Abstract: A method for managing a delivery item in the absence of a recipient invention includes the operations in which a delivery item management system determines whether or not an unloading request has been made by a client terminal with respect to a delivery robot which has arrived at a place of delivery; and the delivery item management system enables the delivery robot to automatically unload a delivery item at the place of delivery, on the basis of the determination result.

Abstract: A freight vehicle on which a drone is docked, may include: a transfer device provided in the vehicle and configured to move up and down between an internal space of the vehicle and a roof to receive freight from the drone through the roof of the vehicle or transfer freight to the drone; and a loadspace separated, as a portion of the internal space of the vehicle, from a space where the transfer device is provided and including an open portion formed on a side or a rear of the vehicle, and onto which the freight is loaded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robust and effective solution to an entity or an organization by allowing to visualize the flow of automotive data signals from a source system to a sink system with different metric signals at each step and creating a mechanism for creating automotive signal quality marker (ASQM) for high quality automotive data signals by determining high value data parameters, inter-parameter correlation, data quality variation with trip duration, and frequency of data collection/distribution across datasets. The quality criterion thus developed is applied to data generated from a plurality of data sources. The ASQM may be calculated by converting the developed automotive data signals quality criterion into a numeric value on a specified scale. It can be used by all stakeholders in the value chain for consistent measurement of automotive data signals quality.

Abstract: The label, method, and system for automated recognition of products may be used at customer self-service checkouts, and for sorting products in automated warehouses. The label includes a base and a graphic code applied to the base that matches the ID of the product. The graphic code contains at least four areas located in the different parts of the label. Each area encodes a part of the ID and includes at least two graphic elements, one encoding at least one character of the ID, and the other encoding the position of such character in the ID. The product recognition system includes at least one scanning device and a data processing unit. The method of recognition includes scanning the label, receiving pictures or images of areas of the graphic code, recognizing the graphic elements of the code, decoding data, and determining the ID to identify the product.

Abstract: One variation of a method for communicating state, intent, and context of an autonomous vehicle includes: at a first time, displaying a first icon representing a current state of a vehicle on a rear-facing visual display arranged on the vehicle; navigating toward an intersection; at a second time, detecting a state of the intersection ahead of the vehicle; rendering a second icon representing the state of the intersection at the second time on the rear-facing visual display; detecting a change in the state of the intersection at a third time succeeding the second time; selecting a next navigation action for the vehicle responsive to the change in the state of the intersection at the third time; prior to executing the next navigation action, rendering a third icon representing the next navigation action on the rear-facing visual display; and autonomously executing the next navigation action.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for an intelligent laboratory lockbox. The intelligent laboratory lockbox self-regulates an internal temperature of one or more compartments, regardless of external temperatures. The one or more compartments can be individually climate controlled. The intelligent laboratory lockbox is in communication with a remote server, which is in communication with one or more remote sources including an electronic health record server, a courier server, and the like.

Abstract: A lockable package delivery locker at a publicly accessible location facilitates secure delivery by a delivery user of a package for later pickup by a recipient user. While the package is inside the locker a disinfection system disinfects the package and potentially its contents. A plurality of disinfection systems may provide different types of disinfection, including UV, chemical, nanotechnology, based on the type of packaging material. An electronic message may facilitate positioning UV emitters or chemical dispersion nozzles relative to the package. A locking mechanism and the disinfection system(s) may be controllable remotely from a server to which a computer device of the locker is in communication with, locally via an application on a UE device, or manually via an interface of the locker. The delivery user may be an individual shipping the package or a delivery service personnel, with the recipient user typically being the other.

