IP Library Granted Patent US 12,639,660
Granted Patent B2
US 12,639,660 · App. 18/212,756 · Granted May 26, 2026

Apparatus, systems, and methods for dynamically tuning operation of a node-based logistics receptacle

Inventor: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud (Germantown, TN)
Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
G06Q10/0836A47G29/12095A47G29/1214A47G29/141A47G29/20G01P13/00G06F1/3296G06Q10/06315G06Q10/08G06Q10/0833G06Q10/08345G06Q10/087G06Q10/20G06Q20/382G06Q20/389G06Q20/401G06Q30/0202G06Q30/0267G07C9/00309G07C9/00571G07C9/00896G07C9/215G07C9/22G07C9/27G07C9/38G07F17/13H04L41/069H04L41/0816H04L41/082H04L67/12H04W4/029H04W4/38H04W12/06A47G2029/12105A47G2029/143A47G2029/145A47G2029/149G05D2105/285G06K19/0723G07C2009/0092H04W4/80
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,639,660
App. No.
18/212,756
Filed
Jun 22, 2023
Granted
May 26, 2026
Kind
B2
Art Unit
2449
USPC
709/224
Abstract

A system for dynamically tuning operation of a node-based logistics receptacle that includes components including an entrance opening, a temporary storage area, and a retrieval door. The system includes a backend server, a wireless accessory sensor node with a plurality of sensors, and a bridge node. The plurality of sensors monitor the storage receptacle components and generate sensor data reflecting interactions with the storage receptacle components. The bridge node retrieves event information that represents sensor data from the wireless accessory sensor node at a predetermined time and transmits the event information to the backend server. The backend server responds to the retrieved information transmitted by the bridge node by transmitting a tuned time parameter message to the bridge node. The tuned time parameter message causes the bridge node to alter the predetermined time that the bridge node retrieves subsequent event information from the wireless accessory sensor node.

Claims (187)

1 . A system for dynamically tuning operation of a node-based logistics receptacle, the node-based logistics receptacle having a plurality of storage receptacle components including at least an entrance opening for receiving a delivery item, a temporary storage area for temporarily maintaining the delivery item once received, and a retrieval door providing selective access to the delivery item within the temporary storage area, the system comprising:

a backend server that is a networked computing device;

a wireless accessory sensor node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the wireless accessory sensor node comprising a plurality of sensors that collectively monitor the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle, wherein each of the sensors being operative to generate sensor data reflecting one or more interactions with one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle over a recording time period; and

a bridge node that is a processing and communication device disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the bridge node being programmatically operative to retrieve event information from the wireless accessory sensor node at a predetermined time of day and transmit the retrieved event information to the backend server, the retrieved event information representing the sensor data generated over the recording time period; and

wherein the backend server being programmatically operative, in response to receiving the retrieved event information, to transmit a tuned time parameter message to the bridge node, the tuned time parameter message causing the bridge node to alter the predetermined time of day that the bridge node retrieves subsequent event information from the wireless accessory sensor node.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node being operative to retrieve the event information from the wireless accessory sensor node at the predetermined time of day by being further operative to wake from a low power state at the predetermined time of day, and once woken from the low power state, retrieve the event information from the wireless accessory sensor node.

3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further operative to generate the tuned time parameter message based upon a customer-initiated interaction with the one or more of the storage receptacle components as indicated by the retrieved event information received from the bridge node.

4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the entrance opening of the node-based logistics receptacle.

5 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the temporary storage area of the node-based logistics receptacle.

6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further operative to generate the tuned time parameter message based upon a courier-initiated interaction with one or more of the storage receptacle components as indicated by the retrieved event information received from the bridge node.

7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the retrieval door of the node-based logistics receptacle.

8 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the temporary storage area of the node-based logistics receptacle.

9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further operative to generate the tuned time parameter message based upon timing information of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components as indicated by the retrieved event information received from the bridge node.

10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further operative to generate the tuned time parameter message based upon a type of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components as indicated by the retrieved event information received from the bridge node.

11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement of the entrance opening.

12 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement of an object moving through the entrance opening.

13 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in position of the entrance opening.

14 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement within the temporary storage area.

15 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in what is stored within the temporary storage area.

16 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in weight of what is stored within the temporary storage area.

17 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in light detected within the temporary storage area.

18 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in position of the retrieval door.

19 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement of the retrieval door.

20 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further operative to generate the tuned time parameter message by being operative to:

receive the retrieved event information from the bridge node;

identify a first engagement event for a first of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle from the retrieved event information;

compare the identified first engagement event for the first of the storage receptacle components with a prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components; and

generate the tuned time parameter message based upon the comparison of the identified first engagement event for the first of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components.

