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: Techniques for dispensing postage from a kiosk using a communications network. A method for obtaining a postage stamp at a kiosk, where the kiosk includes a computer system and a printer, includes, a user inputting into the kiosk a request for the postage stamp. The request is sent to a server via a communications network. The user then receives a markup language response back from the server. Next, the markup language response is processed to obtain an indicium. The indicium includes a digital signature. Lastly, the postage stamp is obtained by printing the indicium by the printer on a label, where the label includes one or more security features.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for obtaining postage at a user system from a central server, for example, a Postal Vendor System (PVS), via a communications network, such as the Internet or an intra-net. A print program processes a markup language, for example, an extensible Markup Language (XML) or a Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) message in order to print an indicium or indicia received from the central server.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the maintenance of redundant postage accounting datafiles. Redundant postage accounting report data is maintained by the present invention by first creating a datafile on a postage metering device (e.g., an SMD) to store postage accounting data. A second datafile is created on a computer capable of communicating with the SMD (which may be either remote or local to the computer). For every transaction which updates the postage accounting data stored in the SMD, the datafile residing on the computer is updated to reflect the change.

Abstract: A postage metering system includes a computer, a docking station, and a postage metering device. The computer includes an interface to receive postage information (i.e., from a user). The docking station couples to the computer, and the postage metering device operatively couples to the computer via the docking station (i.e., the postage metering device is removably coupled to the docking station). The postage metering device includes a secure metering device (SMD) that stores accounting information and, in some implementations, circuitry that performs secure processing. In some implementations, the postage metering device further includes a printer that couples to the SMD and prints indicia. In some implementations, the postage metering device is characterized at least by a “docked” operating mode and an “undocked” operating mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a modular postage accounting system. An open system metering device of the present invention includes a general purpose computer, a digital printer and a secure metering device (SMD). The SMD performs the accounting functions of a postage meter and generates encrypted postage indicia data for transmission by the computer to the digital printer and subsequent printing on a mailpiece by the digital printer. Postage credit data can be entered into the SMD using a computerized meter resetting system just as it is in a conventional postage meter.

Abstract: A meter and/or base coupled to one or more modems automatically places a service call to a service center upon detection of particular ones of detected faults. Diagnostic and test software periodically test the meter and/or base to ensure that the meter and/or base operate in an expected manner. Upon detection of a hard fault, a service call is placed to the service center and pertinent diagnostic data (e.g., the error code) is transmitted to allow the service center to promptly and properly respond to the call.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a modular postage accounting system. An open system metering device of the present invention includes a general purpose computer, a digital printer and a secure metering device (SMD). The SMD performs the accounting functions of a postage meter and generates encrypted postage indicia data for transmission by the computer to the digital printer and subsequent printing on a mailpiece by the digital printer. Postage credit data can be entered into the SMD using a computerized meter resetting system just as it is in a conventional postage meter.

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.