System and method for establishing geographical communication and predicting mail delivery using mailbox-mounted devices

A system and related method are disclosed for establishing geographical communication and predicting mail delivery using mailbox-mounted devices adapted to detect delivery automatically and transmit that detection to associated electronic devices. Detection may be performed by various means including accelerometers, cameras, and magnetometers. The method includes maintaining a registry of mailbox-mounted devices, and passing communication between electronic devices used by owners of mailbox-mounted devices. The communication can include detection by the mailbox-mounted devices of mail delivery, and calculation of the postal carrier's probable route using that delivery detection.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to location-based communication and data gathering, and specifically to the use of mailbox-mounted devices as a basis for communication and data gathering.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic technology has changed communication radically. The ubiquity of computers and mobile devices, and of Internet access, has made distance seem immaterial for many transactions. It is just as easy for two people on different continents to meet via video chat if they shared an office building. This new communicative freedom has famously enabled friends to stay in touch across thousands of miles with little effort, but has ironically done very little to change interactions between neighbors. The very freedom from geographical limitation that electronic systems offer creates a geographical blind spot, making it difficult to use electronic technology to contact somebody who lives across the street, absent some concerted sleuthing. There are times, however, when the ability to communicate with the other people in one's neighborhood is very useful, precisely because of the unique interests they share owing to their geographical proximity.

An important example of this problem may be seen in the experience of shipping and receiving parcels in the Information Age. It is now considered routine to be able to track the progress of packages online, and to predict their arrival within periods predicated, generally, on the quality of shipping for which the customer was willing to pay. One aspect of shipping, however, remains as unpredictable as ever: the actual moment of delivery. It is perhaps impossible to expect any shipping company to name the exact time of a delivery, owing to the complicated logistics of planning delivery routes. As a result, while the recipient can often predict delivery down to the day (or even half a day, in some cases), the recipient cannot generally predict the time of day the delivery will occur. The attempts that have thus far been made to rectify this have involved techniques to inform the recipient that delivery has occurred, but none so far have given the recipient the ability to know the time of delivery in advance.

There is thus a need for a system that enables neighbors to contact one another conveniently by electronic means, and particularly to track and communicate regarding the delivery of packages at the most local level.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A method is disclosed for communication using mailbox-mounted devices. The method involves maintaining, by a first electronic device, a registry of users of mailbox-mounted devices, verifying, by the first electronic device, that the mailbox-mounted device associated with at least one additional electronic device used by a user listed in the registry is operational, and communicating, by the first electronic device, with the at least one additional electronic device.

In a related set of embodiments, the method involves comparing postal carrier map data of the user of the at least one additional electronic device to the postal carrier map data of a user of the first electronic device, and communicating only if the postal carrier map data of the user of the at least one additional electronic device matches the postal carrier map data of the user of the first electronic device. An additional embodiment involves communicating with a plurality of devices having users with matching postal carrier map data. Another embodiment involves receiving, by the first electronic device, an instruction from the user of the first electronic device identifying postal carrier map data, retrieving, by the first electronic device, a list of mailbox-mounted devices matching the postal carrier map data, displaying, by the first electronic device, a representation of the list to the user of the first electronic device, receiving, by the first electronic device, a selection from the user of the first electronic device of an item from the list, and communicating with an electronic device used by a user associated with the selected mailbox-mounted device. Yet another embodiment involves displaying identifying information for the user of each mailbox-mounted device, and not displaying contact information associated with the user of each mailbox-mounted device.

An additional embodiment involves detection, by a mailbox-mounted device, of the delivery of mail, receiving, by the first electronic device, a signal indicating the delivery of mail from a mailbox-mounted device, calculating, by the first electronic device, the postal carrier's probable route using postal carrier map data, and transmitting, by the first electronic device, data describing the probable route to the at least one additional electronic device. In a related embodiment, the postal carrier map data is a zip code. In another related embodiment, the postal carrier map data is a carrier zone. In an additional related embodiment, the postal carrier map data is a carrier route. Another embodiment involves publishing, by the at least one electronic device, notification of the delivery of mail. Still another embodiment involves receiving, by the at least one electronic device, a message from a user of the at least one electronic device, transmitting, by the at least one electronic device, the message to the at least one mailbox-mounted device, and publishing, by the at least one mailbox-mounted device, the message. In another embodiment, publishing occurs only upon detection of the delivery of mail. In yet another embodiment publishing occurs only upon receiving an instruction from a postal carrier.

