LPU team develops smart box to handle postal mail
In a world where convenience and security are paramount, innovation continues to drive change in our everyday lives. One of the latest innovation is the ‘Smart Envelope Box’ system, a unique solution designed to enhance the way we manage postal mail and secure our personal letters.
The project is spearheaded by Assistant Professor Yamini Bhardwaj and her team comprising Prakhar Katiyar, Puneet Katiyar, Prajwal Gautam, Sirigiri Madan Mohan Reddy and Piyush Dubey at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara.
It takes mailbox security to a whole new level, offering a smarter, efficient way to handle postal deliveries. The ‘Smart Envelope Box’ integrates cutting-edge technology such as RFID sensors, ultrasonic sensors and IR sensors to create a secure and hassle-free mailbox experience.
The system ensures that only authorised individuals can access the box and guarantees a reliable notification system that keeps users informed about the status of their mail.
How it works
The system uses RFID technology for enhanced security. Each authorised person is given an RFID tag, and only those with the correct RFID can open the box. The process is simple: when the authorised person scans their RFID card, the RFID sensor (R307) sends a signal to the servo motor, instructing it to open the mailbox door. Once the RFID tag is removed, the door closes automatically, ensuring that no unauthorised access can take place.
But that’s not all. The smart mailbox also features an IR sensor at the entrance, which tracks the number of mail items inserted. Each time a new envelope is placed in the box, the IR sensor detects it, increasing the mail count. This feature makes it easy to keep track of deliveries, offering a quick and automated way to stay updated on the number of items in the box.
Power of notification
One of the standout features of the Smart Envelope Box is its ability to notify users about the status of their mailbox. Ultrasonic sensors installed inside the box calculate the level to which the mailbox is filled. When the box reaches its capacity, the system alerts the administration, notifying them that the mailbox is full and needs to be emptied. To ensure users know when to deliver their mail, two LED lights (red and green) are used. A green light indicates that the box is ready to accept more mail, while a red light signals that the box is full and no more items can be inserted.
For smarter, safer future
As technology continues to evolve, so does the need for better security and efficiency in everyday tasks. The ‘Smart Envelope Box’ combines multiple sensors and an intuitive interface to offer a seamless, secure and convenient solution to postal mail management. With ESP32 as the central processing unit, the system controls all the hardware components — RFID sensor, servo motor, IR sensor, ultrasonic sensor and LED lights — to ensure smooth functioning.
The smart system not only secures the mail but also adds to the convenience by providing real-time notifications about the mail status and delivering a seamless, automated way to handle deliveries. The integration of IoT technology allows the mailbox to become an intelligent system that communicates with users, making postal management easier and more efficient than ever.
Look forward
The future of postal services is shifting, with technology playing a key role in ensuring safety and streamlining operations. With the ‘Smart Envelope Box’, the shift is already underway. Future enhancements could include automatic closing mechanisms for the mailbox when it’s full and even cloud-based solutions to track the status of the box remotely.
The project serves as a perfect example of how technology can be harnessed to improve security and simplify daily tasks, making our lives more convenient and protected.
Punjab