Systems and methods for delivering items are disclosed. The systems and methods comprise assigning a unique internal control value to each profile having an identified physical address delivery point. They also receive a request for delivery point information for each of a plurality of items to be distributed and providing a response comprising a list of internal control values thereto. They further receive a plurality of items, each item having printed thereon one of the internal control values on the list. For each of the plurality of items, they scan, by item processing equipment, the item to read the internal control value printed thereon, identifying, in the profile database, the physical address delivery point corresponding to the assigned internal control value, routing, by the item processing equipment, the item according to the identified physical address delivery point, and delivering the item to the identified physical address delivery point.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
2.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR READING A COMPUTER READABLE CODE
The present disclosure relates to a system for reading a barcode independently of image resolution or scale of a captured barcode image. In one embodiment, the system includes an optical sensor and a processor. The optical scanner can scan a barcode, including a plurality of bars and spaces, into a scanned image. The processor can convert the scanned image into binary data. The processor can also calculate numbers of ones (1s) between zeros (0s) in the binary data and determine widths of one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of ones (1s). The processor can further calculate numbers of zeros (0s) between ones (1s) in the binary data and determine widths of the other one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of zeros (0s).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
3.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ITEM DELIVERY ALONG DELIVERY ROUTES
A system and method of augmenting a delivery route. Exemplary methods include first location information from a first position device and receiving second location information from a second position device, storing first and second location information, and determining, based on at least one of the first and second information, a time and a location for each of a plurality of stops. Exemplary methods also include reconciling determined time and locations of each of the plurality of stops with a stored route, the stops having a stored location and a stored time associated therewith and estimating a plurality of transition times between pairs of the plurality of stops. Exemplary methods include constructing an updated timeline based on the plurality of stored stops, the plurality of determined stops, and the plurality of transition times and updating the delivery route based on the constructed timeline.
In one aspect, a method of confirming identity of an entity is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of items for delivery to an address, obtaining, from the items, information regarding an entity associated with the items and the address, and delivering the items to the address. The method may also comprise identifying an expected identity of the entity, receiving a request to confirm an identity of the entity using third-party identity verification via a user interface, and determining, based on the information regarding the entity, a confidence score for the expected identity. The method may further comprise determining whether the confidence score is greater than or equal to the threshold value and generating a response to the request. The method may additionally comprises displaying the response via the user interface.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
Goods & Services
Mail services, namely, sorting, handling, and receiving packages, and letters. Delivery services, namely, pickup, transportation and delivery of packages and letters by various modes of transportation; courier services.
9.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ADDRESS BLOCK AND BARCODE ON A CAPTURED IMAGE OF ITEM, AND READING THE DETECTED BARCODE USING CONNECTED COMPONENT ANALYSIS
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting an address block and barcode on a captured image of an item, and reading the detected barcode using connected component analysis. In one aspect, the method includes binarizing a captured image to generate a binarized image having pixel values, inverting the pixel values of the binarized image, processing the inverted pixel values, and filtering the processed image by area. The method may also include machine learning the processed image to cluster objects in the processed image into a plurality of groups using the filtered image, and determining a number of objects in each of the clustered groups by performing additional operations on the clustered objects to detect the address block. The method may also include selecting the group having the greatest number of objects as the address block, and extracting the selected address block.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06T 5/20 - Image enhancement or restoration using local operators
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06V 10/762 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using clustering, e.g. of similar faces in social networks
Generating authentication credentials includes receiving from a first user input identifying a customer identifier for an online account with a business or organization and a residential or business physical address, and sending via a network a notification to a first user system to follow instructions on a mail piece to be received by the first user. The mail piece is physically sent via a distribution network to the physical address and an online application is activated in response to scanning a coded indicia on the mail piece. Data indicative of an identity of the first user is received and the identity of the first user is verified based on at least information associated with the coded indicia and the received data. A recommendation is generated whether to approve the online account and an electronic credential is created for the first user based on acceptance of the online account.
Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and delivering articles in a processing facility based on image data are described. Image processing results such as rotation notation information may be included in or with an image to facilitate downstream processing such as when the routing information cannot be extracted from the image using an unattended system and the image is passed to an attended image processing system. The rotation notation information may be used to dynamically adjust the image before presenting the image via the attended image processing system.
G06V 30/424 - Postal images, e.g. labels or addresses on parcels or postal envelopes
B07C 3/00 - Sorting of mail or documents according to destination
B07C 3/20 - Arrangements for facilitating the visual reading of addresses, e.g. display arrangements
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06V 10/24 - Aligning, centring, orientation detection or correction of the image
G06V 30/146 - Aligning or centering of the image pick-up or image-field
Systems, devices and methods for storage, delivery, receipt, and/or other handling of an item in an electronically controllable storage receptacle are disclosed. The disclosure provides features for keyless access to the storage receptacle by use of user access information, such as a PIN or bar code. Further, features are disclosed for receiving and/or transmitting data related to the recipient and the item to facilitate the various handling actions of the item.
G07F 5/18 - Coin-actuated mechanismsInterlocks specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
G07F 9/00 - Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
G07F 17/12 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articlesCoin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
Systems, methods, and devices for scanning containers are described. An automatic scanning system is coupled to a vehicle that is configured to move containers within a warehouse. The automatic scanning system includes a sensor system that detects and locates a container relative to the sensor system. Based on the detected container being located within a suitable distance, the automatic scanning system triggers a lighting system and camera system. The triggered lighting system illuminates the item container and a placard positioned thereon. The camera system captures an image of the illuminated placard. The image of the placard is read by a computer, and based on the information on the placard, the item container is identified, and the vehicle or an operator thereof is instructed to move the item container to a location.
