Abstract: The present invention uses an element of digital data that is created during digital postage mark (DPM) generation process from the digital image of the destination address block. The digital data is included into recoverable portion of the digital signature and imprinted on a mailpiece. During DPM verification, a representative portion of a destination address block image is retrieved in its original form from the digital signature itself. The retrieved portion of the image then can be compared with the similar digital data obtained from the scanned destination address block obtained during normal mail scanning and processing activities. If the comparison is under a predetermined threshold, then the DPM is declared authentic and the mailpiece can be processed and delivered with confidence. If, on the other hand, the threshold is not met, the DPM is declared a copy or a counterfeit of another DPM and the mailpiece can be subjected to further investigation.

Abstract: Methods and systems that allow a sender of a mail piece to easily specify delivery instructions and/or services for a mail piece and that allows mail processing systems to identify and account for the specified delivery instructions and/or services without the need for any pre-sorting or input of information prior to processing the mail piece. The sender of a mail piece provides a marking on the mail piece representing instructions desired for delivering the mail piece. A mail processing system utilized to process the mail piece reads the marking provided on the mail piece, and based on the type/color of the marking, interprets the delivery instructions requested by the sender. The mail processing system processes the mail piece according to the instructions requested by the sender based on the marking provided on the mail piece by the sender.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying mail pieces which may contain a suspicious (biohazardous/chemical agents or hoax materials). The method includes the steps of (i) causing particulate material to collect in a first region of the mail piece; (ii) producing a first content profile indicative of the internal contents of the mail piece; (iii) comparing the first content profile to a predefined baseline profile for determining whether the first content profile indicates the presence of a particulate material in the first region of the mail piece; and out-sorting a mail piece in response to the indicator. To ensure that other mail piece print, or physical characteristics, are not mistakenly identified as particulate material, steps (i)-(iii) may be repeated with certain modifications.

Abstract: A notification system and method that enables mail recipients to easily identify mail items that require some action on their part, as well as easily ascertain the date by which the action must be taken, is provided. Mail items that require some action on the part of the recipient are identified, utilizing information contained on the mail piece, and the anticipated due date for such an action is computed. A notification of action required and the computed date due can then be printed on the mail piece in a conspicuous manner. Optionally, one or more notification messages and/or reminder messages can be sent via a communication network to a communication device associated with the recipient to notify and/or remind the recipient about the action due. Thus, the chance of the recipient not taking action by the required date is significantly decreased.

Abstract: A low-cost, network based, secure printer that can provide multiple vendors with independent protected access, as authorized by a secure printer authority, is provided. The secure printer authority issues certificates for each secure printer and authorized vendor. Each certificate includes a public key and identification for the respective secure printer or vendor. The certificates are utilized during generation of a secret session key that preferably can be utilized only once to print the requested document. The secret session key is used by the vendor to encrypt the document, and used by the printer to decrypt the document. Since the secret session key is preferably valid for only a single document, printing of the document can only occur once, thereby preventing any fraudulent printing of the document. Additionally, only vendors authorized by the secure printer authority will have the ability to establish session keys with the printer.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for collaborative annotation of a master document using a digital pen system is described. At least one hardcopy printout of the master document is printed on digital paper used with a digital pen system. The digital paper is associated with the electronic master document. Using the digital pen, annotations and edits may be made to the hardcopy representation. The digital pen system records the annotations and edits and updates the electronic document automatically.

Abstract: Systems and methods for digital paper bill presentment and digital pen bill payment are described. An intermediary provides a central billing clearinghouse service to businesses that is used to prepare and deliver digital paper bills and process payments that are authorized using a digital pen. Consumers register a digital pen with the intermediary and then use the digital pen and digital paper bill to electronically authorize bill payment. Some of the bills include complete billing information while others are aggregated bills that include only bill totals.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for printing and verifying postage indicia. The indicia includes data that indicates characteristics of ink used to print the indicia. To verify the indicia, the data is read and compared with data provided by detecting optical or related characteristics of the ink.

Abstract: A method that detects when an image is copied or scanned in order to reduce the production of fraudulent images. The invention allows an inspector to conduct an analysis of an image with a simple set of tools on site without the need to check a remote database through a network and look for duplicate images. This minimizes the infrastructure and cost required to implement the system. A local inspection can be made by scanning an image and decoding it with relatively inexpensive tools available on site. The invention accomplishes the foregoing by producing a fragile watermark image that produces a noticeable and measurable loss of information when it is reproduced. The loss of information is due to effects associated with scanning and printing processes.

Abstract: A pattern recognition system for recognizing an unknown pattern comprised of symbols which are part of a pattern system which is devoid of inherent context such as numbers. Artificial contextual information based on other than symbol features and the pattern system and in the form of probability weighted expected interpretations are stored and used in the processing phase of recognition. In the system disclosed, the system comprises a neural network whose forward and feedback paths are controlled by the output cells of the network based, in part, on the contextual information.