Apparatus, Systems, and Methods Providing an On-demand Deployable Logistics Capacity Related to a Reporting Node-based Logistics Receptacle

1 . A system providing an on-demand deployable logistics capacity related to a reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the system comprising:

a deployable mobile logistics receptacle being operative to receive parcel items at a deployed location; and

a backend server in communication with the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to:

receive event information from the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the event information indicating a demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, and

send an activation message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to a location of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle as the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle; and

wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle being operative to

receive the activation message from the backend server,

move from a current position of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to the deployed location in response to the activation message, and

provide, at the deployed location, the on-demand deployable logistics capacity related to a subsequent shipping deposit.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to receive the event information from the reporting node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to:

receive a status update message from the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the status update message including at least the event information, the event information indicating at least a change in state of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle; and

determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle based upon the event information and a management profile maintained by the backend server on the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle when the event information indicates at least a threshold number of parcels are currently maintained within the node-based logistics receptacle.

4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle when the event information indicates at least a threshold level of contents within the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle when the event information indicates at least a threshold weight of contents exists within the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle when the event information includes indicia of an overflow condition for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle when the event information includes indicia that the reporting node-based logistics receptacle is within a threshold range of an overflow condition for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to receive the event information from the reporting node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to:

receive a status update message from the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the status update message including at least the event information, the event information indicating at least a change in state of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle;

compare the event information with a management profile maintained on the backend server, the management profile defining historic use information on the reporting node-based logistics receptacle; and

determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle based upon the comparison of the event information and the management profile maintained by the backend server on the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to send the activation message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle in response to the determination that the demand surge condition exists.

10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit an update message to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the update message causing the reporting node-based logistics receptacle to generate a visible display message indicating alternative deposit information related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the update message causing the reporting node-based logistics to generate a change in status light on the reporting node-based logistics receptacle as the visible display message indicating the alternative deposit information related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

12 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the update message causing the reporting node-based logistics to generate a change in what is shown on an external display screen on the reporting node-based logistics receptacle as the visible display message indicating the alternative deposit information related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

13 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the alternative deposit information related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle comprising the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

14 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit an update message to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the update message causing the reporting node-based logistics receptacle to wirelessly broadcast a status update message indicating alternative deposit information related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the alternative deposit information related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle comprises the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

16 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to send a recall message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate a recall of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle from the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

17 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to

transmit a recall message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate a recall of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle from the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle; and

transmit a recall update message to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the recall update message causing the reporting node-based logistics receptacle to generate a visible display message indicating a change in operational status related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

18 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to

transmit a recall message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate a recall of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle from the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle; and

transmit a recall update message to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the recall update message causing the reporting node-based logistics receptacle to generate a visible display message indicating a recall status related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle and indicating a return to normal operation for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

19 . The system of claim 16 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle being further operative, in response to the recall message, to move from the deployed location to a recall location.

20 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the recall location comprises a logistics facility location capable of unloading the deployable mobile logistics receptacle and temporarily storing the deployable mobile logistics receptacle awaiting a further deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

21 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the recall location comprises a location of a mobile logistics vehicle capable of receiving the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

22 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle comprises:

a movable container housing within which the parcel items are received at the deployed location;

an entrance opening disposed on the movable container housing, the entrance opening providing an opening through which the parcel items are received at the deployed location;

a temporary storage area disposed within the movable container housing, the temporary storage area for maintaining the parcel items received at the deployed location; and

a wireless transceiver disposed on the movable container housing, the wireless transceiver being operative to receive the activation message.

23 . The system of claim 22 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle further comprising a sensor-enabled node disposed on the movable container housing, the sensor-enabled node being operative to:

change a mode of operation from a low power mode to an active mode of operation in response to the activation message as received by the wireless transceiver; and

detect a change in state of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle based upon sensor data generated by the sensor-enabled node relative to at least one of the entrance opening and the temporary storage area.

24 . The system of claim 23 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle further comprising a selectively accessible retrieval door providing selective access to the temporary storage area within the mobile container housing; and

wherein the sensor-enabled node being further operative to detect the change in state of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle based upon the sensor data generated by the sensor-enabled node relative to at least one of the entrance opening, the temporary storage area, and the selectively accessible retrieval door.

