Abstract: A method and system for a virtual stamp dispensing metering system is provided wherein indicia of varying values are calculated at a data center and downloaded to a mailing machine on a periodic basis. The mailing machine securely stores the indicia and dispenses the indicia as needed. At the end of the period, any unused indicia are returned to the data center, the user's account is credited, and a new set of indicia are downloaded to the mailing machine. Accordingly, the processing requirements of the meter are reduced, as there is no longer any need to generate digital signatures, an attacker is prevented from generating indicia indefinitely if the security of the meter is compromised, as the cryptographic key is not resident at the meter, and tracking requirements of the meter are reduced, as the meter alone can not be used to generate postage funds.

Abstract: A postage system includes a data center, a population of postage metering systems and a control system that is in operative communication with the data center and the population of postage metering systems. The population of postage metering systems are located remote from the data center and are geographically distributed. The control system receives an incoming telephone call at one postage metering system of the population of postage metering system, stores a voice message associated with the telephone call and retrieves the voice message from another postage metering system of the population of postage metering systems.

Abstract: A method for enabling a mailer to infer the amount of business reply that he/she is going to receive on a given day and determine the amount of postage that is due. The foregoing is accomplished by placing a planet code that references the mailer's permit number on the business reply so that when a scanner at the USPS reads the planet code, the postage for the business reply will be calculated, and the mailer will be notified of the calculation so that the mailer may deposit sufficient funds in a deposit account to pay for the postage. The mailer may deposit funds in the account by issuing a check, having funds automatically transferred from some account, or automatically having a check issued so that someone may take the check to the USPS and receive the business reply. Thus, the mailer will be able to determine the amount of postage that is going to be charged to his/her account.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method of calculating sorting costs for incoming mail. The foregoing is accomplished by providing a method that can determine the number and types of mailpieces being sorted and associated that number with addressee information. The combination of the number and types of mailpieces being sorted for the addressees can then be used to calculate a charge back amount by using a predetermined cost per mailpiece.

Abstract: An electronic revenue stamp issuing apparatus and a method thereof and a recording medium stored a control program thereof, in which the amount of an electronic revenue stamp that became invalid can be used again as a possible amount to issue without any communication with a specified communication center, are provided.

Abstract: To decrease the number of arithmetical operations in a filtering process for decoding a digital signal and reduce a cost required for decoding. A filtering method for use in decoding a digital signal from a frequency domain to a time domain includes: a first step of multiplying an input data stream and a transformation matrix that is decomposed into a sparse matrix from an inverse MDCT transformation matrix for making the inverse MDCT transformation of the input data stream composed of a plurality of data blocks, and has a smaller size than the inverse MDCT transformation matrix, to acquire an output data stream composed of a plurality of data blocks; a second step of storing predetermined data contained in each data block of the output data stream; and a third step of generating the digital signal in the time domain on the basis of each data block acquired at the first step and the predetermined data stored at the second step in processing the former stage data block.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for authentication of mail pieces bearing bar-coded indicia. The system comprises first and second bar-code readers, the first and second bar-code readers differing in that the first bar-code reader has a lower rate of successful reading of bar-coded indicia than the second bar-code reader. The system collates a mail piece bearing an indicium in a second paper path in the event of a successful reading of the bar-coded indicium by said first bar-code reader, and collates mail pieces in a third paper path in the event of an unsuccessful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the first bar-code reader. The third paper path leads to the second bar-code reader, and the system collates mail pieces in a fourth paper path in the event of a successful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the second bar-code reader. The system collates mail pieces in a fifth paper path in the event of an unsuccessful reading of the bar-coded indicium by the second bar-code reader.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a personal item return service to an owner of a personal item that is subject to confiscation before the owner is admitted through a security checkpoint and into a secure area downstream of the security checkpoint. The security checkpoint can be located at a transportation center (airport, bus or train) or any entrance to a secure area at a building or sports arena. The owner can purchase from a vending machine or kiosk a container having sufficient pre-paid postage based on the size or weight of the item, and mail the item to a destination selected by the owner. The service is located adjacent to the security checkpoint so that the owner need not lose his/her place in the security line.

