Abstract: A system for initiating a completed lading request includes a computing device configured to obtain a lading request from a client device, wherein the lading request comprises a communication detail datum, determine an logical route, wherein determining the logical route further comprises receiving a conveyor indicator, identifying a spot signature as a function of the conveyor indicator, training a route machine-learning mode using a route training data correlating the spot signature to the lading request, and determining the logical route as a function of the spot signature and the lading request using the trained route machine-learning model, and initiate the completed lading request, wherein initiating the lading request further comprises receiving an acknowledgment element, and initiating the completed lading request as a function of the acknowledgment element, and initiating the completed lading request as a function of the acknowledgment element.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to efficiently manage data required to verify the loading waiting time of a logistics contractor (truck driver), while ensuring the accuracy of the data. A metadata storage control unit 103 executes control to cause metadata relating to main data to be stored on a network N using blockchain technology or distributed ledger technology. A main data storage control unit 104 executes control to associate linking data linking metadata stored on the network N and the main data with the main data, and to store the same in a main data database 181 on a server 1.

Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate return shipment of items, such as to provide for the return of goods from a purchaser to a merchant, are shown. Embodiments provide shipping management functionality for managing return requests, processing of return requests, authorizing returns, tracking of the processing of a return request, and/or tracking of return shipments. A shipping management system of embodiments operates to make shipping functionality and/or information utilized with respect to return shipments, which may not otherwise be readily available to the return shipper, conveniently accessible for use by the return shipper. Embodiments provide for some or all return shipping fees to be borne by the merchant rather than the return shipper.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of a service that allows hard copy and electronic media customers to proactively specify, across a broad range of categories, the hard copy mail and/or electronic media mail that they would or would not like to receive. Embodiments include methods and systems configured to allow customers of delivery services to customize the flow of physical items such as hard copy or other letters or parcels, for delivery or electronic media mail from mailers based on highly specific customer-designated criteria. The delivery service acts as a trusted third party to serve as the intermediary between the recipient of the items and mailers to provide privacy and manage a repository for a customer-selected criteria database. In addition, one embodiment provides verification and/or identification that mail being sent meets the customer's designated criteria.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to system and method for managing an insect swarm using a plurality of drones. The method includes detecting an insect swarm. The method may further include tracking a movement of the insect swarm. The method further includes communicating, with remaining of the plurality of drones, to dynamically align in a position based on the tracking so as to make a drone formation. The method further includes magnetizing, by at least some of the plurality of drones, one or more drone couplers for electromagnetically coupling the at least some of the plurality of drones with each other as per the drone formation. The method further includes casting, by each of the plurality of drones, a net to trap insects in the insect swarm. The method further includes supplying, by each of the plurality of drones, a high voltage to the net to decapitate the insects.

Abstract: In an approach to automated protection of delivered packages, a computer receives information associated with a package delivery. A computer determines a recipient is not present for the package delivery. A computer predicts a time of arrival of the recipient. A computer determines a duration of time prior to the arrival of the recipient exceeds a pre-defined threshold. A computer determines one or more environmental conditions of an area surrounding a delivery location. A computer determines at least one of the one or more environmental conditions indicates a need for an ameliorative action associated with the package delivery. A computer determines one or more ameliorative actions. A computer instructs a delivery resource to perform the one or more ameliorative actions. A computer instructs the delivery resource to deliver the package.

Abstract: A management apparatus for managing a status of a plurality of storage cabinets whose use can be changed, includes a managing unit configured to collect storage cabinet information including the use of the plurality of storage cabinets and information relating to a usage status of the plurality of storage cabinets, and store the storage cabinet information in a storage unit; an acquiring unit configured to acquire information relating to a package to be stored; a storage cabinet managing unit configured to change the use of the storage cabinet; and an output unit configured to output information indicating a vacancy status of the storage cabinet corresponding to the use of the package, based on the information relating to the package and the storage cabinet information.

