Abstract: A mailing machine is provided with a removable control panel device that is repositionable thereby enabling the operator to position the control panel device to face in different directions with respect to the mailing machine. The repositioning of the control panel device allows an operator to clearly view a display on the device from any work area of the mailing machine. For example, if an operator is standing near an input end of the mailing machine, the control panel device can be rotated such that it can be viewed by the operator while standing near the input end of the mailing machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing mail pieces to automatically associate a manually entered postage to a class of service and to a system which implements the method. The method includes receiving a postage amount that is to be applied to the mail pieces and searching stored rate tables for one or more classes of service having a postage rate that matches the entered postage amount. The matching classes of service are displayed and the user selects one of the classes of service. The entered postage amount is applied to the mail pieces and transaction information for each is stored. A corresponding weight for each of the matching classes of service may also be displayed to the user. Mail pieces may be processed individually or in a batch using the discussed method and system.

Abstract: The present application describes systems and methods for reliable transfer of information of value such as virtual postage stamps between a remote data center and a local device. An identifier that is unique over at least some time duration is assigned to each virtual postage stamp such that the identifier is associated with a specific index memory location or record storage location in the local virtual stamp-printing device. The local printing device permits only a single use of a virtual stamp using a secure state flag. The transfer protocol provides reliable transfer of virtual stamps between the remote data center and the local printing device that accommodates resend requests, that is not limited to serial transfer and that does not require end-to-end acknowledgements.

Abstract: A mail production system is described, the system comprising a mail finishing system for converting documents into finished items of mail ready for hand-over to a postal service, and a secure accounting system for generating accounting data relating to the items of mail produced by the mail finishing system, wherein the secure accounting system is able to generate signals to control operation of the mail finishing system. Specifically the secure accounting system is able to delay or stop operation of the mail finishing system. A corresponding method of producing mail is also described.

Abstract: A system and method include means for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. A register means is provided and means for adjusting the register means to account for services when the cryptographic certificate is processed. In accordance with another aspect, a system and method include a register means for storing funds. Means are provided for processing a digital token providing proof of postage payment and means are also provided for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. Means debit funds stored in the register means when the digital token is processed and when the cryptographic certificate is processed. Processing the cryptographic certificate may involve many functions such as providing security services and/or certificate management functions (including generating and verifying cryptographic certificates) and/or key management functions and/or access to any needed private keys to perform security services.

Abstract: The user can attach a stamp without a predetermined postage to an article to be mailed. The stamp has a top layer having a visual display, middle layer having an electronics layer, and a bottom layer having an adhesive layer. The stamp is encoded such that the visual display of the stamp is altered to indicate a state of the stamp. Postage of the article is determined by a postal authority worker and payment is authorized using the unique identifier. This eliminates the need for the sender to have any personal interaction with a postal worker to ship an article and eliminating the need for the sender to estimate postal cost prior to the article being received at the postal office. Altering the adhesive layer provides safe removal of the affixed stamp which can then be reused.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium including instructions for evaluating and promoting a direct mail marketing campaign includes receiving the cost associated with the campaign and financial information for the campaign. The return on investment is calculated for the direct mail marketing campaign based on the cost and financial information. The return on investment is utilized to evaluate and promote the campaign.

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

Abstract: A universal cost minimizing mail arbitrator (UCMA) selects an optimum zip code result from a plurality of zip code results received from a plurality of mail processing directory match modules (DMM). The UCMA primarily has a cost tuner and an arbitration controller. The cost tuner receives truthed input for truthed mail, and user-defined cost profile parameters. The cost tuner determines an average weighted cost (AWC) for each DMM based upon the truthed input, to form a cost profile. The AWC is sorted in the cost profile based upon the Level of Sort (LOS) for the zip code result. The cost tuner gathers the cost profiles for each DMM together to form a cost profile array for all the DMMs. The arbitration controller receives the zip code results from the DMMs for each LOS code, and determines the lowest cost zip code result from amongst the various LOS codes based upon the AWC in the cost profile array. The arbitration controller selects the optimum zip code result based upon the lowest cost zip code result.

