Abstract: The invention relates devices and methods for creating a cryptographically assured timestamp that can be verified by a party that was not present during the creation of the timestamp. The timestamp is applied to physical documents, and other substrates capable of receiving an optically detectable mark, that are to be transmitted to temporally or spatially distant recipients.

Abstract: Printed document contents are scanned and digitized, using a conventional scanner, and displayed page by page on a screen. Using a conventional editor and an input device, the scanned and digitized document contents are edited before being used to generate a digital signature. This allows reading errors, which could invalidate a subsequent verification process, to be corrected. Using the editor, and an input device such as a mouse, the signing authority identifies on the screen different segments of the document, each segment containing data of a single type and selects for each segment a set of rules, among a group proposed by the system, for authenticating it. Then, for each segment, an edited digital form of the data contents are derived using the method defined in the rules. A hash value of the rules used and the edited digital form of the segment contents is calculated using a public hashing algorithm.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting and/or receiving files via a facsimile machine or computer fax modem. Electronic binary files residing on a computer, for example executable files, word processing files, database files and other types of files are converted to a machine readable binary bitmap in the form of a black and white bar code. Preferably the converted file is encrypted before being transmitted and printed. A receiving computer fax modem or facsimile machine can then print the file for later retransmission or storage, or a computer fax modem can reconstruct the file so that it can be used and/or executed after being received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quasi-reprographically replicating a source document. The source document is digitized, appropriate locations for embedded code are detected, and any embedded code located in the digitized document along with the detected locations are forwarded to a decoder. The decoder forwards the decoded information to a control unit which processes this information and forwards it to a encoder whereafter it is inserted in the digitized document. The hardcopy replication of the source document being substantially visually identical to the source document, even though new or additional embedded machine-readable data has been added or existing data has been changed. The process occurs without intervention by an operator and without knowledge of the operator producing the replicated documents.

Abstract: A mailing system includes a mailing machine having a printing mechanism for printing an indication of postage value on a mailpiece and structure for controlling relative movement between the printing mechanism and the mailpiece to ensure the mailpiece is properly positioned relative to the printing mechanism during printing of the indication of postage value; a meter vault having a securely sealed housing, and apparatus, within the securely sealed housing, for accounting for the printed indication of postage value, wherein the meter vault is removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a plug-in connector; and a printing mechanism control module for securely controlling printing by the printing mechanism based on data received from the meter vault, the printing mechanism control module being removably mounted in the mailing machine for easy removal via a quick disconnect connector; wherein the meter vault and the printing mechanism control module are in electrical communication via the mailin

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for regulating discounts on merchandise distributed through networked computer systems. The method and system involve the use of discount coupons valid toward the repurchase of the merchandise. These discount coupons include mechanisms for verifying the validity of the coupons. A system in which the present invention operates includes a vendor computer system and a user computer system connected via a network. The vendor and user computer systems each include a computer connected to a display device, a keyboard, and a secondary storage device. A vendor discount regulator and a user discount regulator are stored in the vendor/user secondary storage devices for execution by the vendor/user computers. In operation, when a user desires to purchase merchandise, the user creates a request to purchase the merchandise and sends the request to purchase to a vendor.

Abstract: A system for generating authorization codes, such as personal identification numbers, at the point of distribution of certificates of value on which the authorization codes are to be printed or otherwise encoded. Because the authorization codes are generated in real time, there is no need to store and safeguard an inventory of preprinted certificates, or even an inventory of activated authorization codes. The principles of the invention apply both to systems for generating incentive award certificates and to systems for generating purchased certificates of value. The incentive awards or certificates of value are tokens of prepayment for a service, such as long-distance telephone service or other service. The authorization codes generated for inclusion with the value certificates are unique and seemingly random. They are generated by taking a non-random unique code, such as a sequence code, and encrypting it to obtain seemingly random, but unique, authorization codes.

