Abstract: Systems and methods for providing controlled access to value dispensing devices are described and in certain examples, systems including those for providing controlled access to a postage meter from multiple programs executing on an external collocated processor are described.

Abstract: A method and system for electronic bill presentment and payment using a third party intermediary is described. A third party provides an electronic post office that uses a virtual address directory to provide a level of abstraction in an EBPP data stream using the ACH network so that EBPP participants do not require the information that is typically required to process such transactions. By using the virtual address directory, neither the biller, nor the bank, nor the intermediary have all the consumer data used in the transaction. Accordingly, privacy is enhanced and any risk that privacy will be compromised is reduced.

Abstract: A printer ink identification system including a detector, an excitation source and a controller. The detector is adapted to detect an excitable feature of an ink forming an indicium on an article. The excitation source is adapted to cause excitation of the excitable feature of the ink. The controller is coupled to the detector. The controller is adapted to initiate a predetermined task based, at least partially, upon input from the detector.

Abstract: A sensor is paired with an emitter, such as in a postage metering machine, and the sensor is calibrated for ambient light conditions. Ambient light is measured with a sensor while the emitter is unpowered. If the measured ambient light is less than a current trip level (voltage level at the sensor), then a current level of light is measured with the sensor while the emitter is powered. If the measured current level of light exceeds the current trip level, then the signal output from the sensor indicates that an object such as an envelope awaiting postage to be printed thereon is present at the sensor. The current trip level may be determined by measuring light at the sensor when the emitter is on and adding some voltage margin to it, but if the sensor is blocked during this calibration a default threshold is used as the current trip level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting copies of documents are described. In one example, a system and method for detecting copies of documents utilizes multiple authentication tests performed using original and scanned copy detection patterns. The system captures a CDP that may be skewed or improperly sized. The system also retrieves or reconstitutes the expected CDP. Then the system performs a first correlation to determine if the captured CDP indicates the correct document identification and then if necessary, one or more authentication tests are applied wherein the authentication test may be grouped into distinct orthogonal test groups. The authentication tests applied may be selected according to usefulness, system throughput or target document valuation parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing business machine assets are described. In one configuration, the system analyzes alternate placement structures and provides for alternate asset model placement suggestions.

Abstract: A water-based ink for inkjet recording exhibits a blue color defined as L*<45, 25<C*<28, 255<h<278, and comprises a mixture of dyes and pigments, glycerol and polyethylene glycol #200 as water-soluble organic solvents and a polymeric dispersant. The ink will preferably have a ratio of glycerol to polyethylene glycol 200 within the range of from 2:1 to 3.5 1. The water-based ink preferably includes C.I. Pigment Blue 60 as a colorant and provides good printing stability and good storage stability. Tests show the inks to have good jettability.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the degree of filling of a container with filled envelopes is described including dynamically determining the real thickness of each of the filled envelopes of a plurality of filled envelopes before it is loaded into the container and evaluating the degree of filling of the container on the basis of the real thicknesses of envelopes thus determined.

Abstract: A computer receives two input documents, including a carrier product description file and a document that describes attributes of a type of mailing equipment. The computer extracts information from the documents and generates a provisioning document based at least in part on the extracted information. The provisioning document is suitable for controlling a piece of mailing equipment which belongs to the particular type of mailing equipment, in such a manner that the piece of mailing equipment generates mail pieces in compliance with the carrier product description file. The provisioning document includes a script for controlling operation of the piece of mailing equipment and data to be read by the piece of mailing equipment.

Abstract: A method of printing an image having a graphic security element included therein includes receiving main image data representing a main image, receiving graphic security element data representing a graphic security element to be included in the main image, receiving a request to print the main image, responsive to receiving the request to print the main image, determining particular pixels of the main image data that are to be shifted based on the graphic security element data, and causing a plurality of ink deposits to be deposited on the print medium based on the main image data including causing the position of each of the ink deposits on the print medium that is determined to correspond to shifted pixels to be shifted relative to a normal position that would normally result from the main image data. Also, system that implements the method is provided.

