Abstract: A plurality of apparatuses can execute an encrypting process on an image signal are connected. The encrypting processes which are executed in those apparatuses are independently performed, so that the connection of an improper apparatus is made impossible and, in this state, a more advanced signal process can be performed, thereby giving no disadvantage to the user. For this purpose, there is disclosed an image processing apparatus comprising a first encrypting circuit for encrypting the image data and supplying to a first apparatus and a second encrypting circuit for encrypting image data and supplying to a second apparatus different from the first apparatus, wherein the first and second encrypting means execute independently the encryption.

Abstract: A self-verifying identification card having an image area which may contain a portrait, a finger print, a retinal image, or all of these together with an image signature which is derived from scanned intensity measurements taken from the image area. In the verification process, the image is scanned and aligned with respect to reference points corresponding to the original printing process which created the card, and intensity values, their averages, or any other function are compared to information provided by the image signature. Mathematical transformations, such as a one-way hash, an encryption, a compression algorithm, or a truth table may be used to encode the image signature. Alignment markers aid in scanning the image and the image signature. The use of average values aids in reducing noise and the use of comparison functions makes the process less sensitive to variations among scanners.

Abstract: A system for controlling the validity of printing of indicias on mailpieces from a potentially large number of users of postage meters includes apparatus disposed in each said postage meter for generating a code and for printing the code on each mailpiece. The code is an encrypted code representative of the postage meter apparatus printing the indicia and other information uniquely determinative of the legitimacy of postage on the mailpieces. The keys for the code generating apparatus are changed to change its code generation at predetermined time intervals in each of the meters. A security center includes apparatus for maintaining a security code database and for keeping track of the keys for generating security codes in correspondence with the changes in each generating apparatus and the information printed on the mailpiece by the postage meter apparatus for comparison with the code printed on the mailpiece.

Abstract: A method and system for postage payment include the generation of a plurality of dispensable discrete items of encrypted data. Each of the items of encrypted data, which may be digital tokens, have a specific value. The generated plurality of discrete items of encrypted data are stored on a portable medium. A prepayment value is also stored on the portable medium. The dispensing of the stored plurality of discrete items of encrypted data is limited based on the prepayment value stored on the portable medium. The medium may be a device or member having memory for storing a plurality of dispensable tokens. The portable member or device may have a housing with a register within the housing. The postage prepayment value is stored in the register. The plurality of discrete items of encrypted data is stored in the housing with each of the items of encrypted data adapted to be formatted for printing.

Abstract: The method provides for tracking a meter vault which is adapted for use in combination with a graphic interface unit. The graphic interface unit includes the graphics for the indicia town circle with an assigned area of origin code. The meter vault has an input keyboard for inputting additional information to the meter vault. The method involves the steps of storing the unique code of origin information in the non-volatile memory of the meter vault during initialization of the meter vault and in the graphic interface unit. During each power-up cycle of the meter vault request the unique code of origin from the graphic interface unit, A comparison of the received code of origin with the store code of origin is made. If the codes comparison is untrue, the meter locks requiring the manufacturer to issue an unlock code after verification of meter vault location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securizing a document incorporating a processing module, which calculates and associates with each document page (10), comprising a zone (11) containing the text of the information to be certified, a graphic seal (12) representing it in the form of interlaced bar codes.The invention also relates to a process for securizing a document and a graphic authentification code.Particular application to the securized storage of documents and to securizing transmissions by fax.

Abstract: The postage meter terminal has the ability to telecommunicate with a remote central computer for the principal purpose of remotely resetting the funding registers of the postage meter terminal. During the telecommunication and subsequent to completing meter recharge, the postage meter terminal can be remotely inspected by the central computer. The terminal includes a microprocessor control system which is programmed to generating inspection data and store that data in a memory unit. The microprocessor control system also includes a random number generator for generating a random number within a limited range. Each number within the range of random number selections corresponds to a respective scrambling technique executable by the microprocessor system. The method of remote inspection is carried out by the microprocessor control system storing desired inspection data in the terminal memory unit generating a random number and then creating a data word of the inspection data and the random number.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a copy of a document to the output from a printing node until the printing node authenticates the intended recipient. The system includes a sending node, a printing node and a communication link coupling these nodes together in a network fashion. The sending node has access to a public key of the printing node and uses this public key to encrypt a header and document before transmission to the printing node over the communication link. The priority node has access to its private key to decrypt the header to ascertain whether the document requires authentication by the intended recipient before being output.

