Abstract: Disclosed is a software implemented device and method for examining, verifying, correcting and approving electronically-recorded documents, prior to their final output, whether printing, transmission or recording. The disclosed device and method permits the user to assure that the diverse elements of the composite file, such as text, fonts, graphic formats, layout instructions and the like, which may exist in one or more electronic files, will be accessible by, and compatible with the output device. The present embodiment is able to assemble all elements of an electronic file, group of files or an electronic document into one location, whether physical or logical. The present embodiment also allows the above-described analysis on a multiplicity of file types, without need to use the specific file-creation applications used to create the files.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and system for secure application of seals. An optical image of a seal is recorded by a computer and encrypted using a key for encryption generated in response to template biometric data from authorized persons. When a person seeks to use the seal, for example to apply the seal to a document, test biometric data is input from that person and used to generate a key for decryption. If the test biometric data matches the template biometric data, the key for decryption will be useful for decrypting the encrypted seal, and the person seeking access to the seal. The test biometric data represents a handwritten signature given contemporaneously by the person seeking access, and is verified against a set of template signatures earlier given by at least one authorized person. Specific signature features are determined in response to the template signatures and used for generating one or more keys for encrypting the seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique which can protect security of data until a regular user who transmits print data directs to start printing on the side of a printing apparatus even in an environment where a plurality of host computers on a network use a common printing apparatus, and which can print image data which has already been produced, as it is after the user gives instructions to start printing.

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 secure system for Authentication information. The system includes a scanner for reading the information contained in a document, a timing mechanism for entering the time the document was read, an encryptor for encrypting the read and timed information and a counter for counting the number of documents processed.

Abstract: A watermarking procedure wherein each of a set of copies of the work has a slightly-modified form of a "baseline" watermark that is placed within a critical region of the data. The slight variations in the watermarks, however, are not perceptually visible and do not interfere with the work. If multiple persons collude to attempt to create an "illicit" copy of the work (i.e., a copy without a watermark), however, at least one of the modified watermarks is present in the copy, thereby identifying both the illicit copy and the copier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises (a) applying to a recording sheet a marking material comprising a Raman-detectable component which, when irradiated with monochromatic radiation, exhibits a detectable Raman spectrum, thereby forming a mark on the recording sheet; (b) irradiating the mark on the recording sheet with monochromatic radiation; and (c) measuring the Raman spectrum of radiation scattered from the mark when the mark is irradiated with monochromatic radiation.

Abstract: Digital watermarking of audio, image, video or multimedia data is achieved by inserting the watermark into the perceptually significant components of a decomposition of the data in a manner so as to be visually imperceptible. In a preferred method, a frequency spectral image of the data, preferably a Fourier transform of the data, is obtained. A watermark is inserted into perceptually significant components of the frequency spectral image. The resultant watermarked spectral image is subjected to an inverse transform to produce watermarked data. The watermark is extracted from watermarked data by first comparing the watermarked data with the original data to obtain an extracted watermark. Then, the original watermark, original data and the extracted watermark are compared to generate a watermark which is analyzed for authenticity of the watermark.

Abstract: A scanner constructed to prevent illicit post-scan modification of a data set. The data set is a representation of visual images printed on a document scanned by the scanner. To prevent illicit post-scan modification, the scanner produces a digital signature which is output in combination with the data set. This virtually ensures detection of any post-scan modification of the data set.

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 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: A system quickly verifies that the content of an image has not been changed since an earlier time when the content of that image was stamped. The system consists of a stamping process that embeds stamping information into a source image and produces a verification key, and a verification process that extracts stamping information from a stamped source image based on the verification key. Furthermore, the verification process produces an image itself, from which the verification can be readily judged visually or by use of a computer or other display device. In the verification process, the changes in an image can be detected and localized. The image stamping process further includes an error diffussion process so that the effects of combining the stamping information with the original image are not readily perceptable. An image is safeguarded against malicious manipulations and the proprietary rights are protected by maintaining the integrity of the image content.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 software implemented control mechanism is used in a test system for assigning unique pre-established electronic addresses which are to be written into the memory elements of printed circuit boards during the manufacture thereof. Each PCB is previously encoded with a scannable board serial number label, and the test system includes a processing unit and a memory configured for storing test software for testing PCBs. The control mechanism is incorporated into the test software which when installed into the test system configures the system's memory for assigning electronic addresses. The control mechanism includes first and second sets of tables containing entries which define the ranges of valid serial numbers and preallocated electronic addresses.

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: An identification code signal is impressed on a carrier to be identified (such as an electronic data signal or a physical medium) in a manner that permits the identification signal later to be discerned and the carrier thereby identified. The method and apparatus are characterized by robustness despite degradation of the encoded carrier, and by permeation of the identification signal throughout the carrier.

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 system for identifying the authorized receiver of any particular copy of a document. More specifically, each particular copy of a document is fingerprinted by applying a set of variations to a document, where each variation is a change in data contents, but does not change the meaning or perusal experience of the document. A database associating a set of variants to a receiver is maintained. Thus any variant or copy of that variant can be traced to an authorized receiver.