Abstract: A method to allow a mailer to receive postal discounts for mailing at an eligible postal facility a plurality of mail pieces to a plurality of mailing addresses. The method comprises the steps of creating an entry code lookup file containing a plurality of identification codes for each eligible postal facility according to the Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) rate or discounting and a drop ship file containing a plurality of local ZIP codes and carrier routes associated with each eligible postal facility. When a mailer enters the identification code for the eligible postal facility where the mailer drops the mail for mailing, the drop ship file is used to determine whether the mail piece is available for DDU discounts based on the local ZIP code and the carrier route.

Abstract: The system of this invention manages customer orders using vendor supplied software systems interfaced on a real-time basis to touch the data in each system on a real-time basis. In effect, there is horizontal communication between the various components of the system such as inventory, purchasing, order management and receipt, logistics and inventory to have continual data flow without using a vertical software interface. As a result, customer orders are received on a real-time basis using screens that are user friendly to promptly take orders, to verify customer data and to verify the ability to meet those orders. Transmission of documents within the system is minimized thereby making it more efficient, timely and cost efficient.

Abstract: A closed loop postage metering system includes networked meters that provide mailers and/or recipients the capability to request additional or modified services during processing of a mail piece by a carrier. The networked meter allows the Post to charge the mailer, or even the recipient for these services or to provide them with a refund or credit. The services can include changing the processing of the mail piece. Further, the closed loop postage metering system enables more precise methods of paying for services when multiple carriers handle a mail piece. A special case of such multiple carriers handling is the handling of international mail.

Abstract: System and method for providing confirmation relating to the distribution of a mailpiece within a mailing system includes a determination of postal data required for postage evidencing of a mailpiece originated by a mailer. The postal data is combined with other data related to value-added services desired for the mailpiece. The value-added services data includes addressing information for a return receipt to the mailer. A digital postmark which includes the postal data and the value-added services data is created. At delivery of the mailpiece, the digital postmark is read and the value-added services data is captured from the read digital postmark. A confirmation message is sent to the mailer and/or other interested third parties, in accordance with information contained in the value-added services data.

Abstract: A carrier management module in a carrier management system with a first application and a second application is configured to broker carrier rating requests from the second application to the first application through an event interface. The carrier, management module also loads carrier rate modules, programmed to rate items for carriers, so that both applications can call rating routines in the carrier rate modules to rate an item for the associated carrier. Specifically, the carrier management module accesses a system registry of supported carriers to determine whether to dispatch an event to the first application to rate an item for a carrier not supported by the carrier rate module.

Abstract: In a campaign, a customer's file is reviewed to determine the offer or solicitation to send to the customer and the time such will remain open, and an e-mail message is sent to the customer that contains the offer or solicitation in text, a packet, or a URL address for a protected personalized web page (501). The packet may be opened on-line or off-line allowing the customer to provide information or terms that are subsequently sent to (505) the originator. Alternatively, such information is obtained via the protected, personalized web page to which the customer is referred. If the customer provides acceptable information and terms (510, 515), the transaction is completed (520).

Abstract: A method and system for providing a delivery confirmation service to a mailer who uses a postage meter to pay the postage for mailing a mail piece. The mailer applies a shipping label containing an identification number on the mail piece to identify the mail piece and the mailer. The identification number is retrieved by the postage meter which sends the identification number to a data processing center or a meter refill data center for processing. Upon receiving the identification number, the data processing center sends a shipping file to the carrier. When the mail piece is delivered, a message regarding the delivery status of the mail piece is sent to the carrier by the mail deliverer. With the shipping file and the delivery status message, the carrier makes available the delivery status of the mail piece to the data processing center which stores the delivery status. Upon request, the data processing center communicates at least a portion of the delivery status to the mailer via a meter refill system.