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G06T 5/20 - Image enhancement or restoration using local operators
A system and method for accurately tracking the delivery of items in an item distribution network using a purpose built confidence event recorder. An item sorter sorts items for delivery based upon route information and preferences for the delivery. Items are tracked while out for delivery through the use of confidence data recorded by a confidence event recorder carried by an item carrier. The confidence data recorder can that can record GPS and time data, as well as scan barcodes, such as a barcode on an item to be delivered. Confidence data can be used to accurately record when and where item carriers deliver items. The system determines if an actual delivery occurred by comparing the confidence data to previously gathered confidence data. An expected delivery window generation system can be used to generate expected delivery windows for the delivery of new items based on the confidence data recorded.
Systems and methods for informed mobility platform for an item processing supervisor within a distribution facility are disclosed. In one embodiment, a supervisor mobile terminal for electronically managing item processing activities associated with a distribution facility is provided. The terminal may include a transceiver circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with a server computer a plurality of sets of data relating to the item processing activities. The terminal may further include a user interface configured to display the plurality of sets of data and a controller in data communication with the transceiver circuit and the user interface. The controller may be configured to control the user interface to modify the at least one set of data and control the transceiver circuit to wirelessly communicate the modified data with the server computer such that the at least one set of data stored in the server computer is updated with the modified data.
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/0635 - Risk analysis of enterprise or organisation activities
G06Q 10/0639 - Performance analysis of employeesPerformance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
This application relates to a system for compressing captured images. The system may include an image capturing device configured to continuously capture images, for example, of a location, or frame, or field of view, and convert the captured images respectively into a plurality of sets of digital data, each of the plurality of sets of digital data including at least two consecutive rows of digital data. The system may also include a processor circuit configured to combine the at least two sets of the plurality of sets of digital data to generate a pre-compression set of digital data and simultaneously compress the pre-compression set of digital data simultaneously or together in a single compression operation.
A system and method for tracking mobile devices. The system can include a data center and a plurality of mobile devices in communication with the data center via the network. Each mobile device can include at least one sensor configured to periodically generate tracking data records, a memory, and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and the memory. The mobile devices can transmit sets of tracking data records to the data center using reduced bandwidth relative to the original records by implement compression algorithms that can include delta encoding and/or numeric base conversion of number valued fields, as well as additional compression techniques that may be reversed at the data center to reconstruct the original records or otherwise decompress the data.
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for automatically determining a three dimensional size of an item. The system may include an optical sensor scanning a surface of the item being transported on a conveyor spaced apart from the optical sensor by a conveyor distance, the surface including a standard size element having a first dimension. The system may also include a memory storing the first dimension and the conveyor distance. The system may also include a processor configured to calculate a second dimension of the surface based on a scanned image of the surface and a scanned image of the standard size element and the stored first dimension. The processor may obtain an item distance between the optical sensor and the surface and determine a height of the item based on the obtained item distance and the stored conveyor distance.
G06T 7/62 - Analysis of geometric attributes of area, perimeter, diameter or volume
G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
G01B 11/04 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness specially adapted for measuring length or width of objects while moving
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
19.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND USING A HYBRID-DIGITAL MAILBOX
A method and a system are provided for creating and using a hybrid-digital mailbox. A computing device registers a user with a system that provides the hybrid-digital mailbox. The registering includes verifying an authenticity of the user, associating the user with a mailing address, providing the user with a unique user ID, and linking the mailing address with an email address in a profile of the user. The computing device associates incoming physical mail and electronic mail, which is associated with the physical mail, with the hybrid-digital mailbox.
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for extracting a region of interest from a captured image of an item. The system may include a reader configured to capture an image of an item having a computer readable code positioned thereon. The system may also include a processor in data communication with the reader and configured to generate captured image data, the captured data comprising binary image data and identify a first pixel region representing the computer readable code from the binarized image data. The processor may be further configured to remove a second pixel region other than the first pixel region from the binarized image data and store or process only first binarized image data representing the first pixel region.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
In some aspects, methods and systems for a digital trust architecture are provided. In some aspects, the architecture includes a user account provisioning process. The provisioning process may make use of in person verifications of some personal information to ensure authenticity of the user information. Once the authenticity of user information is established, an account may be created. The user account may include a user email account, with integrated access to digital certificates linked to the user account. Account creation may also automatically publish the new user's public key in a publicly accessible directory, enabling encrypted email information to be easily sent to the new user.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols
A system and method for the use of geo-fences to coordinate and track delivery of items. In some embodiments, the system comprising a mobile delivery device comprising a vector calculation module configured to determine a motion vector associated with the mobile delivery device, a geo-location module configured to determine a geo-location associated with a mobile delivery device, and a geo-fence database configured to determine a size of at least one geo-fence associated with at least one location and determine whether the mobile delivery device is within the geo-fence. In some embodiments, the size of the geo-fence is determined at least in part on the motion vector determined by the vector calculation module.
A process for verifying an item deposit via a smart drop box. The process includes an item receptacle, a processor in communication with the item receptacle, a scanning device, and a database. The item receptacle is configured to receive an item from a user, scan the item, and generate item information. The processor is configured to compare the item information generated with identified item information from the database. If the information generated matches the information from the database, the item is accepted. In some embodiments, the deposit verification includes a printed receipt and/or an electronic verification.
A postal service cart includes a base member and a support member extending from the base member. The support member includes a first end connected with the base member and a second end. A system support surface is connected to the support member at the second end. The system support surface includes a first support zone configured to support a first portion of a customer interface system and a second support zone including a component placement location restrictor configured to support a second portion of the customer interface system. The component placement location restrictor confines placement of the second portion of the customer interface system to a section of the second support zone adjacent the forward edge.
A47B 21/04 - Tables or desks specially adapted for use at individual computer workstations, e.g. for word processing or other manual data entryTables or desks specially adapted for typingAuxiliary devices for attachment to such tables or desks characterised by means for holding or fastening typewriters or computer equipment
A47B 31/00 - Service or tea tables, trolleys, or wagons
25.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY RECOGNIZING DELIVERY POINT INFORMATION
This application relates to a system for automatically recognizing geographical area information provided on an item. The system may include an optical scanner configured to capture geographical area information provided on an item, the geographical area information comprising a plurality of geographical area components. The system may also include a controller in data communication with the optical scanner and configured to recognize the captured geographical area information by running a plurality of machine learning or deep learning models separately and sequentially on the plurality of geographical area components of the captured geographical area information.