Abstract: A method is provided that deters the illicit copying of electronically published documents. It includes publishing a plurality of copies of electronically created material to be distributed to a plurality of subscribers. Each copy of subscriber's document has a unique identification code embedded in the document. The arrangement of the code on the document is based on the line-shifting and word-shifting techniques. This is to minimize the effects from noise and distortions on future illicit copies to simplify detection and decoding of the unique code. A codebook is created to correlate each unique code with each subscriber.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the generation of digital tokens in an open metering system that includes a host processor and a vault. The method includes the steps of generating in the host processor a first digital token request that corresponds to a first destination identifier and a first postage amount; determining in the host processor if one of the first destination identifier and the first postage amount is different than a prior destination identifier and a prior postage mount, respectively, that correspond to an immediately preceding digital token request; sending the first digital token request to the vault when the first destination identifier and the first postage amount are different than the prior destination identifier and the prior postage amount, respectively; and rejecting the first digital token request when the first destination identifier and the first postage amount are the same as the prior destination identifier and the prior postage amount, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a substrate includes a device for printing indicia on a substrate; a control that controls the indicia printing device, the control including apparatus for establishing a communicating link with an external device, the establishing apparatus including a protocol which utilizes an encryption key, the protocol operable for establishing the communicating link if the encryption key is properly used, the control including apparatus for providing a tampering code as part of the indicia if the encryption key is not properly used.

Abstract: The method for preventing monitoring of postage indicia data which is sent from a postage metering vault to a remotely located digital printer over a communication link between the meter vault and the digital printer. The meter is provided with an encryption engine for encrypting postage indicia data utilizing a encryption key. The digital printer includes a decryption engine for decrypting postage data received from said meter utilizing the same encryption key and then prints a postage indicia pursuant to the decrypted postage indicia data. The postage meter also includes a key manager for generating new encryption key pursuant to a token which is either randomly generated or generated pursuant to an algorithm by a similar encryption key manager located in the digital printer which token is also used to generate the decryption key for the decryption engine. As a result, the encryption keys are the same.

Abstract: A postage accounting system comprising: structure for accounting for postage; printing structure externally of the accounting structure, the printing structure including a printing module and computer structure for controlling the printing module, the printing module including printing apparatus and structure for sequentially feeding each item of a predetermined plurality thereof to the printing apparatus for printing thereon, the computer structure including structure programmed for sequentially transmitting variable information for each item to the accounting structure, the variable information including at least a portion of a mailing address for each item; the postage accounting structure including structure for connecting the accounting module in communication with the printing structure, the accounting structure including structure for sequentially encrypting the variable information received for each item, the accounting structure including a microprocessor, the microprocessor including structure progr

Abstract: A system and method for issuing and validating tickets. The system includes a data processing system for receiving ticket request information and generating ticket information; the ticket information including encrypted validating information, a local printing system which receives the ticket information and prints the encrypted validating information on a ticket in machine readable format, and a validating system for converting the encrypted validating information into a digital format, decrypting the validating information, testing the validating information to validate the ticket and, if the ticket is valid, downloading at least a portion of the ticket information for reconciliation of accounts; that is for reconciling ticket issuance, use, and payment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an operating board for indicating operating modes, a document reading member and an outputting member for outputting data. An image compressing member compresses image data read by the document reading member and a memory member records the compressed image data, wherein the outputting member produces an output image on a paper sheet based on the compressed image data recorded in the memory member. An image extracting member extracts the compressed data from image data which are obtained by reading the output image by the image reading member and a decompressing member decompresses the compressed image data which are extracted by the image extracting member, wherein the outputting member produces an output image on a paper sheet based on the decompressed image data. With input image data being preserved, the image data are compressed by an image compressing part are thus converted into a cryptograph.

Abstract: A system and method of marking goods for authentication and tracking purposes is described. The system and method include a central control which enables the system. The method and system are accomplished in real time, affording manufacturers the ability to eliminate problems associated with counterfeiting and diversion which begin at the manufacturing site. A central control unit enables the system by providing an allotment of goods to a host unit. The host unit directs printing terminals to mark particular goods with specific information encoding symbols. Following marking, goods are scanned to insure proper marking and then packaged for shipment. Following marking, the goods can be checked by illuminating the symbols printed thereon and cross referencing this data with the host database by using a field reading unit.

