Abstract: A modular franking system for processing envelopes into mailpieces having a path through the modules for performing processing steps on the envelopes such as weighing each envelope and calculating a franking charge for each mailpiece. The franking system includes a network protocol stack and a network controller or node that connects the system to a gateway such as a LAN. The LAN can allow access to the Internet. Via the LAN, the franking system can be remotely configured.

Abstract: System and method is provided for adding addressing information to an indicium printed by a closed system metering device. A scanning device is coupled to a closed system postage meter for scanning addressing information printed on a mailpiece. The addressing information is combined with other information relating to the postage payment for the mailpiece to obtain postal data relating to the mailpiece. The postal data, including the addressing information is used to generate an indicium for the mailpiece. The indicium includes cryptographic evidencing of postage payment. The closed system metering device prints the indicium on the mailpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an imaging apparatus having an electrophotographic imaging section to generate an image on media using an electrophotographic imaging process, and a meter stamp printer to print a meter stamp on the media. The meter stamp printer can be an ink jet printer, and can be detachably connectable to the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus can include an electrophotographic print engine to generate the image on the media using the electrophotographic imaging section. The meter stamp printer can include a meter stamp print head responsive to a meter stamp print engine. The imaging apparatus can further include a meter vault program, and a meter vault memory to store a value of postage to be printed by the meter stamp printer. The meter vault program can authorize the meter stamp printer to print the meter stamp on the media.

Abstract: In a postage meter machine, a method for the operation of a postage meter machine as well as method for data communication between a postage meter machine and a remote data center, the postage meter machine has a central processing device and a data transmission device connected thereto for the transmission of information between the processing device and the remote data center via a telecommunication network. The data transmission device has a connection unit for making the connection to a telecommunication line of the telecommunication network. A monitoring device in the postage meter machine monitors the usage status of the telecommunication line.

Abstract: A franking machine has a housing with at least a first housing part which is configured such that a retrofittable weighing unit can be fitted therein. The first housing part defines a recess in the housing. The recess is configured such that the weighing unit can be inserted. Fastening devices are provided at the recess for fastening a second housing part which closes the recess.

Abstract: An electronic device, particularly a postage meter machine, has a central processing unit, at least one memory connected to the central processing unit in which at least one program unit is stored which the processing unit accesses for the configuration or the operation of the processing unit or of a function unit connected to the processing unit, and a position determination unit connected to the processing unit. A number of location-specific program units are stored in the memory and the processing unit is fashioned such that it accesses the location-specific program unit in the memory corresponding to the location of the device determined by the position determination unit.

Abstract: A system, method, and software re-arranges or modifies a master mailing list used by software-controlled mail preparation apparatus in order to re-schedule mailings to the same address so that they can be combined, thereby reducing costs associated with separate mailings.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing a computerized system having a plurality of operating features, including selecting at least one independent parameter from a predefined list of parameters for selecting at least one of the operating features of the customized computerized system, and storing the independent parameter in a parameter set. The at least one of the selected operating features is enabled by selecting at least one secondary parameter from a predefined list of secondary parameters, wherein the secondary parameter are associated with the at least one independent parameter, and at least one secondary parameter is stored in the parameter set. At least one dependent parameter is determined for configuring the computerized system, wherein the dependent parameter is generated from a predefined list of dependent parameters in accordance with the parameter set, and the dependent parameter is added to the parameter set.

Abstract: A method and system for franking machine communication including a franking machine, at least one peripheral device, and a bus system. The bus system includes a network controller adapted to be electrically coupled to each peripheral device and the franking machine, and adapted to permit data communications between each peripheral device and the franking machine, and between each peripheral device. A host device is associated with the network controller of the franking machine, and host device is adapted to detect and identify each peripheral device and configure the franking machine based on a state of each peripheral device. A bus is adapted to be electrically connected to each network controller for transferring data signals between the franking machine and each peripheral device, and between each peripheral device.

Abstract: A method for generating digital postage stamps wherein a data center receives a request from a PC for a selected number of digital postage stamps, concludes a payment transaction for the selected number of digital postage stamps, generates a digital book of postage stamps, which the PC downloads to its hard drive. The digital book of postage stamps includes a read-only software module that prints each digital postage stamp using stamp related information contained within the software module. The stamp related information includes stamp information, which is required for each postage stamp, user information, which identifies the requester and the PC, data center server information, which is unique to each digital postage stamp and a digital signature of at least some of the user, stamp and/or server information.