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
G06F 18/2413 - Classification techniques relating to the classification model, e.g. parametric or non-parametric approaches based on distances to training or reference patterns
G06F 18/28 - Determining representative reference patterns, e.g. by averaging or distortingGenerating dictionaries
This application relates to a system for building machine learning or deep learning data sets for automatically recognizing geographical area information comprising a plurality of geographical area components provided on items. The system may include a first image database configured to store a first plurality of sets of images of geographical area information of items, each first set including an image of an entirety of geographical area information of an item. The system may also include a second image database configured to store a second plurality of sets of images of the geographical area information of the items, each second set including images of individual geographical area components. The system may further include a controller configured to convert the first plurality of sets of images into the second plurality of sets of images.
Systems and methods for creating a distribution campaign and delivering a digital content associated with the distribution campaign are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an imaging device may capture an image of one or more campaign distribution items. A user interface in communication with the image capture device may receive a request to generate a distribution campaign, receive target addresses, and receive digital content associated with the distribution campaign. The user interface may generate an intelligent campaign barcode for each of the target addresses and a label for each of the target addresses to be affixed to one or more campaign distribution items. The user interface may receive the image of a campaign distribution item, detect the intelligent campaign barcode on the label affixed to the campaign distribution item; and deliver the digital content to an email address associated with the target address based on the intelligent campaign barcode.
Systems and methods for tracking items. A system for tracking an item is configured to scan the item for a computer readable code and convert the computer readable code into a digital identifier associated with the item. The system includes a controller circuit configured to receive authentication information from the mobile computing device, receive a request from the mobile computing device, comprising the digital identifier and a request for information relating to the item. When the memory has the information, the controller circuit obtains the information from the memory and generates an output comprising the digital identifier and the information for display. The output is based on a comparison of a location of the mobile computing device and an expected location of the item.
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
A method is provided for tracking and/or locating a delivery item transport equipment label. A delivery-item transport equipment label is scanned. At least one of a first identifier that is attached to a bracket or an RFID chip that is attached to the bracket is scanned to associate the delivery-item transport equipment label with the RFID chip. The RFID chip is scanned during use of a delivery-item transport equipment to which the bracket is attached. A location of the delivery-item transport equipment label is identified based on the scanning of the RFID chip.
G09F 7/18 - Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articlesMeans for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for improving scan rates of an item in a distribution network. The system may include an item scan database storing item scan datasets containing barcodes, item datasets and optical character recognition (OCR) labels datasets and a processor in data communication with the item scan database. The processor may detect an item barcode with an item orientation so as to output correct orientation information of the item. The processor may also extract available barcode information from the detected item barcode based on the correct orientation information of the item. The processor may further reconstruct a correct barcode from the extracted available barcode information and one or more of the item scan datasets.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
Systems and methods for commanding, controlling, and guiding automated guided vehicles (“AGVs”). Automated systems translate AGV commands according to AGV manufacturers. AGVs can be summoned and destinations be determined automatically.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G01S 15/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
33.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ITEM DELIVERY ALONG DELIVERY ROUTES
Methods and systems for coordinating item delivery are disclosed. In one aspect, a method comprises receiving delivery route data from a carrier device, generating, based on the delivery route data, a digital route for a delivery resource, the digital route comprising a street portion and an office portion, wherein the street portion comprises: a plurality of delivery points at which the carrier is to perform a service, and a segmented travel course for the carrier to travel to each of the plurality of delivery points in a determined sequence, and wherein the office portion comprises details regarding one or more office activities performed by the carrier to prepare for or conclude the street portion of a delivery route.
An automated system for transferring articles from a container. An item transfer system includes a source tray assembly, a translatable and rotatable intermediate rotary assembly, and a translatable and rotatable output rotary assembly. The system is configured to transfer articles from the tray to processing equipment by an automated process including rotationally transferring the articles from the tray to the intermediate rotary assembly and rotationally transferring the articles from the intermediate rotary assembly to the output rotary assembly. The output rotary assembly can move to align with a shelf or other input of the processing equipment and a paddle assembly can slide the items from the output rotary assembly onto the shelf or other input of the processing equipment.
A system and method for detecting delivery items includes a hardware processor that is operably connected to a light detector and a camera positioned at a sensing location along a moving surface that moves a delivery item. The processor may be configured to perform operations that include receiving a light status signal from the light detector, the light status signal having a first state when a light beam directed across the moving surface is detected at the light detector, which indicates absence of the delivery item, and a second state when the light beam is not detected at the light detector, which indicates presence of the delivery item, receiving image data from the camera, which includes images at the sensing location, and modifying the light status signal based on the image data when the light status signal and the image data disagree on the number of delivery items.
B07C 3/14 - Apparatus characterised by the means used for detection of the destination using light-responsive detecting means
B07C 3/12 - Apparatus characterised by the means used for detection of the destination using electric or electronic detecting means
B65B 57/12 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of wrapping materials, containers, or packages
B65G 43/08 - Control devices operated by article or material being fed, conveyed, or discharged
Systems and methods of tracking distribution items using hardware components on or in the distribution items. Shippers and recipients of distribution items can track or locate a distribution item, especially a high value item, if the distribution item is lost, misrouted, or delayed. Distribution items can be tracked until an indication of delivery, such as at a delivery location.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/02 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the selection of materials, e.g. to avoid wear during transport through the machine
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
G06Q 20/28 - Pre-payment schemes, i.e. "pay before"
G08B 3/10 - Audible signalling systemsAudible personal calling systems using electric transmissionAudible signalling systemsAudible personal calling systems using electromagnetic transmission
G08B 21/02 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
H04W 12/47 - Security arrangements using identity modules using near field communication [NFC] or radio frequency identification [RFID] modules
H04W 24/04 - Arrangements for maintaining operational condition
37.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BUILDING MACHINE LEARNING OR DEEP LEARNING DATA SETS FOR RECOGNIZING LABELS ON ITEMS
This application relates to a method and a system for building machine learning or deep learning data sets for automatically recognizing labels on items. The system may include an optical scanner configured to capture an item including one or more labels provided thereon, the item captured a plurality of times at different positions with respect to the optical scanner. The system may further include a robotic arm on which the item is disposed, the robotic arm configured to rotate the item horizontally and/or vertically such that the one or more labels of the item are captured by the optical scanner at different positions with respect to the optical scanner. The system may include a database configured to store the captured images.
