Abstract: Systems and methods which provide known shipper information in association with unknown shipper indicia as disclosed. Embodiments operate to collect information regarding a shipper and associate the shipper information with unknown shipper indicia. Where shipper information satisfactory to a known shipper requirement has not otherwise been collected, embodiments operate to perform a transaction matrix analysis to determine a shipper identification risk level. Such transaction matrix analysis may operate to analyze multiple pieces of shipper information (e.g., collected from different sources) to provide a determination as to a level of risk that the shipper information correctly and/or uniquely identifies the shipper.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region of the light guide. In another aspect, a locking hinged lid configuration of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided. In yet another aspect, a mechanical control panel including lighted status indicators on the lid is provided. In another aspect, the electric vehicle charging apparatus has one or more low voltage terminals contained in a first front cavity under the lid, whereas high voltage components are provided in a separate second front cavity. Methods of operating the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus as a halo. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region having a tilted side facing surface. In another aspect, a hinged lid configuration of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided having a mechanical control panel including lighted status indicators on the lid. Methods of operating the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A device includes a display unit, a display control unit configured to display a screen on the display unit according to display data, an execution unit configured to cause the device to perform a process corresponding to a script included in the display data, and a storing unit configured to store information indicating whether the script is charged for. The execution unit is configured to determine whether the script is charged for by referring to the information stored in the storing unit, and update charging information for the process performed by the device if the script is charged for.

Abstract: A screen is provided on a housing in such a manner that the screen protrudes toward its nearer side, and is inclined so that the nearer side becomes lower. This screen displays thereon a first hierarchy menu for indicating an arrangement of genre pictures, a second hierarchy menu for indicating an arrangement of commodity pictures, and a map image for indicating a map of the sales counters. A user brings his or her hand tip nearer to this screen. This operation allows a double-ring pointer to be displayed at a position which corresponds to the spatial position or direction of the user's hand tip relative to the screen. On this screen, the user is permitted to change the position of this double-ring pointer by performing a gesture of changing the spatial position or direction of the user's hand tip.

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.

Abstract: A display system 10 for displaying information at a point of product display in a retail outlet comprising a communicator 12 for transmitting display information to a remote display module 18, the display module 18 being adapted in a first, low power mode to display information and in a second, higher power mode periodically, in a predetermined manner, to communicate with the communicator 12, the system 10 preferably being configured to enable determination of the accuracy and automated correction of the synchronization of a periodic communication between the communicator 12 and the display module 18 while the display module 18 continues to switch between first and second modes of operation enabling a low overall consumption of power by the display module 18 and more preferably wherein the display module 18 is adapted to switch between first and second power modes between receipt of a synchronization signal and a display information signal from the communicator 12.

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

Abstract: The idle screen of a mobile telephone device is used to show updated information of a kind or from a source selected by a user (e.g. financial information, news, traffic etc.). Previously, the idle screen has been used to display the name of the network operator and alerting messages, such as ‘2 missed calls’. Placing information of interest to the user in the idle screen makes that information instantly accessible without the user having to navigate to the required function (e.g. a micro-browser) and select it.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for producing a label that can be applied onto a mailpiece. An exemplary method comprises providing a data service via a network node, the data service being performed in a provider server of a service provider. The exemplary method also comprises performing a one-time printing of the label via a control program, such that an intelligent document is transmitted from the provider server via a network to a user client, the one-time printing being done if a network connection exists between the user client and the provider server, and if, on the basis of a query to the provider server, it has been ascertained that that label had not been printed before. The exemplary method additionally comprises transmitting a message from the user client to the provider server when the label is printed for the first time. The exemplary method further comprises logging the printing in the provider server in response to the message.

Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.

Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a mailpiece creation system to minimize system set-up, mitigate errors and reduce the skill level required to perform tabbing operations. The method includes the steps of (i) determining a fold configuration of the sheet material employed in the creation of a mailpiece, (ii) determining the dimension of an adhesive tab for securing a free edge of the sheet material, (iii) determining a target location for the placement of each adhesive tab relative to the free edge of the folded sheet material, (iv) configuring at least one system parameter of the mailpiece creation system in accordance with at the fold configuration, adhesive tab dimension, and/or target location, and (v) executing a mail run job by the mailpiece creation system.

