Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes receiving virtual mail piece data and receiving a mail piece, the mail piece having machine-readable indicia on an exterior surface. The method includes decoding the indicia to produce a mail piece identifier and identifying a recipient of the mail piece using the mail piece identifier. The method includes retrieving subscription preferences from a recipient database according to the identified recipient. The method includes electronically sending a virtual mail piece to the recipient, the virtual mail piece corresponding to the mail piece, the virtual mail piece data, and the subscription preferences.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for global enterprise workflow management are disclosed. The system may include a communications module, memory, and processor for executing a method of managing job information. The system receives job information and uses a model to identify a desirable resource to execute the job. Then the system sends the job information to the identified resource for execution. The resource may send back information associated with the running and/or completion of the job. Various models may be used in identifying a desirable approach, including a cost model, a staffing model, and other models.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for enabling collaboration across tenants in a multi-tenant environment using single sign-on (SSO) authentication/authorization. Various examples provide for creating a user account and provisioning a subscription to a user (e.g., to enable single sign-on authentication/authorization). The user is allowed to access services (e.g., collaborative services) in a multi-tenant environment by utilizing a subscription authorization of the user without prompting the user to authenticate by logging-in again (that is, without prompting the user to log-in again after the user has already logged-in and been authenticated for a given session). Other examples provide for mapping webspaces through URL hosts where each organization (that is, tenant) has its own set of namespace(s).

Abstract: A method of tracking mail in a postal sorting system comprising first and second networks of sorting machines with first and second unique identification protocols for uniquely identifying the mailpieces, the first and second networks producing first and second dated tracking data as a mailpiece is passing through the sorting machines, this first and second dated data being associated with first and second unique mailpiece identifiers generated using the first and second protocols, said dated data associated with said first and second unique mailpiece identifiers is retrieved in a data-processing unit for the purpose of measuring a time characteristic of the journey of the mailpiece through the first and second networks, and a match is established between the unique identifiers via digital images of the mailpiece.

Abstract: Protecting user credentials from a computing device includes establishing a secure session between a computing device and an identity provider (e.g., a Web service). Parameters of the secure session are communicated to a credential service, which renegotiates or resumes the secure session to establish a new secure session between the credential service and the identity provider. User credentials are passed from the credential service to the identity provider via the new secure session, but the computing device does not have the parameters of the new secure session and thus does not have access to the passed user credentials. The credential service then renegotiates or resumes the secure session again to establish an additional secure session between the credential service and the identity provider. Parameters of the additional secure session are communicated to the computing device to allow the computing device to continue communicating securely with the identity provider.

Abstract: Information from a package is read. An encryption key is generated from the information read from the package. A text unit is encrypted using the encryption key. The encrypted text unit is affixed to the package.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one embodiment, 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: A method for providing a storage device with content files for exhibition commences by identifying, from a work order, a needed set of content files. Thereafter, a storage device, whose previously written content files most closely match the needed set of content files identified from the work order, is selected from an inventory of storage devices. The set of content files on the selected storage device undergo adjustment so that the storage device stores at least the needed set of content files. For example, if one or more of the needed set of content files are missing from the selected storage device, these files are replicated onto the selected storage device as part of the content file adjustment process.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one embodiment, 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: Systems and techniques are disclosed for receiving a package identification code at a first location, the code corresponding to a delivery package. The package identification code may then be analyzed and a recipient authentication (e.g., a signature, a PIN code, etc.) may be requested from a user. Access to a portal may be granted based on receiving an acceptable recipient authentication code. The portal may be one of a plurality of portals, and may be selected based on the package identification code.

Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.

Abstract: A wireless tracking device may have a unique identifier that identifies the item to which it is attached, distinguishing that item from the other items in a secured location. A database may contain information regarding the item attached to the wireless tracking device. A store may be a secured location, and an item may be authorized to leave the store when it is sold. A checkout process may include scanning a machine-readable code associated with the wireless tracking device. Once the checkout is complete and the customer has paid for the item, the database may be updated to disable the alarm for the wireless tracking device. Based on the information in the database, a wireless tracking device detector may determine whether or not to generate an alarm when the wireless tracking device is detected leaving the secured location.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing mail packages to be sent to recipients includes a carrier envelope with a front address window and a back window. A content document having a style code printed on it is positioned at the back of the carrier envelope. The content style code is positioned to be visible through the back window of the carrier envelope. A reply envelope is enclosed with an address area aligned with the front window of the carrier envelope. Mail packages are prepared by storing a corresponding content style for the recipient. While transported, the content style code is scanned. From the style code, a recipient having the corresponding content style is selected from the stored list. That recipients name and address are printed onto the address area of the reply envelope.

Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to updating routing patterns in an enterprise network. In some implementations, a method for routing sessions includes identifying information associated with call sessions in an enterprise network. The information includes costs to an enterprise for using carrier services during the call sessions. Routing patterns for call sessions are dynamically updated through at least a portion of the enterprise network based, at least in part, on the costs associated with the call sessions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a baggage drop system for depositing and checking of baggage into airline flights. The system comprises a conveyor (1), equipped with a static or dynamic weighing scale (17), comprising multiple, spaced apart load cells (18), and computing means adapted to compare the output of the weighing scale (17) with allowable baggage weights, and a substantially horizontal frame member (2?), mounted above the first conveyor (1) at a distance from the upper surface of the first conveyor (1) equal to the maximum allowable height of baggage, thereby forming a physical barrier for oversized baggage. The system allows to check for the presence of living creatures on the conveyor belt, and for conformity with baggage handling system requirements. The system may further comprise a baggage check-in apparatus (3) to allow automatic baggage check-in by a passenger, including means for payment (12) of excess and/or overweight baggage.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an integrated real-time, customer-company process that materially improves the end-to-end customer experience for delivery of products and services. The invention enables more efficient management of a company's supply-demand relationship, unit costs, and return on investment. Example embodiments are directed to an inter-related, customer-company management process for a food delivery business. A process on an intelligent, processor-based platform provides an improved end-to-end customer experience, for example, by reducing wait times and using convenient payment options so that customer does not need to handle money. The process further enables a food truck operator to more efficiently manage the business, both at a single site and across multiple sites. There is a substantial, real-time interdependency between the customers and the food truck operator.

Abstract: Delivering packages among a community of participants is carried out using a computer. Software stores information pertaining to senders, couriers, and receivers, including their images. Information is additionally stored pertaining to the package, including a description, an image of the contents, and geographic locations where the package is to be picked up and delivered. A picture of the courier is taken when she is physically in the presence of the sender, and the computer compares this image to the stored image to confirm the identity of the courier. An image of the receiver is similarly compared, and the images of the contents are compared. The GPS coordinates of the pickup and delivery are compared with previously agreed upon locations. Participants are notified if images or coordinates do not match.

Abstract: An exemplary nonlimiting ernbodirnent of the present invention provides a system that includes a loading/unloading facility, a user apparatus having a user interface configured to communicate with a driver of a delivery/pick-up vehicle, and an administrator apparatus configured to communicate with the user apparatus and the loading/unloading facility. The user apparatus is located remotely from the loading/unloading facility. The driver checks into the user apparatus and the administrator apparatus coordinates arrival of the delivery/pick-up vehicle at the loading/unloading facility.

Abstract: A system is provided to generate a video receipt for purposes of creating evidence of shipment of a package to an intended recipient. The kiosk includes a secure drop box into which packages may be placed for later pick up by a shipping service, a computer system having a user interface and means for communicating wired or wirelessly via a public or private network; an electronic communication application installed on the computer system permitting the electronic transfer of a video receipt and text, and a video camera secured to the kiosk and actuatable by the person desiring to ship one or more packaged items via the user interface of the computer.