Also disclosed is a system for communication using mailbox-mounted devices. The system contains at least one mailbox-mounted device, adapted to detect mail delivery and send a signal indicating delivery over a network, at least one electronic device connected to the network, a device registry component, executing on the electronic device, and maintaining a registry of users of mailbox-mounted devices, and a communication component, executing on the electronic device, verifying that the mailbox-mounted device associated with at least one additional electronic device used by a user listed in the registry is operational, and establishing communication with the at least one additional electronic device.

In a related embodiment of the system, the at least one mailbox-mounted device further comprises an accelerometer. In another embodiment, the at least one mailbox-mounted device further comprises a camera. The at least one mailbox-mounted device further comprises a magnetometer, in another embodiment. According to an additional embodiment, the at least one mailbox-mounted device further comprises a display. Under another embodiment, the at least one mailbox-mounted device further comprises an audio output device. Under another embodiment, the at least one mailbox-mounted device further comprises a radio frequency transmitter, and the at least one electronic device further comprises a radio frequency receiver.

Other aspects, embodiments and features of the system and method will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures are for schematic purposes and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the system and method shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the system and method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

An “electronic device” is defined as including personal computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, and any other electronic device capable of supporting an application as described herein.

A device or component is “coupled” to an electronic device if it is so related to that device that the product or means and the device may be operated together as one machine. In particular, a piece of electronic equipment is coupled to an electronic device if it is incorporated in the electronic device (e.g. a built-in camera on a smart phone), attached to the device by wires capable of propagating signals between the equipment and the device (e.g. a mouse connected to a personal computer by means of a wire plugged into one of the computer's ports), tethered to the device by wireless technology that replaces the ability of wires to propagate signals (e.g. a wireless BLUETOOTH® headset for a mobile phone), or related to the electronic device by shared membership in some network consisting of wireless and wired connections between multiple machines (e.g. a printer in an office that prints documents to computers belonging to that office, no matter where they are, so long as they and the printer can connect to the internet).

“Data entry devices” is a general term for all equipment coupled to an electronic device that may be used to enter data into that device. This definition includes, without limitation, keyboards, computer mice, touchscreens, digital cameras, digital video cameras, wireless antennas, Global Positioning System devices, audio input and output devices, gyroscopic orientation sensors, proximity sensors, compasses, scanners, specialized reading devices such as fingerprint or retinal scanners, and any hardware device capable of sensing electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic fields, gravitational force, electromagnetic force, temperature, vibration, or pressure.

An electronic device's “manual data entry devices” is the set of all data entry devices coupled to the electronic device that permit the user to enter data into the electronic device using manual manipulation. Manual entry devices include without limitation keyboards, keypads, touchscreens, track-pads, computer mice, buttons, and other similar components.

An electronic device's “optical data entry devices” are components coupled to the electronic device that record images on an electronic image sensor, for instance using a digital camera, video camera, or scanner. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will be familiar with digital cameras that may be attached to computers to transfer images, cameras that operate while attached to computers (i.e. “webcams”), and the near-ubiquitous built-in cameras that come with mobile phones. Scanners that may be used with computers or other electronic devices have existed for decades, and are known to persons of ordinary skill in this invention's technical field. Furthermore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of cameras that can be attached to computers to transfer video that they have captured, digital video cameras that operate while attached to computers (i.e. “webcams”), and the digital cameras capable of capturing video that are built into many mobile phones.

An electronic device's “audio data entry devices” are devices that capture sound waves and vibrations and convert them into a digital signal that may be stored and played by an electronic device. Audio data entries include, without limitation, microphones.

An electronic device's “audio output devices” are devices that translate electronic signals into audio signals. Audio output devices include, without limitation, speakers.

An electronic device's “display devices” are devices coupled to the electronic device, by means of which the electronic device can display images. Display devices include without limitation monitors, screens, television devices, and projectors.

An electronic device's “navigation facility” is any facility coupled to the electronic device that enables the device accurately to calculate the device's location on the surface of the Earth. Navigation facilities can include a receiver configured to communicate with the Global Positioning System or with similar satellite networks, as well as any other system that mobile phones or other devices use to ascertain their location, for example by communicating with cell towers.