Abstract: A method of detecting and responding to a visitor to a smart home environment via an electronic greeting system of the smart home environment, including determining that a visitor is approaching an entryway of the smart home environment; initiating a facial recognition operation while the visitor is approaching the entryway; initiating an observation window in response to the determination that a visitor is approaching the entryway; obtaining context information from one or more sensors of the smart home environment during the observation window; and at the end of the time window, initiating a response to the detected approach of the visitor based on the context information and/or an outcome of the facial recognition operation.

Abstract: A system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for a geo-fenced zone of commerce are described. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include subdividing a geographic area, generating corresponding geo-fences, and presenting the corresponding geo-fences as listings in a navigable online marketplace.

Abstract: Wireless presence is used as a theft prevention mechanism for packages. When a package is shipped, the package includes a wireless security device. Before the package is delivered to its final destination shipping address, the wireless security device is activated and programmed with a security credential. The security credential, though, is based on information obtained during an initial purchase. The wireless security device may thus only be deactivated by a recipient participating in the initial purchase.

Abstract: Generating authentication credentials includes receiving from a first user input identifying a customer identifier for an online account with a business or organization and a residential or business physical address, and sending via a network a notification to a first user system to follow instructions on a mail piece to be received by the first user. The mail piece is physically sent via a distribution network to the physical address and an online application is activated in response to scanning a coded indicia on the mail piece. Data indicative of an identity of the first user is received and the identity of the first user is verified based on at least information associated with the coded indicia and the received data. A recommendation is generated whether to approve the online account and an electronic credential is created for the first user based on acceptance of the online account.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a network of multi-functional sensors; where, based on a quality insurance, each multi-functional sensor is positioned in, on, or in a vicinity of: a transported cargo and/or a cargo container, containing the transported cargo; where each multi-functional sensor is configured to measure particular transport-related condition, particular cargo-related condition, or both, to form cargo transport sensor data and wirelessly transmit it to a server that is configured to dynamically predict, based on the cargo transport sensor data, a predicted quality loss of the transported cargo, determine a current loss value of the transported cargo and caused one or more remedial actions that include instantaneously instructing to pay a payout amount to an owner of the transported cargo to compensate for the current loss value and/or transmitting a remedial instruction with an adjustment to the operation of one or more of a cargo transport, the cargo container, and a cargo

Abstract: There may be provided a computer-implemented method that includes: broadcasting, by a node in a blockchain network, a transaction to transfer one or more digital assets to a public group address associated with a congress public key, the public group being associated with one or more other digital assets associated with other members of a congress; generating a private key share to be used in a threshold signature scheme in which at least a threshold of private key shares must be used to generate a valid signature through combination of partial signatures on behalf of the congress, wherein other holders of the private key shares are the other members of the congress who have joined the congress by transfer of respective digital assets to the public group address; and using the private key share to cooperatively generate a valid signature for a transaction from the public group address.

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 control system for managing smart devices in a multi-unit property environment according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a plurality of smart home systems, wherein a single smart home system is installed in each unit throughout the multi-unit property. The system may further comprise a smart community system comprising a plurality of community controllable smart devices installed throughout the multi-unit property. The smart home systems and the smart community system may each be configured to communicate with an access control system and infrastructure control system to allow individual residents to control the smart home system associated with their residence and have limited control over at least a portion of the community controllable smart devices through a single user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting duplicate travel. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to detect a travel path of a vehicle based in part on received items of location data. The processor is also configured to determine whether the travel path is associated with a defined street segment including a plurality of location points corresponding to a street. The processor is further configured to determine whether the vehicle travels the street multiple times in a predefined time period. The processor is further configured to superimpose visible indicia on the defined street segment in response to detecting that the vehicle traveled the street multiple times during the predefined time period. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for producing and processing transportation and shipping documents. Embodiments thereof effectively utilize a combination of accurate data collection of vehicle loaded packaging/parts departing a location at, e.g., an exit portal of dock, creation of an electronic BOL populated with that accurate data and other shipping information, which can launch an efficient over the road capability from initial journey to destination with enhanced visibility throughout.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recording package delivery includes automatically activating, at a delivery location associated with a package, a plurality of image capture devices mounted at a delivery vehicle, in response to receiving a package scan information at the delivery location. A recording of a package delivery attempt recorded by one or more of the plurality of image capture devices is received. A determination is made, based on the recording, whether the package delivery attempt has been completed. In response to determining that the package delivery attempt has been completed, a file including the recording of the package delivery attempt is generated. A notification is sent to a package sender. The notification includes access to the file.