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 method of franking mailpieces in a franking machine, wherein: an operator loads a mailpiece on a feed deck of said machine; the width of the mailpiece is determined automatically by a plurality of presence detectors mounted on said feed deck; the length of the mailpiece is estimated by processor means of the machine, on the basis of said width of the mailpiece; an initial franking amount to be applied to the mailpiece is computed by said processor means; the mailpiece is extracted automatically from said feed deck, and a postal imprint is printed by print means of the machine; the real length of the mailpiece is determined by length measurement means of the machine; the real length is compared with the previously estimated length; if these two lengths do not match, an audible or visible alarm is generated by a warning device of said franking machine; said processor means compute a corrected franking amount; and a new postal imprint making it possible to correct the initial franking amount is printed.

Abstract: A self service kiosk for mailing prohibited items from TSA checkpoints has the following features: an easy-to-touch screen, full computerization, visual and auditory prompts, clearly displayed shipping options, an automatically calculated price, an instantly-produced address/postage label and payment receipt, secure credit card processing, daily emptying by the USPS, transaction logging and cumulative accounting reports, built in communications and UPS backup, built in security features, built in slot for mail acceptance, provision of US Priority and Express Mail service, and a heavy duty plate steel vault for security.

Abstract: A virtual concierge for shipping services is disclosed. One aspect of certain embodiments includes providing an automated computer-implemented self-service front-end shipping system to business concerns for self-service access by the customers of the respective business concern for shipping the customer's packages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of franking of mail such that it can be tracked by carriers and mail-routing services. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of franking and tracking mail, such as letters or parcels, sent by at least one sender through a distribution network which is equipped with an information system (SI).

Abstract: The present invention provides an intuitively-based (WYSIWYG) user interface for generic value bearing item label custom specification of each label on a multi-part label set. According to the present invention, an interactive display such as is depicted in FIG. 13 would be provided on a display monitor of a plurality of independently interactive panels, wherein each panel corresponds to a particular label on a multi-part label set. As depicted in FIG. 13, the exemplary WYSIWYG generic custom VBI label specification interface of the present invention displays an interactive label display (1110) in which each separate label panel (e.g., 1120-11 through 1120-45) displays an independent postage rate class input field (e.g., 1125-11 with a postage rate class menu button, e.g., 1123-11). Once the user has selected the “Custom” option (1150), the user can set the price for each label by clicking on the individual rate input field (e.g., 1121-11)of the particular label panel (e.g.

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

Abstract: A character display comprises fifty-nine segments arranged into rows and columns. Twenty eight of the fifty-nine segments define a periphery of the display, eleven additional segments define horizontal and vertical dividers that define four quadrants, and five additional segments are disposed in each of the four quadrants to define diagonals thereof.

Abstract: A metering system is provided including a smartcard reader and peripheral computer in communication with a metering apparatus. A smartcard with memory, microprocessor, and license counter may then be engaged with a smartcard reader in the metering system to effect meter license transactions. The license transactions may be purchased by a user either to enable enhanced functional meter features via a meter upgrade process or to disable functional meter features via a meter downgrade process. Such features are typically enabled or disabled by respectively either providing or restricting access to selected portions of the meter firmware. Since both upgrades and downgrades can be effected at a utility meter, the smartcards provide transferable meter licenses. Advantages of the disclosed smartcard technology facilitate secure and reliable license transactions.

Abstract: An on-line VBI printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing a variety of required security standards. A client system provides a user friendly GUI for facilitating the interface of the user to the system. The GUI system includes wizards that help the user step-by-step with processes of installation, registration, and printing In one aspect, the invention describes an on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a client system for interfacing with a user comprising; a GUI for installing software for printing the VBI; a GUI for registering the user in the system; and a GUI for managing the printing of the VBI; and a server system capable of communicating with the client system over a computer network for authorizing the client system to print the VBI.