21 . The system of claim 20 , wherein the first engagement event comprises a drop-off event.

22 . The system of claim 20 , wherein the first engagement event comprises a pickup event.

23 . The system of claim 20 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components comprises a server-tracked historic use pattern for the first of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the backend server being operative to compare the identified first engagement event for the first of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components by being further operative to detect a threshold change in the server-tracked historic use pattern for the first of the storage receptacle components based upon the identified first engagement event.

24 . The system of claim 23 , wherein the server-tracked historic use pattern for the first of the storage receptacle components being maintained on the backend server as part of a profile identifying a pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

25 . The system of claim 24 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises a pattern of delivery events for the node-based logistics receptacle.

26 . The system of claim 24 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises a pattern of pickup events for the node-based logistics receptacle.

27 . The system of claim 24 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises a threshold occupancy pattern profile identifying a frequency of reaching a threshold occupied level within the node-based logistics receptacle.

28 . The system of claim 24 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises an overload pattern profile identifying a frequency of reaching an overload condition for the node-based logistics receptacle.

29 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further operative to generate the tuned time parameter message by being operative to:

receive the retrieved event information from the bridge node;

identify a plurality of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle from the retrieved event information;

compare the identified engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with a prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

generate the tuned time parameter message based upon the comparison of the identified engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

30 . The system of claim 29 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises a server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the backend server being operative to compare the identified engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components by being further operative to detect a threshold change in the server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components based upon the identified engagement events.

31 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the server-tracked historic use pattern being maintained on the backend server as part of a profile identifying a pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

32 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further operative to generate the tuned time parameter message by being operative to:

receive the retrieved event information from the bridge node;

identify a pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle from the retrieved event information;

compare the identified pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with a prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

generate the tuned time parameter message based upon the comparison of the identified pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

33 . The system of claim 32 , wherein the prior component engagement history comprising a server tracked profile for the node-based logistics receptacle indicating a prior pattern related to use of the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

34 . The system of claim 32 , wherein the prior component engagement history comprising a server tracked profile for the node-based logistics receptacle indicating a prior pattern related to timing of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

35 . The system of claim 32 , wherein the prior component engagement history comprising a server tracked profile for the node-based logistics receptacle indicating a prior pattern related to types of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

36 . The system of claim 32 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises a server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the backend server being operative to compare the identified pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components by being further operative to detect a threshold change in the server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components based upon the identified pattern of engagement events.

37 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further programmatically operative, in response to receiving the retrieved event information, to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle with a first logistics asset.

38 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being further programmatically operative, in response to receiving the retrieved event information, to initiate an alternative dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle with an alternative logistics asset, the alternative logistics asset being different than an original logistics asset corresponding to a previously scheduled dispatch operation for the node-based logistics receptacle.

39 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit a first confirmation status message to the backend server, the first confirmation status message representing a first confirmation that the bridge node is operative to determine no further event information is available to upload from the wireless accessory sensor node during a subsequent reporting time period.

40 . The system of claim 39 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit the first confirmation status message to the backend server at a designated time of day.

41 . The system of claim 39 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit a second confirmation status message to the backend server, the second confirmation status message representing a second confirmation that the bridge node is operative to receive a signal from the wireless accessory sensor node during the subsequent reporting time period.

42 . The system of claim 41 , wherein the signals from the wireless accessory sensor node indicates no further interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle over the subsequent reporting time period.

43 . The system of claim 41 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit the second confirmation status message to the backend server at a designated time of day.

44 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the tuned time parameter message causing the bridge node to alter when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server.

45 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the tuned time parameter message causing the bridge node to alter a cutoff time of day when the node-based logistics receptacle is designated to no longer accept any further delivery item for the day and when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server.

46 . The system of claim 45 , wherein the backend server being programmatically operative to transmit the tuned time parameter message to the bridge node by being further programmatically operative to

determine whether an adjustment of the cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle is warranted based upon the retrieved event information received by the backend server;

generate the tuned time parameter message when the adjustment of the cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle is determined to be warranted based upon the retrieved event information received by the backend server; and

transmit the tuned time parameter message to the bridge node causing the bridge node to at least alter when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server.

47 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the backend server being further programmatically operative to update operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle, the updated operational information being accessible through an online portal.

48 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the backend server being further programmatically operative to

update operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle; and

provide the updated operational information to a second server that allows access to the updated operational information through an online portal hosted by the second server.

49 . The system of claim 47 , wherein the updated operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle comprises at least an adjusted cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle for accepting any further delivery item.

50 . The system of claim 47 , wherein the updated operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle comprises an adjusted period of time during which the node-based logistics receptacle will accept any further delivery item.