Abstract: A method and system for processing mail including imprinting on a mailpiece mailer identification information. Data is encrypted relative to the mailpiece with a private key associated with the mailer identification information. The private key also has an associated public key. The encrypted data is imprinted on the mailpiece and the mailpiece is placed in a mail delivery stream of a mail carrier. The mail is thereafter processed to determine from the mailer identification information the public key. The encrypted data is decrypted with the public key to authenticate the mailer and the mailers billing records are updated for mailer charges associated with the mailpiece. The addressee information for the mailpiece may be included as part of the encrypted data for mailpiece authentication. The billing record of the mailer may be encrypted with the mailer public key and transmitted to the mailer.

Abstract: In an image processor, a scramble device performs scramble processing to deform a document image by using scramble conditions by rearranging pixel data in the document image read by a reader. The scramble conditions are embedded in a hard copy of the document image subjected to the scramble processing in such a way that the scramble conditions cannot be easily seen by the naked eye. Thus, the scramble conditions are included in the hard copy. The hard copy is reproduced by using the scramble conditions restored from the hard copy. If a user desires, the scramble processing is performed not on a front page, but on the following pages. The scramble processing can be performed at different levels, and the scramble conditions include a level of scramble processing. Preferably, special marks can be registered, and a level of scramble processing is also registered for each of the marks.

Abstract: An exceptionally dense information encoding system, with 4-10 times the density of CD ROM diskettes, employs colored areas in the form of bars or checkerboard matrices of colored dot regions to encode information including alphanumerics, with each colored region being variable as to both color and intensity. In one embodiment, so-called super pixel dots have differently colored sub-regions within them, arranged with side-by-side colors or with colored regions stacked one on top of the other, such that information from one dot has as many color variables as there are stacked layers or mixed colors. In one embodiment the super pixel dot is 5 microns in diameter with 2 micron spacing between adjacent dots. For each color in one embodiment there are as many as 64 intensities yielding a coding system of high information density.

Abstract: A postage accounting system comprising: structure means for accounting for postage; printing structure externally of the accounting structure, the printing structure including a printing module and a computer for controlling the printing module, the printing module including printing apparatus and structure for sequentially feeding each item of a predetermined plurality thereof to the printing apparatus for printing thereon, the computer programmed for sequentially transmitting variable information for each item to the accounting structure, the variable information including at least a portion of the mailing address for each item; the postage accounting structure including structure for connecting the accounting module in communication with the printing structure, the accounting structure including structure for sequentially encrypting the variable information received for each item, the accounting structure including a microprocessor, the microprocessor programmed for transmitting a bit-mapped image of fixed

Abstract: A copyright revenue allocation system that identifies copyrighted works after they are copied. Each copying service within the system informs a copyright revenue allocation service of each page or sheet it copies via document signals representing a portion of the copied document. The copyright revenue allocation service uses the document signals to determine whether the document copied is part of a copyrighted work, and, if so, identifies the owners of the intellectual property contained within that document. After identifying the intellectual property owners, the copyright revenue allocation system increments their associated revenue counters. These revenue counters are used to allocate copyright revenues from the copying services among the intellectual property owners entitled to compensation.

Abstract: Interactive encoding and decoding of machine readable dataforms provides more efficient encoding avoiding trial and error dataform production and more accurate decoding avoiding inaccurate reading of dataforms. While data is entered (12) and encoded (14) an image of the resulting dataform, such as a data code matrix or two-dimensional bar code, is displayed (16) and continuously updated as the dataform (20) fills with entered data. Using the display (16) and an input unit (12) such as a keyboard, digitizer or scanner, data can be edited to add, modify or delete data while observing the resulting dataform (20). On completion, the final dataform code signals are provided for further use (24) or a copy of the dataform (20) is provided by printing, for example. During decoding, an image of the dataform (20) as captured by a reader (32), such as a laser scanner, CCD matrix or CMOS camera, is displayed (34).

Abstract: Information is read from a medium such as paper in which information is written. The read information is enciphered. When encryption processing is performed, an encryption key is used. As the encryption key, an encryption key generated for each encryption is used, or an encryption key already generated is used again. The enciphered information is written into another medium such as paper. When decryption processing is performed, information is read from the medium in which the enciphered information is written. The read information is deciphered using as a decryption key the same key as the encryption key used when the encryption processing is performed. The deciphered information is written into another medium such as paper.

Abstract: A system and method for the filing, retrieving, verifying, translating, exchanging and updating documents by scanning said documents into and storing said documents on a programmed computer system, which system generates or assigns to each document handled a two-dimensionable machine readable image code which contains content and identifying information about the document, as well as information about the document format, and processing instructions. In addition the machine readable image code may contain information concerning textural and/or pictorial content of the document, bio-metric information and the like.