A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint. The device can also include a base configured to support the at least one shared chute and the first and second sorters.
This disclosure relates to systems and methods of integrated on-demand labeling of item containers. In particular, this disclosure relates systems and methods for automatically creating and using placards to label, track, and organize item containers and items.
An apparatus that substantially improves the stack quality of delivery items in a delivery item sorting machine by ensuring uniformity of the orientation of the delivery items. The apparatus accommodates toolless installation in the delivery item sorting machine and economical manufacturing options. The apparatus substantially prevents delivery item disorientation and undesired departure of delivery items from the sorting machine. The apparatus reduces operator safety concerns, and increases the net speed of delivery item processing.
This application relates to a method and a system for compressing a captured image of an item such as a mailpiece or parcel. The system may include a memory configured to store images of a plurality of items captured while the items are being transported and a processor in data communication with the memory. The processor may be configured to receive or retrieve one or more of the captured images, perform a wavelet scattering transform on the one or more captured images, perform deep learning on the wavelet scattering transformed images to classify the wavelet scattering transformed images and compress the classified wavelet scattering transformed images. Various embodiments can significantly improve a compression efficiency, a communication efficiency of compressed data and save a memory space so that the functionality of computing devices is significantly improved.
The integrated logistics ecosystem is a hybrid system for creating datasets and services that are utilized in a logistics network. This system provides an inventory of data objects, access layers, and services which perform across various tenants of the system. These tenants may be made up of several architectural components such as transportation management, freight payment, integrated GPS, transportation visibility, logistics gateway, contract management system, freight auction, fuel management, surface visibility, workforce management, and integrated control tower components. Each of these is integrated into the system as a whole to ensure dynamic communication and process execution.
Systems, methods, and devices for designating a location for a delivery item that is being sorted by an operator. The operator scans the delivery address of the item using a particular scanner. Using the delivery address and other information from the scanner that was used, the system determines a sort output location for the item and identifies an indicator device (e.g., an LED device) that corresponds to the sort output location. The system then commands the indicator device to present or display a designator. For example, the indicator device may be commanded to illuminate a light, such as an LED. The operator of the scanner then places the item at the location corresponding to the illuminated light designator.
Systems and methods of creating, managing, and distributing supplemental content associated with items in a distribution network. A physical delivery item can be imaged and associated with additional content generated or associated with the sender of the physical delivery item.
An autonomous vehicle for delivery of items can detect its location and the location of targets on item receptacles in order to position the vehicle at a receptacle. The vehicle, in an autonomous mode, can automatically travel between delivery points along a delivery route. A presence sensor on the vehicle can detect ingress and egress from the vehicle to determine when the vehicle is ready to travel to the next delivery point.
An electronic label (e-label) device that monitors situational data and displays an e-label. When the device detects an appearance modification event trigger based on the situational data, it modifies the appearance of the e-label being displayed by the e-label device, for example, by enlarging the machine-readable portion (e.g., barcode portion) of the displayed e-label. A related method and computer program product are also described.
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
Locking systems and devices and methods for using the systems and devices are provided. A locking system may include a receptacle having a lock and an electronic credential. If the electronic credential is brought into proximity of the receptacle, then a key can be used to open the lock. The electronic credential can be incorporated into a vehicle or into a handheld device.
Generating authentication credentials includes receiving from a first user input identifying a customer identifier for an online account with a business or organization and a residential or business physical address, and sending via a network a notification to a first user system to follow instructions on a mail piece to be received by the first user. The mail piece is physically sent via a distribution network to the physical address and an online application is activated in response to scanning a coded indicia on the mail piece. Data indicative of an identity of the first user is received and the identity of the first user is verified based on at least information associated with the coded indicia and the received data. A recommendation is generated whether to approve the online account and an electronic credential is created for the first user based on acceptance of the online account.
Systems and methods for enhancing digitally informed delivery of delivery items, such as mail or packages. A delivery item has an associated digital resource(s), such as electronic text, a digital file, an image, a web page(s), or the like. The delivery item includes an indicia, such as a bar code, that provides access to, or references, the digital resource. When the delivery item is processed during transit from the sender to the recipient of the delivery item, the indicia is scanned, read, or decoded, and the associated digital resource is identified therefrom. The delivery service transmits, to the recipient, an electronic notification indicating that the delivery item is enroute to the recipient and also indicating the associated digital resource. The recipient can then access the digital resource, e.g., the custom text, files, images or web pages associated with the delivery item.
Devices and methods for quickly and accurately measuring the distance between two carriers of item processing equipment. The devices and methods can include an elongate bar and associated components which may increase the magnitude of lengths that can be measured.
Embodiments of a system and method for using a mobile device to assist with the efficient and secure delivery of item. The mobile device can assist an item deliver to lock or unlock secure item delivery receptacles. The mobile device can also notify an item deliverer about particular delivery conditions associated with particular delivery endpoints. The mobile device can further help the item deliverer to determine whether or not he or she is delivering the item to the correct location.
A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium for delivering supplemental physical and/or electronic content in association with a physical delivery item. Various embodiments include operations for receiving tracking data regarding a delivery item, determining, based on the tracking data, whether supplemental content is associated with the delivery item, and automatically scheduling delivery of the supplemental content when supplemental content is associated with the delivery item. Others embodiments include operations for obtaining tracking data regarding a delivery item; identifying, based on the tracking data, supplemental content associated with the delivery item; generating an electronic command to schedule delivery of the supplemental content at a delivery point of a user, the scheduled delivery being associated with a corresponding delivery date; and generating an electronic command to present, within a user interface, at least one of the electronic items of supplemental content to the user on the corresponding delivery date.