Abstract: A transaction evidencing system includes a plurality of computer systems operatively configured to form a network with one of the computer systems functioning as a server and the remaining computer systems functioning as clients. Each of the computer systems includes a processor, memory and storage media. At least some of the storage means includes non-metering application programs that are selectively run on the client computer systems. An unsecured printer is operatively coupled to at least one of the computer systems for printing in accordance with the non-metering application programs. A portable vault card, which is removably coupled to the server computer system, includes digital token generation and transaction accounting processing. The client computer systems issue requests for digital tokens to the server computer system in response to requests for indicia from the non-metering application programs.

Abstract: System and method are provided for selecting and accounting for value-added services with a closed system metering device. A scanning device coupled to the closed system postage meter scans information, including recipient address, printed on a mailpiece. From the scanned information or manual selection, a selection of value-added services is made and the closed system metering device performs accounting related to the selected value-added services. The recipient address is combined with other information relating to postage payment for the mailpiece to obtain postal data relating to the mailpiece. The postal data is used to generate an indicium, which includes cryptographic evidencing of postage payment. A graphical representation of the selected value-added services is added to the generated indicium to generate a value-added indicium, which is then printed on the mailpiece.

Abstract: A mailing system providing enhanced security for mailings processed and accepted by the mailing system. The mailing system uses sensed biometric data from the customer and/or sensed mailing type data from a secured mailing for creation of a database correlating trackable mailings to biometric data of the customer posting the mailing, placing biometric data of the customer posting a mailing onto the mailing and/or identifying suspicious mailings deserving special attention during transportation and delivery.

Abstract: A system for correcting the rating and payment of mail pieces scanned and weighed by the post. The foregoing is accomplished by: uniquely identifying mail pieces during the metering process; maintaining a record of the postage that has been applied to the mail pieces and the characteristics of the mail pieces; scanning the mail pieces to determine if the correct postage has been paid; comparing the scanned and weighed mail pieces to the maintained record; and correcting any underpayments or overpayments.

Abstract: A method of providing a customer with postage stamps including images provided by the customer includes (a) receiving image data from a customer, (2) combining the image data with postal indicia to produce an electronic image of a postage stamp, (3) providing an image of a postage stamp including the image data received from the customer for customer review, (4) reviewing the image data for compliance with predetermined criteria, (5) printing the postage stamp, and (6) forwarding the printed stamps to the customer.

Abstract: Described is a system and method that satisfies offers from customers with quotes from suppliers in a way that increases the likelihood of achieving an acceptable match. The system of the present invention is configured to receive from a customer an offer for a product. The system queries in parallel multiple suppliers for rate quotes on the desired product. Each of the suppliers is ranked according to the lowest rate quoted by each supplier. The supplier quoting the lowest rate is selected as the winner of the offer. The system may then evaluate any other rate quotes provided by the winning provider. The system may satisfy the customer's offer with the winning provider at a higher rate (if one was provided) than the winning rate quoted, up to the customer's offer (perhaps adjusted for a reasonable profit).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing articles including collecting article information from a plurality of articles at associated locations of the articles. At the associated location, a class of service and a carrier is selected for the article. An article profile is generated as a function of the selected class of service and selected carrier. A label including the article profile information is then printed at the associated location. Information about one or more articles can be transmitted to a local storage location, or to a carrier location. The information collected from the plurality of articles will enable carriers in providing suitable equipment or personnel for the shipment of the articles.

Abstract: A method for communicating a re-keying message from a postage meter to a registration authority includes the steps of determining at the postage meter that a current key needs to be replaced with a new key; generating in the postage meter the new key; creating in the postage meter the re-keying message, the re-keying message including at least a device identifier and the new key; using the postage meter for printing the re-keying message in a machine-readable form on a recording medium; and mailing the recording medium to the registration authority.