Abstract: In an aspect, a system for transport verification is disclosed. A system includes a computing device. A computing device is configured to receive at least a carrier datum from a carrier device. A computing device is configured to verify at least a carrier datum as a function of a transport plan. A computing device is configured to update at least a carrier datum as a function of a verification of a transport plan. A computing device is configured to display an updated at least a carrier datum through a carrier device.

Abstract: A baggage drop system is disclosed for depositing and checking of baggage into airline flights. The baggage drop system can include a substantially horizontal frame member. The frame member can be mounted above a first conveyor equipped with a static or dynamic weighting scale. The frame member can also be mounted away from an end of the first conveyor at a distance from an upper surface of the first conveyor substantially equal to a maximum allowable height of baggage thereby forming a physical barrier for oversized baggage. A computer can be configured to compare an output of the weighing scale with allowable baggage weights.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering packages to multiple recipients uses a mobile robot having a delivery package space suitable for accommodating at least two packages, at least one package sensor configured to output first data reflective of the presence or absence of packages within with package space, at least one processing component configured to receive and process the package sensor's first data and at least one communication component configured to at least send and receive second data. The mobile robot travels to a first delivery location, permits a first recipient to access the package space, and identifies the first recipient's package to the first recipient. The system and method use data from the package sensor to verify that the first recipient removed only his or her package, if other package(s) are also present. The mobile robot then travels to a second delivery location associated with a second recipient.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for picking-up and delivering products are disclosed. Some embodiments route shoppers to acquire products for multiple customers orders from multiple suppliers using a variety of transportation modes. The transportation modes may differing maximum weight carrying and volume carrying capacities, maximum vehicle speeds. Moreover, some embodiments may account for a different number vehicles for each transportation mode and may further account for the availability of shoppers and vehicles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing a transportation plan for a transportation network are described. In an example, a computer system determines a forecasted demand for transporting items between a source node and a destination node of a transportation network and a set of constraints associated with a handling node of the transportation network. The computer system generates a transportation plan that comprises a network path including the handling node and a type of item handling at the handling node. In a first stage of optimization, an optimization model of the computer system selects the network path from network paths. In a second stage of optimization, the optimization model selects the type of item handling from types of item handling available at the handling node. The optimization model uses the network paths and the types of item handling as variables.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein for facilitating in-garage delivery. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for facilitating in-garage delivery including a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions; communication circuitry configured to receive image data representative of an interior of a garage captured by an imaging device; and a processor operably coupled to the memory and the communication circuitry, the processor configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to: process the image data to determine a characteristic of the interior of the garage; select a packaging for an item to be delivered to the garage based at least in part on the characteristic of the interior of the garage; and effect delivery to the garage of the item with the selected packaging.

Abstract: A method for delivering restricted items to users includes detecting that a user has selected a restricted item for delivery. A user profile is accessed, and authorization for delivery of the restricted item associated with the user profile is verified. Upon detecting a first authorization associated with the user profile, authorizing the dispatch of the restricted item to the user at a delivery location. The restricted item is transported to the delivery location by the mobile robot. The mobile robot has an item space with a lid and an electronic lock, which is locked during transit. A second authorization to confirm a user's identity before the user receives the restricted item. If the second authorization fails, communication is established between the user and a remote operator terminal via the mobile robot, and the remote operator terminal performs the second authorization and/or repeats the first authorization.

