Abstract: A method for certification by a plurality of certifying authorities of the public key of a user wishing to communicate using a public key encryption system while asserting only a subset of rights. A plurality of certifying stations and a user station exchange information and the user station derives a plurality of private keys from the exchanged information. The certifying stations also publish related information and their public keys. The user communicates using a private key formed by summing selected ones of said plurality of private keys corresponding to asserted rights. A third party can derive the public key corresponding to the user's summed private key by operating on the published information with a summation of the certifying station public keys.

Abstract: A postage metering system that includes a secure metering device (SMD) coupled to a printer. The SMD generates an indicium and the printer receives and prints the indicium onto a label. The printed indicium label includes a human-readable portion, a machine-readable portion, and an identifier portion. The human-readable portion includes at least one data element, with each data element providing a particular postage information. The machine-readable portion includes a combination of one or more graphical representations and encoded texts. The identifier portion exhibits characteristics useful for authenticating the indicium label and can include a fluorescent strip, a micro printing portion, taggants, other identifiers, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of sorting items using multiple OCR attempts. A marking is read on the item with use of at least two or more of the following: a first algorithm with second settings; a second algorithm; and the first algorithm with second settings. The marking readings are compared to a database, and if the marking corresponds to data in the database, the data is selected. Readings may be performed simultaneously or consecutively. Also disclosed is a computer readable medium and system of one or more computers, and computer data signals embodied in a transmission medium to carry out the inventive methods, and a sorting system that carries out methods of the resent invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing a request by a user for postal service at an automated postal terminal. The method includes displaying on the terminal a list of services offered at the terminal. The list of services offered includes preparing postal information for mailing an item, purchasing postal payment indicia, and accessing information. The terminal receives a service selection and displays a payment amount, when payment is required for the selected service. The terminal receives the requested service by the terminal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of securing one or more product indicia for use in authenticating products or collecting a tax and includes generating one or more product indicia and encrypting the one or more product indicia with a public encryption key. The product indicia are then transferred to an indicia application location for application of the one or more product indicia to one or more products and processed securely while applying the one or more product indicia to the one or more products to thereby prevent tampering, misuse or theft of the product indicia at the indicia application location. The present invention also.includes a system for securing product indicia for use in authentication of products or collecting a tax and includes a processor and a read/write memory associated with the processor. The read/write memory stores therein a product indicia file which contains one or more product indicia in an encrypted form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a confidence level of a decoded barcode value is disclosed. A digit score is assigned to a digit within a barcode. When decoding the barcode, if a deduction is required to decode the digit, then the digit score for the digit is reduced accordingly. After all the digits within the barcode have been decoded, a total score of a decoded barcode value can be determined by adding all the digit scores for all the digits within the barcode. The total score of the decoded barcode value is reduced if a checksum is used to ascertain the value of any digit within the barcode. The decoded barcode value can be accepted only if the total score exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatic mail operation with four state barcode are provided. An automatic mail operation processing system with four state barcode in accordance with the present invention includes customer barcode supporting system, mail operation supporting system, and automatic sorting system. The customer barcode supporting system converts information into four state barcode and prints the barcode on mail and mail receiving form when a customer supplies the information. The information is necessary for shipping the mail. The mail operation supporting system receives the mail and the mail receiving form, determines postal fee, and reports result of receipt to the customer through the customer barcode supporting system. The automatic sorting system reads the four state barcode on the mail and sorts the mail automatically.

Abstract: A method and computer architecture monitoring resource usage via a global computer network. The computer architecture may include a resource-metering data recorder/translator unit having a global computer network node and, in operation, recording resource usage measured by and associated resource meter. The computer architecture further includes a database and at least one global computer network server, in operation, storing resource usage data recorded by the data recorder/translator unit in the database, receiving a resource usage data query from a user, calling the database for resource usage data relevant to the user, and presenting resource management information based on the relevant resource usage data via a global computer network site to the user.