Abstract: Technologies are disclosed herein for providing an aerial transport network infrastructure for unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones. The transport network infrastructure comprises models built from publicly available information, such as Federal Communications Commission and Department of Transportation (FCC-DOT) map data. An Electric Regulated Drone Operating System (ERDOS) executing within a drone includes logic for routing, queuing, monitoring, and rescuing using Level 5 automation techniques within the aerial transport network infrastructure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for optimizing delivery modes used to transport items to a customer. A delivery optimization system includes an online ordering system, a delivery mode optimizer, an order allocator, and a ship label and manifest generator. The delivery mode optimizer selects an optimal shipping mode based on information received from carriers. The lowest cost option to deliver the goods to the destination by a promised delivery date is selected at the time the order is received. A shipping node is selected that can supply the items needed to fulfill the order within the desired timeframe. The delivery mode is reevaluated after the order is prepared for shipment to determine if available shipping options have changed.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for preparation and drone based delivery of food items. In some examples, a delivery vehicle may be arranged for autonomous or semi-autonomous preparation of food items while the vehicle is en route to a delivery destination or parked at the delivery destination. Aerial and/or ground based drones, which may be stored in the vehicle, may be loaded with prepared food items and deliver their payloads to delivery locations. Preparation timing and other parameters for the food items, travel parameters for the delivery vehicle, and/or the delivery destination may be selected based on suitability of the delivery destination for launching/recovering the drones or delivery of the food items to the delivery locations. The drones may carry multiple payloads to multiple locations and may have environmentally controlled storage.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for generating a last mile travel route for a delivery robot. In an example embodiment, an individual captures an image of a frontage of a property. The image may include a package drop-off spot where a package can be dropped off by the delivery robot. The individual may also insert labels and/or illustrations into the image for conveying information such as object descriptors (front door, drop-off spot, etc.), traversable areas (driveway, walkway, etc.), and non-traversable areas (lawn, flower bed, etc.). The image is converted by a computer into a travel map that the delivery robot can use to identify a travel route through the frontage area of the property. The travel map may be provided in various forms such as a semantic map of the frontage area or a bird's eye view rendering of the frontage area.

Abstract: A method for observing and directing the movement of a physical object from a location to a destination, the method comprising. The method includes receiving specifications governing the physical dimensions, a material composition, a movement parameter, and an environmental control condition requirement for a physical object and storing those specifications in a shared, distributed ledger accessible by the relevant actors in a supply chain. By requiring significant events to be recorded in the distributed ledger, such a confirmations of product conformance to the specifications, documentation regarding the transport and receipt of the object, and relevant environmental conditions, the movement of the object through the supply chain can be ascertained and controlled with a high degree of visibility and accountability.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle for retrieval and delivery of a medical package includes determining a thermal control period for the medical package. The disclosure also includes identifying a relevant retrieval location corresponding to the medical package. The disclosure also includes identifying at least one environmental characteristic of an environment that includes a delivery three-dimensional flight path between the relevant retrieval location and a delivery location, wherein the at least one environmental characteristic indicates an actual weather value at the relevant retrieval location. The disclosure also includes determining whether to retrieve the medical package based on the thermal control period and the at least one environmental characteristic, using the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: [Problem] Provided are an information processing device, a system, and a method that are capable of, based on weather, determining the type of an article that is transportable by a vehicle. [Solution] An information processing device (500) includes an acquirer (510) that acquires weather information indicating weather in an area in which a vehicle is scheduled to move and a determiner (540) that, based on the acquired weather information, determines a type of an article that is transportable by the vehicle in the area.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the state of an unmanned aircraft includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit that can be integrated within the aircraft, a state transmission unit that can be integrated within the aircraft for transferring state data of the aircraft, a receiving unit integrated within the aircraft for receiving control commands, a computing unit assigned to the aircraft for validating the state of the aircraft, and an external control and monitoring unit connected to the computing unit. The computing unit executes a simulation model of the aircraft, which is based on numerical integration of a system of equations with a simulation state vector. The computing unit sends a warning signal to the control and monitoring unit on the occurrence of one or repeated instances of a model error correction term exceeding specified interval limits.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting a delivery method based on sensor data of an automatic replenishment device (ARD) are described. In an example, a computer system is communicatively coupled with the ARD and receives the sensor data from the ARD. The sensor data is generated by a sensor of the ARD and indicates an amount of an item that is stored by the ARD. The computer system maintains, in a profile, a consumption rate based on the sensor data. The computer system determines that the amount of the item is less than a threshold amount based on the consumption rate and, based on this amount, identifies available delivery methods for a delivery of a replacement amount of the item. The computer system selects one of the delivery methods based on the consumption rate and causes the delivery of the replacement amount of the item based on the selected delivery method.

Abstract: A cold chain system with thermosensitive labels linked to an online traceability portal is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of human a machine readable code labels having irreversible thermosensitive inks placed on various products. The labels optionally having multiple codes paired with various predefined discrete images or strings detected using optical methods or text-based transmission and communication protocols. The system can enhance cold chain quality and security by allowing real time validation and traceability from factory to end users through an online platform compatible with mobile devices. The system can also enhance both manual and technological cold chain security methods for countries that have varying degrees of technological capability to ultimately improve vulnerable supply chains.

Abstract: A portable container has a payload chamber for holding goods and a lid operable to access the payload chamber. The portable container also has an electronic system with one or more power storage devices, circuitry that wirelessly communicates via a cell radio with a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device, and an electronic display screen. The electronic system also has a button or a touch screen configured to be actuated by a user to a) automatically switch sender and recipient information on the electronic display screen to facilitate return of the portable container to the sender or b) automatically contact a parcel carrier to alert the parcel carrier that the portable container is ready for pickup.