Abstract: Media, method and system for scheduling trips, and particularly for scheduling trip to transport vehicles from a pick-up location to a drop-off location. To accomplish this, interfaces are provided for describing the desired starting and ending locations for vehicles and automatically allocating drivers to vehicles for each segment of a desired trip and assigning any necessary tasks to the drivers to complete for each waypoint of the trip. Additionally, any other requirements for transporting the vehicles, such as insurance and temporary license plates, can automatically be provided for.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for customized vehicle operator workflows. A vehicle operator workflow includes a set of tasks to be completed by a vehicle operator. The vehicle operator workflow may be presented to the vehicle operator upon satisfaction of a triggering event, such as upon the vehicle operator logging into an account or the vehicle entering a specified geographic region. The vehicle operator workflow may enable the vehicle operator to complete the individual tasks as well as submit evidence that the tasks have been completed.

Abstract: A device may obtain a first image depicting contents included in a secure storage container at a first point in time and first user account data associated with the secure storage container. The device may store the first image in a data structure associated with the first user account data. In addition, the device may receive data indicating that an individual associated with a second user account accessed the secure storage container, and receive a second image depicting contents included in the secure storage container at a second point in time. The second image may be stored in the data structure. The device may further receive, from a user device associated with the first user account data, a request to access the data structure, and the device may provide, to the user device, data that causes display of the second image.

Abstract: In some examples, a processor may access past order information for a plurality of merchants to determine, for an upcoming time period, a number of orders predicted to be received by the merchants. The processor may determine geographic locations of delivery agent devices, each associated with a respective delivery agent. The processor may compare, for the upcoming time period, a number of active delivery agents with the number of orders predicted to be received. Based at least on determining a predicted shortage of active delivery agents for the upcoming time period, the processor selects a first delivery agent of the plurality of delivery agents to pick up a first order from a first pickup location of a first merchant and a second order from a second pickup location of a second merchant, and sends a message to a first delivery agent device associated with the first delivery agent.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating label-less returns. The apparatus may include a memory and a processor(s) configured to receive a shipment identifier of an item(s) responsive to a device scanning a label or marking(s) on the item(s) delivered to a customer for a shipper. The processor is also configured to generate a return authorization number (RAN) or indicator for the item(s) and link the RAN/indicator to the identifier responsive to verifying that the customer is registered and that the item(s) qualifies for return. The processor is further configured to cause return delivery of the item(s) to the shipper using the label or the marking(s) on the item(s) responsive to verifying the RAN/indicator is linked to the identifier. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conveying or operationalizing data from a transport climate control system (TCCS) that provides climate control within an internal space moved by a vehicle are disclosed. A method includes determining, by a controller of the TCCS, a set of TCCS operational measurements; obtaining, by the controller, a set of TCCS operational settings; determining, by the controller, a set of cargo measurements; creating a shipment performance log based on the set of TCCS operational measurements, the set of TCCS operational settings, and the set of cargo measurements; publishing the shipment performance log to a data repository; and retrieving the shipment performance log to facilitate disposition of goods in the internal space.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for improved processing of instructions to provide temporal selection to a client when scheduling a load to be transported for a prospective transportation industry customer. The apparatus includes a processor and a non-transitory machine readable memory. The processor is designed to process instructions to provide date and time selection to a client from a server to enable temporal scheduling of a load to be transported for a prospective transportation industry customer. The non-transitory machine readable memory at a host server has stored therein computer instructions programmed to cause the processor to store and access user information and instructions, and to present, enable, receive, store and associate date ranges, time ranges and waypoints for a load and cargo delivery destination. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to the use of Bluetooth beacons for enhancing delivery tracking. A Bluetooth beacon may be carried by a delivery agent. A ID of the beacon may be detected by one or more sensors. Tracking of the delivery agent may be performed by determining where the ID is detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for managing shipped physical objects. The methods and systems comprise receiving data associated with a journey of the shipped object and determining, using a processor, alert conditions based on the received data. Alert conditions are representative of risk of damage, loss, or delay associated with the shipped object. In addition, the methods and systems comprise transmitting one or more alternative options for mitigating the alert condition to a user, receiving a selection of one of the alternative options, and modifying the journey based on the received selection.