Abstract: A method of operating a delivery service is disclosed. In accord with the method, the delivery service receives a mail piece addressed to an entity. The mail piece includes postage indicia indicating an initial value. The delivery service determines a cost for delivering the mail piece to the entity. The delivery service modifies the postage indicia to indicate a remaining value wherein the remaining value indicates the initial value reduced by the cost for delivering the mail piece. The delivery service delivers the mail piece to the entity. The entity presents the postage indicia to the delivery service and the delivery service compensates the entity for the remaining value of the postage indicia.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for data input into a postage computer loading and updating of rate table data in the postage computer, take place with two operations being separated from one another in time. The transmission and storage of a new postage fee schedule table in a postage computer can be implemented on demand or automatically pre-programmed at a first point in time. The actual updating of rate table data is automatically implemented at a second point in time. The method and apparatus are suitable for postage meter machines as well as for scales containing postage computers or similar devices. The apparatus contains a postage computer and a memory for service data with memory areas for data related to rate tables.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automating an accounting process for business reply mail (BRM). The process may enable a mailer to create a BRM mailpiece marked with a unique code which is provided to a responder. The responder may send the BRM mailpiece to the mailer without adding postage to the BRM mailpiece. A service provide may read the bar code to determine the mailer, deliver the BRM mailpiece to the mailer, and then bill the mailer for the postage.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for distributing postage over a public network in a manner that is secure in the case of third party interception, indicia for which can be efficiently printed by a postal customer on items to be mailed, and that facilitates authentication of the printed indicia. When the postal customer purchases postage from the postal service, the postal service provides information which the postal customer uses to generate pseudo-random numbers associated with the respective units of postage. When the postal customer prints an indicium for a respective unit, it appends the associated pseudo-random number, which the postal service uses to authenticate the indicium. The pseudo-random numbers are generated using a methodology by which the postal customer can generate pseudo-random numbers for units which have been purchased, but not for units which have not yet been purchased.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing and ordering an official postal product. The system includes a central authorizing computer system for communicating with at least one remote ordering system over a communication network. The central authorizing computer system having a computer program for forwarding information to the at least one remote ordering system for allowing customizing of an image for use in an official postal product from the at least one remote ordering system.

Abstract: A method for recovering postage for metered mail pieces that have not been posted, the method includes: placing information that uniquely identifies the mail piece in a postal indicia; storing the information that uniquely identifies each metered mail piece at a remote site; requesting a refund for a mail piece that has not been posted; determining if the information in the postal indicia that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site; and refunding the postage if the information in the postal indicia that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site.

Abstract: A postage metering system configurable to execute a security routine that inhibits certain transactions but maintains secure postage data. The system includes a security module coupled to a postage meter. The security module executes a set of transactions with the meter, and includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a security routine upon occurrence of one or more defined events. The memory stores secure postage data. When the security routine is executed, selected ones of transactions between the meter and security module are inhibited, but the secure postage data stored within the memory is retained. The memory can also store security data (e.g., encryption keys) that are erased when the security routine is executed. The security routine can be initiated upon: (1) failure to receive an authorization signal by the security module within a particular time-out period, (2) detection of tampering with the security module, (3) receipt of a command from the meter, or other events.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recording an extension of guarantee of print for a system for franking mailpieces, comprising a display of an indication of “end of initial guarantee” at the level of the franking system; comparing a remaining volume of ink with a minimum volume of ink beyond which printing of the mailpieces is prohibited; and, if the remaining volume of ink permits, a display of an indication “offer of extension of guarantee” at the level of the franking system; if this offer is accepted by the user of the franking system, link with a server of the franking system distributor; and recording of the extension of guarantee in the distributor's server. The indication of the end of initial guarantee corresponds to the franking of a predetermined number of mailpieces.

Abstract: A postage metering device that includes a processor coupled to a memory and a receiver. The memory holds data indicative of a designated geographic area. The receiver receives and processes signals from a number of transmitting sources to provide an estimate of a position of the metering device. The processor receives data from the memory and the estimated position from the receiver and determines whether the metering device is located within the designated geographic area. The processor can initiate a responsive action based on the estimated position of the metering device. The responsive action can include disabling the entire metering device, disabling a set of operations of the metering device, making a call to the service center, and other actions. The positional estimation can be initiated by the metering device, the service center, or other entities. The transmitting sources can be Global Position System (GPS) satellites, cellular base stations, or other systems.

