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.

Time information indicating a necessary amount of time for a room temperature to reach a set temperature, and charges information indicating electricity charges corresponding to an amount of electric power consumed that is necessary for the room temperature to reach the set temperature, are displayed correlated with each of a plurality of running buttons corresponding to each of a plurality of operating modes.

A system and method for authorizing access to goods and/or services at a point of sale is disclosed. An access voucher may be issued and presented to a reading means of the point of sale. At least one good and/or service of the point of sale can be selected by the user and the corresponding identification can be transferred to the internal processing unit. A comparison can be performed. If the transferred identification of the user matches an identification of the user, and if the transferred identification of the goods and/services matches an identification of the goods/and services, the user profile data and the access parameter can be retrieved. An authorization can be transferred to the point of sale if the user profile data correspond to the access parameter for the goods and/or services.

Access systems in accordance with various embodiments include techniques for mutual authentication between a passenger that has requested a transportation service and a dispatched vehicle for providing the requested transportation service. Passengers will present a two-dimensional (2D) code to a transaction client associated with the vehicle. The dispatched vehicle uses the 2D code to authenticate the passenger and grant access to the transportation service vehicle.

In modern object-oriented programming, programs are written using typed objects like classes and instances that interact with one another via rules of composition, inheritance, encapsulation, message passing, and polymorphism. Some embodiments described herein can include a method for tokenizing such modern objects that maintains their interactive properties on a blockchain. It improves upon, and diverges from, the smart contract model used mainly on account-based blockchains today to create a generally-programmable token system that is native to UTXO-based blockchains, where individually-owned software objects interact with other software objects owned by other individuals. These tokenized objects are called jigs. Jigs, an abstraction like objects, enable applications to build their own digital assets that interact with other jigs from other applications. Jogs enable users to own their data as tokens and use their data independent of any one application's complete control.

A vehicle diagnostic includes a kiosk a display configured to depict a visual code thereon, with the visual code being readable by a handheld communication device and associated a unique electronic identifier. The kiosk additionally includes a diagnostic tool connectable to a vehicle to retrieve vehicle data therefrom. A remote server is in communication with the kiosk and is disposable in communication with the handheld communication device. The server is capable of: receiving a signal from the handheld communication device including the unique electronic identifier; receiving a signal from the kiosk including the vehicle data; analyzing the vehicle data to determine a diagnostic solution; and storing the diagnostic solution such that the diagnostic solution is retrievable in response to receipt of a subsequent signal including the unique electronic identifier.

A kiosk system and method of producing a personalized souvenir using the personalized souvenir producing interactive kiosk system. The system includes a vending machine-like kiosk configured to communicate with a user's electronic device, such as a smartphone, to accept an upload of a user-selected digital image. The kiosk then creates a personalized souvenir in a refrigerator magnet using the digital image and printing the digital image on a section of magnetic sheeting.

A handle for a product vending system includes a housing configured to be secured to a door of a product storage cabinet having a lock. The handle includes a display arranged on the housing, that is configured to show product information. A payment processing unit is arranged on the housing and is configured to detect or receive a payment. A control unit is configured to communicate with the lock of the product storage cabinet, such that when the payment is detected by the payment processing unit, the control unit is configured to unlock the lock of the product storage cabinet so as to provide access to a product stored in the product storage cabinet.

Apparatus and methods for tracking or otherwise accounting for chattel (e.g., personal property such as keys, pocket knives, and the like) at a point of departure such as an airport, bus station, train station, etc., or areas where people congregate (e.g., sporting events, concerts, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a kiosk adapted for use near a security checkpoint, wherein passengers or patrons can efficiently deposit their items for shipment to their home, travel destination, or third party.

This disclosure includes a parcel terminal that may include a shelving unit comprising a plurality of shelves that are separated by respective predetermined distances along a dimension of the unit. In an embodiment, the plurality of shelves may be evenly spaced. The parcel terminal may further include a receptacle for receiving a parcel from a user, a loader configured to transfer the parcel from the receptacle to a shelf on the shelving unit, and an electronic controller in electronic communication with the loader. The electronic controller may be configured to determine a number of open shelves required to accommodate the parcel based on a size of the parcel and on the respective predetermined distances, to select a set of shelves having at least the required number of open shelves, and to initiate a movement of the loader so as to place the parcel within the selected set of shelves.