Abstract: Sensor-equipped display management systems and methods that may be used to calculate a number of products removed from a display management system based upon motion of one or more mechanisms within the display management system. Additionally, the systems and methods may be used to detect patterns from the sensor data, which may be indicative of attempted theft of products stored within the display management system.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a reconfigurable software integrated module providing upfitter support capabilities via software residing on the vehicle and designated for individual upfitter modules, the software integrated module working with a vehicle service orchestrator to manage upfitter services in accordance with vehicle resources. The vehicle receives indication of an attached upfit module and determines whether the vehicle includes software for control of the upfit module. The vehicle verifies subscription to the software. Responsive to verification of subscription, the vehicle provides vehicle services to the upfit module as requested by at least one of the software or the upfit module and provides onboard wireless control of the upfit module via a vehicle interface.

Abstract: A network system can receive, from a user device of a requesting user, a query related to a first service. If the network system determines that a first service provider is in progress of providing a second service for the requesting user, the network system can identify, based on a service location of the second service, a plurality of entities that provide items available for selection in association with the first service. The network system can further determine whether to select the first service provider to fulfill the request for the first service based on an estimated first service duration associated with the first service and an estimated duration remaining for the second service. The first service duration can be estimated based on respective timing information associated one or more items selected by the requesting user. The network system can update a route for the first service provider.

Abstract: A portable device augments a shipping container with security and communications capabilities. The device includes multiple sensors, communications circuitry, and other electronic circuitry and/or mechanical components. The device can determine, based on output of the multiple sensors, an anomalous event experienced by the shipping container relative to an expected activity and communicate an indication of the anomalous event over a wireless network to a remote computer. The device also performs an action in response to the anomalous event or based on a command received from the remote computer.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for estimating a delivery time for a product in a supply chain. One method comprises obtaining an order for at least one product; calculating a similarity-based feature and/or a proximity-based feature for the order; and applying the calculated similarity-based feature and/or the calculated proximity-based feature for the order to a machine learning engine that generates an estimated delivery time for the order, wherein the machine learning engine is trained using characteristics from historical orders. The similarity-based feature for the order can be calculated using a delivery time value of historical orders in a given order cluster where the order was assigned based on a predefined distance metric between the order and features of each order cluster. The proximity-based feature for the order can be calculated using a delivery time value of the historical orders that satisfy one or more predefined recency criteria.

Abstract: A method utilizing a permission-based access functionality to obtain communication identifying metadata in electronic communications associated with a first and/or a second user. The communication identifying metadata is processed to generate first physical address metadata associated with the second user. Second physical addresses metadata associated with the second user is identified in data objects stored in electronic resources. The first and the second physical addresses metadata are inputted into a machine learning model which identifies related physical addresses, based on a change in a feature of the first and/or second physical addresses metadata and to predict a most likely current physical address of the second user. Upon receipt of the access permission to the current physical address of the second user, a database stored on a computing device of the first user is updated with the current physical address of the second user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling an item, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method can include acquiring a first time sequence corresponding to a target item in a target warehouse, the first time sequence including shipment volume information of the target item corresponding to each unit time within a first historical period. The method can further include determining, according to the first time sequence and a target period to be predicted, total shipment volume information of the target item within a target period through a shipment prediction model, the shipment prediction model including a plurality of parallel first time sequence sub-models and a weighted sub-model which is connected to an output of each of the first time sequence sub-models, and scheduling the target item in the target warehouse according to the total shipment volume information and current inventory information of the target item in the target warehouse.

Abstract: An object is to deliver more packages together. A number of first packages scheduled to be delivered by a vehicle that delivers packages to a predetermined area is acquired, the cost of delivering second packages by the vehicle is set on the basis of the number of first packages, the second packages being different from the first packages, and information on the cost is provided to a user present within the predetermined area.

Abstract: A method for close-range detection, includes transmitting, via a radar transceiver, radar signals to detect an object. The method also includes determining whether the object includes a pattern code based on reflections of the radar signals received by the radar transceiver. In response to determining that the object includes the pattern code, the method includes identifying range information about a range between the electronic device and the pattern code. The method further includes selecting, based on the range information, one or more signals from the reflections of the radar signals that are reflected off of the pattern code. Additionally, the method includes identifying, based on the one or more signals, information about the pattern code.