Abstract: Provided is a package reception management system including a delivery vehicle configured to move in an unmanned operation. The package reception management system is configured to: acquire a reception region in which a package transported by the delivery vehicle is to be passed to a user being a delivery destination; issue authentication information to be input to the delivery vehicle in the reception region by the user being the delivery destination; and to notify the user of the issued authentication information. In the issuing, the package reception management system sets information for restricting later issuing of the issued authentication information for the reception region, and restricts issuing of the same authentication information as at least one piece of authentication information restricted in the issuing for the reception region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for automatic packaging determination comprising memory storing instructions and at least one processor performing steps comprising: receiving an order comprising at least one item; searching at least one data store to determine tags and properties associated with each item; sorting the items into at least one group; for each group: performing an optimization process for packaging the items in the group, by: selecting a data structure representing a first package; iteratively simulating packaging of a largest item of the group into the first package until all items are packaged, wherein if the simulating determines that the items in the group do not fit into the selected package: choosing a larger package, iteratively packing until all items are packed in the larger package; and generating set of instructions for packaging the items into the box; and sending the generated instructions for display.

Abstract: A delivery notification mail for notifying each of users of information regarding a corresponding one of packages to be delivered by a delivery vehicle is transmitted to a first information terminal (2) owned by the user. Opening time information indicating an opening time of each of the delivery notification mails is received from the corresponding first information terminal (2). A degree of interest of each of the users in the corresponding package is calculated. The degree of interest is calculated on the basis of a difference between a transmission time of the delivery notification mail corresponding to each of the packages and the opening time indicated by the opening time information. Order of delivery of the packages is set on the basis of the degrees of interest. Delivery order information indicating the order of delivery is transmitted to a second information terminal (3).

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide known shipper information in association with unknown shipper indicia as disclosed. Embodiments operate to collect information regarding a shipper and associate the shipper information with unknown shipper indicia. Where shipper information satisfactory to a known shipper requirement has not otherwise been collected, embodiments operate to perform a transaction matrix analysis to determine a shipper identification risk level. Such transaction matrix analysis may operate to analyze multiple pieces of shipper information (e.g., collected from different sources) to provide a determination as to a level of risk that the shipper information correctly and/or uniquely identifies the shipper.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a packaging instruction are disclosed. Sensor data of an item to be packaged is captured. The item is identified based on one or more detectable features. The item is determined to be associated with a plurality of item-specific characteristics that require different packaging materials. A plurality of user interface elements comprising the plurality of the item-specific characteristics is presented. A selection of one of the plurality of item-specific characteristics is received. An alternative packaging instruction associated with the received selection of the one of the plurality of item-specific characteristics is presented.

Abstract: A transport robot may include a wheel driver, a power supply, and a processor. The transport robot may execute artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and/or machine learning algorithms, and may communicate with other electronic devices in a 5G communication environment. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