To “maintain” data in the memory of an electronic device means to store that data in that memory in a form convenient for retrieval as required by the algorithm at issue, and to retrieve, update, or delete the data as needed.

The system and method disclosed herein will be better understood in light of the following observations concerning the electronic devices that support the disclosed application, and concerning the nature of web applications in general. An exemplary electronic device is illustrated byFIG. 2. The processor200may be a special purpose or a general-purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, the processor device200may also be a single processor in a multi-core/multiprocessor system, such system operating alone, or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. The processor200is connected to a communication infrastructure201, for example, a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message-passing scheme.

The electronic device also includes a main memory202, such as random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory203. Secondary memory203may include, for example, a hard disk drive204, a removable storage drive or interface205, connected to a removable storage unit206, or other similar means. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, a removable storage unit206includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data. Examples of additional means creating secondary memory203may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units206and interfaces205which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit206to the computer system.

The electronic device may also include a communications interface207. The communications interface207allows software and data to be transferred between the electronic device and external devices. The communications interface207may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or other means to couple the electronic device to external devices. Software and data transferred via the communications interface207may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by the communications interface207. These signals may be provided to the communications interface207via wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, and radio frequency link or other communications channels. The communications interface in the system embodiments discussed herein facilitates the coupling of the electronic device with data entry devices208, the device's display210, and network connections, whether wired or wireless213. It should be noted that each of these means may be embedded in the device itself, attached via a port, or tethered using a wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH®.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory202and/or secondary memory203. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface207. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the processor device200to implement the system embodiments discussed below. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the system. Where embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the electronic device using a removable storage drive or interface205, a hard disk drive204, or a communications interface207.

The electronic device may also store data in database212accessible to the device. A database212is any structured collection of data. As used herein, databases can include “NoSQL” data stores, which store data in a few key-value structures such as arrays for rapid retrieval using a known set of keys (e.g. array indices). Another possibility is a relational database, which can divide the data stored into fields representing useful categories of data. As a result, a stored data record can be quickly retrieved using any known portion of the data that has been stored in that record by searching within that known datum's category within the database212, and can be accessed by more complex queries, using languages such as Structured Query Language, which retrieve data based on limiting values passed as parameters and relationships between the data being retrieved. A database can be created in any digital memory.

Persons skilled in the relevant art will also be aware that while any device must necessarily comprise facilities to perform the functions of a processor200, a communication infrastructure201, at least a main memory202, and usually a communications interface207, not all devices will necessarily house these facilities separately. For instance, in some forms of electronic devices as defined above, processing200and memory202could be distributed through the same hardware device, as in a neural net, and thus the communications infrastructure201could be a property of the configuration of that particular hardware device. Many devices do practice a physical division of tasks as set forth above, however, and practitioners skilled in the art will understand the conceptual separation of tasks as applicable even where physical components are merged.

The systems may be deployed in a number of ways, including on a stand-alone electronic device, a set of electronic devices working together in a network, or a web application. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a web application as a particular kind of computer program system designed to function across a network, such as the Internet. A schematic illustration of a web application platform is provided inFIG. 3. Web application platforms typically include at least one client device300, which is an electronic device as described above. The client device300connects via some form of network connection to a network301, such as the Internet. The network301may be any arrangement that links together electronic devices300,302, and includes without limitation local and international wired networks including telephone, cable, and fiber-optic networks, wireless networks that exchange information using signals of electromagnetic radiation, including cellular communication and data networks, and any combination of those wired and wireless networks. Also connected to the network301is at least one server device302, which is also an electronic device as described above. Of course, practitioners of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that a web application can, and typically does, run on several server devices302and a vast and continuously changing population of client devices300. Computer programs on both the client device300and the server device302configure both devices to perform the functions required of the web application304. Web applications304can be designed so that the bulk of their processing tasks are accomplished by the server device302, as configured to perform those tasks by its web application program, or alternatively by the client device300. However, the web application must inherently involve some programming on each device.