Abstract: A system for processing documents having fastening devices includes a document transport system and a fastening device detecting station connected to the transport system that is adapted to detect a fastening device securing together pages of a document. The fastening device removing station is adapted to remove a fastening device securing together pages of a document. A scanning station is adapted to scan the pages of a document. A page flipping station is adapted to flip and position pages of a document to be scanned. A systems controller controls the transport system and the stations based on information provided by the fastening device detecting station for a document to be scanned, to cause such document to be processed by the fastening device removing before scanning of the document or by the page flipping station during scanning of the document to be scanned.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a sub-program a request from an external entity the request comprising at least one parameter and a return address, utilizing the return address and an address list associated with the sub-program to authenticate the external entity, and processing the request if the external entity is authenticated.

Abstract: Printing systems including top registration plates and electromagnetic-curable inkjet print heads are described including methods for setting the intensity of the related electromagnetic sources. The printer includes a top registration plate that includes a plurality of registration plate print head openings, each opening adjacent to the registration plate. The transparent area is downstream of a UV light source and located above a media ski. In an alternative configuration, the top registration plate includes a transparent area that is adjacent to an opaque area of the registration plate. The transparent area is downstream of the UV light source and located above a media ski and below a light catch used to prevent the UV light from reaching the print heads in the printer.

Abstract: Systems and methods including mailing machines having postage meters including multiple postal security devices are described. In one illustrative configuration, a postage meter having multiple postal security devices for use with different postal carriers is described. In another illustrative configuration, a postage meter is configured to apply two postage payment information indicia to a single mail piece using two separate postal security devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent markings in systems including a mail delivery system for utilizing time-limited business reply mail are described. A business reply mail authorization permit is applied to a business reply mail piece using a time-dependent marking such as time-dependent ink. After the time-dependent ink changes state, the mail piece is no longer marked as an authorized business reply mail piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent dynamic barcodes in systems including a mail delivery system for manipulating delivery charges and/or sorting and delivery processing preferences are described.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulation of event data, such as errors, in a networked environment. The method includes receiving event signal data indicative of an event, and associating descriptive data with the event signal data. The descriptive data is then mapped to one or more associated connections. A determination is made whether to post identifier data corresponding to the event signal data. This determination is made as a function of predetermined criteria. If a determination is made to post the identifier data, the particular identifier data is posted. The posted identifier data may be selectively retrieved and output in a specified format. The identifier data may be stored in a memory. Descriptive data may be accumulated for a plurality of events subsequent to the mapping step. An alert condition may be established based on the type of event that has occurred.

Abstract: A method for creating a security mark includes applying a first color fluorescence ink to a substrate and applying a second color fluorescent ink to the substrate is provided. The second color fluorescent ink overlies at least a portion of the substrate where said first color fluorescent ink is applied. A third color is applied to the substrate adjacent the substrate area where said second color fluorescent ink is applied. The first color fluorescent ink, the second color fluorescent ink and the third color border are such that a security mark is formed on the substrate. The blue color fluorescence, the red color fluorescence and the third color on the substrate are such that when viewed through a lens the security mark optical characteristics change. The change is from the optical characteristics of the security mark when the security mark is not illuminated with fluorescence-exciting radiation to a different optical characteristics when the security mark is illuminated with fluorescence exciting radiation.

Abstract: A method for producing hard copies of electronic information employing a portable personal receiving device includes the steps of selecting information to print and utilizing the receiving device to identify available printers based on the location of the receiving device for printing the selected information in hard copy form. The portable receiving device is connected to one of the available printers and the selected information is printed in hard copy form. A system for producing hard copies of electronic information employing a portable personal receiving device includes a portable receiving device having a program enabling selection of information to print. The portable device includes a program to identify available printers based on the location of the receiving device. A communications link connects the portable receiving device to an available printer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a simultaneous voice and data user interface for secure catalog orders and in particular for providing a system and method for providing a distributed voice user interface for a remote device having a limited visual user interface simultaneously with a data stream for facilitating secure automated catalog orders for simultaneous electronic fulfillment applied to that device are described.