Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Enhanced Interaction with a Node-based Logistics Receptacle During an External Drop Off of a Delivery Item by a Parcel Customer Operating a Mobile User Device

1 . A system for enhanced interaction with a node-based logistics receptacle during an external drop off of a delivery item by a parcel customer operating a mobile user device, the node-based logistics receptacle having a plurality of storage receptacle components, the system comprising:

a wireless accessory sensor node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the wireless accessory sensor node comprising

at least one internal sensor that collectively monitors one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle and generates internal sensor data reflecting an interaction with one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle, and

an external sensor for monitoring a local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle, the external sensor being operative to generate external sensor data relative to the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle; and

a bridge node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the bridge node comprising

a bridge node processor,

a bridge node memory coupled to the bridge node processor, the bridge node memory maintaining monitoring and management code for execution by the bridge node processor,

a communication interface coupled to the bridge node processor, the communication interface being operative to communicate with at least a backend server; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to:

detect, using the communication interface, a wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer,

detect placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon the external sensor data generated by the external sensor and without information reflecting the interaction with the one or more of the storage receptacle components using the internal sensor data,

transmit, using the communication interface, a verification message to the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer in response to the detected placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle,

receive, using the communication interface, a verification confirmation message from the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer, and

transmit, using the communication interface, external deposit information to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item based upon the verification confirmation message to cause the backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to detect the wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device associated with the parcel customer by being further operative to detect an RF signature associated with the parcel customer.

3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the RF signature is associated with at least one of the parcel customer and the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer.

4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to detect the wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device associated with the parcel customer by being further operative to:

detect an RF signature related to the wireless communication signal; and

identify the RF signature as corresponding to an anticipated drop off entity.

5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node memory further maintains anticipated entity data including entity information on one or more entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to detect the wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device associated with the parcel customer by being further operative to

detect an RF signature related to the wireless communication signal,

compare the RF signature with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory, and

identify the RF signature as corresponding to an anticipated drop off entity based upon comparing the RF signature with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory.

6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to receive, using the communication interface, an update to the anticipated entity data, the update to the anticipated entity data comprising updated entity information on at least one additional entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle.

7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to detect the wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device associated with the parcel customer by being further operative to detect information associated with the parcel customer as part of a wireless message.

8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the information associated with the parcel customer as part of the wireless message is associated with the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer.

9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to detect the wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device associated with the parcel customer by being further operative to:

detect information associated with the parcel customer as part of a wireless message related to the wireless communication signal; and

identify the information associated with the parcel customer as corresponding to an anticipated drop off entity.

10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node memory further maintains anticipated entity data including entity information on one or more entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to detect the wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device associated with the parcel customer by being further operative to

detect information associated with the parcel customer as part of a wireless message related to the wireless communication signal,

compare the information associated with the parcel customer with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory, and

identify the information associated with the parcel customer as corresponding to an anticipated drop off entity based upon comparing the information associated with the parcel customer with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory.

11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to receive, using the communication interface, an update to the anticipated entity data, the update to the anticipated entity data comprising updated entity information on at least one additional entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle.

12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, is programmatically operative to detect the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to receive, from the wireless accessory sensor node, information corresponding to the external sensor data without receiving information corresponding to the internal sensor data.

13 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, is programmatically operative to detect the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to:

receive, from the wireless accessory sensor node, event information corresponding to the external sensor data; and

receive, from the wireless accessory sensor node, non-event information generated by the wireless accessory sensor node representing a lack of physical interaction with the storage receptacle components.

14 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, is programmatically operative to detect the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to:

detect, using the communication interface, an updated advertising signal generated by the wireless accessory sensor node;

identify a flag set within the detected updated advertising signal;

retrieve, using the communication interface, a status update from the wireless accessory sensor node in response to identifying the flag set;

access event information corresponding to the external sensor data as part of the status update;

confirm the status update does not include information representing a physical interaction with the storage receptacle components corresponding to the internal sensor data; and

identify the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon the event information corresponding to the external sensor data.

15 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the verification message comprises a prompt for the parcel customer to verify that the delivery item was placed outside of the node-based logistics receptacle.