Abstract: In a postage meter capable of making a request to refill automatically when postage funds drop below a threshold value, date-based rules are used to disable the refilling request if the request is made before an idle period. In order to avoid having unused funds sit unused during the idle period, thereby losing the time-value of money, refilling request can be made after the end of the idle period instead. The date-based rules can be set by a scheduler implemented in the postage meter. Alternatively, the scheduler is implemented in a funds manager device that oversees the refilling in a group of postage meters in a large mail production facility. Furthermore, the scheduler takes into consideration funds that can be shared by two or more postage meters in the same facility.

Abstract: An intelligent label for dynamically displaying an information bearing indicium. The label includes a microprocessor coupled to communications circuitry, a display and a storage device. The storage device stores instructions that are executed by the microprocessor to receive through the communications circuitry a request for location information, to send through the communications circuitry location information in response to the request, to receive information based upon a computed postage amount, and to show on the label display an information bearing indicium based upon the computed postage amount.

Abstract: A method and system that increases the throughput of a mailing machine by continuously computing indicia prior to and during mail processing is provided. The indicia generation process is divided into two distinct parts, cryptographic calculation and funds committal/printing. Indicium data are continuously computed, asynchronously with the printing of the indicia, and stored in a buffer until needed. This enables several indicium data to be computed and stored prior to processing of a mail piece by the mailing machine. Prior to printing an indicium on a mail piece, the funds for the indicium are accounted for by updating the registers of the mailing machine. Since a number of indicium data may be pre-computed prior to the start of processing the mail through the mailing machine, the throughput of the mailing machine can be increased.

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: Postage values are determined for a plurality of documents stored in a document file. Value-bearing indicia are generated based upon the determined values. The indicia are stored separately from the documents. The documents and the indicia are printed on the same mailpiece.

Abstract: In a method and system and franking apparatus for franking postal matter and for inspection of the franking, postage fees are stored and debited in electronic form, and a fee stamp and a machine-readable date stamp containing encrypted data are applied to the postal matter. In order to satisfy high security demands to be met at a low cost, and to allow realization on a standard computer with a printer without additional hardware, an individual date stamp, distinguishable from the date stamps generated for other pieces of mail is generated for each piece of mail and is applied to the piece of mail. An inspection for multiple employment of postage fees and/or date stamps ensues on the basis of the date stamp. This inspection includes comparing a date stamp to be inspected to previously used date stamps stored in a data bank. Defrauders thus can be identified who, without paying, attempt to generate frankings or to multiply employ frankings, for example by copying.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for franking mail items, comprising means for printing postal indicia on a mail item, means for detecting the position of this mail item along a path of travel of this item and control means linked to said detection means and to said printing means for proceeding with printing postal indicia on said mail item at a predetermined place, and means for acquisition and processing of an image of such printed postal indicia so as to determine the conformity thereof with respect to at least one predetermined reference image. These image acquisition and processing means comprise in particular means for determining a lack of registration of said printed postal indicia.

Abstract: A method of collecting a payment from a postage meter customer having a past due account including receiving a service request from the postage meter, requesting that the customer provide credit card information through the postage meter for purposes of charging the payment, and performing the service if the customer provides the credit card information, and denying the service if the customer does not provide the credit card information. Also, a method of updating payment method information for a customer including receiving a request from the postage meter for a postage refill to be charged to default credit card, attempting to charge payment for the refill to default credit card and determined that the charge has been rejected, receiving new credit card information from the postage meter and thereafter providing the postage refill and storing the new credit card information for use in the future trasactions.

Abstract: A method of using digital electronic paper in the form of a reusable stamp. The user can attach a stamp without a predetermined postage to an article to be mailed. The stamp has a top layer having a visual display, middle layer having an electronics layer, and a bottom layer having an adhesive layer. The stamp is encoded such that the visual display of the stamp is altered to indicate a state of the stamp. Postage of the article is determined by a postal authority worker and payment is authorized using the unique identifier. This eliminates the need for the sender to have any personal interaction with a postal worker to ship an article and eliminating the need for the sender to estimate postal cost prior to the article being received at the postal office. Altering the adhesive layer provides safe removal of the affixed stamp which can then be reused.

Abstract: System and method for creating response pieces. The response piece system authenticates a user, generates a standardized address based on address code information received from the user, and generates a response piece mailpiece based on the standardized address and the information received from the user. In additional embodiments, including an embodiment for prepaid response pieces, the response piece system generates a response piece permit based on permit information received from the user, generates a unique address code based on address code information received from the user, received payment of an identified fee, and generates the response piece mailpiece based on the permit and the unique address code.

