Abstract:
A method and system for processing shipping labels having postage is described. In one configuration a hidden frame in a secure browser window is used to control printing of an actual shipping label while allowing unlimited sample printing of a sample shipping label having sample postage indicia.
Abstract:
According to the process for monitoring the consumptions of a plurality of franking machines through a public communication network, at least one franking machine not being connected to this network, a link is firstly established with a management server, through the public network, by means of at least one supervision terminal independent of the off-line franking machine, in accordance with a determined protocol of communication, and data is then exchanged between the terminal and the server during which the user inputs at the supervision terminal a current invoicing index relative to the off-line franking machine and receives in return a code of authorization to frank in order to validate the subsequent frankings of the off-line franking machine.
Abstract:
An on-line value bearing item (VBI) printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database is disclosed. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing the USPS Information Based Indicia Program Postal Security Device Performance Criteria and other required VBI standards. The modules encipher the information stored in the central database for all of the on-line VBI system customers and are capable of preventing access to the database by unauthorized users. Additionally, each cryptographic module is capable of providing audit support functions that enable secure logging of all sensitive actions.
Abstract:
A postal security device has a secure housing within which are two or more accounting register sets. The accounting register sets are associated with distinct meter licenses. The postal security device can also store a single accounting register set, but is able to transfer the cryptographically signed register set to a nonsecure store such as the hard drive of a personal computer, the register set having been cryptographically signed. The register set may be retrieved from the nonsecure store and cryptographically authenticated, and restored to its location within the secure housing of postal security device. The postal security may provide service under more than one distinct meter license. The single meter license can also be associated with more than one postal security device, each with its own secure housing. Each register set is configured to permit being reset by means of a cryptographically secure exchange of data over a communications channel to external equipment such as a manufacturer's server or a server operated by the post office.
Abstract:
A system (10) and method of evidencing postage payment include a local postage printing system (20, 22) requesting to a remote data metering center (30) for the generation of postage evidencing information (220, 320). The request includes a postage amount to be printed on a mail piece. The remote data metering center (30) determines a postal origin (220, 320) corresponding to the request for postage evidencing information (220, 230), then accounts for the postage amount in a general account (220, 320) corresponding to the local postage printing system (20, 22) and in a payment account corresponding to the determined postal origin (240, 340). The remote metering center (30) generates postage evidencing information (220, 320) in response to the request. The postal evidencing information includes a digital token and the determined postal origin (220, 320). The remote data metering center (30) sends the postage evidencing information to the local postage printing system (20, 22) which prints the postage evidencing information and the determined postal origin on the mail piece.
Abstract:
An on-line value bearing item (VBI) printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database is disclosed. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing the USPS Information Based Indicia Program Postal Security Device Performance Criteria and other required VBI standards. The modules encipher the information stored in the central database for all of the on-line VBI system customers and are capable of preventing access to the database by unauthorized users. Additionally, the cryptographic module is capable of preventing unauthorized and undetected modification, including the unauthorized modification, substitution, insertion, and deletion of VBI related data and cryptographically critical security parameters.
Abstract:
A method and system for authenticating a postage indicium on a mail piece. The method comprises the steps of providing a first pattern containing encrypted information in a printed area, engaging a mask with the printed area, wherein the mask comprises a second pattern for forming with the first pattern a third pattern indicative of the encrypted information. The method further comprises the step of comparing the third pattern with a template having stored information. If the encrypted information revealed in the third pattern matches the stored information, then the postage indicium is assumed to be an original copy and not a duplicated copy.
Abstract:
A system and method for rapidly customizing and printing documents is disclosed. The system supports product lines having a plurality of customizable products therein, through the use of a single Web page that is continually updated in a data-driven fashion. The system is robust, easily expandable, and quickly deployable across a plurality of user platforms and geographic locations. Methods of the invention disclosed herein enable users to perform customization projects and to print the documents created thereby, either at a remote printer such as at a document factory, or at the user's own, local printer.
Abstract:
Techniques for dispensing postage from a kiosk using a communications network. A method for obtaining a postage stamp at a kiosk, where the kiosk includes a computer system and a printer, includes, a user inputting into the kiosk a request for the postage stamp. The request is sent to a server via a communications network. The user then receives a markup language response back from the server. Next, the markup language response is processed to obtain an indicium. The indicium includes a digital signature. Lastly, the postage stamp is obtained by printing the indicium by the printer on a label, where the label includes one or more security features.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for the maintenance of redundant postage accounting datafiles. Redundant postage accounting report data is maintained by the present invention by first creating a datafile on a postage metering device (e.g., an SMD) to store postage accounting data. A second datafile is created on a computer capable of communicating with the SMD (which may be either remote or local to the computer). For every transaction which updates the postage accounting data stored in the SMD, the datafile residing on the computer is updated to reflect the change.