Abstract:
A method of creating an open system digital token includes sending predetermined information to a digital token generation process. A set of characters are randomly selected from the predetermined information. A mapping algorithm is applied to the selected characters to facilitate a character recognition process and a random number algorithm is applied to the mapped selected characters to obtain a random number. A digital token is calculated using the random number. The predetermined information may be delivery address information in the form of an ASCII string which is reduced by eliminating certain non-alphanumeric characters from the ASCII string. Certain characters can be modified to facilitate OCR processing. A plurality of characters are randomly selected from the reduced ASCII string to determine random positions in the reduced ASCII string. The ASCII code of the selected characters are mapped to the code of a reduced space using a mapping table. The mapped delivery address information is included in a digital token calculation of the digital token generation process.
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 franking machine is provided with a memory to store slogan print data and scanning means whereby a medium bearing a slogan desired to be printed is fed by mail item feed means of the franking machine past the scanning means to generate slogan print data to be written to the slogan memory. During subsequent franking operations, the slogan print data is read from memory to control a franking impression printer to print the slogan alongside the franking impression. A plurality of memories may be provided for storing a plurality of slogans and a selected slogan may be read from a selected one of the memories.
Abstract:
A system and method for printing a postage meter stamp, including a desired postage amount, onto a piece of mail. A user takes a touch memory utility ("TMU") button to the Post Office in order to obtain a replenishment of the amount of postage stored within the TMU button. A desired amount of postage is entered into the TMU button by a postal employee through a processor-based system. The user is then able to access this stored postage at the user's location through a complementary processor-based system. The processor-based system automatically calculates the required postage for a piece of mail based upon a set of parameters pertaining to the mail.
Abstract:
A method for sending electrically stored data on flat information carriers requiring postal franking includes transmitting communication data from a personal computer into a memory of an information carrier with a read-write module. Associated shipping data are transmitted from the personal computer to a postage meter device synchronously with the transmission of the communication data. Postal charges for sending the information carrier are accounted for with the postage meter device on the basis of the shipping data. Control data are transmitted from the postage meter device to a printer for printing a postage imprint on each item intended for sending the information carrier. In an apparatus for performing the method, the read-write module may be integrated into the personal computer; the postage meter device may be integrated into the personal computer; the read-write module and the postage meter device may form a structural unit; and the read-write module, the postage meter device and an enveloping station may form a structural unit.
Abstract:
A franking machine is disclosed which comprises an electronic accounting and control device with registers for storing accounting data such as credit available and a printer connected to and controlled by the accounting and control device. The machine has an input/output connection for receipt of franking and addressing data from a computer to control the franking machine to print a franking impression and destination address on a mail item.
Abstract:
A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased.The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The 10 statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.
Abstract:
A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification. The system further provides for postal funds transfer between the various mailroom devices and centralized accounting for the mailing operation.
Abstract:
A printable postage sheet includes a plurality of substantially equally sized preprinted postage labels arranged in a matrix of n rows by m columns, where n and m are integers. The plurality of preprinted postage labels are symmetrically arranged in the printable postage sheet with respect to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Preprinted indicia on each of the preprinted postage labels are preprinted on generally the same location on all of the preprinted postage labels. The preprinted indicia are all oriented in a same orientation relative to the sheet. A printable area of each preprinted postage label is positioned on the label such that when indicia are printed on one or more of the preprinted postage labels, the indicia are positioned within the printable area irrespective of a right side up or upside down feeding orientation of the printable postage sheet into a printer.
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., 1120-11), and inputting any amount, e.g., $0.37 (e.g., 1122-11); and then clicking on the corresponding postage rate class menu button (e.g., 1123-11) and selecting a postage rate class (e.g., 1125-11).