Abstract: An example operation may include one or more of setting, by a first node, a cut-off time for a resolution of an update to a service contract received from at least one node of a plurality of second nodes over a blockchain, acquiring, by the first node, resolution parameters from a blockchain ledger, and executing a smart contract to resolve the service contract based on the update to the service contract and the resolution parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic signing method and apparatus. One specific embodiment of the method comprises: in response to the reception of a signing request, acquiring the located current address information and a to-be-signed electronic signature picture comprising delivery address information; converting the current address information into first longitude and latitude data, and converting the delivery address information into second longitude and latitude data; determining the distance between the current address information and the delivery address information; if the distance is greater than a pre-set threshold value, sending a first verification code to a terminal of a user who is to receive goods, and receiving a second verification code input by a user based on the first verification code; and in response to the determination that the second verification code is consistent with the first verification code, receiving signature data input by the user on the electronic signature picture.

Abstract: Load management systems and methods are described. A load management system comprises a database storing load information, a mobile application associated with a user account and executable on a mobile device. The mobile application includes a main application and independently executable sub-applications corresponding to workflow progresses in the distribution center. The mobile application when executed, accesses the sub-applications in response to a user logging in to the main mobile application. The sub-applications inherit credentials from the main application and communicate with each other in response to inheriting the credentials.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a plurality of items, grouping the plurality of items into a plurality of clusters, where each of the plurality of clusters comprises items having similar features to one another, applying a classification model to each cluster to predict whether each item of a cluster will be delivered on time or delivered late, applying a regression model that determines an expected measure of tardiness of each item predicted to be delivered late, and outputting a delivery date prediction for each item predicted to be delivered late based on the expected measure of tardiness of the item.

Abstract: Provided are a reciprocal distribution calculating method and a reciprocal distribution calculating system for cost accounting, in which, when performing cost accounting using a computer, a reciprocal distribution method is used to effectively perform cost accounting of each department. In the reciprocal distribution calculating method and the reciprocal distribution calculating system for cost accounting, reciprocal distribution costs are calculated using the limit and convergence of a transition probability matrix. And, a reciprocal distribution calculation is performed in a completely different way from the method of calculating reciprocal distribution known for the last several tens of years and in an effective manner, thereby calculation of reciprocal distribution costs at a high speed.

Abstract: A cloud based system for a package exchange with a vehicle service is discussed. The system can have servers having processors, ports, and databases and a security module running on the processors to receive a virtual key and one of a request for package exchange with a vehicle service, data, or both, from a package delivery vehicle. The virtual key has a first shelf life and is used for authentication of communications from the delivery vehicle. The security module can receive a security token having a second shelf life from a user. The security token is used for verification of the user and target vehicle. After the first authentication and in an overlap window of the two shelf lives, the security module can send the one or more commands to an on-board actuation module of the target vehicle to cause an electro-mechanical operation in the target vehicle.

Abstract: A number of approaches for using a camera or other device to capture an image of an arbitrary signature, drawing and/or other scribble rendered on a package and utilizing the captured image as electronic postage for shipping the package to the recipient destination. A sender wishing to send a package handwrites a signature or other scribble directly onto the package that is to be shipped. A mobile device (e.g., smartphone) can be used to capture an image of the scribble and perform image recognition to determine whether the captured image contains sufficient features to be distinct from other images stored in a database. If the image is sufficiently distinct, the image can be accepted as electronic postage for the package. When the package is picked up, the delivery person scans the scribble and matches it to the image on file to determine the recipient address and other shipping information.

Abstract: Described are a system and methods for forecasting a delivery time and updating the forecasted delivery time of an object when a delay occurs. The delay of delivery may be determined based on information of a delivery vehicle provided by an on-board device or delivery status of the object stored in a delivery server. A historic delivery time to a place corresponding to the destination of the object or data collected from an outside service provider may be used for detecting delay condition of the delivery. A delivery service provider, a sender or a recipient may be notified of the delay or an updated delivery time.

Abstract: A system and method for universal address service are described. Shipping delivery data related to a user is accessed. The shipping delivery data comprises a history of shipping delivery addresses with corresponding shipping delivery dates. A predicted shipping delivery address for the user is determined based on an estimated delivery date of an order from the user and the shipping delivery data related to the user. The order is generated with the predicted shipping delivery address.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities for carton inventory optimization are provided. An example method comprises: (a) receiving historical shipping data corresponding to a time period, the historical shipping data comprising items that were shipped during the time period and their respective dimensions; (b) associating a rank to each of a plurality of carton sizes for each item; (c) associating a highest ranked carton size for each item at least in part on step (b); and (d) determining whether a desired level of optimization has been reached. Another example method may further comprise: (e) after determining that the desired level of optimization has not been reached, identifying at least one carton size; and (f) re-associating items that were associated with the at least one identified carton size to the next highest ranked carton size for each item.

