Abstract: A mailing machine that optimizes throughput by reducing the amount of time necessary for the PSD to generate the digital signature and indicium for each mail piece is provided. The debit operation performed by the PSD, i.e., adjusting the PSD registers, is separated into three different sections, a pre-debit operation, a perform debit operation, and a complete debit operation. In addition, the calculation of the digital signature can optionally be pre-computed, or, alternatively, computed in stages, i.e., partial signature calculation. Utilizing this granularity, the cryptographic operations associated with generating the digital signature can be shifted between the three debit operations such that the execution time of the time critical portion of the debit operation (perform debit) can be optimized to meet the performance requirements of the mailing machine in which the PSD is deployed.

Abstract: A system for providing franking services includes one or more networks, one or more postage meters, and a postal infrastructure data center connected to the one or more meters through the one or more networks, wherein the postal infrastructure data center establishes communication with the one or more meters as required.

Abstract: A system for detecting failures in a sensitive region of an inkjet printhead is described. The system includes an inkjet printer that uses a printhead for printing an image on a substrate. The image has a sensitive portion that is more sensitive to printing failures than the rest of the image. The printhead includes a first portion that prints an area of the substrate corresponding to the sensitive portion of the image. A radiant energy source is used with a photodetector located downstream from the printhead to detect background florescence from the substrate in the area of the substrate corresponding to the sensitive portion of the image that should be quenched by printing of the image. If background fluorescence is detected, a failure is indicated.

Abstract: System and method for printing indicia on mailing items, such as envelopes, cards, or label media, has a host computer system connected to a postal security device. The postal security device stores postage funds and, responsive to the host computer postage requests, provides data to the host computer representing an IBI Lite barcode having at least part of a unique authentication code. The host computer utilizes such data to produce print data representing postage indicia, and send such print data to one of a mailing machine, stand-alone printer, or printing system, for printing on a mailing item to be associated with the authentication code. A plurality of host computer systems each with their respective PSD may be provided. A reset computer system can communicate with each PSD, via their respective host computer, to provide additional postage funds and to receive information representing transaction data stored in the host computer.

Abstract: In order to provide a mobile postage stamp, when mobile postage stamp application information is received from a terminal owned by a user, a mobile postage stamp providing system verifies a recipient mailing address included in the mobile postage stamp application information. After the verification of the recipient mailing address is completed, the mobile postage stamp providing system generates a serial number corresponding to the mobile postage stamp on the basis of the mobile postage stamp application information and provides the generated serial number to the terminal.

Abstract: A modular franking system including at least one module and a module sensor adapted to sense objects fed to the module. The module can include information on the distance between a position of the sensor and at least one edge of the module, and a location of at least one other module. The modular system can also include a communication system adapted to allow the module to sense objects being transported and communicate information concerning events such as velocity and distance to another module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dispensing value are described. In one configuration, a unique tangible indicia is enabled with a value and then disabled after the value is redeemed. In another configuration, a user enables a unique coded stamp and associates a postage payment with the stamp. The postal service cancels the stamp by deactivating the stamp from a list of active stamps and optionally audits the payment association.

