CA2264622C - System and method for dynamic selection of appropriate postal rates based on metering data - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (10, 20, 30) and method for selecting appropriate postal rates (110, 115, 120) when evidencing postage payment provides new postal rates to a computer (20) responsible for rating mail and provides a date when the new postal rates (110, 115, 120) become effective. The new postal rates (110, 115, 120) and the effective date are stored in the computer (20). When postage evidencing occurs, a selection (215, 220, 225, 230, 240) is made between the current postal rates stored in the computer (20) and the new postal rates for use in evidencing postage payment on a mail piece. The selection is based on the date the mail piece will be submitted for mailing (205, 225, 230, 240).

Description

51015202530CA 02264622 2003-03-31SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC SELECTION OF APPROPRIATEPOSTAL RATES BASED ON METERING DATATechnical FieldThe present invention relates generally to rating of mail for postal systemand, more particularly, to a system and method for updating rate information inan open postage metering system.Related ApplicationsThe present application is related to the following Canadian PatentApplications: 2,263,437; 2,263,415; 2,263,436; 2,263,434 and 2,263,131 allfiled concurrently herewith, all being assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention.Background ArtPresently, there are two postage metering device types: a closed systemand an open system. In a closed system, the system functionality is solelydedicated to metering activity. Examples of closed system metering devices,also referred to as postage evidencing devices, include conventional digital andanalog (mechanical and electronic) postage meters wherein a dedicated printeris securely coupled to a metering or accounting function. in a closed system,typically the printer is securely coupled and dedicated to the meter, and printingevidence of postage cannot take place without accounting for the evidence ofpostage. In an open system, the printer is not dedicated to the metering activity.freeing system functionality for multiple and diverse uses in addition to themetering activity. Examples of open system metering devices include personalcomputer (PC) based devices with single and/or multi-tasking operatingsystems, multi-mailer applications and digital printers. An open systemmetering device is a postage evidencing device with a non-dedicated printerthat is not securely coupled to a secure accounting module. An open systemindicium printed by the202530CA 02264622 l999-02- 11WO 98/57305 PCT/US98/12385non—dedicated printer is made secure by including addressee information in theencrypted evidence of postage printed on the mailpiece for subsequentverification. See U.S. Patent Numbers 4,725,718 and 4,831,555, each assignedto the assignee of the present invention.The United States Postal Service ("USPS”) has proposed an Information-Based lndicia Program (“lBIP"), which is a distributed trusted system to retrofitand augment existing postage meters using new evidence of postage paymentknown as inforrnation-based indicia. The program relies on digital signaturetechniques to produce for each envelope an indicium whose origin can beauthenticated and content cannot be modified. IBIP is expected to support newmethods of applying postage in addition to the current approach, which typicallyrelies on a postage meter to print lndicia on mailpieces. IBIP requires printing alarge, high density, tvvo—dimensional (“2-D”) bar code on a mailpiece. The 2-Dbar code encodes information and is signed with a digital signature.The USPS has published draft specifications for IBIP. TheINFORMATION BASED INDICIA PROGRAM (IBIP) INDICIUMSPECIFICATION, dated June 13, 1996, and revised July 23, 1997, (“lBlPIndicium Specification”) defines the proposed requirements for a new indiciumthat will be applied to mail being created using IBIP. The INFORMATIONBASED INDICIA PROGRAM POSTAL SECURITY DEVICE SPECIFICATION,dated June 13, 1996, and revised July 23, 1997, (“|B|P PSD Specification")defines the proposed requirements for a Postal Security Device (“PSD"), which isa secure processor-based accounting device that dispenses and accounts forpostal value stored therein to support the creation of a new “information based”postage postmark or indicium that will be applied to mail being processed usingIBIP. The INFORMATION BASED INDICIA PROGRAM HOST SYSTEMSPECIFICATION, dated October 9, 1996, defines the proposed requirements fora host system element of IBIP (“|BlP Host Specification”). IBIP includesinterfacing mailer, postal and vendor infrastructures, which 2: the systemelements of the program. The INFORMATION BASED INDIC ‘\ PROGRAMKEY MANAGEMENT PLAN, dated April 25, 1997, defines the generation,distribution, use and replacement of the cryptographic keys used by the USPS1015202530CA 02264622 2003-03-31and PSDs ("lBlP KMS Specification"). Thespecifications are collectively referred to herein as the “lBlP Specifications”.product/service providerThe lBlP Specifications define a stand—a|one open metering system,referred to herein as a PC Meter comprising a PSD coupled to a computersystem, such as a personal computer, (“PC") which