Abstract: A method of reissuing digital tokens in an 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 an 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 an 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: The present invention relates to producing and presenting negotiable instruments and, more specifically, to printing and presenting checks, which are resistant to forgery or fraud. The negotiable instrument comprises a numeric sequence printed in MICR font upside down across the top face of the negotiable instrument for electronic reading by a MICR reader. The numeric sequence provides for authentication of the payee name and the payment amount by a secure authentication server.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for postage stamp generation. The apparatus includes print module configured to print a customized image or text based stamp, and a communication module for receiving verification from a server. The apparatus may include a creation module for creating an image or text based stamp, and a selection module for selecting a stamp from a pre-approved selection of stamps. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a personal computer configured for postage stamp generation. Alternatively, the apparatus may include handheld electronic devices, notebooks, or the like. The system may comprise the apparatus, a verification server, and a printer operatively coupled to the apparatus. The method comprises selecting or creating a stamp, sending the stamp to the server for verification, receiving verification, previewing the stamp, purchasing the stamp, and printing the stamp.

Abstract: A preferred printing system includes a printer configured to communicatively couple with a workstation, which incorporates a first code entry device for receiving first coding information from a user. The printer incorporates a second code entry device that is configured to receive second coding information from the user. Additionally, the printer is configured to print data in response to correlating the first coding information received at the first code entry device with the second coding information received at the second code entry device. Devices, methods and computer readable media also are provided.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. A nonce stamp is a physical article that is relatively difficult to copy illicitly, and that bears a “nonce” number. The “nonce” is a relatively unique identifier, in that it is chosen from a distribution such that any given user/customer is extremely unlikely to obtain two nonce stamps bearing the same nonce. The method includes: presenting a nonce stamp having a nonce number; presenting a numbered digital certificate derived securely from the nonce number; and authenticating the transaction by comparing the number on the digital certificate and the nonce number. The digital certificate is typically obtained by users/customers in exchange for the purchase price of a desired transaction. The apparatus is an information-based indicium including a nonce stamp, and a digital certificate including a number derived securely from the nonce.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable and self-verifying secure document system and a method for its production, wherein counterfeiting is prevented. The secure document system is potentially useful for a wide variety of documents including, but not limited to, lottery tickets, currency, traveler's checks, passports, stock and bond certificates, bank notes, driver's licenses, wills, coupons, rebates, contracts, food stamps, magnetic stripes, test answer forms, invoices, tickets, inventory forms, tags, labels and original artwork. The instant invention provides a plastic paper substitute having various indicia associated therewith including visible and hidden indicia. Application of the hidden indicia to the plastic paper substitute is implemented in accordance with a computer software program, and the document includes an integral lens area which is particularly designed to verify the document's authenticity by rendering the hidden indicia visible to the viewer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic franking machine comprising franking means and means for recording the number of franking operations. It comprises means for connection via a computerized communication network, to a central server of a computerized central control center, and means forming a computerized server adapted to transmit and receive computerized requests and responses for performing transactions with the central server, said transactions being selected among at least a resetting of the means recording the franking operations, a transfer of files constituting the records of the recording means and a franking cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for issuing electronic seals of certification to online entities, such as online merchants, in a manner that prevents non-certified parties from easily stealing or otherwise misusing the seals. A central seal issuer verifies the credentials, policies or business practices of each merchant and issues a corresponding seal of certification. For each merchant, the seal issuer generates a unique media object representing an electronic seal. The media object includes an encrypted watermark containing an expiration date. The media objects are stored on a seal server such that the merchants can dynamically retrieve and display the electronic seals when accessed by a user. The seal issuer can easily revoke or update the centrally stored seals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to producing and presenting negotiable instruments and, more specifically, to printing and presenting checks, which are resistant to forgery or fraud. The negotiable instrument comprises an encrypted numeric sequence and a one-way decryption key printed in MICR font upside down across the top face of the negotiable instrument for electronic reading by a MICR reader. The encrypted numeric sequence represents name of the payee of the negotiable instrument and the payment amount.