Abstract: Systems and methods of insuring payment of a proper amount of postage, comprise receiving payment for an amount of postage, affixing a postage indicia to a piece of mail, wherein the postage indicia includes the postage amount in a format readable only by machine, and adjusting the postage amount at a time subsequent to receipt of payment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved computer-implemented system for processing mail packages to be returned to a particular merchandise vendor. This system includes an image scanning device that scans one or more images of each package into a database. Once the images are stored in the database, an operator can perform information processing, such as “postage due” calculations, independent of the manual sorting of the packages themselves. This system also employs a processing workstation that allows an operator to process the electronic video of each package at a convenient time and place and at a remote location. This invention further allows for reports to be sent to the merchandise vendor at a convenient time and in an expedient manner. For example, reports can be sent via E-mail either before or after the packages themselves are actually delivered to the vendor.

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 receiving payment for postage by a delivery system operator from a customer is provided. The method includes receiving payment from the customer for a first postage value; receiving the parcel for delivery, the parcel including a machine-readable postage indicia indicating the amount of the received payment; determining parcel attributes; calculating a determined postage value for the parcel based on the determined parcel attributes; determining the first postage value from the indicia; and transmitting a postage payment adjustment amount based on a comparison between the first postage value and the determined postage value.

Abstract: A weight estimating system for estimating the weight of a mailpiece and a postage metering system including such a weight estimating system. The weight estimating system includes a measuring system, a diverter mechanism and a microprocessor system. The measuring system includes a transport, a first plurality of detectors for measuring the dimensions of the mailpiece and a second plurality of detectors for measuring values of other characteristics of the mailpiece which are indicative of the presence of non-paper materials in the mailpiece as the mailpiece is transported. The microprocessor is responsive to the second detectors to determine if non-paper materials are included in the mailpiece and, if not, determines the volume from the dimensional measurements and estimates the weight as the product of the volume and a density for paper output an appropriate postage amount to the meter and the mailpiece to the printer.

Abstract: A method to create secure postal indicia that is fixed in two or more different mediums, i.e., printed on a mail piece with normal ink and/or invisible ink and recorded in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that allows the operator of a dual meter to obtain a postage refund without physically going to a Postal Service office. The foregoing is accomplished by placing a postal value and information in a dual meter archival memory, writing the postal value and information in a postal indicia and recording at the same time the postal value and information in a memory of a RFID tag. The foregoing postal value and information is uploaded to a data center.

Abstract: A method to create secure postal indicia that is fixed in two or more different mediums, i.e., printed on a mail piece with normal ink and/or invisible ink and recorded in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The security feature is enhanced by recording a number in a memory of a radio frequency identification tag that is linked to a dual meter user before the tag is delivered to the user of the dual meter; processing by the dual meter the number recorded in the radio frequency identification tag memory when the dual postal indicia is being composed; storing the processed number in the radio frequency tag memory; affixing a postal indicia portion of a dual postal indicia and a radio frequency identification tag portion of a dual postal indicia to a mail piece; and uploading the number recoded in the radio frequency identification tag memory and the processed number stored in the radio frequency tag memory to a data center.

Abstract: A method that enables the carrier of letters, flats and/or packages (mail) that are addressed to a recipient to determine if the mail contains life harming materials, before the mail is delivered to the recipient. The invention accomplishes the foregoing by receiving mail that is addressed to a recipient which contains material that may or may not be life harming; capturing an image of the face of the mail, which includes the name and physical address of the recipient; processing the image on the face of the mail to determine if characteristics of the image match characteristics of known mail that may contain life harming materials; testing the mail if the image contains characteristics of life harming material; and delivering the mail to the recipient if the image does not contain life harming characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system for using a postal meter to pay for services other than postage. This can include funding the postal meter from a postal data center, establishing a communication channel between the postal meter and a host server, accessing a services/products purchase menu through the host server, selecting one or more services/products for purchase, debiting funds from the postal meter for the services/product purchased, adjusting a postal account associated with the postal meter with the funds debited from the postal meter for the services/product purchase, and reallocating the recredited funds to an account associated with the services/products purchased.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing an information form such as a postal change of address form. Such a form includes various data elements, such as a name of a person submitting the form and the information on which action is to be taken. In the case of mail forwarding, these data elements would include, for example, the name of the person that wishes mail to be redirected, an old address to which mail for that person was previously sent, and a new address to which mail for that person should be sent.