operates as a host systemwith a printer coupled thereto ("Host PC"). The Host PC runs the meteringapplication software and associated libraries (collectively referred to herein as“Host Applications”) and communicates with one or more attached PSDs. ThePC Meter can only access PSDs coupled to the Host PC. There is no remotePSD access for the PC Meter.The PC Meter processes transactions for dispensing postage,registration and refill on the Host PC. Processing is performed locally betweenthe Host PC and the PSD coupled thereto. Connections to a Data Center, forexample for registration and refill transactions, are made locally from the HostPC through a local or network modem/internet connection. Accounting fordebits and credits to the PSD is also performed locally, logging the transactionson the Host PC. The Host PC may accommodate more than one PSD, forexample supporting one PSD per serial port. Several applications programsrunning on the Host PC, such as a word processor or an envelope designer,may access the Host Applications.U.S. Patents 6,098,058 and 6,085,181, assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention, disclose various network configurations for open postagemetering systems. One version of a network metering system, referred toherein as a “virtual meter”, has many Host PCs without any PSDs coupledthereto. The Host PCs run Host Applications, but all PSD functions areperformed on Server(s) located at a Data Center. The PSD functions at theData Center may be performed in a secure device attached to a computer atthe Data Center, or may be performed in the Data Center computer itself. TheHost PCs must connect with the Data Center to process transactions such aspostage dispensing, meter registration, or meter refills. Transactions arerequested by the Host PC and sent to the Data Center for remote processing.The transactions are processed centrally at the Data Center and the results are2025CA 02264622 l999-02- llwo 98/57305 PCT/US98/12385returned to the Host PC. Accounting for funds and transaction processing arecentralized at the Data Center. See, for example, U.S. Patent Numbers5,454,038 and 4,873,645, which are assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention.Various postal services throughout the world have developed rate tablesfor mail and parcels. These rate tables specify the rate for any given mailpiece(hereinafter “mailpiece” intended to include parcels and other mailable items).The rating may involve a desired class of service, such as first class or thirdclass mail in the United States, the weight of the mail, the size of the mail, thedistance of which the mail is to be sent, the level of sen/ice, such as next daydelivery, and/or a discount associated with a level of work sharing.To facilitate a mailer applying proper postage or other charges (such as,for example, insurance or certified delivery or return receipt, etc.) to a mailpieceor to a tape to be adhered to a mailpiece, various devices have been providedsuch as scales which include rate tables to provide a visual indication to themailer of the appropriate postage for the given mailpiece to be deposited with thepostal service. In some instances, these weighing devices having rating tablesallow for the automatic setting of the postage meter print wheels wherein thescale includes a connection to an electronic postage meter and conveys settinginformation. This now enables a more rapid printing of postage and processingof the mail. One example of such a system is the Pitney Bowes PARAGON”mailing system wherein mail is weighed and the postage meter print wheelsautomatically set for imprinting of the proper postage on a mailpiece.Another system such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 4,855,920provides a secure accounting unit with a memory including, a rate charge ofpostage rates for different classes of mail. Yet another system is disclosed inU.S. Patent Number 5,191,533 wherein rate tables are stored in a meter and areemployed to set the printing 9“-"echanism to a desired amount.When rate changes occur, It is well known that a mailpiece may beimprinted wit? in improper postage amount. This can be due to a number ofdifferent factors such as the utilization of a wrong rate table, the utilization of anobsolete rate table, or the input of inaccurate data for the rating process.202530CA 02264622 l999-02- llwo 98/S7305 PCT/US98/12385IBIP Specifications provide for updating rate tables at the appropriate timeand disabling operations if the rate tables have not been updated. Although theIBIP Specifications allow predating of mail up to 30 days, they do not provide forthe existence of more than one rate table at a time. Since it may take more thanone day to complete the preparation of a batch of mail, this presents a problemwhen the rate change takes effect on the second day of preparing the batch ofmail.Heretofore, updating rate tables has been difficult task. Generally, ratetables are not made available prior to the date the rate change becomeseffective. For a traditional electronic postage meter having an electronic postalscale coupled thereto, the rate tables are stored on a PROM that is removablyconnected to the electronic postal scale. This method is known as an integratedrating, i.e., the rate tables