Computerized apparatus and methods for user authentication and object handling

A computerized method for performing a shipping transaction from an airport to at least one other location, the computerized method comprising:

• receiving digital scan data generated by a scanning apparatus of a computerized kiosk apparatus located at the airport, the digital scan data obtained by scanning a coded image possessed by a user conducting the shipping transaction, the coded image relating to at least one aspect of the shipping transaction;
• receiving digital image data generated by an imaging apparatus of the computerized kiosk apparatus, the digital image data obtained by imaging at least a portion of a chattel of the user;
• receiving digital facial imaging data relating to the user and generated by a facial recognition scanning algorithm of, or in data communication with, the computerized kiosk apparatus;
• causing authorization of the shipping transaction based on (i) at least one of the digital facial imaging data or the received digital image data, and (ii) the received digital scan data;
• and
• based at least on the authorization, enabling operation of a shipping receptacle in data communication with the computerized kiosk apparatus, the operation of the shipping receptacle necessary for the performing of the shipping transaction.

A method of operating a computerized kiosk apparatus disposed within an air travel departure location to cause shipment of an item of a user, the computerized kiosk apparatus comprising:

• (i) digital processing apparatus;
• (ii) network interface apparatus in data communication with the digital processing apparatus;
• (iii) biometric evaluation apparatus in data communication with the digital processing apparatus and configured to use biometric data associated with the user to authenticate the user before said causation of said shipment of the item;
• (iv) scanning apparatus in data communication with the digital processing apparatus and configured to scan one or more coded images relating to the shipment of the item, and (v) imaging apparatus in data communication with the digital processing apparatus, the method comprising:
• receiving digital scan data generated by the scanning apparatus of the computerized kiosk apparatus and obtained by scanning the one or more coded images;
• receiving digital image data generated by the imaging apparatus of the computerized kiosk apparatus;
• receiving digital biometric data relating to the user and generated by the biometric evaluation apparatus of the computerized kiosk apparatus;
• causing authorization of the shipment based on (i) at least one of the digital biometric data or the received digital image data, and (ii) the received digital scan data;
• and
• based at least on the authorization, enabling operation of a shipping receptacle in data communication with the computerized kiosk apparatus, the operation of the shipping receptacle allowing transfer of the item for further handling as part of the shipment.