Abstract: A road freight transport security system for a vehicle, is described, which comprises a database; and a portable electronic device running a security application. The security application is configured to prompt a user to carry out a plurality of external security checks of the vehicle, provide a facility for the user to confirm completion of those checks, provide a facility for the user to associate one or more photographs, taken by the portable electronic device, with one or more of the checks, and to upload log data to the database, the log data indicating at least a date and time of completion of the checks. A sensor device is also provided, mounted within a freight area of the vehicle, having one or more sensors, and being operable to communicate an alert to the portable electronic device in the event that an anomaly is detected inside the freight area. In this way, real time detection of security breaches within a freight trailer or container may be achieved.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for automatic packaging determination comprising a memory storing instructions and at least one processor performing steps comprising: receiving an order comprising at least one item; searching a data store to determine a tag, volume, and weight associated with each item; sorting the items into groups based on the tags of the items; performing an optimization process for each group of items having the same tag by: creating a data structure representing a first package of the group; iteratively simulating packing a largest remaining item of the group into the first package, wherein if the simulating determines that a threshold is exceeded: creating an additional data structure representing an additional package, and iteratively simulating packing a largest remaining item until all items of the group are packed into a package; and generating at least one list of items for the data structures representing packages.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for predicting a quality of service for a communication about at least one communication link of at least one communication device. QoS prediction may be necessary when it comes to the case that a user wants to use an application where a certain type of QoS is a presumption. For getting the best estimate of the quality of service the method comprises the steps of sending from the communication device a quality of service prediction request message hereinafter called QoS prediction request message to a communication service prediction server, predicting the quality of service in the communication service prediction server and sending back a quality of service prediction response message to the communication device. The communication device can thus decide if the predicted QoS is sufficient for the planned activity and may take a decision to either start the activity, postpone the activity or alter the activity.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving vehicle routing for a mobility service. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to receiving a routing request for the mobility service, determining candidate vehicles and candidate routes for the candidate vehicles to fulfill the routing request. The method includes evaluating the candidate routes using a meta-heuristic that modifies and assesses the candidate routes according to at least a fitness function defines attributes for constraining the candidate routes. The method includes providing a solution route from the candidate routes upon the solution route satisfying at least one solution condition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated balancing and flow management of items in multi-item orders to packing equipment. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining a first order identifier associated with a first item identifier and a second item identifier, determining that a first sorting load associated with a first item sorting machine is less than a second sorting load associated with a second item sorting machine, and determining a first tote identifier associated with the first item sorting machine. The method may include determining that a first item associated with the first item identifier is placed in a first tote associated with the first tote identifier, causing the first tote to be routed to the first item sorting machine, and determining that the first item and a second item associated with the second item identifier are ready for packing into a shipment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented inventory and shipping management system may include a plurality of dedicated modules integrated with a common central data store. The modules may be configured to communicate with each other only through the central data store. Item records may be stored in the central data store, including information relating to a packaging tier structure of each respective item. A user interface for entering inventory information may be dynamically updated by the system based on a selected measurement category.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for utilizing an automated aerial vehicle for determining the content of items included in bins within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, the automated aerial vehicle may fly along a flight path past one or more bins (e.g., for imaging the bins to determine the content of the bins and for which the images may be correlated with the bins). The flight path for the automated aerial vehicle may be determined based on various parameters e.g., for most efficiently imaging the bins, etc.).

Abstract: A system includes a database having a plurality of purchasable items. The system also includes an order server programmed to display a website including the purchasable items to a customer via a customer device and allow the customer to select the purchasable items for purchase. The selected items are added to an online order, and a request to complete the order is received from the customer device. A selection of a pick-up time for the customer to retrieve the order at a store is received. The online order and the selected pick-up time are transmitted to an order assembly server. The order assembly server is configured to begin assembling the selected purchasable items for pick-up at the store, receive a selection of an additional purchasable item to add to the selected pick-up time, and assemble the order and the additional purchasable item for pick-up at the selected pickup time.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method includes the operation of transmitting, via a payment-on-delivery device, a request message to a consumer computing device. The request message includes a request as to whether a consumer wishes to allow a package carrier to actuate an electronic lock. An indication that the package carrier may actuate the electronic lock is received by the payment-on-delivery device, which in response, presents a message to the package carrier asking whether the package carrier wishes to actuate the electronic lock. The package carrier selects to actuate the electronic lock and is presented with an access code for actuating the electronic lock.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting anomalies and forecasting optimizations to improve smart city or region infrastructure management using networks of autonomous vehicles. An autonomous vehicle may receive initial information relating to infrastructure utilized by a plurality of autonomous vehicles, and may acquire, during operation in the infrastructure, real-time information relating to the infrastructure and/or to other ones of the plurality of autonomous vehicles. The acquired information may be processed, and based on the processing of the acquired information and the initial information, anomalies and/or problems affecting the infrastructure and/or operation of the plurality of autonomous vehicles in the infrastructure may be detected.

Abstract: Mobile modules including a number of bins or other storage units may be formed in a modular manner, from various sub-modules. The mobile modules may be loaded with items by a sortation system or by associates. A bin within a mobile module may be selected and assigned to an order for a plurality of items, and each of the items included in the order may be deposited into the selected bin. After a sufficient number of bins within the mobile module have been filled with ordered items, the mobile module may be loaded into or onto a delivery vehicle and transported to a location from which the ordered items may be delivered to a customer, e.g., by an autonomous mobile robot or by an associate.