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

Abstract: A method and system for verifying a check that is being used for an on-line transaction, utilizes a hash code value either printed directly on the check, or obtained from an insert card provided by a check printer. To conduct an on-line transaction using a check, the customer enters in data obtained from a MICR line of the check, whereby the data includes a one-way hash value that is based on the data provided on the MICR line as well as private data not provided on the MICR line. A web server of an e-tailer for which the customer seeks to make the on-line transaction, receives the data entered by the customer. The web server of the e-tailer transmits, to a check verifier, the data entered by the customer. The check verifier verifies whether or not the check is valid, by comparing the hash code value entered in by the customer with a hash code value that is separately calculated by the check verifier, based on private data of the customer obtained by the check verifier from a database.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing confirmation and messaging relating to the distribution of a mail piece within a mailing system. Information including a mailer's address is included in a digital post mark or printed directly on the mail piece. During delivery of the mail piece, the information is read, and the mailer's address is captured. A message, which may include a mail piece image, a recipient response and physical image of a recipient, is sent to the mailer in accordance with read information.

Abstract: A system and method for using an e-commerce system to provide a user with the ability to order customized identification documents over the Internet is provided. The user can customize the layout of the identification document, including the use of company logos and trademarks. The user provides the demographic data and corresponding graphical representations, and is given the opportunity to approve a digital facsimile of the identification document that will be produced by the service bureau prior to the production of the identification documents. In addition, enhanced security is provided by verifying that the user is part of a legitimate organization and is authorized to use the identification documents being ordered.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for issuing electronic seals of certification to online entities, such as online merchants, in a manner that prevents non-certified parties from easily stealing or otherwise misusing the seals. A central seal issuer verifies the credentials, policies or business practices of each merchant and issues a corresponding seal of certification. For each merchant, the seal issuer generates a unique media object representing an electronic seal. The media object includes an encrypted watermark containing an expiration date. The media objects are stored on a seal server such that the merchants can dynamically retrieve and display the electronic seals when accessed by a user. The seal issuer can easily revoke or update the centrally stored seals.

Abstract: It is described a method for certifying data containing a sequence of transactions comprising the following steps: finding a new transaction added to the sequence; computing a certification code for the new transaction taking into consideration all data preceding the transaction in the preserved order; saving the computed certification codes. In particular, each transaction will carry a certification code and a sequence number that uniquely identify all the data received up to the transaction. By saving the progressive transaction count and the relative certification code it become possible, at a later time, to verify the integrity of the whole data. The described certification method allows the use of electronic certification in the accounting world.

Abstract: A method of reissuing secured postage indicium includes the steps of dispensing from a postage meter an original postage indicium as evidence of postage dispensed for a requested postage transaction, the original postage indicium including postage information and authentication information; storing within the postage meter a transaction record for the dispensed original postage indicium, the transaction record including the postage information and the authentication information; and receiving at the postage meter a request to reissue the original postage indicium.

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

Abstract: A method and system for registration of a user to use a particular terminal of a computer system. The method includes providing a printed registration form including registration information and coded data thereon, the coded data including an indication of an identity of the form and at least one reference point on the form. The method also includes receiving in the computer system, through said terminal, indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data including information regarding an identity of the sensing device, the identity of the form and at least one action of the sensing device in relation to the form generated by the sensing device using at least some of the coded data. The method further includes determining, from the indicating data and stored user registration data in the computer system, an identity of a registered user of the computer system; and storing, in the computer system, registration data associating the identity of the registered user with said computer system terminal.