Abstract: A method and system for notifying users of a mail system that a mail piece has been quarantined is provided. A plurality of incoming mail mailboxes each include a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor. Source information corresponding to hazard flagged mail pieces and other quarantined mail is utilized to notify the affected users of the mail system.

Abstract: An international postal address validation system is described. The system defines a grammar for the encoding of all required address fields (within an address) for a given country, so that the system can determine whether all address fields required for a country are present for a given international postal address. More particularly, the system stores information about: (1) Required address fields (i.e., metadata describing address fields and data that must be present in all addresses for a country), for error checking; (2) Address languages, for normalization; and (3) Address data, for validation. By providing a grammar that encodes information about the required address fields for a given country, and that takes into account the variety of different languages and character encodings that an address may appear in, the system provides international postal address validation even though certain addresses require application of country-specific requirements.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for, a method for, and a method of doing business by remotely determining the contents of a mail receptacle. Mail includes a machine-readable label incorporated into a piece of mail programmed with at least one property of the piece of mail. A mail receptacle includes a machine-readable label reader for reading the machine-readable label, a processor for receiving the at least one property of the piece of mail from the machine-readable label reader, and a memory for storing the at least one property of the piece of mail. The memory can be remotely accessed by a means for remotely accessing the memory to determine the contents of the mail receptacle.

Abstract: A router utility and corresponding method for routing a load of one or more shipments of parcels, for use in a system for managing shipping parcels that includes a shipping database and a planning engine that provides load information for the load indicating a load identifier. The router utility includes: an input module for providing the load identifier included in the load information, and an analyzer for providing a carrier and service list.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for statistically following up postal products for electronic franking system, comprising a random access memory (RAM) used for recording communication statements, in which a saved part of this RAM contains a plurality of communication counters each associated with a determined postal product and corresponding to the total number of postal products considered as priority or secondary by the Postal Service.

Abstract: A would-be purchaser of postage stamps is required to provide information indicative of his or her identity, for example by means of an identity code. The identity code is then imprinted upon the stamps and the stamps are then provided to the purchaser. The imprint may be a bar code, and the imprinted information may be cryptographically signed. The imprinted information may be printed in such as way as to be invisible to the naked eye.

Abstract: Computing postage based on the approximate weight of a parcel derived from the measured thickness of the parcel. A postage computing system that includes a thickness gauge positioned to measure the thickness of a parcel, a postage meter positioned to apply postage to the parcel and a computer electronically connected to the thickness gauge and the postage meter. The computer is configured to access weight data for parcel media and packaging, compute the weight of the parcel based on thickness data received from the thickness gauge, access postal rates according to parcel weight, compute postage for the parcel and transmit the postage to the postage meter.

Abstract: System and method for providing confirmation relating to the distribution of a mailpiece within a mailing system includes a determination of postal data required for postage evidencing of a mailpiece originated by a mailer. The postal data is combined with other data related to value-added services desired for the mailpiece. The value-added services data includes addressing information for a return receipt to the mailer. A digital postmark which includes the postal data and the value-added services data is created. At delivery of the mailpiece, the digital postmark is read and the value-added services data is captured from the read digital postmark. A confirmation message is sent to the mailer and/or other interested third parties, in accordance with information contained in the value-added services data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a postage metering system (1) defines a first set of postage parameters P1, P2, P3 to Pn associated with the generation of postage evidence in a postage metering system (10) and then initializes the postage metering system (10) with a subset of the first set of postage parameters F1, F2, F3 to Fn. The subset F1, F2, F3 to Fn defines a combination of the postage parameters for which the generation of postage evidence is not authorized. When a request for postage evidence is received, the request includes a second set of postage parameters P1, P2, P3 to Pn that are combined to form a postage parameter vector (PPV). The generation of postage evidence is inhibited when at least one of the postage parameters P1, P2, P3 to Pn in the second set matches one of the postage parameters in the first set F1, F2, F3 to Fn.

Abstract: A meter and/or base (or computer), coupled to one or more modems, perform automated fraud reporting to a service center upon detection of particular ones of detectable faults. Diagnostic software and/or tamper detection devices test the meter to ensure that the meter operates in an expected manner. A detected fault can be classified into one or more categories or levels. For faults within certain levels, an alarm message is sent to the service center. Corrective action can be performed in accordance with a response from the service center. For major faults, the meter can be disabled until service is performed and the alarm message can be sent to the postal inspectors.

