U.S. patent application number 14/323390 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for mail box indicator system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jerri Tanner. Invention is credited to Jerri Tanner.
Application Number | 20150016665 14/323390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52277140 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150016665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanner; Jerri |
January 15, 2015 |
MAIL BOX INDICATOR SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for indicating a contents change and transmitting a
related wireless signal, the signal including a movement detecting
and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the
object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and
alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement
detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a response,
a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving
and transmission generating member, an environmental monitoring
member for sensing an environmental condition inside the mailbox
and providing a signal to the signal receiving member, a visual
information gathering member for gathering visual information and
location identifying data and providing a signal to the receiving
and signal interpreting member, an output member for receiving a
signal from the signal receiving and generating member and
generating a selected output, and components for delivering an
object movement data notification to remote recipients.
Inventors: |
Tanner; Jerri; (Trenton,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tanner; Jerri |
Trenton |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52277140 |
Appl. No.: |
14/323390 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61957648 |
Jul 9, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
382/101 ;
232/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 13/19695 20130101;
G08B 13/1436 20130101; A47G 29/1214 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
382/101 ;
232/34 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/122 20060101
A47G029/122 |
Claims
1. A portable mailbox indicator device for detecting the movement
of an object in a mailbox, the device comprising: an inertial
sensor configured to detect movement of an object; a wireless
transmitter, coupled with said sensor, configured to transmit a
predetermined signal indicating movement of said object and its
location, wherein the sensor, when said movement is detected,
causes a message to be transmitted by said wireless transmitter to
a reception device configured to display a notification to a
user.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said inertial sensor comprises an
accelerometer sensor.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said wireless transmitter is a
radio frequency (RF) signal transmitter that includes a
piezoelectric element mounted to a diaphragm.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said mailbox is provided by a
plurality of interconnected walls with a front door and an opening
for inserting objects.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein said mailbox is a compartment
comprising a rectangular unsealed enclosure.
6. The device of claim 4 wherein said mailbox is one of a plurality
of mailboxes arranged in a cluster and wherein each of the
plurality of mailboxes each include a device that are all connected
to a single antenna for transmitting predetermined signals to at
least one of a plurality of reception devices.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said predetermined signals are
routed through a server that identifies, based on said
predetermined signal, at least one of the plurality of reception
devices to which to send said message to cause said notification to
be displayed on said at least one of the plurality of reception
devices.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a camera, coupled with
said sensor, configured to capture one or more images of said
object when said movement is detected, wherein said message
includes said one or more images and said reception device displays
at least one of said one or more images.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said inertial sensor further
comprises a magnetic field sensor with mated elements on each
opposite wall and adjusted to react to a change in magnetic field
strength of one postcard or thicker.
10. A method for detecting the movement of an object and providing
information relative to said movement, said method comprising:
detecting movement of an object by a sensor of a portable mailbox
indicator device, said sensor comprising an inertial accelerometer
sensor with a piezoelectric audio transducer construction that
includes a piezoelectric element mounted to a diaphragm, said
sensor further including a mass attached to said diaphragm;
wirelessly transmitting, upon detection of said movement, a
predetermined signal indicating movement of said object to a
reception device, wherein said reception device displays a
notification message based on said predetermined signal.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said mass is one of a quantity
of adhesive, a quantity of solder, or a solid object bonded to said
diaphragm.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: capturing one or
more images, with a camera coupled with said sensor, wherein said
predetermined signal is accompanied by a message comprising at
least one of said one or more images captured with said camera, and
wherein said reception device displays said at least one of said
one or more images.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/957,468 filed on Jul. 3, 2013. The content of
the application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to an improved motion
detector and alarm system for actuating an alarm device in response
to movement of an object, and more particularly to a portable
motion detector and alarm system which is easy to install and
operate and is capable of detecting motion relative to a variety of
predetermined positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The problem of notification of mail in mailboxes is becoming
increasingly important. Various prior art systems have been
developed to address the problem and numerous examples exist of
alarm or notification devices. One commonly used protective system
involves wiring mailboxes in such a manner that an unauthorized
opening of the door or window activates an electric circuit which
in turn produces an alarm. Other examples are as follows.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,225,971 B1 (issued Aug. 8,
2006; assigned to John M. Cherry) is for a "Ground mail
notification system." The patent abstract states: "A mail sensor
system that includes a sensor located in a mailbox that is
sensitive to weight and which generates a signal when mail is
placed in the mailbox. The system further includes a receiver
located in a car that generates a signal upon receipt of a signal
from the sensor in the mailbox. A companion sensor can be located
in a house associated with the mailbox."
[0005] In another example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2007/0118488 A1 (filed Nov. 7, 2005; assigned to Mr. Robert E.