are stored on a device peripheral to the postagemeter. Whenever a rate change becomes effective, the current PROM isreplaced with a new PROM in which new rate tables are stored. The problemwith this method of implementing a rate change is that the PROM can not beadded to the system until the expired PROM is removed. It is well known thatmailers forget to replace the PROM on the effective date. Since this methoddoes not link the effective date to the rate table, postage may be dispensed usedoutdated rate tables.More recently, updated rate tables have been supplied on computerdiskettes. The new rate tables are downloaded at the appropriate time toreplace the rate table previously in use. However, once updated, the meteringsystem can no longer use the previous rate table, which has been replaced.The IBIP Specifications allow a mailer to update the date on a mailpiecefor a mailpiece that has an indicium printed thereon with a stale date. Thispresents a potential problem of misrating when a rate change goes into effectbetween the printing of the original indicium and date update.Disclosure of the InventionIt has been found that the present invention allows a mailer to predatemail to take advantage of a rate change without having to wait until the ratechange takes effect. The present invention provides a method whereby two rate1015202530CA 02264622 2003-03-31tables may co-exist in a metering system at the same time. it has further beenfound that the present invention prevents stale rating when updating date onmailpiece as permitted by the IBIP Specifications.When a system contains a rating engine with associated rates that aresubject to change, being able to use the proper rates depending on the date ofmailing allows a mailer to load the rates on the system whenever the rates arereceived. The system then determines which rate table is appropriate ratherthan relying on a mailer loading the rates after the effective date of the change.When a new rating structure is announced and available for use, therating file is sent to mailers or may be made available to mailers for onlinedownloading via a bulletin board system (BBS) or Internet. When a mailer loadsthe file onto the system, it contains an effective date what will indicate the datethat the new rates are valid. When a mailer desires to rate a mailpiece, themailer indicates a date of mailing for the mailpiece. The rate engine uses thedate of mailing to determine which rate table will be in effect on that date.The present invention is suitable for use in PC metering systems andnetwork postage metering systems, including virtual postage metering systems.When the mailer requests the mail to be rated, the mailer also submits a date ofmailing to the rating engine. it does not matter whether the rating engine is inthe PSD, the host PC, or in a remote device in a network, or at the Data Centerfor a virtual postage metering system.According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod for selecting appropriate postal rates when evidencing postagepayment, the method comprising the steps of:providing new postal rates to a processor responsible for rating mail, theprocessor including storage means;providing an effective date when the new postal rates become active;storing the new postal rates and the effective date in the storage meansalong with current postal rates;providing a posting date for a mailpiece, the posting date being either acurrent date or a future date;comparing the posting date to the effective date of the new postal rates;101520CA 02264622 2003-03-31selecting the new postal rates or the current postal rates stored in thestorage means based on a result of the comparison; andrating the mailpiece for postage evidencing using the selected one of thenew postal rates or the current postal rates.According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided asystem for evidencing postage payment on a mailpiece, comprising:a host processor coupled to a printer for printing evidence of postagepayment;means coupled to said host processor for storing current postal rates,new postal rates and an effective date for the new postal rates;means coupled to the processor for providing a posting date of themailpiece, the posting date being either a current date or a future date;means coupled to the host processor for comparing the posting date tothe effective date for the new postal rates and selecting the new postal rates orcurrent postal rates stored in the storage means based on a result of thecomparison; andmeans coupled to the host processor for rating the mailpiece for postageevidencing using the selected one of the new postal rates or the current postalrates.Description of the DrawingsThe above and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, takenin6a202530CA 02264622 l999-02- 11WO 98/57305 PCT/US98/12385conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference charactersrefer to like parts throughout, and in which:Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a virtual postage metering system fordispensing postage embodying the principles of the present invention;Fig. 2 is a flow chart of the startup of the virtual postage metering systemof Fig. 1, specifically with respect to the appropriate rate table;Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the process for rating mailpieces by the virtualpostage metering system of Fig. 1 in accordance with the present invention; andFig. 