Many electronic devices, as defined herein, come equipped with a specialized program, known as a web browser, which enables them to act as a client device300at least for the purposes of receiving and displaying data output by the server device302without any additional programming. Web browsers can also act as a platform to run so much of a web application as is being performed by the client device300, and it is a common practice to write the portion of a web application calculated to run on the client device300to be operated entirely by a web browser. Such browser-executed programs are referred to herein as “client-side programs,” and frequently are loaded onto the browser from the server302at the same time as the other content the server302sends to the browser. However, it is also possible to write programs that do not run on web browsers but still cause an electronic device to operate as a web application client300. Thus, as a general matter, web applications304require some computer program configuration of both the client device (or devices)300and the server device302(or devices). The computer program that comprises the web application component on either electronic device's systemFIG. 2configures that device's processor200to perform the portion of the overall web application's functions that the programmer chooses to assign to that device. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the programming tasks assigned to one device may overlap with those assigned to another, in the interests of robustness, flexibility, or performance. Finally, although the best known example of a web application as used herein uses the kind of hypertext markup language protocol popularized by the World Wide Web, practitioners of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of other network communication protocols, such as File Transfer Protocol, that also support web applications as defined herein.

Embodiments of the disclosed system and method enable neighbors to establish communication networks based upon addresses. This permits neighbors to share information in times of crisis and inclement weather, and to function better as a community through enhanced communication. Aspects of the disclosed method and system also make it possible to predict the time that a delivery will take place at a particular house, and to receive notification when delivery has occurred.

FIG. 4illustrates some embodiments of the disclosed system400. The first element is at least one mailbox-mounted device401, adapted to detect mail delivery and send a signal indicating delivery over a network301. The system400also includes at least one electronic device402, which may be an electronic device as disclosed above in reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. The electronic device402is connected to the same network301as the mailbox-mounted device. The electronic device402is programmed or configured to perform the tasks of an application304. The application304may be composed of one or more computer programs as described above in reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. The tasks the application304performs may be conceptually divided into a device registry component403and a communication component404. The organization of tasks into those two components solely reflects a categorization of the tasks to be performed, and does not dictate the architecture of particular implementations of the system400.

The first element of the system400is at least one mailbox-mounted device401adapted to detect mail delivery and send a signal indicating delivery over a network. The mailbox-mounted device401may be attached to the exterior of the mailbox (not shown). The mailbox-mounted device401may be attached to the interior of the mailbox. The mailbox-mounted device401may be attached to the door of the mailbox. In some embodiments, a portion of the mailbox-mounted device401is attached to the mailbox, while another portion thereof is not. The mailbox-mounted device401in some embodiments is an integral part of the mailbox; for instance, the mailbox-mounted device401and the mailbox may be manufactured together as a single unit.

In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401has an element adapted to detect delivery by detecting the opening of the mailbox door. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401includes an accelerometer405. The accelerometer405may be attached to the mailbox door so that it detects any movement of that door. In some embodiments, the accelerometer405measures the degree of acceleration. In some embodiments, the accelerometer405measures the duration of acceleration. In some embodiments, the accelerometer405measures the direction of acceleration. The mailbox-mounted device401in some embodiments includes a magnetometer406. The magnetometer406in some embodiments senses the magnitude of magnetic fields. The magnetometer406in some embodiments senses the polarity of magnetic fields. In some embodiments, the magnetometer406detects the direction of local field lines of magnetic fields. In some embodiments, the magnetometer406is adapted to detect a change in direction with respect to the Earth's magnetic field, to indicate that the mailbox door has opened or closed. In some embodiments, the magnetometer406is adapted to detect a change in direction with respect to a magnetic field generated by a magnet mounted on the mailbox (not shown). In some embodiments, the magnetometer406is adapted to detect a change in strength in a magnetic field generated by a magnet mounted on the mailbox (not shown). In some embodiments, the magnetometer406is adapted to detect a change in polarity with respect to a magnetic field generated by a magnet mounted on the mailbox (not shown). In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401has both an accelerometer405and a magnetometer406.

In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device includes components that detect mail delivery by directly detecting the delivered mail. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device further comprises a camera407. The camera407may include a light source (not shown). The light source may be a flash. The light source may be an incandescent light bulb. The light source may be a florescent light bulb, such as a compact florescent light. The light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED). The light source may be bioluminescent. The light source may be phosphorescent. The light source may be chemiluminescent. The light source may be radioluminescent. The light source may be a device that transmits exterior light to the camera's field of vision by reflective means. In some embodiments, the camera407is mounted with its field of vision within the mailbox, so that for example the camera can detect the insertion of mail, or film the mail itself. In some embodiments, the camera407is mounted with its field of vision outside the mailbox; for instance, the camera407may be mounted so as to detect the presence of a postal carrier in the act of delivering the mail, or to film the postal carrier. The camera407may be stationary. The camera407may be mounted on a mobile turret. The camera407may be equipped with image compression technology. The image compression technology in some embodiments is a joint photographic experts group (JPEG) compression chip. In some embodiments, the camera407includes a memory chip for storage of images.

