Systems and methods according to which a mobile application is running on a driver's mobile device for authenticating ride share drivers. When a driver initially registers with a rideshare service, the driver is prompted to provide biometric information via a mobile app running on the driver's mobile device. The biometric information is then stored in a database with a ride share management server in a file associated with the driver's account. Subsequently, when the driver expresses an offer to provide a ride share trip, the server performs an authentication check based on the pre-stored biometric information. Furthermore, the system discloses herein facilitates increased rideshare revenue generation by creating referral chains for a driver when a previously-registered driver, or an affiliate of the rideshare service refers a proposed new driver to the rideshare service and the proposed new driver then registers with the rideshare service.

A concealed mailing information system and a method for using alternative information for providing a shipping address for mailing with an option of running encrypted information are disclosed which provide an exchange of information and allows for (updated and encrypted) shipping/mailing addresses to be used for mailing and only releases the shipping address to be seen by the person who resides at that address.

Systems and methods which are adapted to generate multiple indicia in a single secure environment session are described. Embodiments provide for generation of a plurality of postage indicia in a single postage security device (PSD) transaction, whereby the PSD loads and unloads corresponding virtual PSD information a single time for generating the plurality of postage indicia (i.e., in a single secure environment session). The indicia generated in a same secure environment session according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by a same, single user. Additionally or alternatively, the indicia generated in the same secure environment session may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by multiple different users.

A method and system for eliminating contraband in legal postal mail at a correctional facility comprising of a facility-use legal mail scanning station and a network of inmate-accessible devices and or messaging systems such that correctional institution staff can inspect the legal mail for contraband without violating an inmate's right to privacy for such mail. The legal mail is scanned by the staff member or inmate under the supervision of a staff member and then shredded or placed into the inmate's personal property in secure storage. The scanned mail may then be made available to the intended inmate through the inmate-accessible devices or printed at the scanning station to ensure the elimination of contraband.

Methods and systems for in route mail sorting and packaging are disclosed. One aspect disclosed is a vehicle including a freight bay. The freight bay includes a plurality of item storage bins. The freight bay also includes a robot. The robot includes a means for grasping items and moving them between the item storage bins. For example, the robot may include an item manipulating attachment that in some aspects may include two or more extending portions for grasping items. The robot may assemble item packages from a plurality of individual items based on addresses of the items. The robot may also manipulate shrink wrap around the item package and position the item package within a station that heats the package and causes the shrink wrap to shrink around the items in the package, thereby forming the items into a package that is easy to deliver to a single address.

Methods, systems and computer program products for resource demand prediction are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes obtaining historical data logs for activities performed in a distributed service network, the distributed service network comprising a plurality of locations. The method also includes identifying factors influencing resource demand for the distributed service network, determining one or more constraints for specifying activity sequence ordering for activities performed in the distributed service network and generating a statistical model of the distributed service network utilizing the historical data logs, the identified factors and the determined constraints. The method further includes utilizing the statistical model of the distributed service network to determine estimated resource demand for responding to one or more detected outages in the distributed service network, the estimated resource demand being used to allocate resources to the plurality of locations in the distributed service network to respond to the one or more detected outages.

A package receptacle system; the package receptacle system includes a box comprising a substantially cubic-volume. The box includes a front-door and an opposed rear-door configured to provide access to the substantially cubic-volume when in an open state. The front-door and the rear-door include a front-locking mechanism and a rear-locking mechanism, respectively. A display is disposed on the box for displaying symbolic information by emitting linearly polarized light. A controller is integrated to the package receptacle system. The controller is in communication with the front-locking mechanism, the rear-locking mechanism, and the display. The display is configured to receive an external signal that actuates the front-door into a front-open state. In a preferred embodiment of operation, through predefined programming, the package receptacle system will allow parcels to be stowed safely by a courier.

Provided are a method of providing a call taxi service and a call taxi service server providing the method, in which a call taxi service is provided by using human and physical network resources of a plurality of call taxi companies. Accordingly, human and physical networks for the call taxi service become abundant, and thus a dispatch success rate regarding a call taxi request is increased and a dispatch time is reduced.

The inventive platform and method enhance the efficiency of systems in the interactive conveyance industry for goods and services by providing for the filtering, selection and securing of conveyance services in accordance with one or more of client and representative preferences in substantially real time.

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.