Abstract: A package sorting system is described that can be used to efficiently sort and pack Ropak containers for transporting packages from a sorting facility to a destination facility. The package sorting system can determine a particular Ropak container to place the package in as well as determine if the package was placed in the current Ropak container.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for utilizing an automated aerial vehicle for determining the content of items included in bins within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, the automated aerial vehicle may fly along a flight path past one or more bins and capture images of those bins. The images may be processed to determine the content of the bins, and other images of areas outside of the bins may also be processed (e.g., for detecting items on floors, security issues, etc.). The flight path for the automated aerial vehicle may be determined and/or modified based on various parameters (e.g., to most efficiently capture the images of the bins, to temporarily avoid areas with obstacles, etc.).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of determining, at a point during shipment, whether the solid phase refrigerant in a shipment is sufficient to preserve the shipment cargo, which is blood or other biological products, for the remaining shipment period, by: monitoring the temperatures encountered to said point and estimating the temperatures likely to be encountered during the remaining shipment period; determining the likelihood that the remaining refrigerant can maintain the shipment cargo within a specified temperature range during the remaining shipment period; and if the risk that the remaining refrigerant cannot maintain the shipment cargo within said range during the remaining shipment period is above a cut-off level, then taking action to preserve the value of the cargo.

Abstract: An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a network of participants connected through a website and thereby forming a virtual cold chain, and wherein the participants can make proposals and/or bids to shipment owners, shippers, receivers, and customers, to provide services or products to keep the shipment at desired conditions (especially, temperature conditions) during a period of the remaining shipment. The shipment can be monitored en route by agents acting for the website or by either the same participants making proposals, or other participants.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing information relating to the specialized handling of a package, and articles contained within the package. Data relating to a package containing an article that requires specialized handling is associated with a unique identifier and stored in a database. The unique identifier is also included in a machine readable code affixed to the package. A recipient of the package scans the machine readable code using an application downloaded into a mobile device, which extracts the unique identifier from the machine readable code and transmits a request to the database. The database may then identify data stored in the database that relates to the article based on the unique identifier, and transmit the data to the mobile device for display to the recipient. The data may include instructions on how to unpack the package, and how to store or use articles contained within the package.

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: 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, computer program product, and computing system for initiating a shipping inquiry for a piece of heavy equipment. A manufacturer/model is defined for the piece of heavy equipment. A starting location is identified for the piece of heavy equipment. A destination location is identified for the piece of heavy equipment. The shipping estimate is calculated for the piece of heavy equipment based, at least in part, upon the manufacturer/model of the piece of heavy equipment, the starting location of the piece of heavy equipment, and the destination location of the piece of heavy equipment.

Abstract: A computer-based ordering system configured to select a plurality of foodstuffs for delivery to a client may comprise: an inventory database configured to store a list of available foodstuffs from which the plurality of foodstuffs is selectable; a client database configured to store a plurality of client-specific profiles for a corresponding plurality of clients; and a control processor configured to select, from the list of available foodstuffs, the plurality of foodstuffs to be delivered to the client. The selection by the control processor of the plurality of foodstuffs to be delivered may be final and may be made in accordance with historical order data compiled from one or more prior orders received from one or more other clients that share (i) similar dietary preferences and/or (if) similar purchase profiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for filtering of a mail item addressed to a recipient. In accordance with an embodiment, preference information about mail items from the recipient is obtained. The preference information is compared with information on the mail item and based on the comparison, it is determined whether the mail item should be delivered. The preference information may include at least one of a size of the mail items, a type of the mail items, a classification of the mail items, a weight of the mail items, and preference information abut senders. In accordance with another embodiment, the preference information of a recipient may be provided to a sender so that the sender can determine whether the recipient wants mail items from the sender.

Abstract: A preservation system for storage and logistic transport of nutritional substances. The preservation system obtains information about the nutritional substance to be preserved, senses and measures the external environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the internal environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the state of the nutritional substance, and stores such information throughout the period of preservation. Using this accumulated information, the preservation system can measure, or estimate, changes in nutritional content (usually degradation) during the period of preservation. Additionally, the preservation system can use this information to dynamically modify the preservation system to minimize detrimental changes to the nutritional content of the nutritional substance, and in some cases actually improve the nutritional substance attributes.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for managing fluid transportation includes at least one client device configured to receive fluid source data from at least one fluid source data resource at a pick-up location and receive fluid destination data from at least one fluid destination data resource at a drop-off location, and at least one server computer in communication with the at least one client device, the at least one server computer configured to receive fluid data comprising at least a portion of the fluid source fluid data and at least a portion of the fluid destination data from the at least one client device, store the fluid data, and generate at least one report based at least partially on the fluid data.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide the ability to flexibly change the delivery point and time for a mail item, while the item is en route. The recipient, sender, or mailer may flexibly change the delivery point of the item alone or in combination with each other. While an item is en route between the sending point and the delivery point, a notification is sent to indicate that the item is in transit. In response, the delivery of the item may be changed. For example, the destination specified by the sender (e.g., the delivery address written on the item) may be changed or a delivery time may be specified. The item is then delivered to the new delivery point and/or at the specified delivery time.