In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is adapted to communicate with persons in its immediate vicinity. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401further comprises a display210. The display210may be a display as set forth above in reference toFIG. 2. The mailbox-mounted device401includes an audio output device408, such as a speaker, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401includes an LED light. The mailbox-mounted device401may be adapted to cause the LED light to signal various error states via blinking patterns; for example, one error state may be indicated by blinking on and off four times per second, while a second error state may be indicated by blinking on and off two times per second.

The mailbox-mounted device401may be coupled to data entry devices (not shown). For example, the mailbox-mounted device may have a button the postal carrier can push to receive a message stored in the mailbox-mounted device401. The mailbox-mounted device401may have a keyboard to receive messages from a user to be published to another person. The mailbox-mounted device401may have a touchscreen to receive messages from a user to be published to another person. The mailbox-mounted device401may have a touch-pad to receive messages from a user to be published to another person. The mailbox-mounted device401may have a microphone to receive messages from a user to be published to another person.

The mailbox-mounted device401is adapted to signal its detection of mail delivery via the network301. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is an electronic device as set forth above in reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. The mailbox-mounted device401in some embodiments is configured by a computer program, as described above in reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, to transmit a signal over the network301to at least one electronic device. The mailbox-mounted device401in some embodiments is connected to the network via a wired connection. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is connected to the network wirelessly. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the network by means of a “wi-fi” connection facility (not shown) coupled to the mailbox-mounted device401. The wi-fi connection facility may be incorporated in the mailbox-mounted device401. The wi-fi connection facility may be housed separately from the mailbox-mounted device401; in particular, the wi-fi connection facility may be housed outside of the mailbox. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the wi-fi connection facility via an electrical wire. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the wi-fi connection facility via a wireless connection; for example, the mailbox-mounted device401and wi-fi connection facility may communicate via infra-red radiation. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the network by means of an antenna (not shown) coupled to the mailbox-mounted device401. The antenna may be incorporated in the mailbox-mounted device401. The antenna may be housed separately from the mailbox-mounted device401; in particular, the antenna may be housed outside of the mailbox. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the antenna via an electrical wire. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the antenna via a wireless connection; for example, the mailbox-mounted device401and antenna may communicate via infrared radiation. In some embodiments, the at least one mailbox-mounted device401further comprises a radio frequency transmitter, and the at least one electronic device402further comprises a radio frequency receiver. More particularly, the mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the network301by means of a radio frequency (“RF”) transmitter409coupled to the mailbox-mounted device401, and an RF receiver410coupled to a nearby electronic device402that connects to the network301. The RF transmitter409may be incorporated in the mailbox-mounted device401. The RF transmitter409may be housed separately from the mailbox-mounted device401; for example, the RF transmitter may be housed outside of the mailbox. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the RF transmitter409via an electrical wire. The mailbox-mounted device401may connect to the RF transmitter409via a wireless connection; for example, the mailbox-mounted device401and RF transmitter409may communicate via infrared radiation. The mailbox-mounted device401in some embodiments is also programmed to receive a signal, such as a “ping,” designed to determine whether the mailbox-mounted device401is currently operating and connected to the network301, and to send a signal in response. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is further programmed to verify that it is located in a particular place. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401verifies its location using a navigation facility (not shown) that is coupled to the mailbox-mounted device401.

The mailbox-mounted device401in some embodiments is battery-powered. The battery housing may be integrated with the mailbox-mounted device401. The battery housing may be detachable from the mailbox-mounted device401. The battery housing may be separate from the mailbox-mounted device401; for instance, the battery housing may be connected to the mailbox-mounted device401by an electrical wire. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is solar-powered. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is powered by connection to alternating current (AC) wiring. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is powered by a fuel cell. Some embodiments involve a combination of power sources; for instance, the mailbox mounted device401may be powered by a solar panel connected to a rechargeable battery pack. The mailbox-mounted device401may be powered by an AC connection with a backup battery. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401includes a power monitor. The mailbox-mounted device401may be adapted to transmit its power level, as detected by a power monitor, to an electronic device over the network301. The mailbox-mounted device401in some embodiments is encased in a waterproof housing. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401is encased in a water-resistant housing.