Bozzomo) is for a "Mail Delivery Notification Process." The patent
abstract states: "A mail delivery notification arrangement for
maximizing the efficiency of notification and mail pick up on a
regular basis. In this embodiment, the mail drop off location
utilizes a bar code, RFID or other identifying and notification
methods as input to the process. When a letter or package is
received or placed at a mail drop off location, the unique
identifier is read and recognized by the delivery process agent.
The delivery process agent will log the date and time of delivery,
quantity of items delivered, and types of items delivered (e.g.
certified mail, registered mail, regular mail, overnight package).
The data is then transferred by the delivery process to the
system's database server(s) which notify the corresponding user of
the mail or package drop off. The notification to the user can
contain one or more of the following relevant attributes: date and
time of receipt at the drop off location, types and number of items
received, and sender's name and address. The process embodied in
this invention will have a significant impact on productivity.
People will no longer have to go to their mail location to check
for mail. The notification system process will enable people to
make the determination if and when to visit their mail drop off
locations to retrieve incoming deliveries. Time and money will be
saved. Fuel will be saved as a result of eliminating non-essential
or unproductive trips to the mail drop off location as well as the
ability to notify others to pick up delivery."
[0006] In another example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2008/0040243 A1 (filed Aug. 8, 2006; assigned to David Yu Chang) is
for a "Notification of Mail Deliveries in Remote Post Office
Mailboxes." The patent abstract states: "A computer implemented
method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for mail
notification. Physical mail is received in a mailbox. The physical
mail includes an identifier indicating information about the
physical mail. A presence of the physical mail is detected in the
mailbox. The identifier is read in response to detecting the
presence of the physical mail. A notification is sent to a mail
recipient including the information in response to reading the
identifier."
[0007] There is a need for an effective mail detection and
notification system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a system for detecting the movement of an object
comprising: an object whose movement is to be detected, movable
magnet means coupled to the object such that movement of the object
results in movement of said movable magnet means, and means for
detecting movement of the movable magnet means and providing an
indication of the movement. The means for detecting is in
communication with the movable magnet means.
[0009] The system further includes radiating means for wirelessly
transmitting a predetermined signal in response to the indication
of movement, the radiating means being coupled to the means for
detecting. The object whose movement is to be detected may be
coupled to the movable magnet means by a wire means which can also
serve as the radiating means.
[0010] The system further includes means for receiving the
predetermined signal, the means for receiving being separate from
and located at a distance from the radiating means. The system
preferably includes means for generating an alarm signal security
response when the predetermined signal is received by the means for
receiving. The alarm signal thus generated may be audible, visual
or electronic and may include speakers, warning horns, lamps and
the like.
[0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide a method
of detecting movement of one or more objects comprising the steps
of: a) coupling each object whose movement is to be detected to a
corresponding movable magnet such that movement of any object
results in movement of the corresponding magnet; b) detecting the
motion of the corresponding magnet; c) transmitting a predetermined
signal in response to the detected motion, and, d) receiving the
predetermined signal at a distance from the object, or objects,
whose motion is to be detected.
[0012] The method may include the further step of providing an
alarm signal security response when the predetermined signal is
received by the receiver means. The alarm signal may be audible,
visible, or may be an electronic alarm signal which is transmitted
to a remote alarm center via a telecommunications means such as a
telephone line.
[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
movement detection and alarm system that may be affixed to a wide
variety of objects including inside doors, outside gates, garage
doors, children's barriers such as "baby gates", valuable wall
hangings and paintings, and countless other objects.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
movement detection and alarm system which is portable and is easily
packed in a suitcase and transported with a traveler to be later
installed on motel or hotel room doors, windows and/or any objects
within the room, whenever additional protection is desired by the
traveler.
[0015] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
movement detection and alarm system that provides movement
information to a remote location, such as a law enforcement or
security agency.
[0016] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
movement detection and alarm system wherein the movement
information includes an indication of the distance that is moved
for measuring purposes.
[0017] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
movement detection and alarm system that provides object
identification information either locally at or near the site of
the object or remotely to a designated location such as a telephone
number, email address, etc.
[0018] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
movement detection and alarm system wherein the object
identification information is locally or remotely programmable.
[0019] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
movement detection and alarm system wherein the movable magnet
means and the radiating means are part of a remotely controllable
trigger unit having both a radio transmitter and a radio
receiver.
[0020] It is a further object of the invention to provide a system
for detecting movement that does not rely on wire means to detect
the movement of an object.