Abstract: The implementations of digital watermarks can be optimally suited to particular transmission, distribution and storage mediums given the nature of digitally-sampled audio, video and other multimedia works. Watermark application parameters can be adapted to the individual characteristics of a given digital sample stream. Watermark information can be either carried in individual samples or in relationships between multiple samples, such as in a waveform shape. More optimal models may be obtained to design watermark systems that are tamper-resistant given the number and breadth of existent digitized sample options with different frequency and time components. The highest quality of a given content signal may be maintained as it is mastered, with the watermark suitably hidden, taking into account usage of digital filters and error correction. The quality of the underlying content signals can be used to identify and highlight advantageous locations for the insertion of digital watermarks.

Abstract: A method for automated issuance of a coupon redeemable for goods or services purchased in a transaction involving a purchaser at a non-secure terminal on a public network is provided. The method includes receiving purchaser login data from the public network at a processing system, where the login data positively identifies the purchaser. The system provides through the public network to the identified purchaser a gateway to tools for selecting goods or services for purchase. The purchaser selects goods or services using these tools and provides payment information through the public network for the selected goods or services. The processing system verifies payment for goods or services. Next, the processing system generates coupon data, such as a clear text transcript of the transaction, and an encrypted transcript of the transaction. The coupon data is sent to the purchaser across the public network, enabling the purchaser to a coupon at a non-secure terminal.

Abstract: A key control system comprises the generation of a first set of keys which are then used for a plurality of respective postage meters. The keys are then related to a respective meter in accordance with a map or algorithm. The keys may be changed by entering the second key via an encryption using the first key.

Abstract: An identification card and method and apparatus for producing and authenticating such an identification card. An object or other entity for which the identification card will evidence identity, status or characteristics is scanned to produce a digital signal which is compressed, encrypted, and coded as a two dimensional barcode or as some other appropriate form of coding, which is incorporated into one portion of the identification card. The image is also printed or otherwise embodied onto another portion of the identification card. A text message maybe appended to the signal before it is encrypted and also printed as plain text on the identification card. In one embodiment the signal representing the image is encrypted using a public key encryption system and the key is downloaded from a center. This key maybe changed from time to time to increase security. To facilitate authentication the corresponding decryption key is encrypted with another key and incorporated on the card.

Abstract: In the subject invention, source information indicating an author, designer r other source of a three-dimensional computer model is embedded in the low-order digits or bits of floating point values representing vertices in the model. The changes in these low-order bits are undetectable visually because the lower-order bits provide more accuracy than is needed to display an image. In one embodiment, the first floating point value representing the model has its least significant digits in its mantissa set to a code representing the first character of the source information. The second floating point value in the model has its least significant digits in the mantissa set to a code representing the second character of the source information. With the third and following floating point values, a similar pattern is followed. Additional other methods may be used and a variety of pattern making and encoding techniques would allow someone to determine the source of a model and whether it was modified.

Abstract: A transaction evidencing system and method includes a host processor and an unsecured printer coupled to the host processor. A vault device that includes digital token generation and transaction accounting functions is operatively coupled to the host processor. The vault device generates a digital token in response to a first command from the host processor. The digital token and information relating thereto are stored in storage area in the vault and/or the host processor. The stored digital token and information relating thereto are selectively accessed for generating transaction evidencing indicia corresponding to the stored digital token. The unsecured printing structure prints the transaction evidencing indicia in response to a second command which is issued at a time subsequent to the first command. A batch of digital tokens may be generated and stored in an indexed file in the storage area before any indicia corresponding to the batch of digital tokens are generated and printed.

Abstract: A method of creating an open system digital token includes sending predetermined information to a digital token generation process. A set of characters are randomly selected from the predetermined information. A mapping algorithm is applied to the selected characters to facilitate a character recognition process and a random number algorithm is applied to the mapped selected characters to obtain a random number. A digital token is calculated using the random number. The predetermined information may be delivery address information in the form of an ASCII string which is reduced by eliminating certain non-alphanumeric characters from the ASCII string. Certain characters can be modified to facilitate OCR processing. A plurality of characters are randomly selected from the reduced ASCII string to determine random positions in the reduced ASCII string. The ASCII code of the selected characters are mapped to the code of a reduced space using a mapping table.