The at least one electronic device402connects to the at least one mailbox-mounted device401via a network301. The network301may be any network as described above in reference toFIG. 3. The electronic device402in some embodiments is a server as set forth above in reference toFIG. 3. In some embodiments, the electronic device402communicates with a server. In some embodiments, the electronic device402is a mobile device. In some embodiments, the electronic device402is a personal computer.

The device registry component403in some embodiments communicates with memory accessible to the electronic device402. In some embodiments, the memory is a database (not shown) as introduced above in reference toFIG. 2. The communication component404in some embodiments utilizes network connections as set forth above in reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the communication component404communicates with the mailbox-mounted device by means of a direct interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or Thunderbolt. The communication component404may interact with the mailbox-mounted device in some embodiments by means of a local wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth®.

Some embodiments of the disclosed system400involve the manipulation of postal carrier map data. Postal carrier map data as used herein may be any information that defines the geographical location of a mailbox. Postal carrier map data may include mailing addresses. Postal carrier map data may include neighborhoods. Postal carrier map data may include boroughs. Postal carrier map data may include municipalities. Postal carrier map data may include provinces. Postal carrier map data may include states. Postal carrier map data may include nations. Postal carrier map data may include zip codes. Postal carrier map data may include carrier route boundaries for parcel delivery services, such as the postal service or FedEx®. Postal carrier map data may include carrier routes for parcel delivery services.

A “postal carrier,” as used herein, is the person, team of persons, or machine that physically delivers packages, including letters. Postal carriers may be mail carriers. Postal carriers may be employees of private delivery companies such as UPS®, DHL®, and FedEx®.

FIG. 1illustrates some embodiments of the disclosed method100. The method100includes maintaining, by a first electronic device, a registry of users of mailbox-mounted devices (101). In addition, the method100includes verifying, by the first electronic device, that the mailbox-mounted device associated with at least one additional electronic device used by a user listed in the registry is operational (102). The method100also includes communicating, by the first electronic device, with the at least one additional electronic device (103).

The method100includes maintaining, by a first electronic device, a registry of users of mailbox-mounted devices (101). The device registry component403may maintain the data in memory accessible to the electronic device402. In some embodiments, the communication component403receives registration data from an electronic device operated by a user of one of the mailbox-mounted devices401. In some embodiments, the registration data includes information identifying the user. In some embodiments, the registration data includes the address information of the user. In some embodiments, the communication component404verifies the address information of the user by receiving address information pertaining to the user from another electronic device connected to the network301. The communication component404may verify the address information of the user by consulting an online phonebook maintained by a third-party server. In some embodiments, the communication component404may verify the address information of the user by receiving location data from the mailbox-mounted device401, as generated by navigation facilities accessible to the mailbox-mounted device401. The device registry component403may direct the communication component404to verify the address information upon initial registration. The device registry component403may direct the communication component404to verify the address information on a periodic basis.

In addition, the method100includes verifying, by the first electronic device, that the mailbox-mounted device associated with at least one additional electronic device used by a user listed in the registry is operational (102). In some embodiments, the communication component404sends a query to the mailbox-mounted device401. A response to the query, in some embodiments, indicates that the mailbox-mounted device401is operational. In some embodiments, the query is a “ping.” In some embodiments, a successful response the echo-response to a “ping.” In some embodiments, a successful response conveys additional information verifying the identity of the mailbox-mounted device401. In some embodiments, the response contains the current location of the mailbox-mounted device401.

The method100also includes communicating, by the first electronic device, with the at least one additional electronic device (103). Communicating in some embodiments involves receiving a message from the user of the first electronic device402, and transmitting the message to the at least one additional electronic device300for display to the user of the at least one additional electronic device300. In some embodiments, communicating involves receiving a message from the user of the at least one additional electronic device300and displaying that message to the user of the first electronic device402. In some embodiments, the communication component404communicates with the at least one additional electronic device300automatically. The communication component404may transmit messages using any protocol for sending data over networks. The communication component404may receive messages using any protocol for sending data over networks. The communication component404may use an electronic mail (email) protocol such as the simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP). The communication component404may use transfer control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). The communication component404may use a text messaging protocol such as Internet relay chat (IRC). The communication component404may use voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). The communication component404may use hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The communication component404may use file transfer protocol (FTP). The communication component404may use a video streaming protocol. The communication component404may use an audio streaming protocol.