16 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the verification message comprises information provided to the mobile user device, the information being related to a request for the parcel customer to verify that the delivery item was placed outside of the node-based logistics receptacle.

17 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the verification confirmation message comprises a response from the mobile user device verifying that the delivery item was placed outside of the node-based logistics receptacle.

18 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the verification confirmation message comprises a response from the mobile user device verifying that the delivery item was placed outside of the node-based logistics receptacle for a future pickup logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle.

19 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the mobile user device over the communication interface, in response to receiving the verification confirmation message, to establish a smart contract based connection with the mobile user device, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

20 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the smart contract based connection comprises a protocol for an automated transaction stored on a blockchain and run in response to meeting at least a payment condition for use of the node-based logistics receptacle in shipping the delivery item.

21 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle under predetermined pricing terms as the payment condition.

22 . The system of claim 21 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

23 . The system of claim 21 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle during a predetermined time period.

24 . The system of claim 21 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment on a per-deposit basis for externally depositing one or more parcel items external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

25 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item includes a priority level indicator to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle with a heightened level of urgency.

26 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the priority level indicator reflects that the delivery item is deposited with the node-based logistics receptacle outside of a secured temporary storage area within the node-based logistics receptacle.

27 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to transmit, using the communication interface, the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation with a logistics asset capable of completing the dispatched logistics operation under a predetermined condition.

28 . The system of claim 27 , wherein the predetermined condition comprises a timing criteria related to pickup of the delivery item deposited external to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

29 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to transmit, using the communication interface, the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation with a selected one of a plurality of logistics assets, the selected one of the logistics assets being capable of completing the dispatched logistics operation under a predetermined time window for pickup of the delivery item.

30 . The system of claim 29 , wherein at least one of the logistics assets comprises a for-hire logistics asset.

31 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the for-hire logistics asset over the communication interface to establish a smart contract based connection with the for-hire logistics asset when the for-hire logistics asset is the selected one of the logistics dispatched by the backend server for completing the dispatched logistics operation, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid pickup of the delivery item disposed external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

32 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the for-hire logistics asset being under a smart contract based connection with the backend server when the for-hire logistics asset is the selected one of the logistics dispatched by the backend server for completing the dispatched logistics operation, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid pickup of the delivery item disposed external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

33 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors an entrance opening to the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of a first motion sensor detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, a second motion sensor detecting the change in motion of the entrance opening and a failure to return to a prior state of the one or more of the entrance opening, a third motion sensor detecting movement of what passes through the entrance opening, an inertial sensor detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, a status sensor detecting a change in orientation of the entrance opening, an accelerometer detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, and a magnetic sensor detecting a change in position of the entrance opening.

34 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors a temporary storage area within the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of an image sensor detecting a change in what is within the temporary storage area, a scale detecting a change in what is within the temporary storage area, a force sensor detecting a change in what has been deposited within the temporary storage area, a light sensor detecting a change in light within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, and a chemical sensor detecting presence of a chemical within the temporary storage area.

35 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors a selectively accessible retrieval door on the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of a motion sensor detecting a change in state of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a motion sensor detecting a change in state of the selectively accessible retrieval door and a failure to return to a prior state of the selectively accessible retrieval door, an inertial sensor detecting a change in inertial motion of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a gyroscopic sensor detecting a change in movement of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a status sensor detecting a change in orientation of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a magnetic sensor detecting a change in position of the selectively accessible retrieval door, and a lock sensor detecting a change in secured state of the selectively accessible retrieval door.

36 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the external sensor comprises at least one from a group consisting of an external motion sensor detecting a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle, and a range sensor detecting the change in what has been placed within the predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

37 . The system of claim 36 , wherein the range sensor comprises at least one of a proximity sensor, a depth sensor, a LiDAR sensor, an infrared sensor, and a laser-based sensor.

38 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the external sensor comprises at least one of a plurality of sensing elements of an external sensing infrastructure disposed within a viewable range that includes the node-based logistics receptable, the one of the sensing elements being operative to provide sensing element sensor data to the wireless accessory sensor node as the external sensor data.

