Abstract: A shipping transaction system comprises a plurality of ordering stations, each ordering station having a user interface with a display device and at least one input device. The system further comprises a data processing system in communication with the display device and the at least one input device. The data processing system is adapted for selective connection to a first network, for displaying information using the graphical display device, for receiving information from the input device, and for selective communication with at least one shipper ordering and tracking system via the first network. A first portion of the data processing system is adapted for processing shipping preference information and item information received from a customer during a shipping transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a confidence level of a decoded barcode value is disclosed. A digit score is assigned to a digit within a barcode. When decoding the barcode, if a deduction is required to decode the digit, then the digit score for the digit is reduced accordingly. After all the digits within the barcode have been decoded, a total score of a decoded barcode value can be determined by adding all the digit scores for all the digits within the barcode. The total score of the decoded barcode value is reduced if a checksum is used to ascertain the value of any digit within the barcode. The decoded barcode value can be accepted only if the total score exceeds a predetermined value.

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 system for computing the price for the transportation of goods on a route are provided where the route has at a first segment and a second segment adjacent the first segment. The goods are transported on the first segment by a mode of transportation other than a train and are transported on the second segment by a train. A computer is caused to deliver information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information conveying one or more characteristics of the first segment. The computer is also caused to deliver information to the user prompting the user to enter at the computer information conveying one or more characteristics of the second segment. A price for the transportation of the goods on the route is then computed at least in part on the basis of the characteristics of the first segment entered by the user and the characteristics of the second segment entered by the user.

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: A system and method is described to provide security for retail transactions with the United States Postal Service. Information related to a purchaser is captured and is electronically linked with the transaction item or service. A barcode providing the linking information is printed and may be attached to a mailpiece. Information that may be recorded includes a digital image of the purchaser, name, address, drivers license number, social security number, and other identifying information. Searching of the customer information against databases of suspected individuals will flag mailed items for further inspection or attention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for franking mail items, comprising means for printing postal indicia on a mail item and means for also printing on this mail item a unique identification number for this mail item, means for creating at least one data document or file associated with this unique identification number printed on the mail item and means for communicating, through a secure link, the or each data document or file to an information server remote from the franking machine.

Abstract: An information delivery system is disclosed that is comprised of a postage system and a server system. The postage system applies postage and a network address to the objects in a postage field on the objects. The postage field is an area reserved on the objects for the postage. The objects are delivered to users. One of the users enters the network address into a user system to generate a first message. The server system receives the first message over the Internet from the user. The first message is addressed to the network address. The server system processes the first message to retrieve information. The server system transfers the information in a second message over the Internet to the user. The network address may also be included in a postmark used to cancel the postage.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for processing foreign origin parcels through Customs and individuals through security checkpoints. The system includes a database stored on a computer readable medium having data records associated with each foreign origin parcel or individual. Associated with the database is a processor having a search engine for performing searches on the information in the data records based on criteria selected by a user. The system further includes an interface. The interface allows the user to select search criteria to be used by the processor to search the data records. The interface displays the results of the search to the user and allows the user to select parcels or individuals identified during the search for inspection. In addition, the processor and interface allows the user to electronically store notes taken during the inspection, such that the information related to the inspection can be electronically archived.

Abstract: A method and system for computing the price of a railway transportation service for the shipping goods is provided. A computer delivers first information to a user prompting the user to enter information about a rail transportation service including an origin and a destination for the shipment of goods. In response to the origin and the destination information, the computer is caused to deliver a series of routes between the origin of the shipment of goods and the destination of the shipment of goods. The user is prompted to select at least one route from the series of routes. A price for the rail transportation service for shipment of goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the at least one route selected by the user and is provided to the user as a quote for the rail transportation service.

Abstract: A method and system for computing the price for shipping goods by rail is provided. A computer delivers first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information about a rail transportation service for shipment of goods. A price for the shipment of the goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the information about the rail transportation service and at least one discount data element. The system makes use of a customer profile database customer entities to discount data elements. The entry corresponding to the user at the computer is identified and the corresponding discount data elements are used to compute the price for the shipment of the goods.

Abstract: A method and system for computing the price for shipping goods by rail is provided. A computer delivers first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information about a rail transportation service for shipment of goods. A price for the shipment of the goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the information about the rail transportation service and at least one discount data element. The system makes use of a database of promotional events mapping discount eligibility criteria to discount data elements. Entries where the rail transportation service satisfies the discount eligibility criteria are identified and the corresponding discount data elements are used to compute the price for the shipment of the goods.