Abstract: Provided is a method of reducing postal revenue losses associated with the processing and delivery of international mail pieces. Algorithmically-resolved image data associated with a mail piece is compared to international-mail-services postage data and a determination is rendered, based on the comparison, as to whether any postage indicated as paid is sufficient to further process the mail piece in accordance with the level of delivery service requested. In various aspects, an attempt to algorithmically ascertain the identity of the sender is undertaken for purposes of automated charge assessment relative to a mail piece for which it is determined that insufficient postage has been tendered. In accordance with alternative aspects, if the sender identity cannot be ascertained, the mail piece is variously (i) rejected for manual handling or (ii) routed for automated sortation and delivery in accordance with a “downgraded” delivery service level for which the amount paid is adequate.

Abstract: A mail processing system that includes dimensional rating capability that provides true length support for carrier rates to prevent improper classification of mail pieces. The mail processing system determines a first dimension, parallel to the path of travel, and a second dimension, transverse to the path of travel, of a mail piece. The first dimension and second dimension are compared to each other to determine which is greater. The greater of the two dimensions is assigned to be the length of the mail piece, regardless of the orientation of the mail piece. The format of the mail piece is then determined based on a comparison of the assigned length and assigned width dimensions to maximum dimensions specified by a format table. Based on the determined format of the mail piece, a delivery fee is then calculated, and an indicium can be generated for the mail piece.

Abstract: A mail processor machine casing having an identity plate for identifying the machine, which identity plate is formed by a portion of said casing that is connected to the remainder of said casing by a peripheral zone of weakness that, on being broken, makes it possible to detach said identity plate. Preferably, said zone of weakness comprises a plurality of casing bridges that can be broken by hand.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a postage printing device that is to be registered by a registering entity having a public/private key pair. The manufacturing station has a manufacturing station public/private key pair. The method includes storing a root certificate comprising the registering entity public key signed by the registering entity private key in the postage printing device, generating a transport public/private key pair, and storing the transport private key in the postage printing device. The method also includes generating a transport certificate comprising the transport public key signed by the manufacturing station private key, and storing the transport certificate in the postage printing device, after which the postage printing device is set to a transport lock state so that it can be securely transported. Also, a method of registering a postage printing device manufactured in this manner prior to operation of the postage printing device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a postage metering system includes a mailer defining a first set of parameters for which the generation of postage evidence is authorized to be dispensed from the mailer's meter account. When a request for postage evidence is received, the request includes a second set of postage parameters. The requested postage evidence is generated only when each of the postage parameters in the second set matches one of the parameters in the first set. Alternatively, the first set of parameters defines parameters for which the generation of postage evidence is not authorized to be dispensed from the mailer's account, and the requested postage evidence will be generated only when none of the postage parameters in the second set matches one of the parameters in the first set.

Abstract: A postage printing system includes a transport device for feeding an envelope in a path of travel through the postage printing system, a printer for printing a postal indicia and an ad slogan on the envelope, and a control system in operative communication with the transport device and the printer. The control system obtains an indication from an operator of a selected print location for the ad slogan and determines if the postal indicia and the ad slogan may be printed in a single pass through the postage printing system.

Abstract: The invention makes it easier for the post office to calculate accurately terminal dues for business reply mail by providing information to the post regarding each piece of business reply mail that crosses an international border. The foregoing is accomplished by charging a sender's meter for business reply mail that is being deposited with a first carrier; transmitting the funds charged to the meter to a meter data center; transmitting from the meter data center to a first carrier meter payment center the funds attributable to the first and second carriers; and transmitting from the first meter payment data center to the second meter payment data center the funds attributable to the second carrier.

Abstract: A system for generating digital postage stamps wherein a PC requests digital postage stamps from a data center. The data center 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 software module on the PC verifies that the signature of the PC is identical to the PC signature that was stored in the software module when the software module was configured at the data center. If verified, the software module generates the digital postage stamp and then initiates printing on a printer coupled to the PC. The software module renders the data associated with the digital postage stamp being printed unusable for subsequent generations of digital postage stamps.