A portable workstation apparatus includes: a pair of collapsible legs; and a work portion that is attached in a removable manner to the pair of collapsible lags via a pair of brackets. Each leg of the pair of collapsible legs includes: a frame; an extension connected to a first end of the frame; a lower post housed within a sleeve; an upper post; a hinge connecting the lower post and the upper post; a first brace connecting the extension to the sleeve; and a plurality of holes on an exterior face of the lower post or the upper post. Each leg is configured to collapse by folding the upper post towards the lower post via the hinge and rotating the extension toward the lower post.
A47B 3/08 - Folding or stowable tables with legs pivoted to top or underframe
A47B 9/14 - Tables with tops of variable height with pins coacting with holes
A47B 21/02 - Tables or desks specially adapted for use at individual computer workstations, e.g. for word processing or other manual data entryTables or desks specially adapted for typingAuxiliary devices for attachment to such tables or desks characterised by adjustable parts, e.g. universally adjustable leaves, arm rests, wrist supports or mouse platforms the parts being vertically-adjustable only
A47B 83/04 - Tables combined with other pieces of furniture
54.
DETECTING AND REMEDIATING LOGISTICAL OPERATIONAL DELAYS
Techniques for detecting and remediating logistical operational delays are presented. The techniques can include: obtaining electronic operational feedback associated with logistics in a geographical region, where the electronic operational feedback includes at least one of: customer email messages, customer phone messages, web-based customer reviews, delivery delay times, social media communication issue resolution times, or employment satisfaction ratings; generating a heatmap representing the electronic operational feedback for the geographical region, where an operational issue hotspot corresponding to a logistical node in the geographic region is displayed; and remediating an operation issue at the logistical node in the geographic region that corresponds to the operational issue hotspot.
This application relates to a system for compressing captured images. The system may include an image capturing device configured to continuously capture images, for example, of a location, or frame, or field of view, and convert the captured images respectively into a plurality of sets of digital data, each of the plurality of sets of digital data including at least two consecutive rows of digital data. The system may also include a processor circuit configured to combine the at least two sets of the plurality of sets of digital data to generate a pre-compression set of digital data and simultaneously compress the pre-compression set of digital data simultaneously or together in a single compression operation.
Systems and methods for dynamic routing of delivery resources for delivery of items from a pickup location on or near a first planned route to a delivery location on or near a second planned route. Methods can include identifying a first route and a second route based on the pickup and delivery locations, selecting one of a predetermined plurality of transfer nodes based on the locations of the first and second routes, and sending instructions to resources traveling along the first and second routes to meet and transfer the items at the selected transfer node.
The present disclosure relates to a system for reading a barcode independently of image resolution or scale of a captured barcode image. In one embodiment, the system includes an optical sensor and a processor. The optical scanner can scan a barcode, including a plurality of bars and spaces, into a scanned image. The processor can convert the scanned image into binary data. The processor can also calculate numbers of ones (1s) between zeros (0s) in the binary data and determine widths of one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of ones (1s). The processor can further calculate numbers of zeros (0s) between ones (1s) in the binary data and determine widths of the other one of i) each of the bars and ii) each of the spaces based on the calculated numbers of zeros (0s).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
58.
Interceptor hub for service-consuming applications
A method, a system, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium are provided. An interceptor hub application (IHA) receives a request for services in a first format and converts at least some information in the request to a second format. Respective requests are sent to the requested services, at least some which include a corresponding portion of the information in the second format. The IHA receives respective service responses from the respective services and provides the respective service responses in an expected combined service response format. A first request for permission to access an application program interface/endpoint is received from a user of a client via an IHA user interface and is provided to a first manager of the application program interface/endpoint. Approval of the first request from the first manager is received, and in response, the interceptor hub application provides the client with access to the application program interface/endpoint.
Systems and methods of identifying wearable tags or other items within a facility. The location of the identifiable item can be calculated by the system and used to improve the efficiency of the facility or to dispatch emergency help or maintenance to the location of the badge.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
Techniques for tracking an evacuation of a location in an environment that utilizes physical tokens to prove physical presence at the location are presented. The techniques include receiving data representing of subordinates of an evacuation facilitator; receiving physical token based location status information for at least one of the subordinates, where the physical token based location status information is based on electronic readings of the physical tokens; determining based on the physical token based location status information, a physical presence status at the location for the at least one of the subordinates; receiving evacuation status information for each of the at least one of the subordinates that has a physical presence status that indicates a presence at the location; and recording the evacuation status information for each of the at least one of the subordinates that has a physical presence status that indicates a presence at the location.
Systems, methods, and devices for displaying project data implement operations that include receiving multi-level project data originating from a plurality of disparate data sources associated with different entities within an organization. The project data may include information identifying initiatives or tasks performed by the different entities. The operations further include storing the project data, which may be standardized, in a central repository; determining connections and/or alignments between the initiatives within the organization based on the stored project data; and displaying information identifying the determined connections and alignments between the initiatives, which typically span across multiple levels within the organization. The information may be graphically displayed on a single interface.
A lock can include attack-resistant and/or weather-resistant features. Attack-resistant features can include a sacrificial link between a locking mechanism and an external keyway covering an exterior face of the locking mechanism. The sacrificial link can break during a torque attack on the lock such that the full force of the torque attack is not applied to the locking mechanism. Weather-resistant features can include drain openings in one or more housing components external to the locking mechanism to facilitate drainage of liquid matter from the lock before the liquid matter reaches the locking mechanism.