Abstract: A system and method for registering a software license agreement utilizing user information encoded in a machine readable media is disclosed. A user installs a software program onto a processor-based system. Thereafter, the user provides user-specific information to the program which is encrypted in a machine-readable form. This encrypted user information is then sent to a owner of rights in the software program to be included in a database of registered software users.

Abstract: A robust means of watermarking a digitized image with a highly random sequence of pixel brightness multipliers is presented. The random sequence is formed from `robust-watermarking-parameters` selected and known only by the marker and/or the marking entity. A watermarking plane is generated which has an element array with one-to-one element correspondence to the pixels of the digitized image being marked. Each element of the watermarking plane is assigned a random value dependent upon a robust random sequence and a specified brightness modulation strength. The so generated watermarking plane is imparted onto the digitized image by multiplying the brightness value or values of each pixel by its corresponding element value in the watermarking plane. The resulting modified brightness values impart the random and relatively invisible watermark onto the digitized image. Brightness alteration is the essence of watermark imparting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a copy protection method for identifying copied images that have been captured or generated in electronic form. The method generates information in electronic form for causing the printing of copy restrictive information as a plurality of contiguous pixels, of substantially yellow color onto the hard copy. The visibility of the yellow pixels is very low until a cyan illumination is applied to the protected image then the copy restrictive information becomes highly visible.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for providing power management of a computer. The apparatus includes circuitry configured to assert a power down signal when a low power mode is to be entered and to de-assert the power down signal when the low power mode is to be exited. An audio amplifier has a power input and a mute input, and a switch is connected to the power input and configured to selectively supply power to the power input. A power down circuit is provided responsive to the power down signal and connected to the mute input and the switch such that when the power down signal is asserted, the power down circuit activates the mute input and subsequently closes the switch, and when the power down signal is de-asserted, the power down circuit open the switch and subsequently deactivates the mute input.

Abstract: This invention is a system for producing and distributing new decryption keys to verifiers. Verifier decryption key updates are printed in a secure manner on paper or postcards and mailed to the owners of the verifiers. The paper or postcards containing the verifier decryption key is scanned into the verifier and the verifier's key file is updated.

Abstract: A method for securing data and program code of an electronic postage meter machine against manipulation, having a microprocessor in a control unit of the postage meter machine for implementing steps for a start and initialization routine and following system routine with a possibility of entering into a communication mode with a remote data central, as well as further input steps in order to enter into a franking mode from which a branch is made back into the system routine after the implementation of an accounting and printing routine, includes conducting a start security check within the framework of a start and initialization routine which runs before a secure printing data call routine and the following system routine for determining the validity of a program code and/or of data in the predetermined memory location and of an appertaining MAC (message authentification code) that is present in the same storage medium.

Abstract: An information processor capable of scanning and printing two-dimensional bar codes representing sounds and moving images. The processor prints text and graphics, the two-dimensional bar codes, and relational information that correlates the bar codes of sounds and moving images to the associated text and graphics printed by the processor. In addition, the processor (or another processor) scans the printed information, bar codes and relational information. Having scanned the printed information, the processor displays the printed text and graphics in a manner that allows a person viewing the display to mark the displayed text and graphics, and hear the bar-coded sounds and images associated with the marked text and graphics.

Abstract: A self-verifying identification card having an image area which may contain a portrait, a finger print, a retinal image, or all of these together with an image signature which is derived from scanned intensity measurements taken from the image area. In the verification process, the image is scanned and aligned with respect to reference points corresponding to the original printing process which created the card, and intensity values, their averages, or any other function are compared to information provided by the image signature. Mathematical transformations, such as a one-way hash, an encryption, a compression algorithm, or a truth table may be used to encode the image signature. Alignment markers aid in scanning the image and the image signature. The use of average values aids in reducing noise and the use of comparison functions makes the process less sensitive to variations among scanners.