25 . The system of claim 24 , wherein the sensor-enabled node is programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit mobile event information to the backend server in response to a detected change in state of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

26 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle comprises a mobile delivery vehicle-based logistics receptacle, wherein the mobile delivery vehicle-based logistics receptacle comprising:

a mobile delivery vehicle;

a vehicle-based entrance opening disposed on the mobile delivery vehicle, the vehicle-based entrance opening providing an opening through which the parcel items are received at the deployed location;

a vehicle-based temporary storage area disposed within the mobile delivery vehicle, the vehicle-based temporary storage area for maintaining the parcel items received at the deployed location; and

a wireless transceiver disposed on the mobile delivery vehicle, the wireless transceiver being operative to receive the activation message.

27 . The system of claim 26 , wherein the mobile delivery vehicle-based logistics receptacle further comprising a sensor-enabled node disposed on the mobile delivery vehicle, the sensor-enabled node being operative to:

change a mode of operation from a low power mode to an active mode of operation in response to the activation message as received by the wireless transceiver; and

detect a change in state of the mobile delivery vehicle-based logistics receptacle based upon sensor data generated by the sensor-enabled node relative to at least one of the vehicle-based entrance opening and the vehicle-based temporary storage area.

28 . The system of claim 27 , wherein the mobile delivery vehicle-based logistics receptacle further comprising a selectively accessible retrieval door providing selective access to the vehicle-based temporary storage area within the mobile delivery vehicle; and

wherein the sensor-enabled node being further operative to detect the change in state of the mobile delivery vehicle-based logistics receptacle based upon the sensor data generated by the sensor-enabled node relative to at least one of the vehicle-based entrance opening, the vehicle-based temporary storage area, and the selectively accessible retrieval door.

29 . The system of claim 28 , wherein the sensor-enabled node is programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit mobile event information to the backend server in response to a detected change in state of the mobile delivery vehicle-based logistics receptacle.

30 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle comprises a deployable autonomous mobile container, wherein the deployable autonomous mobile container comprising:

a container housing within which to temporarily maintain the parcel items;

an entrance opening disposed on the container housing, the entrance opening providing an opening through which the parcel items are received at the deployed location;

a temporary storage area disposed within the container housing, the temporary storage area for maintaining the parcel items received at the deployed location; and

an autonomous controller disposed on the container housing;

a propulsion and steering system disposed on the container housing, the propulsion and steering system being responsive to propulsion and steering control signals from the autonomous controller that cause changes to directional movement of the deployable autonomous mobile container;

a plurality of mobile container navigation sensors coupled to the autonomous controller, the mobile container navigation sensors being operative to autonomously detect an object in the path of the deployable autonomous mobile container and provide navigation feedback sensor data to the autonomous controller on the detected object;

a plurality of container status sensors coupled to the autonomous controller, the container status sensors being operative to detect a change in state of the deployable autonomous mobile container based upon sensor data generated by at least one of the container status sensors relative to at least one of the entrance opening and the temporary storage area;

a wireless radio transceiver disposed on the container housing, the wireless radio transceiver being operatively coupled to the autonomous controller, the wireless radio transceiver being operative to communicate with the backend server disposed external to the deployable autonomous mobile container, the wireless radio transceiver being further operative to receive the activation message from the backend server; and

location circuitry disposed on the container housing, the location circuitry being operatively coupled to the autonomous controller, the location circuitry generating location data on a location of the deployable autonomous mobile container and providing the location data to the autonomous controller.

31 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the autonomous controller is programmatically configured to be operative to cause the deployable autonomous mobile container to move from a current position of the deployable autonomous mobile container to the deployed location in response to the activation message by sending the propulsion and steering control signals to the propulsion and steering system.

32 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the autonomous controller is programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit mobile event information to the backend server in response to a detected change in state of the deployable autonomous mobile container based upon the sensor data generated by at least one of the container status sensors.

33 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit a supplemental activation message to a replacement deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the replacement deployable mobile logistics receptacle to the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

34 . The system of claim 33 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit a recall message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate a recall of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle from the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

35 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit a supplemental activation message to a replacement deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the replacement deployable mobile logistics receptacle to the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle after a predetermined time period after sending the activation message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

36 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be further operative to transmit a supplemental activation message to a replacement deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the replacement deployable mobile logistics receptacle to the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle based upon feedback information received from the deployable mobile logistics receptacle, the feedback information corresponding to a status of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

37 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the feedback information corresponding to mobile event information related to one or more detected changes in the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

38 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment location comprising a location within a predetermined distance from the location of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

39 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the deployment location comprising a location within a predetermined distance from the location of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the predetermined distance being maintained as part of a management profile stored by the backend server regarding the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

40 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server maintaining a management profile related to operations of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