39 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the external sensor comprises an image sensor detecting a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

40 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the external sensor comprises a video sensor detecting a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

41 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the external sensor comprises a machine vision sensor operative to identify an object in the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle and detect a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon the identified object.

42 . A system for enhanced interaction with a node-based logistics receptacle and a parcel customer operating a mobile user device, the node-based logistics receptacle having a plurality of storage receptacle components, the system comprising:

a wireless accessory sensor node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the wireless accessory sensor node comprising

at least one internal sensor that collectively monitors one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle and generates internal sensor data reflecting an interaction with one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle, and

an external sensor for monitoring a local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle, the external sensor being operative to generate external sensor data relative to the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle; and

a bridge node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the bridge node comprising

a bridge node processor,

a bridge node memory coupled to the bridge node processor, the bridge node memory maintaining monitoring and management code for execution by the bridge node processor,

a communication interface coupled to the bridge node processor, the communication interface being operative to communicate with at least a backend server; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to:

detect, using the communication interface, a wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer,

identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to an anticipated drop off entity,

generate carrying confirmation data related to whether the parcel customer is carrying a delivery item based upon the external sensor data generated by the external sensor,

transmit, using the communication interface, a drop off verification message to the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer when the carrying confirmation data indicates the parcel customer is carrying the delivery item, the drop off verification message comprising a prompt for the parcel customer to verify that the parcel customer intends to place the delivery item outside of the node-based logistics receptacle,

receive, using the communication interface, a drop off verification confirmation message from the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer, the drop off verification confirmation message comprising a response indicating whether the parcel customer intends to place the delivery item outside of the node-based logistics receptacle,

detect placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon subsequent external sensor data generated by the external sensor and without information reflecting the interaction with the one or more of the storage receptacle components using the internal sensor data, and

transmit, using the communication interface, external deposit information to the backend server in response to the detected placement of the delivery item, the external deposit information being related to the detected placement of the delivery item and causing the backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle.

43 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity by being further operative to identify an RF signature from the wireless communication signal, the RF signature corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity.

44 . The system of claim 43 , wherein the RF signature is associated with at least one of the parcel customer and the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer.

45 . The system of claim 43 , wherein the bridge node memory further maintains anticipated entity data including entity information on one or more entities anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity based upon comparing the RF signature with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory.

46 . The system of claim 45 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to receive, using the communication interface, an update to the anticipated entity data, the update to the anticipated entity data comprising updated entity information on at least one additional entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle.

47 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity by being further operative to identify information associated with the parcel customer as part of a wireless message in the wireless communication signal.

48 . The system of claim 47 , wherein the information associated with the parcel customer as part of the wireless message is associated with the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer.

49 . The system of claim 47 , wherein the bridge node memory further maintains anticipated entity data including entity information on one or more entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity by being further operative to

detect the information associated with the parcel customer as part of a wireless message related to the wireless communication signal,

compare the information associated with the parcel customer with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory, and

identify the information associated with the parcel customer as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity based upon comparing the information associated with the parcel customer with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory.

50 . The system of claim 49 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to receive, using the communication interface, an update to the anticipated entity data, the update to the anticipated entity data comprising updated entity information on at least one additional entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle.

51 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, is programmatically operative to detect the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to receive, from the wireless accessory sensor node, information corresponding to the subsequent external sensor data without receiving information corresponding to the internal sensor data.

52 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, is programmatically operative to detect the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to:

receive, from the wireless accessory sensor node, event information corresponding to the external sensor data; and

receive, from the wireless accessory sensor node, non-event information generated by the wireless accessory sensor node representing a lack of physical interaction with the storage receptacle components.

53 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, is programmatically operative to detect the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to:

detect, using the communication interface, an updated advertising signal generated by the wireless accessory sensor node;

identify a flag set within the detected updated advertising signal;

retrieve, using the communication interface, a status update from the wireless accessory sensor node in response to identifying the flag set;

access event information corresponding to the subsequent external sensor data as part of the status update;

confirm the status update does not include information representing a physical interaction with the storage receptacle components corresponding to the internal sensor data; and

identify the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon the identified event information corresponding to the subsequent external sensor data.

