Abstract: A processor based postage metering system includes structure for entering user input data including first and second fold configurations selected from a plurality of fold configurations; apparatus for accounting for postage dispensed by the processor based postage metering system; a document program running on the processor based postage metering system, the document program operable for controlling creation of a document based on the user input data; apparatus for automatically determining based on the first fold configuration a first designated location within the document for printing a first evidence of postage; structure for automatically determining based on the second fold configuration a second designated location within the document for printing a second evidence of postage; and apparatus for printing the document and the first and second evidences of postage such that the first and second evidences of postage are respectively printed in the first and second designated locations of the document.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system of modifying print stream data. The method begins by sending a print stream from an application through a graphical device interface to a print spooler. A print stream monitor determines whether or not the print stream comprises a set of text data and/or a set of address data. If the print stream comprises text data, then the text data is tagged and sent to a user mode module where it is stored in a local buffer. The tagged and stored text data is then retrieved and parsed for any address which may be contained within the tagged text. The address data is then extracted from the print stream and placed in an envelope print format to create an envelope data set. An envelope printer device context is then created and the envelope data set is transmitted to an envelope kernel for creating an envelope printer device language file. The print stream is converted by a document printer command language (PCL) generator into an envelope printer language.

Abstract: A processor based postage metering system includes structure for entering user input data including a fold configuration selected from a plurality of fold configurations; apparatus for accounting for postage dispensed by the processor based postage metering system; a document program running on the processor based postage metering system, the document program operable for controlling creation of a document based on the user input data; structure for automatically determining based on the fold configuration a designated location within the document for printing evidence of postage; and structure for printing the document and the evidence of postage such that the evidence of postage is printed in the designated location of the documentd. A method incorporates the functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a method for creating a mailpiece object. The method includes encapsulating a software control within an object to form a mailpiece object, wherein the mailpiece object is OLE enabled. Encapsulation of the software control provides a software application with a set of mailpiece production capabilities when the mailpiece object is embedded within the application. The method begins with the instantiation of the mailpiece object which establishes a programming interface for the object. The properties of the mailpiece object are then established by: placing a set of object methods; a set of mailpiece production functionalities; and, a set of data tables within the mailpiece object by utilizing the programming interface. A human interface is next established and placed within the mailpiece object by utilizing the programming interface.

Abstract: The invention is a method for creating a mailpiece object. The method includes encapsulating a software control within an object to form a mailpiece object, wherein the mailpiece object is OLE enabled. Encapsulation of the software control provides a software application with a set of mailpiece production capabilities when the mailpiece object is embedded within the application. The method begins with the instantiation of the mailpiece object which establishes a programming interface for the object. The properties of the mailpiece object are then established by: placing a set of object methods; a set of mailpiece production functionalities; and, a set of data tables within the mailpiece object by utilizing the programming interface. A human interface is next established and placed within the mailpiece object by utilizing the programming interface.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system of capturing a destination address from a label print stream in a data processing system which is capable of supporting an object oriented programming environment. The method begins with the initiation of a print stream from a label application. A virtual driver is selected as the intended destination device of the print stream. The virtual driver directs the print stream to a print intercept automation server (PIAS). The PIAS causes the system to display on a monitor a print field selection. The system operator selects an envelope print field from the print intercept automation server. The envelope print field is a set of objects established in the object oriented environment and comprises a mailpiece OCX and an indicia printing control object. The print stream is then parsed to extract a set of address data defining a destination address from the print stream by the print automation server.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for establishing and printing a medium print field. The method begins with the initiation of a design software application which utilizes a display for representation of the medium and for displaying one or more component print fields on the medium representation. Each of the component print fields can be modified through utilization of a preferences input routine which further comprises: a printer selection option; a measurement scaling option; and, a return address selection option. The initiation further includes selection of a medium type and a set of characteristics for the medium. The representation displayed on the screen can be modified to the extent of its component print fields which comprise: a return address block; a postal indicia; a destination address block; and, a message block.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for determining an address from a print stream. Address determination begins by initiating the print stream at a remote application. The print stream is transmitted through a graphical driver interface to a virtual driver where a system operator can select a data interface mode such as an eavesdrop mode and an intercept mode. The eavesdrop mode allows the virtual driver to pass the print stream through to the output device while producing a duplicate copy of the print stream for transmission to a server which is linked to an address parsing module for parsing the print stream. The intercept mode allows the virtual driver to pass the print stream directly to the server for parsing the print stream. The server will in turn pass the print stream to an output device such as a printer or monitor over transmission means. Parsing of the print stream to obtain address data is performed in accordance with instructions resident in the module.

Abstract: The invention is a method of right justifying a line in an address field to be printed on a mail piece. A list of addresses is submitted as part of a mail piece print job, and a first address is selected from the list. The printing system initializes the vertical edge of the address field; and, after initialization one or more fonts are selected for printing the address field on the mail piece. The address field is scanned by the printing system and an end of line position of the Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) is determined relative to the right vertical edge of the print field. If the end of the line is past the initialized right edge, then the end of line position becomes the new vertical edge delineation and the line is a justified line. If, however, the end of line position is not past the vertical edge, then the initialized edge is retained as the right-most reference point of the print field. Each of the subsequent lines in the address field is scanned for length and an end of line position determined.