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 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: 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.

Abstract: A plurality of apparatuses can execute an encrypting process on an image signal are connected. The encrypting processes which are executed in those apparatuses are independently performed, so that the connection of an improper apparatus is made impossible and, in this state, a more advanced signal process can be performed, thereby giving no disadvantage to the user. For this purpose, there is disclosed an image processing apparatus comprising a first encrypting circuit for encrypting the image data and supplying to a first apparatus and a second encrypting circuit for encrypting image data and supplying to a second apparatus different from the first apparatus, wherein the first and second encrypting means execute independently the encryption.

Abstract: A watermarking procedure wherein each of a set of copies of the work has a slightly-modified form of a "baseline" watermark that is placed within a critical region of the data. The slight variations in the watermarks, however, are not perceptually visible and do not interfere with the work. If multiple persons collude to attempt to create an "illicit" copy of the work (i.e., a copy without a watermark), however, at least one of the modified watermarks is present in the copy, thereby identifying both the illicit copy and the copier.

Abstract: A method and system for postage payment include the generation of a plurality of dispensable discrete items of encrypted data. Each of the items of encrypted data, which may be digital tokens, have a specific value. The generated plurality of discrete items of encrypted data are stored on a portable medium. A prepayment value is also stored on the portable medium. The dispensing of the stored plurality of discrete items of encrypted data is limited based on the prepayment value stored on the portable medium. The medium may be a device or member having memory for storing a plurality of dispensable tokens. The portable member or device may have a housing with a register within the housing. The postage prepayment value is stored in the register. The plurality of discrete items of encrypted data is stored in the housing with each of the items of encrypted data adapted to be formatted for printing.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a copy of a document to the output from a printing node until the printing node authenticates the intended recipient. The system includes a sending node, a printing node and a communication link coupling these nodes together in a network fashion. The sending node has access to a public key of the printing node and uses this public key to encrypt a header and document before transmission to the printing node over the communication link. The priority node has access to its private key to decrypt the header to ascertain whether the document requires authentication by the intended recipient before being output.

Abstract: A method is provided that deters the illicit copying of electronically published documents. It includes publishing a plurality of copies of electronically created material to be distributed to a plurality of subscribers. Each copy of subscriber's document has a unique identification code embedded in the document. The arrangement of the code on the document is based on the line-shifting and word-shifting techniques. This is to minimize the effects from noise and distortions on future illicit copies to simplify detection and decoding of the unique code. A codebook is created to correlate each unique code with each subscriber.

Abstract: A postage accounting system comprising: structure for accounting for postage; printing structure externally of the accounting structure, the printing structure including a printing module and computer structure for controlling the printing module, the printing module including printing apparatus and structure for sequentially feeding each item of a predetermined plurality thereof to the printing apparatus for printing thereon, the computer structure including structure programmed for sequentially transmitting variable information for each item to the accounting structure, the variable information including at least a portion of a mailing address for each item; the postage accounting structure including structure for connecting the accounting module in communication with the printing structure, the accounting structure including structure for sequentially encrypting the variable information received for each item, the accounting structure including a microprocessor, the microprocessor including structure progr

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an operating board for indicating operating modes, a document reading member and an outputting member for outputting data. An image compressing member compresses image data read by the document reading member and a memory member records the compressed image data, wherein the outputting member produces an output image on a paper sheet based on the compressed image data recorded in the memory member. An image extracting member extracts the compressed data from image data which are obtained by reading the output image by the image reading member and a decompressing member decompresses the compressed image data which are extracted by the image extracting member, wherein the outputting member produces an output image on a paper sheet based on the decompressed image data. With input image data being preserved, the image data are compressed by an image compressing part are thus converted into a cryptograph.

Abstract: A method and system for processing mail including imprinting on a mailpiece mailer identification information. Data is encrypted relative to the mailpiece with a private key associated with the mailer identification information. The private key also has an associated public key. The encrypted data is imprinted on the mailpiece and the mailpiece is placed in a mail delivery stream of a mail carrier. The mail is thereafter processed to determine from the mailer identification information the public key. The encrypted data is decrypted with the public key to authenticate the mailer and the mailers billing records are updated for mailer charges associated with the mailpiece. The addressee information for the mailpiece may be included as part of the encrypted data for mailpiece authentication. The billing record of the mailer may be encrypted with the mailer public key and transmitted to the mailer.

Abstract: In an image processor, a scramble device performs scramble processing to deform a document image by using scramble conditions by rearranging pixel data in the document image read by a reader. The scramble conditions are embedded in a hard copy of the document image subjected to the scramble processing in such a way that the scramble conditions cannot be easily seen by the naked eye. Thus, the scramble conditions are included in the hard copy. The hard copy is reproduced by using the scramble conditions restored from the hard copy. If a user desires, the scramble processing is performed not on a front page, but on the following pages. The scramble processing can be performed at different levels, and the scramble conditions include a level of scramble processing. Preferably, special marks can be registered, and a level of scramble processing is also registered for each of the marks.

