WO2001020464A1 - Systeme et procede de paiement - Google Patents

Systeme et procede de paiement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001020464A1
WO2001020464A1 PCT/US2000/025522 US0025522W WO0120464A1 WO 2001020464 A1 WO2001020464 A1 WO 2001020464A1 US 0025522 W US0025522 W US 0025522W WO 0120464 A1 WO0120464 A1 WO 0120464A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
indicia
information
funds
payment
providing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/025522
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard H. Rosen
Original Assignee
Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems, Inc. filed Critical Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems, Inc.
Priority to CA002384697A priority Critical patent/CA2384697A1/fr
Priority to EP00963570A priority patent/EP1222547A4/fr
Priority to AU74963/00A priority patent/AU7496300A/en
Publication of WO2001020464A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001020464A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00733—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00572—Details of printed item
    • G07B2017/0058—Printing of code
    • G07B2017/00588—Barcode
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00612—Attaching item on mailpiece
    • G07B2017/0062—Label
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00733—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00959—Cryptographic modules, e.g. a PC encryption board
    • G07B2017/00967—PSD [Postal Security Device] as defined by the USPS [US Postal Service]

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to systems and methods for producing proof of payment for goods or services. More particularly, it also relates to a system and method that produces mail which meets the Unites States Postal Service permit mail requirements.
  • stamps The U.S. Postal Service allows payment for services in three basic ways: stamps, postage meters and permit.
  • Stamp use is declining, metering mail is flat and permit mail is growing.
  • the permit system is appealing to large mailers because it is simple to use, is often an outgrowth of the mailing software they already use, it and does not require the up-front payment that post meters do .
  • PMPS Permit Mail Payment System
  • Postal Security Device for the purpose of securely controlling proof of payment for permit mailers and others needing to provide a secure means of printing proof that payment has been made and funds transferred to the proper account.
  • PMPS Permit Mail Payment System
  • PMPS Permit Mail Payment System
  • PMPS Permit Mail Payment System
  • PMPS Permit Mail Payment System
  • the funds may be made available on a just on time basis.
  • the invention is directed to a system that provides for a simple, secure means of paying for goods and services, while at the same time providing a secure hard copy proof of payment. While this concept focuses on use within the US Postal Service, it can apply to any operation which requires the secure transfer of funds and a secure hard copy proof of payment.
  • This invention eliminates the need for the postage payment method and consequently removes the need for the account, and additionally removes the need to provide physical payment at the time of providing the postal authority with the corresponding permit mailing.
  • Each mailpiece sent under the payment method may or may not bear a permit imprint indicia or serialized number showing that postage is paid.
  • the PMPS Postal Security Device which generates a secret or public key, or otherwise encrypts relevant security information, which is needed to debit funds from a user's account.
  • PSD Postal Security Device
  • the system requires the necessary authorization codes by an operator. Physical proof of payment is evidenced by the printing of a secure digitally signed encrypted series of numbers and printed in both human readable and electronically readable (2D bar code) form.
  • the PMPS connects to a Host Financial System via direct telephone dial up or use of the internet through which interconnection required information is interchanged and account control takes place.
  • the invention is directed to a system and a method for providing indicia that a payment has been made, comprising determining the total value represented by said indicia, requesting funds from a secure source corresponding to the total value, receiving from the secure source an authorization to provide the indicia, and providing the indicia.
  • the indicia may contain encrypted information.
  • the encrypted information may be printed as a two dimensional symbol. Further, the encrypted information may include a -digital signature.
  • the method may further comprise recovering the encrypted information from the hardcopy indicia to obtain recovered information.
  • the authenticity of the recovered information may be verified by comparison to a data base of previously recorded information to determine if the indicia from which the information was recorded was a duplicate.
  • the indicia may include consecutive numbers . The consecutive numbers may be part of the encrypted data.
  • the indicia may be printed, in hardcopy form, on one of gift certificates, tickets, stamps and certified checks, or provided by electronic means including facsimile or e-mail.
  • the indicia include postal data and may be printed on mail.
  • Figure 1 is a generalized flow chart of a version of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the invention used for producing postage on mail.
  • Figure 2A is a diagram of apparatus used to verify authenticity of indicia produced m accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 3A and 3B are examples of proof of payment indicia that are produced in accordance with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • a generalized conceptual flow chart of the present invention is shown.
  • input from one or more of various sources is used to make up a manifest including total value of the items to be printed.