Abstract: A first delivery estimate prediction model and a second delivery estimate prediction model are generated using historical data from an online marketplace. Transaction information related to an item listed in the online marketplace is determined. A first time estimate is calculated by applying the transaction information to the first delivery estimate prediction model. A second time estimate is calculated by applying the transaction information to the second delivery estimate prediction model. A delivery time estimate is generated based on the lowest of the first time estimate and the second time estimate.

Abstract: A system and method that provides optimization of order and routing patterns that solves for optimal freight margin, not just freight cost. The optimization includes freight allowance information typically varying by item that is used to determine ordering and routing solutions. The solutions thus are based on freight impact to total landed product cost, not just load freight costs. Optimization results are then translated into performance targets based on freight margin, not just freight expense.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an order for materials, analyzing the order to obtain selected order characteristics, executing a query in a database containing a history of orders to find previous orders having similar characteristics, and determining an estimated transit time for the order as function of the previous orders having similar characteristics.

Abstract: An order placement and delivery system is provided in which a final delivery address of a recipient is obscured or not known to a sender. The sender places an order for a gift against the unique sender identity, relays to the administrator a recipient's virtual contact address, and constructs a personal message which is routed to the virtual contact address. The point of origin of the personal message is inferred to be directly from the sender. The personal message forewarns the recipient that they will be messaged by the administrator to acquire a real-world physical address that will be used for physical gift delivery and stored in the database against the virtual contact address, such that future orders identifying the recipient's virtual contact address can be dispatched expeditiously to the recipient's physical address with reduced messaging overhead and without having to reveal the recipient's physical address to the sender.

Abstract: A transportation management system may include a connection cache configured to store connection-relevant transportation information for transportation objects. The connection-relevant transportation information may have been replicated from at least one of a plurality of transportation object sources including at least a first database storing schedules, a second database storing freight bookings, and a third database storing freight orders. The transportation management system may also include a connection cache access engine configured to receive transportation parameters including at least a first location and a second location, and query the connection cache to dynamically select one or more transportation objects from the connection cache related to at least one of the schedules, the freight bookings, and the freight orders, that are relevant for the first location and the second location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the process of digitizing and delivering physical mail based upon selective scanning are described and in certain illustrative examples, an intelligent agent computer system is employed for making selective scanning decisions in the process of digitizing and delivering physical mail.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that can identify the location of a consignee and propose one or more alternative delivery location(s). The proposed delivery location may be based on the current location of the consignee, current address on the package to be delivered, information located in a social network (private or public), “to-be” location as determined by the consignee which would be transmitted to the carrier and/or a predicted consignee location. In other embodiments, the consignee or “carrier” may suggest an alternative fixed location or alternative mobile location. In some embodiments, the consignee may indicate an alternative recipient of the item.

Abstract: The location of a user's device is first determined. An address corresponding to the location is then determined. When a user makes a purchase from the device location, a shipping address is automatically filled in based on the address determination from the device location. As a result, the user is not required to manually enter a shipping address for a purchase.

Abstract: A platform facilitates buyers, sellers, and third parties in obtaining information related to each other's transaction histories, such as a supplier's shipment history, the types of materials typically shipped, a supplier's customers, a supplier's expertise, what materials and how much a buyer purchases, buyer and shipper reliability, similarity between buyers, similarity between suppliers, and the like. The platform aggregates data from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, customs data associated with actual import/export transactions, non-public shipper records, and facilitates the generation of reports as to the quality of buyers and suppliers, the reports relating to a variety of parameters that are associated with buyer and supplier quality.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for automating the procurement of a physical server when the remaining number of available servers in a server pool reaches a predetermined threshold value. A target server pool is monitored for commitment of its associated physical servers. If the number of available servers falls below a predetermined threshold, then an automated procurement template associated with the target server pool is retrieved. The automated procurement template is then provided to the physical server manufacturer, which converts the information it contains into manufacturing and delivery data. In turn, the manufacturing data is used to manufacture the physical server, which is then delivered to the customer for implementation.

Abstract: Information of articles to be loaded is received, indicating and numbers of the articles to be loaded. A historic loading plan record is read. An item of the historic loading plan record includes at least a loading plan and an adaptive index corresponding to the loading plan. A loading plan suitable for the current transportation is generated based on the historic loading plan record and the information of articles to be loaded. The technical solution of this invention may reduce the requirements on storage and computing resources.

