This invention relates to apparatus for the exchange of a postal item for use particularly, but not exclusively, when the intended recipient of the postal item is absent from the exchange location.

Many items sent by post or courier require signed confirmation of receipt by the recipient. This allows the sender to confirm that the package has been received safely, and has not been mislaid in transit. However, this kind of arrangement is dependent on the intended recipient being present at the point of delivery to sign the appropriate documents. If that person is absent, the package may have to be transported to a depot and collected at some inconvenience to the recipient, or re-delivered at another time or to another address, or even returned to the sender. Each of these events incurs unnecessary cost.

To avoid the problems associated with missing a delivery, many people will wait for prolonged periods at one address, which is inconvenient and wastes time.

Further, if a postal item is to be securely collected from one location, the sender must be present to ensure a safe exchange.

GB2406201 in the name of the applicant disclosed apparatus for exchange of a postal item comprising a container provided with lock means, control means adapted to control the lock means and to communicate with communication means at a different location, in which the lock means can be operated by the communication means, when it is in communication with the control means, in use.

In one embodiment the control means comprised a computer provided with a first telephone, and the communication means at a different location was a second telephone. A signal could be sent between the first telephone and the second telephone to operate the lock means. The control means further comprised an intercom provided adjacent the container and connected to the computer, such that a telephone call between the first telephone and the second telephone could be accessed at the intercom.

Therefore, a courier arriving at the point of delivery operates the intercom, and a telephone call is made to the recipient, at a different location. After a telephone conversation to confirm the identity of the courier, the recipient sends a signal with their telephone which opens the lock, allowing the courier to place the postal item inside.

However, the arrangement disclosed in GB2406201 was not satisfactory because it did not allow for sufficient exchange confirmation to be provided to interested parties, such as the courier company, the product retailer, the provider of the apparatus nor the consumer. In addition, there was no means by which the exchange could be actively monitored by any of these interested parties. Further, there was no means by which deliveries or collections could be recorded and stored for future reference.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.

Therefore, according to the present invention apparatus for exchange of a postal item comprises a container, control means and remote customer communication means, in which the container is closable and comprises a lock means adapted to lock it closed, in which the control means is adapted to communicate with the remote customer communication means, in which the control means is adapted to open and close the lock means when in receipt of a p re-determined signal from the remote customer communications means, characterised in which: the apparatus further comprises a first remote monitoring means and receipt confirmation means adapted to perform a receipt confirmation function, in which the control means is adapted to communicate with the first remote monitoring means, and to send a receipt confirmation signal thereto once the receipt confirmation function has been performed. Therefore, once the receipt confirmation function has been performed, the first remote monitoring means is informed. Thus, a service provider operating the first remote monitoring means can remotely monitor the delivery or collection from afar, and keep an up to date record of progress, and this information can be made available for remote access by the other interested parties, for example over the Internet

The apparatus of the invention is primarily for use in receiving postal items, but it can also be used to allow them to be collected from within the container. Some of the terminology used herein refers to the receiving of a postal item as opposed to allowing it to be collected, for example the terms "receipt confirmation means" used above, and "delivery confirmation means" used below. However, these terms are used for ease of explanation only, and they should be understood to also refer to instances where a postal item is collected. For example, the "receipt confirmation means" can also obviously function to provide confirmation of a collection.

The receipt confirmation function can be any function or actionable event which can be performed when the container is accessed in use by the courier.

In one embodiment the receipt confirmation means can comprise a camera, and the receipt confirmation function can comprise the capture of a still or moving image of a postal item being placed in the container or removed therefrom. The camera can be positioned adjacent to the container, so the still or moving images can show the whole process of the container being opened, accessed and closed. Alternatively the camera can be positioned inside the container. The receipt confirmation signal can comprise said captured still or moving image. With this arrangement the service provider, and then other interested parties can actually see the postal item being delivered, or collected,

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and the still or moving image can be stored for future reference. It will be appreciated how this arrangement can be readily realised with modern digital cameras and digital communication means. However, in an alternative construction the receipt confirmation means can comprise sensor means adapted to sense the open and closed state of the container, and the receipt conformation function can comprise the recording of the opening and closing of the container in use. The receipt conformation signal can comprise data relating to the recorded open and closed state of the container.