Abstract: A remote inspection system including a value dispensing device including structure for printing an indication of value, structure for accounting for value dispensed, and structure for querying and receiving operational data from both the printing structure and the accounting structure and for creating a message based on the operational data which message has a first portion identifying the data and a second encrypted signature portion which is created based on at least some of the operational data; a data center remotely located from the value dispensing device; and structure for establishing communication between the data center and the value dispensing device permitting the value dispensing device to send the message to the data center; wherein the data center includes apparatus for extracting the operational data from the message, apparatus for extracting the at least some of the operational data from the message to create the second encrypted signature portion based on the at least some of the information

Abstract: A system and method include means for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. A register means is provided and means for adjusting the register means to account for services when the cryptographic certificate is processed. In accordance with anther aspect, a system and method include a register means for storing funds. Means are provided for processing a digital token providing proof of postage payment and means are also provided for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. Means debit funds stored in the register means when the digital token is processed and when the cryptographic certificate is processed. Processing the cryptographic certificate may involve many functions such as providing security services and/or certificate management functions (including generating and verifying cryptographic certificates) and/or key management functions and/or access to any needed private keys to perform security services.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispensing postage (or other graphical security indicia) electronically by using a portable processor containing a maximum amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail. The portable processor can be refilled at various locations through the use of a closed-loop system which relies upon a database of users who are preregistered in the database. Upon refill of the portable processor an expiration date is stored therein. Thereafter, each transaction includes reference to this expiration date and a secure realtime clock in order to determine if the portable processor may dispense postage. Additionally, the realtime clock is utilized to provide date stamping of the indicia generated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing mailpieces involve the creation of mailing lists which includes correct and incorrect recipient address information. The list is transmitted to a data center. Received from the data center is a mailing list including addressed hygiened recipient address information and a digital token for each mailpiece with encrypted data. The encrypted data is based on the corrected address information for mailpieces with correct address information on the transmitted mailing list and on hygiened recipient address information the mailpieces with incorrect recipient address information on the transmitted mailing list. The digital tokens for each mailpiece may also be based on the rating parameter information.Selection is provided for utilizing a given one of the incorrect recipient address information and the correct recipient address information is applied to an encrypter generating the digital tokens.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispensing postage (or other graphical security indicia) electronically by using a portable processor containing a maximum amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail. The portable processor can be refilled at various locations through the use of a closed-loop system which relies upon a database of users who are preregistered in the database. Each transaction, whether checking postage indicia for validity or refilling the portable processors, relies upon information pertaining to the registered user of the processor matching the information in the database. This system allows for the validation of a graphical security indicia at a location detached from the creator of the graphical indicia.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for authentication of postage accounting reports. Postage accounting report data is authenticated by first assembling authentication mark data from the postage accounting report data and encrypting the resultant information to form an authentication mark. A physical representation of that authentication mark is then affixed to a postage accounting report generated by a postage accounting report system. The postage accounting report may subsequently be authenticated by communicating the authentication mark to a responsible party (for example, a postal authority or manufacturer) for purposes of decrypting the authentication mark and authenticating the postage accounting report data using the decrypted information.

Abstract: A media for restricting the copying of a color-reversal document utilizing one or more microdots that are embedded in the color-reversal document for providing a non-visual, but machine detectable signal. By detecting the presence of one or more microdots in the color-reversal document, a copy machine is controllably prevented from copying the color-reversal document.