Abstract: A method and system for using an indexing identifier (such as, e.g., a tracking ID or the combination of a postage vendor ID, user account, and piece count) to decrease the size of the postage indicium transmitted to an end user computer, or eliminate transmission of the postage indicium altogether, is provided. When the postage indicium for the end user computer is generated, it is stored, and the indexing identifier, rather than the postage indicium, is transmitted to the end user computer. The indexing identifier is applied to a mail piece, which is then scanned by the postal authority. The postal authority can obtain the stored postage indicium by reference to the indexing identifier. In this manner, the postal authority has access to the postage indicium without having to apply it to the mail piece. The indexing identifiers can optionally be used to index sender identification information for verifying that the sender of a mail piece is a trusted individual or entity.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting mail verification data over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving and authenticating at least a portion of mail identification (ID) data. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mail verification application is adapted to store at least a verifying portion (e.g., an identifiable code portion, a shipping portion, a recipient portion, etc.) of mail ID data in memory. The mail ID data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. At least an authenticating portion of the mail ID data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device, which communicates with the mail ID device over a wide area network, transmits at least the authenticating portion of the mail ID data to the mail verification application operating on the mail ID device. The mail verification application then compares the authenticating portion of the mail ID data with the verifying portion stored in memory.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting mail verification data over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving and authenticating at least a portion of mail identification (ID) data. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mail verification application is adapted to store at least a verifying portion (e.g., an identifiable code portion, a shipping portion, a recipient portion, etc.) of mail ID data in memory. The mail ID data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. At least an authenticating portion of the mail ID data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device, which communicates with the mail ID device over a wide area network, transmits at least the authenticating portion of the mail ID data to the mail verification application operating on the mail ID device. The mail verification application then compares the authenticating portion of the mail ID data with the verifying portion stored in memory.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mail handling system intended for printing postal indicia on a mail item, comprising a franked label dispenser allowing the print of postal indicia on a label intended thereafter to be stuck on the mail item, and a control computer terminal intended to remotely control print of the postal indicia on the label. It also preferably comprises electronic scales for previously determining the weight of the mail items having then to be printed, control of these scales being effected remotely from the control computer terminal and the remote control from the computer terminal is advantageously effected by short distance radio link, preferably of the Bluetooth or like type.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer control system and method for abstracting the data flow to a printer, or other device, and for using the abstracted information for controlling additional processes with respect to the printer. In one embodiment, the abstracted information is used to print envelope information, such as addressee and/or a postage indicia. The postage indicia can be either generated from the abstracted data or the indicia itself can be abstracted from the data stream. In another embodiment, the process to be controlled is as downline process, such as a folding operation or the printing of information related to the original printed document.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved work-ahead method for efficiently operating a software-controlled, automated postage meter of the type used to print postage and other digital data on batches of mail that are run through the meter during successive jobs which originate from different accounts. The operator enters data relating to the parameters for a first job to be completed. After the meter is initialized and the meter overhead is encountered, the first batch of mail for the first job is run through the postage meter. As the first job is being executed and the first batch of mail is being imprinted with postage, the operator enters the data relating to the parameters for the next job. The operator then loads a second batch of mail for the next job into the postage meter. Provided that the first job has been completed, but without having to once again initialize the postage meter and encounter all of the meter overhead, the second batch of letters for the next job is now run through the meter.

Abstract: Postage stamps are dispensed by receiving payment from a customer for a postage value at a point of sale terminal. The point of sale terminal requests and receives an authorization key from an authorization system. The authorization key is provided to the customer. Thereafter, the customer provides the authorization key to a postage dispensing machine, which provides postage stamps equivalent to the postage value.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a digital scale interface in a global communications shipping management environment so that a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, receives and recognizes a weight of a parcel from the digital scale configured with the remote user client computer device.

Abstract: A method and a system for collecting, segregating, and transmitting data relating to the use of a value metering system are described. A system and a method for dynamically updating collection, segregation, and/or transmission rules are also described.

Abstract: In a postage payment system, a secure integrated circuit (IC) card is used to manage postage funds, and created encrypted postage indicia. Among other things, the system is capable of performing charge-back accounting of postage expenses and generating mail contents. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the postage indicia are applied onto selected locations of the mail contents while they are being generated. In the preferred embodiment, each mail content is placed in a window envelope such that the postage indicium on the mail content exposes through a window of the envelope to facilitate inspection of the indicium. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, by including transactional data in addition to the traditional postal data in a postage indicium, the indicium can be used to pay bills, purchase products and services, including any courier service different than the postal service.

Abstract: A system and method for the control and distribution of expiring free postage in a PC postage system is disclosed. According to the invention, a predetermined portion of the expiring free postage is transferred to a postage meter and the remainder of the expiring free postage is stored in a free postage account that may be reset upon expiration of the free postage.

Abstract: A mail piece verification system for processing a mail piece having associated therewith mail piece data includes an incoming mail processing center, an outgoing mail processing center located downstream from the incoming mail processing center and a data center in operative communication with the incoming mail processing center and the outgoing mail processing center. The incoming mail processing center receives the mail piece, obtains the mail piece and uploads the mail piece data to the data center. The data center performs a verification check on the mail piece data and downloads instructions based upon the verification check to the outgoing mail processing center. The outgoing mail processing center uses the instructions to process the mail piece.

Abstract: Creating a customized item cover comprises receiving customization data and creating at least one customization segment using the customization data. In addition, creating a customized item cover includes producing the customized item cover including the at least one customization segment. Producing the customized item cover may comprise printing the at least one customization segment on the customized item cover or embossing the at least one customization segment on the customized item cover.

