Abstract: The inventive method is characterized in that the prepaid postage indicia are checked to see if they contain a predefined security feature. If they do not, at least one selected read area of the mail is checked to determine whether it contains a predefined graphic representation of a prepaid postage indicia.

Abstract: Digital franking notes generated in customer systems and comprise cryptographic information that is used for verifying the postage indicia in local payment assurance systems. A data key used for generating the postage indicia is generated in a value transfer center and transmitted via a central payment assurance system to the local payment assurance systems, which import the key in order to verify franking notes generated using the key. The local payment assurance systems notify the value transfer center of successful key imports. After a successful import, the value transfer center issues a data key to the customer systems and postage indicia are verified by decrypting the contained cryptographic information in the local payment assurance systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring postage indicia on mail items. According to the invention, graphic information is captured in at least one selected read area of the mail, whereupon the stored graphic information is compared to the graphic representation of the postage indicia. If the graphic information does not match one of the stored images, said mail is subjected to another monitoring step. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: Method for digitally franking postal articles during which a digital postage paid impression is generated by a computer and applied to a postal article. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles to be created are generated in a first computer at a customer, and the access to a remote second computer at a service provider is granted. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles are transmitted to the second computer. The postal article-specific data are processed in the second computer, and data for a digital postage paid impression are generated for each postal article. Afterwards, processing data are transmitted to accounting component, and a deduction of the franking is carried out at the customer. The postal-article specific data are transmitted with a digital postage paid impression for each postal article to be created to the first computer, and the data are recorded in the first computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying the authenticity of a postage indicium generated using a franking key and applied onto a mailpiece, whereby cryptographic information contained in the postage indicium is decrypted and used for verifying the authenticity of the postage indicium. According to the invention the method is characterized in that a data key (KD) is generated and transmitted from a central payment assurance system to local payment assurance systems.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method that enables an examination of postage paid impressions on bulk mailings and/or a billing of charges for bulk mailings, whereby the method, above all, should be suitable for billing specific types of delivery. The inventive method is carried out in such a manner that it can be used for processing large quantities or postal articles and, in particular, can be integrated into processing processes in letter or parcel distribution centers. According to the invention, graphical information located on the surface of the postal articles are detected and items of information are determined. These items of information are used for assigning the postal articles to a respective type of delivery during which an address of an addressee, and a detail that identifies the postal article and/or identifies a deliverer of the postal article is determined, and during which the number of postal articles delivered by a deliverer is established.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and device for processing postal articles. According to the disclosure, the method includes automatically verifying whether a postal article has an expected prepayment and placing a verification on the postal article where the postal article has the expected prepayment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and device for processing graphic information located on surfaces of postal articles. Graphic information is detected in one or more processing stations and transmitted to an image processing unit where it is further processed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and device for processing mail. The method includes checking mail to determine if it has been franked, and if it has not been franked or the franking determined deviates from the franking required, producing and printing on the mail a fee control code. The method also includes sorting the mail according to the fee control code.

Abstract: The inventive method is characterized in that the prepaid postage indicia are checked to see if they contain a predefined security feature. If they do not, at least one selected read area of the mail is checked to determine whether it contains a predefined graphic representation of a prepaid postage indicia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the stamps on mail items. According to the invention, said method is characterized in that graphic information is captured in at least one selected read area of the mail, whereupon the stored graphic information is compared to the graphic representation of the stamps. If the graphic information does not match one of the stored images, said mail is subjected to a another monitoring step. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the above-mentioned method.