54 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the mobile user device over the communication interface, in response to receiving the drop off verification confirmation message and when the response indicates the parcel customer intends to place the delivery item outside of the node-based logistics receptacle, to establish a smart contract based connection with the mobile user device, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

55 . The system of claim 54 , wherein the smart contract based connection comprises a protocol for an automated transaction stored on a blockchain and run in response to meeting at least a payment condition for use of the node-based logistics receptacle in shipping the delivery item.

56 . The system of claim 54 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle under predetermined pricing terms as the payment condition.

57 . The system of claim 56 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

58 . The system of claim 56 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle during a predetermined time period.

59 . The system of claim 56 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment on a per-deposit basis for externally depositing one or more parcel items external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

60 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the mobile user device over the communication interface, in response to detecting placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle, to establish a smart contract based connection with the mobile user device, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

61 . The system of claim 60 , wherein the smart contract based connection comprises a protocol for an automated transaction stored on a blockchain and run in response to meeting at least a payment condition for use of the node-based logistics receptacle in shipping the delivery item.

62 . The system of claim 60 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle under predetermined pricing terms as the payment condition.

63 . The system of claim 62 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

64 . The system of claim 62 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle during a predetermined time period.

65 . The system of claim 62 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment on a per-deposit basis for externally depositing one or more parcel items external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

66 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item includes a priority level indicator to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle with a heightened level of urgency.

67 . The system of claim 66 , wherein the priority level indicator reflects that the delivery item is deposited with the node-based logistics receptacle outside of a secured temporary storage area within the node-based logistics receptacle.

68 . The system of claim 66 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to transmit, using the communication interface, the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation with a logistics asset capable of completing the dispatched logistics operation under a predetermined condition.

69 . The system of claim 68 , wherein the predetermined condition comprises a timing criteria related to pickup of the delivery item deposited external to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

70 . The system of claim 66 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to transmit, using the communication interface, the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation with a selected one of a plurality of logistics assets, the selected one of the logistics assets being capable of completing the dispatched logistics operation under a predetermined time window for pickup of the delivery item.

71 . The system of claim 70 , wherein at least one of the logistics assets comprises a for-hire logistics asset.

72 . The system of claim 71 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the for-hire logistics asset over the communication interface to establish a smart contract based connection with the for-hire logistics asset when the for-hire logistics asset is the selected one of the logistics dispatched by the backend server for completing the dispatched logistics operation, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid pickup of the delivery item disposed external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

73 . The system of claim 71 , wherein the for-hire logistics asset being under a smart contract based connection with the backend server when the for-hire logistics asset is the selected one of the logistics dispatched by the backend server for completing the dispatched logistics operation, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid pickup of the delivery item disposed external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

74 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors an entrance opening to the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of a first motion sensor detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, a second motion sensor detecting the change in motion of the entrance opening and a failure to return to a prior state of the one or more of the entrance opening, a third motion sensor detecting movement of what passes through the entrance opening, an inertial sensor detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, a status sensor detecting a change in orientation of the entrance opening, an accelerometer detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, and a magnetic sensor detecting a change in position of the entrance opening.

75 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors a temporary storage area within the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of an image sensor detecting a change in what is within the temporary storage area, a scale detecting a change in what is within the temporary storage area, a force sensor detecting a change in what has been deposited within the temporary storage area, a light sensor detecting a change in light within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, and a chemical sensor detecting presence of a chemical within the temporary storage area.

76 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors a selectively accessible retrieval door on the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of a motion sensor detecting a change in state of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a motion sensor detecting a change in state of the selectively accessible retrieval door and a failure to return to a prior state of the selectively accessible retrieval door, an inertial sensor detecting a change in inertial motion of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a gyroscopic sensor detecting a change in movement of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a status sensor detecting a change in orientation of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a magnetic sensor detecting a change in position of the selectively accessible retrieval door, and a lock sensor detecting a change in secured state of the selectively accessible retrieval door.

77 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the external sensor comprises at least one from a group consisting of an external motion sensor detecting a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle, and a range sensor detecting the change in what has been placed within the predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

78 . The system of claim 77 , wherein the range sensor comprises at least one of a proximity sensor, a depth sensor, a LiDAR sensor, an infrared sensor, and a laser-based sensor.

