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

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for automated document processing device login and accounting. Identification data corresponding to an identity of an associated user and accounting data corresponding to each of a plurality of billing accounts is communicated with an associated portable data storage. Data corresponding to each of the plurality of billing accounts is displayed, and selection data is received corresponding to at least one billing account corresponding to the plurality of billing accounts associated with the display of data. An associated document processing device is enabled in accordance with selection data and identification data received from the portable data storage. Usage of the document processing device is monitored relative to received selection data, and usage data corresponding to monitored usage of the document processing device with associated billing account data is communicated to an associated administrator.

Abstract: Multiple print streams destined for individual print stream processing modules are optimized prior to printing. The process of optimizing includes receiving an input representing a plurality of documents to be printed and determining an attribute of each document of the plurality of documents represented by the input. The attribute relates to processing of the respective document through the document processing system. Optimization involves balancing an operation time of a first print stream processing module with an operation time of a second print stream processing module, by assigning each document to one of the print stream processing modules based on its determined attribute.

Abstract: An envelope having a window for allowing a printed postage indicia to show through is shown. According to a preferred embodiment, the postage indicia window may be provided with a glassine covering. Preferably the postage indicia may be put in a corner of a document to be mailed and the document placed in the envelope so that the postage indicia shows through the postage indicia window.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a mailing label includes inputting data relating to an item to be mailed into a first computer system; printing, by the first computer system, an information-bearing mark onto a base material, the information-bearing mark associated with the data relating to the item; reading, by a second computer system, the information-bearing mark on the base material; and printing, by the second computer system, the mailing label for mailing the item based on the read information-bearing mark.

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: Methods and systems for rendering a shipping label, including an indicium that evidences payment for delivery, for a mail piece using a mailing machine and remote web server. Parameter information for a mail piece are input to a mailing machine, which determines the fees required for delivery of the mail piece. The mailing machine generates indicium data based on the determined fee with appropriate security measures, which is sent from the mailing machine to a remote web server operated by the carrier. The web server renders a shipping label, including all information required by the carrier, along with the indicium data, in a printable format. The data for the shipping label is sent to the mailing machine. Accounting registers maintained in the mailing machine are debited for the determined fees, and a shipping label is printed using a printing device associated with the mailing machine.

Abstract: A method that enables the post to deliver letters, flats, post cards and packages (mail) addressed to a recipient's virtual post office box and then to be delivered directly to the recipient. The process enables individuals or entities to rent a virtual post office (VPO) box i.e., a box that does not physically exist, from the post office (“post”). Mail addressed to the virtual post office box would be captured by the post during the post's sortation process and rerouted to the specified address of the renter of the virtual post office box.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for initiating shipment of and payment for shipping a parcel. For example, in one embodiment, a customer/user can receive a message on a user device from a carrier that includes an authorization code for shipping a parcel. After the customer/user ships the parcel, the carrier can charge a variety of accounts for the shipping charges, including a wireless services provider associated with the user device. In another embodiment, the customer/user can interact with a kiosk to ship the parcel. In this embodiment, the carrier can also charge a variety of accounts for the shipping charges, including a wireless services provider.

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: There is provided a cryptographic round dater and its method of use. By capturing customer profile information and encoding the information on a label affixed to the customer's submitted mailpiece, fraudulent or criminal use of the mail may be deterred by providing traceability to the source of the mail piece. The information attached to the mailpiece may be both human readable and machine readable, said machine readable portion being optionally encrypted to protect the privacy and security of the encoded information. Further benefit is provided by allowing the handling of a mailpiece to be traced, allowing for effective remediation or investigation in the event of an unauthorized use of mail.

Abstract: In a franking method and a mail transport system, a franking image is calculated before generation thereof on a mail piece. The franking image includes a franking image key, and for each new franking image, the franking image key therefor is derived from a predecessor franking image key according to a first crypto-algorithm. An integrity check code is also generated based on the new franking image key, a key generation number, an apparatus identifier of the franking device, and a second crypto-algorithm. The franking image includes at least the device identifier, the key generation number and the integrity check code. Upon transport of the mail piece to a sorting center, the franking image is scanned and fees for billing are generated based thereon.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for printing and verifying postage stamps on demand via a personal postage stamp printer. The indicium by which the stamp is printed includes a color stripe and a data field including authentication data that corresponds to the color stripe. To authenticate the stamp, the authentication data in the data field is read and compared with authentication data extracted from the color stripe.

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: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for handling printing errors in a computer-based postage system, the method comprising: assigning an identifier to a particular mail piece wherein said identifier uniquely identifies the particular mail piece during a particular period of time and wherein said unique mail piece identifier is related to a particular mailer; generating for printing a representation of a postage indicium for the particular mail piece and a representation of the unique mail piece identifier; and recognizing an indication that an error occurred in a printing of at least one of the postage indicium or the representation of the unique mail piece identifier.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving and storing data about a unique postal indicium, the data being received from a printing location after printing of the postal indicium and determining whether scanned information about the postal indicium received from a reading location matches the stored data, is a duplicate, or is otherwise suspected of being fraudulent. The system and method may include sending instructions to the reading location on how to handle a mail piece to which the postal indicium is affixed; and sending information to an automatic revenue protection processing system, if the scanned information about the postal indicium does not match the stored data about the postal indicium, is a duplicate, or is otherwise suspected of being fraudulent.