4 is a flow chart of the process performed when the rate table is localto the client.Best Mode for Carging Out the InventionThe following description of the present invention is embodied in a virtualpostage metering system. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that thepresent invention may also be implemented in a PC metering system with therating engine and tables residing in the PSD, host PC or a network PC. Thepresent invention may further be implemented in a mailing machine with ratingcapabilities and posting date input capabilities, such as the Pitney BowesPARAGON” mailing system.In describing the present invention, reference is made to the drawings,wherein there is seen in Fig. 1, a virtual postage metering system, generallydesignated 10. The virtual postage metering system 10 includes a plurality (onlyone is shown) of personal computer (PC) systems, generally designated 20,each having access to a printer 22 for printing evidence of postage on anenvelope or label. PC 20 is connected with a transaction processing DataCenter 30 that performs postal accounting and evidencing of postage. Thevirtual postage metering system 10 allows each mailer to use a conventional PCto remotely obtain evidence of postage payment on an as needed basis. Unlikeconventional postage metering systems, virtual postage metering system 10does not include any meter hardware located at the mailer's site. Nor are anypostal funds stored at the mailer’s site. All metering and accounting of fundsoccur at Data Center 30 using functional software and database records202530CA 02264622 l999-02- 11WO 98/57305 PCT/US98/12385representing each mailer’s “postage meter’, referred to herein as a “meteraccount”.The accounting method for virtual postage metering system 10 may be aconventional prepayment or post-payment system. The preferred method aprepayment method wherein each mailer is required to put a minimum amount ofmoney into the mailers virtual meter account. As account funds drop below aspecific level a refill is charged against the mailer’s account. An alternateaccounting method that is suitable for a virtual postage metering system is areal-time payment method in which the amount of a transaction is charged to aThis method isreferred to herein as a “trickle charge" postage payment, because the mailermailer’s credit card account when the transaction occurs.does not pay for postage for a mailpiece until the mailer is ready to print themailpiece.In the virtual postage metering system, a “meter” vendor, such as PitneyBowes lnc., provides the mailer with client software that runs on PC 20, e.g., theclient software may be downloaded from the vendor’s Internet server.Alternatively, the client software may be the Internet browser based home pagesthat provide user interactions with the Data Center 30. The meter vendor alsomanages Data Center 30. The client software initiates communications withData Center 30 which performs metering transactions to evidence postage forsingle mailpieces or batches of mailpieces. In the preferred embodiment, theclient software establishes a connection to the Data Center, and requestspostage by providing postal information relating to the requested transactions,such as postage amount, addressee information and (optionally) the origin ofdeposit for each mailpiece. Data Center 30 receives the postal information,determines the origin zip for the mailpiece(s), performs accounting functions andgenerates an encrypted evidence of postage payment, such as a token or digitalsignature, and sends indicium information including the token, to PC 20. PC 20receives the indicium information, creates an indicium bitmap, which can bedisplayed on a PC monitor (not shown) and printed on the mailpiece by printer22. PC 20 then disconnects from Data Center 30 or requests anothertransaction. The connection between PC 20 and Data Center 30 may be1015202530CA 02264622 2003-03-31through a Network Service Provider, such as on the Internet, or by direct dialusing the PC’s modem.Virtual postage metering system 10 eliminates the need to maintain andaccount for traditional metering devices at each mailer's site and providesflexibility for handling requests from multiple origins of deposit by each mailer.Virtual postage metering system 10 also provides value added services that arenot available with conventional meter devices, such as, lreal—time addresshygiene, direct marketing services and trickle charge postage payment. Virtualpostage metering system 10 provides user authentication by Data Center 30 toidentify mailers with valid accounts. When a mailer has been authenticated foreach request, for example, by a username, password or other conventionalmethods, Data Center 30 services the request, and returns indicium informationto the PC 20 where the indicium is created and printed on the mailpiece.Referring again to Fig. 1, the mailer initiates a postage evidencingtransaction by running client software in PC 20, which contacts Data Center 30.At Data Center 30, a Communication Server 32 supports connectivity fromvarious communication technologies and protocols. The Communication Servermerges all