Embodiments described herein relate to hardware and software for waste item detection and recognition, along with an education or feedback system. Embodiments described herein use artificial intelligence, which embodies machine learning and computer vision, to detect waste items and generate feedback to nudge the user to dispose the waste items into appropriate receptacles while generating smart operational insights of a designated premise.

Computer-implemented systems and methods for optimizing sorting and loading of packages are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a memory storing instructions and may include at least one processor configured to execute the instructions. The system may perform operations including receiving data comprising a plurality of package identifiers associated with a plurality of packages. The operations may include determining a plurality of block areas associated with delivery locations for the plurality of packages. The operations may further include determining a delivery route by determining a first set of routes, determining optimal combinations of the inputs for each set of routes and determining a shortest route associated with the optimal combinations. The operations may include determining an order in which to load each of the packages into a delivery vehicle. The operations may further include generating instructions for causing a device to display a visual representation of the loading order.

There is provided a projection indication device that generates a projection image to be projected on parcel based on a reading result of parcel identification information included in a label attached to the parcel, the device including: a processor; and a memory, in which by cooperating with the memory, the processor detects occurrence of an error, generates a projection image indicating the occurrence of the error in a case where the occurrence of the error is detected, and indicates to project the projection image on the parcel which is a target of the error.

A mail piece processing apparatus and related method. A mail piece processing apparatus includes a base, a table connected to the base by a vertical member, a camera mounted above the table and positioned to take an image of a mail piece on the table, and a data processing system. The data processing system is configured to receive the image of the mail piece from the camera; determine address information and address information of the mail piece according to the image; determine a disposition result for the mail piece according to the image; and cause a label to be printed for the mail piece according to the disposition result.

Systems and methods for facilitating the sorting of assets to sort locations. In various embodiments, a sort employee scans an asset indicia using a user device, which stores asset data corresponding to the stored asset. As the sort employee nears a sort location (e.g., a delivery vehicle) with the asset and the user device, the user device automatically communicates wirelessly with a sort location receiver to associate the asset data with data indicative of the sort location where the user deposits the asset. In various embodiments, a device may determine whether the user device is proximate the appropriate sort location for the item, and may generate an alert upon a determination that the user device is proximate an incorrect sort location.

There is provided a parcel recognition device that recognizes parcel based on a color image including one or more parcels, the device including: a processor; and a memory, in which by cooperating with the memory, the processor estimates a region of the one or more parcels in the color image, switches a color of a background which is a region excluding the region of the one or more parcels in the color image, and recognizes each of the one or more parcels based on the background having the switched color and a color of the region of the parcel.

There is provided an instruction projecting device which generates a projection image to be projected on a parcel based on sensing information of the parcel, the device including: a processor; and a memory, in which by cooperating with the memory, the processor determines whether or not the parcel is picked up based on the sensing information, and in a case where it is determined that the parcel is picked up, the processor generates the projection image including detail information of the parcel.

Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

A semi-autonomous processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The semi-autonomous processing system includes an input conveyance system for moving objects to a presentation area, a perception system including perception units that are directed toward a detection area for providing perception data regarding an object in the presentation area, at least two transport systems, each of which is adapted to receive the object and move the object in either of reciprocal directions, and a manual workstation area between the perception area the at least two transport systems.