Abstract: A method and system for computing the price of a railway transportation service for the shipping goods is provided. A computer delivers first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information about a rail route for shipment of goods by one or more railcars. A price for the shipment of the goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the information about the rail route and the ownership of the one or more railcars. The computer displays to the user the price for the shipment of the goods or, alternatively, the price for the shipment of the goods is provided to the user via other ways such as e-mail, snail-mail or fax.

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 system and method is described for controlling user access to a carrier's shipping services for delivery of a package. The system controls the user's access to the carrier's services by either limiting the selection of locations from which a package can be shipped to fewer than those described by the carrier's service area, or by limiting the user's ability to select shipping service levels to fewer than those provided by the carrier. Such limitation may be by way of displaying only a limited collection of ship from locations and service levels, or by pre-populating and locking ship from information submission fields on a web page. The distributed-user shipping system may reside on a client server or mobile computer that is connected to the carrier's server and transmits various shipping location information and service level selections to the carrier to facilitate shipping of packages while controlling the scope of shipping services provided.

Abstract: A system for declaration of imported and exported equipment includes a plurality of client computers (1) located at a factory plant floor, a central server (2) located remotely from the factory plant floor, a customs server (4) located in a customs authority, and a web server (3). A user working at a client computer prepares electronic requisition notes needed to perform declaration tasks, and submits the electronic requisition notes to the central server via an intranet for verification. A user working at the central server prepares electronic documents needed for performing declaration tasks based on the verified electronic requisition notes, and transmits the electronic documents via an electronic communications network (5) to the customs server for examination. A customs officer examines the electronic documents. The customs server generates documentary authorization, and transmits the documentary authorization to the central server for storing.

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 that enables a postal customer to order a shipping label on-line via the internet. The label may be a mailing label to be placed on letters or parcels. The label includes information such as postage, delivery address, return address, and a barcode for tracking delivery information. A user may request both a label and postage in what, to the user, appears to be a single computerized connection on a single internet web-page. A postage indicia is provided through a postage provider with whom the user has a deposit or credit. The label itself may be generated through a label-generating application hosted or generated by an entity separate from the postage provider.

Abstract: A materials management system, and a method of controlling a materials management flow including at least one inventoried item, are disclosed. The materials management system may include a remote operation center that provides a coordination of at least one portion of the materials management system, and that receives at least one attribute of at least one material flow item in the at least one portion of the materials management system, and at least one receiving station that transmits the at least one attribute to the remote operation center, and that receives the at least one update attribute from the remote operation center, over an external interconnection.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for handling items to be shipped that securely verifies the sender. The invention makes use of pre-printed, unique, labels which are affixed by hand or machine to items to be mailed or shipped. These labels are packaged and distributed in groups. The groups of labels can be sold or freely distributed. Each person or organization that originates shipments is assigned a unique customer account number and their identity is authenticated when this account is created. The group number for a group of labels is linked to a customer account prior to the use of any of the labels from the group. The linking can be done at the time of sale or distribution of the group of labels, or after the sale or distribution thereof. Post-sale linking of a group of labels to a customer account can be done over the phone or through a web-site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feed forward mail load notification to a mail carrier in a mass mailing operation. Various aspects of the production of mail pieces are monitored and a forecast is provided to the carrier. Aspects monitored include scheduling, consumable levels, manpower, equipment maintenance, planned and unplanned downtime and so forth. The information is correlated into a forecast and provided to the carrier on a routine basis, enabling the carrier to react accordingly. In a closed loop implementation, the carrier provides feedback related to its responsiveness to the forecast, and the mass mailer adapts accordingly. The mass mailing operation is contiguously monitored, and the forecast is updated when events cause expected production to deviate from the current forecast. Thus, the carrier is notified at the earliest time of the mail piece load to be expected from the mass mailer.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for, a method for, and a method of doing business by remotely determining the contents of a mail receptacle. Mail includes a machine-readable label incorporated into a piece of mail programmed with at least one property of the piece of mail. A mail receptacle includes a machine-readable label reader for reading the machine-readable label, a processor for receiving the at least one property of the piece of mail from the machine-readable label reader, and a memory for storing the at least one property of the piece of mail. The memory can be remotely accessed by a means for remotely accessing the memory to determine the contents of the mail receptacle.