incoming traffic and routes it to a Function Server 34, which includesapplication software that supports mailer sign-on, postage dispensing andpostal reporting. All mailer and meter information is accessed from a DatabaseServer 36 where the information is securely stored using secure cryptographicprocesses and protocols as described below. Data Center 30 maintainscryptographic keys for each meter account in Database Server 36. Thecryptographic keys are used for postage evidencing and verification as well asfor security of the records stored in Database Server 36. A Key ManagementSystem 38 administers all cryptographic keys used in virtual postage meteringsystem 10. The cryptographic keys may be distributed to verifiers in remotelocations. U.S. Patent No. 5,812,666, issued September 22, 1998, andassigned to the assignee of the present invention, describes such a keymanagement system.A mailer may establish a meter account through an on-line sign-upprocess with Data Center 30. During sign-up, the mailer enters, at PC 20,account information, such as user name, password and method of payment.9 - '1015202530CA 02264622 2003-03-31Any registration fees can be charged at this time. Data Center 30, preferablyadministered by a meter vendor, such as Pitney Bowes |nc., arranges all meterlicenses and agreements between its mailers and the Post.In virtual postage metering system 10, the PSD does not exist, i.e., thereis no metering device coupled to the PC from which postage payment isrequested. Virtual postage metering system 10 replaces the accounting andmetering functions of the PSD with metering software at PC 20 and maileraccount information performed and updated at Data Center 30. The virtualpostage metering system 10 provides each mailer with a metering system thathas the capability of originating transactions from multiple origins of deposit.See, for example, previously noted Canadian Patent Application No. 2,263,436.Various methods can be used to determine the origin of deposit for arequested transaction. For example, a method for determining origin zip codeusing a caller ID from a telephone call is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,943,658issued August 24, 1999, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.In virtual postage metering system 10, one or more cryptographicmodules, referred to herein as secure “boxes", are located within Data Center30 and are used to perform cryptographic processes. Each secure box is asecure, tamper-evident, tamper-resistant and tamper—responding device,including a processor and memory, that stores encryption keys and performscryptographic operations using the keys within the secure boundary of thedevice. Data Center 30 includes several types of secure boxes, which aredescribed below. In the preferred embodiment, Data Center 30 includesmultiple boxes of each type for redundancy and performance.Key Management System 38 includes a manufacturing box (not shown)that provides top-level keys used to generate random numbers for seedingeach of the other secure boxes. By sharing a common cryptographic key, thesecure boxes communicate securely within Data Center 30. Key ManagementSystem 38 also includes a "steel” box (not shown) that shares a common keywith meter box 44 (described below) to encrypt/decrypt master token keys forpostage1015202530CA 02264622 l999-02- 11WO 98/57305 PCT/US98/12385evidencing transactions for each meter account. The steel box merges a vendorkey and a postal key into one record in cipher text. For each meter account,Data Center 30 creates a logical meter, i.e. a meter record, in Database Server36 by generating a token key using the vendor and postal keys, initializing meterregisters (ascending and descending), meter freshness data (described below)and other postal information as part of the meter record, and then storing themeter record in Database Server 36.Data Center 30 also includes a meter box 44 that shares a secret key withthe steel box for decrypting the token key encrypted in the meter record. Meterbox 44 also holds the key used for digital signature of transaction records. Theonly other information stored in meter box 44 is freshness data for each meterrecord processed by meter box 44. For each postage transaction, meter box 44generates at least one digital token or signs the postage transaction. andupdates the meter record corresponding to the transaction. Each meter recordin Database Server 36 includes postal funds as well as the token keys in ciphertext. Meter box 44 uses the token keys to generate tokens, updates the postalfunds in the meter record, and signs the updated meter record. In this manner,meter box 44 performs and controls the secure accounting for each transaction.Meter box 44 can also be used to verify the token or the transaction signature forverification of the postage evidencing for the transaction.Data Center 30 also includes an authentication box 40 that shares adifferent secret key with the steel box to decrypt an user authentication keystored in cipher text in Database Server 36. Authentication box 40 also executesthe authentication algorithms using the decrypted authentication key toauthenticate a mailer. This function may be added to the steel box of keymanagement system 38 to eliminate the need for a separate box at Data Center30.Finally, Data Center 30 includes an transaction box 42 that sharesanother secret key with the steel box to sign user transaction records other thanthe meter records signed by meter box 44, such as Iogins and login historyrecords. Transaction box 42 later verifies the transaction record signature whenthe next transaction is requested.112030CA 02264622 l999-02- 11WO 98/57305 PCT/US98/12385It will be understood that the functions described for meter box 44,authentication box 40 and transaction box 42 can be logically separated andcombined in one box. