Abstract: A virtual mailing system includes a virtual post office disposed in a virtual environment. A user in the virtual environment can request for the delivery of an electronic asset. A postage metering device, associated with the virtual post office, is operative to review the aspects of the delivery of the electronic asset and affix a postage amount. The postage metering device is also operative to process monetary funds relating to payment of postage for the virtual delivery of the electronic asset. The processing of monetary funds includes coordinating between virtual funds and real world funds so that virtual customers pay for delivery costs using virtual funds backed by real world currency. Through the virtual post office, electronic assets may then be virtually delivered to intended recipients within the virtual environment.

Abstract: An item handling system for and method of handling items in an item stream, the system comprising: a validation unit for validating an element containing an authentication code on each item in an item stream, wherein an item is assigned as being spoiled where the element does not satisfy at least one validation criterion; and a sorting unit for separating spoiled items from the item stream.

Abstract: A virtual mailing system includes a virtual post office disposed in a virtual environment. A user in the virtual environment can request for the delivery of an electronic asset. A postage metering device, associated with the virtual post office, is operative to review the aspects of the delivery of the electronic asset and affix a postage amount. The postage metering device is also operative to process monetary funds relating to payment of postage for the virtual delivery of the electronic asset. The processing of monetary funds includes coordinating between virtual funds and real world funds so that virtual customers pay for delivery costs using virtual funds backed by real world currency. Through the virtual post office, electronic assets may then be virtually delivered to intended recipients within the virtual environment.

Abstract: A system for verifying printed indicia. The system comprises an indicia generating apparatus adapted to create digitally signed indicia on an item having an associated value and an indicia verifying apparatus adapted to read the indicia on the item and verify that the item is valid. The item can be used as payment for a good or service.