Abstract: A numbering and reading system with record having two-dimensional erasable bar code or a removable label with a two-dimensional bar code is disclosed. The bar code can be PDF417.

Abstract: A copy indicating security device includes at least one symbol defined by a first arrangement of print elements, the or each symbol being provided in a background defined by a second arrangement of print elements. Under normal viewing conditions the security device presents a substantially flat tint to the eye. The first and second arrangements of print elements differ from one another so that on copying the device at least one of the symbols is revealed. The perimeter of the or each symbol is generally irregular.

Abstract: A linear bar code symbology combines delta distance start and stop patterns, a space efficient, bit oriented data character structure, and Reed-Solomon redundancy for error detection and correction. A method of writing the bar code structures onto a character medium and reading the resulting symbols under adverse conditions is presented.

Abstract: A record contains a graphic image and an information area which are interrelated to discourage misuse of the record. The information area can overlay the graphic image and include information encoded in a error-correctable, machine-readable format which allows recovery of the information despite distortion due to the underlying graphic image. The record may also represent the image by words similar in form to words in the information area. Both the information and graphic words can then be altered when an action regarding the record takes place.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing mailpieces involve the creation of mailing lists which includes correct and incorrect recipient address information. The list is transmitted to a data center. Received from the data center is a mailing list including addressed hygiened recipient address information and a digital token for each mailpiece with encrypted data. The encrypted data is based on the corrected address information for mailpieces with correct address information on the transmitted mailing list and on hygiened recipient address information the mailpieces with incorrect recipient address information on the transmitted mailing list. The digital tokens for each mailpiece may also be based on the rating parameter information.Selection is provided for utilizing a given one of the incorrect recipient address information and the correct recipient address information is applied to an encrypter generating the digital tokens.

Abstract: A data center provides a rate table to a user. The rate table is communicated to the mailer along with a hash code that is based on information from the rating table. The hash code provides a unique number based on the rating table. The user within a secure device and to which the rate table is loaded regenerates the hash code based on the information received from the rate table and compares the transmitted hash code with the generated hash code. The comparison verifies that the rate table data has not been intentionally or unintentionally corrupted. The transmitted hash code may be encrypted by the data center and when received decrypted by the mailer. The encryption decryption process provides authenticity of the data center if desired. The generation of the hash code and the comparison with the transmitted hash code can be initiated prior to postage printing and used to insure proper rating. Printing is enabled only after the rating process has been properly implemented.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for utilizing a printable, yet unobtrusive glyph or similar two-dimensionally encoded mark to identify copyrighted documents. Upon attempting to reproduce such a document, the glyph is detected, decoded and used to accurately collect and/or record a copyright royalty for the reproduction of the document, or to prevent such reproduction. Furthermore, the glyph may also include additional information so as to enable an electronic copyright royalty accounting system, capable of interpreting the encoded information, to track and/or account for copyright royalties which accrue during reproduction of all or portions of the original document.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a method of encoding serial numbers indicating "confidentiality" or "proprietary information" on printed documents. A group of marks in the form of small-sized dots or equivalent markings are repetitively printed across the face of the document. The placement and location of the markings defines a readable binary serial number. Intermixing the markings with the printed matter on the document makes it difficult or impossible to remove the serial number created by the markings, and they will remain on the document after repeated photocopies of it are made.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for verification of documents belonging to selected groups of classes of such documents. The documents are verified to assure that information contained in the documents is authenticated and unchanged. In one embodiment of the subject invention the documents maybe identification cards including both text and an image of the bearer. Each document also includes encrypted information E.sub.i [M] derived from the document, and encrypted decryption key CE.sub.j [Di] for decrypting the encrypted information and information identifying the document as a member of the jth class C.sub.j of a group of classes of documents. Verifying apparatus validates the document by a scanning information from the document decrypting the encrypted decryption key an using the decryption key so obtained to decrypted the encrypted information and comparing the recovered encrypted information with information derived from the document directly.

Abstract: Postage dispensing apparatus and method of producing a label that indicates parameters of the postage dispensing apparatus in a code, preferable in encrypted code. A processor is programmed with an encryption algorithm and the printer of the apparatus is a dot matrix printer that is capable of printing a code such as a bar code or two dimensional code. A label is imprinted with data, preferably in encrypted format, that represents a record of the parameters of the postage dispensing device. This serves as a record of the use and status of the postage dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A system for controlling the validity of printing of indicias on mailpieces from a potentially large number of users of postage meters includes apparatus disposed in each said postage meter for generating a code and for printing the code on each mailpiece. The code is an encrypted code representative of the postage meter apparatus printing the indicia and other information uniquely determinative of the legitimacy of postage on the mailpieces. The keys for the code generating apparatus are changed to change its code generation at predetermined time intervals in each of the meters. A security center includes apparatus for maintaining a security code database and for keeping track of the keys for generating security codes in correspondence with the changes in each generating apparatus and the information printed on the mailpiece by the postage meter apparatus for comparison with the code printed on the mailpiece.