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, atleast the functions of authentication box 40 and meter box 44 are performed inseparate secure boxes.Referring now to Fig. 2, a startup process for the virtual postage meteringsystem 10 (or a PC meter system) is shown for obtaining an active rate table. AtAt step 105, the date is obtained,preferably from a secure real-time clock in meter box 44. (For a PC meteringstep 100, the system startup begins.system the date is obtained from a secure real-time clock in the PSD). At step110, the system determines if a new rate table is available. If not, then at step125, normal system operation continues. If a new rate table is available, then atstep 115, the system checks if the effective date of the new rate table has beenreached. If not, then at step 125, normal system operation continues. If yes,then at step 120, the new rate table is activated.For past and present postal systems, rating files contain an effective date,but do not allow multiple files to be loaded simultaneously. In accordance withthe present invention, multiple rating files may be loaded simultaneously, with asmall software layer that “brokers” requests to the appropriate rating databasebased on the mailer’s requested date of mailing. The present invention may berealized with minimal impact on current and future postal systems. Heretofore, arate change has not affected the software interface to the rating engine, but onlyaffects the rating data being used. The present invention provides for thestorage of multiple rating files and the selection, through a modified softwareinterface, of the appropriate file base on the mailing date selected by the mailer.In accordance with the present invention, when a new rating structure isannounced and declared ready for use, for example by a meter vendor, mailersmay load the new rating files onto their respective systems immediately, ratherthan having to wait for the effective date of the change. This prevents typicalproblems associated with a rating change, such as loading a file too early, orforgetting to load the file on the correct date. Rating files may be distributed viastandard methods, including diskette, CD-ROM, online BBS and the Internet.12202530CA 02264622 l999-02- 11WO 98/57305 PCT/US98/12385The software interface will, when requested to rate a mailpiece or presenta list of class adlor special service choices, be given the date of mailing. Thesoftware then will search the system for all rating files specific to that carrier anddynamically select the correct rate structure based on the effective dateindicated by the rating file. The service will be performed as appropriate, or anerror returned if the requested services do not exist. The software system canoptionally delete the older rating files as appropriate based on the date of themeter box 44 (or PSD in the case of a PC metering system).Referring now to Fig. 3, the process for rating mailpieces by inaccordance with the present invention is shown. From normal operation forpostage evidencing requests, at step 200, the mailer, also referred to herein asthe user, selects, for example by keyboard entry or communications port, a dateof mailing, at step 205. The user selects, at step 210, the rate or print functions.At step 215, the system checks if there is a new rate table in addition to thecurrent active rate table. if not, then, at step 240, the current rate table is usedto perform the rating function. if a new rate table exists, then, at step 220, thesystem determines if the selected date of mailing is later than or the same as theeffective date of the new rate table. if the system, at step 225 determines thatthe date of mailing is earlier than effective date of the new rate table, then, atstep 240, the current rate table is used to perform the rating function. if the dateof mailing is the same as or later than effective date of the new rate table, then,at step 230, the new rate table is used to perform the rating function.