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 method and system for use by a Customs Agency for clearing shipments of goods into a country is disclosed. A customs resource application may be used to integrate alert information, news, research, and communications capabilities. Customs inspectors may use the resource application with a conventional computer, or with a portable device in the field as they perform customs inspections. The portable device provides access to alert information regarding shipments that are to be inspected by the inspector, and provides alert resolution capabilities so that the inspector can clear shipments into the country from the location of the inspection and/or shipped goods without requiring the inspector to return to a field office to clear the goods.

Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label.

Abstract: A method is provided for storing, verifying and updating the shipping of a product using packing slip data that is scanned onto a server where the data can be accessed via the Internet at both the supplier and purchaser locations. The method comprising the steps of inputting packing slip data for a product to be shipped onto a server that is connected to the Internet, storing the information contained on the packing slip onto the server, comparing the information from the stored packing slip to a supplier database on the server, updating the stored packing slip information based on the comparison to the supplier database, printing the updated packing slip from the server, attaching the printed packing slip to the product to be shipped. Once the product is delivered to the purchaser, the purchaser verifies the printed packing slip to the shipped product and inputs exceptions and notations onto the server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for tracking postal items. The shipping details of each postal item are stored in a data base that can be interrogated and is updated during shipping. A data record which can be changed and completed is created in each original distribution centre and for each postal item that is posted in said centre. Said data record contains a reference number and data that characterise the postal item and the shipping details. Each posted postal item is provided with an identification key in the original distribution centre. Said key uniquely characterises said postal item. The postal items are transported to the destination distribution centre, optionally via additional distribution centres. The reference numbers and the original distribution centres are subsequently detected in said succeeding distribution centres and the relevant shipping data comprising the reference numbers is electronically transmitted to the original distribution centres for completing the data records.

Abstract: A system and method of evidencing postage payment includes a data center with a database storing a plurality of meter records. Each meter record includes meter information corresponding to a metering account. When a request for postage is received, a secure co-processor device in the data center obtains the appropriate meter record and verifies the authenticity of the meter record by verifying a signature in the meter record and comparing freshness data in the meter record to freshness data in the secure device. If verified, the secure device then accounts for an amount of postage to be evidenced, generates evidence of postage payment and updates the meter information, including the freshness data, in the meter record. The secure device then signs the updated meter information, stores the signature in the meter record, and returns the updated meter record to the database.

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

Abstract: A method for processing controlled acceptance mail includes creating, at a first location, a batch of mail including a plurality of mailpieces, each of the plurality of mailpieces having unique indicia data printed thereon which identifies a source of creation of the batch of mail and a unique identifier for a corresponding one of the plurality of mailpieces upon which the unique indicia data is printed; generating, at the first location, a manifest containing all of the unique indicia data for each of the plurality of mailpieces; cryptographically protecting the manifest; sending the cryptographically protected manifest to a second location; verifying the authenticity of the cryptographically protected manifest at the second location; providing the batch of mail to a carrier distribution system for distribution; as part of the carrier distribution system reading unique indicia data from selected mailpieces being distributed therein and sending the unique indicia data for each of the selected mailpieces to th

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for postage meter cost accounting using a web browser based postal mail shipping system. The data processing systems comprise a web site for a provider server and a client node in communication with the provider server. The web site further comprises web pages and script functionality for linking with a meter driver resident in a meter located at the client node, but callable by the client node under the control of the script functionality for allowing the script at the client node to link with the meter by utilizing the meter driver. The method is initiated by calling a web site from the caller node by utilizing communications link, which includes a browser for accessing the web site. The client node requests that a meter activation routine be activated. Cost accounting data is stored in a cost accounting meter table on a database server.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the maintenance of redundant postage accounting datafiles. Redundant postage accounting report data is maintained by the present invention by first creating a datafile on a postage metering device (e.g., an SMD) to store postage accounting data. A second datafile is created on a computer capable of communicating with the SMD (which may be either remote or local to the computer). For every transaction which updates the postage accounting data stored in the SMD, the datafile residing on the computer is updated to reflect the change.

