LOCKNEST-IOT BASED SMART LOCKER SYSTEM.

Abstract

LockNest is an innovative, IoT-enabled security solution designed to provide secure, real-time monitoring and controlled access to personal lockers. Utilizing an ESP-32 Cam module, LockNest streams live video to users' mobile devices, allowing them to visually monitor locker activity from anywhere. The system incorporates multiple security features, including an RFID-based authorization mechanism that restricts access to only approved users, ensuring high security. It also employs ultrasonic sensors to detect occupancy, automatically updating users on the locker's status. In addition, a tamper detection feature alerts users instantly in the event of unauthorized access attempts, enhancing the system's reliability. Through a user-friendly mobile application, LockNest offers remote lock/unlock functionality, live video feed, and status notifications, all aimed at enhancing convenience and security. This system promotes proactive management and security for stored items, with potential applications in both personal and shared-use environments.

Specification

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
LockNest - The Smart Locker System (loT based)
2. APPLICANTS:
1. (a) Name: Dr. Payal Khubchandani (b) Nationality: Indian (c) Address: -Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi Pune, Maharashtra, India-411037.
2.(a) Name: Dr. Jyoti Khubchandani
(b) Nationality: Indian
(c) Address: - Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi Pune,
Maharashtra, India-411037.
3. (a) Name: Ishika Golecha
(b) Nationality: Indian (c) Address:-Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India-411037.
4. (a) Name: Anisha Gondhalekar
(b) Nationality: Indian
(c) Address: -Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India-411037.
5. (a)Name: Anuj Gosavi
(b) Nationality: Indian
(c) Address: -Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India-411037.
6. (a) Name: Harsh Gujalwar
(b) Nationality: Indian
(c) Address: -Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, lndia-411037.
7. (a) Name: Lokesh Gulghane
(b) Nationality: Indian
(c) Address: -Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India-411037.

8. (a) Name: Gaurang Gulhane
(b) Nationality: Indian
(c) Address: -Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, 666, Upper Indiranagar, Bibwewadi, Pune, Maharashtra; India-411037.
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The Smart Locker System is designed to solve everyday problems like lost packages, security concerns, and the hassle of finding your items in traditional storage methods. With features like secure access, real-time notifications, and an easy-to-use interface, it aims to make life simpler and more efficient for everyone. By combining technologies like IoT, Bluetooth, RFID, and advanced sensors into one seamless system, it offers a reliable solution for homes, businesses, and public spaces. Unlike other systems that only address specific issues, this Smart Locker System provides a complete protection. It helps prevent package theft, cuts down on the environmental impact of multiple delivery attempts, and offers a convenient, stress-free way to manage storage. Plus, it includes real-time monitoring and tamper detection, so any issues can be addressed immediately. This holistic approach fills the gaps in current locker systems, making it a more scalable, accessible, and secure option for modern-day needs.
3.1 TECHNICAL FIELD:
The technical field of this invention pertain to the integration of IoT technology with smart storage systems, specifically focusing on automated locker monitoring and control. This invention leverages advanced sensors, cloud platforms, and mobile applications to efficiently manage and monitor lockers in residential, commercial, and public spaces. By incorporating technologies such as Bluetooth, and real-time notifications, it ensures secure access, real-time monitoring, and tamper detection, offering a comprehensive solution for modern storage needs.
3.2 PROBLEM ADDRESSED BY THE INVENTION.
Package mismanagement and security issues are growing concerns, especially with the rise of e-commerce and home deliveries. Traditional storage systems often rely on manual access and tracking, which can lead to misplaced items, theft, or delayed retrieval. The lack of real-time insights and automation in these systems further complicates efficient package handling and security. Our Smart Locker System addresses these issues by automating locker access and monitoring, utilizing IoT technology, Bluetooth, and advanced sensors. With real-time notifications and tamper detection, it ensures secure, efficient, and stress-free storage management for homes, businesses, and public spaces.