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, for virtual postagemetering system 10, the rating engine is located at Function Server 34 and therating tables are stored in Database Server 36. In an alternate embodiment forvirtual postage metering system 10, the rating engine and rating table reside inPC 20. it will be understood that this process is also suitable for a PC meteringsystem with the rating engine and rating table residing in a local PSD, a host PCor a network metering system or some combination thereof.Referring now to Fig. 4, a process perfomied in virtual postage meteringsystem 10 when the rate table is local to the user is shown. The process beginswith the user communicating with Data Center 30, such as requesting refill ofpostage value, at step 300, checking for new rate tables, at step 305, or initiating1315202530CA 02264622 l999-02- 11WO 98157305 PCT/US98/12385an audit of the PSD (for a PC metering system), at step 310. At step 315,communications with Data Center 30 have been established, and, at step 320,the user logs into Data Center 30. At step 325, during the communicationsession a check is made to determine if new rate tables exist. if new rate tablesdo not exist, then, at step 340, the appropriate functions, such as refill or audit,are performed. if new rate tables do exist, then, at step 330, the new rate tablesare downloaded to PC 20. At step 335, the new rate tables are activated if theeffective date is current or past. At step 340, the appropriate functions areperformed and the user logs out, at step 345. As with Fig. 3, this process is alsosuitable for a PC metering system with the rating engine and rating table residingin a local PSD, a host PC or a network metering system or some combinationthereof.It has also been found that the present invention provides a solution to theproblem of a mailer printing an updated date for an indicium previously printedand a rate change having taken effect since the indicium was printed. Thepresent invention requires date entry of original indicium, or selection from atransaction log of the original mailpiece, by the user requesting an updated dateto be printed. The system detennines if additional postage is required becauseof a rate change and notifies the user if additional postage is required instead ofprinting the updated date. PC 20 prints the indicium for additional postage. Thesystem could also notify the user if the rate change has lowered the requiredpostage so that the user may apply for a refund.It will be understood that, although the embodiments of the presentinvention are described as postage metering systems, the present invention isapplicable to any value metering system that includes transaction evidencing,such as monetary transactions, item transactions and information transactions.While the present invention has been disclosed and described withreference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent, as noted above, thatvariations and modifications may be made therein. It is, thus, intended in thefollowing claims to cover each variation and modification that falls within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.Paragon is a trademark of Pitney Bowes Inc.14

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for selecting appropriate postal rates when evidencing postage payment, the method comprising the steps of:
providing new postal rates to a processor responsible for rating mail, the processor including storage means;
providing an effective date when the new postal rates become active;
storing the new postal rates and the effective date in the storage means along with current postal rates;
providing a posting date for a mailpiece, the posting date being either a current date or a future date;
comparing the posting date to the effective date of the new postal rates;
selecting the new postal rates or the current postal rates stored in the storage means based on a result of the comparison; and rating the mailpiece for postage evidencing using the selected one of the new postal rates or the current postal rates.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the new postal rates are selected when the posting date is the same as or later than the effective date.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the processor is located at a data center remote from a local printer printing the postage evidencing.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the processor is a host processor coupled to a printer printing the postage evidencing.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the processor is located a network server remote from a local printer printing the postage evidencing.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the processor is a secure processor coupled to a host processor in an open postage metering system.

7. A system for evidencing postage payment on a mailpiece, comprising:

a host processor coupled to a printer for printing evidence of postage payment;
means coupled to said host processor for storing current postal rates, new postal rates and an effective date for the new postal rates;
means coupled to the processor for providing a posting date of the mailpiece, the posting date being either a current date or a future date;
means coupled to the host processor for comparing the posting date to the effective date for the new postal rates and selecting the new postal rates or current postal rates stored in the storage means based on a result of the comparison; and means coupled to the host processor for rating the mailpiece for postage evidencing using the selected one of the new postal rates or the current postal rates.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the means for rating is in the host processor.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the means for rating is in a remote processor located at a data center.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein the means for rating is in a network server remote from the host processor.