Abstract: A method and system is provided for confirming and/or verifying receipt of a mailpiece by an intended mail recipient. The method includes the step of establishing a relationship between the intended mail recipient and an RFID tag affixed to the mailpiece. Upon delivery of the mailpiece, the actual mail recipient is caused to affect communication between an RFID enabled phone in the possession of the actual mail recipient and the RFID tag of the mailpiece. By comparing the information acquired by the RFID enabled phone and the RFID tag, (i.e., the relationship information stored on the RFID tag), a determination can be made as to whether the intended mail recipient is the actual mail recipient. Alternate embodiments of the invention effect confirmation/verification by capturing various biometric characteristics of the mail recipient and comparing such information to previously stored biometric data of the intended mail recipient.

Abstract: A mailing list is created including destination addresses for mailpieces to be submitted to a carrier service for delivery. A unique mailpiece identifier associated with mailpieces on the mailing list is generated by the carrier or other trusted third party. The unique mailpiece identifier is printed on the mailpiece with which it is associated. The mailpieces with the printed unique identifier are submitted to the carrier service. The carrier service obtains the printed unique identifier from the mailpiece. The obtained unique identifier from each said mailpiece is utilized to verify that data associated with the mailpiece has been processed by the carrier or trusted third party. When the unique number has been obtained from the mailpieces, the carrier service, if desired, may note this fact in the carrier records to prevent reuse of the unique identifier.

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 prevent completion of postdated financial transactions until the specified future date is provided. A portion of the information necessary to complete a financial transaction is encrypted utilizing an identity-based encryption (IBE) scheme. The encryption key used to encrypt the information is associated with the date on which the transaction is authorized to be completed. The encrypted information is provided to the payee. The issuing bank provides a daily decryption key that allows decryption of information encrypted using the key associated with the corresponding date. Thus, only when the maturity date of the transaction has arrived will the payee or depositing bank be able to obtain the decryption key that will decrypt the encrypted information necessary to complete the transaction. Since the encrypted information can not be decrypted until the date associated with the encryption key, the financial transaction can not be completed until such date.

Abstract: A document printed marking including a first information marking including first luminescent taggants having a first luminescence wavelength band; and a second information marking printed at least partially on the first information marking at an overlap location. The second information marking includes second different luminescent taggant having a second different luminescence wavelength band. The second luminescence wavelength band is spaced from the first luminescence wavelength band such that the first information marking and the second information marking are substantially luminescently non-intrusive with each other at the overlap location.

Abstract: A method of electronically endorsing a check includes obtaining an electronic image of the check and composing an endorsement data element for the check that includes at least first information identifying a party endorsing the check. The method further includes creating a message data file including the electronic image and the endorsement data element, and creating a signed message data file that includes the message data file and a digital signature of the message data file creating using a private key. The private key may be specific to the party endorsing the check or to an electronic device with which the method is implemented. Also, a method of performing an inquiry relating to a check that was endorsed as described above using the endorsement data element.

Abstract: Methods for generating and reading a two-dimensional barcode comprised of a number of data modules for storing a first encoded set of binary data and a second encoded set of binary data. The first set of binary data is encoded using a first data module size and the second set of binary data is encoded using a second data module size, wherein the first data module size is larger than the second data module size. Mail metering and verification systems for implementing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for keeping information related to the sender of a mail piece private, while still allowing authorized parties to easily obtain the sender information if desired, is provided. Sender information for a mail piece is encrypted utilizing an identity-based encryption (IBE) scheme. The encryption key used to encrypt the sender information can be computed using recipient information. The corresponding decryption key can only be obtained from a trusted third party acting as a Private Key Generator (PKG). Only those parties authorized to have access to the sender information will be provided with the corresponding decryption key. The corresponding decryption key can then be used to decrypt the sender information into human readable form.

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 method for communicating mailing preferences of a mail recipient including a messenger for use in connection with an unsolicited mailpiece received by a mail recipient. The messenger functions to communicate a mailing preference to the sender of the unsolicited mailpiece that the mail recipient desires some change regarding future unsolicited mail communications from the sender. The mailing preference may include an instruction to discontinue future mail communications from the sender. The messenger may be affixed in combination with the unsolicited mailpiece and re-introduced into the mail distribution system by the mail recipient. Further, the messenger may be mailed to and received by a mail service provider to act on behalf of the mail recipient for the purpose of communicating the mailing preference or instruction to the sender.

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 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.

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.

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 recording a transaction affecting title to an identified item of property and for maintaining a record of title for such item of property. The system includes a title security device and a title record management system. The title security device includes: a) input means to the device for input of transaction information relating to a transaction; b) a data store storing a signing key for digitally signing documents; and c) a programmable controller communicating with the title record management system. The controller is programmed to control the title recording system to: a) input the transaction information; b) generate a document representative of changes in the title resulting from the transaction; and c) digitally sign the document with the signing key. The title record management system includes: a) a database, the database including an initial record for the item of property; and b) a programmable record system controller communicating with the title security device.

Abstract: A method and system for characterizing blocks of printed material. A digital image of printed material, such as an address block, on an object is obtained, and the image is processed to abstract characterizing information descriptive aspects of the other printed material. The characterizing information is combined with other information, such as postal information and the combined information is then cryptographically authenticated with a digital signature or the like. An indicium representative of the authenticated information is then printed on the object. The object's relationship to the indicium can be verified by regenerating the characterizing information from the other printed material and comparing the regenerated characterizing information with characterizing information recovered from the indicium. Thus, copies of the indicium cannot easily be used, without detection, on other objects which do not include the other printed material.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a plurality of mail item, associated, knowledge databases containing information related mail items, senders of mail items, recipients of mail items, dwellings of recipients, mailing addresses and payment by senders for delivery of the mail items wherein information specifically related to a specific mail item can be retrieved from the databases using at least one pointer obtained from information is or would be printed on the specific mail item.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and printing an indicium, such as a postal indicium, on an object such as a mail piece. A digital image of other printed material, such as an address block, on the object is obtained, and the image is processed to abstract characterizing information descriptive aspects of the other printed material. The aspects can be measurements of word lengths, counts of outliers in images of characters, or descriptions of the shape of the other printed material. The characterizing information is combined with other information, such as postal information, and the combined information is then cryptographically authenticated with a digital signature or the like. An indicium representative of the authenticated information is then printed on the object.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and printing an indicium, such as a postal indicium, on an object such as a mail piece. Other printed material, such as an address block, on the object is scanned, and the scanned image is processed to abstract characterizing information descriptive of the other printed material. Alternatively, the image to be processed can be obtained by filtering the original image wit a print/scan filter which simulates printing and scanning processes. The characterizing information can be text-based or image-based. Image-based characterizing information can be measurements of word lengths, counts of outliers in images of characters, or descriptions of the shape of the other printed material. The characterizing information is combined with other information, such as postal information and the combined information is then cryptographically authenticated with a digital signature or the like. An indicium representative of the authenticated information is then printed on the object.

Abstract: An improved check sorting system capable of ordering cancelled checks for a plurality of accounts in a predetermined manner other than by account number is provided. Checks are ordered according to a priority value associated with the account number, and optionally check number, identified by each check. A database is utilized to store information indexed by institution and/or account number and optionally check number. The information includes a priority value. The check sorting system scans each check and reads the MICR code from each check. The institution and/or account number, and possibly check number, from each check are used as pointers to obtain the priority value for that check. The check is then sorted based on the priority value obtained from the database.