3.3 SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM:
To address these challenges, this invention presents an automated IoT-based Smart Locker System. It integrates the Aurdino UNO and ESP32 CAM Module with Wifi and Bluetooth technology to manage locker access and monitor security in real-time. Data is processed and displayed via a mobile application and cloud platform, allowing users to monitor locker status remotely. When an item is placed in or removed from a locker, the system triggers real-time notifications, ensuring secure access and efficient storage management. Additionally, tamper detection features alert users in case of unauthorized access, providing enhanced security and preventing theft or misuse. Also, integration of camera and live monitoring provides additional security.
3.4 ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:
Our invention provides numerous advantages, including:
1. Automation: The system automates locker access and monitoring, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of theft or misplaced items.
2. Real-Time Monitoring: With real-time locker status available on mobile applications and cloud platforms, users can remotely monitor and manage locker access, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: By using widely available components such as NodeMCU, RFID, and Bluetooth modules, the system offers a cost-effective solution for secure storage compared to traditional manual methods.
4. Scalability: The system's.modular design allows easy implementation across various settings, from small residential lockers to large-scale commercial or public locker systems.
5. Security: This solution ensures enhanced security through tamper detection and real-time notifications, addressing theft prevention and providing a reliable, secure storage solution.
4. DESCRIPTION:
4.1. Field of invention:
The invention pertains to the development of a Smart Locker System, designed to solve logistical and
security issues associated with package handling and storage. By incorporating IoT, RFID, Bluetooth, and
advanced sensors, the system provides a secure, automated, and convenient way for users to store and
retrieve packages. This invention is aimed at public, residential, and business environments, enhancing both
efficiency and user experience.

4.2. Background of Invention:
The rise of e-commerce has drastically changed the way goods are bought and delivered. With this shift, the need for secure, reliable, and efficient package management systems has grown significantly. Traditional methods of package delivery and storage often fail to meet the demands of today's consumers and businesses, creating opportunities for new technologies to step in and provide solutions. Below are some of the key challenges faced by current systems and how these issues highlight the need for innovations like the LockNest - Smart Locker System.
Growing E-commerce Demands
• The explosive growth in online shopping has resulted in a sharp increase in package deliveries. E-commerce platforms now deliver billions of packages annually.
• As consumers rely more on home deliveries, the need for reliable, secure storage solutions has intensified. The sheer volume of packages requires efficient systems that can keep pace with the demand while providing ease of access for users.
• Last-mile delivery has become a critical factor for customer satisfaction. Efficient package handling is essential for both delivery companies and consumers to avoid delays, losses, and logistical inefficiencies.
Security Concerns
• Package theft has become a widespread issue, particularly in residential areas, where parcels are often left unattended. This problem, often called "porch piracy," has risen in line with the increase in online shopping.
• Traditional locker systems and delivery methods are often vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access, exposing a significant weakness in package security.
• Businesses and homeowners alike require a system that not only secures deliveries but also monitors them in real time to detect any unauthorized activity or tampering.
Operational Inefficiencies
• Delivery inefficiencies occur when packages cannot be delivered on the first attempt due to the recipient's absence. These failed deliveries lead to additional trips, which increase logistical costs and environmental impacts (fuel consumption and emissions).
• Conventional storage and locker systems often do not account for these missed deliveries, resulting in wasted resources and operational delays.

• Manual retrieval of packages can also be time-consuming and prone to errors, further complicating
the process and reducing overall efficiency.
Existing Locker Systems: Current Shortcomings
• Limited Functionality: Many existing locker systems focus on basic functions, such as access control or item retrieval, without offering a fully integrated or automated platform.
• Lack of Real-Time Monitoring: Most systems do not feature real-time notifications or
monitoring, making it difficult to manage locker status or respond to any security incidents promptly.
• Vulnerability to Tampering: Physical security remains a concern, as current locker systems often do not include tamper detection features, leaving them susceptible to vandalism or unauthorized access.
• Latency and Accessibility: High-demand environments, such as public spaces or commercial settings, expose weaknesses in existing systems. Issues like latency (delays in processing user requests) and inconsistent accessibility can severely limit the locker's effectiveness, particularly in peak usage times.
Need for an Integrated Solution
The challenges mentioned above demonstrate the necessity for a system that can integrate multiple advanced technologies into one cohesive platform. The LockNest - Smart Locker System aims to resolve these limitations by offering:
• Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, enabling remote access and real-time data sharing.
• RFID-based secure identification for users, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access their stored packages.
• Bluetooth-enabled access for enhanced convenience, allowing users to unlock lockers with their mobile devices.
• Advanced sensors to monitor locker activity, detect physical damage, and ensure tamper detection in real time.
• By incorporating these technologies, the LockNest system provides a comprehensive, scalable, and efficient package management solution that addresses the gaps in current locker systems, improving overall security and operational effectiveness.