Abstract: An identification card and system and apparatus for producing and authenticating such an identification card in a controlled manner. An object or other entity for which the identification card will evidence identity, status or characteristics is scanned to produce a digital signal a portion of which is compressed, encrypted, and coded and which is recorded on a magnetic strip on the identification card. The image is also printed or otherwise embodied onto another portion of the identification card. A text message may be appended to the signal before it is encrypted and also printed as plain text on the identification card. In one embodiment the signal representing the image is encrypted using a public key encryption system and the key is downloaded from a center. This key maybe changed from time to time to increase security. To facilitate authentication the corresponding decryption key is encrypted with another key and incorporated on the card.

Abstract: A two-part money order dispenser for printing alphanumeric indicia on preprinted money order forms includes a terminal having a keyboard for operating the dispenser and a card swipe device for reading information from a magnetic card packaged with a bundle of blank preprinted money order forms for automatic entry of the forms-related information into a memory associated with the terminal when loading the forms into the dispenser. A printer having a memory association therewith is connected to the terminal for communicating with the terminal information allowing access to the printer through an encrypted password and communication of information necessary for printing money orders. Bit-mapped graphical and alphanumeric information routinely printed is stored within the printer. Multilevel security codes having definable privileges associated therewith, a program generated security font, and a blank form retraction feature provided security against altered or counterfeit money orders.

Abstract: The postage system employs encryption techniques to verify that a user has printed postage. The postage at the time of printing is not accounted for by the meter. Accounting occurs at a time subsequent to the printing of postage. The user is provided with a postage validating device which provides an indication on the mailpiece of the validity of the imprint to identify the user and a user account number. Charges for the postage thus printed occur at a subsequent time. The imprint is read, preferably by scanning techniques, to determine validity, amount to be charged and an account number which is charged for the delivery.

Abstract: A financial transaction document, such as a check, is manufactured by dividing the clear band of the document into two parallel portions. The first portion is printed with ferrous loaded ink to produce the standard MICE encoded financial information currently employed in such transaction documents. The second band, located either directly above or directly below the first band, has symbols printed with non-ferrous inks in specific locations. A system is employed to read the information in both bands, and to differentiate between properly printed documents, using the ferrous and non-ferrous printing in adjacent bands, from improperly printed documents which do not employ this printing technique.

Abstract: A two-part money order dispenser for printing alphanumeric indicia on preprinted money order forms includes a terminal having a keyboard for operating the dispenser and a card swipe device for reading information from a magnetic card packaged with a bundle of blank preprinted money order forms for automatic entry of the forms-related information into a memory associated with the terminal when loading the forms into the dispenser. A printer having a memory association therewith is connected to the terminal for communicating with the terminal information allowing access to the printer through an encrypted password and communication of information necessary for printing money orders. Multilevel security codes having definable privileges associated therewith, a program generated security font, and a blank form retraction feature provided security against altered or counterfeit money orders. The configuration of the two-part dispenser further allows efficient utilization of limited or crowded counter space.

Abstract: A record contains a graphic image and an information area which are interrelated to discourage misuse of the record. The information area can overlay the graphic image and include information encoded in a error-correctable, machine-readable format which allows recovery of the information despite distortion due to the underlying graphic image. The record may also represent the image by words similar in form to words in the information area. Both the information and graphic words can then be altered when an action regarding the record takes place.

Abstract: An apparatus for composing a printable text, comprising coded characters, comprises: A--a text-composing device; B--a memory for storing character grids, representing clear characters, arranged in at least a coded font wherein the character grids are derived from a common, scrambled reference grid; and C--means associated with said text-composing device for selecting clear characters or character grids, as desired. A process for composing a printable text, comprising coded characters and graphic matter obtained thereby, are also described.

