US 2026/0174261 A1 · SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURE EXCHANGE OF GOODS, INTELLIGENT MONITORING, AND REMOTE CONTROL OF PACKAGE RECEPTACLES AND SURROUNDINGS

Abstract

An intelligent, standalone, and modular secure parcel management platform integrates Internet of Things (IoT) architecture with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to autonomously receive, authenticate, monitor, and secure delivery, return, and exchange of parcels. The system includes a parcel receptacle equipped with a removable and upgradeable IoT enclosure housing cameras, sensors, processors, communication modules, and power components, wherein AI and ML models analyze images, video, sensor data, contextual signals, and external data sources to identify delivery events, authenticate delivery personnel, detect anomalies, predict delivery windows, and dynamically control access mechanisms. The platform supports edge and cloud-based intelligence, authenticated integrations with carrier and e-commerce systems, location awareness, and real-time user interaction via networked devices. By combining modular hardware design with adaptive AI-driven decision making, the invention provides a scalable, future-proof secure delivery infrastructure that improves reliability, automation, and security of unattended parcel handling across residential, commercial, and multi-unit environments.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An Internet of Things (IoT) enclosure for a parcel receptacle, the IoT enclosure comprising:

a modular, removable, and interchangeable housing configured to contain, organize, and protect electronic and non-electronic components, wherein the IoT enclosure facilitates ease of maintenance, replacement, and upgradeability without affecting operation of the enclosed components;
wherein the IoT enclosure is structured to house:
one or more interior-facing cameras positioned to capture images or video of an interior portion of the parcel receptacle;
one or more exterior-facing cameras positioned to monitor surroundings of the parcel receptacle;
one or more illumination sources positioned to activate in synchronization with image capture to optimize power consumption;
a user interface including:
an input device for receiving user authentication data or operational commands;
and
a display module for providing visual feedback or system status indicators;
a primary printed circuit board (PCB) assembly including one or more controllers configured to manage camera operations, illumination, user interface functions, and security controls;
a communication module structured to facilitate connectivity between the enclosed components and a wired or wireless network;
wherein the IoT enclosure serves as a housing that consolidates and organizes components to enable their integration into a parcel receptacle;
wherein the IoT enclosure is designed for compatibility with various parcel receptacles, allowing for the transformation of a conventional parcel receptacle into an AI-enabled, secure parcel management system with modular and replaceable security and monitoring features.

10 more elements

A system for securely handling a parcel, the system comprising:

a parcel receptacle, the parcel receptacle comprising:
a containment portion configured to store the parcel;
and
an access member configured to provide access to the containment portion;
a security system, the security system comprising:
a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the access member;
and
a security notification unit, the security notification unit comprising:
at least one camera configured to monitor at least one of the containment portion or an external area surrounding the parcel receptacle;
and
a notification module configured to transmit alerts to an external electronic device in response to detected activity changes;
a tethering system, the tethering system comprising at least one of:
a physical tether assembly, the physical tether assembly comprising:
at least one tamper-resistant cable having a first end secured to the parcel receptacle and a second end connected to a locking assembly;
and
the locking assembly, the locking assembly comprising:
a base portion;
a top portion;
and
an opening between the base portion and the top portion, wherein the top portion is retractable and slides into the base portion to prevent unauthorized removal of at least one of the parcel receptacle, the tamper-resistant cable, or the locking assembly;
or
a wired or wireless communication link associated with a parcel recipient, wherein the security system is in communication with the communication link and is configured to:
establish a connection with a location-tracking system within the parcel receptacle;
and
detect at least one of a disconnection or displacement of the parcel receptacle and, in response, trigger the security system;
an artificial intelligence (AI) module, the AI module configured to:
analyze an image or video of the containment portion after a parcel is delivered;
authenticate the analyzed image or video and, based on authentication, control the locking mechanism to secure the access member;
transmit at least one of:
images or videos of the containment portion, images or videos of the external surroundings, or sensor data to the external electronic device.

27 more elements

A system for securely receiving, returning, or exchanging a parcel, comprising:

a parcel receptacle having:
a containment portion configured to store the parcel;
and
an access member providing entry to the containment portion, wherein the access member is positioned on at least one of a top face, a front face, or a side face of the parcel receptacle and is configured to open via at least one of a hinged, sliding, or rolling mechanism;
a security system comprising:
a locking system configured to releasably secure the access member in a closed position;
a security notification unit comprising:
one or more cameras configured to monitor the containment portion and external surroundings;
a speaker and LED lights configured to provide alert notifications;
and
a notification module configured to transmit alerts in response to detected unauthorized activity;
a tethering system, the tethering system comprising at least one of:
a physical tether assembly, the physical tether assembly comprising:
at least one tamper-resistant cable having a first end secured to the parcel receptacle and a second end connected to a locking assembly;
and
the locking assembly, comprising:
a base portion;
a top portion;
and
an opening between the base portion and the top portion, wherein the top portion is retractable and slides into the base portion to prevent unauthorized removal of at least one of the parcel receptacle, the at least one tamper-resistant cable, or the locking assembly;
or
a wired or wireless communication link associated with a parcel recipient, wherein the security system is in communication with the communication link and is configured to:
establish a connection with a location-tracking system within the parcel receptacle;
and
detect at least one of a disconnection or displacement of the parcel receptacle and, in response, trigger the security system;
an Artificial Intelligence-powered system configuration comprising:
an identification module configured to identify an approaching delivery person using the one or more cameras;
a verification module configured to determine whether the containment portion is empty using at least one of:
a camera,
a vibration sensor, a gyroscope,
an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor;
an authentication module configured to authenticate the delivery person when the containment portion is occupied by requiring an authentication code via the security notification unit;
an access control module configured to unlock the access member upon successful authentication and transmit an image of the delivery person to an external electronic device;
a security module configured to lock the access member after delivery and transmit an image of the received parcel;
and
a control mechanism configured to unlock the access member if the transmitted image does not show an item of value inside the parcel receptacle.

33 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for secure exchange of goods, intelligent monitoring, and remote control of package receptacles and surroundings

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for secure exchange of goods, intelligent monitoring, and remote control of package receptacles and surroundings

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20