Abstract: An on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a client subsystem for interfacing with a user, a cryptographic device remote from the client subsystem for authenticating a plurality of users, and a server subsystem capable of communicating with the client subsystem and having code for providing customer support to a user, for administering a user VBI meter, for providing payment administration support to a user, providing accounts receivable support to a user, meter refund and withdrawal processing support to a user, providing misprint processing support to a user, and providing payment processing and billing functions. A method implementing these features is also provided.

Abstract: An on-line value bearing item (VBI) printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database is disclosed. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing the USPS Information Based Indicia Program Postal Security Device Performance Criteria and other required VBI standards. The modules encipher the information stored in the central database for all of the on-line VBI system customers and are capable of preventing access to the database by unauthorized users. Additionally, the cryptographic module is capable of preventing unauthorized and undetected modification, including the unauthorized modification, substitution, insertion, and deletion of VBI related data and cryptographically critical security parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a printer interface in a global communications environment for a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, that creates an image of a shipping label with dimensionally accurate symbologies, such as a bar code label, for display on a remote display device and for printing on a remote printing device, such as a laser printer, configured with the remote user client computer device. The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a printer interface that recognizes the graphic resolution for each printer, including laser printers, configured with each of a plurality of remote user client computer devices, wherein the printer interface communicates with each remote user client computer device over a global communications network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to print postage, determining the means for generating the request, determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the master serial number and printing the postage. The present invention provides for the creation of computer-based postage that may be used in a manner similar to standard postage issued by the USPS. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intended address of the recipient need not be verified at the time the postage is created. Rather the postage may be used at any time in the future with any recipient.

Abstract: An on-line VBI printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing a variety of required security standards. A client system provides a user friendly GUI for facilitating the interface of the user to the system. The GUI system includes wizards that help the user step-by-step with processes of installation, registration, and printing In one aspect, the invention describes an on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a client system for interfacing with a user comprising; a GUI for installing software for printing the VBI; a GUI for registering the user in the system; and a GUI for managing the printing of the VBI; and a server system capable of communicating with the client system over a computer network for authorizing the client system to print the VBI.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that apply to a single particular billing method selected by each of a plurality of users, in response to each particular user's request, a set of billing method rules for each carrier of a plurality of carriers and determines whether or not each carrier of the plurality of carriers supports the shipper's specified preferred billing method, and if so, any special pricing considerations for each particular Carrier. Each user of the present invention accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, each user client computer device having an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user with the proper printing of postage indicia and other value bearing items onto labels in rolls of labels in a label printer, and a roll for use therewith. The system includes providing a roll bearing pre-printed labels for printing with postage indicia. The roll has a plurality of label sets, each with a leader portion and a label body, where each leader has a serial number which is the same as a serial number located on its corresponding label body. Interactive computer software guides a user to confirm that the serial number on the pre-printed label body to be printed with postage indicia matches a label serial number in the software that will be encoded into a 2-D barcode portion of the postage indicia.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention comprises a system for regenerating electronic mail when a certain event transpires. If, for instance, a server program has previously sent the user an electronic mail message, that electronic mail message may be regenerated by an embodiment of the invention and retransmitted to the user or provided to support personnel upon request. Thus, the invention provides a mechanism for regenerating previously generated messages.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispensing postage or other authorization information electronically by using a portable processor containing a maximum amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail or other item. A plurality of shipping service providers may utilize the portable processor to store and dispense credit value for authorization of various shipping services. Accordingly, a user is presented with information regarding various shipping service providers fees and/or services associated with particular shipping/delivery parameters desired by the user in order to make an informed choice as to a most preferable method of shipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for printing information onto a print media. In one aspect the present invention may be utilized by an on-line postage system to generate a print job for a virtualized sheet having an image of a envelope contained within a printable region of the virtualized sheet. The print job for the virtualized sheet is then forwarded to a printer which prints the postal indica onto the envelope.

