Mailboxes and mailbox systems enabling enhanced security and logistics, and/or associated methods

Abstract

A system is presented that enhances mail security and logistics. The system in certain example embodiments provides image capturing units to capture images of both the user and the items being mailed and tracks the items while maintaining some identity of the individual mailing the item. The system can in certain example embodiments perform facial recognition on the user and/or optical character recognition on the items being mailed in order to enhance the security of the mailing process.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A mailbox comprising:
 an object reception unit having an opening for receiving an object;   an image capturing unit configured to capture a first image relating to at least a user of the mailbox and configured to capture a second image relating to at least the object;   an image processing unit configured to associate the first and second images with each other;   wherein the image capturing unit comprises a first image capturing device configured to capture the first image and a second image capturing device configured to capture the second image, the first and second images being different; and   wherein the second image capturing device is for capturing the second image when the object is being inserted into the opening.   
     
     
         27 . The mailbox of  claim 26 , wherein the second image capturing device is located in the vicinity of the opening. 
     
     
         28 . The mailbox of  claim 26 , wherein the first image capturing device is configured to capture the first image while at approximately the same time the second image is being captured with the second image capturing device. 
     
     
         29 . The mailbox of  claim 26 , wherein the image processing unit comprises:
 a memory;   one or more processors; and   a data relay unit configured to relay the associated first and second images to a central computer.