Abstract: A franking unit for low mail volume is composed of a computer and with a connected printer. The computer has a memory with a local data bank for postal recipient address datafiles and is connected via a communication path to a data center that comprises a central data bank. The computer is appropriately programmed so that request data are formed and communicated to the data center and requested data that are communicated back and are received and stored.

Abstract: The present invention enables users to access shipping information pertaining to the shipment of parcels by merely selecting an action from a tool bar or menu associated with a text string in a document or spreadsheet either recognized by a Microsoft Office smart tag or highlighted by user. The actions from which to select include but are not limited to tracking, time in transit, shipping history, label generation, address validation, proof of delivery and rate and service selection. The present invention automatically cuts the necessary text from the document or spreadsheet in which the user is working, opens or accesses databases, files, applications, websites, etc., as required to obtain the desired shipping information from a database accessible by the user, such as over a LAN or Internet connection.

Abstract: A mailing machine comprising a device for feeding an envelope having a width in a path of travel; a device for determining the width of the envelope; and a control device in operative communication with the determining device for using the width of the envelope to ascertain a proper amount of postage to be applied to the envelope. According to a first embodiment, the determining device includes a sensor array located transverse to the path of travel for detecting the presence of the envelope where the sensor array includes an inner plurality of sensors and an outer plurality of sensors located further away from a registration wall than the inner plurality of sensors. According to a second embodiment, the determining device includes a first sensor for detecting a lead edge of the envelope and a sensor line located downstream in the path of travel from the first sensor and at an angle to the path of travel so as to detect a lead corner of the envelope.

Abstract: A postal apparatus, particularly a postage meter machine, has a chip card write/read unit for reloading fee schedule change data by chip card. In combination. with a first-time insertion of the chip card, an appertaining controller of the postage meter machine allows a first reloading and—as a result thereof—a writing of data into the chip card. The use data in the chip card are thereby modified in a predetermined way, so that, given a repeated data loading, the chip card supplies usable data only in the same postage meter machine. The use data are stored in a first memory area of the chip card and include the remaining use data and variable data, or a crypto code following the initial use. A protective code, formed after the. initial use for the authorization of the use data is stored in a second memory area of the chip card.

Abstract: An automated self-service mail processing and storing system is disclosed which is capable of receiving input from and providing instructions to a user via a touch-sensitive screen or a digitized voice system. The system is capable of weighing the mail item, receiving user identification information from a credit/debit card, for example, for payment, calculating the charge for shipment and deducting that amount from the user's charge account, and securely storing the item for subsequent pickup. The system contains a novel weighing means capable of detecting minute vibrations for purposes of obtaining an accurate weight amount. The system may also contain a tracking bar code generation means and a tracking bar code verification system. Optionally, a dual floppy disk system allows the user to send electronic mail, and a built-in facsimile apparatus allows the user to send “FAX” information through the telephone line.

Abstract: A method for using cryptographic parameters in a postage meter for securing postage indicium data includes the steps of generating in the postage meter 1) first cryptographic parameters which are useable in conjunction with second cryptographic parameters by the postage meter to cryptographically secure postage indicium data and 2) a cryptographic key; storing the first cryptographic parameters but not the second cryptographic parameters in the postage meter during the registering of the cryptographic key with a certificate authority; receiving at the postage meter notification that the cryptographic key has been registered with the certificate authority; and subsequent to receiving the notification generating and storing the second cryptographic parameters in the postage meter such that the first and second cryptographic parameters are stored in the postage meter for use in cryptographically securing postage indicium data.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for sending a print indicia command to a postage meter from a browser under control of a carrier management application in a data processing system which comprises a client node in communication with a provider server. The method begins with a system user logging onto a carrier manager application web site, through a web browser. The user requests that the web site download a set of programs from the web site to the client node while utilizing JAVA script functionality resident in the provider web pages. The script functionality further comprises a set of instructions for performing one or more activities. The programs are installable on a PC located at the client node and are for establishing control of the postage meter. Downloading of the programs further comprises installing and configuring an automation server and a postage meter driver at the client node.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a printing device which is removable by a user of the postage meter. The printing device may be an ink-jet print cartridge including an integral ink supply. When the ink supply is depleted the ink-jet print cartridge must be replaced to enable further printing to be effected. The printing device has electrical contacts which interface with corresponding electrical connections of the postage meter when the printing device is mounted in the postage meter. In order to prevent unauthorized access to the print device, access to the printing device for replacement of the printing device is provided by means of an aperture in a housing of the postage meter and the aperture is closed by a member which can only be unlocked and opened in response to input of a coded signal to the postage meter.

