Patents by Inventor Andrei Obrea

Andrei Obrea has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9898874
    Abstract: A method of controlling the use of a custom image by a user in a value dispensing system, such as a mail processing system, that enables the system provider to account and charge for the use of the custom image without ever actually receiving the data representing custom image. The method includes steps of receiving a hash generated from at least the custom image at a provider location, such as a data center, generating a digital signature from data including at least the received hash, and transmitting the digital signature and data used to generate the digital signature to the user at a user location. The method may further include additional steps of determining whether the digital signature can be successfully verified, and allowing the custom image to be printed by the user only if it is determined that the digital signature can be successfully verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei Obrea, Frederick W. Ryan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8891812
    Abstract: A method to secure unique information about a handwritten document and to provide verification of document's authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation. The method includes the following steps: creating a document having an area of interest containing information, segmenting the area of interest on the document into a plurality of elements, obtaining the average gray scale of each element, inserting the average gray scale of each element into an identifier, and attaching the identifier to the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei Obrea, Christian Crews
  • Patent number: 8719180
    Abstract: A method and system for providing services to a mail delivery point are presented. According to the method, a delivery point identifier is acquired from a device located at the delivery point. Then, delivery point data is accessed corresponding to the delivery point identifier, and mail delivery services are provided in response to the delivery point data. The delivery point data are modifiable by a recipient who receives physical mail at the delivery point, and the delivery point data includes recipient preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Theresa Biasi, Robert A. Cordery, Andrei Obrea, Leon A. Pintsov, Frederick W. Ryan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140108134
    Abstract: A method and system for maintaining the privacy of consumers wishing to make a purchase while enabling them to benefit from a group discount is provided. Consumers register with a service provider that maintains their personal information in private. When a consumer is interested in purchasing a product or patronizing a traditional “brick and mortar” establishment, the consumer provides information to the service provider regarding such interest. The service provider can query other registered consumers to determine if there are others that have a similar interest. Using the leverage of all the consumers that respond to the query, the service provider can negotiate with one or more merchants to provide some type of group offer, without having to disclose the consumers' personal information. Upon successful negotiation of a group offer, the consumers will be provided with the offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Desmond, Richard W. Heiden, Femi Olumofin, Alla Tsipenyuk, Venkat Ram Ghatti, John A. Merola, Andrei Obrea
  • Patent number: 8560457
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing user trust by authenticating an electronic commerce server over an electronic communications channel using information received through an out-of-band communication in a physical communications channel are described. In one configuration, a paper bill is sent to a user by physical mail delivery and it includes challenge and response data used to authenticate the electronic commerce server over the electronic communications channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei Obrea, Arthur J. Parkos, Gary G. Hansen, Matthew J. Campagna, George M. Macdonald
  • Patent number: 8027844
    Abstract: A method and system for processing postage payments is described. In one configuration a digital pen is utilized to provide an indication of authorization for payment of postage, while the rest of the mail handling is done using existing technology independent of the digital pen infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Andrei Obrea
  • Patent number: 7991705
    Abstract: A method for providing a mailer with detailed information regarding the mailer's preparation of mail entities and the post's processing of mail entities. The foregoing allows the mailer to improve subsequent preparation of mail entities to make it easier for the post to process and deliver mail in a timely manner. The invention also allows the post and the mailer to distinguish between mailer's processing defects and errors caused by faulty postal equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Leon A Pintsov, Andrei Obrea
  • Publication number: 20110087746
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing digital distribution of mail to addresses based upon physical mailing addresses are described. In certain configurations, additional electronic mail addresses are provided based upon an associated physical address and another identifier such as the first and last names of individuals in a particular household. Additionally, an improved change of address process is implemented using information received from third parties to determine a confidence level that a particular individual or family has moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Surya R. Sagi, Andrei Obrea, Robert A. Cordery
  • Patent number: 7917454
    Abstract: A system and method for instantly printing PC postage before establishing a postage meter account. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Feliks Bator, David B. Chamberlin, James A. Euchner, Thomas J. Foth, Andrei Obrea, David L. Rich, David W. Riley
  • Publication number: 20100274608
    Abstract: The invention creates new carrier products under control of a computer. This is achieved via formal representations of postal and carrier products. It should be understood that the term new product applies to both a completely new product containing an entirely new set of features as well as an update to an existing product with possibly only a few new features or modifications are added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Leon A. Pintsov, Andrei Obrea
  • Patent number: 7765169
    Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating the mailer of a mail piece in a manner that is trustworthy and not easily susceptible to fraudulent manipulation are provided. A mail processing system is utilized by recipients of mail pieces to scan each incoming mail piece. The mail processing system obtains information from the mail piece, which can include an identification of the postage meter that was used to generate the indicium. Based on the identification of the postage meter or other unique information, the recipient's mail processing system can obtain an identification of the mailer. Once the identification of the mailer is ascertained based on this information, the recipient can utilize one or more business rules for internal delivery of the mail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Leon A. Pintsov, Andrei Obrea