Alternatively, the receipt confirmation means can comprise a weight scale, and the receipt confirmation function can comprise the weighing of a postal item placed in the container or removed therefrom in use. The receipt confirmation signal can comprise data relating to the weighing of the postal item placed in the container or removed therefrom.

In another version of the invention the receipt confirmation means can comprise a Near Field UHF Tag reader adapted to read a Near Field UHF Tag carried by the postal item being received. The receipt confirmation signal can comprise data relating to the Near Field UHF tag carried by the postal item. This embodiment of the invention is only applicable where the apparatus is used to receive items, however it has the added advantage that individual items received can be uniquely identified.

The first remote monitoring means can comprise a service provider computer, and the control means can be adapted to communicate with the service provider computer over a communications network. This arrangement can be performed in any of the known ways, including using a telecommunications network, the Internet, Bluetooth and so on. Therefore, once the delivery has been completed, the control means can immediately, or soon thereafter, initiate communications with the service provider computer, by means of a telephone call or a link over the Internet, and the receipt confirmation signal can be sent.

The service provider computer can comprise a database and a connection to the Internet, and the database can contain data relating to receipt confirmation signals received in use, which can be accessible remotely over the Internet. Therefore, the service provider can keep a record of all the deliveries and collections performed by the apparatus. This information can be "live" in the sense that as soon as a delivery or collection is made and the receipt confirmation signal received, that information can be made available. Any interested parties can access this information on line, and obtain up to date information. Customers in particular can also see the history of the use of their container, and how many times deliveries have been made and so on. Computer programs adapted to facilitate such functions are well known, and are not further described here.

In a preferred construction the control means can comprise a computer, a first telephone and an intercom. The intercom can be provided adjacent the container, and can be adapted to function as the speaker and microphone of the first telephone. In one version of the invention the camera can also form a part of the intercom unit. The remote customer communication means can comprise a customer telephone, and the control means can be adapted to initiate a telephone call to the customer telephone when the intercom is operated. Therefore, the courier and the customer can speak to one another to confirm the details of the delivery or the collection, before the customer can send the signal to open the container.

The apparatus can further comprise a door bell. The intercom can comprise a first button and a second button; operation of the first button can activate the door bell and initiate a telephone call to the customer telephone, and operation of the second button can simply activate the door bell. The first button can be labelled "Deliveries" and the second button can be labelled "Door Bell". Therefore when a courier presses the "Deliveries" button the door bell will ring, and anyone inside the property can answer the door. At the same time a call to the customer telephone will be made, so if no-one is present at the address the customer will be contacted. The intercom can be further adapted to cancel the telephone call to the customer telephone when either the first or second button is depressed for five seconds, so a customer present at the address can cancel the call to the customer telephone which has been made. The presence of the second button allows visitors to the address to attempt to raise anyone inside without initiating a telephone call to the customer telephone.

Preferably the computer of the control means can comprise a clock function and a database, and time and event type data can be entered into the database when any of the above described events occur, so a complete record is created. Data can be entered into the database when the first button is operated, when a telephone call to the customer is answered, when a telephone call to the customer is not answered, when a telephone call to the customer is ended, when the pre-determined signal is received, when the container is opened, when the receipt confirmation function is performed and when the receipt confirmation signal is sent.

All this time and event type data can be sent to the first remote monitoring means with the receipt confirmation signal, and this data can be made available on the Internet. Thus, the interested parties can access a complete record of what happened and when. This is particularly useful if the customer was not able to answer the customer telephone when it was called, and they want to confirm whether the courier did or did not arrive at the point of delivery or collection and try to raise them.

In addition, the service provider may monitor a large number of separate apparatus belonging to a large number of customers, and all this data can be compiled for evaluation. For example, the service provider can evaluate the success levels of its service, and compile useful data on performance.

In a preferred version of the invention the apparatus can also comprise second remote monitoring means and delivery confirmation means adapted to perform a delivery confirmation function. The delivery confirmation function can be only performable when the container is open. The delivery confirmation means can be adapted to communicate with the second remote monitoring means, and to send a delivery confirmation signal thereto once the delivery confirmation function has been performed. With this extra feature the courier company can remotely monitor the delivery or collection directly rather than through the service provider, and keep its own up to date record of progress.