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for extracting a region of interest from a captured image of an item. The system may include a reader configured to capture an image of an item having a computer readable code positioned thereon. The system may also include a processor in data communication with the reader and configured to generate captured image data, the captured data comprising binary image data and identify a first pixel region representing the computer readable code from the binarized image data. The processor may be further configured to remove a second pixel region other than the first pixel region from the binarized image data and store or process only first binarized image data representing the first pixel region.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
Vehicle shelf systems having indicators thereon for improving loading and delivery efficiency. Items are scanned for loading, and the indicators on the vehicle shelves identify where to place the item based on the sequence of the delivery point along the delivery route. A mobile computing device alerts a delivery carrier when the delivery vehicle is in proximity to a delivery point when an item is to be delivered.
B60P 1/64 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 50/28 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping
65.
Systems and methods for delivering items having encoded delivery points
Systems and methods for delivering items are disclosed. The systems and methods comprise assigning a unique internal control value to each profile having an identified physical address delivery point. They also receive a request for delivery point information for each of a plurality of items to be distributed and providing a response comprising a list of internal control values thereto. They further receive a plurality of items, each item having printed thereon one of the internal control values on the list. For each of the plurality of items, they scan, by item processing equipment, the item to read the internal control value printed thereon, identifying, in the profile database, the physical address delivery point corresponding to the assigned internal control value, routing, by the item processing equipment, the item according to the identified physical address delivery point, and delivering the item to the identified physical address delivery point.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
66.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING MACHINE VISION IN DISTRIBUTION FACILITY OPERATIONS AND TRACKING DISTRIBUTION ITEMS
This disclosure relates to systems and methods of using machine vision in a distribution network environment. In particular, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for automatically monitoring zones within a distribution facility with machine vision and generating notifications.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
67.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOGISTICS FACILITY MANAGEMENT
A system may include a database comprising a key performance indicator associated with a facility and a memory storing computer-executable instructions. A system may include one or more processors in communication with the memory, wherein the computer-executable instructions when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to receive, from the database, the key performance indicator. Process the key performance indicator to assign a site risk index of the facility by comparing the key performance indicator to an expected value. Determine, based on the site risk index, a requirement to implement an action plan associated with a facility issue. Generate, based on the key performance indicator and the site risk index, the action plan comprising a remedial action, wherein the action plan corrects the facility issue. Transmit the remedial action to an equipment, wherein the remedial action comprises an action performable by the equipment.
A control system, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are provided for a control system of a transport system. A processor is configured to receive sensor data from a monitoring device attached to, or configured to simulate, a container that is typically moved, routed, or handled by the transport system. The processor receives a maintenance indicator identifying a malfunctioning component of the transport system. The processor obtains a predetermined normal range of the sensor data corresponding to expected operating conditions for each of one or more sensors of the monitoring device. The predetermined normal range corresponding to the expected operating conditions is modified based on the maintenance indicator and subsequent malfunctioning components are detected based on the modified normal range of the sensor data.
B65G 43/02 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting detecting dangerous physical condition of load- carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating
Systems and methods of delivering an item to a mobile delivery receptacle are disclosed. A method of delivering an item to a mobile delivery receptacle can include receiving from a mobile delivery receptacle a location of the mobile delivery receptacle. Based on a cross-referencing credential, the method can include verifying the location of the mobile delivery receptacle. The method may include identifying a mobile delivery unit and determining a position of the mobile delivery unit. The method can include calculating a delivery route from the position of the mobile delivery unit to the mobile delivery receptacle and passing the location of the delivery resource and the delivery route to the mobile delivery unit.
A method and system of providing material based on a user-initiated request utilizing an electronic database includes receiving search keywords to conduct a search and accessing a first database having previously stored contact information for the particular user in an initial table record. The method includes transforming data in the fields of the record for the particular user in the initial table to generate a record in a sanitized table, accessing a second electronic database having previously stored data structures corresponding to businesses, where each data structure maps selected keyword combinations to corresponding icons, and to particular material corresponding to each keyword combination, and displaying icons associated with search results having corresponding selected keywords near associated result items on an electronic display. The method includes initiating sending of particular material corresponding to the request based on the selected icon and contact data for the user obtained from the sanitized table.
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
G06F 3/04817 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
G06Q 50/00 - Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
Systems and methods for towing, hitching, and connecting devices are described. An autonomous guided vehicle includes an automated hitch capable of connecting to a variety of types of containers.
B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
A system and method for increasing device efficiency by monitoring and replacing batteries. The system includes a mobile computing device and a data repository, where the data repository is configured to detect a unique device identification, a unique battery identification, a geographic location of the device, and battery information such as the current life of the battery and the number of times the battery has been charged. The mobile computing device in the system communicates the data repository to a processor. The processor calculates when a new battery is needed and the system ships a replacement battery to the facility closest to the location of the device.
The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for extracting a computer readable code from a captured image of a mailpiece or parcel using downsampling and edge detection. The system can include a reader configured to capture an image of an item having a computer readable code positioned thereon and a processor in data communication with the reader. The processor can generate captured image data of the item including the computer readable code, downconvert the captured image data to generate a downconverted image data and detect an edge of the computer readable code. The processor can also identify a position of the computer readable code in the downconverted image data and store or process only the identified computer readable code.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06T 3/4023 - Scaling of whole images or parts thereof, e.g. expanding or contracting based on decimating pixels or lines of pixelsScaling of whole images or parts thereof, e.g. expanding or contracting based on inserting pixels or lines of pixels
G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
74.
System and method for detecting an address block and barcode on a captured image of item, and reading the detected barcode using connected component analysis
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting an address block and barcode on a captured image of an item, and reading the detected barcode using connected component analysis. In one aspect, the method includes binarizing a captured image to generate a binarized image having pixel values, inverting the pixel values of the binarized image, processing the inverted pixel values, and filtering the processed image by area. The method may also include machine learning the processed image to cluster objects in the processed image into a plurality of groups using the filtered image, and determining a number of objects in each of the clustered groups by performing additional operations on the clustered objects to detect the address block. The method may also include selecting the group having the greatest number of objects as the address block, and extracting the selected address block.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06T 5/20 - Image enhancement or restoration using local operators
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06V 10/762 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using clustering, e.g. of similar faces in social networks
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ADDRESS BLOCK AND BARCODE ON A CAPTURED IMAGE OF ITEM, AND READING THE DETECTED BARCODE USING CONNECTED COMPONENT ANALYSIS
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting an address block and barcode on a captured image of an item, and reading the detected barcode using connected component analysis. In one aspect, the method includes binarizing a captured image to generate a binarized image having pixel values, inverting the pixel values of the binarized image, processing the inverted pixel values, and filtering the processed image by area. The method may also include machine learning the processed image to cluster objects in the processed image into a plurality of groups using the filtered image, and determining a number of objects in each of the clustered groups by performing additional operations on the clustered objects to detect the address block. The method may also include selecting the group having the greatest number of objects as the address block, and extracting the selected address block.