Abstract: A cooperative system and an associated method are provided for resolving a distressed shipment during transport by a carrier, where the distressed shipment includes one or more parcels rendered temporarily undeliverable by an exception event while in transit from a shipper to a consignee. The inventive method involves the shipper in the task of contacting the consignee for the additional information necessary to resolve the shipment. The system creates a cooperative of participating shippers and carriers, working together to complete a shipment and thereby avoid the delay and expense associated with a premature or unnecessary return.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for interactive mail management of physical mail. Physical mail is received in a mailbox. An identifier is read in response to receiving the physical mail in the mailbox. The physical mail contains the identifier. Information contained in the identifier is sent to the mail recipient. The mail recipient is able to identify instructions for communicating with a sender associated with the physical mail based on the information from the identifier.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided for enabling the selection of a shipping option responsive to an environmental preference. A user indicates a shipping criteria preference including an environmental impact weighting. A cost value of each of a plurality of shipping options is determined including an environmental impact cost. A shipping options is selected and implemented for a shipping of an item as a function of the indicated environmental impact weighting. Each of the plurality of shipping option cost values may be dynamically recalculated and the status of at least one of the shipping options updated, the updating determining a change in value a shipping option cost value, an implemented selected shipping option changed to another of the plurality of shipping options as a function of the status updating.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing postage or other authorization information electronically by using a secure processor containing an amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail or other item are shown. The generated postage as applied to an item is preferably scanned and decoded toward the goal of validation of the pre-paid rights or obligation to pay to send the article of mail. A plurality of criteria and checks may be used to accomplish validation. For example, the fact that the indicia can be decoded gives a basic comfort level of validation and a check against a central user database for validation criteria provides for validation according to embodiments.

Abstract: In a method for compensation of the first postage value of an unusable printed franking imprint billed in a billing module of a franking arrangement, the occurrence of the unusable franking imprint is detected as a first error event, error information associated with the error event is stored, and information derived from the error information is transmitted to a reimbursement entity for initiation of the reimbursement of the postage value. The error amount information associated with the error event is increased by the postage value and the error amount information is transmitted to the reimbursement entity for initiation of the reimbursement of the postage value.

Abstract: A method and system of providing postage wherein delivery fee discounts are provided based on one or more sorting levels in which mail pieces are run through the system twice. In the first run, postal codes are obtained from the mail pieces, a running tally for each participating sorting level code in each sorting level is kept, and for each code in the highest sorting level that has a tally that reaches a predetermined minimum, an indicium reflecting the highest discount is printed on: (i) the mail piece whose postal code caused the tally to reach the minimum, and (ii) any mail pieces to that postal code that are processed thereafter. In the second run, for each mail piece not having a printed indicium, an indicium is printed which reflects a proper sorting level discount, if any, based on the postal code obtained therefrom and one or more of the tallies.

Abstract: A mailing machine is provided that determines if entry into a disabled state is coupled with the need for auxiliary information to be entered by the user. If auxiliary information is required to be entered by the user, the print head will not move to the capped position but instead remains in the printing position, and a timer is activated to provide the user with time to enter the information. If the user enters the required information before a predetermined amount of time has expired, the mail piece will be processed without any delay required for the print head to move from the capped position to the printing position. Only if the user has not entered the required information within the predetermined amount of time will the print head move to the capped position.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for exchanging data between a first processing unit, containing first status information about the first data processing unit, and a second data processing unit, containing second status information about the first data processing unit, data are exchanged between the first and second units during transactions that include a status-changing transaction, which can be of two different types. Upon a successful completion of the status-changing transaction, the first and second status information are revised so that they match. Upon an unsuccessful completion of the status-changing transaction, at least one of the first and second status information is set dependent on the type of the status-changing transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for instantly printing PC postage before establishing a postage meter account. 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: Method of delivering a franking service including the following operations: connection via a communications network of a user's communications device (10, 12) with a server system (18) operated by a franking services provider, entry via the communications device of a unique identification number carried by a mail item (14) to be sent, selection by the user of a franking service from the various franking services offered by the server system and entry of postal information in relation to the selected service, determination by the server system on the basis of this information of the cost of the selected franking service and communication of this cost to the user, payment by the user for the selected franking service, and depositing of the mail item in a post box (16).