Abstract: Methods of verifying use of postage charges in respect of mail items are disclosed. An authentication code is derived from a secret identification of a sender and a part of the destination address of the item. The code is printed on the mail item together with a sender account reference. On receipt of the mail item, the postal authority is able to use the account reference to access the secret identification and thereby determine if the destination address derived corresponds to that printed on the mail to verify the payment for the postage charge. In a modification, each time a postage meter effects a transaction with a remote center, the remote center generates and transmits to the meter a transaction number. The meter utilises a unique key to generate an encrypted code based on an item count and the transaction number. The code and a meter identification are printed on the mail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting electronic messages wherein payment is required for the transmission. Payment is made as messages are transmitted using previously obtained electronic stamps or credits. An electronic sender obtains in advance the electronic stamps which are usable to pay for the transmission. Electronic stamps are represented by a signal which is transmitted with the message and must be present for transmission to occur. The encoded signal preferably includes authenticating data. The balance of electronic stamps available is debited as stamps are used and incremented as they are obtained. The value of stamps necessary to pay for a transmission can vary according to the data content of the electronic message and the invention therefore preferably examines the data content of the message and encodes the proper electronic stamp amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for identifying, authenticating and tracking articles of manufacture throughout their manufacturing and distribution channels. The foregoing system utilizes: manufacturing meters that are located at authorized manufacturing locations and produce encrypted data that is uniquely associated with each manufactured article; a printer located at the authorized manufacturing locations so that the printer will print the information encrypted by the meter, which encrypted information is affixed to the manufactured article; a data center coupled to the manufacturing meters and located at a site remote from the manufacturing meters; means for producing information that identifies the manufactured articles; and a plurality of means located where the authenticity of the manufactured articles are checked by comparing the encrypted information on the article with the information produced that identifies the article.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating and managing a secret key of a public key cryptosystem, in which the secret key is generated inside a tamper resistant device, and stored into a storage region in a personal portable device from which the secret key cannot be read out of the personal portable device, while the personal portable device is inside the tamper resistant device. Here, the secret key can be reproduced by collecting the partial secret keys from those arbitrators who judge that the secret key reproduction is appropriate. Also, the secret key is generated inside a tamper resistant personal portable device, and stored into a storage region in the tamper resistant personal portable device from which the secret key cannot be read out of the tamper resistant personal portable device. Here, the secret key can be reproduced by using the partial secret keys for constituting the secret key from all entities sharing interests with a user of the tamper resistant personal portable device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus decrypts encrypted image data and synchronously outputs predetermined information with the decrypted image data such that the predetermined information is not visually recognizable on an image reproduced from the decrypted image data. The apparatus outputs the decrypted image data and the synchronously output predetermined information to an image forming unit.

Abstract: A system of preserving the integrity of research and comparable data regularly entered into an electronically accessible memory by printing it out periodically upon a form of protected document stock which reveals the fact of copying in every xerographic copy of an original sheet of such stock, and which is accounted for, sheet by sheet, through the use of a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer of the stock and recorded by him as issued to a given customer/user, and by the use of a record of distribution maintained by the records custodian of a given customer/user to identify specific serially-numbered sheets of such stock as having been issued to a particular person on a particular date, and who collects or receives the printed out stock as a permanent record of the information recorded.

Abstract: A digital signal is imperceptibly embedded into an input source signal, such as an image or video signal, to produce an encoded (sometimes termed "watermarked") signal. The principle of quasi-rotational symmetry is employed to facilitate detection of the embedded signal notwithstanding rotation of the encoded signal. Single or multiple degrees of symmetry can be employed. In another aspect, the digital signal is transformed to a frequency domain and phase-only filtered prior to its combination with the input source signal. In an illustrative embodiment, this filtering operation helps hide the digital signal within the source signal, and facilitates detection of the embedded digital signal even after the encoded signal has undergone various forms of corruption.

Abstract: A module is disclosed for use with a franking machine for the entry of data into the machine. The module includes a memory and security means operative in response to an interrogation signal from the franking machine to return a signal to the franking machine that the module is authorised for use with the franking machine for the input of data thereto.

Abstract: An information carrying sheet of securities, identification cards and the like which is provided with an illegal copying preventive image pattern in which the existence of an illegal copying preventive image pattern is hardly discriminated by the naked eye. An illegal copying preventive image pattern which prevents an unnecessary exposure by combining a plurality of patterns having an absorption in different regions used in the sheet and incorporating a dummy pattern, and which is difficult to perform falsifying/altering/counterfeiting action; and an ink composition which is used for the image pattern, and has a high IR absorption. Whether copying is acceptable or not can be promptly judged with a less memory capacity to shorten copying processing time, and falsifying/altering/counterfeiting action can be securely prevented in such a manner that the application of an illegal copying preventive processing is not noticed easily by a third party.