79 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the external sensor comprises at least one of a plurality of sensing elements of an external sensing infrastructure disposed within a viewable range that includes the node-based logistics receptable, the one of the sensing elements being operative to provide sensing element sensor data to the wireless accessory sensor node as the external sensor data.

80 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the external sensor comprises an image sensor detecting a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

81 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the external sensor comprises a video sensor detecting a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

82 . The system of claim 42 , wherein the external sensor comprises a machine vision sensor operative to identify an object in the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle and detect a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon the identified object.

83 . A system for enhanced interaction with a node-based logistics receptacle and a parcel entity operating a mobile user device, the node-based logistics receptacle having a plurality of storage receptacle components, the system comprising:

a wireless accessory sensor node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the wireless accessory sensor node having at least one internal sensor that collectively monitors one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle and generates internal sensor data reflecting an interaction with one or more of the storage receptacle components of the node-based logistics receptacle; and

a bridge node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle, the bridge node comprising

a bridge node processor,

a bridge node memory coupled to the bridge node processor, the bridge node memory maintaining monitoring and management code for execution by the bridge node processor,

a communication interface coupled to the bridge node processor, the communication interface being operative to communicate with at least a backend server; and

an external sensor in communication with the bridge node, the external sensor being operative to monitor a local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle and generate external sensor data relative to the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to:

detect, using the communication interface, a wireless communication signal broadcast from the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer,

identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to an anticipated drop off entity,

receive the external sensor data generated by the external sensor related to the local environment proximate the node-logistics receptacle,

generate carrying confirmation data related to whether the parcel customer is carrying a delivery item based upon the external sensor data generated by the external sensor,

transmit, using the communication interface, a drop off verification message to the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer when the carrying confirmation data indicates the parcel customer is carrying the delivery item, the drop off verification message comprising a prompt for the parcel customer to verify that the parcel customer intends to place the delivery item outside of the node-based logistics receptacle,

receive, using the communication interface, a drop off verification confirmation message from the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer, the drop off verification confirmation message comprising a response indicating whether the parcel customer intends to place the delivery item outside of the node-based logistics receptacle,

detect placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon subsequent external sensor data generated by the external sensor and without information reflecting the interaction with the one or more of the storage receptacle components using the internal sensor data, and

transmit, using the communication interface, external deposit information to the backend server in response to the detected placement of the delivery item, the external deposit information being related to the detected placement of the delivery item and causing the backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle.

84 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity by being further operative to identify an RF signature from the wireless communication signal, the RF signature corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity.

85 . The system of claim 84 , wherein the RF signature is associated with at least one of the parcel customer and the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer.

86 . The system of claim 84 , wherein the bridge node memory further maintains anticipated entity data including entity information on one or more entities anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity based upon comparing the RF signature with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory.

87 . The system of claim 86 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to receive, using the communication interface, an update to the anticipated entity data, the update to the anticipated entity data comprising updated entity information on at least one additional entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle.

88 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity by being further operative to identify information associated with the parcel customer as part of a wireless message in the wireless communication signal.

89 . The system of claim 88 , wherein the information associated with the parcel customer as part of the wireless message is associated with the mobile user device operated by the parcel customer.

90 . The system of claim 88 , wherein the bridge node memory further maintains anticipated entity data including entity information on one or more entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle; and

wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to identify the wireless communication signal as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity by being further operative to

detect the information associated with the parcel customer as part of a wireless message related to the wireless communication signal,

compare the information associated with the parcel customer with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory, and

identify the information associated with the parcel customer as corresponding to the anticipated drop off entity based upon comparing the information associated with the parcel customer with the entity information in the anticipated entity data maintained in the bridge node memory.

91 . The system of claim 90 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to receive, using the communication interface, an update to the anticipated entity data, the update to the anticipated entity data comprising updated entity information on at least one additional entity anticipated to make a deposit at the node-based logistics receptacle

92 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, is programmatically operative to detect the placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle by being further operative to receive, from the wireless accessory sensor node, information corresponding to the subsequent external sensor data without receiving information corresponding to the internal sensor data.