  • Publication number: 20100153011
    Abstract: An apparatus for evidencing an occurrence of a transaction is provided that includes a tamper indicating housing, a processing unit provided within the tamper indicating housing, and a cryptographic module also provided within the tamper indicating housing. The processing unit is adapted to: (i) determine current location information indicating a current location of the apparatus, (ii) obtain transaction information relating to the transaction, and (iii) compile a data block including at least the current location information and the transaction information. The cryptographic module is adapted to generate cryptographic evidence based on the data block. The processing unit may also be adapted to obtain current time information, and the data block may further include the current time information. The processing unit may also be adapted to obtain user authentication information, such as biometric information, and the data block may further include the user authentication information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei Obrea, Robert A. Cordery, Bradley R. Hammell, Yassir Nawaz, Frederick W. Ryan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100153230
    Abstract: A system and method for instantly printing PC postage before establishing a postage meter account. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Bator, David B. Chamberlin, James A. Euchner, Thomas J. Foth, Andrei Obrea, David L. Rich, David W Riley
  • Patent number: 7715045
    Abstract: A method includes scanning a page of a paper document to generate a first digital page image. The method further includes obtaining a second digital page image which corresponds to a second page. The method also includes comparing the first digital page image pixel-by-pixel with the second digital page image to generate a score that indicates a degree to which the first digital page image differs from the second digital page image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Sussmeier, Robert A. Cordery, Andrei Obrea, Frederick W. Ryan, Jr., Easwaran Nambudiri, Benjamin D. Singer
  • Patent number: 7689518
    Abstract: A system and method for instantly printing PC postage before establishing a postage meter account. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Bator, David B. Chamberlin, James A. Euchner, Thomas J. Foth, Andrei Obrea, David L. Rich, David W Riley
  • Patent number: 7643181
    Abstract: A method for printing an original image which is protected against copying or alteration, such as a postal indicium, and for determining if that image has been altered. The image includes a copy detection feature and coded information linked to the copy detection feature. Altered images are detected by testing to determine if the link between the copy detection feature and the coded information in fact exists. The copy detection feature and the coded information can be linked by: 1) scanning the image to recover the coded information and the copy detection feature; 2) test the coded information and copy detection feature, and 3) accept the printed image as unaltered if the test indicates that the nominal link exists in fact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Haas, Andrei Obrea
  • Patent number: 7644010
    Abstract: A system and method to provide identification codes to track outbound mail and corresponding replies. Tracking is enabled where an intended recipient is not determined until after physical components of the mailpiece are assembled. A first ID code is associated with a second ID code on a return envelope. The first ID code is positioned on a front of the return envelope proximal to a return address on the return envelope. The second ID code is positioned on a back of the return envelope proximal to a recipient address region on the return envelope. The return envelope is inserted into a carrier envelope with the front of the return envelope facing the back of the carrier envelope, and the second ID code and the recipient address region being visible through a front window in the front of the carrier envelope. A recipient address is printed in the recipient address region of the reply envelope, through the front window on the carrier envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Haas, Andrei Obrea
  • Publication number: 20090288997
    Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating the mailer of a mail piece in a manner that is trustworthy and not easily susceptible to fraudulent manipulation are provided. A mail processing system is utilized by recipients of mail pieces to scan each incoming mail piece. The mail processing system obtains information from the mail piece, which can include an identification of the postage meter that was used to generate the indicium. Based on the identification of the postage meter or other unique information, the recipient's mail processing system can obtain an identification of the mailer. Once the identification of the mailer is ascertained based on this information, the recipient can utilize one or more business rules for internal delivery of the mail piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Leon A. Pintsov, Andrei Obrea
  • Publication number: 20090248470
    Abstract: System and methods for determining time-for-delivery for a mail piece based on the origin and destination of the mail piece are provided. A mail processing system is utilized by recipients of mail pieces to scan each incoming mail piece. The mail processing system extracts information from the mail piece that indicates the origin location of the mail piece as well as the date the mail piece was sent. The mail processing system establishes a record of the time-for-delivery between the origin location for each mail piece and the destination location. A data center aggregates the records from a plurality of different mail processing systems to establish a database that includes an actual value of time-for-delivery based on specific origin and destination locations. Mailers can then obtain information from the data center concerning actual time-for-delivery statistics based on the specific origin and destination of a mail piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc
    Inventors: Leon A. Pintsov, Andrei Obrea
  • Patent number: 7584889
    Abstract: A method that allows one to mark information with a pencil or ball point pen on a material and have the marked information represent answers to questions or responses to queries that may be read while the material is contained in an envelope. The material may be any cellulose type product, i.e., paper, cardboard, chipboard, wood or plastic, fabric, animal hide, etc. The marked entered information may be corrected by erasing the written information with an eraser and writing new information on the paper with a pencil or ball point pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl T. Rathbun, Thomas J. Foth, Andrei Obrea