Abstract: A system and method that authenticates a shipment to a particular address. A cellular telephone application allows total control of who can be the recipient. The telephone number of a particular cellphone is associated by the carrier with the tracking number of a parcel. The carrier, upon receipt of the parcel for shipping sends an authorization code, which may comprise an expiration date, and/or biometric information, and which may be presented as an electronic barcode image, or presented in other ways (e.g., Bluetooth, infra-red communication) by an application in the telephone. The telephone can securely store this information in its memory, in association with the tracking number. To receive or pickup the parcel, the recipient must present this authentication code (e.g., as a barcode) with their telephone, for scanning by the carrier's delivery agent. Only after authentication code is verified is the parcel released.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting information over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving at least a portion of mail data. In one embodiment of the present invention, information is stored in a memory. Mail data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. The mail data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device then uses the mail data to retrieve the information from a mail device in communication with the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the mail data includes data corresponding to the recipient of the mail object, and the information includes data that identifies the recipient of the mail object and data that corresponds to a content of the mail object.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, systems, methods and computer program products are configured for providing a customized content exchange platform between a third party and a consignor shipping one or more packages to one or more consignees. Within such, one or more computer processors are configured to: receive at least a portion of customized content from the third party; compare the one or more components of the received portion of customized content with at least the one or more consignor-defined parameters so as to identify one or more correlations there-between; in response to identifying at least one correlation, generate a match notification; and based at least in part upon approval of the match notification by the consignor, generate at least one customized communication containing thereon at least a portion of the customized content provided by the third party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the supply of liquid color to a process machine utilizes an electronic memory device connected permanently to a container of liquid color and an electronic memory controller that interacts with the electronic memory device, preferably wirelessly over the Internet.

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: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for automatically determining appropriate delivery information for one or more items of an order or potential order is described. A variety of types of information can be considered when determining what delivery information is appropriate for one or more items, such as a type of the items, the particular items, relationships of the items to other items, information about the purchaser, and/or information about the recipient. In addition, the automatic determination of an appropriate address for an item being ordered or potentially ordered by a user can be made in a variety of ways, such as based on inferences from past behavior when ordering items, on inferences from information about the item and from available delivery information for the user, and/or on previous explicit indications from the user.

Abstract: A delivery station and a method for operating the delivery station including a station server, at least one of storage device for controlling storage facility and a delivery device for delivery including confirmation, located in one of a building and distant and connected to at least one e-provider server via a network for gathering and delivering without error at least one of merchandise and service item included in an order received by at least one e-provider from at least one dweller of the building, each of the devices comprising a CPU, a memory, indicators and touch display screen identifying particulars pertaining to a stored item, the order received from a dweller, a barcode reader, an RFID reader, a communication transceiver for verifying and communicating the gathering and the delivery, including updating of the stored item quantity via the station server upon execution or cancellation of the delivery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering, processing, containing, and transporting water obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein. The ice obtained from the ice source holds unique properties and is processed as a beverage for consumption having unique properties. Further, the resulting product is produced and transported with minimal human alteration and reduced energy input as compared to conventional methods for packaging water.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating shipping services for items. Generally, the methods and systems assist a user in determining the cost of shipping items where the user does not have all of the information typically required by a carrier. The method includes receiving an inquiry for a shipping cost with a generic description of the one or more items, where the generic description omits a value for at least one physical characteristic of an item. The method includes identifying, responsive to receiving the generic description, an estimate for the omitted value using a knowledge base, and generating a shipping cost. In some implementations, a user supplies an image of the item. In some implementations, the generic description is automatically generated from the image. In some implementations, a user purchases shipping services based on an image of the item to be shipped.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating shipping services for items. Generally, the methods and systems assist a user in determining the cost of shipping items where the user does not have all of the information typically required by a carrier. The method includes receiving an inquiry for a shipping cost with a generic description of the one or more items, where the generic description omits a value for at least one physical characteristic of an item. The method includes identifying, responsive to receiving the generic description, an estimate for the omitted value using a knowledge base, and generating a shipping cost. In some implementations, a server receives, from a second party, an improved description of the item including a more accurate value for the omitted characteristic of the item, and the server then updates the knowledge base, storing the second value for the characteristic of the item.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a return label for merchandise being returned from a buyer or consumer in a first country to a merchant in a second country. A name and address of a consumer in the first country desiring to return merchandise and merchant or seller information including a merchant identifier is received. An address for receiving returns for the merchant or seller in the second country is accessed based on the merchant information. One or more machine readable identifiers for use by a first country carrier and for use by a second country carrier based at least on the consumer information, and information for routing the return merchandise are generated. A return label for merchandise being returned from the consumer to the merchant is generated. The return label can include the machine readable identifiers and a customs declaration for the merchandise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending a an item via mailing or shipping process to a destination mailing address without the sender of the item obtaining any identifiable information about the recipient of the item. The process also allows the user with the ability to provide unidentifiable information to third party mailing or courier/shipping services. The system and method safeguards personal information about recipients of items. The process involves leveraging a waypoint processing facility and the assignment of unique codes for the final destination locations. The waypoint processing facility is responsible for receiving items mailed or shipped from the original sender, looking up the unique anonymous code provided by the anonymous address to obtain the appropriate final destination address assigned to the code, and sending the item to the final destination address.