Abstract: Verification of a source of a package is facilitated. A data terminal certified by an authority obtains location data from a location detection component. The location data indicates a source location from which the package is to be shipped, and is detected by the location detection component at the source location. Secure package shipment information, including the location data, is provided with the package to securely convey the detected source location to facilitate verifying the source of the package. The data terminal can be a portable data terminal certified by the authority and have a tamper-proof boundary behind which resides the location detection component and one or more keys for securing the package shipment information. Upon tampering with the tamper-resistant boundary, the certification of the portable data terminal can be nullified.

Abstract: A shipping system and method for managing shipping of electronic devices with customer personal information. One or more electronic devices are scanned prior to shipping to a destination. A determination is made whether the one or more electronic devices include customer personal information in response to the scanning. An identification and metadata of the one or more electronic devices are recorded in response to determining the customer personal information is included on the one or more electronic devices. The one or more electronic devices are prevented from shipping by stopping generation of a shipping label for the one or more electronic devices.

Abstract: A system and related method are disclosed for establishing geographical communication and predicting mail delivery using mailbox-mounted devices adapted to detect delivery automatically and transmit that detection to associated electronic devices. Detection may be performed by various means including accelerometers, cameras, and magnetometers. The method includes maintaining a registry of mailbox-mounted devices, and passing communication between electronic devices used by owners of mailbox-mounted devices. The communication can include detection by the mailbox-mounted devices of mail delivery, and calculation of the postal carrier's probable route using that delivery detection.

Abstract: An information exchange system for handling shipment documentation and information, comprising an exchange server configured to process and exchange the shipment documentation and information for a plurality of parties comprising a carrier, a customer, and a third party and to communicate with an interface, a first terminal for the carrier, and a second terminal for the third party, wherein the interface is configured to electronically capture shipment documentation upon delivering shipment to the customer and forward the captured shipment documentation to the exchange server, wherein the first terminal is configured to receive the captured shipment documentation from the exchange server and forward shipment information of the carrier to the exchange server, and wherein the second terminal is configured to receive the shipment information of the carrier from the exchange server and forward additional shipment information of the third party to the exchange server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an automatic report system and method and may include storing parameters related to the report in a memory of a data logger, collecting during shipment transit, data related to a content of the shipment, generating a report based on the parameters upon arrival of the shipment to a destination and automatically sending the report to a contact person.

Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving a request to display a calendar associated with a delivery point of a user, accessing shipment information associated with the user, the shipment information including a record of physical delivery items and electronic delivery items, and displaying, for each day on the calendar, a count of the physical delivery items and electronic delivery items.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to a system for next day reconciliation of transportation records. The system having a transportation record storage provider (TRSP) that receives and stores storage medium transportation requests; an outside service provider (OSP) inventory manager that receives and maintains records of transported storage mediums scanned at the OSP; and a reconciliation provider that receives a first list from the TRSP and a second list from the OSP inventory manger, for reconciliation. The reconciliation provider includes receivers for receiving the first and second list; a processing engine that reconciles the first list and the second list; and a reporting unit that reports the results of the reconciliation. The processing engine matches inbound and outbound records of the first list and second list, and processes invalid records; and analyzes and accounts for un-matched records.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive drop shipping are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include maintaining inventory of an item that is offered for sale to customers via a webpage. A ratio may be calculated between a number of views of the webpage and a number of units of the item purchased over a first time period when a fast shipping or delivery option is available, and over a second time period when such option is not available. The method may identify the item as a candidate for drop shipping in response to the ratio being larger during the first time period than during the second time period. Upon receipt of an order, the received order may be fulfilled via drop shipping, in some cases, despite the inventory being sufficient to fulfill the order, and despite a cost of fulfillment via drop shipping being higher than fulfillment from inventory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. For example, a consignee may indicate a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences.

Abstract: Merchants are classified according to their reliability in shipping products when promised and ability to resolve complaints. A merchant trustworthiness evaluator (MTE) automatically gathers data from users about purchases online from a merchant, including an order identifier and an estimated ship date. In one embodiment, the MTE collects data from customers about their purchases through the use of a conversion pixel, transmitted to the customer by the merchant at the time of purchase. The MTE obtains shipment information from the merchant or shipment carrier once an order has been shipped. The MTE correlates the shipment data with the order data and compares for each order the estimated or promised and actual shipment dates. The MTE scores merchants and classifies each merchant based on its score. Merchant classifications can then be provided to prospective customers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide systems and methods for determining estimated lead times based on delivery history information to a same or similar geographical area. According to one example embodiment, a method is provided. The method can include identifying a payee and determining that the payee is associated with a geographical area for mailpiece delivery. The method can further include identifying multiple delivery methods for mailpiece delivery to the geographical area, wherein each of delivery methods is associated with (a) a distribution center, (b) a delivery agent, and (c) an estimated lead time determined at least in part by analyzing the delivery history information associated with multiple mailpieces mailed from the respective distribution center to the geographical area via the respective delivery agent. The method can further include selecting one of the delivery methods for mailpiece delivery to the payee and associating the selected delivery method with the payee.