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 temperature regulating system utilizes changing energy price information to alter the system operation. A performance index value is determined that indicates a balance between a user's preference for maintaining a setpoint temperature and a need for maintaining energy cost savings. The performance index value is related to the current energy price and the system automatically responds to rising energy prices by reducing system operation in a manner that provides cost savings according to a user's specified preference for weighting temperature comfort levels compared to energy cost savings. According to the described example, an optimal control solution is used to determine the performance index value.

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: 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 control system for a mailing machine includes a user interface having a display, a memory having a screen region, a plurality of screens stored within the screen region and a control program for displaying the plurality of screens on the display and for controlling the operation of the mailing machine. Each of the plurality of screens has pre-function data and background function data, respectively. The pre-function data includes image data relating to a screen image for display. The control program uses the pre-function data to identify a pre-function to be executed before displaying the screen image and uses the background function data to identify a background function to be executed during the display of the screen image.

Abstract: A method of displaying information associated with a special promotion by an electronic price label (EPL) which saves bandwidth at a start time of the special promotion. The method includes the steps of receiving a number of first messages containing the second information by the EPL prior to the special promotion, storing the second information in a second memory location within the EPL while the first information is being stored within a first memory location in the EPL by the EPL prior to the special promotion, receiving a second message containing a command to display the second information by the EPL at about the time of the special promotion, reading the second information from the second memory location by the EPL, and displaying the second information by the EPL.

Abstract: A smart thermostat having a transceiver for two-way communication with an energy provider. The smart thermostat includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature, a user interface for displaying and receiving information to and from a user, a port connecting to a cooling or heating device, a processor, and the transceiver. The transceiver receives a current energy price from an energy provider. The user interface receives temperature setpoints and associated acceptable energy costs. The processor issues a control signal to the cooling or heating device to operate when the temperature is different than the temperature setpoint and the acceptable energy cost is not greater than the current price of energy. The transceiver transmits information for the control signal, temperature setpoints and associated costs to the energy provider.

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: A handhold control unit (HCU) shaped like a gun includes a non volatile random access memory (RAM) for storing price information (e.g. price, price per ounce, sales discounts) for the items on the market shelves. The HCU receives such information from a central processing unit (CPU) in the market. When aimed at a stock keeping unit (SKU) tag adjacent a particular item on a shelf, the HCU interrogates the SKU tag to determine the item identity. The HCU may also provide photovoltaic energy to the SKU tag to provide for the SKU tag operation. The SKU tag responds with a code (preferably infra red) identifying the particular item and sends this code to the HCU as by infra red energy. The HCU then identifies the particular item in the RAM from the transmitted code and recovers from the RAM the price information relating to the particular item. The HCU then transmits to the SKU tag the code identifying the item and also the price information for the item.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispensing postage (or other graphical security indicia) electronically by using a portable processor containing a maximum amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail. The portable processor can be refilled at various locations through the use of a closed-loop system which relies upon a database of users who are preregistered in the database. Upon refill of the portable processor an expiration date is stored therein. Thereafter, each transaction includes reference to this expiration date and a secure realtime clock in order to determine if the portable processor may dispense postage. Additionally, the realtime clock is utilized to provide date stamping of the indicia generated.

Abstract: A value dispensing mechanism which prints an indication of value includes a portable accounting device which accounts for the printed indication of value; and a terminal including apparatus for printing the indication of value, a display which displays messages related to functions of the value dispensing mechanism, structure for controlling messages displayed on the display and for initiating operation of the printing means to print the indication of value, a storage device for storing a plurality of display options, and apparatus for removably receiving the portable accounting device such that at times when the portable accounting device is received in the receiving apparatus the controlling structure and the portable accounting device are in operative communication with each other to permit operation of the value dispensing mechanism; wherein the portable accounting device includes means for automatically designating at least one of the display options upon insertion of the portable accounting device into