The delivery confirmation means can comprise a courier communication means and an identifier inside the container. The courier communication means can be adapted to allow for the identifier to be recorded, and it can be adapted to communicate with the second remote monitoring means and to send said delivery confirmation signal thereto once the identifier has been recorded.

In a simple version of this arrangement the identifier can comprise indicia, and the courier communication means can be adapted to allow for the indicia to be manually inputted thereto. The indicia can be a number, and the courier communication means can comprise a key pad adapted to allow the number to be manually inputted.

Alternatively, the identifier can comprise automatically recordable data, and the courier communication means can be adapted to automatically record said data. There are various known ways this can be done, for example the identifier can comprise a bar code, and the courier communication means can be adapted to scan said bar code. In anther version the identifier can comprise a Near Field UHF Tag, and the courier communication means can be adapted to detect said Near Field UHF Tag.

The second remote monitoring means can comprise a courier company computer, and the courier communication means can comprise a portable computer adapted to communicate with the courier company computer over a communications network. This arrangement can be performed in any of the known ways, including using a telecommunications network, the Internet, Bluetooth and so on.

As with the service provider computer described above, the courier company computer can comprise a database and a connection to the Internet, and the database can contain data relating to delivery confirmation signals received in use, which can be accessible remotely over the Internet. Therefore, the courier company can keep a record of all its deliveries, which can be "live" in the sense that as soon as a delivery is made that information can be made available. Again, interested parties can access this information on line, and obtain up to date information.

The customer telephone number can be removably stored in the database of the computer of the control means, such that it can be readily changed.

Preferably the container can comprise a visual indicator adapted to indicate when the lock means is opened. The container can also comprise a base portion and a door portion, which can be mounted on hinges adapted to bias it into a closed position. With this construction the container will automatically close after a delivery or collection, so the courier does not have to be relied upon.

The lock means can be open and closable with a key, so the customer can manually access the interior. The container can also be provided with an alarm adapted to activate if the door is opened without the use of the key or without the predetermined signal being received by the control means.

An electricity supply for the components described above may be supplied from the premises where the container is installed, from a battery or from a solar panel.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic display of apparatus for exchange of a postal item according to the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1 apparatus for exchange of a postal item 1 comprises a container 2, control means, in the form of base station 3, and remote customer communication means, in the form of customer mobile telephone 4. The container 2 is closable and comprises a lock means (not visible) adapted to lock it closed. The base station 3 is adapted to communicate with the customer mobile telephone 4, as indicated by arrow A. This is performed in the known way over a telecommunications network. As described further below the base station 3 is adapted to open and close the lock means when in receipt of a p re-determined signal from the customer mobile telephone 4.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a first remote monitoring means, in the form of service provider PC 5, and receipt confirmation means, in the form of CCTV camera 6. The receipt confirmation means are adapted to perform a receipt confirmation function, in the form of capturing a moving image of the container 2 being opened, accessed and closed.

The service provider PC 5 is a PC of a known construction, which comprises at least a database and a connection, as indicated by arrow C, to the Internet 7, which is performed in any of the known ways. The database is adapted to contain data relating to receipt confirmation signals received in use. The service provider PC 5 is further adapted to allow this information to be accessed remotely over the Internet 7.

In Figure 1 customer PCs 8 are shown, which comprise at least a connection, as indicated by arrows D, to the Internet 7, and any of the known Internet browser programs. As such, the customers using the system can monitor the delivery via access to the service provider PC 5.

In addition, Figure 1 also shows courier company PC 9, and sender PC 10. Again, both comprises at least a connection, as indicated by arrows E and F, to the Internet 7, and any of the known Internet browser programs. As such, the courier company and a sender of a postal item can monitor the delivery via access to the information hosted by the service provider PC 5.

Access to the service provider PC 5 can be security restricted in any of the known ways. In particular, the customers, the courier company and the sender can be provided with security codes to allow them to access the information on the service provider PC 5. As such, this information is not made available to the general public. Likewise, the customers, the courier company and the sender can have accounts with the service provider, such that only information which is relevant to them can be accessed. Software to provide for all these features is well known, and is not further described here.