Abstract: A modular franking system for processing envelopes into mailpieces having a path through the modules for performing processing steps on the envelopes such as weighing each envelope and calculating a franking charge for each mailpiece. The franking system includes a network protocol stack and a network controller or node that connects the system to a gateway such as a LAN. The LAN can allow access to the Internet. Via the LAN, the franking system can be remotely configured.

Abstract: A method that enables a carrier to find the address of a missing person. The carrier accomplishes the foregoing by receiving the name of a missing person; receiving a list of parties that the missing person is likely to receive mail from or send mail to; scanning mail faces that have been deposited with the carrier by a sender; determining if the scanned mail includes the name of the missing person and a party appearing on the list of parties; producing a list of scanned names and addresses that include the name of the missing person and the party appearing on the list of parties; delivering the list to a party that is permitted by law to receive the list regarding the missing person; and reviewing the delivered list to determine if the missing person is the recipient or sender of mail that is likely to be the missing person.

Abstract: A method for generating digital postage stamps wherein a data center receives a request from a PC for a selected number of digital postage stamps, concludes a payment transaction for the selected number of digital postage stamps, generates a digital book of postage stamps, which the PC downloads to its hard drive. The digital book of postage stamps includes a read-only software module that prints each digital postage stamp using stamp related information contained within the software module. The stamp related information includes stamp information, which is required for each postage stamp, user information, which identifies the requester and the PC, data center server information, which is unique to each digital postage stamp and a digital signature of at least some of the user, stamp and/or server information.

Abstract: A method for requesting a postage refund includes the steps of generating a postage indicium having a postage value and first data indicative that a refund of the postage value is requested; and printing the postage indicium on a mailpiece.

Abstract: A postage metering system that includes a host PC, an SMD, and a printer. The host PC includes a user interface to receive postage information. The SMD operatively couples to the computer via a communications link and includes a processor and a tamper evident enclosure. The processor is configured to receive the postage information from the computer, direct generation of an indicium, and account for the indicium. The tamper evident enclosure houses the processor and other security sensitive elements of the SMD. The printer couples to the SMD and is configured to receive and print the indicium. The SMD can further include a memory element, an interface circuit, and an enclosure. The memory element is configured to store accounting information and information related to the operation of the metering device. The interface circuit is configured to receive a message that includes a code that identifies that message. The processor operatively couples to the memory element and the interface circuit.

Abstract: An electronic indicium to be affixed to a mailpiece to be processed by a postal meter and an AFCS unit, and methods of using the electronic indicium in postal processes. The indicium includes a controller, a memory for storing postal funds and postal information, a sensor and transmitter for communicating with an external device, a display unit capable of forming a visible FIM symbol and a cancellation mark when required. Preferably, the indicium also includes means for receiving and storing power from an external source. The FIM is activated when the meter transfers postal fund into the memory. The FIM is canceled when the mailpiece is processed in the AFCS unit and postal fund is removed from the memory. The method of using electronic indicia in postal processes involves the steps of transferring funds and downloading postal information from the sender's meter to the indicia, the reading of the funds and information in a post office, and the cancellation of the FIM.

Abstract: A mail piece verification system for processing a mail piece having associated therewith mail piece data includes an incoming mail processing center, an outgoing mail processing center located downstream from the incoming mail processing center and a data center in operative communication with the incoming mail processing center and the outgoing mail processing center. The incoming mail processing center receives the mail piece, obtains the mail piece and uploads the mail piece data to the data center. The data center performs a verification check on the mail piece data and downloads instructions based upon the verification check to the outgoing mail processing center. The outgoing mail processing center uses the instructions to process the mail piece.