Abstract: The transmission and reproduction of an original document transferred via a data network can be assured when the printing mechanism generates a unique serial number for the document being printed. The sender of the document is assured that the intended recipient received the document, paid for it, and was able to print it by receipt of the unique serial number and a request for an encryption key by which certain information in the document was encrypted.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing confirmation relating to the distribution of a mailpiece within an international mailing system. The invention includes a determination of postal data required for performing value-added services desired for the mailpiece. The value-added services data includes addressing information for a return receipt from an intended mailpiece recipient through a final handling postal authority and a first postal authority to the original mailer. A machine readable mark is created which includes return data and value-added services data. During the delivery process, the value-added service is captured by the final handling postal authority, the mailpiece is delivered to the intended recipient, the value-added service is performed, and the data related to the delivery is captured by the final handling postal authority.

Abstract: Disclosed is a service identification tag for being used in accessing an information transmission server on the Internet. The tag is formed combining an exclusive graphic pattern that can be recognized by a human, and an identification code that can be read by a reading unit. Also disclosed is a communications system having: a service server provided with an identification code/URL conversion table; an information transmission server provided with an information storage; and a terminal unit that is connected through a radio or wire communication network to the information transmission server, the terminal unit having a function for communicating with a Web server. The terminal unit makes a unique link to the service server, reads the identification code from a service identification tag, sends the identification code to the service server, and receives the URL information of the information transmission server corresponding to the identification code from service server.

Abstract: A postage meter includes a vault that accounts for postage dispensed by the postage meter; and a printhead module having a printhead for printing the postage dispensed; a smart card chip having a ROM having software code stored therein; an EEPROM having an encrypted key and executable code stored therein, a CPU; a RAM; and a flash memory having an encrypted pointer data file stored therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a modular postage accounting system. An open system metering device of the present invention includes a general purpose computer, a digital printer and a secure metering device (SMD). The SMD performs the accounting functions of a postage meter and generates encrypted postage indicia data for transmission by the computer to the digital printer and subsequent printing on a mailpiece by the digital printer. Postage credit data can be entered into the SMD using a computerized meter resetting system just as it is in a conventional postage meter.

Abstract: Payment indicia generating schemes are described that enable users to customize the appearance of the payment indicium and to accommodate a wide variety of validation processing environments, while providing a substantial defense against fraudulent photocopy attack. In some embodiments, a corroborative digital token is generated from payment information, and a base image is modulated with a graphical encoding of the corroborative digital token to produce a payment indicium. In some embodiments, a payment indicium containing embedded payment information is rendered on a printing surface with a printing characteristic that degrades with photographic reproductions such that the embedded payment information is extractable from an original rendering of the payment indicium but is un-extractable from a photographic reproduction of an original rendering of the payment indicium.

Abstract: A mail receipt terminal for accepting an envelope having evidence of postage applied thereto. The mail receipt terminal includes a controller module and an input scanner module and a printer module, both in operative communication with the controller module. The controller module includes a control system and a clock module. The input scanner module: (i) receives the envelope, (ii) scans the evidence of postage to determine its veracity, and (iii) rejects the envelope if the evidence of postage is determined to be improper. If the evidence of postage is determined to be proper, then the printer module prints a receipt including data thereon corresponding to the envelope where the receipt data includes a date/time stamp and an ID tracking number that uniquely corresponds to the envelope.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the capture of an OCR character region of a postage indicium, wherein the OCR character region may exhibit a defect associated with the production or the reading of the indicium. A plurality of error compensation marks is provided in the proximity of the OCR character region such that the error compensation marks are caused to exhibit one or more changes indicative of the defect of the OCR character region. Thus, the defect in the OCR character region can be identified by detecting the changes in the error compensation marks. Accordingly, the defect in the OCR character region can be compensated for when the OCR characters are interpreted.