51 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the system further comprising a display disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the tuned time parameter message transmitted to the bridge node further causing the bridge node to generate an updated operational information message shown on the display, the updated operational information message reflecting a changed cutoff time of day when the node-based logistics receptacle is designated to no longer accept any further delivery item for the day.

52 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the updated operational information message comprising at least a new pickup time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle.

53 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the system further comprising a display disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the tuned time parameter message transmitted to the bridge node further causing the bridge node to generate an updated operational information message shown on the display, the updated operational information message comprising a prompt to check online for a new pickup time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle.

54 . The system of claim 53 , wherein the prompt to check online comprising at least a visually scannable code generated on the display, the visually scannable code being related to online available information on the new pickup time.

55 . A method for dynamically tuning a node-based logistics receptacle, the node-based logistics receptacle having a plurality of storage receptacle components including at least an entrance opening for receiving a delivery item, a temporary storage area for temporarily maintaining the delivery item once received, and a retrieval door providing selective access to the delivery item within the temporary storage area, the node-based logistics receptacle further comprising a wireless accessory sensor node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle and a bridge node that is a processing and communication device disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle operative to communicate with a backend server that is a networked computing device, wherein the wireless accessory sensor node comprising a plurality of sensors that collectively monitor the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle, the method comprising the steps of:

monitoring, by the sensors of the wireless accessory sensor node, the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle for one or more interactions with one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle over a recording time period;

generating, by at least one of the sensors, sensor data reflecting the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle over the recording time period;

retrieving, by the bridge node, event information from the wireless accessory sensor node at a predetermined time of day, the event information related to the generated sensor data;

transmitting, by the bridge node, the retrieved event information to the backend server, the retrieved event information representing the sensor data generated over the recording time period;

comparing, by the backend server, the retrieved event information to a prior component engagement history for the node-based logistics receptacle;

generating, by the backend server, a tuned time parameter message for the bridge node based upon the comparison of the retrieved event information to the prior component engagement history for the node-based logistics receptacle;

transmitting, by the backend server, the tuned time parameter message to the bridge node; and

altering, by the bridge node, the predetermined time of day that the bridge node retrieves subsequent event information from the wireless accessory sensor node based upon the tuned time parameter message.

56 . The method of claim 55 , wherein retrieving step further comprises:

waking, by the bridge node, from a low power state at the predetermined time of day; and retrieving, by the bridge node once woken from the low power state, the event information from the wireless accessory sensor node.

57 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the retrieved event information indicates a customer-initiated interaction with the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

58 . The method of claim 57 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the entrance opening of the node-based logistics receptacle.

59 . The method of claim 57 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the temporary storage area of the node-based logistics receptacle.

60 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the retrieved event information indicates a courier-initiated interaction with one or more of the storage receptacle components.

61 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the retrieval door of the node-based logistics receptacle.

62 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises the temporary storage area of the node-based logistics receptacle.

63 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the retrieved event information indicates timing information of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

64 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the retrieved event information indicates a type of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

65 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement of the entrance opening.

66 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement of an object moving through the entrance opening.

67 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in position of the entrance opening.

68 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement within the temporary storage area.

69 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in what is stored within the temporary storage area.

70 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in weight of what is stored within the temporary storage area.

71 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in light detected within the temporary storage area.

72 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a change in position of the retrieval door.

73 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the type of the one or more interactions comprising a sensed movement of the retrieval door.

74 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the comparing step comprises:

identifying a first engagement event for a first of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle from the retrieved event information; and

comparing the identified first engagement event for the first of the storage receptacle components with a prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the step of generating the tuned time parameter message is based upon the comparison of the identified first engagement event for the first of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components.

75 . The method of claim 74 , wherein the first engagement event comprises a drop-off event.

76 . The method of claim 74 , wherein the first engagement event comprises a pickup event.

77 . The method of claim 74 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components comprises a server-tracked historic use pattern for the first of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the step of comparing the identified first engagement event for the first of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the first of the storage receptacle components comprises detecting a threshold change in the server-tracked historic use pattern for the first of the storage receptacle components based upon the identified first engagement event.

78 . The method of claim 77 , wherein the server-tracked historic use pattern being maintained on the backend server as part of a profile identifying a pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

79 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises a pattern of delivery events for the node-based logistics receptacle.

80 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises a pattern of pickup events for the node-based logistics receptacle.

81 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises a threshold occupancy pattern profile identifying a frequency of reaching a threshold occupied level within the node-based logistics receptacle.

82 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the profile identifying the pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle comprises an overload pattern profile identifying a frequency of reaching an overload condition for the node-based logistics receptacle.

