Abstract: An intelligent item receptacle, system, and method for providing supplemental media content in response to depositing an item having media indicia disposed thereon. An intelligent item receptacle includes an item receptacle securely enclosing an interior volume, an item sensor configured to detect an inserted item, a camera within the interior volume configured to capture an image of the item, and an output configured to play audio or visual content to bystanders outside the item receptacle. Processing circuitry within the item receptacle analyzes the image to determine if the media indicia are present on the item and, if present, causes the output to play the audio or visual content associated with the media indicia.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.

Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving a request to display a calendar associated with a delivery point of a user, accessing shipment information associated with the user, the shipment information including a record of physical delivery items and electronic delivery items, and displaying, for each day on the calendar, a count of the physical delivery items and electronic delivery items.

Abstract: A receptacle for detecting delivery and retrieval events has a door sensor, an item sensor, a scanner, and a control unit for operating the sensors, and transmitting the sensor information for processing and analysis. A system can determine whether an event was a delivery or retrieval event based on sensor information and item tracking information. A system can further include an item configured to interact with a computing device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for producing audio for, or adding audio capability to, a collection box for delivery items that includes a user-operated door for putting items into the collection box. The system can include a processing subsystem, an audio transducer, a trigger device that is connected to, or that is part of, the door of the collection device, and a sensor. The sensor detects the trigger device when the trigger device is in close proximity (e.g., in contact), and the sensor is positioned such that it is in close proximity with the trigger device when the door is closed. In response to the trigger device moving out of close proximity, the sensor generates a signal to the processing system. In response, the processing system generates an audio signal that is converted to sound by the audio transducer, which can be heard outside of the collection box.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a location identifier using a location code and a grid coordinate. The location code corresponds to a defined geographical area, such as a postal code or an area code. A grid coordinate can be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined position, or other reference to a specific physical location. The location identifier is combined with the location code to generate a location identifier, which can be encoded in a computer readable format and placed on items for use in a distribution network. The location identifier can be used to facilitate domestic or international distribution of items using a common format or addressing scheme. The domestic and foreign distribution networks read and interpret location identifiers in order to deliver items.

Abstract: A transport equipment label bracket that can be used during tracking and/or locating of delivery item(s) (e.g. mail) positioned on or in delivery-item transport equipment such as a delivery-item transport cart. The bracket can have positioned thereon a permanent first identifier and a permanent second identifier, which may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip. The bracket can further include a placard mount for temporarily positioning a placard such as a delivery-item transport equipment label, which can represent the delivery item(s) that are in or on the delivery-item transport equipment. The placard and either/both of the first identifier and the second identifier can be scanned to associate or conjoin the placard with the RFID chip as represented in a computerized delivery-item-tracking system. Thereafter, the RFID chip can be scanned to identify a location of the placard and thus the location of the delivery-item transport cart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting items for delivery to delivery points, using delivery point compression. Items can be sorted and sequenced for delivery by a sorting machine having a finite number of sorting destinations. For routes having more delivery points than the number of sorting destinations, delivery point compression allows sorting destination assignments that eliminate delivery points not likely to receive any items. Sorting destination assignments can be performed by a processor of the sorting machine based on expected item information and delivery point item frequency scores.