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

Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for increasing the throughput of mail when franking with a security imprint, the editing of the print image data is undertaken by a postage meter machine processor, and the calculation of the security code is undertaken by a separate security module while the print image data are being edited. A high system clock performance is achieved by interleaving of the two calculation tasks.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. A nonce stamp is a physical article that is relatively difficult to copy illicitly, and that bears a “nonce” number. The “nonce” is a relatively unique identifier, in that it is chosen from a distribution such that any given user/customer is extremely unlikely to obtain two nonce stamps bearing the same nonce. The method includes: presenting a nonce stamp having a nonce number; presenting a numbered digital certificate derived securely from the nonce number; and authenticating the transaction by comparing the number on the digital certificate and the nonce number. The digital certificate is typically obtained by users/customers in exchange for the purchase price of a desired transaction. The apparatus is an information-based indicium including a nonce stamp, and a digital certificate including a number derived securely from the nonce.

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

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for verifying digital postal marks on mailpieces or, more generally, for verifying a mark on any kind of document where the mark represents value and might be counterfeited or used fraudulently, the system including in the specific case of verifying a digital postal mark: a plurality of mail processing machine verification modules (MPMVMs), each responsive to information obtained from sampled mailpieces, and each further responsive to a control file specifying patterns of sampling and specifying responses to sampling results, each MPMVM performing local verification of the sampled mailpieces according to the control file, each MPMVM for providing the information obtained from the sampled mailpieces and optionally the local verification results; and a data center verification module (DCVM), responsive to the information obtained from the sampled mailpieces and also to the local verification results, for analyzing the information obtained from the sampled mailpieces, for period

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing information, such as postal indicia and other information, on a medium. The system is implemented by detecting a type of medium and entering a printing mode as a function of the type of medium detected. The printing mode is either an envelope printing mode or a tape/label printing mode. When in the envelope printing mode, a print module is positioned at a first position, and prints postal indicia data on a first area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a second position. Additional data is obtained and the additional data is printed on a second area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a third position and recipient address data is obtained and printed on a third area of the envelope. The print module is positioned at a fourth position, and sender address information is obtained and printed on a fourth area of the envelope.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on the check. When the check is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque clearing house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honored if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing information, such as postal indicia and other information, on a medium. The system is implemented by detecting a type of medium and entering a printing mode as a function of the type of medium detected. The printing mode is either an envelope printing mode or a tape/label printing mode. When in the envelope printing mode, a print module is positioned at a first position, and prints postal indicia data on a first area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a second position. Additional data is obtained and the additional data is printed on a second area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a third position and recipient address data is obtained and printed on a third area of the envelope. The print module is positioned at a fourth position, and sender address information is obtained and printed on a fourth area of the envelope.

Abstract: A process for evidencing postage payment begins by obtaining a destination address for a mail item and encoding it as a string of characters from which a subset of the encoded string is selected, concatenated with plain text data and then encrypted. The encrypted portion is hashed along and a digital signature is computed as part of the digital postage mark. During verification, the mail item is scanned to obtain a digital image thereof, which is parsed to identify and capture the digital postage mark and the destination address block. A recoverable portion of the DAB is extracted and the digital postage mark is parsed into a plain text area and a cryptographic validation code area. The CVC area is parsed to obtain a recoverable portion. If the recoverable portion of the DAB is within a threshold value of the recoverable portion of the CVC, then the mail item is accepted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating negotiable items includes, in a system including a network of a governing authority and at least one remote printer, a secure indicia authorized by the governing authority. A preprinted form, authorized by the governing authority, transformable into a negotiable item upon the application of the secure indicia at the remote printer is provided. Further, a database, controlled by the governing authority, for issuing the secure indicia and the preprinted form and accounting for the use of each at the at least one remote printer oversees the creation of the negotiable item.

Abstract: A methodology and system is used to facilitate the exchange of valued electronic information in a confidential, fair, and efficient manner. Either of two protocols can be employed that used encryption and electronic signatures to effectively guarantee origin and identity of sender and receiver in the exchange of valued information and requires timely response by both sender and receiver. The protocols rely upon one or a plurality of postal agents (servers) to provide secured online exchange of the information by arranging an efficient validation of the required signatures and information being exchanged between the sender and receiver. In the event of a breakdown in the exchange between sender and receiver, the use of a trusted third party (TTP) allows for fair and pre-agreed arbitration based upon the encrypted information and electronic signatures of the sender and receiver. The method does not require the use of the TTP unless a dispute arises.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking postage stamps on letters and parcels, at a checkpoint. Said checkpoint deciphers the identity and authenticity of a customer system having generated the production of the stamp by decoding cryptographic security elements originating from a trusted certification point. According to the invention, this method is carried out in such a way that means contained in the checking unit determine a key for which the probability of having been used to encode the data at the certification point is particularly high.