Therefore, the service provider can keep a record of all the deliveries and collections performed by the apparatus 1. This information can be "live" in the sense that as soon as a delivery or collection is made that information can be made available. Users, and in particular the intended recipient, can access this information on line, and obtain up to date information. Customers can also see the history of the use of their container, and how many times deliveries have been made and so on.

In Figure 1 line 11 indicates the separation between the components of the apparatus 1 which are at the location of the container 2, and those components which are remote from that location.

Referring to the on-site equipment, the base station 3 comprises a computer and a first telephone function, and the control means also comprises an intercom 12. The on-site equipment is located at the customer's delivery address, which is likely to be their home address. The container 2 is provided at the front door of that address, and the intercom 12 is provided adjacent the container 2, for example where a front door bell or ordinary intercom would normally be located. The intercom 12 is provided with a speaker and microphone in the known way, and it is adapted to function as the speaker and microphone of the first telephone. To facilitate this function the base station 3 and the intercom communicate with one another via a radio link, as indicated by arrow G. The base station 3 is located within the delivery address.

The computer of the base station 3 comprises software which facilitates the calling of the customer mobile telephone 4 over a telecommunications network in the known way. The computer of the base station 3 is provided with a database which has the number of the customer mobile telephone 4 stored therein. This can be changed via manual access of the base station 3, in any of the known ways that such data entry can be done. The intercom 12 is provided with a first button 13, the operation of which initiates a door bell which is integral with the base station 3, and a telephone call with the customer mobile telephone 4 via the computer of the base station 3. The first button 13 can be provided with a label indicating its purpose, for example "Deliveries".

The intercom 12 is also provided with a second button 14, the operation of which simply initiates the door bell. The second button 14 can be provided with a label indicating its purpose, for example "Door Bell".

The intercom 12 is adapted such that once a telephone call to the customer mobile telephone 4 is initiated via depression of the first button 13, depression of either the first 13 or second button 14 for five seconds cancels that telephone call. This allows a customer who answers the door to stop an unnecessary call to the customer mobile telephone 4.

The presence of the second button 14 allows visitors to the address to attempt to raise anyone inside without initiating a telephone call to the customer mobile telephone 4.

The CCTV camera 6 is trained on the area of the container 2, such that it can capture a moving image of a courier opening the container 2, accessing its interior, and closing it again. The CCTV camera 6 is electronically connected to the base station 3, as indicated by arrow I. so the computer in the base station 3 can control the operation of the CCTV camera 6, and so that the moving images captured by the CCTV camera 6 are transmitted to the base station 3.

The computer of the base station 3 comprises a clock function and a database, and time and event type data is entered into the database as "timestamps" when various monitorable events occur. In particular, a timestamp is entered in the database whenever the first button 13 is operated, when a telephone call to the customer mobile telephone 4 is answered, when a telephone call to the customer mobile telephone 4 is not answered, when a telephone call to the customer mobile telephone 4 is ended, when the pre-determined signal is received from the customer mobile telephone 4, when the container 2 door is opened or closed, and when the moving image is captured.

The computer of the base station 3 can be further adapted to send all this recorded timestamp information to the service provider PC 5. The service provider PC 5 can be adapted to make this information available over the Internet 7 in the manner described above. As such, the customer can access a complete record of what happened and when. This is particularly useful if the customer was not able to answer the customer mobile telephone 4 when it was called, and they want to confirm whether the courier did or did not arrive at the point of delivery and try to raise them.

Each time the base station 3 communicates with the service provider PC 5 its internal real time clock is updated with the current time. In addition, the base station 3 is adapted to contact the service provider PC 5 when it is turned on for the very first time, in order to obtain the accurate time. A suitable confirmation mechanism is used to ensure that any and all data transferred between the base station 3 and the service provider PC 5 has completed successfully.

The container 2 has an indicator light 15 which illuminates when the lock means is unlocked and the container 2 can be opened. The container 2 comprises a base portion 16 and a door portion 17, which is mounted on hinges 18 adapted to bias it into a closed position. With this construction the container 2 automatically closes after a delivery or collection, so the courier does not have to be relied upon. The lock means (not shown) is adapted to lock the door 17 a predetermined time after it has been unlocked. This amount of time is sufficient for the door 17 to be opened, for a postal item to be placed therein, and for the door 17 to be closed again. If the door is still open after this time has elapsed, it will lock immediately upon being closed once more. The base station 3 and the container 2 communicate with one another via a radio link, as indicated by arrow H, for the purpose of locking and unlocking the container 2.