Abstract: A system and method for remote postage metering of postage indicia, including demanding a desired postage amount and subsequently printing the postage indicia onto a piece of mail. A user inputs certain necessary information, as well as additional desired information, into a local processor-based system. The local system then assembles a postage demand in suitable format and transmits the same to a remote postage metering device. The remote postage metering device then verifies the demand for authority to demand and valid funding. Upon verification, the remote postage meter serves the transaction by configuring a shared device using virtual user device data structures and assembles a data packet representing an authorized postage indicia. The data packet is transmitted to the local system for printing. Printing of the postage indicia may be unaccompanied, or may include additional information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for printing information onto a print media. In one aspect the present invention may be utilized by an on-line postage system to query one or more databases, containing set up data on one or more printer drivers, to determine set up data for a user's printer. The present invention may then be used to perform a printer configuration test to determine the set up data for the user's printer if the set up data is not contained in the databases. The present invention then stores the results of the printer configuration test in one or more of the database for use by subsequent users.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and system for printing indicia, logos and graphics and more particularly to systems and methods for printing postal indicia on custom sized envelopes. A user navigates through a series of prompt screens to create a new custom envelope size for envelopes with irregular sizes. Postal indicia is then printed on a custom sized envelope.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user with the proper feeding of sheets of labels into a printer so that the labels may be properly printed with postage indicia. The system providing a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, the sheet having a target marker located thereon. Further provided is an interactive computer software that guides a user to feed a sheet of labels into the printer, directs the printer to print an indication mark on the sheet of labels, and queries the user as to where an indication mark appears on the sheet of labels. The invention further provides a sheet bearing pre-printed labels for further printing with postage indicia, having an area where a plurality of self-stick labels are located, wherein each label is pre-printed with a serial number, and a perimeter margin area having a target marker located thereon.

Abstract: A method and system for evidencing payment of indicia using secret key cryptography is disclosed. The method and system include a plurality of indicia generating devices that are divided into groups for generating and printing indicia on a media that is to be received at a plurality of establishments, wherein the establishments are associated with different geographic designations. The method and system include assigning a plurality of verification keys to each indicia generating device in each of the groups, wherein each of the verification keys assigned to each of the groups is encrypted as a function of a respective geographic designation. A key ID is associated with each of the verification keys and is encrypted as a function of the same geographic designation used to encrypt the corresponding verification key.

Abstract: A method and system for secure real time storage and retrieval of data by a first computer with the aid of a second computer via a secure communication link between the first and second computers. The method and system enable a user at the remote first computer to secure a data file for storage by connecting to the second computer and by exchanging certain parameters between the two computers. The method and system also enable the user at the first computer to retrieve the stored secure data file by connecting to the second computer and by exchanging certain parameters between the two computers.

Abstract: A system and method for remote postage metering of postage indicia, including demanding a desired postage amount and subsequently printing the postage indicia onto a piece of mail. A user inputs certain necessary information, as well as additional desired information, into a local processor-based system. The local system then assembles a postage demand in suitable format and transmits the same to a remote postage metering device. The remote postage metering device then verifies the demand for authority to demand and valid funding. Upon verification, the remote postage meter serves the transaction by configuring a shared device using virtual user device data structures and assembles a data packet representing an authorized postage indicia. The data packet is transmitted to the local system for printing. Printing of the postage indicia may be unaccompanied, or may include additional information.

Abstract: A system and method for printing postage on a local postage evidencing device using a remote postage account comprising a local postage evidencing device having a local postage account, at least one remote postage evidencing system having one or more remote postage accounts, and a communication link between the local postage evidencing device and the at least one remote postage evidencing device, wherein postage value is transferred via the communication link to allow users to print postage on the local postage evidencing device.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed processing of mail pieces is disclosed. The high-speed system includes a conveyor system for transferring mail pieces among two or more mail processing components and a controller for directing the operations of the components. A postage computing device calculates the postage value due for each mail piece. A postage application printer prints postage information, such as Information-Based Indicia (IBI), on the mail pieces that are being moved by the conveyor system. A computer processing system stores information related to the processing of each mail piece and provides the controller with the processing information.

Abstract: A system and method for printing a postage meter stamp, including a desired postage amount and a personalized postage indicia, onto a piece of mail. A user takes a postal storage device to the Post Office in order to obtain a replenishment of the amount of postage stored within the postage storage device. A desired amount of postage is entered into the storage device by a postal employee through a processor-based system. The user is then able to access this stored postage at the user's location through a complementary processor-based system. The user is also able to create or to select one of a variety of graphical configurations of postage indicia to be imprinted as the postage meter stamp on a piece of mail.