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.

Abstract: A printing system is provided that dynamically adjusts the method of printing an image based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and the way in which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, on which sufficient contrast will be provided, the image can be printed directly onto the medium. For darker colored mediums, on which the ink used to print the image will not provide enough contrast with respect to the medium to produce a reliably readable image, the method of printing the image is modified to ensure that sufficient contrast is always provided to produce a reliably readable image.

Abstract: The present application describes systems and methods for reliable transfer of information of value such as virtual postage stamps between a remote data center and a local device. An identifier that is unique over at least some time duration is assigned to each virtual postage stamp such that the identifier is associated with a specific index memory location or record storage location in the local virtual stamp-printing device. The local printing device permits only a single use of a virtual stamp using a secure state flag. The transfer protocol provides reliable transfer of virtual stamps between the remote data center and the local printing device that accommodates resend requests, that is not limited to serial transfer and that does not require end-to-end acknowledgements.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a printed text. A system operates in accordance with the method to: receive a message signal created by an author and representative of the semantic content of a printed text; produce a text signal in response to the message signal; analyze the message signal to determine a non-semantic indicator of the author's state of mind; determine a non-semantic characteristic of the printed text as a function of the determined non-semantic indicator; and printing the printed text in response to the text signal and the determined characteristic. The message signal can be a voice signal. A physiological signal such as pulse rate or variations in the pace, volume, tremulation, or average wavelength of the author's speech can also be used to determine the author's state of mind.

Abstract: A method and system facilitating the delivery of a mailpiece in a mail distribution system. The method includes the steps of: (i) reading a mailpiece identifier, disposed in combination with the mailpiece, upon initial mailpiece processing, (ii) developing tracking information corresponding to various mailpiece processing activities in the mail distribution system; (iii) producing a delivery report based upon the tracking information, and (iv) communicating the delivery report to the recipient of the mailpiece. The method may further provide contact information in combination with the mailpiece to facilitate communication between a delivery agent and the mailpiece recipient. The contact information can be used to communicate mailpiece handling information as such information is developed or upon delivery of the mailpiece.

Abstract: A closed loop postage metering system includes networked meters that provide mailers and/or recipients the capability to request additional or modified services during processing of a mail piece by a carrier. The networked meter allows the Post to charge the mailer, or even the recipient for these services or to provide them with a refund or credit. The services can include changing the processing of the mail piece. Further, the closed loop postage metering system enables more precise methods of paying for services when multiple carriers handle a mail piece. A special case of such multiple carriers handling is the handling of international mail.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for thermal printing of secure documents. A contact thermal printing system includes: a) thermal print head having at least one heater element; and b) a thermal printer controller. The printer controller is programmed to: 1) move the print head in a predetermined pattern while the print head is in contact with a top coating of a thermal print medium; 2) overdrive the heater element during predetermined parts of the pattern to a temperature sufficient to soften or melt the top coating, thereby forming a pattern of striations in the top coating; and 3) control the heater element to print at least part of an image on the medium. The contact surface of the print head can have a specific pattern of features for forming the striations, whereby a pattern of striations formed can encode information both in the direction of the motion of the print head and transversely to the direction of motion. The pattern of striations can form a bar code.

Abstract: Fraud detection mechanisms and methods that are adapted for inconsistent data collection are provided. Data is analyzed to determine normal operational variations from ideal system behavior. Profiles are developed for each individual sender, e.g., the number of multiple scans performed per confirmation number generated by each sender, and other parameters, such as delivery areas, e.g., the number of multiple scans performed per specific geographic area. If the sender's profile differs significantly from the normal operational variations, there is an indication of potential fraudulent activity and an investigation can be initiated. By analyzing a combination of sender and delivery scan data with system wide scan data, the effect of inconsistent data is minimized to significantly reduce the number of erroneous indications of fraudulent activity while still providing a high level of fraud detection.

