) of the delivery in response to the choice validated by the second user. 15. Method for notification of delivery of mail implemented by generic data processing means of a mobile terminal (23) of a first user in communication with the device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that it includes the following steps: - scanning of said code (29) displayed on the user interface by scanning means (33) of said mobile terminal (23), - identification of the code (29) as belonging to a second user, - sending a message containing multiple delivery choices to a terminal of a second user and selection by this second mobile terminal of a delivery choice from among the multiple choices, in particular a deposit choice (330) or a choice refusal (340) and, - reception of the selection by the mobile terminal of the first user and, - optionally, sending a confirmation notification (360) in response to the choice selected by the second user, in particular a notification of a deposit (360) or of the recovery (370) of the delivery to a place other than in the device.