4.4. Detailed Description of Development Process:
The LockNest project began with clear objectives: to develop a secure locker system that allows real-time monitoring, access control, occupancy status detection, and tamper alerts, all managed through a mobile application. The project design integrated several components, including an ESP-32 Cam module for video streaming, a servo motor for locking/unlocking, an ultrasonic sensor to detect occupancy, an RFID module for secure user identification, and a tamper detection sensor to alert users of unauthorized access attempts. Each component's role was carefully defined, with a focus on creating an interactive, remote-controlled system accessible via a mobile app.
The hardware setup started with selecting and configuring each component individually. The ESP-32 Cam module, chosen for its camera and Wi-Fi capabilities, was programmed to provide live video streaming. The servo motor was connected to the ESP-32's GPIO pins and programmed to control the locking mechanism by rotating to specific angles. To track locker occupancy, the ultrasonic sensor was mounted inside the locker and programmed to detect the presence of objects by measuring distance. An RFID module was integrated to authenticate users through tags, ensuring only authorized individuals could access the locker. Finally, a tamper detection sensor was added to trigger alerts when unauthorized access was detected. Each component was wired according to a circuit diagram that mapped out power and communication paths, ensuring compatibility and stable connections.
In the software development phase, the ESP-32 was programmed to handle multiple functions simultaneously. The video streaming functionality used libraries to control the camera and manage Wi-Fi connections. The servo motor was programmed to rotate based on app commands, allowing remote locking and unlocking. The ultrasonic sensor was calibrated to detect occupancy by interpreting distance measurements, while the RFID module was coded to compare RFID tags against an authorized list stored on the device. Additionally, the tamper detection feature was programmed to immediately notify users of any attempts to breach the locker's security.
The mobile application played a central role in user interaction, designed with an intuitive interface where users could view the video feed, control the lock, monitor occupancy, and receive tamper alerts. The app was developed using Biynk providing efficient connectivity and useability. Also, it allows only the authenticated users to operate the locker.

Once all components were integrated, rigorous testing was conducted to ensure seamless functionality. Each part was tested independently before moving on to full-system integration. The complete setup was then tested in real-world conditions to ensure the app received live video, detected authorized RFID access, showed occupancy status accurately, and sent tamper alerts in real-time. Debugging and optimization were performed to improve performance, reduce lag, and minimize power consumption, making the system efficient and reliable.
The deployment phase involved creating an installation guide for users to set up the locker system and a basic troubleshooting section to address common issues. Additionally, user training was provided to help them understand how to use the app for monitoring and control. Finally, plans were made for future enhancements, including potential upgrades like facial recognition and biometric access. Routine maintenance and software updates were also scheduled to ensure the system remained secure and functional over time. Hardware used:
• Microcontroller/Processor: For managing the system's core operations, including sensor input and loT communication.
• RFID Readers: Used for secure identification of authorized users.
• Bluetooth Modules: For wireless connectivity and secure access via mobile devices.
• IoT Sensors: To monitor locker status, real-time usage data, and tamper detection.
• Advanced Sensors: For detecting physical damage or tampering attempts.
• Power Supply: Reliable source for continuous operation, with potential for backup options.
• Network Module (Wi-Fi/Ethernet): For real-time data transfer and communication between lockers and users.
SUMMARY:
The LockNest - Smart Locker System offers a fully integrated, technology-driven solution that addresses security, efficiency, and operational challenges in package management. By utilizing a combination of IoT, RFID, Bluetooth, and advanced sensor technologies, it ensures secure access, real-time monitoring, and a user-friendly experience. The system is scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for various environments, including residential, business, and public spaces. Its ability to reduce environmental impacts through minimized delivery attempts and enhance physical security sets it apart from existing systems, offering a comprehensive and reliable storage solution for modern needs.

5. CLAIMS
We claim that:
1) Enhanced Security Monitoring: LockNest provides real-time video monitoring via an ESP-32 Cam module, enabling users to visually verify locker activity directly from their mobile devices.
2) Remote Access Control: Users can remotely lock or unlock the locker using the mobile app, offering convenient and secure access control from anywhere.
3) Automated Occupancy Detection: An integrated ultrasonic sensor detects if the locker is occupied or empty, with automatic updates sent to the user's mobile app.
4) RFID-Based Secure Access: The system utilizes RFID technology to ensure that only authorized individuals can unlock the locker, enhancing user security and privacy.
5) Tamper Detection and Alerts: If unauthorized access is attempted, the system automatically detects tampering and sends real-time alerts to the user's mobile device.
6) Integrated Mobile Management: All data, including video feed, access status, occupancy updates, and security alerts, is managed and accessible through an intuitive mobile application, making LockNest a comprehensive security solution.

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