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 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: 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 invention relates to a method for verifying the authenticity of a franking note placed on a postal article. According to the invention, cryptographic information contained in the franking note is decoded and used for verifying the authenticity of the franking note. The inventive method is characterized in that the reading unit graphically records the franking note and transmits it to a verification unit and in that the verification unit controls a sequence of partial tests.