93 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the mobile user device over the communication interface, in response to receiving the drop off verification confirmation message and when the response indicates the parcel customer intends to place the delivery item outside of the node-based logistics receptacle, to establish a smart contract based connection with the mobile user device, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

94 . The system of claim 93 , wherein the smart contract based connection comprises a protocol for an automated transaction stored on a blockchain and run in response to meeting at least a payment condition for use of the node-based logistics receptacle in shipping the delivery item.

95 . The system of claim 93 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle under predetermined pricing terms as the payment condition.

96 . The system of claim 95 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

97 . The system of claim 95 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle during a predetermined time period.

98 . The system of claim 95 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment on a per-deposit basis for externally depositing one or more parcel items external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

99 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the mobile user device over the communication interface, in response to detecting placement of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle, to establish a smart contract based connection with the mobile user device, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle.

100 . The system of claim 99 , wherein the smart contract based connection comprises a protocol for an automated transaction stored on a blockchain and run in response to meeting at least a payment condition for use of the node-based logistics receptacle in shipping the delivery item.

101 . The system of claim 99 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides for paid use of the node-based logistics receptacle under predetermined pricing terms as the payment condition.

102 . The system of claim 101 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle.

103 . The system of claim 101 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for external deposit of the delivery item proximate the node-based logistics receptacle during a predetermined time period.

104 . The system of claim 101 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment on a per-deposit basis for externally depositing one or more parcel items external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

105 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item includes a priority level indicator to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation related to the node-based logistics receptacle with a heightened level of urgency.

106 . The system of claim 105 , wherein the priority level indicator reflects that the delivery item is deposited with the node-based logistics receptacle outside of a secured temporary storage area within the node-based logistics receptacle.

107 . The system of claim 105 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to transmit, using the communication interface, the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation with a logistics asset capable of completing the dispatched logistics operation under a predetermined condition.

108 . The system of claim 107 , wherein the predetermined condition comprises a timing criteria related to pickup of the delivery item deposited external to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

109 . The system of claim 105 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being programmatically operative to transmit, using the communication interface, the external deposit information transmitted to the backend server related to the detected placement of the delivery item to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation with a selected one of a plurality of logistics assets, the selected one of the logistics assets being capable of completing the dispatched logistics operation under a predetermined time window for pickup of the delivery item.

110 . The system of claim 109 , wherein at least one of the logistics assets comprises a for-hire logistics asset.

111 . The system of claim 110 , wherein the bridge node processor, when executing the monitoring and management code, being further programmatically operative to communicate with the for-hire logistics asset over the communication interface to establish a smart contract based connection with the for-hire logistics asset when the for-hire logistics asset is the selected one of the logistics dispatched by the backend server for completing the dispatched logistics operation, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid pickup of the delivery item disposed external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

112 . The system of claim 110 , wherein the for-hire logistics asset being under a smart contract based connection with the backend server when the for-hire logistics asset is the selected one of the logistics dispatched by the backend server for completing the dispatched logistics operation, the smart contract based connection providing terms for paid pickup of the delivery item disposed external to the node-based logistics receptacle.

113 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors an entrance opening to the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of a first motion sensor detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, a second motion sensor detecting the change in motion of the entrance opening and a failure to return to a prior state of the one or more of the entrance opening, a third motion sensor detecting movement of what passes through the entrance opening, an inertial sensor detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, a status sensor detecting a change in orientation of the entrance opening, an accelerometer detecting a change in motion of the entrance opening, and a magnetic sensor detecting a change in position of the entrance opening.

114 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors a temporary storage area within the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of an image sensor detecting a change in what is within the temporary storage area, a scale detecting a change in what is within the temporary storage area, a force sensor detecting a change in what has been deposited within the temporary storage area, a light sensor detecting a change in light within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, and a chemical sensor detecting presence of a chemical within the temporary storage area.