Abstract: In a postage meter including a print module for printing on mail items, a feed tray for feeding in mail items to said print module, and a collection tray for receiving the mail items once they have been franked by the print module, said feed tray is inclined in two directions so that the mail items disposed on said tray are brought by gravity against a retractable jogging flap into the same determined position at which said print module affixes a postal imprint.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detection of an imprint of a postal indicium at a location on a mail piece. The method involves utilizing a sensor to scan along a band on the mail piece to detect a sequence of transitions between light and dark reflectance areas within a band extending across the said location. AN indication of the presence of the imprint of the postal indication is generated in response to detection of a transition succeeding a predetermined number of initial transitions at a start of the sequence of transitions. The invention also provides apparatus for imprinting postal indicia on mail pieces. The apparatus comprises a printer operable to print a postal indicium in a required location on the mail piece. A first sensor is provided that is responsive to reflectance transitions between light and dark along a band of the mail piece extending across the said location.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a single system available over a global communications network for shipping management for each parcel from a plurality of parcels that each Shipper of a plurality of Shippers ships using any one of a plurality of services offered by any one of a plurality of carriers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting addresses to contain a code representing a delivery segment (ZIP+4™ code) within a defined geographic location (ZIP Code™) include determining whether the address is already matched with a ZIP+4™ code and contains a valid delivery point. Further, if a match the address cannot be made, the systems and method may correct or adjust the address and check if a match can be made after correcting and/or adjusting the address. If no match can be made after correcting and/or adjusting, the systems and methods may send the address to a district office and/or delivery unit to determine the ZIP+4™ code and the delivery point.

Abstract: This application discloses a method and system for facilitating the delivery of a mail piece bearing a post office box identifier to a United States Postal Service Branch, for final delivery to a post office box. The system facilitates the delivery by scanning the mail piece and obtaining the mail piece's destination information. If the destination information includes a post office box identifier, e.g., P.O. Box #1234, the system determines a street address of the post office location containing P.O. Box #1234. The street address is determined using the zip code contained within the destination information. Once the street address is determined, a new label, bearing the street address of the USPS branch location is affixed to the mail piece so that the mail piece can be delivered to the consignee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 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: Exemplary embodiments provide a technique for determining life cycle cost of a tire that includes combining initial purchase information and an assessment of operating costs for a customer. Determination of operating costs includes correlating roll resistance with respect to inflation pressure and vehicle imposed load of the tire, as well as usage of the tire. The inflation pressure and vehicle imposed load are acquired for a configuration of the vehicle. The roll resistance can be determined for the pressure and load of the tire at a characteristic tread depth. The fuel consumption required for overcoming the roll resistance by the vehicle can be determined from the roll resistance and a unit cost of the fuel consumption. The operating cost can be determined from the fuel consumption multiplied by the unit cost. The life cycle cost can be determined by combining the purchase cost and the operating cost of the tire.

Abstract: A postage funds credit system in which the customer pays for postage funds after they are used in franking mailpieces. A postal device is initialized with postage funds advanced to the customer by a third party. The value of a descending register of the postal device is read a first time and a second subsequent time. The later value is subtracted from the earlier value to obtain an amount of postage funds used by the customer between the two readings. The customer is billed for the amount of postage used after such use. The postal device can be replenished with additional postage funds advanced by the third party.

Abstract: A system for dispensing funds. The system includes a non-dedicated printer adapted to print indicia of a monetary value, and a postal security device coupled to the franking machine. The postal security device includes an accounting register indicative of a value of monetary funds stored in the postal security device. The system also includes a money transfer system coupled to the franking machine and adapted to allow a user to transfer funds from the postal security device to the money transfer system and vice versa.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for variable generation of cryptographic securities of communications in a host device, for cryptographic security of a communication for a first purpose a first signature is used and for cryptographic security of a communication for a second purpose a second signature is used, the signatures being differentiated from each other by the type of their generation. A cryptologic module has a number of logic circuits and a changeover switch and is arranged externally of the postal security device and is connected at its output with an information input of the postal security device that has a logic circuit that applies a digital signal algorithm to the output signal supplied by the output in order to generate a signature.