Abstract: An image of a symbol or other indicium of origin or authenticity is encrypted, and printed on the item or a label in superposition with a color mask. In a preferred embodiment, an intermediate parallax record is formed of a series of images of a symbol or other indicium, each differing from the preceding one by a predetermined amount of parallax (i.e. change of viewing angle.) A multiple exposure of the series of intermediate parallax record images is made through a lenticular screen to create the encrypted image of the indicium. The lenticular screen and the medium on which the multiple exposure is made are moved relative to each other between exposures. The encrypted image and the superimposed color mask are then printed as a composite image to produce an unintelligible criss-cross of colored lines. When viewed through a lenticular screen which matches that used to create the encrypted image, the original indicium is revealed in clear form.

Abstract: A franking machine is disclosed in which a digital printing device such as a thermal printer or ink jet printer is connected to accounting circuits of the franking machine so as to be controlled thereby to print franking impressions. In order to prevent unauthorised control of the printing device by application of external print signals, print data signals output by the accounting circuit are encrypted by logically combining the signals with pseudo random strings of binary bits. At the printing device the encrypted print data signals are decrypted by logically combining the encrypted print data signals with a corresponding pseudo random string of binary bits to provide print signals to control the printing device. Connections between the decryption circuit and the print head are protected from unauthorised access.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information processing system such as a work station, a personal computer system or the like. The information processing system includes an identification information input unit for inputting identification information on manuscript information to be processed, an encoding unit for encoding the manuscript information, a recording unit for recording the encoded manuscript information together with the identification information thereof, a read unit for reading the encoded manuscript information recorded, and a reconstruct unit for reconstructing the encoded manuscript information read.

Abstract: A ciphering device (1) encodes the original data and converts it into signals for an output device (5) that creates a document (6, 10) out of them. This document is fed into a sending device (12) that scans the data (7) line by line and converts the result into signals that are transmitted to a receiving device (13) via a transmission link (14). The receiving device (13) produces a copy (15) of the document (6, 10) out of the transmitted signals, which is fed into a reading device (17). This device converts the data into signals for a deciphering device (18) which decodes the data and converts it into signals for an output device (20). From them, the output device (20) restores the original data and makes it available for further processing.The transmitting device (12), the receiving device (13) and the transmission link (14) form a telecopying system.

Abstract: A system for representing and recognizing data in machine readable graphic image form in which data to be encoded is entered into the system and a processor encodes the data into a two-dimensional bar code symbol and generates transfer drive signals representative of the symbol. A transferring device such as a printer transfers an image of the two-dimensional bar code symbol onto a carrier such as a card or paper document in response to the transfer drive signals. A recognition device converts the image on the carrier into electrical signals representative of the symbol by scanning the image. A low-level decoder decodes the signals by decoding each scan line into a vector of codeword values corresponding to the codewords in the two-dimensional bar code symbol, assigning a row number to each of the codeword values, and then filling in a two-dimensional matrix with the codeword values. A high-level decoder further decodes the codeword values into data which can then be output for processing or use.

Abstract: A metering system requires a user to provide periodic, accurate meter readings to a billing authority.The metering system includes a mechanism for dispensing postage or another accountable quantity, an accounting mechanism for updating and storing information regarding the amount of postage dispensed by the dispensing mechanism and an output mechanism for outputting the stored postage information. The system also includes a mechanism for storing a time deadline, a clock that provides a current date signal and a lock that disables the dispensing mechanism when the current date is not before the stored deadline. The system also includes a reset mechanism for extending the stored deadline.A user of the system reads the output of the system to obtain a current meter reading. The user then telephones the billing authority's data center, provides the current reading to the data center and receives back from the center an encrypted combination that reflects the reading provided by the user.

Abstract: A label and a process are provided for encoding target acquisition information and data information on an optically readable label at different resolutions. A multiplicity of cells is arranged in a regular pattern wherein each cell in the pattern may have one of at least two different optical properties to permit acquisition information encoding of the cells. Target acquisition information is encoded in the cells at a low resolution by assigning one of the plurality of optical properties to the cells in the pattern. The information-encoded cells are divided into a plurality of subcells. Data information is encoded at a high resolution in the subcells of the information-encoded cells.

Abstract: A method for franking postal matter uses an apparatus of a postage user having franking functions and being coupled through telecommunication devices with a remote data processing center for recording and releasing postage. A terminal device of a telecommunication system installed at a location of a user is coupled with a data processing center associated with a postage service for settling postage through telecommunications connections. Data is transmitted to the data processing center in one direction for requesting a central recordation of postage and for generating franking data. At least essential portions of a franking image corresponding to the requested franking are transmitted in another direction. The franking image is completed in the terminal device with stored image portions. A device for franking postal matter includes a terminal device of a postage user. The terminal device performs franking functions.