Abstract: A shipment origin location for a product purchased by a customer is predicted. A merchant evaluator receives information from a user about a purchase transaction completed by the user with a merchant for a product, including the user's location. When the product is shipped, the merchant evaluator receives tracking information about the shipment. The merchant evaluator determines from the tracking information a point of origin for the shipment and updates its records to reflect the shipment origin point for that merchant and product, given the user's location. As the merchant evaluator compiles similar data for many products shipped by many merchants to many destinations, the merchant evaluator develops a searchable index, enabling a prediction to be made about a shipment origin point for a particular product from a particular merchant, given the location of the user ordering the product. A time-in-transit prediction can also be made.

Abstract: Fractionating and allocating a cost of delivery of a product to at least one customer from at least one plant where the at least one customer is at a first location and requires a first amount of product, and wherein the plant is at a second location and has a capacity to produce and distribute a second amount of product, the method comprising: obtaining, historical actual trip data; eliminating, outlier data to calculate cleaned trip data; calculating a fixed cost for delivery to the at least one customer; calculating a variable cost for the delivery to the at least one customer; calculating an actual fractional cost for the delivery of the product to the at least one customer: and calculating a predicted fractional cost for the delivery of the product to the at least one customer.

Abstract: An apparatus for an electronic cartage application includes a log module configured to maintain a log of cartage operator status entries for a cartage operator. The apparatus includes a comparison module configured to compare the log of cartage operator status entries for a particular time period with automated movement data for a vehicle operated by the cartage operator during the particular time period. The apparatus includes a detection module configured to detect a difference between the log of cartage operator status entries and the automated movement data that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of performing non-secure franking by means of a communications terminal comprising means for communicating with a franking service provider's server, a non-secure memory for recording identification numbers and associated postage amounts received in the franking service provider's server. The communications terminal can further comprise print command means for instructing a standard printer to print one of the identification numbers corresponding to the desired postage amount and extracted from the non-secure memory on a mail item to be sent.

Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for certifying business entities are provided. Input is received regarding a location of a business entity that is visited as part of a parcel delivery transaction, and the business entity is then associated with a verified address corresponding to the location visited. The verified address and an indication that the business entity is certified may be displayed to a user. Furthermore, a rating indicative of the legitimacy of the business entity may be determined, associated with the business entity, and displayed. The rating may be determined based on a total number of parcel delivery transactions of the business entity, a trend in its delivery transactions, the length of time the business entity has been involved in delivery transactions, or a geographic scope of the business entity. A directory of business entities that includes certification information and other features may also be provided.

Abstract: Methods of processing incoming documents. The methods may comprise receiving a plurality of documents in electronic form and classifying each of the plurality of documents into at least one of a plurality of document classifications. The methods may also comprise extracting metadata from the plurality of documents. In addition, the methods may comprise executing a first workflow for processing documents classified in a first document classification selected from the plurality of document classifications and executing a second workflow for processing documents classified in a second document classification selected from the plurality of document classifications.

Abstract: A mobile device application and integrated software system for managing a fleet of delivery trucks and drivers, providing automated timekeeping, messaging, ticketing and billing. At the completion of the delivery, electronic tickets including all time and location based billing are conveyed wirelessly to a customer's email Inbox. Status, performance, and exceptions to predetermined data are provided using computing devices, such as mobile devices, real time to allow a dispatcher to efficiently and effectively manage the truck fleet.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving scheduled shipping information, including information on scheduled package delivery time and billing information, receiving actual shipping information including actual delivery time, and actual billing information for said package, comparing the schedule information to actual information, and reporting the results including billing discrepancies or late deliveries. Certain embodiments may check climate conditions on the route of travel and determine if any shipping refund is due. Certain embodiments may also identify other carrier service anomalies and apply for and mage refunds. Indicia are used to display the status of a shipment, the status of a refund. Shipping information from multiple carriers may be aggregated into a single comprehensive system.