In some embodiments, communicating includes comparing postal carrier map data of the user of the at least one additional electronic device to the postal carrier map data of a user of the first electronic device and communicating only if the postal carrier map data of the user of the at least one additional electronic device matches the postal carrier map data of the user of the first electronic device. For instance, in some embodiments the communication component404only permits communication between the first electronic device and the at least one additional electronic device where the two devices are located in the same neighborhood. The communication component404may only permit communication where the two devices share a zip code. The communication component404may only permit communication where two devices share a postal carrier route. In some embodiments, the user of the first electronic device enters an instruction restricting communication to a given level of postal carrier map data.

In some embodiments, communicating includes communicating with a plurality of devices having users with matching postal carrier map data. For example, the communication component404in some devices is configured to communicate simultaneously with all electronic devices located in a particular geographical area defined by postal carrier map data; for the purposes herein, an electronic device is located where the mailbox-mounted device associated in the registry with the electronic device's user is located (thus, the electronic device could be physically outside the area in which it is “located”). The communication component404may communicate simultaneously with all electronic devices associated that share a neighborhood with the first electronic device. The communication component404may communicate simultaneously with all electronic devices that share a zip code with the first electronic device. The communication component404may communicate simultaneously with all electronic devices that share a postal carrier route with the first electronic device. In some embodiments, the communication component404communicates simultaneously with a subset of the electronic devices that devices share postal carrier map data with the first electronic device402. For instance, the user of the first electronic device402may specify a contact list of persons in his or her neighborhood, and the communication device404may further restrict its communication to that list.

In some embodiments, communicating further comprises receiving, by the first electronic device, an instruction from the user of the first electronic device identifying postal carrier map data, retrieving, by the first electronic device, a list of mailbox-mounted devices matching the postal carrier map data, displaying, by the first electronic device, a representation of the list to the user of the first electronic device, receiving, by the first electronic device, a selection from the user of the first electronic device of an item from the list, and communicating with an electronic device used by a user associated with the selected mailbox-mounted device. The device registry component403in some embodiments receives a user instruction specifying particular postal carrier map data; for example, instruction may specify a particular zip code. The instruction may specify a particular zip code. The instruction may specify a particular address. The device registry component403may then retrieve a list of devices matching that particular postal carrier map data. The device registry component403may display a representation of that list to the user of the first electronic device402using a display210coupled to the first electronic device402. Displaying the representation of the list in some embodiments further comprises displaying identifying information for the user of each mailbox-mounted device, and not displaying contact information associated with the user of each mailbox-mounted device. In some embodiments, displaying the representation of the list comprises displaying addresses. In some embodiments, displaying the representation of the list comprises displaying names. In some embodiments, the representation of the list displays email addresses. The user may select an item from the list by selecting a representation of that item using manual data entry devices. For example, if the device registry component403displays a list of addresses, the user may select one address from the list. Selection of one item from the list, in some embodiments, causes the communication component404to initiate communication with the electronic device associated with that list item.

In some embodiments, communicating with the at least one additional device further comprises detection, by a mailbox-mounted device, of the delivery of mail, receiving, by the first electronic device, a signal indicating the delivery of mail from a mailbox-mounted device, calculating, by the first electronic device, the postal carrier's probable route using postal carrier map data, and transmitting, by the first electronic device, data describing the probable route to the at least one additional electronic device. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401detects the delivery of mail by detecting the movement of the mailbox door, using devices described above in reference toFIG. 4. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401detects the delivered mail itself using devices described above in reference toFIG. 4. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401detects delivery by detecting the mail carrier using devices described above in reference toFIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401, having detected the delivery of mail, transmits data indicating detection to the first electronic device402via the network301. In some embodiments, the transmitted data is a true or false variable indicating delivery. In some embodiments, the transmitted data includes the time of delivery. In some embodiments, the transmitted data includes the identity of the mailbox-mounted device401. In some embodiments, the transmitted data includes the location of the mailbox-mounted device401. Subsequently, in some embodiments, the device registry component403matches the mailbox-mounted device to the registry. The device registry component403may locate the address of the mailbox-mounted device401in the registry, given sufficient information to identify the mailbox-mounted device401. The device registry component403may locate the identity of the mailbox-mounted device using other information, such as the address of the mailbox-mounted device401. The device registry component403may locate the identity of the user associated with the mailbox-mounted device401. The device registry component403may determine the time of delivery by reference to the internal clock of the first electronic device402. In some embodiments, the device registry component403receives delivery notification from a plurality of mailbox-mounted devices401. The device registry component403may determine the time of delivery for each of the plurality of mailbox-mounted devices401. In some embodiments, the device registry component403may determine the place of delivery for each of the plurality of mailbox-mounted devices401; for instance, the device registry component403may determine the address of each of the mailbox-mounted devices401.

