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.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for designating a location for a delivery item that is being sorted by an operator. The operator scans the delivery address of the item using a scanner having a particular attribute, such as being painted red. Using delivery address along with an identifier for the scanner that was used, the system determines a sort output location for the item, identifies a designator (e.g. a specific color, such as red) that corresponds to the scanner, and identifies an indicator device (e.g., a multicolor LED device) that corresponds to the sort output location. The system then commands the indicator device to present or display the designator. For example, the indicator device may be commanded to illuminate a LED to give off red light. The operator of the red scanner then places the item at the location corresponding to the red light designator.

Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking distribution items using hardware components on or in the distribution items. Shippers and recipients of distribution items can track or locate a distribution item, especially a high value item, if the distribution item is lost, misrouted, or delayed.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing digitally informed delivery of delivery items such as mail. The sender of a delivery item creates custom electronic text, files, images, web pages, or other electronic/digital resource(s) to provide to the recipient. A postage meter, a server of the delivery service, or the like creates a digital indicia that includes the digital resource, associating it with the delivery item. When the delivery item is processed by the delivery service equipment during transit, the digital indicia is read and the associated digital resource is are identified therefrom. The delivery service equipment transmits, to the delivery item recipient, an electronic notification indicating that the delivery item is en-route to the recipient, and also provides the associated digital resource. The recipient can then access the resource, e.g., the custom text, files, images or web pages associated with the delivery item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an automated measurement utility are disclosed. Image analysis is used to determine a quantity of items in a stack of items. The quantity of items can be determined further based on item information and location awareness information. The quantity of items can be used to determine resource requirements, predictive workloads, and to improve item processing operations.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and sequencing articles in a processing facility are disclosed. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter in stop group order. The second sorter can then sort the items into output bins in delivery sequence order.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and sequencing articles in a processing facility are disclosed. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter in stop group order. The second sorter can then sort the items into output bins in delivery sequence order.

Abstract: A system for processing delivery items, the system including a delivery item monitoring device comprising one or more sensor and a processor that is communicatively connected to the delivery item monitoring device and that is configured to perform operations comprising obtaining sensor data from the one or more sensor. The operations can also include calculating a depth of the received delivery items in the container based on the sensor data and generating an under-filled indicator, a transport indicator, or an over-filled indicator based on the depth of the received delivery items in the container. Furthermore, the operations can include transmitting the under-filled indicator, the transport indicator, or the over-filled indicator to a control system, wherein the under-filled indicator, the transport indicator, and the over-filled indicator designate how to process the container to the control system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for reading a barcode independently of image resolution or scale of a captured barcode image. In one embodiment, the system includes an optical sensor and a processor. The optical scanner can scan a barcode, including a plurality of bars and spaces, into a scanned image. The processor can convert the scanned image into binary data. The processor can also calculate numbers of ones (1s) between zeros (0s) in the binary data and determine widths of one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of ones (1s). The processor can further calculate numbers of zeros (0s) between ones (1s) in the binary data and determine widths of the other one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of zeros (0s).

Abstract: Autonomous delivery drop points for delivery of an item are provided. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a proxy sensor to communicate information related to the autonomous delivery drop point to an autonomous delivery vehicle. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a delivery inlet configured to accept the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a storage receptacle configured to store the item until the item is retrieved by the owner of the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include an attachment member coupled to the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a hook configured to couple to the attachment member to accept the item, wherein the hook comprises the proxy sensor.

Abstract: A self-weighing container for transporting delivery items includes a weight-sensing device that is configured to sense a weight of a delivery item that is placed inside the container; a microcontroller that is connected to the weight-sensing device; and a display that is connected to the microcontroller. When a delivery item is placed in the container, the weight-sensing device produces a signal that corresponds to the weight of the delivery item and the microcontroller receives the signal and determines the weight of the delivery item based on the signal. The microcontroller may transmit an indication of the weight to the display, which displays the weight based on the indication of the weight, or the microcontroller may transmit the weight to a smart phone for display.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods of towing, hitching, and connecting devices. In particular, this disclosure relates to tow devices, hitches, and connections for towing item containers behind vehicles, both autonomous and manually guided.

Abstract: Provided herein are processing systems including a camera that is arranged to capture an image of a delivery item. The system also includes a hardware processor that is operably connected to the camera and that is configured to perform operations that include capturing, using the camera, an image of a delivery item that is undeliverable to an intended recipient or at an intended delivery location, where the image includes an address of the intended recipient. The operations also include embedding, by the hardware processor, processing data with the image of the delivery item to thereby generate an embedded image, and notifying a sender of the delivery item that the delivery item is undeliverable using the embedded image. Also provided herein are related computer readable media and methods of processing delivery items that are undeliverable.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing content associated with an information item on a distribution item using a computing device. In one aspect a method includes identifying an image of an information item on a distribution item. The method further includes processing, in a processor the image, to generate a data item determined by the information item. The method further includes decoding the data item to determine a set of attributes of the distribution item. The method further includes retrieving content associated with the distribution item using at least one of the attributes in the set of attributes. The method further includes delivering content associated with the distribution item.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately sort items for delivery and track the delivery of items in an item distribution network using a purpose built confidence event recorder. Items can then be tracked while out for delivery through the use of confidence data recorded by a confidence event recorder carried by an item carrier. Confidence data can be used to accurately record when and where item carriers deliver items and can be used for generating and transmitting an expected delivery window.

Abstract: A content management system for customizing and controlling data distribution is disclosed. Data items can be customized and dispersed to disparate reception terminals according to various control mechanisms where they can convey relevant information to local or remote stakeholders. Data items can be integrated into existing data distribution structures in real time according to applicable control mechanisms and distribution protocols. Data resources can be efficiently used in distributing data under predefined and configurable conditions. Control mechanisms and distribution protocols can be determined based on an interested user's recognized status within the system. Design of the distribution system allows for informed delivery of essential information in a controlled and automated fashion such that users can interact with the system in receiving or distributing current and relevant information across the distribution network for others to access.

Abstract: An automated system for transferring articles from a container. An item transfer system includes a frame configured to receive a first tray and a second tray, a movable paddle assembly, a frame, and a plurality of actuators. The system is configured to transfer articles from the first tray to the second tray by an automated process including securing the articles within the first tray with the paddle assembly, moving a lifting assembly or an item support platform such that the articles are in a slidable configuration relative to the first tray, moving the paddle assembly and/or the item support platform in one or more linear translations to remove the items from the first tray and place the items above the second tray, and releasing the items into the second tray.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating container transportation. A method of autonomously transporting a cargo container includes aligning a distribution vehicle with the cargo container. The distribution vehicle is aligned with and hitched to the cargo container. An attachment can be connected to the cargo container for mating systems of the cargo container with the distribution vehicle. A system has inputs for vehicle and container location, arrival and departure times, facility plans, and can coordinate the autonomous movement of containers in a facility or a yard.

Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving tracking data regarding a delivery item, determining, based on the tracking data, whether supplemental content is associated with the delivery item, and automatically scheduling delivery of the supplemental content when supplemental content is associated with the delivery item.