Abstract: A closed loop postage metering system includes networked meters that provide mailers and/or recipients the capability to request additional or modified services during processing of a mail piece by a carrier. The networked meter allows the Post to charge the mailer, or even the recipient for these services or to provide them with a refund or credit. The services can include changing the processing of the mail piece. Further, the closed loop postage metering system enables more precise methods of paying for services when multiple carriers handle a mail piece. A special case of such multiple carriers handling is the handling of international mail.

Abstract: A method for receiving articles in which a deposited article is maintained in a quarantine holding area and an element of identity indicia is received from an individual depositing the article. A tracking number is associated with the deposited article and the received identity indicia. A record of the tracking number and the associated identity indicia are maintained for a suitable archival interval. The method may be accomplished at a suitably configured device.

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 analysing 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 method participated in by a mailer, a recipient, a postage vendor (PV), and a postal service. The mailer sends an outgoing mailpiece to the recipient, who in turn assembles and mails a reply mailpiece (possibly, but not necessarily to the mailer). The reply mailpiece includes one or more components (reply component(s)) from the outgoing mailpiece, and may further include components provided by the recipient, for example a check. The outgoing mailpiece may include an outgoing envelope, in which are located a reply envelope and other inserted materials. The reply components thus include the reply envelope, and typically at least a portion of the inserted materials. The reply mailpiece bears visible indications of a reply address, a reply destination code signifying at least part of the reply address, and a mailpiece identification (MI) code uniquely identifying the reply mailpiece.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for franking and processing deliveries, including the following steps: the dispatch client transmits information concerning designated deliveries including details of the recipient to the dispatch service and triggers a process for the payment of the charges; after acceptance of the charge payment process, the dispatch service generates a franking number for each delivery that has been declared, the franking number only being valid for an agreed period of time and thus requiring only a limited number of digits; the franking number is saved together with the recipient details to a searchable franking database; the franking numbers are transmitted to the dispatch client; the latter applies these numbers to the respective deliveries; and the recipient details and the franking numbers of the submitted deliveries are read and searched for in the franking database, whereby once the corresponding entry has been found, the delivery is processed further and the entry is invalid

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing non-postal route mail records and delivering mail items to non-postal route locations. Mail records are presented for processing. Mailers then extract non-postal route records from the input mail records and address mail items using address information derived from the non-postal route records. Items destined for a particular non-postal route location are weighed and postage is paid for those items according to their weight. The items are then transported by carrier to the target non-postal route location.

Abstract: A method and system for transacting business over an electronic communication network. The method includes generating a request and a response for a business transaction over the communication network from a buyer computer and a seller computer, respectively. A third party computer receives the request and response and generates a separate transaction to obtain transportation, insurance and/or a warranty for goods associated with the request. The third party computer can select the transportation, insurance and/or warranty from a plurality of bids transmitted through the communication network. The third party can receive payment from the selected transportation, insurance and/or warranty entity. The system also maps data of a data file to user specified data fields generated at a graphical user interface (GUI). The specified fields are correlated with predefined fields of the data file. This allows the end user to customize their GUI. The system can also map data without dumping an entire data file.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a personalized delivery payment coding includes selecting from a set of designs for the delivery payment coding (410), calculating an appropriate fee (415), paying an appropriate fee (420), and printing a selected design on delivery payment coding product paper (425).

Abstract: In apparatus and method for delivering road map data, a plurality of road map data are stored in a road map data storage unit, one of the road map data which corresponds to the road map data requested to be delivered from the road map storage unit is retrieved and delivered in response to a request to deliver the road map data to a movable body issued from the same movable body, a delivery history of each road map data is stored, and a charging process for the delivery of the road map data is carried out in such a way as to refer to the delivery history of the road map data stored and to charge an amount of money discounted from a predetermined amount of money at a rate of discount varied in accordance with a degree of an overlap in a case where the road map data presently delivered to the road map data delivery requested movable body includes a portion on which the road map data delivered to the same movable body in the past is overlapped.