Abstract: A system and method of augmenting a delivery route. The method comprises receiving first location information from a first position device and receiving second location information from a second position device. The method further comprises storing the first and second location information in a memory structure and determining, based on at least one of the first and second information, a time and a location for each of a plurality of stops. The method also comprises reconciling the determined time and location of each of the plurality of stops with a stored route comprising a plurality of stored stops, the stored stops having a stored location and a stored time associated therewith and estimating a plurality of transition times between pairs of the plurality of stops.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional measuring system is disclosed. The measuring system includes a dimensional measuring device that fits over an exterior portion of an item and provides reference measurements in three orthogonal directions. The measuring system also includes a camera to take an image of the item with the dimensional measuring placed thereon and a hardware processor that receives and processes the image to determine the dimensions of the item based upon the reference measurements of the dimensional measuring device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic document authentication are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating an electronic postmark includes receiving, via a server, a request message from an electronic network, the request message comprising request data including payload data and meta data, generating a timestamp in response to receiving the message, hashing the payload data to generate a payload hash, digitally signing the metadata, the payload hash, and the timestamp to generate a digital signature, generating a response message, the response message generated to comprise the metadata, the payload hash, the timestamp, and the digital signature; and transmitting the response message onto the electronic network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic document authentication are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating an electronic postmark includes receiving, via a server, a request message from an electronic network, the request message comprising request data including payload data and meta data, generating a timestamp in response to receiving the message, hashing the payload data to generate a payload hash, digitally signing the metadata, the payload hash, and the timestamp to generate a digital signature, generating a response message, the response message generated to comprise the metadata, the payload hash, the timestamp, and the digital signature; and transmitting the response message onto the electronic network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for universal item returns. A universal returns systems allows a user the ability to return an item via a distribution network whether the item was purchased at a retail location, delivered by the distribution network, or delivered by another entity. The universal returns system comprises a user interface a return request. Based on the return request, the system obtains transaction information, provides a return code, and allows scheduling item pick-up.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking items. A system for tracking an item is configured to scan the item for a computer readable code and convert the computer readable code into a digital identifier associated with the item. The system includes a controller circuit configured to receive authentication information from the mobile computing device, receive a request from the mobile computing device, comprising the digital identifier and a request for information relating to the item. When the memory has the information, the controller circuit obtains the information from the memory and generates an output comprising the digital identifier and the information for display. The output is based on a comparison of a location of the mobile computing device and an expected location of the item.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods and systems for a digital trust architecture are provided. In some aspects, the architecture includes a user account provisioning process. The provisioning process may make use of in person verifications of some personal information to ensure authenticity of the user information. Once the authenticity of user information is established, an account may be created. The user account may include a user email account, with integrated access to digital certificates linked to the user account. Account creation may also automatically publish the new user's public key in a publicly accessible directory, enabling encrypted email information to be easily sent to the new user.

Abstract: A system and method for the use of geo-fences to coordinate and track delivery of items. In some embodiments, the system comprising a mobile delivery device comprising a vector calculation module configured to determine a motion vector associated with the mobile delivery device, a geo-location module configured to determine a geo-location associated with a mobile delivery device, and a geo-fence database configured to determine a size of at least one geo-fence associated with at least one location and determine whether the mobile delivery device is within the geo-fence. In some embodiments, the size of the geo-fence is determined at least in part on the motion vector determined by the vector calculation module.

Abstract: A portable workstation apparatus includes: a pair of collapsible legs. Each leg incudes a frame, a first extension, a second extension, a lower post housed within a sleeve, an upper post, a hinge connecting the lower post and the upper post, a first brace connecting the first extension to the sleeve, a second brace connecting the second extension to the sleeve, multiple holes on an exterior face of the lower post or the upper post. Each leg is configured to collapse by folding the upper post towards the lower post via the hinge and rotating the first extension and the second extension toward the lower post. The apparatus further includes a height-adjustable desk portion capable of being attached to the pair of collapsible legs via a pair of brackets and capable of being removed from the pair of collapsible legs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for attaching and detaching an item satchel from an autonomous delivery unit. An attachment system includes an attachment system frame, and a satchel comprising a plurality of external pins. The attachment system also includes a plurality of hooks, mechanically attached to the frame, each hook including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, one or more electric actuators, mechanically attached to the frame, and mechanically connected to the plurality of hooks. Each of the first engagement surfaces engage a corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at a first position between the horizontal and vertical positions, and each of the second engagement surfaces engage the corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at the vertical position to secure an item satchel to an autonomous delivery unit.

Abstract: A system and method of verifying the identity of a user or registrant. The user or registrant provides identification information and registration information. The identification information may be a visual representation of an identifying item associated with location information. In some embodiments, the identification information may be a visual representation of a government issued identity. An identification module verifies the identification information and compares the verified identification information to the registration information.

Abstract: A distribution item includes a first item comprising a container having an outer surface defining an enclosed space. A computer-readable code is disposed on the outer surface. The computer-readable code is associated with a first level entity. The first item also includes destination information associated with a second level entity disposed on the outer surface. The distribution item also includes one or more second items removably positioned within the enclosed space of the first item. Each of the one or more second items includes the computer-readable code associated with the first level entity.