A management system for managing the utilization of item receptacles in a distribution network. Items can be transferred to recipients at a limited number of item receptacles in unit delivery facilities of the distribution network. Item retrieval behavior is tracked to determine a recipient score for known recipients. Based on the recipient scores, subsequent items to be transferred can be placed in a receptacle or a storage area based on the associated recipient score. Placement in receptacles can be prioritized to recipients with low scores indicating that the item will likely be retrieved quickly, while items addressed to recipients with high scores may not be placed into a receptacle if receptacles are scarce.
This disclosure relates to sortable tracking objects. In particular, this disclosure relates to sortable tracking objects that can be associated with item containers and items for tracking and organization.
B07C 5/344 - Sorting according to other particular properties according to electric or electromagnetic properties
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
79.
IMAGE ENCRYPTION THROUGH DYNAMIC COMPRESSION CODE WORDS
Embodiments of a system and method for secure processing of image data are described. Image data included in image files may be encrypted and compressed in a single step using dynamically identified compression/encryption information such as code word tables.
H04N 19/182 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being a pixel
G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
H04N 19/172 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a picture, frame or field
G06V 30/413 - Classification of content, e.g. text, photographs or tables
80.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING MOBILE DELIVERY DEVICES IN ITEM DELIVERY
A system and method for improving accuracy of a mobile delivery device traversing a route. The system includes a mobile delivery device, a geolocation circuit and an inertial navigation system in communication with the mobile device, and a processor configured to compare accuracy indicators to thresholds to determine when to switch sensing the position of the mobile delivery device between the geolocation circuit and the inertial navigation system.
G01S 19/39 - Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system the satellite radio beacon positioning system transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
G01S 19/47 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being an inertial measurement, e.g. tightly coupled inertial
G06Q 10/0835 - Relationships between shipper or supplier and carriers
A receptacle for detecting delivery and retrieval events has a door sensor, an item sensor, a scanner, and a control unit for operating the sensors, and transmitting the sensor information for processing and analysis. A system can determine whether an event was a delivery or retrieval event based on sensor information and item tracking information. A system can further include an item configured to interact with a computing device.
A47G 29/14 - Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milkSimilar receptacles for large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
Systems, methods, interface devices, and media for the delivery of physical items using a digital stamp. Various implementations include operations such as receiving a request from a user to deliver an item to a destination using a digital stamp, wherein the item includes destination information and lacks any physical indicator that the delivery fee for the item has been paid or will be paid; receiving a destination address from the user; presenting a delivery fee for the item; and causing the generation of a digital stamp using the destination address and the delivery fee, which may be correlated with the item.
A system for and method of providing a package for retrieval are presented. The disclosed techniques include receiving a package for retrieval by a recipient; placing the package in a customer inaccessible smart staging area; determining, using a sensor, a size of the package; retrieving, by a robot, the package; conveying, by the robot, the package through a first side of the customer accessible repository to a customer accessible repository selected according to the size of the package, where the package is retrievable by a customer through a second side of the customer accessible repository; electronically storing an identification of the customer accessible repository in association with package identification information; receiving, at an electronic customer interface located at the delivery facility, the package identification information; and unlocking the customer accessible repository, such that the package is retrievable from the second side of the customer accessible repository by the recipient.
Systems and methods to deliver items to smart receptacles or locations secured by smart locks. A distribution network can provide access codes or credentials to access smart locks. Access codes or credentials can be provided when a mobile delivery device is determined to be within a geofence of the delivery point and/or when the mobile delivery device meets specified security criteria.
This disclosure relates to systems and methods of towing, hitching, and connecting devices. In particular, this disclosure relates to tow devices, hitches, and connections for towing item containers behind vehicles, both autonomous and manually guided.
A system and method for enhanced monitoring and sorting of delivery items, such as packages, which are moved and sorted via a delivery service conveyor device. Conventional systems may employ photocells, which detect interrupted light beams, to identify packages or delivery items along a conveyor path. The present system and method enhances photocell function by adding image detection and analysis to the mail path; and further by modifying the photocell signals to the sorter/conveyor control. The present sensing system is located in the same area on the transport as the photocell, and uses a camera to capture an image of the mail path in the photocell area. The system and method then analyze a package image to formulate a more accurate item detection signal, based on photocell data and image data, for input to the sorter/conveyor control system.
B65G 43/08 - Control devices operated by article or material being fed, conveyed, or discharged
B07C 3/14 - Apparatus characterised by the means used for detection of the destination using light-responsive detecting means
B07C 3/12 - Apparatus characterised by the means used for detection of the destination using electric or electronic detecting means
B65B 57/12 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of wrapping materials, containers, or packages
89.
System and method for providing real-time tracking of items in a distribution network
Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
B07C 3/18 - Devices or arrangements for indicating destination, e.g. by code marks
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/063 - Operations research, analysis or management
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
Systems and methods for generating and implementing a household customer database are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for processing items comprises receiving a first item to be delivered and identifying data corresponding to one or more of a source information and destination information of the first item. The method further comprises identifying secondary information of the first item, storing the source, destination, and secondary information in a database, creating associations between the source, destination, and secondary information, receiving a request to analyze information stored and associated in the database, determining whether the database comprises information necessary to perform the requested analysis, identifying if additional information is needed to perform the requested analysis, updating the secondary information associations to include the additional information if needed to perform the requested analysis, and analyzing the information stored and associated in the database based on the received analysis request or query.