41 . The system of claim 40 , wherein the management profile comprises information relating to a pattern of use of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

42 . The system of claim 40 , wherein the management profile comprises information relating to a pattern on detected threshold capacity conditions for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

43 . The system of claim 40 , wherein the management profile comprises information relating to a pattern of overflow conditions for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

44 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to determine that the demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle based upon the event information and the management profile maintained by the backend server on the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the management profile defining historic use information on the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

45 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the historic use information comprises a pattern of delivery events for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

46 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the historic use information comprises a pattern of pickup events for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

47 . The system of claim 44 , wherein the historic use information comprises an overload pattern profile identifying a frequency of reaching an overload condition for the reporting node-based logistics receptacle.

48 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to send the activation message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle by being further programmatically configured to be operative to send the activation message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle according to a smart contract based activation agreement related to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

49 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the backend server being programmatically configured to be operative to send the activation message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle by being further programmatically configured to be operative to

establish a smart contract based activation agreement with the deployable mobile logistics receptacle, the smart contract based activation agreement providing terms for paid for deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle; and

send the activation message to the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle according to the terms for paid for deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle according to the smart contract based activation agreement.

50 . The system of claim 48 , wherein the smart contract based activation agreement comprises a protocol for an automated transaction stored on a blockchain and run in response to meeting at least a payment condition for deploying the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

51 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the smart contract based activation agreement provides for deploying the deployable mobile logistics receptacle under predetermined pricing terms as the payment condition.

52 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for initiating deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle in response to the activation message.

53 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle comprises one of a plurality of deployable mobile logistics receptacles supplied by a logistics asset; and

wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for initiating deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle from the deployable mobile logistics receptacles supplied by the logistics asset.

54 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the deployable mobile logistics receptacle comprises one of a plurality of third party for-hire deployable mobile logistics receptacles made available by a logistics broker; and

wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for initiating deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle through the logistics broker.

55 . A server apparatus managing an on-demand deployable logistics capacity related to a reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the apparatus comprising:

a backend server processor;

a backend server memory coupled to the backend server processors, the backend server memory maintaining on-demand management code for execution by the backend server processor, the backend server memory further maintaining a management profile related to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle;

a communication interface coupled to the backend server processor;

wherein the backend server processor, when executing the on-demand management code, being programmatically configured to be operative to:

receive a status update message from the reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the status update message including at least event information indicating at least a change in state of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle,

determine that a demand surge condition exists relative to the reporting node-based logistics receptacle based upon the event information and the management profile, and

send an activation message to a deployable mobile logistics receptacle to initiate deployment of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle to a location of the reporting node-based logistics receptacle as the deployed location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle.

56 . A deployable mobile logistics receptacle apparatus providing an on-demand deployable logistics capacity related to a reporting node-based logistics receptacle, the apparatus comprising:

a container housing within which to temporarily maintain parcel items;

an entrance opening disposed on the container housing, the entrance opening providing an opening through which the parcel items are received at a deployed location;

a temporary storage area disposed within the container housing, the temporary storage area for maintaining the parcel items received at the deployed location; and

an autonomous controller disposed on the container housing;

a propulsion and steering system disposed on the container housing, the propulsion and steering system being responsive to propulsion and steering control signals from the autonomous controller that cause changes to directional movement of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle apparatus;

a plurality of mobile container navigation sensors coupled to the autonomous controller, the mobile container navigation sensors being operative to autonomously detect an object in the path of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle apparatus and provide navigation feedback sensor data to the autonomous controller on the detected object;

a plurality of container status sensors coupled to the autonomous controller, the container status sensors being operative to detect a change in state of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle apparatus based upon sensor data generated by at least one of the container status sensors relative to at least one of the entrance opening and the temporary storage area;

a wireless radio transceiver disposed on the container housing, the wireless radio transceiver being operatively coupled to the autonomous controller, the wireless radio transceiver being operative to communicate with a backend server disposed external to the deployable autonomous mobile container, the wireless radio transceiver being further operative to receive an activation message from the backend server; and

location circuitry disposed on the container housing, the location circuitry being operatively coupled to the autonomous controller, the location circuitry generating location data on a location of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle apparatus and providing the location data to the autonomous controller.

wherein the autonomous controller being operative to

receive, using the wireless radio transceiver, the activation message from the backend server,

move from a current position of the deployable mobile logistics receptacle apparatus to the deployed location in response to the activation message, and

provide, at the deployed location, the on-demand deployable logistics capacity related to a subsequent shipping deposit.