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

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate generally to the integration of a shipping label with a customs form to provide a single label having postage, addressing, customs and other information for international shipping. In one embodiment, a method for generating an international shipping a package comprises the steps of providing shipping information associated with the package, the information comprising address information of the origin, address information of the destination, postage information including a postage amount due to a post service and a customs form number unique within the post service; processing a shipping label having the shipping information displayed thereon; and affixing the shipping label to the package.

Abstract: A system for producing a mailpiece for delivery in accordance with a Value Added (VA) service. The system comprises a computer processor having Value Added Services (VAS) program code adapted to operate in combination with the processor's print driver code. Further, the VAS program code is operative to receive operator input data in connection with a Value Added Service. Additionally, the system includes at least one peripheral device, operating in combination with the VAS program code, for (i) determining charges in connection with the mailpiece based upon the VA service and (ii) printing VAS data/postage indicia on the mailpiece. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a VAS database for collecting VAS data and performing various accounting services (e.g., charge-back, financial tracking) or producing a manifest document when using a Manifest Mailing System.

Abstract: A method and a system for shipping objects and/or goods which are transferred from a drop-off point (4) constructed as an organized franking system for the application of at least partially coded labels to a delivery service (7-10) for transport of the objects to a remote destination, wherein the delivery or transport of the objects is determined or handled by the franking system or franking machine (3), which is equipped with control functions. In the system for shipping objects and/or goods, which are provided with at least partially coded labels and are sent from a drop-off point (4) equipped with a franking machine (3) to a remote destination by a delivery service (7-10), the franking machine (3) can be connected to an information system (6) which processes the data of a delivery service (7-10) and generates shipping data for the franking machine (3), so that the shipping order can be handled.

Abstract: A method of printing value indicia includes feeding a roll of printing stock into a value indicia printer. The roll of printing stock includes color images pre-printed on the roll of printing stock. The method further includes using the value indicia printer to print value indicia on the roll of printing stock. The printer may be a postage stamp printer which produces custom postage stamps which include pre-printed color images.

Abstract: A method for detection of fraudulent postage indicia such as a stamp or permit marking includes an initial step of introducing a mail piece for processing on an automated facing and canceling machine and imaging the mail piece as it is being processed on the automated facing and canceling machine, which image includes an image of the postage indicia. The image is analyzed according to predetermined criteria stored in a database to determine if the postage indicia meets the predetermined criteria and therefore has an enhanced probability of being valid. If the analysis is step results in a determination that the postage indicia as an enhanced probability of being invalid, then the method involved determining that the information corresponds to counterfeit postage indicia; and storing the resulting information and decision in the database.

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

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

Abstract: To print a postal imprint by an external imprint label dispenser connected via a communications link to a postage meter, during an initialization step for initializing the communications link, the postage meter authenticates the imprint label dispenser by exchanging an authentication code and the postage meter securely transmits to the dispenser a predetermined image data set that is signed with a secret key generated during the initialization step on the basis of the authentication code. Then, for each printing cycle, the postage meter computes postal data relating to the mail item that is to be franked, securely transmits the resulting computed data as signed with the secret key to the dispenser, converts the postal data into additional image data, and prints a postal imprint incorporating the additional image data and the predetermined image data on a continuous label tape delivered by the dispenser.

Abstract: During a setting stage, a scanner of an apparatus for preparing mail pieces scans a postal item. From the scanned image an area containing a mark is selected and a mark data set representing the mark or the position of the selected area is generated and stored. Instruction data representing a mail preparation instruction are stored in association with the mark data set. During an operating stage after the setting stage, one or more postal items are fed to the scanner, which scans item image data representing an image of the scanned portion of each postal item that is scanned. In response to agreement between the scanned item image data and the mark data set, instruction data associated to the mark data are selected. The mail piece including the scanned postal item is prepared in accordance with the selected instruction data.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of a document from a sending location to a receiving location by way of a trusted way location is disclosed. A selected document is physically or electronically transmitted by a sending location to a letter server operated by a delivery service. A confirmation of transmission of the document is provided the sender by the delivery service. Thereafter, the letter server reproduces the document in original quality, accompanied by any necessary items such as a delivery container and/or delivery instructions. The delivery service then delivers the reproduced document such as through electronic delivery or inducting the reproduced document into its delivery paradigm for physical delivery to the indicated recipient.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate generally to the integration of a shipping label with a customs form to provide a single label having postage, addressing, customs, and other information for international shipping, and in particular, to managing landed cost and harmonization for international packages. In one embodiment, managing the landed cost and harmonization may comprise generating a unique self-validating postage indicium or mark in response to a request that includes a description of contents for a package onto which an international shipping label is to be placed and a destination country where the package is to be delivered. As such, the unique self-validating postage indicium or mark may indicate that landed costs for delivering the package to the destination country have been pre-paid, wherein the unique self-validating postage indicium or mark and a customs declaration form may be printed on the international shipping label.