Abstract: A method for producing and weighing a mailing unit that is formed from a plurality of components including inserts and envelopes comprises the steps of determining a weight for each of the components and electronically storing a record of the weights. The inserts are placed into the envelope to form the mailing unit, and the weight of the mailing unit is determined based on the weights of the components utilized to form the mailing unit that are stored in the weight record.

Abstract: An inserter device including a plurality of modules for accumulating and assembling sheets into mail pieces. A controller computer is coupled to the plurality of modules and controls assembly of mail pieces in accordance with predetermined instructions. The controller computer receives the status data from the plurality of modules. Software based data processing objects process the inserter status data. The data processing objects pass processed status data directly to a network protocol object. Thereby status data is available for transmittal immediately, and there is no need for storage or a repository for periodic uploading. The inserter controller computer further includes a network port for directly transmitting the status data processed by the network protocol object to an external network, such as the Internet. The network port and the network protocol object accept incoming requests from the external network and immediately provide the requested information.

Abstract: A method of producing a barcode includes collecting a set of information for producing the bar code, using an indicator to designate the set of information, encoding the indicator in the barcode, expanding the barcode to a particular size, and printing the bar code.

Abstract: A method for the Postal Service to provide updated address information to its customers such as mass mailers. The method includes comparing information on old delivery point files with information on current delivery point files. The delivery point files include unique identifiers that are keyed to each delivery point. Thus a comparison of older and newer files identifies delivery points that have been changed by, for example, changes in street name or renumbering of address numbers. The comparison of files generates a file with updated delivery and address information. In modified format this updated address information can be made available to mass mailers so that mass mailers will have the most up-to-date address information for mailings.

Abstract: A system and method for processing mailpiece content material in a mailpiece inserter including a printer integrated with the mailpiece creation system. The integrated printer receives print stream data from a software application and prints the mailpiece content material based upon command signals from a system controller. The system further includes at least one device disposed downstream of the printer for issuing a signal indicative of the rate that content material is processed by the inserter. The system controller monitors the throughput rate of the at least one downstream device and issues a command signal indicative thereof. The system and method of the present invention employs a page-based language monitor to throttle the print stream data received by the printer to vary the printing rate of mailpiece content material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product protection system whereby a product piece is provided with a product-specific identification sequence (K) which is converted into a coded check sequence (C), by means of an encoding method (F1) using a secret encoding sequence (B). A product control sequence is applied to or on the product piece which comprises the coded check sequence (C), or a sequence derived therefrom. In order to check the authenticity of the product piece, the product control sequence is recorded by a control requester and transmitted by internet to a product protection server structure. A decoded check sequence is derived therein from the product control sequence by means of a decoding method using a decoding sequence. The authenticity of the decoded check sequence, or a sequence derived therefrom is checked and the result of the authenticity check transmitted by internet to the control requester.

Abstract: A printing method for printing a mail item in a franking machine, the mail item carrying postal-imprint data and other printed data, in which method, during the process of continuously printing on the mail item in the franking machine, the other printed data is printed first, before printing the postal imprint data.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for dependable transmission of data from a data center to terminal equipment, particularly transmission of fee schedule table data to a postage-calculating scale or postage meter machine, new postage fee schedule table data are offered at the data center for future postage calculation. In a first communication between the data center and the terminal equipment, a request for postage fee schedule table data is formed at the terminal equipment and is communicated to the data center, and the data center receives the request and transmits the requested new service data to the terminal equipment, and the terminal equipment receives and stores the new service data.

Abstract: Weight based upselling, including receiving a purchase request for an item from a customer; determining a weight of the item; identifying, in dependence upon the weight of the item, a shipping weight range and a shipping cost for the item, where the shipping weight range includes a maximum shipping weight; calculating a difference between the weight of the item and the maximum shipping weight in the shipping weight range; selecting an upsell item in dependence upon the difference between the weight of the item and the maximum shipping weight in the shipping weight range; and offering the upsell item to the customer, including offering to ship both the item and the upsell item for only the identified shipping cost.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of operating a postal indicia printing apparatus comprises storing, in the apparatus, a first indicia image format comprising a first dimension, storing, in the apparatus, a second indicia image format comprising a second dimension that differs from the first dimension, prompting a user of the apparatus to select one of the first and second indicia image formats, receiving a signal indicative of a selection of one of the first and second indicia image formats, and printing, on a mail piece, an indicia image in accordance with the selected indicia image format.