Abstract: A system and a method for assisting in the process of generating mailing communications and satisfying their requirements are provided. The system and the method allow customers or users to interact on a computer network, such as the internet, with a database to generate a communication with minimal time or effort expended such that the communication complies with requirements for delivery of mail by a special service. The system and method inform users of requirements of special mailing needs to effectuate delivery of, for example, a legal letter, allows users automatic delivery of a mailing requiring a special service and provides automatic transfer of fees associated with postage and services rendered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a video e-mail kiosk for creating and sending video e-mail messages such as full motion videos or still snapshots. The method comprises recording a video message, requesting an e-mail address of an intended recipient, and sending the video message to the intended recipient. The apparatus comprises a display device capable of displaying video and computer graphics, an input device capable of accepting input from a user, a digital video camera, a microphone, a digital network communications link, and a processor connected to the display device, the input device, the digital video camera, the microphone, and the digital network communications link, and capable of accepting an input from a user and generating display output, and further capable of converting a video input from the digital video camera and an audio input from the microphone into a digital video e-mail message and transmitting the digital video e-mail message over the digital network communications link.

Abstract: A mouse pad is attached to the weighing platform of a scale. The scale electronics are connected to a personal computer through a universal serial bus cable (USB) which also provides power to the scale. The scale may have an integrated, or detached, ergonomically designed wrist-rest with a wrist-rest pad that is positioned to be at the same height above the weighing platform as the mouse pad.

Abstract: A method for requesting a postage refund includes the steps of generating a postage indicium having a postage value and first data indicative that a refund of the postage value is requested; and printing the postage indicium on a mailpiece.

Abstract: A postage metering system that includes a host PC, an SMD, and a printer. The host PC includes a user interface to receive postage information. The SMD operatively couples to the computer via a communications link and includes a processor and a tamper evident enclosure. The processor is configured to receive the postage information from the computer, direct generation of an indicium, and account for the indicium. The tamper evident enclosure houses the processor and other security sensitive elements of the SMD. The printer couples to the SMD and is configured to receive and print the indicium. The SMD can further include a memory element, an interface circuit, and an enclosure. The memory element is configured to store accounting information and information related to the operation of the metering device. The interface circuit is configured to receive a message that includes a code that identifies that message. The processor operatively couples to the memory element and the interface circuit.

Abstract: A postage meter machine with a chip card write/read unit has a controller which, in conjunction with suitably initialized chip cards, allows the function input and the administration of cost center to be handled to be simplified. For deriving chip cards that individually allow only a limited function to be implemented, i.e. the cards are of a limited function scope, a table with a specific hierarchic structure can be produced using the keyboard and display and with the assistance of the microprocessor and the appertaining non-volatile memories within the postage meter machine, so that a pre-stored structure is correspondingly modified by the user. A tree structure in the hierarchy thereby arises for second chip cards and further successor cards derived from the specific application function cards that allow access to the table with their chip card number internally stored in the chip card.

Abstract: For machine-producing a series of mail pieces with the aid of a system for assembling mail pieces, the system registers at least one property of at least one physical, postal item of a particular type, at least one code representing the registered property is generated and compared with at least one reference code, stored in a memory, which represents at least one item-type property. If the code representing the at least one registered property exhibits at least a defined extent of agreement with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, at least one setting code, associated with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, which represents a system setting is selected; and the production of a series of mail pieces is carried out in accordance with the selected setting code.

Abstract: An electronic indicium to be affixed to a mailpiece to be processed by a postal meter and an AFCS unit, and methods of using the electronic indicium in postal processes. The indicium includes a controller, a memory for storing postal funds and postal information, a sensor and transmitter for communicating with an external device, a display unit capable of forming a visible FIM symbol and a cancellation mark when required. Preferably, the indicium also includes means for receiving and storing power from an external source. The FIM is activated when the meter transfers postal fund into the memory. The FIM is canceled when the mailpiece is processed in the AFCS unit and postal fund is removed from the memory. The method of using electronic indicia in postal processes involves the steps of transferring funds and downloading postal information from the sender's meter to the indicia, the reading of the funds and information in a post office, and the cancellation of the FIM.

Abstract: A system for verifying printed indicia. The system comprises an indicia generating apparatus adapted to create digitally signed indicia on an item having an associated value and an indicia verifying apparatus adapted to read the indicia on the item and verify that the item is valid. The item can be used as payment for a good or service.