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: The present subject matter generally relates to techniques and equipment to apply move update address information to mailpieces based on move update requirements. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a pre-print move update process that updates addresses for moves without affecting stored address data while meeting postal authority standards for move update and pre-sort mailpiece groupings. The move update process is applied to the address data before print and preserves the initial stored address data. The move update address information and initial address information are both printed.

Abstract: An unmanned mail accepting device verifies ordinary and registered mail to be provided by a client, settles postage for the verified ordinary and registered mail, and displays electronic postmark information on the mail.

Abstract: Method for generation and sale of frankings, which can be used for sending mail from a customer to a receiver. The frankings are thus preferably produced on an electronic mailbox, whereby the generation and the printing out can be carried out in a highly personalized manner by using stored customer data and receiver addresses entered by the customer concerned. In addition to personalized address input a franking comprises a unique identification code which can be used for franking security as well as transport control and monitoring.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a personalised interactive mail publishing method which can be used to consult personal data, trigger actions or acknowledge receipt in an instant and secure manner.

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

Abstract: A method for automarking presorted postal mail includes scanning a mail piece in a first sorting pass at a presort facility and then printing an automark code on the mail piece indicating the type of postage applied. The automark code includes a horizontal line of seven consecutive characters improved in that one character, for example the fifth character, is a redundant code for one or more other characters representing postage type paid for the mail piece. To improve machine readability of the code, the line of characters may be printed with increased spacing between the fifth and sixth and/or between the sixth and seventh characters.

Abstract: A stamp printer includes a memory device that stores a library of available images approved for use as a postage stamp. A code that identifies the item that will be included in the mail piece is input to the stamp printer. Using the information obtained from the code, the stamp printer identifies the item and searches the library of postage stamp images to identify those images that are related in some way to the specific item. The stamp printer can then display the identified postage stamp images to the user and allow the user to make a selection. Upon receiving a selection from the user, the stamp printer can then print the postage stamp selected by the user.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic postal money order system and method comprising the purchase and fulfillment of a money order, having the steps of inputting, through a computer, money order identifying data, comprising at least the amount of the money order and addressee data and inputting payment authorization data through a payment authorization terminal. The system also transmits the money order identifying data and payment authorization data to a central server, authenticates the payment authorization data and, upon such authentication, prints a money order corresponding to the inputted money order identifying data and mails the money order to the addressee.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method enables an item to be mailed by providing a web site offering access to a mail delivery program, receiving a request for delivering the item with Extra service status, printing an identification number and a postage mark using the program based on address, postage, and other information entered by a customer, and sending an electronic data transmission to a postal service server informing the postal service that the identification number corresponds to the Extra service request. When the postal service receives the item, it accesses its computer records to locate the identification number. Delivery is then performed based on one or more Extra services requested and a corresponding electronic return receipt is made accessible to the mailing party, either by e-mail or on a web site. The postage mark and identification number may be printed on a label affixed to the item or may be printed directly on the item along with other information.

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: The present application generally relates to mail processing equipment and techniques. More specifically, the present application relates to a mail processing system and related method for transporting and imaging addressed mail pieces of a mailing to qualify the mailing for postage discounts. An address analysis component of the mail processing system compares the address included on a respective mail piece to postal authority standards for compliance with requirements for discounted postage based on pre-sort rules. A postage metering component prints the discounted postage indicia and a printing component prints delivery point barcodes.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides special purpose label arrangement sets for use with computer-based postage systems to facilitate mailing tracking, sheets of such label arrangement sets, and methods for printing such label arrangement sets.

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

Abstract: Systems and mehods for electronic postmarking of location data are provided. Electronic postmarking of location data (S.20) includes generating a hash value corresponding to merged data (S.30). Electronic postmarking further includes generating an electronic postmark data structure (S.40) comprising the hash value and a date/time stamp. The electronic postmarking data structure (S.40) may further include a digital signature.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods including mailing machines having postage meters including multiple postal security devices are described. In one illustrative configuration, a postage meter having multiple postal security devices for use with different postal carriers is described. In another illustrative configuration, a postage meter is configured to apply two postage payment information indicia to a single mail piece using two separate postal security devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods including mailing machines configured to selecting a route and carrier or carriers for delivery of the mail and for finishing the mail according the selection are described. In one illustrative configuration, the mailing machine tags mail pieces according to the result of a carrier selection process and sorts the outgoing mail by carrier.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides methods and systems for automatically selecting a media type for which to format Value-Bearing Item indicia based on a user's input of a secured paper control number. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selecting a media type format for which to generate value-bearing item indicia, said method comprising receiving an input of a secured paper control number, and identifying a media type format corresponding to the secured paper control number. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for determining a media type for a particular unit of secured paper, said method comprising receiving an input of a media type identifier, wherein the media type identifier is displayed on the particular unit of secured paper, and retrieving from a memory storage a record corresponding to the media type identifier, wherein said record defines a media type format corresponding to the media type identifier.