Abstract: An exceptionally dense information encoding system, with 4-10 times the density of CD ROM diskettes, employs colored areas in the form of bars or checkerboard matrices of colored dot regions to encode information including alphanumerics, with each colored region being variable as to both color and intensity. In one embodiment, so-called super pixel dots have differently colored sub-regions within them, arranged with side-by-side colors or with colored regions stacked one on top of the other, such that information from one dot has as many color variables as there are stacked layers or mixed colors. In one embodiment the super pixel dot is 5 microns in diameter with 2 micron spacing between adjacent dots. For each color in one embodiment there are as many as 64 intensities yielding a coding system of high information density.

Abstract: A postage accounting system comprising: structure means for accounting for postage; printing structure externally of the accounting structure, the printing structure including a printing module and a computer for controlling the printing module, the printing module including printing apparatus and structure for sequentially feeding each item of a predetermined plurality thereof to the printing apparatus for printing thereon, the computer programmed for sequentially transmitting variable information for each item to the accounting structure, the variable information including at least a portion of the mailing address for each item; the postage accounting structure including structure for connecting the accounting module in communication with the printing structure, the accounting structure including structure for sequentially encrypting the variable information received for each item, the accounting structure including a microprocessor, the microprocessor programmed for transmitting a bit-mapped image of fixed

Abstract: A publisher of a softcopy book includes royalty payment information either within the structured document text of the book or in a royalty payment information file which accompanies the book. To read the book from the storage disk, the user applies a special softcopy book reading program at his workstation. If the user enters a command to copy the book onto a writable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or to print a hardcopy of the book with a printer or to transmit a copy of the book over a modem, a royalty payment program intercepts the copying command and suspends the copying operations. Instead, the royalty payment program presents the user with a display of the royalty payment information stored in the book text or in a file accompanying the book. The user must select the option of paying a royalty to the publisher before the royalty payment program permits a copy of the book to be made.

Abstract: Interactive encoding and decoding of machine readable dataforms provides more efficient encoding avoiding trial and error dataform production and more accurate decoding avoiding inaccurate reading of dataforms. While data is entered (12) and encoded (14) an image of the resulting dataform, such as a data code matrix or two-dimensional bar code, is displayed (16) and continuously updated as the dataform (20) fills with entered data. Using the display (16) and an input unit (12) such as a keyboard, digitizer or scanner, data can be edited to add, modify or delete data while observing the resulting dataform (20). On completion, the final dataform code signals are provided for further use (24) or a copy of the dataform (20) is provided by printing, for example. During decoding, an image of the dataform (20) as captured by a reader (32), such as a laser scanner, CCD matrix or CMOS camera, is displayed (34).

Abstract: A method and device for protecting visual information against unauthorized access and modification using a printed cryptographic watermark includes printing a first array of shapes on a first sheet of material to be protected and printing a second array of shapes on a second sheet of material, which is transparent so as to form a developer for developing a watermark encoded in a combination of the first and second arrays of shapes. The watermark is encoded by preparing each array using black and white pixels. Each pixel, which may be a square, rectangle, circle, hexagon or other shape, is split into first and second collections of subpixels, the first collection of subpixels appearing in the first array of shapes and the second collection of subpixels appearing in the second array of shapes.

Abstract: A record contains a graphic image and an information area which are interrelated to discourage misuse of the record. The information area can overlay the graphic image and include information encoded in a error-correctable, machine-readable format which allows recovery of the information despite distortion due to the underlying graphic image. The record may also represent the image by words similar in form to words in the information area. Both the information and graphic words can then be altered when an action regarding the record takes place.

Abstract: A data center provides a rate table to a user. The rate table is communicated to the mailer along with a hash code that is based on information from the rating table. The hash code provides a unique number based on the rating table. The user within a secure device and to which the rate table is loaded regenerates the hash code based on the information received from the rate table and compares the transmitted hash code with the generated hash code. The comparison verifies that the rate table data has not been intentionally or unintentionally corrupted. The transmitted hash code may be encrypted by the data center and when received decrypted by the mailer. The encryption decryption process provides authenticity of the data center if desired. The generation of the hash code and the comparison with the transmitted hash code can be initiated prior to postage printing and used to insure proper rating. Printing is enabled only after the rating process has been properly implemented.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for utilizing a printable, yet unobtrusive glyph or similar two-dimensionally encoded mark to identify copyrighted documents. Upon attempting to reproduce such a document, the glyph is detected, decoded and used to accurately collect and/or record a copyright royalty for the reproduction of the document, or to prevent such reproduction. Furthermore, the glyph may also include additional information so as to enable an electronic copyright royalty accounting system, capable of interpreting the encoded information, to track and/or account for copyright royalties which accrue during reproduction of all or portions of the original document.