Abstract: A mail system is implemented with secure stamps that are coded to identify the person who purchases the stamps. The system also defines a relative security risk for any such person and handles mail submitted by that person according to the defined risk. This system facilitates the identification of possibly hazardous mail and the persons who send such mail through the system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a postage franking device includes: a scale; an envelope holder suspended from the scale; a printer supported by the holder, the printer movable across the print zone; and a controller electronically coupled to the scale and the printer, the controller configured to receive information from the scale, access postage, and direct the printer to print a desired postage in response to information received from the scale. In another embodiment, a postage franking method includes: purchasing postage; storing the postage; accessing the stored postage with a postage franking device having a scale and a printer; determining a required postage for the envelope based on the weight of the envelope; if the required postage is less than the stored postage, then printing the required postage on the suspended envelope; and deducting the required postage from the stored postage.

Abstract: A system for negotiating logistics and insurance transactions may include interfaces configured to connect logistics providers, insurance providers, and emarketplaces. An agent software module may be configured to search the Internet for pricing information that is used to maintain a current database of pricing and terms. The emarketplaces may be configured to allow purchasers to enter descriptions of items to be shipped and insured. The system may then search the current database to provide the purchaser with a quote for freight and insurance services in real time.

Abstract: A method for automatic balancing of mail processing accounts for an inserter system that can automatically account for discrepancies in large quantities of gathered postage data, as well as conserving computer processing work. Mail pieces are formed on an inserter machine including a postage meter. The inserter control system gathers postage setting information and register information from the postage meter while forming mail pieces and provides it to an operating management system. It is understood that the gathered register information is potentially incomplete, out of chronological order, or from multiple sources, thereby creating the need for automatic balancing. The method defines mail piece blocks based on gathered register information and postage setting information. The definition includes assigning individual mail pieces to mail piece blocks based on a comparison of the starting register information for the particular mail piece as a function of the ending register information of a prior mail piece.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the status of individual communications that are included in mail pieces created by a large scale document production and management processes. More than one communication may be included in a single mail piece to a given address. Accordingly, the present invention allows monitoring and tracking of individual communications where mail piece information alone may be insufficient. The production and management process may be comprised of a plurality of different stages including: utilizing a print stream to generate the documents, printing documents on a printer in accordance with the print stream, and forming completed mail pieces on an inserter from the printed documents in accordance with mail piece creation data files. A monitoring system receives information regarding the status of individual documents within these production and management process stages.

Abstract: A method and system for processing shipping labels having postage is described. In one configuration a hidden frame in a secure browser window is used to control printing of an actual shipping label while allowing unlimited sample printing of a sample shipping label having sample postage indicia.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for statistically following up postal products for electronic franking system, comprising a random access memory (RAM) used for recording communication statements, in which a saved part of this RAM contains a plurality of communication counters each associated with a determined postal product and corresponding to the total number of postal products considered as priority or secondary by the Postal Service.

Abstract: A system for preparing mail for submission to a postal service is described, the system comprising: a mail finishing system of the mailer for generating items of mail for inclusion in a submission of mail by the mailer to the postal service; an announcement system of the mailer for analyzing the items of mail generated by the mail finishing system and generating an electronic statement based on the composition and value of the items of mail in the submission and transmitting the electronic statement to the postal service via an electronic link therewith; and a secure accounting system of the mailer connected to the mail finishing system and to the announcement system for generating accounting data relating to the items of mail in the submission. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic link between the announcement system of the mailer and the postal service may be established via the internet. A corresponding method of exchanging information between a mailer and a postal service is also described.

Abstract: A system and method for printing multiple postage indicia, such as an outbound and/or an associated return postage meter stamp, including a desired postage amount, onto a document or label is described. A processor based system is programmed to interact with a customer to produce the desired postage indicia and to print multiple ones of the indicia substantially contemporaneously. The indicia may include information to allow their use at a later date and/or from a location other than where they are produced.

Abstract: A facility made up of a high-throughput envelope stuffer line for stuffing envelopes, at the end of which line an inkjet postage meter is disposed that is designed to co-operate with said high-throughput envelope stuffer line, the inkjet postage meter being provided with a visual signaling device comprising, fixed to a mast extending above the inkjet postage meter, signaling lights having at least three distinct colors, each color corresponding to a determined operating state through which the inkjet postage meter passes successively.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided in which remote installed devices may be assigned various call-in times to contact a host controller. The host may schedule remote devices sequentially across multiple modems. Additional modems may be added to the system as more bandwidth is desired or required. The system may include additional, unscheduled bandwidth to account for calls made by devices outside of the assigned call times.