Abstract: A method for dispensing postage includes receiving, at a postal vendor system, a proxy request from a proxy server system. The proxy server system generates the proxy request in response to a postage purchase request including one or more criteria about desired postage from a user. First postage information for printing a postage indicium is transmitted from the postal vendor system to the proxy server system. The proxy system is not authorized to dispense postage by a postal authority, but the postal vendor system is authorized to dispense postage by the postal authority.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for batch mail processing using a web browser-based postal mail shipping system. The data processing system comprises a web site for a provider server and a client node in communication with the provider server. The web site further comprises web pages and script functionality for linking with a meter driver resident in a meter located at the client node, but callable by the client node under the control of the script functionality for allowing the script at the client node to link with the meter by utilizing the meter driver. The method is initiated by calling a web site from the caller node by utilizing communications link, which includes a browser for accessing the web site. The client node requests that a meter activation routine be activated. A user enters a postage value for a mail piece in a batch. Batch processing then begins, and the running batch count and value are displayed to the user on the web page.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for distributing postage over a public network in a manner that is secure in the case of third party interception, indicia for which can be efficiently printed by a postal customer on items to be mailed, and that facilitates authentication of the printed indicia. When the postal customer purchases postage from the postal service, the postal service provides information which the postal customer uses to generate pseudo-random numbers associated with the respective units of postage. When the postal customer prints an indicium for a respective unit, it appends the associated pseudo-random number, which the postal service uses to authenticate the indicium. The pseudo-random numbers are generated using a methodology by which the postal customer can generate pseudo-random numbers for units which have been purchased, but not for units which have not yet been purchased.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically transferring information in a data processing system, including setting a counter within a data processing device to a predetermined time period and counting the predetermined time period based upon a real time clock maintained within the data processing device. When the counter reaches the predetermined time period, the data processing device automatically initiates a data center connection and requests an information transfer. The data center transfers information to/from the data processing device. The data processing device activates the transferred information, which can then be used by the data processing device. Typical data processing systems include weighing systems, in which frequently changing postal rates and carrier rates are used to determine mail piece and parcel delivery cost, facsimile or other information accumulation systems.

Abstract: A data center for a postage meter resetting system includes a computer that receives a postage refill request to electronically add a postage refill amount to a postage meter; structure for determining at the computer a rebate value associated with the postage refill request; and apparatus for sending the rebate value to a designated location.

Abstract: A system and method for applying presort modeling to a mailing. A pre-existing database from a previously run, commercially available presort program is used. The system and method use one or more alternative option sets. Option sets are created from user input of parameters. The system and method permit the user to test alternate parameters by deriving a unique presort mailing and resultant costs and other effects for each option set considered. Resultant costs and other effects are displayed on a monitor or may be exported to a spreadsheet. The presentation format allows the user to readily compare alternatives. This lets the user arrive at an efficient, optimal presort mailing solution consistent with the user's priorities. Additionally, presort strategies outside of USPS regulations may be tested and used in negotiation with the USPS for alternate rate terms.

Abstract: In a method an arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale is set via an input unit according to the respective requirements for processing a mixed mail stack, the setting optionally ensuing on the basis of selected shipping parameters and/or operating parameters that are displayed via a display unit. A modification of the operating parameters and data corresponding to the setting can be undertaken and stored in the non-volatile memory of the scale. Weighing of a supplied piece of mail takes place and a controller drives a conveyor of the scale such that the piece of mail is transported to a further processing station dependent on the operating parameters and data that have been set.

Abstract: A remote postage meter resetting system includes apparatus for sending a request to recharge the postage meter by the postage recharge amount together with first data indicative of a first user prepaid postage account resident in a prepaid postage account data base having a plurality of prepaid postage accounts; and a data center including apparatus for receiving from the sending apparatus the first data together with the request to recharge the postage meter by the postage recharge amount; a line of credit database having a plurality of lines of credit each of which is associated with at least one of the plurality of prepaid postage accounts; a computer, in communication with the receiving apparatus, which is programmed to 1 ) obtain the first data and the postage recharge amount from the receiving apparatus, and 2) communicate with the prepaid postage account data base to determine if sufficient funds are in the first user prepaid postage account to cover the cost of the postage recharge amount, wherein at

Abstract: A postal system includes a local computer having a user interface and an associated storage unit for storing a secure data file that contains postal (e.g., accounting) data. A secure processing unit interfaces with the local computer and performs the secure processing normally associated with a secure postal environment. The secure processing unit can be designed to receive power from the computer to which it couples, and generally does not require special interconnect. By using the secure processing unit to perform the secure processing and the local computer to perform other postal functions (e.g., user interface), complexity is reduced which translates to faster speed of operation and a more economical hardware design.