Abstract: Generating authentication credentials includes receiving from a first user input identifying a customer identifier for an online account with a business or organization and a residential or business physical address, and sending via a network a notification to a first user system to follow instructions on a mail piece to be received by the first user. The mail piece is physically sent via a distribution network to the physical address and an online application is activated in response to scanning a coded indicia on the mail piece. Data indicative of an identity of the first user is received and the identity of the first user is verified based on at least information associated with the coded indicia and the received data. A recommendation is generated whether to approve the online account and an electronic credential is created for the first user based on acceptance of the online account.

Abstract: A logistics system for managing a network of independent delivery partners may include models to detect delivery defects. The models may generate defect scores for each onboarded delivery partner. The system may collect delivery data to continuously update the models. The updated models may score delivery partners for early detection of delivery defects and determine remediations steps. The system may train one or more models to determine the scores based on a terminating step of the delivery steps. The scores may indicate a likelihood the terminating step was caused by intentional action or by accident. The system may determine remediations steps based on the likelihood of intentional action.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to system and method for managing an insect swarm using a plurality of drones. The method includes detecting an insect swarm. The method may further include tracking a movement of the insect swarm. The method further includes communicating, with remaining of the plurality of drones, to dynamically align in a position based on the tracking so as to make a drone formation. The method further includes magnetizing, by at least some of the plurality of drones, one or more drone couplers for electromagnetically coupling the at least some of the plurality of drones with each other as per the drone formation. The method further includes casting, by each of the plurality of drones, a net to trap insects in the insect swarm. The method further includes supplying, by each of the plurality of drones, a high voltage to the net to decapacitate the insects.

Abstract: System and methods for a decentralized hybrid air-ground autonomous last-mile goods delivery are disclosed herein. A drone can include a controller configured to cause the drone to depart from a docking station of a vehicle, transmit a discovery message to available vehicles in an operating area, the discovery message having drone metadata, select at least one of one of the available vehicles based on response codes received from the available vehicle, or a nearest fixed docking station, and dock with a docking station of the one of the available vehicles or the nearest fixed docking station.

Abstract: A server according to the present disclosure includes a communication interface for acquiring ordered product information and vehicle information that are input to an input terminal, wherein the ordered product information relates to an article that is ordered by a user, and the vehicle information relates to a vehicle that the user is scheduled to board, and a controller for determining a delivery schedule for delivery of the article indicated by the ordered product information to the vehicle by a date/time when the user will board the vehicle indicated by the vehicle information.

Abstract: Techniques for a package selection feature for selecting subsets of packages and generating instructions to deliver selected packages are described herein. A model may be generated for recursively determining future forecast for potential deliveries associated with a geographic location based at least in part on capacity constraints, delivery vehicle capacity, and historical delivery data for the geographic location. Information that identifies a set of packages for delivery to the geographic location during a first duration may be received. A value for each subset of a plurality of subsets for the set of packages may be determined based on an algorithm that uses the future forecasts and the information. A particular subset may be selected for delivery to the geographic location for a given carrier during a duration based on an algorithm that uses various parametric values for the particular subset, the future forecasts, and the information.

Abstract: A method of detecting and responding to a visitor to a smart home environment via an electronic greeting system of the smart home environment, including determining that a visitor is approaching an entryway of the smart home environment; initiating a facial recognition operation while the visitor is approaching the entryway; initiating an observation window in response to the determination that a visitor is approaching the entryway; obtaining context information from one or more sensors of the smart home environment during the observation window; and at the end of the time window, initiating a response to the detected approach of the visitor based on the context information and/or an outcome of the facial recognition operation.

Abstract: A method for tracking physical assets can include: receiving a digital asset; determining an asset identifier for the digital asset; generating an asset barcode; optionally facilitating printing and sending of the asset to an asset recipient; determining an asset event for the asset; and notifying a sender of an asset event.