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

Abstract: A product hierarchy database organizes company market performance and stock investment information by the products and services produced and offered by each competitor. The companies that produce each product/service are relationally linked to each of their products/services through records. An investment information service includes the product/service hierarchy database and makes it accessible to investor and analyst subscribers through a query system across the Internet. Data entry personnel continually load qualitative and quantitative information about companies and their products/services through a product hierarchy generator connected to the product/service hierarchy database. Subscribers can punch-through to query individual data items, and they can find out what relationships exist between all the important aspects of the companies and the products/services being tracked.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving and returning packages using a parcel keeper receptacle. A parcel keeper receptacle is a lockable box secured, locked or attached at a delivery address accessible by delivery persons with the interior accessible using an access code, optionally having an indicator specifying whether a package is inside. The parcel keeper unit itself provides a secure mechanism for delivery of packages. The method of access to a parcel keeper receptacle is a combination code controlled by the owner. The owner purchases an item via the Internet, catalog, telephone or other mechanism that requires delivery. Preferably, the purchaser provides the seller with the parcel keeper code on the address line at the time of placing an order. Alternately, the purchaser may inform the seller using another method, such as verbally informing the seller, that the delivery person is to use the parcel keeper receptacle for delivery.

Abstract: A method of reissuing digital tokens in a open system meter includes the steps of calculating a digital token using the predetermined postal information including addressee information, postage amount and piece count; debiting postal funds by the postage amount; issuing the digital token for generation of postage indicia; storing the digital token and the predetermined postal information as part of a transaction record in a transaction record file indexed according to addressee information; determining that the indicia generated from the digital token has not been successfully printed on a mailpiece for a particular addressee; and reissuing the digital token from the transaction record in the transaction file to generate the indicia for another attempt to print the indicia on the mailpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for remote postage metering of postage indicia, including demanding a desired postage amount and subsequently printing the postage indicia onto a piece of mail. A user inputs certain necessary information, as well as additional desired information, into a local processor-based system. The local system then assembles a postage demand in suitable format and transmits the same to a remote postage metering device. The remote postage metering device then verifies the demand for authority to demand and valid funding. Upon verification, the remote postage meter assembles a data packet representing an authorized postage indicia. The data packet is transmitted to the local system for printing. Printing of the postage indicia may be unaccompanied, or may include additional information. Such additional information may include destination and return address, machine readable routing or identification information, or a complete document to be posted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and arrangement for data processing in a mail shipping system, wherein a piece of mail is detected and scanned in the transport path leading to a postage meter machine. Information obtained by the scanning of the piece of mail is automatically entered into the postage meter machine, and this information includes an identification of a number of items (pages or inserts such as disks or other information carriers). In the postage meter machine, the weight of the piece of mail is calculated by multiplying the item count by an average item weight stored in the postage meter machine, and adding this to the container weight, such as an envelope weight, for the piece of mail, also stored in the postage meter machine. The fee for shipping the piece of mail is then calculated in the postage meter machine using the calculated weight and a fee table for a carrier selected for shipping the piece of mail.

Abstract: In a method for debiting shipping services on the basis of the respective transport service fee schedules of carriers, accounting operations of the services of various carriers are standardized and simplified by undertaking a central accounting, and the debiting of the services ensues individually or summed. A user program is loaded into a modified postage meter machine that has a printer and a telecommunication unit, at least one service fee table of a carrier being selectable therefrom. The weight or some other physical quantity of a shipment is entered the modified postage meter machine, and a service value is calculated therein in conjunction with the selected shipping parameters. The printer device of the modified postage meter machine prints out an identity ticket that contains the shipping parameters, at least including the shipping fee for the shipment.

Abstract: In an improved postage scale system, soft-selection keys are used for selecting options including shipping service options provided by the system. The display on such a system is adjustable for comfortable viewing thereof. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and code for use in the system can be updated by downloading new data and code from IC cards to the system. A security measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or code, a system user is required to enter a valid authorization number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of software of the system onto another similar system.

Abstract: In a method for statistics mode reloading and for the statistical acquisition in the storage of a dataset in an electronic postage meter machine, the statistics mode of the electronic postage meter machine created for the acquisition of pre-compressed data according to statistics classes (postal classes) is interchangeably installed. A formation of freely selectable, new statistics instruction data for a future statistics mode ensues in the data center for the purpose of a transmission in the form of an instruction dataset. The installation of the statistics mode ensues during a communication of the postage meter machine with the data center. A microprocessor of the postage meter machine is programmed to change the statistics mode by modem or with another suitable communication means at least periodically or when the mail carrier is changed, or within the framework of a reloading of the postage meter machine.

