Abstract: A plurality of module twins that respectively correspond to a plurality of modules of edge applications on a plurality of edge devices are stored. The plurality of module twins individually include metadata associated with the corresponding module of the plurality of modules. At least one further module to be deployed is determined. Edge devices of the plurality of edge devices to receive the determined at least one module are identified. The determined at least one further module is caused to be deployed to the identified edge devices. In response to deploying the determined at least one further module, the plurality of module twins is updated by adding, to the plurality of modules twins, modules twins corresponding to the deployed modules.

Abstract: A plurality of module twins that respectively correspond to modules of a plurality of modules of an edge application are stored on an edge device, and the modules comprise the edge application. The modules of the plurality of modules are capable of being used interoperably with other modules without altering the other modules. The plurality of module twins individually include metadata associated with the corresponding module of the plurality of modules. Communications are enabled between the modules of the plurality of modules and the IoT support service according to a common security context, and the metadata of each module twin of the plurality of module twins is synchronized based on the module.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for engaging a service provider to perform a delivery service to redirect a shipment to be delivered to an alternative intended destination upon receipt of a redirection request. Based on a monitored current location of a last mile delivery vehicle scheduled to deliver the shipment to an initial intended destination, a computing entity monitors the location of available service providers capable of meeting the last mile delivery vehicle to pick up the shipment and transport the shipment to the alternative intended destination. The computing entity may engage one of the service providers by transmitting a signal to a mobile computing entity carried by the service provider and may monitor the service provider's progress in meeting the last mile delivery vehicle and transporting the shipment to the alternative intended destination.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to communications in an IoT environment. In one example of the technology, a virtual IoT device is maintained and controlled to act as a representation of a connected device. Communications are received from an IoT support service. The received communications from the IoT support service are acted in response to, including sending communications to the IoT support service in response to the received communications, and changing the virtual IoT device as if the virtual IoT device were the connected device. The connected device is communicated with based on changes in the virtual IoT device.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to communications in an IoT environment. In one example of the technology, device twins for corresponding IoT devices are stored, wherein the device twins include metadata that is associated with the corresponding IoT devices. A schedule job instruction may be received, and at least one candidate IoT device among the IoT devices that is associated with the schedule job instruction may be identified. In some examples, executors associated with the at least one candidate IoT device are created, and jobs are executed via the executors such that the executors are capable of resuming execution after at least one of an outage or a failure.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for engaging a service provider to perform a delivery service to redirect a shipment to be delivered to an alternative intended destination upon receipt of a redirection request. Based on a monitored current location of a last mile delivery vehicle scheduled to deliver the shipment to an initial intended destination, a computing entity monitors the location of available service providers capable of meeting the last mile delivery vehicle to pick up the shipment and transport the shipment to the alternative intended destination. The computing entity may engage one of the service providers by transmitting a signal to a mobile computing entity carried by the service provider and may monitor the service provider's progress in meeting the last mile delivery vehicle and transporting the shipment to the alternative intended destination.

Abstract: One or more identifiers are received based on an electronic scan of computer-readable indicia. The computer-readable indicia being coupled to an asset. The asset is associated with one or more shipping operations. Based at least in part on the one or more identifiers, it is determined that the asset is requested for return. Based at least in part on the one or more identifiers, a shipping label corresponding to a destination location for the asset to be returned to is automatically generated or a location for the asset to be delivered to is automatically changed.

Abstract: A plurality of module twins that respectively correspond to modules of a plurality of modules of an edge application are stored on an edge device, and the modules comprise the edge application. The modules of the plurality of modules are capable of being used interoperably with other modules without altering the other modules. The plurality of module twins individually include metadata associated with the corresponding module of the plurality of modules. Communications are enabled between the modules of the plurality of modules and the IoT support service according to a common security context, and the metadata of each module twin of the plurality of module twins is synchronized based on the module.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one aspect, a connection between an electronic door hanger and a customer computing entity can be established at a customer's location. With a connection established, information about an attempted (e.g., successful/unsuccessful) pick-up or delivery can be automatically provided to the customer computing entity.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to communications in an IoT environment. In one example of the technology, device twins for corresponding IoT devices are stored, wherein the device twins include metadata that is associated with the corresponding IoT devices. A schedule job instruction may be received, and at least one candidate IoT device among the IoT devices that is associated with the schedule job instruction may be identified. In some examples, executors associated with the at least one candidate IoT device are created, and jobs are executed via the executors such that the executors are capable of resuming execution after at least one of an outage or a failure.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one embodiment, computing entities can establish direct communications with one another using a variety of protocols and standards. Such direction communications can be monitored or attempted to be established to determine whether an item is allowed or disallowed for delivery.

Abstract: Metadata associated with IoT devices is stored. The metadata may include categories associated with the IoT devices. At least a first category may be hierarchical such that the first category includes at least two hierarchical levels, with each hierarchical level including at least two categories, and such that each category in a hierarchical level that is below another hierarchical level is a subset of one of the categories in the hierarchical levels above that hierarchical level. User information associated with users is stored. A request associated with one of the users and further associated with access to at least one of the IoT devices is received. Responsive to the request, the access is selectively granted to the at least one of the IoT devices based upon the stored user information and the stored metadata.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device and a method for operating the electrochemical device for inducing specific behaviours in its chemical kinetics by supplying externally selected random (stochastic) voltage perturbations while the electrochemical system is operating in a non-oscillatory regime.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one embodiment, computing entities can establish direct communications with one another using a variety of protocols and standards. Such direction communications can be monitored or attempted to be established to determine whether an item is allowed or disallowed for delivery.

Abstract: An occupancy database is in electronic communication with a plurality of location-specific distributed computing entities to maintain real-time update occupancy data for various entities. As those entities relocate from one location to another (e.g., moving from one apartment to another), distributed computing entities associated with both the prior and new location of the entity transmit information to the occupancy database to reflect the changed location for the entity. The occupancy database also maintains communication data for the entities and/or locations associated with the entities, and the occupancy database may share that communication data with authorized mobile/user computing entities to enable communication between those authorized mobile/user computing entities and the particular entity or devices located at the entity's location.

Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for planning or updating a delivery route based at least in part on a parking reservation and/or projected parking availability.

Abstract: An anti-clogging microfluidic multichannel device comprising a first mixing chamber comprising a first and a second end, wherein the first end comprises at least one inlet connected in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber, and at least one first capillary element comprising a first and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one first capillary element is connected in fluid communication with the second end of the first mixing chamber, at least one septum located within the at least one first capillary element, which divides the cross section of the at least one first capillary element in a plurality of channels, wherein the at least one first capillary element comprises a reduction of section along its longitudinal axis between a section of the at least one first capillary element and the second end of the at least one first capillary element. It is also described a microfluidics system and a method of production of emulsions using said microfluidics system.

Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

Abstract: A user request associated with a first user and a shipment of one or more items is received. A prompt that the first user provide one or more biometric identifiers is provided. The prompt selectively excludes a request for billing information from the first user. At least partially in response to the providing of the prompt, at least a first biometric identifier of the first user is obtained. At least partially in response to the obtaining of the first biometric identifier of the first user, the billing information is automatically processed. Based at least in part on the automatically processing of the billing information, the user request associated with the shipment of the one or more items is completed.