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US 6,957,767 B2Granted
RFID-keyed mailbox, and RFID-based system and method for securing a mailbox
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsBryan Eric Aupperle, Carol Eddy Aupperle, James M. Mathewson, II
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Under the present invention, a mailbox is equipped with a RFID reader. The RFID reader receives a continuously transmitted signal from an RFID tag that contains an RF identifier. Upon receipt, the RFID reader compares the RF identifier in the signal to an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox. If a match is established, the mailbox is unlocked and access is permitted.
Claims35
An RFID-keyed mailbox, comprising:
- a mailbox having a door;
- an RFJD reader attached to the mailbox for controlling the door of the mailbox, wherein the reader receives a signal containing an RF identifier that is automatically transmitted from an RFID tag, and uses the signal to control the door if the RF identifier in the signal matches an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox;
- and a log for storing the RF identifier in the signal, wherein the door requires a physical key to be controlled if a quantity of RF identifiers in the log exceeds a predetermined threshold within a predetermined amount of time.
An RFID-keyed mailbox, comprising:
- a mailbox having a door;
- and
- an RFID reader attached to the mailbox for controlling the door of the mailbox, wherein the reader receives a signal containing an RF identifier that is automatically transmitted from an RFID tag, and uses the signal to control the door if the RF identifier in the signal matches an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox,
- wherein the RF identifier in the signal is encrypted prior to transmission from the RFID tag, and wherein the RFID reader decrypts the RF identifier in the signal upon receipt of the signal;
- and a log for storing the RF identifier in the signal, wherein the door requires a physical key to be controlled if a quantity of RF identifiers in the log exceeds a predetermined threshold within a predetermined amount of time.
2 more elements
An RFID-keyed mailbox, comprising:
- a mailbox having a door;
- and
- an RFID reader attached to the mailbox for controlling the door of the mailbox, wherein the reader receives a signal containing an RF identifier that is automatically transmitted from an RFID tag, and uses the signal to control the door if the RF identifier in the signal matches an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox,
- wherein the RFID reader further comprises an electronic positioning device for tracking a position of the mailbox.
1 more element
An RFID-based system for securing a mailbox, comprising:
- an RFID tag for automatically transmitting a signal containing an RF identifier;
- and
- a mailbox having a door and an RFID reader for receiving the signal, and for controlling the door of the mailbox based on a comparison of the RF identifier in the signal to an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox,
- wherein the mailbox is mounted on a post, and wherein the RFID reader comprises an alarm mechanism for detecting removal of the mailbox from the post, and for activating an alarm upon removal.
1 more element
An RFID-based method for securing a mailbox;
- comprising:
- providing a mailbox having an RFID reader;
- receiving an automatically transmitted signal containing an RF identifier from an RFID tag;
- comparing the RF identifier in the signal to an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox;
- controlling a door of the mailbox based on the comparison of the RF identifier in the signal to the RF identifier assigned to the mailbox;
- and
- storing the RF identifier in the signal in a log, wherein the door requires a physical key to be controlled if a quantity of RF identifiers in the log exceeds a predetermined threshold within a predetermined amount of time.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.