Abstract: A system that uses a digital postage meter or Postal Security Device to add information to the indicia that indicates that the mail piece has already been scanned. This information will inform the scanner and a human that the postage paid for, as indicated in the indicia, has been used. The foregoing is accomplished by printing a scanner readable data field in the indicia or in the vicinity of the indicia that indicates the mail piece was received. Human readable data is also printed in the indicia or in the vicinity of the indicia that indicates the mail piece was received. For instance, the word "VOID" may be written in coded form and/or in human readable form. Information regarding the canceling of the indicia is transmitted to a data center.

Abstract: An automatic process for use in point-of-sale credit card or debit card systems for taking corrective action based on information returned from the banking system and/or the point-of-sale system. The automatic process replaces the human clerk as the interface in control of action by the point-of-sale device enabling unattended operation. The automatic process includes the maintenance of a hot list for denying use of repeatedly rejected cards, stopping the automatic operation if the banking system denies point-of-sale device access, and allows for local proprietary cards to be used independent of the banking system.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a memory including an ascending credit register to store an accumulated value of credit and an ascending tote register to store an accumulated tote value of postage charge dispensed by the postage meter in franking mail items. Accounting means of the postage meter determines whether the sum of a required postage value to be applied to a mail item and the accumulated tote value is equal to or less than the accumulated total value of credit stored in the ascending credit register and, if the sum of the required postage value and the accumulated tote value is equal to or less than the accumulated credit value, operates printing means to print a franking impression on the mail item and increments the accumulated tote value stored in the tote register by an amount equal to the required postage value.

Abstract: A system and method of evidencing postage payment includes selecting a postal origin in a meter accounting unit, selecting a requested postal value to be printed on a mailpiece, deducting the requested postal value from a total postal value stored as a general account for the meter accounting unit, adding the requested postal value to a sub-account corresponding to the selected postal origin for the meter accounting unit, and printing the requested postal value and the selected postal origin on the mailpiece. A digital token is generated as evidence of the requested postal value to be printed on the mailpiece. The digital token, which is also printed on the mailpiece, is encrypted information including the requested postal value and the selected postal origin. The accounting unit includes a first processor, secure accounting process, value storage and a digital signature generator.

Abstract: System and method for securely backing up and reliably retrieving vault data in a metering system that includes a host processor operatively coupled to a vault. Whenever a transaction is completed by the vault, the vault cryptographically signs the vault data, including ascending register, descending register and piece count and sends the cryptographically signed vault data to the host processor where it is stored in a data file assigned to the vault. Each storage of the cryptographically signed vault data is indexed to create a historical log of vault transactions. If the vault is lost or damaged so that vault data cannot be retrieved from the vault, the cryptographically signed vault data is retrieved from the host processor data file and verified.

Abstract: A method for secure accounting and auditing of a communications network operates in an environment in which many servers serve an even larger number of clients (e.g. the web), and are required to meter the interaction between servers and clients (e.g. counting the number of clients that were served by a server). The method (metering process) is very efficient and does not require extensive usage of any new communication channels. The metering is secure against fraud attempts by servers which inflate the number of their clients and against clients that attempt to disrupt the metering process. Several secure and efficient constructions of this method are based on efficient cryptographic techniques, are also very accurate, and preserver the privacy of the clients.

Abstract: A postage metering system which performs a plurality of different functions including printing of postage and exchange of data with a remotely located data center to accomplish a postage fund refill of the postage metering system, a remote postage metering system inspection, and a download of location data into the postage metering system is provided and further includes a portable vault having first data indicative of location stored therein, the portable vault accounting for the value of postage printed; and a terminal which houses structure for removably receiving the portable vault, a printing mechanism for printing postage, apparatus for communicating with the data center to perform the remote postage metering system inspection, the postage fund refill of the postage metering system, and the download of location data into the postage metering system, structure for storing second data indicative of location, and apparatus for comparing the first and second data at times when the portable vault is inserted

Abstract: A postage meter having facilities for departmental accounting is disclosed. A non-volatile department memory is provided for each department, each department memory storing data relating to a specific department. An additional single non-volatile memory is also provided. During each franking transaction in respect of a department, current data is read from the associated department memory and is written to the additional memory. Current data from the department memory is updated in respect of the transaction and the updated data is written to the department memory. The provision of the single additional memory enables department data in respect of each department to be recovered in the event of a fault occurring during the transaction.