[0021] The present invention relates to a portable security alarm
system that can be installed on a temporary basis and removed from
an object whose movement is to be detected comprising a motion
detecting and radio signal-transmitting member, means for
selectively coupling and decoupling said motion detecting and radio
Signal-transmitting member relative to said object whose movement
is to be detected, and a combined radio signal receiving and alarm
generating member for receiving a signal from said combined motion
detecting and radio signal transmitting member and producing an
alarm. The alarm system also preferably includes a remote control
member for selectively actuating and deactuating said combined
radio signal receiving and alarm generating member. The alarm
system also preferably includes an information gathering device for
gathering movement information and a remote notification device for
providing the movement information to a remote location. As an
optional feature, the alarm system can be implemented such that the
signal from the combined motion detecting and radio
Signal-transmitting member includes an identification code that is
used to provide object identification information either locally or
to a remote location. Local or remote programmable means can be
provided for selectively associating the object identification
information with the identification code. As an additional optional
feature, the combined motion detecting and radio
Signal-transmitting member can be adapted to provide distance
information representing a distance moved by an object whose
movement is to be detected. The combined motion detecting and radio
signal transmitting member can also include radio signal receiving
means and control logic means to facilitate remote control of the
device for polling or programming purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0022] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing and the drawings in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,786,862;
7,506,796; and 7,061,377 all incorporated herein by reference.
Understanding that these drawings depict not only typical pieces of
entire embodiments of the invention and are, therefore not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described
with additional specificity and detail in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the essential components
of a part of an embodiment of the novel mailbox alert system;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a flow chart and block diagram showing the
interaction of the components of the novel invention wherein the
interaction generates an alert to a postal mailbox owner or renter
or entity having control of the subject mailbox;
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts operational chart no. 1 wherein the steps for
operation of the novel system using the novel combination of
components are each described; and
[0026] FIGS. 4A-E show an example device for detection and
notification of mail.
[0027] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
changes may be made to the embodiment presented herein by using
equivalent mechanical means without departing from the scope of the
invention; and therefore, the invention is not to be limited to
what is described in the specification and shown in the drawings,
but only as indicated in the appended claims and their equivalents
in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents and the construction
of this "provisional" application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The present invention is described with reference to the
attached figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are
provided merely to illustrate the instant invention. Several
aspects of the invention are described below with reference to
example applications for illustration. It should be understood that
numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth
to provide a full understanding of the invention. One having
ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize
that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the
specific details or with other methods. In other instances,
well-known structures or operation are not shown in detail to avoid
obscuring the invention. The present invention is not limited by
the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur
in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events.
Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to
implement a methodology in accordance with the present
invention.
[0029] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather,
use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a
concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is
intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or".
That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X
employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive
permutations. That is if, X employs A; X employs B; or X employs
both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the
foregoing instances.
[0030] The following detailed description is a general sample of
the embodiments that may be constructed according to the present
invention, as represented in the appended figures, is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows, in pictorial block diagram form, the major
components of the movement detecting device and alarm system 90 of
the present invention. The system is comprised of at least one
movement detecting and signal transmitting means 106 and 104,
respectively, and including a retractable wire means. The system
has handheld receiver means 106, a smart phone 26 (see FIG. 2) for
example, and a remote controlled transmitter or transmitting means
104.
[0032] A plurality of movement detecting and signal transmitting
means pairs may be utilized in implementing the system of the
present invention. One movement detecting and signal transmitting
means system 90 may be placed on opposite walls of a boxed
receptacle the deposit of mail and the like into which the
associated insertion movement it is desired to detect and transmit
a signal in response to. For example, in a mailbox with four sides,
open at the rear for inserting mail and a lockable door at the
front, five movement detecting and signal transmitting means may be
utilized for each wall comprising the mailbox. However, only one
receiver means 106 is necessary regardless of the number of
movement detecting and signal transmitting means 104 used. There is
no limit to the number of movement detecting and signal
transmitting means 104 that may be used with one receiver.
[0033] The invention is especially suited for clustered mailboxes
where a single server or single antenna might services all
mailboxes. As shown in FIG. 2, there is a bar code scanner device
or camera 21. This scanner/camera 21 is a species of the camera
device 102 used to read bar codes of mail and the like inserted
into mailbox. Attached to the mailbox is a mailbox sensor 22 for
detecting motion or insertion into the mailbox. Data from the
sensor 22 and/or the scanner/camera 21 is directed to computer such
as a server 24 programmed with apps or digital/electronic computer
applications 25.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2 each movement detecting and signal
transmitting means 90 is coupled to a laptop/tablet 50, a PC/MAC
51, and/or the cellphone/smartphone 26. In a preferred embodiment,
the coupling means is a selected digital channel or frequency with
a pre-selected power and range of transmission.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 a power supply 100 is necessary and may
be a common battery or plurality of same fitted into an adapted
housing.
[0036] Any displacement or movement in the mailbox will cause the
RF transmitter 104 shown in FIG. 1 to be actuated and a signal to
be generated. The bar code and scanner combination is a convenient
and novel way to identify which mail box a specific RF signal
should be assigned or attributed to.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown Operational Chart No.