Abstract: A method for reading and sorting documents is provided which generally comprises staging each document for processing, capturing a digital image of the front side and the back side of each document, determining the physical orientation of each document using digital orientation recognition software and possibly hardware, reading the information from a digital image of each document, sorting the documents by orientation, and then communicating the information read from each document to a posting system. Additionally, the image of the document can be automatically oriented and then read. The documents, among other things, can include checks and coupons. When the document is a bank check, the method further comprises endorsing the check, printing an audit trail for the check, sorting the check by orientation, preparing a cash letter and sending the check to the bank.

Abstract: An electronic scale cartridge plugs into a piece of office equipment and/or a portable electronic device to provide a weight signal to be used in computing a postal or private carrier rate. The piece of office equipment may be a personal computer or one of its peripheral or input devices. The portable electronic device may be a personal digital assistant or a wireless communications device. Preferably, the scale cartridge has a connector which fits a universal or standard port, thereby allowing the cartridge to be connected to any number of devices without modification. Postage is computed in accordance with a program stored in the computer or portable device. Preferably, the program is written to step a user through a postage-computing process using one or more interactive display screens. A second type of electronic scale is adapted for attachment to a piece of equipment using any one of a variety of fasteners which may establish a removable and/or rotatable connection to the equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a weighing scale and one or more peripheral devices which includes a single intelligent interface cable assembly connected between a weighing scale and a plurality of peripheral devices, the IICA detects the peripheral device protocol by receiving a logic signal indicating which protocol is in operation, if necessary, the IICA then switches the signal protocol of the weighing scale to correspond with the signal protocol of the detected peripheral device protocol. Simultaneous, tripping of a mailing machine to print postage amounts may occur.

Abstract: A postal system has one or more franking machines for printing postage indicia on mail and a postal service for delivering mail. A franking machine for use in such a postal system, in accordance with a method for tracking and tracing a piece of mail, has a printer for printing an identity code onto a label identifying one or more pieces of mail. The label is removably attachable on the respective piece of mail before sending it and is removed after delivery. The postal service includes units for tracking and tracing pieces of mail using the mail identity code printed onto the label. The label will be removed from a piece of mail when it is actually delivered to the addressee and is placed on a separate sheet of paper that will be scanned when the carrier returns to the local post office.

Abstract: System and method is provided for adding addressing information to an indicium printed by a closed system metering device. A scanning device is coupled to a closed system postage meter for scanning addressing information printed on a mailpiece. The addressing information is combined with other information relating to the postage payment for the mailpiece to obtain postal data relating to the mailpiece. The postal data, including the addressing information is used to generate an indicium for the mailpiece. The indicium includes cryptographic evidencing of postage payment. The closed system metering device prints the indicium on the mailpiece.

Abstract: Techniques for dispensing postage from a kiosk using a communications network. A method for obtaining a postage stamp at a kiosk, where the kiosk includes a computer system and a printer, includes, a user inputting into the kiosk a request for the postage stamp. The request is sent to a server via a communications network. The user then receives a markup language response back from the server. Next, the markup language response is processed to obtain an indicium. The indicium includes a digital signature. Lastly, the postage stamp is obtained by printing the indicium by the printer on a label, where the label includes one or more security features.

Abstract: A method for acquiring customers for meter licenses for PC postage. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high-rate franking machine comprising means for printing postal indicia on a mailpiece and means for transporting this mailpiece along a mailpiece-conveying path, said printing means comprising, arranged side by side transversely to a direction D of advance of the mailpieces along said mailpiece-conveying path, a first printing module arranged in a first position (position of printing) above said mailpiece-conveying path and a second printing module arranged in a second position (position of maintenance/standby) set back with respect to said mailpiece-conveying path. The first printing module is associated with a first maintenance station and the second printing module is associated with a second maintenance station.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for obtaining postage at a user system from a central server, for example, a Postal Vendor System (PVS), via a communications network, such as the Internet or an intra-net. A print program processes a markup language, for example, an extensible Markup Language (XML) or a Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) message in order to print an indicium or indicia received from the central server.

Abstract: In a data security and a security module, first and second data processing units are employed having non-volatile memories for postal register data. At a first point in time at least following letter insertion and following a check of the previously valid accounting data on the basis of an authorization code, the first data processing unit undertakes an advance calculation of the new postal register setting, which is made taking the previously set postage value into consideration, and forms a new authorization code. At a second point in time, the second data processing unit undertakes an accounting with calculation of the new postal register setting, which occurs taking the previously set postage value into consideration. A storage of the pre-calculated, new authorization code and of the new postal register set determined by the second data processing unit in the non-volatile memories subsequently ensue.