83 . The method of claim 55 , wherein the comparing step comprises:

identifying a plurality of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle from the retrieved event information;

comparing the identified engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with a prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the step of generating the tuned time parameter message is based upon the comparison of the identified engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

84 . The method of claim 83 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises a server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the step of comparing the identified engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises detecting a threshold change in the server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components based upon the identified engagement events.

85 . The method of claim 84 , wherein the server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components being maintained on the backend server as part of a profile identifying a pattern of use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

86 . The method of claim 55 , wherein comparing step comprises:

identifying a pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle from the retrieved event information;

comparing the identified pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with a prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the step of generating the tuned time parameter message is based upon the comparison of the identified pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

87 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprising a server tracked profile for the node-based logistics receptacle indicating a prior pattern related to use of the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

88 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprising a server tracked profile for the node-based logistics receptacle indicating a prior pattern related to timing of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

89 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprising a server tracked profile for the node-based logistics receptacle indicating a prior pattern related to types of the one or more interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components.

90 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises a server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components; and

wherein the step of comparing the identified pattern of engagement events for the one or more of the storage receptacle components with the prior component engagement history for the one or more of the storage receptacle components comprises detecting a threshold change in the server-tracked historic use pattern for the one or more of the storage receptacle components based upon the identified pattern of engagement events.

91 . The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of, in response to the backend server receiving the retrieved event information, initiating a dispatched logistics operation by the backend server, the dispatched logistics operation being related to the node-based logistics receptacle and a first logistics asset.

92 . The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of, in response to receiving the retrieved event information, initiating an alternative dispatched logistics operation by the backend server, the alternative dispatched logistics operating being related to the node-based logistics receptacle and an alternative logistics asset, the alternative logistics asset being different than an original logistics asset corresponding to a previously scheduled dispatch operation for the node-based logistics receptacle.

93 . The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of transmitting, by the bridge node, a first confirmation status message to the backend server, the first confirmation status message representing a first confirmation that the bridge node is operative to determine no further event information is available to upload from the wireless accessory sensor node during a subsequent reporting time period.

94 . The method of claim 93 , wherein the step of transmitting the first confirmation status message to the backend server occurs at a designated time of day.

95 . The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of transmitting, by the bridge node, a second confirmation status message to the backend server, the second confirmation status message representing a second confirmation that the bridge node is operative to receive a signal from the wireless accessory sensor node during the subsequent reporting time period.

96 . The method of claim 95 , wherein the signals from the wireless accessory sensor node indicates no further interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle over the subsequent reporting time period.

97 . The method of claim 95 , wherein the step of transmitting the second confirmation status message to the backend server occurs at a designated time of day.

98 . The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of altering, by the bridge node, when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server based upon the tuned time parameter message.

99 . The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of altering, by the bridge node, a cutoff time of day when the node-based logistics receptacle is designated to no longer accept any further delivery item for the day and when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server based upon the tuned time parameter message.

100 . The method of claim 55 wherein the step of transmitting the tuned time parameter message further comprises:

determining, by the backend server, whether an adjustment of the cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle is warranted based upon the retrieved event information received by the backend server;

generating, by the backend server, the tuned time parameter message once the adjustment of the cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle is determined to be warranted based upon the retrieved event information received by the backend server; and

transmitting, by the backend server, the tuned time parameter message to the bridge node causing the bridge node to at least alter when the bridge node transmits the retrieved subsequent event information to the backend server.

101 . The method of claim 98 further comprising the step of updating, by the backend server, operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle, the updated operational information being accessible through an online portal and including information on an altered time when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server based upon the tuned time parameter message.

102 . The method of claim 98 further comprising the steps of updating, by the backend server, operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle, the updated operational information reflecting an altered time when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server based upon the tuned time parameter message; and

providing, by the backend server, the updated operational information to a second server that allows access to the updated operational information through an online portal hosted by the second server.

103 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the updated operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle comprises at least an adjusted cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle for accepting any further delivery item.

104 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the updated operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle comprises an adjusted period of time during which the node-based logistics receptacle will accept any further delivery item.

105 . The method of claim 98 further comprising the step of generating, by the bridge node, an updated operational information message shown on a display coupled to the bridge node and disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the updated operational information message reflecting a changed cutoff time of day when the node-based logistics receptacle is designated to no longer accept any further delivery item for the day.

106 . The method of claim 105 , wherein the updated operational information message comprising at least a new pickup time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle.

107 . The method of claim 98 further comprising the step of generating, by the bridge node, an updated operational information message shown on a display coupled to the bridge node and disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the updated operational information message comprising a prompt shown on the display, the prompt advising to check online for a new pickup time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle.

