Abstract: A system for generating digital postage stamps wherein a PC requests digital postage stamps from a data center. The data center generates a digital book of postage stamps, which the PC downloads to its hard drive. The digital book of postage stamps includes a read-only software module that prints each digital postage stamp using stamp related information contained within the software module. The software module on the PC verifies that the signature of the PC is identical to the PC signature that was stored in the software module when the software module was configured at the data center. If verified, the software module generates the digital postage stamp and then initiates printing on a printer coupled to the PC. The software module renders the data associated with the digital postage stamp being printed unusable for subsequent generations of digital postage stamps.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting the visually impaired to identify the contents of an object or container and any important information related thereto is provided. When a container, such as, for example, a bottle or envelope, for an article is prepared, a barcode that includes data related to the contents of the container is generated. The generated barcode is printed on the container, or printed on a label secured to the container. A reading device is utilized to scan the barcode. The information included in the barcode is converted into an audible format, and provided by the reading device in an audible speech format thereby allowing a visually impaired person to hear the information regarding the container and/or its contents. Additionally, the reading device can obtain and audibly present additional detailed information related to the article via an on-line service.

Abstract: A system and method of evidencing postage payment includes a data center with a database storing a plurality of meter records. Each meter record includes meter information corresponding to a metering account. When a request for postage is received, a secure co-processor device in the data center obtains the appropriate meter record and verifies the authenticity of the meter record by verifying a signature in the meter record and comparing freshness data in the meter record to freshness data in the secure device. If verified, the secure device then accounts for an amount of postage to be evidenced, generates evidence of postage payment and updates the meter information, including the freshness data, in the meter record. The secure device then signs the updated meter information, stores the signature in the meter record, and returns the updated meter record to the database.

Abstract: A method for generating digital postage stamps wherein a data center receives a request from a PC for a selected number of digital postage stamps, concludes a payment transaction for the selected number of digital postage stamps, generates a digital book of postage stamps, which the PC downloads to its hard drive. The digital book of postage stamps includes a read-only software module that prints each digital postage stamp using stamp related information contained within the software module. The stamp related information includes stamp information, which is required for each postage stamp, user information, which identifies the requester and the PC, data center server information, which is unique to each digital postage stamp and a digital signature of at least some of the user, stamp and/or server information.

Abstract: A system for generating digital postage stamps wherein a PC requests digital postage stamps from a data center. The data center generates a digital book of postage stamps, which the PC downloads to its hard drive. The digital book of postage stamps includes a read-only software module that prints each digital postage stamp using stamp related information contained within the software module. The software module on the PC verifies that the signature of the PC is identical to the PC signature that was stored in the software module when the software module was configured at the data center. If verified, the software module generates the digital postage stamp and then initiates printing on a printer coupled to the PC. The software module renders the data associated with the digital postage stamp being printed unusable for subsequent generations of digital postage stamps.

Abstract: A mailpiece having a postal indicium including information in two dimensional bar code form, the bar coded information including a delivery address which is not otherwise imprinted on the mailpiece surface, and methods and systems for producing such mailpieces in order to protect data such as a mailing list. Delivery information in bar code form is provided by a third party and incorporated in, or appended to, a postal indicium such as an IBIP indicium without disclosure to the party actually producing the mailpiece and without printing the delivery address onto the mailpiece. A postal service scans the delivery address while scanning the postal indicium and determines the delivery information. The delivery information can be an address or can be a pointer to a data base of addresses. Either form of delivery information can be encrypted for increased security.

Abstract: A method for thresholding a gray scale matrix representative of an image to generate binary matrix representative of the image. Elemental features of the image are determined and characterized, and a plurality of thresholding algorithms is selected. For each algorithm a sequence of binary matrices is generated as scaling factor applied to the algorithm is varied. Features of each binary matrix are determined and characterized and compared to elemental features of the image. For each determined feature which matches a an elemental feature of the image a score is incremented; and for each determined feature which does not match the score is decremented. The binary matrix having the highest score is selected.

Abstract: A Key Management System for generating, distributing and managing cryptographic keys used by an information transaction system that employs cryptographic means to produce evidence of information integrity. The system comprises a plurality of functionally distinct secure boxes operatively coupled to each other. Each of the secure boxes performs functions for key generation, key installation, key verification or validation of tokens. Computers, operatively coupled to the secure boxes, provide system control and facilitate communication among the secure boxes. A plurality of separate logical security domains provide domain processes for key generation, key installation, key verification and validation of tokens produced by the transaction evidencing device within the domain using the key management functions. A plurality of domain archives, corresponding respectively to each of the security domains, securely and reliably record key status records and master keys for each domain.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a secure box in a Key Management System that includes a plurality of functionally distinct secure boxes initializes a first manufacturing box if one does not exist. The method creates in a manufacturing box at least one logical security domain including encryption keys needed to perform Key Management System processes within the domain, and provides a target secure box with the capability to perform at least one Key Management System function from a plurality of functions required by the Key Management System. The method authenticates the target secure box to the manufacturing box, installs a unique secure box identification in the target secure box, and creates at least one logical security domain in the target secure box corresponding to a logical security domain in the manufacturing box.

Abstract: A postage metering system includes primary accounting structure and non-secure printing structure. The primary accounting structure includes a primary computer which includes structure for sequentially metering respective postage values for printing on respective sheets, structure for detecting a plurality of fault conditions, and structure for disabling the metering structure when the detecting structure detects a selected fault condition. The non-secure printing structure includes a printing module and a printing computer. The printing module includes printing apparatus and structure for sequentially feeding thereto each sheet of a batch thereof having a predetermined plurality of sheets. The printing computer includes structure for transmitting a first request for connection of the printing structure in communication with the primary accounting structure for receiving therefrom respective postage values for printing on respective sheets.