A calibration system for a dimensioner is described. The calibration system uses a reference pattern with multiple optically-perceptible elements. The optically-perceptible elements have a parameter associated with size and are separated from each other by predefined distance. The dimensioner captures an image of an object and calculates physical dimensions of the object. The dimensioner captures an image of the reference pattern. The dimensioner measures the parameter associated with size for a pair of optically-perceptible elements and measures the distance between the pair of optically-perceptible elements from the captured image. The dimensioner then calculates a ratio between measured parameter for the pair of the optically-perceptible elements and of a predefined distance between the pair of the optically-perceptible elements. The calculated ratio is compared with a actual reference ratio to determine if calibration is needed. The dimensioner is calibrated based on the calculated ratio.

A limited-function computing device is provided that allows a user to print postage indicia or other value-bearing items on demand, without requiring the user to log in to or otherwise access specialized software executing on a general-purpose computer.

In certain embodiments, transaction data retrieval from a postage vendor system database may be facilitated (e.g., via label generation with multiple barcode representations of a portion of a postage tracking identifier, where the tracking identifier is generated based on a carrier-specific tracking identifier unique within a carrier system with respect to accounts recognized by the carrier system). In some embodiments, the tracking identifier may be generated such that (i) the tracking identifier comprises the carrier-specific tracking identifier and (ii) enables a mail piece associated with a postage transaction to be tracked within the carrier system, and the tracking identifier portion is allocated to the postage transaction in one or more databases of the vendor system. An indicium identifier may be generated to comprise the tracking identifier portion, thereby enabling the vendor system to identify the postage transaction using one of the two identifiers without the other one of the identifiers.

Methods and systems for verifying authenticity of a physical object and/or for verifying possession of the object by an individual are described. In one embodiment, the object is registered with a remote processing system. Data representing at least one characteristic of the object is obtained and stored in the remote system and the identity of the individual or entity possessing the object is authenticated. After authenticating the individual, an identifier is collocated (or an existing mechanism is activated or modified to replicate the identifier) with the object, where the identifier uniquely identifies the object and the individual possessing the object. The object and the identity of the individual possessing the object can be authenticated at a future time by sensing the collocated identifier and sending the sensed identifier to the remote system. The remote system can send instructions to an entity wishing to authenticate the object and its association with the individual possessing the object. The instructions can be set up at the time the object is registered in the remote system. The remote system can perform an interactive or automated session with the entity wishing to authenticate the object, thereby saving time and providing a robust method of authentication and means for carrying out additional processing functions.

Systems and methods which utilize gravity feed for mail item movement in postage metering operations are shown. Embodiments provide for gravity drop feeding mail items into a portion of a postage metering system for metering operations, such as to activate or apply postage indicia thereto. Embodiments provide for gravity drop exit of mail items from a portion of a postage metering system after metering operations, such as activation or application of postage indicia thereto. Postage metering operations as performed by embodiments of the invention may comprise scanning and activation of preprinted tokens. Postage metering operations according to alternative embodiments of the invention may printing postage indicia. Embodiments provide processing in addition to or in the alternative to the aforementioned postage indicia activation or printing and mail item marking operations, such as weighing, sorting, etc.

A spending analysis display is provided that includes first, second and third display regions, wherein an uncategorized financial transaction of a first display region are selectable by a user and through a sweeping motion towards either second or third display regions categorizes the selected uncategorized financial transaction under a financial transaction category represented by the second or third display region that is positioned in the direction of the sweeping motion.

In certain embodiments, transaction data retrieval from a postage vendor system database may be facilitated (e.g., via label generation with multiple barcode representations of a portion of a postage tracking identifier, where the tracking identifier is generated based on a carrier-specific tracking identifier unique within a carrier system with respect to accounts recognized by the carrier system). In some embodiments, the tracking identifier may be generated such that (i) the tracking identifier comprises the carrier-specific tracking identifier and (ii) enables a mail piece associated with a postage transaction to be tracked within the carrier system, and the tracking identifier portion is allocated to the postage transaction in one or more databases of the vendor system. An indicium identifier may be generated to comprise the tracking identifier portion, thereby enabling the vendor system to identify the postage transaction using one of the two identifiers without the other one of the identifiers.

A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.

A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.

Computerized apparatus and methods useful for causing provision of location-based services to users via a user portable wireless computerized device or other device. In one embodiment, the user device establishes a secure communication session with a network server (e.g., proxy process for a service coordinator or provider) to provide user-specific location-based services such as a time-limited rental of a tangible object or space. In one variant, dynamic generation of a response to the user included providing image data relating to provision of the user-specific location-based service, the image data enabling the user to authenticate at least one aspect of the provision of the user-specific location-based service by the third party service provider.