108 . The method of claim 107 , wherein the prompt to check online comprising at least a visually scannable code generated on the display, the visually scannable code being related to online available information on the new pickup time.

109 . A system for dynamically tuning operation of a node-based logistics receptacle, the node-based logistics receptacle having a plurality of storage receptacle components including at least an entrance opening for receiving a delivery item, a temporary storage area for temporarily maintaining the delivery item once received, and a retrieval door providing selective access to the delivery item within the temporary storage area, the system comprising:

a backend server that is a networked computing device;

a wireless accessory sensor node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the wireless accessory sensor node comprising a plurality of sensors that collectively monitor the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle, wherein each of the sensors being operative to generate sensor data reflecting one or more interactions with one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle over a recording time period; and

a bridge node that is a processing and communication device disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the bridge node being programmatically operative to retrieve event information from the wireless accessory sensor node at a predetermined time of day and transmit the retrieved event information to the backend server, the retrieved event information representing the sensor data generated over the recording time period; and

wherein the backend server being programmatically operative, in response to receiving the retrieved event information, to transmit a tuned time parameter message to the bridge node, the tuned time parameter message causing the bridge node to alter a predetermined time of day when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server.

110 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the tuned time parameter message causing the bridge node to alter a cutoff time of day when the node-based logistics receptacle is designated to no longer accept any further delivery item for the day as the predetermined time of day when the bridge node transmits the future retrieved event information to the backend server.

111 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the tuned time parameter message causing the bridge node to alter a cutoff time of day when the node-based logistics receptacle is designated to no longer accept any further delivery item for the day and when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server.

112 . The system of claim 111 , wherein the backend server being programmatically operative to transmit the tuned time parameter message to the bridge node by being further programmatically operative to

determine whether an adjustment of the cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle is warranted based upon the retrieved event information received by the backend server;

generate the tuned time parameter message when the adjustment of the cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle is determined to be warranted based upon the retrieved event information received by the backend server; and

transmit the tuned time parameter message to the bridge node causing the bridge node to at least alter when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server.

113 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the backend server being further programmatically operative to update operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle to reflect the altered predetermined time of day when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server, the updated operational information being accessible through an online portal.

114 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the backend server being further programmatically operative to

update operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle, the updated operational information reflecting the altered predetermined time of day when the bridge node transmits future retrieved event information to the backend server; and

provide the updated operational information to a second server that allows access to the updated operational information through an online portal hosted by the second server.

115 . The system of claim 113 , wherein the updated operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle comprises at least an adjusted cutoff time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle for accepting any further delivery item.

116 . The system of claim 113 , wherein the updated operational information on the node-based logistics receptacle comprises an adjusted period of time during which the node-based logistics receptacle will accept any further delivery item.

117 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the system further comprising a display disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the tuned time parameter message transmitted to the bridge node further causing the bridge node to generate an updated operational information message shown on the display, the updated operational information message reflecting a changed cutoff time of day when the node-based logistics receptacle is designated to no longer accept any further delivery item for the day.

118 . The system of claim 117 , wherein the updated operational information message comprising at least a new pickup time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle.

119 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the system further comprising a display disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the tuned time parameter message transmitted to the bridge node further causing the bridge node to generate an updated operational information message shown on the display, the updated operational information message comprising a prompt to check online for a new pickup time of day for the node-based logistics receptacle.

120 . The system of claim 119 , wherein the prompt to check online comprising at least a visually scannable code generated on the display, the visually scannable code being related to online available information on the new pickup time.

121 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit a first confirmation status message to the backend server, the first confirmation status message representing a first confirmation that the bridge node is operative to determine no further event information is available to upload from the wireless accessory sensor node during a subsequent reporting time period.

122 . The system of claim 121 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit the first confirmation status message to the backend server at a designated time of day.

123 . The system of claim 109 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit a second confirmation status message to the backend server, the second confirmation status message representing a second confirmation that the bridge node is operative to receive a signal from the wireless accessory sensor node during the subsequent reporting time period.

124 . The system of claim 123 , wherein the signals from the wireless accessory sensor node indicates no further interactions with the one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle over the subsequent reporting time period.

125 . The system of claim 123 , wherein the bridge node being further programmatically operative to transmit the second confirmation status message to the backend server at a designated time of day.

Assignments (2)
MERGER Recorded Jul 23, 2024
From: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
To: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 068493/0092 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 27, 2023
From: SKAAKSRUD, OLE-PETTER
To: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
Reel/Frame 064080/0866 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 63434492 · Dec 22, 2022
Related Publication 20240211858A1 · Jun 27, 2024
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