Abstract: The present invention includes methods for operating a mailing machine. A permit mail imprint is generated in the mailing machine on the basis of input signals entered into the mailing machine via a user interface of the mailing machine. At least some of the input signals may represent alphanumeric characters. For example, the permit number may be entered via a keypad or keyboard in the form of numeric characters.

Abstract: Labels that may selectively provide signaling are shown. In one example, a fluorescent signaling section of a label may be perforated and may be mechanically removed from the main portion of the label to selectively provide a label that does not emit a fluorescent signal. In another example, a thermal printer is used to quench a fluorescent section of a label so that it does not emit a fluorescent signal.

Abstract: Printing methods and systems that provide both a secure value label printing mode of operation and a non-secure mode of operation that allows generic printing of non-value items without compromising the security feature of the secure printing mode are described. If the printing system determines the image is a non-secure image such as an address label or other non-value graphic, the printing system utilizes the non-secure mode and disables the use certain printhead elements. In such a system, the enforced print disabled white bands are enforced in non-secure mode such as by actually disabling the print drive mechanism that allows a row to be printed or by populating certain regions of the print buffer with zero values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a locally printed replaceable control panel labels for providing an economical user interface to a postage printing device using a collocated processor are described. In one configuration, a remote data center provides Units of Information of Value UIVs of distinct denominations such as postage indicia to a Virtual Stamp Dispensing Metering VSDM printer. Custom graphic images are also processed for use and stored at the collocated processor for selective transfer to the VSDM. Using the collocated PC, the user selects certain denominations to be assigned to denomination buttons on the VSDM. Similarly, the user selects certain custom images to be associated with custom image buttons on the VSDM. The system then prints a replaceable control panel button label using the VSDM printer having zones associated with each button for printing thumbnails of the custom images and denomination icons for the selected virtual stamp denominations.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method for embedding key information into a printed document is disclosed. The method comprises creating a first section comprising a first ink having a first color under white light; and creating a second section comprising a second different ink. The second ink comprises a fluorescent ink and has a second color under white light which is substantially the same as the first color, and the fluorescent ink has a fluorescence when subjected to fluorescent-exciting radiation. The first section and the second section are visually indiscernible from each other on the printed document in white light. Also, the second section comprises key information, which is selected or highlighted by a user during creation of the document, and the first section comprises non-selected information.

Abstract: Printing methods and systems that provide both a secure value label printing mode of operation and a non-secure mode of operation that allows generic printing of non-value items without compromising the security feature of the secure printing mode are described. If the printing system determines the image is a non-secure image such as an address label or other non-value graphic, the printing system utilizes the non-secure mode and disables the use certain printhead elements. In such a system, the enforced print disabled white bands are enforced in non-secure mode such as by actually disabling the print drive mechanism that allows a row to be printed or by populating certain regions of the print buffer with zero values.

Abstract: A postage printing system, having a computer, a data center and a control system. The computer is in operative communication with a printer for printing a postal indicia on an envelope. The data center is in operative communication with the computer which in turn is located remotely from the data center. The data center includes a plurality of user accounts and a plurality of advertiser accounts where each of the plurality of advertiser accounts includes respective ad data including message data and restriction data.

Abstract: A postage printing system, comprising a computer, a data center and a control system. The computer is in operative communication with a printer for printing a postal indicia on an envelope. The data center is in operative communication with the computer which in turn is located remotely from the data center. The data center includes a plurality of user accounts and a plurality of advertiser accounts where each of the plurality of advertiser accounts includes respective ad data including message data and restriction data. The control system is in operative communication with the data center and the computer and is for: (i) establishing a transaction session between a user of the computer corresponding to one of the plurality of user accounts and the data center; (ii) obtaining the user profile data from the user; and (iii) using the user profile data to identify message data available for printing on the envelope in conjunction with the postal indicia.

Abstract: A postage printing system, comprising a computer, a data center and a control system. The computer is in operative communication with a printer for printing a postal indicia on an envelope. The data center is in operative communication with the computer which in turn is located remotely from the data center. The data center includes a plurality of user accounts and a plurality of advertiser accounts where each of the plurality of advertiser accounts includes respective ad data including message data and restriction data. The control system is in operative communication with the data center and the computer and is for: (i) establishing a transaction session between a user of the computer corresponding to one of the plurality of user accounts and the data center; (ii) obtaining the user profile data from the user; and (iii) using the user profile data to identify message data available for printing on the envelope in conjunction with the postal indicia.

Abstract: A postage printing system, comprising a computer, a data center and a control system. The computer is in operative communication with a printer for printing a postal indicia on an envelope. The data center is in operative communication with the computer which in turn is located remotely from the data center. The data center includes a plurality of user accounts and a plurality of advertiser accounts where each of the plurality of advertiser accounts includes respective ad data including message data and restriction data.

Abstract: The invention is a method of determining the contents of a selected data field. The steps begin by attaching, from an application program, a database to be mapped. Once the database is attached, a field identification module (FIM), will scan the contents of the database to determine a data field identifier for each of the data fields to be worked upon. The FIM will then compare each of the data field identifiers with a list of known identifiers stored in a repository and assess a first score in respect of the comparison wherein the score is representative of a probability that the comparison is an accurate comparison. When a first probability score has been determined, the FIM will sample the data field according to a pre-selected list of requirements and make a second comparison with the data field. The FIM will then assess a second score.

Abstract: A postal finishing kiosk in which a user is provided with a mail piece, such as a postcard. The user supplies the name and address to which the mail piece is to be sent and the kiosk dispenses a finished mail piece to the user with the address printer thereon. A feature of the kiosk is that it stores the mail piece forms on a roll, but delivers a linear mail piece to the user. In an alternative to the invention, the kiosk dispenses a ticket to the user that can be used in activities of the environment in which the kiosk is found.

Abstract: A metering kiosk in which postage is applied to a finished mail piece such as a postcard which has been provided with bar codes to indicate paper orientation for receipt with the kiosk and indicate the destination of the postcard. The metering kiosk has a touch screen monitor for convenient communication between the user and the logic of the kiosk. Although the primary function of the kiosk is to apply postage to a finished mail piece, convenience and entertainment of the user is a consideration.