Abstract: A method facilitating a transaction between a camera-phone user and a business entity. The business entity produces a printed medium indicating a transaction. The printed medium includes a barcode that includes direct contact data for communicating with the business entity. The barcode further includes specific transaction data relating to the transaction in the printed medium. Using the digital camera feature, the user captures a digital image of the barcode. The camera-phone is programmed to decode the digital image to retrieve the direct contact data and the transaction data embedded in the barcode. The camera-phone then automatically initiates a direct communication with the business entity via the mobile communications device using the decoded direct contact data. Once communications are established, the camera phone further transmits the transaction data derived from the barcode to further facilitate the transaction.

Abstract: A mail handling system for handling mail pieces in a mail handling area is presented. The system avoids breaching confidentiality of the mail pieces, and includes a view port device, for providing filtered visual access to a portion of the mail handling area while at least some information contained in the mail pieces is filtered out. The system also includes a manual access area, for allowing manual access to the mail handling area while unfiltered visual access to the mail handling area is obstructed.

Abstract: A method and system for processing and printing shipping labels having postage is described. In one configuration a postage dispensing system allows a shipping label reprint for a relatively short period of time. In another configuration, the system offers a refund after the second unsuccessful print attempt and logs the label identifier as an invalid identifier. If the print is successful, the identifier is logged as a successful identifier. The system occasionally receives identifiers that have been processed in the mail stream and reports fraud if an unexpected identifier is present.

Abstract: A method and system that increases the throughput of a mailing machine by continuously computing indicia prior to and during mail processing is provided. The indicia generation process is divided into two distinct parts, cryptographic calculation and funds committal/printing. Indicium data are continuously computed, asynchronously with the printing of the indicia, and stored in a buffer until needed. This enables several indicium data to be computed and stored prior to processing of a mail piece by the mailing machine. Prior to printing an indicium on a mail piece, the funds for the indicium are accounted for by updating the registers of the mailing machine. Since a number of indicium data may be pre-computed prior to the start of processing the mail through the mailing machine, the throughput of the mailing machine can be increased.

Abstract: A system and method for processing refund requests in a postage system is described. In one configuration, each mail piece includes a tracking code. The refund system monitors the tracking codes as mail pieces are processed in the mail stream. A user enters a refund request for a particular mail piece that is identified by a unique tracking code. The refund system then interrogates a tracking code database to determine if the mail piece was observed in the mail stream. The system then continues to periodically interrogate the tracking code database over a test period of a week to determine if the mail piece was observed in the mail stream. If the mail piece is not observed within the test period, a refund is processed. The system continues to interrogate the tracking code database for a year after the refund is processed to ensure that fraud is not committed.

Abstract: A method and system for processing shipping labels having postage is described. In one configuration a hidden frame in a secure browser window is used to control printing of an actual shipping label while allowing unlimited sample printing of a sample shipping label having sample postage indicia.

Abstract: This purpose of this device is to protect an after market car stereo, of DIN size, installed in a vehicle from environmental pollutants, conditions, and theft. The device has tapering sides, which will allow it to fit onto after market car stereos installed in cars where there is minimal distance between the after market stereo and the dash of the car. The composition of the device is a multiple thickness plastic. This is what allows the device, when applied in a vehicle with an after market car stereo installed, to give the car a look of having no stereo installed. There is medium density foam located in the inside of the back plate, which acts as both an insulator and a filter against environmental pollutants and conditions.

Abstract: A method for selling a digital content product in an online commercial transaction including the steps of encoding the digital content product; creating a digital file including a header having first information about the digital content product and at least one corporate rate associated with authorization to make a predetermined number of copies of the digital content product upon purchase by a buyer, and the encoded digital content product; storing, as a product for sale, the digital file at a host computer; providing access to the host computer by a buyer computer so that the buyer computer has access to the digital file and downloading the digital file to the buyer computer; displaying at least some of the first information together with the at least one corporate rate in a dialogue box at the buyer computer; subsequent to selection by the buyer via the buyer computer of the at least one corporate rate, establishing communication between the buyer computer and a broker computer so that the broker computer