Abstract: The postage metering system includes a postage meter in bus communication with an external interface unit. The postage meter operates under the control of a programmable micro control system which is responsive to a number of postage meter program routines stored in the program memory of the meter micro control system. The postage meter also includes a principal communication port in bus communication with the micro control system and a keyboard also in bus communication with the meter micro control system for providing operator instruction to the micro control system. An external interface unit which includes a micro control system responsive to one or more of a program routines stored in the program memory of the external interface unit. The external interface further includes a postage meter port and a plurality communication ports. The postage meter port of the external interface unit is in bus communication with the principal communication port of the postage meter.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or coded indicia images, typically in a printed form. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: A mailing system is includes of a mailing machine operating under the control of a microcontroller having a communication port with a first channel and a second channel. The mailing system also includes a meter vault which operates under the control a microcontroller mounted in a secure housing and having a communication port with a first channel and a second channel. A printer is included which operates under the control of a microcontroller mounted in a secure housing and having a communication port having a first channel and a second channel. A printer interface is included for providing a number of independent communication paths. A first path provides communication between first channel of the mailing machine and the first channel of the meter vault. A second path provides communication between the second channel of the mailing machine and the second channel of the printer, and a third path for providing communications between the second channel of meter vault and the first channel of the printer.

Abstract: A facsimile transmission system with a first facsimile machine that includes at least a scanner for scanning documents inserted into a document feeder and transmission capabilities for sending a fax and with a second facsimile machine that includes at least reception capabilities for receiving the fax and a printer for printing a hard copy of the received fax, if necessary. The facsimile system may include functionality for securing the facsimile transmission. The facsimile system may include functionality to enable the facsimile transmission to be certified.

Abstract: A method for securing a postage transaction in a postage meter having an accounting module and a printing module includes A) storing a plurality of data patterns in the accounting module; B) storing the plurality of data patterns in the printing module; C) utilizing one of the accounting module and the printing module to request that a specific one of the plurality of data patterns be sent from the other of the accounting module and the printing module to the one of the accounting module and the printing module; D) sending a return data pattern from the other of the accounting module and the printing module to the one of the accounting module and the printing module in response to the request of step C); E) determining if the return data pattern and the specific one of the plurality of data patterns are the same; and F) initiating printing by the printing module only when in step E) it is determined that the return data pattern and the specific one of the plurality of data patterns are the same.

Abstract: A postage metering system comprising: a postage meter including a first computer for controlling the postage meter, the postage meter including a first printer for printing first postage information; a non-secure second printer external to the postage meter for printing second postage information, a second computer external to the postage meter and connected for controlling the second printer, the second computer including first structure for transmitting to the first computer variable information including at least a portion of a mailing address associated with an item to be imprinted with the second postage information; the first computer including structure for encrypting at least a portion of the transmitted variable information, the first computer including second structure for transmitting to the second computer the encrypted information for printing by the second printer on said item.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing mailpieces involve the creation of mailing lists which includes correct and incorrect recipient address information. The list is transmitted to a data center. Received from the data center is a mailing list including addressed hygiened recipient address information and a digital token for each mailpiece with encrypted data. The encrypted data is based on the corrected address information for mailpieces with correct address information on the transmitted mailing list and on hygiened recipient address information the mailpieces with incorrect recipient address information on the transmitted mailing list. The digital tokens for each mailpiece may also be based on the rating parameter information.Selection is provided for utilizing a given one of the incorrect recipient address information and the correct recipient address information is applied to an encrypter generating the digital tokens.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data canter. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: A method for controlled acceptance mail payment and evidencing in accordance with the present invention includes creating a mail batch with a plurality of mailpieces each having encrypted indicia printed thereon. A mail documentation file is created containing the total weight of the mail batch, the total payment for the mail batch and mailer identification, all of which are digitally signed to facilitate a subsequent verification of the integrity of the data. The digital signature is included as part of the mail documentation file. The mail batch and mail documentation file are submitted to a carrier distribution system. The carrier processes the batch of mail and the mail documentation file as part of the carrier distribution process to determine the total weight of the batch of mail and verify the weight of the actual batch of mail in comparison to the total weight of the batch of mail as set forth in the mail documentation file.

Abstract: A document processing system in which a server subsystem stores information corresponding to a document containing human readable and machine readable information and a client subsystem receives the document and interprets the machine readable information. The client subsystem contacts the server to verify validity of information in the document using a communications network that allows information to be exchanged between the server and the client.