The lock means is open and closable with a key operated handle 19, so the customer can manually access the interior. The container 2 also has an alarm (not visible) which is adapted to activate if the door 17 is opened without the use of the key or without the predetermined signal being received from the customer mobile telephone 4.

The base station 3 is provided with power from a mains electricity supply at the address. The container 2, the CCTV camera 6 and the intercom 12 are provided with power from individual internal battery sources.

The apparatus 1 also comprises second remote monitoring means, in the form of the courier company PC 9, and delivery confirmation means, in the form of a Near Field UHF Tag (not visible) provided inside the container 2, and portable computer 20, which is adapted to scan for a Near Field UHF Tag. The delivery conformation means are adapted to perform a delivery confirmation function, in the form of the scanning of the Near Field UHF Tag and the recording of a unique identifier associated therewith, which is only performable when the container 2 is open.

The portable computer 20 is adapted to communicate with the courier company PC 9, as indicated by arrow J, and to send a delivery confirmation signal thereto once the delivery confirmation function has been performed. Again, this communication is performed in a known way over a telecommunications network.

The courier company PC 9 is a PC of a known construction, which, as referred to above, comprises at least a database and a connection, as indicated by arrow E, to the Internet 7,. The database is adapted to contain data relating to delivery confirmation signals received in use. The courier company PC 8 is further adapted to allow this information to be accessed remotely over the Internet 7. Software adapted to perform these functions is well known, and is not further described here. Therefore, the courier company can keep a record of all its deliveries, which can be "live" in the sense that as soon as a delivery is made that information can be made available. Again, interested parties can access this information on line, and obtain up to date information. This information can be accessed by the sender PC 10, and by any of the customer PCs 8 in similar ways to how they can access information on the service provider PC 5. In particular security measures can be provided, as well as accounts tailored to suit each particular party.

Therefore, in use a postal item is dispatched to the delivery address, and a courier arrives on-site to deliver it. The courier depresses the first button 13, which operates the door bell and initiates a telephone call to the customer mobile telephone 4. The base station 3 tries to connect a telephone call with the customer mobile telephone 4, according to the entry in the database. When this action is performed a timestamp is entered into the database. If anyone is present at the address they answer the door, and collect the postal item The telephone call to the customer mobile telephone 4 can be cancelled at this point by pressing either the first button 13 or the second button 14 for five seconds. If the customer has their mobile telephone 4 they can of course also use it to refuse the call. If no one answers the door the courier awaits an answer from the customer mobile telephone 4. When the first button 13 is depressed the computer of the base station 3 activates the CCTV camera 6, and it begins to record a digital moving image of the area around the container 2, which will include the courier himself.

If the customer mobile telephone 4 is not answered then the courier has no option but to leave the address without having delivered the postal item. If this occurs, a timestamp is entered into the database to record it. The CCTV camera 6 is also deactivated so the digital moving image is completed, and this is sent to the base station as data. The base station 3 initiates a telephone call to the service provider PC 5 and sends the timestamp information and the digital moving image, where they are stored in the database and made available over the Internet 7 as described above. As such, the customer can check on-line to see if the courier tried to contact them and was unable to do so.

At this point the courier can use the portable computer 20 to initiate a telephone call to the courier company PC 9 to confirm that the delivery was not made. This information can also be stored and made available over the Internet 7 as described above.

However, if the customer mobile telephone 4 is answered a telephone call is conducted between the customer and the courier via the intercom 12. The courier and the customer speak to one another to confirm the details of the delivery, before the customer sends the signal to open the container 2. The customer enters a pre-determined code number into their mobile telephone 4, and this is sent to the base station 3 for confirmation. If the signal is correct the base station 3 sends a radio signal to the container 2, and it is unlocked. When this occurs the indicator light 15 illuminates.

The courier then opens the door 17 and places the postal item inside the container 2.

At some point while the door 17 is open the courier uses their portable computer 20 to scan for the Near Field UHF Tag inside the container 2. The portable computer 20 indicates when this has been completed, for example by emitting a sound. When this action is performed the unique identifier associated with the Near Field UHF Tag is detected and recorded by the portable computer 20.