Abstract: A system for providing secure access and execution of application software stored on a first computer by a second computer using a communication device while a communication link is maintained between the first and second computers. The present invention is a secure software rental system. The system enables a user in a remote location using a computer and a modem to connect to a central rental facility, transfer application software from the central rental facility to the remote computer, and execute the software on the remote computer while electronically connected to the central rental facility. When the link between the central rental facility and the remote computer is interrupted or terminated, the software no longer executes on the remote computer. The software stored on the central rental facility is integrated with the header software to provide a security feature.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for issuing electronic seals of certification to online entities, such as online merchants, in a manner that prevents non-certified parties from easily stealing or otherwise misusing the seals. A central seal issuer verifies the credentials, policies or business practices of each merchant and issues a corresponding seal of certification. For each merchant, the seal issuer generates a unique media object representing an electronic seal. The media object includes an encrypted watermark containing an expiration date. The media objects are stored on a seal server such that the merchants can dynamically retrieve and display the electronic seals when accessed by a user. The seal issuer can easily revoke or update the centrally stored seals.

Abstract: An indicia authentication system includes a franking device for embedding identification and encrypted authentication data into indicia and applying the indicia to an article, and a computing device for utilizing the identification data to retrieve a key for deciphering the encrypted authentication data, where the computing device is adapted to utilize the deciphered authentication data to determine the validity of the indicia.

Abstract: A mailing machine that optimizes throughput by reducing the amount of time necessary for the PSD to generate the digital signature and indicium for each mail piece is provided. The debit operation performed by the PSD, i.e., adjusting the PSD registers, is separated into three different sections, a pre-debit operation, a perform debit operation, and a complete debit operation. In addition, the calculation of the digital signature can optionally be pre-computed, or, alternatively, computed in stages, i.e., partial signature calculation. Utilizing this granularity, the cryptographic operations associated with generating the digital signature can be shifted between the three debit operations such that the execution time of the time critical portion of the debit operation (perform debit) can be optimized to meet the performance requirements of the mailing machine in which the PSD is deployed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for distributing postage over a public network in a manner that is secure in the case of third party interception, indicia for which can be efficiently printed by a postal customer on items to be mailed, and that facilitates authentication of the printed indicia. When the postal customer purchases postage from the postal service, the postal service provides information which the postal customer uses to generate pseudo-random numbers associated with the respective units of postage. When the postal customer prints an indicium for a respective unit, it appends the associated pseudo-random number, which the postal service uses to authenticate the indicium. The pseudo-random numbers are generated using a methodology by which the postal customer can generate pseudo-random numbers for units which have been purchased, but not for units which have not yet been purchased.

Abstract: A method for providing postal services including providing a postal substrate to a user, the postal substrate bearing an identification of the user and sending the postal substrate bearing the user's identification to a destination indicated by the user.

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

Abstract: A method and system that enable the recipient of letters, flats and/or packages (hereinafter “mail”) that are addressed to the recipient to determine the identity of the person or group that placed an indicia and other information on mail, i.e., the person or group who applied for a license to use the meter before the recipient opened the mail. The invention accomplishes the foregoing by: scanning mail in recipient's home or office that is addressed to the recipient which may contain material that may or may not be life-harming; capturing an image of the face of the mail, which includes the name and physical address of the recipient and the postal indicia; and processing the image on the face of the mail to identify the mailer and the mail to assess the possibility of the presence of life-harming material in the mail.