Abstract: A method of accounting for postage charges in respect of batches of mail items is disclosed. The method includes storing an accumulated aggregate value of postage dispensed in applying postage charges to mail items and storing an accumulated pending value of postage dispensed in applying postage charges to mail items of a batch of mail items which has not been completed. In response to completion of the batch of mail items, the accumulated pending value is decremented by a value of postage relating to the completed batch of mail items.

Abstract: A postage verification apparatus includes a reading device for reading a luminescent signature of a postage stamp to detect a value of the postage stamp. The apparatus also includes a weighing device for weighing a mailpiece to which the postage stamp is affixed. Further, the apparatus includes a processing device which is responsive to the reading device and the weighing device. The processing device is for determining whether a required amount of postage has been affixed to the mailpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for enabling the high speed processing of physical mail articles to convert the same into electronic documents that may be electronically distributed to the original intended recipient without requiring the recipient to come into contact with the original, physical mail article.

Abstract: A method of detecting possible duplicate printing of postal indicia including receiving image data for printing a current postal indicium, determining a number of pixels that will be printed in a defined zone of the current postal indicium, obtaining stored pixel count data that includes one or more stored pixel counts that each represents a number of pixels that were printed in the defined zone of a previously printed postal indicium, determining whether the number of pixels equals any one of the stored pixel counts, initiating one or more fraud prevention actions if it is determined that the number of pixels equals any one of the stored pixel counts, and printing the current postal indicium if it is determined that the number of pixels does not equal any one of the stored pixel counts. Also, a mail processing system adapted to implement the method just described.

Abstract: A method and system for mail security and traceability is disclosed. Identification code producing equipment prints an encrypted code which identifies the source of the individual mail piece on each mail piece in a batch of mail. When the mailer submits the mailing to the Postal service, recording equipment captures and records the identity of the person submitting the mail. Verification equipment samples the batch of mail and reads the identification code on each mail piece in the sample. Paperwork submitted with the mailing also contains an encrypted code which is scanned and compared to the identification code on the mail pieces to verify the origin of the mailing. Any mail piece that does not have a mark or that has the wrong code is rejected.

Abstract: A method and system that protects against a replay attack in a closed system postage meter is provided. “Freshness” data is included along with each indicium message sent from the meter to the printer, thereby enabling the printer to detect “stale” indicium data, i.e., indicium data that was previously generated and is being replayed, and prohibit the printing of duplicate indicia. The freshness data includes a random nonce generated by the printer during initialization along with sequence data that the printer can verify against sequence data from the previous printed indicium. If in the current indicium message the nonce is different or the current sequence data is not greater than or equal to the sequence data from the previous printed indicium, indicating the current indicium data may have been previously generated and is a replay, the printer will not print the current indicium data.

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 computer implemented system and method for payment remittance receives a payor's payment information, processes this payment information, other than a received zip code, to identify an eleven digit zip code for a payee. The system and method then accesses a database of payee records to locate a payee record corresponding to the eleven digit zip code.

Abstract: A method to reduce and manage the risks and costs associated with mail piece account balancing failures in connection with automated high speed mail production equipment. A mail run is divided into defined subsets of sequentially numbered mail pieces. Disposition of mail pieces is accounted for during the automated mail production process. Gaps in the subsets are identified. The number of subsets with gaps is tracked during automated processing of mail pieces. If the number of defective subsets exceeds a predetermined quantity, then the mail production equipment is stopped. In a further preferred embodiment, operators are notified of the occurrence of gaps in real-time, as they are detected, so that corrective action may be taken.

Abstract: A postage metering system for applying indicia including postage value on mail items, the system including: a keyboard for inputting information; a printer for printing indicia; an accounting module for accounting for postage value applied to mail items; and a security module for requiring a user to input an operating code prior to further operation of the system, the security module being configured to compare the input operating code with at least one stored valid operating code, and, where the input operating code and any stored operating code do not match, one or both of log data relating to such use and report such use to a security center.

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 method for recovering postage for metered mail pieces that have not been posted, the method includes: placing information that uniquely identifies the mail piece in a postal indicia ; storing the information that uniquely identifies each metered mail piece at a remote site; requesting a refund for a mail piece that has not been posted; determining if the information in the postal indicia that appears on the face of the mail piece that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site; and refunding the postage if the information in the postal indicia that uniquely identifies the mail piece is the same as the information that uniquely identifies the mail piece that is stored in the remote site.