Abstract: A postage meter (franking machine) is provided having a limited number of physical (mechanical) keys associated with frequently performed tasks, and a touch-sensitive display of limited size with regions associated with rarely performed tasks. Optionally a receiving area is provided which can receive a printed sheet, and a touch-sensitive area is juxtaposed with the sheet, permitting user selection of items on the printed sheet. By means of a scrolled display of subsets of a character set, the user may readily create text strings on the touch-sensitive display of limited size. A history is kept of frequently selected print parameters, and the user can scroll through a list derived from the history.

Abstract: A method and system that permits artistic works that are accessed on the internet or from a data center to be down loaded pursuant to an agreement with a representative of the copyright owner to users of postal security devices to pay for their use of copyrighted artistic works. A scanner at the post would read the already existing Information-Based Indicia and other information on the mail piece and then extract a unique identifier contained in the Information-Based Indicia that is associated with the artistic or graphical information contracted to appear on the mail piece. The extracted unique identifier would be periodically uploaded to a data center. The data center would compare the unique identifier on the mail piece with information about artistic or graphical information that has previously been uploaded from sending postal security devices to determine if misuse has been committed in the production of the artistic or graphical information.

Abstract: In an arrangement and a method for data exchange between a postage meter machine and chip cards, a postage meter machine is equipped with a chip card write/read unit and appertaining control system wherein first, corresponding to a succession number a specific insertion sequence for valid chip cards is required in order to reload (update) data, and second, an authorized user is allowed to define a specific sequence for the insertion of lower-ranking, suitably initialized chip cards in order to simplify the function and data entered into the postage meter machine. These latter chip cards set a limited function scope within the postage meter. For their initialization, a table with a specific hierarchic (tree) structure is produced by the user by modifying a pre-stored structure in the postage meter machine.

Abstract: A postal system includes a local computer having a user interface and an associated storage unit for storing a secure data file that contains postal (e.g., accounting) data. A secure processing unit interfaces with the local computer and performs the secure processing normally associated with a secure postal environment. The secure processing unit can be designed to receive power from the computer to which it couples, and generally does not require special interconnect. By using the secure processing unit to perform the secure processing and the local computer to perform other postal functions (e.g., user interface), complexity is reduced which translates to faster speed of operation and a more economical hardware design.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a weighing scale and one or more peripheral devices which includes a single intelligent interface cable assembly connected between a weighing scale and a plurality of peripheral devices, the IICA detects the peripheral device protocol by receiving a logic signal indicating which protocol is in operation, if necessary, the IICA then switches the signal protocol of the weighing scale to correspond with the signal protocol of the detected peripheral device protocol. Simultaneous, tripping of a mailing machine to print postage amounts may occur.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for inputting the weight of a parcel into a web-based shipping application of a data processing system. The data processing system comprises a web site for a provider server and a client node in communication with the provider server. The web site further comprises web pages and script functionality for linking with a scale driver resident in a weighing scale located at the client node. The weighing scale comprises a scale server resident ultimately at the client node, but callable by the client node under control of the script functionality for allowing the script at the client node to link with the weighing scale by utilizing the scale driver. The method begins with the calling of the web site, from the client node, by utilizing a communications link which includes a browser for accessing the web site. The client node requests that a scale activation routine be activated.

Abstract: A mail piece verification system for processing mail pieces having associated therewith respective mail piece data. The system includes a plurality of postage metering systems for preparing mail pieces, a plurality of mail processing centers for receiving mail pieces and obtaining the respective mail piece data and a data center means in operative communication with the plurality of postage metering systems and the plurality of mail processing centers, the data center means including a plurality of account files corresponding to the plurality of postage metering systems.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for distributing postage over a public network in a manner that is secure in the case of third party interception, indicia for which can be efficiently printed by a postal customer on items to be mailed, and that facilitates authentication of the printed indicia. When the postal customer purchases postage from the postal service, the postal service provides information which the postal customer uses to generate pseudo-random numbers associated with the respective units of postage. When the postal customer prints an indicium for a respective unit, it appends the associated pseudo-random number, which the postal service uses to authenticate the indicium. The pseudo-random numbers are generated using a methodology by which the postal customer can generate pseudo-random numbers for units which have been purchased, but not for units which have not yet been purchased.