Abstract: Media, method and system for scheduling trips, and particularly for scheduling trip to transport vehicles from a pick-up location to a drop-off location. To accomplish this, interfaces are provided for describing the desired starting and ending locations for vehicles and automatically allocating drivers to vehicles for each segment of a desired trip and assigning any necessary tasks to the drivers to complete for each waypoint of the trip. Additionally, any other requirements for transporting the vehicles, such as insurance and temporary license plates, can automatically be provided for.

Abstract: A baggage drop system is disclosed for depositing and checking of baggage into airline flights. The baggage drop system can include a substantially horizontal frame member. The frame member can be mounted above a first conveyor equipped with a static or dynamic weighting scale. The frame member can also be mounted away from an end of the first conveyor at a distance from an upper surface of the first conveyor substantially equal to a maximum allowable height of baggage thereby forming a physical barrier for oversized baggage. A computer can be configured to compare an output of the weighing scale with allowable baggage weights.

Abstract: Systems and methods for re-purposing autonomous vehicle for package transportation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising receiving a request from an autonomous vehicle; identifying, responsive to the request, a nearby package stored within a delivery structure; transmitting routing instructions to the autonomous vehicle, the routing instructions including a location of the delivery structure; detecting a presence of the autonomous vehicle; instructing the delivery structure to deposit the nearby package into the autonomous vehicle; calculating a waypoint for delivery of the nearby package; and transmitting transport routing instructions to the autonomous vehicle, the transport routing instructions including the waypoint.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a controller configured to acquire schedule information, upon acquiring information regarding a need to transport a product of a first shop to a second shop, for at least one user who is staying near the first shop or is scheduled to pass near the first shop, select, based on the schedule information, a user for requesting transportation of the product from among the at least one user, and transmit, to a terminal apparatus of the selected user, information requesting transportation of the product.

Abstract: A control section of a server apparatus as an information processing apparatus in the disclosure executes: inquiring of a terminal of a user who desires to board a self-driving vehicle operating for pickup-delivery of an item, whether or not the user is able to handle work of pickup-delivery of the item at a pickup-delivery location between the self-driving vehicle and a pickup-delivery service user; and when a response indicating that the user is able to handle the work of pickup-delivery when the user is on board the self-driving vehicle is received from the terminal, transmitting to the self-driving vehicle an instruction to allow the user who desires to board and is able to handle the work of pickup-delivery to board the self-driving vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate return shipment of items, such as to provide for the return of goods from a purchaser to a merchant, are shown. Embodiments provide shipping management functionality for managing return requests, processing of return requests, authorizing returns, tracking of the processing of a return request, and/or tracking of return shipments. A shipping management system of embodiments operates to make shipping functionality and/or information utilized with respect to return shipments, which may not otherwise be readily available to the return shipper, conveniently accessible for use by the return shipper. Embodiments provide for some or all return shipping fees to be borne by the merchant rather than the return shipper.

Abstract: The present system is a payment network that implements an ecosystem in which banks can issue financial products (e.g. credit cards, debit cards, and the like) and customers are able to pay in any commerce without the need for card association networks. The streamlined nature of the system allows interchange fees to be substantially reduced over current systems. In addition, the system is all digital, so that physical security features are not required. The system provides an application for a customer that can be used on a mobile phone or other computing device, downloadable point-of-sale (POS) applications that can be used for commerce, and a web based POS application for commerce. The customer application includes a marketplace and an e-wallet in one embodiment. The customer can use the marketplace to acquire and link financial products produced by the banks with the customer's e-wallet.

Abstract: Media, method and system for scheduling trips, and particularly for scheduling trip to transport vehicles from a pick-up location to a drop-off location. To accomplish this, interfaces are provided for describing the desired starting and ending locations for vehicles and automatically allocating drivers to vehicles for each segment of a desired trip and assigning any necessary tasks to the drivers to complete for each waypoint of the trip. Additionally, any other requirements for transporting the vehicles, such as insurance and temporary license plates, can automatically be provided for.