The door 16 is then closed, either manually, or by virtue of its hinges 17, and shortly thereafter the lock means automatically re-engages, and the indicator light 14 goes out.

All this activity is recorded by the CCTV camera 6, which stops recording once the door 17 is locked shut, which is either when it is closed by the courier, or a short time afterwards. The digital moving images is then sent to the base station 3 as data

Timestamps are entered into the database of the base station 3 when the customer mobile telephone 4 is answered, when the signal is received therefrom, when the container 2 is opened, when the postal item is placed therein, and when the container 2 is closed and locked again.

The base station 3 then initiates a telephone call to the service provider PC 5, as indicated by arrow B. During this brief telephone call the base station 3 sends the timestamp information and the digital moving image taken by the CCTV camera 6 to the service provider PC 5, where it is entered into the database of that PC. This information is then made available over the Internet 7, as described above.

When the customer returns to the address, they use the key to unlock the container 2 and remove the postal item.

In addition, after the exchange has taken place the portable computer 20, either automatically or manually, initiates a telephone call to the courier company PC 9 as indicated by arrow J. During this brief telephone call the portable computer 20 sends the unique identifier to the courier company PC 9, where it is received and an entry into the database of that PC is made to show that the delivery has been successful. (The unique identifier can also be checked against an entry in the database to confirm that the postal item was delivered to the correct address. This stored identifier can be provided by the service provider.)

This information is then made available over the Internet 7, as described above.

The use of the CCTV Camera 6 has one particular advantage, which is that if the apparatus 1 is used more than once during a customer's absence, the moving image captured by the CCTV Camera 6 will show if a postal item placed in the container 2 is removed therefrom without approval by a second or subsequent courier. This provides a level of security against theft or misuse.

As referred to above, the apparatus 1 can be used to allow a postal item to be collected. The process is the same as that described above, except that the postal item is placed in the container 2 by the customer before they leave the address, and the courier removes it therefrom when the container 2 is opened for them. The CCTV Camera 6 is used to show that the postal item was removed from the container 2, and the Near Field UHF Tag is scanned to confirm receipt thereof.

Figure 1 shows an illustrative example of the invention in which only one container 2 is provided. However, it will be appreciated that in use there could be a large number of containers 2 at different locations, according to the number of customers of the service. Where multiple containers 2 are used, there is still only one service provider PC 5, and it is contacted individually by each base station 3 in use.

In addition, the apparatus 1 comprises only one container 2, but it is also possible for more than one container to be provided at one address, with each one provided with its own intercom 13, but with one base station 3 controlling both systems.

There courier company could also deliver to multiple containers 2, in which case there is still only one courier company PC 9, and it is contacted individually by each portable computer 20, each time a delivery or collection is made. There could also be a plurality of courier companies using the same system, and for each one there is a separate courier company PC, like PC 9, which is contacted by its particular portable computers 20 accordingly.

Where multiple containers 2 are used, both the service provider and the courier company can compile illustrative data on the performance of the apparatus 1, based on all the information which is received. For example, the service provider can evaluate the success levels of its service, and compile useful data on performance.

The apparatus 1 can be altered without departing from the scope of Claim 1. In particular, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the delivery confirmation function comprises indicia entered manually into the portable computer, and a bar code which is scanned by the portable computer. In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the receipt confirmation means comprises sensor means adapted to sense the open and closed state of the container, and the receipt conformation function comprises the recording of the opening and closing of the container in use.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the receipt confirmation means comprises a weight scale inside the container adapted to sense the placing or removing of an item therefrom.

In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown) the receipt confirmation means comprises a Near Field UHF Tag reader adapted to read a Near Field UHF Tag carried by the postal item being received, and the receipt confirmation signal comprises data relating to the Near Field UHF Tag carried by the postal item.

The CCTV camera 6 is shown in apparatus 1 as a separate device which communicates with the base station 3, however in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the CCTV camera is integral to the intercom.

In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown) the CCTV camera is housed inside the container, so it captures a still or moving image of the placing of a postal item in the container, or being removed therefrom, from within the container itself.

Thus apparatus for exchange of a postal item is provided, which allows for the remote monitoring of the exchange, and the compiling of useful data on the performance of the system.