Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for remote receipt of a message, such as a telephone, e-mail, facsimile or paper message. A server or data center is provided for receiving messages from a sender communicating with a recipient mobile device. The mobile device is then prompted to notify the recipient that a message is waiting. If the recipient desires to receive the message, he/she indicates this on his/her mobile device. The mobile device and the device which will receive the message, i.e., the destination device, are provided with a tag for wireless communication. The message recipient is prompted to bring the mobile device in close enough proximity to the destination device such that the tag sends information about the destination devise to the mobile device. The mobile device communicates the information via wireless communications means with the data center.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a package tracking system and method in which a sender and a recipient of a package are provided e-mail messages including information from a sender or carrier web page and the package location status. The present invention uses a network-based service for transferring tracking information from a package carrier and the sender to the requesting party. A package tracking request, including a tracking number and an e-mail address is submitted to a data center. This tracking request is stored in a set of queues, separated by a specific carrier identification number into tracking segment requests, and then sent to the tracking website of the selected carrier in accordance with the capabilities of each carrier's website. The carrier package tracking results from the website and the information from the sender or carrier website are gathered and stored at the database.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a single incoming/outgoing line, such as a telephone line, is enabled to transmit and receive information through a variety of information routing systems. The present invention employs a facsimile machine having a monitor/switching device that enables or disables a variety of communication devices based upon signal traffic detected by the monitor in combination with a set of predetermined user priority parameters. Predetermined user priority parameters may include factors such as the time of transmission, the user identity, a user priority override designation and/or the type of information being transferred.

Abstract: A high speed, high volume mailing machine which utilizes ink jet technology for the printing of postage indicia on envelopes being fed through the mailing machine and on discrete portions of tape fed past the printing device of the mailing machine includes a tape storing and feeding mechanism which stores a roll of tape in the form of a web of indefinite length for feeding a discrete portion of the tape past the feeding device for each printing operation of the mailing machine, and feeds the tape forward to bring the printed portion thereof past and then reverses the movement of the tape to bring the new leading edge thereof to the beginning of the printing area. The tape storing and feeding mechanism provides a fixed support for the portion of the tape being printed on so as to maintain a critical gap between the surface of the tape and the plane of the jet nozzles to achieve a high printing quality.

Abstract: A method for generating evidencing information for a document includes generating an error correction code and generating a digital token employing the error correction code. A method for verifying authentication and integrity information printed on a mail piece includes obtaining an error correction code printed on the document and employing the obtained error correction code to verify the validity of the evidencing information. A method for verifying the evidencing information printed on a mail piece includes obtaining an error correction code printed on a mail piece and determining that the obtained error correction code is inaccurate. The information employed to generate the inaccurate error correction code is obtained and an error correction code is generated from the obtained information. The generated error correction code is employed to verify the validity of the evidencing information.

Abstract: A secure and reliable method for verifying in the host system that the expected PSD is coupled to the host system includes generating a random number in the host system and encrypting the random number with a PSD state identification number. The encrypted random number is then sent to the PSD. The PSD decrypts the encrypted random number received using the PSD state identification number and sends the decrypted random number to the host system. The host system compares the decrypted random number received from the PSD to the random number generated in the host system. If they are the same, the host system has verified the expected PSD and has also verified that the PSD has not completed any transactions apart from the host system. A method for verifying that the expected host is coupled to the PSD mirrors the method for verifying the expected PSD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for accurately measuring mail piece thickness for the purpose of determining postage discount qualification of a mail piece to be placed in a mail tray for receiving the maximum postage discount. The system includes a device for measuring the thickness of said mail piece and a user interface for entering data representing at least one postal address and the measured mail piece thickness. The system further includes a data processing system for processing the mail piece in accordance with the set of address data and the mail piece thickness, to produce a set of mail piece data. The data processing system is coupled to the thickness measuring device and the user interface and includes a memory for storing the sets of data. The system further sorts the sets of mail piece database upon postal guidelines such that qualification of a mail piece can be determined. Output is provided for displaying the resulting mail piece identifier.

Abstract: A method and system for providing controlled access to information stored on a smartcard. The system includes a data processing center maintained by a trusted third party for storing a database of authorizations of various service providers to access information pertaining to individuals, and for responding to request by service providers for access from terminals which communicate with the data processing center and smartcards storing the individuals' information. The information is stored on the smartcard in encrypted form and the data processing center provides an access code, which includes a key for decrypting the information, only to service providers who are authorized to access the information. The service provider then sends the access code to the smartcard which verifies the access code and decrypts and outputs the requested information.