Milestone 1

1.1. Customers:

• People living on high floors of an apartment complex.

  • Gathering mail can involve periodic checking (which may be out-of-the-way for some) or long trips to the mailbox.

  • Alternatively, if mail has arrived, it may not be a priority (spam vs package).

  • A customer aims for a good balance in gathering their mail: minimally checking their mailbox and gathering mail that is a priority to them when they do.

• People living in rural areas, or areas where their mailbox is distant.

  • Distant mailboxes are difficult to travel to and from. Periodic checking, especially when the mailbox is out-of-the-way, can become taxing or frustrating (especially when important mail is expected).

  • The desired outcome is the same as above.

• People living in unsafe environments.

  • Sometimes heading to the mailbox can be unsafe, such as in a bad neighborhood, late at night, or in apartments with little security in the mailroom.

  • A customer wishes to minimally check their mailbox, but also check often enough that priority mail isn’t stolen.

1.2. Needs:

• Simple and accurate method of knowing when they receive mail.

• Minimize how often mailbox must be checked.

• Maximize speed at which priority mail is collected.

• Accessibility no matter location (e.g., higher floors).

• Security for both themselves & their mail (e.g., mail won't be intercepted).

• Unobtrusive installation (e.g., apartment PO boxes).

1.3. Requirements:

• The device shall be compatible with networking interfaces, which includes Wi-Fi and Near Field Communications.

• The device shall be efficient in computations and data storage.

• The device shall have a clear and accessible user Interface in the app, text message, email, and terminal environments.

• The device shall have a robust image processing method involving a camera, sensor, light source, and an efficient computer vision algorithm.

• The device shall fit in a mailbox / PO box (compact) and have a solid method of attachment (i.e., sticky, magnet).

• The device shall have a long-lasting battery, and be energy efficient. In addition, the device shall be rechargeable or able to swap/change the battery.

• The device shall be compatible with wide wireless signal ranges.

• The device shall have secure methods of sending & computing data (via network security).

• The device shall be durable for outdoor conditions.