115 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the at least one internal sensor monitors a selectively accessible retrieval door on the node-based logistics receptacle as the one or more of the storage receptacle components, the at least one internal sensor comprising at least one from a group consisting of a motion sensor detecting a change in state of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a motion sensor detecting a change in state of the selectively accessible retrieval door and a failure to return to a prior state of the selectively accessible retrieval door, an inertial sensor detecting a change in inertial motion of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a gyroscopic sensor detecting a change in movement of the selectively accessible retrieval door, a status sensor detecting a change in orientation of the selectively accessible retrieval door,

a magnetic sensor detecting a change in position of the selectively accessible retrieval door, and a lock sensor detecting a change in secured state of the selectively accessible retrieval door.

116 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the external sensor is disposed external to and separate from the node-based logistics receptacle.

117 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the external sensor comprises an image sensor that generates image sensor data as the external sensor data.

118 . The system of claim 117 , wherein the image sensor comprises a machine vision sensor that generates video sensor data as the image sensor data.

119 . The system of claim 117 , wherein the image sensor comprises a machine vision sensor operative to identify an object in the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon video sensor data and is further operative to detect a change in what has been placed within a predetermined range of the node-based logistics receptacle representative of the local environment proximate the node-based logistics receptacle based upon the identified object.

120 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the external sensor comprises one of a plurality of sensing elements of an external sensing infrastructure.

121 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the external sensor comprises at least one of a plurality of sensing elements of an external sensing infrastructure disposed within a viewable range that includes the node-based logistics receptable, the one of the sensing elements being operative to provide sensing element sensor data to the wireless accessory sensor node as the external sensor data.

122 . The system of claim 120 , wherein the bridge node is further programmatically operative to receive the external sensor data generated by the external sensor related to the local environment proximate the node-logistics receptacle by being further operative to

communicate with the external sensing infrastructure over the communication interface to establish a smart contract based connection with the external sensing infrastructure, the smart contract based connection providing paid for use of data generated by the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure, and

receive the external sensor data and the as the data generated by the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure under terms of the smart contract based connection with the external sensing infrastructure.

123 . The system of claim 122 , wherein the smart contract based connection comprises a protocol for an automated transaction stored on a blockchain and run in response to meeting at least a payment condition for receiving the data generated by the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure.

124 . The system of claim 123 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides a cryptographically secure source of the data generated by the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure.

125 . The system of claim 123 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides for receiving the data generated by the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure under predetermined pricing terms as the payment condition.

126 . The system of claim 125 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for access rights to the data generated by the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure.

127 . The system of claim 125 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment for access rights to the data generated by any of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure.

128 . The system of claim 125 , wherein the predetermined pricing terms relate to a blockchain-based payment on a per-access basis for access rights to the data generated by at least the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure.

129 . The system of claim 122 , wherein the smart contract based connection provides for receiving the data generated by the one of the sensing elements of the external sensing infrastructure under predetermined access conditions.

130 . The system of claim 122 , wherein the external sensing infrastructure comprises a security system; and

wherein the one of the sensing elements comprises a first security camera from a set of security cameras used by the security system.

131 . The system of claim 122 , wherein the external sensing infrastructure comprises a camera-based monitoring system; and

wherein the one of the sensing elements comprises a first camera from a set of cameras used by the camera-based monitoring system.

132 . The system of claim 130 , wherein the external sensor comprises the first security camera operably coupled to the bridge node through a remotely accessible interface of the security system; and

wherein the bridge node is further programmatically operative to receive the external sensor data generated by the external sensor related to the local environment proximate the node-logistics receptacle by being further operative to

establish the smart contract based connection with the security system through the remotely accessible interface of the security system, and

receive the external sensor data generated by the first security camera over the remotely accessible interface of the security system and the communication interface of the bridge node.

133 . The system of claim 131 , wherein the external sensor comprises the first camera operably coupled to the bridge node through a remotely accessible interface of the camera-based monitoring system; and

wherein the bridge node is further programmatically operative to receive the external sensor data generated by the external sensor related to the local environment proximate the node-logistics receptacle by being further operative to

establish the smart contract based connection with the camera-based monitoring system through the remotely accessible interface of the camera-based monitoring system, and

receive the external sensor data generated by the first camera over the remotely accessible interface of the camera-based monitoring system and the communication interface of the bridge node.