Abstract: Item delivery optimization may be provided. Items may be identified as available for delivery at a first location to at least one second location. A route from the first location to the second location may be calculated and at least a portion of the route from the first location to the second location may be provided to a delivery mechanism, such as an automated delivery device and/or a user.

Abstract: Product order and shipping information received via email messages is automatically aggregated for ready user review. Once the user is authenticated, authorization to access their email mailbox is obtained and the email message headers of their emails are analyzed to identify those messages of interest. The bodies of the email messages of interest are parsed to extract the product order and shipping information which is stored and presented for display to the user typically grouped by individual product thus greatly simplifying user review of orders.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing a mail item are provided. A conveyor in mechanical communication with a mail item registration station may include a processor for registering a first part of the mail item. The processor may: determine that: the first part is a payment part; and a second part that corresponds to the first part is exceptional; identify a destination that corresponds to the first part; and route the first part to the destination along with an indication corresponding to the missing second part.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing mail items to different destinations. A driven mail conveyor may receive: a first mail item that includes a paper envelope displaying in an addressee segment an institution name and institution address information, the first mail item including a first part; and a second mail item that includes a paper envelope displaying in the addressee segment the institution name and the institution address information and no other institution address information, the second mail item including a second part. A processor may electronically route, based on a first text string vector of the first part, the first mail item to a first mail item destination in the institution; and, based on a second text string vector of the second part, the second mail item to a second mail item destination in the institution.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrolling a package is disclosed including: a receiving surface for receiving the package; at least one weight sensor in communication with the receiving surface which generates a weight signal indicative of the weight of the package; at least one RGB video camera which generates a first video signal indicative of an image of the package on the receiving surface; at least one infrared three-dimensional camera which generates a second video signal indicative of an the dimensions of the package; and a processor in communication with the at least one weight sensor and the at least one video camera.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed enable objective verification of the delivery of goods based on comparative data sets; one associated with a given address location and the other associated with retrieved positional coordinates using a global positioning system (GPS) while at the location of delivery, with the retrieved coordinates tagged to a digital photograph of the intended recipient. Comparative data sets are also obtained from a digitized photograph showing an intended recipient's face, the photograph provided by the customer requesting the delivery, and from a photograph taken at the location of delivery to the recipient. Facial recognition technology is utilized to determine if there is a match between the two images. Satisfaction and assurance of delivery is further achieved by delivery to the customer of the photograph taken at the location of delivery showing the recipient with the goods.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a delivery unit comprises a plurality of objects. The delivery unit is encapsulated within a transport container for delivery to an entity for installation. As new versions of the objects are created by modifying the source code, the modified versions of objects are included in the delivery unit along with unmodified versions of the remaining objects of the delivery unit. The modified versions of the objects are marked for installation, while the unmodified versions are not marked for installation. Upon installation, the objects marked for installation are extracted from the delivery unit while the objects not marked for installation are discarded. The extracted objects are then installed, thus updating any previous versions of the objects, while unmodified objects are not installed. In one representative embodiment, objects are procedures of a database system, which may be organized hierarchically into folders.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing a mail item part are provided. A receiver device may electronically receive: an indication that a first mail item part of a mail item is a check; an indication that a second mail item part of a mail item is a payment coupon; and an indication that a third mail item part of a mail item is a message. A processor device may: route the first mail item part and the second mail item part to a first destination; and route the third mail item part to a second destination that corresponds to terms in the message.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for routing a mail item are provided. The apparatus may include a processor device; and machine readable memory. The processor device may be configured to: assign a unique destination identifier to an organizational entity; aggregate into an aggregate documents that were addressed to the entity and received by the entity; and store in the machine readable memory the unique destination identifier and a library that includes unique terms in the aggregate.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for supplier information handling. A trigger event corresponding to a requested change in a supplier relationship status for a prospective supplier may be recognized. Responsive to the trigger event, a supplier profile corresponding to the prospective supplier may be processed to identify missing profile information. A workflow may be launched to collect the missing profile information from the prospective supplier. The missing profile information may be collected from the prospective supplier. Responsive to an approval of changes to the supplier profile based on the missing profile information, a spend authorization workflow may be launched to promote the supplier relationship status.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a brush holder assembly and/or detecting wear of a brush in a brush holder assembly are disclosed. One method includes sending data from a plurality of remote monitoring locations to a central control unit, where the data may be evaluated in order to monitor states of brushes at a plurality of remote electrical facilities. For example, multiple images of a marker tracking longitudinal movement of the brush may be acquired. A comparison of the images, for example, a comparative imaging technique, such as pixel-by-pixel comparison, may then be performed in order to evaluate a condition of the brush, such as the wear rate, wear state, or life expectancy of the brush.