Abstract: A device for verifying security in a postage meter or other devices using dot or drop printing. Security is achieved by counting the number of signal pulse firings that are used to produce ink drops or ink dots that are required to produce the entire document or specific regions of the document. The aforementioned may be accomplished by storing the printer firings in a two dimensional non-volatile memory array and auditing the printed material on the mail piece by using the firings of the printer to compare the value that is printed on the mail piece to the value decremented in the registers of the meter. The apparatus of the invention determines what is printed on the mail piece by reading the printer firings (that represent the alphanumeric characters or other data produced) and comparing it with the value stored in non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a product transfer transaction between a buyer and a seller. The method includes receiving via a communication network a product request from a buyer to obtain products from a remote seller, determining an appropriate mailer to send to the seller for the seller to place the requested product in the mailer and send the mailer with the product to the buyer, and determining an appropriate postage amount to place on the mailer.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for inputting the weight of a parcel into a web-based shipping application of a data processing system. The data processing system comprises a web site for a provider server and a client node in communication with the provider server. The web site further comprises web pages and script functionality for linking with a scale driver resident in a weighing scale located at the client node. The weighing scale comprises a scale server resident ultimately at the client node, but callable by the client node under control of the script functionality for allowing the script at the client node to link with the weighing scale by utilizing the scale driver. The method begins with the calling of the web site, from the client node, by utilizing a communications link which includes a browser for accessing the web site. The client node requests that a scale activation routine be activated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for tracking a special service delivery by a carrier of a mail item created by an office worker. The method utilizes one or more special service indicators on the mail item to ensure that the office worker can obtain information about the status of the mail item by the simple placement of one of the special service stickers on the mail item.

Abstract: A carrier distribution system tracks a mail item having a unique sender generated identifier thereon. The carrier distribution system includes apparatus for reading the unique sender generated identifier from the mail item; structure for including a unique carrier generated identifier on the mail item; a data base that associates the unique sender generated identifier with the unique carrier generated identifier; at least one sensor that reads the unique carrier generated identifier from the mail item and provides location information to the data base that is associated with the unique carrier generated identifier so that at times when the carrier distribution system receives a location query from an entity about the mail item via submission of the unique sender generated identifier the location information is obtainable from the database without requiring submission of the unique carrier generated identifier by the entity.

Abstract: A mail piece verification system for processing mail pieces having associated therewith respective mail piece data. The system includes a plurality of postage metering systems for preparing mail pieces, a plurality of mail processing centers for receiving mail pieces and obtaining the respective mail piece data and a data center means in operative communication with the plurality of postage metering systems and the plurality of mail processing centers, the data center means including a plurality of account files corresponding to the plurality of postage metering systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mail preparation system.

Abstract: An operating management system and method for selectively interacting with at least one postage meter provided on each one of a plurality of inserter systems coupled to the operating management system. Each inserter system having a control system and the operating management system includes a computer coupled to each control system of each inserter system. Each control system is coupled to at least one postage meter, the computer being adapted to selectively interact with at least one postage meter provided on each said inserter system to obtain selected information therefrom.

Abstract: An advertisement mail site generates an e-mail containing a command. The e-mail is sent to multiple users. The command works to acquire how long the mail is being read at each user terminal. The obtained information or view duration is embedded in a reply e-mail, which is sent back to the advertisement mail site. The view duration tends to indicate how much the user felt interested in the sent e-mails. The site acts as an agent for companies or sponsors to send e-mail based direct mails. The charge for the service billed to the sponsors is calculated based on the view duration of each e-mail.

Abstract: A personalized product producing system enables customers to order a personalized product, such as a name card, a stamp, or a sticker/label, inexpensively and conveniently. Customers operate their own cellular phones to send personalized information to be engraved in a stamp or printed on a name card or sticker/label in the form of e-mail to a host computer. The host computer edits the information and sends personalized product producing data to a stamp personalized product producing device. The personalized product producing device produces a personalized product based on the received 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: The present invention provides techniques for sharing a plurality of postage dispensing resources among a plurality of customers using a communication network such as the Internet. In an exemplary embodiment, the consumer is provided with a plurality of mailing and/or shipping products, including goods and/or services, based upon a single customer account and a single postage license. Specific embodiments increase customer convenience and reduce overhead expenses by eliminating the need for administering multiple licenses and multiple customer accounts. In addition the consumer with at least one account, through a web interface, may either add or remove products without establishing or canceling accounts or licenses.