A handheld-device imaging and collection apparatus, associated techniques and systems are described. An example apparatus may include a first container and a second container attached to each other. The first container includes a top panel arranged to enable acquiring a clear view of an inside of the first container, and one or more mirrors arranged facing inside of the first container, such that an image captured by a camera through the top panel captures reflections, in the one or more mirrors, of an handheld-device placed inside the first container. The second container includes a collection chamber configured to store the handheld-device.

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.

Systems and methods for securely delivering, transferring ownership, storing, accessing and receiving or returning an item from another are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided to securely receive a variety of different sizes and types of packages at one or more locations, including but not limited to on or adjacent a recipient's property. In another embodiment, the system and method allow a user to receive, store and/or return an item without exposing the item to loss, damage, spoilage or other events that would impair the value of the items. Methods of utilizing the systems described herein are also disclosed.

A cubby unit includes a unit housing, a plurality of cubbies disposed within the unit housing, and an interface positioned along the unit housing. Each of the plurality of cubbies includes a cubby housing defining an internal compartment and a door coupled to the cubby housing. The door facilitates accessing the internal compartment of the cubby housing. The interface provides a cubby selection interface that facilitates manual assignment of a respective cubby to a respective order by an employee.

An apparatus for physical correspondence recognition and processing in a postal system is described, comprising a housing comprising an opening for receiving physical correspondence, the physical correspondence including a readable element including textual information, and a secure enclosure for storing the physical correspondence, a visual processing and digitizing component, for processing the physical correspondence and the at least one readable element, dimension and weighing component for determining dimensions and weight of the physical correspondence, and a communication component coupled to the housing, for transmitting and receiving recognition and processing information related to the physical correspondence and readable element.

A package receiving container, including a main body to store at least one item therein, a lid assembly movably disposed on at least a portion of the main body to prevent access within the main body while closed and facilitate access within the main body while opened, a lock disposed on at least a portion of the lid assembly to prevent the lid assembly from opening in response to being locked; and a control unit disposed within at least a portion of the main body to monitor for receipt of the at least one item within the main body and sending a signal to an external device that the at least one item has been delivered in response to the main body receiving the at least one item.

The secure package delivery receptacle with bar code is a container. The secure package delivery receptacle with bar code comprises a receiving box and a control circuit. The control circuit is contained in the receiving box. The receiving box is a hollow structure. The receiving box is configured for use with one or more packages. The receiving box securely receives and stores the one or more packages. The control circuit controls access into the hollow interior of the receiving box. The control circuit scans a bar code found on the one or more packages. The control circuit confirms that the scanned bar code is expected with an appropriate authority. Once the expected receipt is confirmed, the control circuit allows access into the receiving box for the delivery of one or more packages.

Disclosed herein is a drone docking station for deposit of items/goods delivered by a drone to a secured receptacle. Items can be delivered to a receptacle at a curb, mailbox, post, porch, mobile units, and window for a multi-parcel receptacle with a set of drawers with hot and cold sections in the station that has a specific residential/commercial address with various optional features. Features include communication systems between the station and drone; security; hot and cold temperature control and preservation of the goods before and after delivery; battery charging and exchange station; a collector to identify explosive materials, anthrax, etc.; ultraviolet system to eradicate disease, virus and harmful materials; an ozone applicator to eradicate disease, virus and harmful materials; weather monitoring; tag and track of vehicles and packages; facial recognition camera and software for pets and humans; and local two-way speakers; LED lights that strobe flash, and a flood light.

A distributed smart locker system includes a plurality of locker units in a locker cluster. Each locker unit includes: a front panel with a set of inputs for an end user to retrieve an at least one item stored in the locker unit; a back panel with a set of outputs for an operator to place the at least one item in the locker unit; and a computing device with a processor, memory, storage, and wireless networking capability.

A parcel depository is provided with a housing having an access point for receipt of a parcel and a secure space from which a delivered parcel can only be subsequently removed from by an authorized person, such as an owner of the depository. The depository has a device, such as a camera, to identify or to take an image of a courier delivering the parcel, to take an image of the parcel when the parcel is in the secure space, and to associate the images of the parcel with the courier identity, or the image of the courier. The depository may be part of a larger parcel delivery system and provide a courier and or owner of the depository, with proof of delivery.