Abstract: Methods and systems for supporting the production of shipping labels are provided. Example embodiments provide a Shipment Management System (“SMS”), which facilitates the production of shipping labels. The SMS may be configured to generate a shipping uniform resource identifier (“URI”) that identifies a shipping protocol and includes shipment information and post-back information. The shipping URI may be provided to a shipping label module configured to produce a shipping label in accordance with the shipping protocol by outputting a shipping label based on the shipment information, and automatically posting information about the producing of the shipping label to a code module identified by the post-back information. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: First and second components of the present invention, in combination, provide a customer interface for initiating a trade transaction and provides for the secure viewing of the status of the transaction. A third component assists in the automatic generation and verification of the voluminous and detailed documents required to support a trade transaction. The third component additionally tracks and assists in the management of the seller's manufacturing and shipment of the goods that form the basis of the trade transaction. A fourth component automatically generates a Letter of Credit from a Purchase Order and performs a reconciliation function on payments made pursuant to Letters of Credit or open Accounts.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a Shipment Preparation System (“SPS”), which facilitates the preparation of shipments, such as by producing shipping labels. In one embodiment, the SPS is configured to receive shipment preparation information from a bar code or other machine-readable data block in a packing list. The shipment preparation information identifies a uniform resource identifier (“URI”) that identifies a code module that is remote from the SPS. The SPS determines the URI based on the shipment preparation information, such as by performing a local lookup or requesting the URI from a URI shortening service. The SPS then uses the URI to communicate with the code module in order to obtain information for the preparation of the shipment (e.g., obtaining a destination shipping address) and/or for transmission of information about the preparation of the shipment (e.g., posting an indication that a shipment is ready for pick up).

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for managing shipping transactions provide a graphical user interface that contemporaneously displays a list of shipment requests and one or more interface elements. The shipment requests each display information about a shipment request including a plurality of carriers and associated bid statuses. The interface elements include a create shipment requests interface element that receives a user input. Upon receiving the user input the graphical user interface displays a create shipment request screen that allows a shipper to create multiple shipment requests and send them to at least one carrier. The carrier receives a communication regarding the shipment request and the communication includes a prompt to respond. In response to the prompt a second graphical user interface is displayed to the carrier that allows further communication with the shipper regarding the shipment request.

Abstract: A shipping container reuse recommendation system receives a shipping container identifier of a shipping container. The shipping container identifier of the shipping container is associated with a first transaction of an online marketplace application. The location of the shipping container is tracked. A database stores shipping container identifiers and corresponding transaction and tracking location histories. A recommendation to reuse a shipping container in a second transaction of the online marketplace application is generated based on a transaction and tracking location history associated with the shipping container identifier.

Abstract: During a setting stage, a scanner of an apparatus for preparing mail pieces scans a postal item. From the scanned image an area containing a mark is selected and a mark data set representing the mark or the position of the selected area is generated and stored. Instruction data representing a mail preparation instruction are stored in association with the mark data set. During an operating stage after the setting stage, one or more postal items are fed to the scanner, which scans item image data representing an image of the scanned portion of each postal item that is scanned. In response to agreement between the scanned item image data and the mark data set, instruction data associated to the mark data are selected. The mail piece including the scanned postal item is prepared in accordance with the selected instruction data.