Abstract: A system and method for using an indicium in controlled acceptance of a mailing is disclosed. The mailing comprises one or more mailpieces and each mailpiece includes a substantially same indicium regardless of the franking value of the mailpiece. The indicium is obtained or otherwise purchased in advance of mailing and is restricted by time and location of use. The purchase may be made on-line or in person. In obtaining the indicium, the mailer provides the indicium provider with at least a number of mailpieces to be included in the mailing, type of mailpiece, type of service, and desired point of deposit. Once the mailer receives the indicium he/she prints or otherwise affixes the indicium onto the mailpiece. When the mailpiece is received at a point of deposit, the indicium is read and compared to a previously stored indicium. Where a match is found, a running total of matches and respective franking value is maintained. The franking value is determined by reading the address on the mailpiece.

Abstract: A method and computer architecture monitoring resource usage via a global computer network. The computer architecture may include a resource-metering data recorder/translator unit having a global computer network node and, in operation, recording resource usage measured by and associated resource meter. The computer architecture further includes a database and at least one global computer network server, in operation, storing resource usage data recorded by the data recorder/translator unit in the database, receiving a resource usage data query from a user, calling the database for resource usage data relevant to the user, and presenting resource management information based on the relevant resource usage data via a global computer network site to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a three party mailing service. The process may enable a first party, such as an advertiser, to create a mailpiece, such as a postcard, marked with a unique code (step 106). The mailpiece may be provided to a second party, such as a household (208), who can send the mailpiece without adding any postage to the mailpiece. The mailpiece may then be delivered to a third party (step 121), and the first party may be billed for the postage due for delivery of the mailpiece from the second party to the third party (216).

Abstract: The invention relates to a franking machine, comprising a print head of an ink-jet printing mechanism for printing flat postal items such as letters or postcards, which can be introduced into said mechanism or which pass through the same. Said franking machine consists of a guiding part which is located around the print head and projects in relation to the nozzle opening plane of said print head, and with which a conveying device is associated, said conveying device transporting the postal items between itself and conveying rollers lying opposite and rotating about axes that are located crosswise to the conveying direction. Said conveying device has two drive-connected driving rollers which together with the guiding part, form a path of travel. The driving rollers are located in front of and behind the print head in relation to the conveying direction.

Abstract: This invention provides for a web based service that allows shipping service users to track the status of delivery of their shipments with multiple carriers and determine shipments that are delivered late relative to the service levels committed by the carriers based on user supplied information. Further, the shipped-shipment monitoring system enables identification of the late shipments and the ones eligible for refunds and allows for refund claims to be processed with the respective carriers. The system further enables tracking of the refunds to ensure proper credits are passed on by the carriers to the users of the system. The portal based web service allows the users to access reports on various events relating to their shipping services in order to manage pricing, revenue-sharing and costing of such services. The methodology and system allows for communication between the users, carriers and authorized third parties and/or administrators who are connected to the system.

Abstract: System and method for providing confirmation relating to the distribution of a mailpiece within a mailing system includes a determination of postal data required for postage evidencing of a mailpiece originated by a mailer. The postal data is combined with other data related to value-added services desired for the mailpiece. The value-added services data includes addressing information for a return receipt to the mailer. A digital postmark which includes the postal data and the value-added services data is created. At delivery of the mailpiece, the digital postmark is read and the value-added services data is captured from the read digital postmark. A confirmation message is sent to the mailer and/or other interested third parties, in accordance with information contained in the value-added services data.

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 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.

Abstract: A postage metering device that includes a processor coupled to a memory and a receiver. The memory holds data indicative of a designated geographic area. The receiver receives and processes signals from a number of transmitting sources to provide an estimate of a position of the metering device. The processor receives data from the memory and the estimated position from the receiver and determines whether the metering device is located within the designated geographic area. The processor can initiate a responsive action based on the estimated position of the metering device. The responsive action can include disabling the entire metering device, disabling a set of operations of the metering device, making a call to the service center, and other actions. The positional estimation can be initiated by the metering device, the service center, or other entities. The transmitting sources can be Global Position System (GPS) satellites, cellular base stations, or other systems.