1. This chart explains two methods of operation for the novel
system:
[0038] In a preferred embodiment and method the sensors are
deployed in individual mailboxes. A different or unique
identification in the form of a bar code display is placed in each
mailbox.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the server (a computer adapted to
receive wireless signals) receives the bar code signal at a time
T-1. The sensors in the box send RF wireless signals to the server
at time T-2 approximately the same as T-1. An application in the
server notifies the renter or owner of a mailbox with the
associated bar code of an event at T-2.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the server (a computer adapted to
receive wireless signals) receives the bar code signal at a time
T-1. The sensors in the box send RF wireless signals to the server
at time T-2 approximately the same as T-1. An application in the
server notifies the renter or owner of a mailbox with the
associated bar code of an event at T-2.
[0041] In an implementation, sensors are placed in an object that
receives mail, also referred to as a mailbox. The presence of an
object may be determined by a sensor that can detect motion 22 or
is a bar code scanner 21, and in other embodiments, camera 102 can
include a sensor that can detect sound. In certain embodiments, the
camera may further include without limitation a serial number and a
hardcoded web address that will always point to registration of a
customer account and/or corporate account. In certain embodiments,
camera 102 may further include without limitation a circuit board;
e.g. a printed circuit board (PCB); a communication port, for
example USB and/or Micro-USB; power jack (AC/DC); remote antennae;
retaining feature that allows the device to be fixed to a
structure; a sensor to detect sound on top and bottom of the
device, preferably an ultrasonic sensor; an on/off/reset button;
one or more LED for indication purposes, for example, flashing red
indicates battery is low and flashes green when camera is active; a
slide cover to allow access to batteries; and flash memory for data
storage and intermittent transmission.
[0042] In an embodiment, the sensors are connected to a camera 102
that is connected to an RF transmitter 104 and a RF receiver 106.
The RF transmitter 104 and RF receiver 106 may be in connection
with a wireless router and the signal may be sent as a data
transmission package. The data transmission package may include
without limitation a MAC address; an IP address generated by a
server, a wireless router, or by other devices known in the art;
data frequency; and power supply 100 level, for example a power
supply level of a battery.
[0043] Upon receipt of an object in the mailbox, camera 102
transmits a signal to a server 24, that an object is present in the
mailbox, and/or the bar code present on the object, and the signal
may include a data transmission package. Server 24 may be a cloud
server and further comprise a cloud server interface. A cloud
server interface may comprise a customer database populated with
customer name information, customer email address, customer phone
number, customer user picked sensor name to help customer identify
which camera 102 is being used if more than one camera 102 is
operable, and unique identifier number for each customer camera
102. In certain embodiments, the camera may further include without
limitation a serial number and a hardcoded web address that will
always point to registration of a customer account and/or corporate
account.
[0044] All data regarding the object in the mailbox may be recorded
on server 24. The signal is then processed by the digital
electronic applications 25. At least one of the digital electronic
applications 25 is in connection with a customer database, and
operative to deliver a signal to the customer by many options, for
example, a portable computer option, laptop/tablet 50 may receive a
mail alert upon delivery of the object, to a stationary option,
PC/MAC 51 may receive a notification, and/or to a
cellphone/smartphone 26 that may receive a notification. In a
further embodiment, at least one of the digital applications is
operative to send and process signals in intervals, sort signal
data and/or store signal data on server 24. In certain embodiments,
signal data can processed on demand by customer, sorted and
stored.
[0045] Additional characteristics of the event may be programmed
such that the server interprets the signal from the sensors and
reports same to renter or owner.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-E, an example of a device is
shown. FIG. 4A shows a front view of a device showing a power input
port DC IN, a data input/output port USB DATA, and an antenna
input/output port EXT ANT. One of ordinary skill will realize that
alternate systems and/or protocols, including any form of digital
communications, may be used for these ports apart from those
explicitly shown without departing from the spirit of the
invention. FIG. 4B shows a top view of a device. FIG. 4C shows a
back view of a device showing a reset button RESET, a power button
ON/OFF, and STATUS LEDS (light emitting diodes). The LEDS may show
the status of data transfer, battery level, or any other status
useful to a user or technician. The implementations of the present
invention are not limited in this regard.
[0047] FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of a device. FIG. 4E shows
a perspective view with the top cover removed to show the internal
components. The components shown, in addition to the components
visible external described above in reference to FIGS. 4A and 4C,
include a rechargeable battery, a built in antenna, WiFi circuitry,
and an ultrasonic transceiver (for detection of mail). One of
ordinary skill will note that additional components may be included
without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example,
camera circuitry may be included to capture images of detected
mail.
[0048] All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and
claimed herein can be made and executed without undue
experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the
invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it
will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may
be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the
method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the
invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain
components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the
components described herein while the same or similar results would
be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications
apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the
spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined.
* * * * *