In some embodiments, the device registry component403uses the delivery notification data, combined with postal carrier route data, to calculate a probable route of the postal carrier. In some embodiments, the postal carrier map data is the location of a mailbox-mounted device401. In some embodiments, the postal carrier map data comprises the locations of a plurality of mailbox-mounted devices401. In some embodiments, the postal carrier map data is a zip code. In some embodiments, the postal carrier map data is a carrier zone. In some embodiments, the postal carrier map data is a carrier route. In some embodiments, the postal carrier map data is a street map. In some embodiments, the postal carrier route data is the boundaries of a neighborhood.

The device registry component403in some embodiments uses the delivery notification data and the postal carrier map data to calculate the postal carrier's probable route. In some embodiments, the postal carrier map data is a map of the neighborhood, and calculating the route involves locating at least one delivery time and place on the map; where there are multiple delivery times and places, the calculation may involve connecting them into a path in the order in which the deliveries occurred. The device registry component403may then continue the path down available routes on the map. Where the postal carrier map data includes a carrier zone, the device registry component403may restrict the calculated path to the carrier zone. Where the postal carrier map includes a carrier route, the device registry component403may calculate the probable route by noting when each notified delivery occurred along the route, and estimating the time of future deliveries on that route. In some embodiments, the device registry component403maintains in memory accessible to the first electronic device each of the delivery notifications. In some embodiments, the device registry component403uses past notifications to estimate the route associated with a current delivery notification. In some embodiments, the device registry component matches a sequence of deliveries to a past delivery route to select a past route according to which to estimate the current route. In some embodiments, the communication component404sends this route information to an additional electronic device using communication techniques disclosed above in reference toFIG. 1, step103. Some embodiments additionally involve publishing, by the at least one electronic device, notification of the delivery of mail.

Some embodiments of the method400further include receiving, by the at least one electronic device, a message from a user of the at least one electronic device, transmitting, by the at least one electronic device, the message to the at least one mailbox-mounted device, and publishing, by the at least one mailbox-mounted device, the message. In some embodiments, the communication component404receives the message via data entry devices. In some embodiments, the user enters the message via manual data entry devices; for instance, the user may type the message. The user may enter an audio message via audio data entry devices. The user may enter a video message via optical data entry devices. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401publishes the message using display means210. In some embodiments, the mailbox-mounted device401publishes the message via an audio output device408. Publishing in some embodiments occurs only upon detection of the delivery of mail. For instance, the user of the mailbox-mounted device401may leave instructions for the placement of packages, which will display upon the postal carrier opening the mailbox door. Detection of delivery of mail may be performed by any processes described above. In some embodiments, publishing occurs only upon receiving an instruction from a postal carrier. The instruction may be entered by data entry means coupled to the mailbox-mounted device401. The instruction may be entered by pressing a button, such as a “play” button, attached to the mailbox-mounted device. The instruction may be entered via a touchscreen. The instruction may be entered via a touchpad. The instruction may be entered via a keyboard.

Some embodiments of the method100include receiving, by the first electronic device, data input by the user of the first electronic device rating the quality of service provided by a postal carrier. In some embodiments, the communication component404presents the user with a set of topics with regard to which the user may rate the postal carrier's service. In some embodiments, the communication component404presents the user with a set of topics with regard to which the user may comment on the postal carrier's service. Topics may include the state of the parcel when delivered. Topics may include the punctuality of delivery. Topics may include compliance with the postal carrier's employer's policies. Topics may include compliance with requests made by the user concerning the manner of delivery.

It will be understood that the system and method may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the system method is not to be limited to the details given herein.