This disclosure relates to systems and methods of integrated on-demand labeling of item containers. In particular, this disclosure relates systems and methods for automatically creating and using placards to label, track, and organize item containers and items.
A lock can include a motor assembly, a gear assembly, and an unlocking assembly. The motor assembly can include a motor and a drive shaft. The gear assembly can include a cam, a pinion gear, and a pinion. The pinion gear can include a plurality of teeth disposed along only a portion of a perimeter of the pinion gear. The pinion gear can be configured to engage the pinion. The pinion can be configured to translate laterally to release a biasing member to unlock a door of a container.
E05B 47/06 - Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electromagnetically-operated detents
A47G 29/14 - Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milkSimilar receptacles for large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles
A47G 29/20 - Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milkSimilar receptacles for large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles
E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
E05B 65/06 - Locks for special use for swing doors
G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
Methods and systems for autonomous item delivery and/or pick up are provided. IN some aspects, a mothership travels along an item route. One or more autonomous delivery vehicles may be dispatched from the mothership as the mothership progresses along the route. Each of the autonomous delivery vehicles may deliver and/or pick-up one or more items at one or more item locations. In addition, as the mothership progresses along its route, it may also stop to facilitate the manual delivery and/or pick-up of additional items via a human operator. Upon completing their delivery and/or pick up tasks, the autonomous delivery vehicles return to the mothership, either at the point at which they dispatched from the mothership, or at a different location along the item delivery route.
An intelligent item receptacle, system, and method for providing supplemental media content in response to depositing an item having media indicia disposed thereon. An intelligent item receptacle includes an item receptacle securely enclosing an interior volume, an item sensor configured to detect an inserted item, a camera within the interior volume configured to capture an image of the item, and an output configured to play audio or visual content to bystanders outside the item receptacle. Processing circuitry within the item receptacle analyzes the image to determine if the media indicia are present on the item and, if present, causes the output to play the audio or visual content associated with the media indicia.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
A47G 29/12 - Mail or newspaper receptacles, e.g. letter-boxesOpenings in doors or the like for delivering mail or newspapers
A47G 29/14 - Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milkSimilar receptacles for large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles
A47G 29/20 - Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milkSimilar receptacles for large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles
B07C 3/00 - Sorting of mail or documents according to destination
G06V 10/147 - Details of sensors, e.g. sensor lenses
G06V 10/40 - Extraction of image or video features
G06V 10/88 - Image or video recognition using optical means, e.g. reference filters, holographic masks, frequency domain filters or spatial domain filters
Systems are disclosed for producing audio that is audible outside a collection box for delivery items, the collection box including a user-operated door. The system can include a trigger device, a sensor, an audio transducer that generates the produced audio from an audio signal, an audio chip and one or more processors. The sensor can detect the trigger device when the trigger device is in close proximity, and the one or more processors can be operably connected to the sensor and to the audio chip, where the one or more processors signal the audio chip to send the audio signal to the audio transducer. The one or more processors can further receive and record a status signal indicating that the door is in an opened state. Systems can further include an environmental sensor that measures environmental information.
A47G 29/122 - Parts, details, or accessories, e.g. signalling devices, lamps, devices for leaving messages
A47G 29/12 - Mail or newspaper receptacles, e.g. letter-boxesOpenings in doors or the like for delivering mail or newspapers
A47G 29/22 - Deposit receptacles for food, e.g. breakfast, milkSimilar receptacles for large parcels with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles with appliances for preventing unauthorised removal of the deposited articles having rotatable or reciprocable parts
A47G 29/124 - Appliances to prevent unauthorised removal of contents
97.
Systems and methods for creating and using a hybrid-digital mailbox
A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium. A request is received to display a calendar identifying incoming physical item deliveries regarding a user's delivery point. User-associated shipment information is accessed identifying at least one first item scheduled for physical delivery and at least one second item scheduled for electronic delivery, and includes a record of physical delivery items and electronic delivery items. A sender's address is automatically populated to a recipient's address book, when a notification is received regarding the physical delivery item being in transit. Tracking data associated with the at least one first item from an integrated mail database and an integrated mail processing equipment is acquired and includes at least an expected delivery date. A notification regarding the at least one first item is displayed within a portion of an interface representative of the expected delivery date on the calendar.
A content management system for customizing and controlling data distribution is disclosed. Data items can be customized and dispersed to disparate reception terminals according to various control mechanisms where they can convey relevant information to local or remote stakeholders. Data items can be integrated into existing data distribution structures in real time according to applicable control mechanisms and distribution protocols. Data resources can be efficiently used in distributing data under predefined and configurable conditions. Control mechanisms and distribution protocols can be determined based on an interested user's recognized status within the system. Design of the distribution system allows for informed delivery of essential information in a controlled and automated fashion such that users can interact with the system in receiving or distributing current and relevant information across the distribution network for others to access.
G10L 25/63 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination for estimating an emotional state
A method and system for generating a location identifier using a location code and a grid coordinate. The location code corresponds to a defined geographical area, such as a postal code or an area code. A grid coordinate can be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined position, or other reference to a specific physical location. The location identifier is combined with the location code to generate a location identifier, which can be encoded in a computer readable format and placed on items for use in a distribution network. The location identifier can be used to facilitate domestic or international distribution of items using a common format or addressing scheme. The domestic and foreign distribution networks read and interpret location identifiers in order to deliver items.
A system and method of augmenting a delivery route. Exemplary methods include first location information from a first position device and receiving second location information from a second position device, storing first and second location information, and determining, based on at least one of the first and second information, a time and a location for each of a plurality of stops. Exemplary methods also include reconciling determined time and locations of each of the plurality of stops with a stored route, the stops having a stored location and a stored time associated therewith and estimating a plurality of transition times between pairs of the plurality of stops. Exemplary methods include constructing an updated timeline based on the plurality of stored stops, the plurality of determined stops, and the plurality of transition times and updating the delivery route based on the constructed timeline.