  • the sources may include the Internet, an intranet, or web 12.
  • a local area network of a business having a plurality of work stations where data can be entered, may be the source of such input.
  • Another source may be local input from, for example, a keyboard 14, or from a postal meter 16.
  • the items to be printed may be gift certificates, tickets to entertainment events, certified checks, stamps, or other postage indicia; depending on the nature of the input.
  • the local input may be keystrokes on a keyboard operated by an operator answering the telephone for a service that provides tickets to sporting events pursuant to telephone orders.
  • the transaction is completed. In other words, it is closed, and the total cash value is determined.
  • the total cash value is determined.
  • the total cost of mailing all of its mail for example, for one day is determined, based on the number of pieces, the weight of each piece, the type of delivery selected, . ⁇ etc.
  • Software for performing this function is well known in the art.
  • a payment request is generated based on the total value computed at 20.
  • a software component to the payment system is used to interface to a device which acts as a source of funds, that is a funds or postal security device 24.
  • the permit mail payment system (PMPS) software of 22 can be operated by a trained employee or it can operate as a call routine from another application such as a direct mail software package or a transaction mail application used at 22.
  • the PMPS software typically operates under a Windows, Linux, or other operating system.
  • the Postal Security Device (PSD) 24 is a secure, tamper resistant, physical device which attaches to (or is built in to) a personal computer or personal data assistant (such as a Palm Pilot) running the PMPS software.
  • the PSD is provided either with or without tamper response/ countermeasures which react to protect the PSD from fraudulent use. Should the PSD be housed in a secure environment (such as in a data center) , the tamper response/countermeasures would be an optional preference.
  • the PSD 24 controls the disbursement of funds and provides a secure, digital signature, and/or encryption, for any printing of the evidence of payment.
  • the PSD may or may not hold funds in advance of disbursement.
  • One dedicated PSD can be used, of a type similar to a traditional postage meter, whereby the PSD holds funds.
  • the PSD can operate without funds, providing a means for securely transferring the funds from a central account or bank and then printing the evidence of payment at 26. This results in payment on a just-on-time basis, advantage ⁇ t ⁇ ' sly allowing the user to keep funds until their expenditure is necessary.
  • the PSD When proof of postage is required, the amount of postage requested is communicated to the PSD, which generates a secret or public key, and. or encryption, which is needed to debit funds from a user's account. When requesting proof of postage, the system will require the necessary authorization codes by an operator.
  • the PMPS connects to a Host Financial System 28 via direct telephone dial up or use of the internet.
  • the Host Financial System 28 When requesting the proof of postage, the Host Financial System 28 debits funds from an individual account or requests an electronic funds transfer from the proper bank account. Once the funds are made available, the Host Financial System 28 responds back to the PMPS at 22 with the correct, encrypted information which can be further interrogated by the PSD 24. At 26, once the correct information is available, a secure, digitally encrypted form or label, with a digital signature providing proof of signing, will be provided by printing with a printer 26A, or by facsimile transmission 26B, or by e-mail 26C.
  • the indicia provided includes the summary information of the transaction. As a preferred embodiment, the entire message is printed in a two dimensional symbol.
  • This two dimensional symbol allows the entire message to be electronically reentered into a data processing system, for example by scanning, by the recipient.
  • This message may be on a separate document, or included as part of a larger document, such as a postal form.
  • the two dimensional bar code has a digital encrypted signature, it can only be deciphered, including the digital signature, by the appropriate party with its necessary private and public keys.
  • the receiving authority for example, the United States Postal Service or other postal authority, upon successful scanning of the bar code, is assured of the proper allocation of the proof of postage funds. Further details are discussed below with respect to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B.
  • the PMPS applications software 23 used at 22 interfaces to the PSD 24 or other secure proof of payment device wherein any tampering with the PMPS applications software will result in the PSD 24 not providing the proof of postage, certificate, label or form required.
  • the scanning of the bar code symbol by the postal authority (or other carrier) reveals the attempted fraud, in that the cryptographic image generated does not relate to the signature applied to a valid bar code image.
  • Attempts to copy a previous valid proof of postage, certificate, label or form result in the scanning by the postal authority (or carrier) showing that the scanned image (bar code) is a second copy of a previously scanned image.
  • each indicia printed at 26 is absolutely unique as a result of a unique two dimensional bar code or a unique serial number, or both.
  • the data it generates is entered into a database 31, operating with a computer 33.
  • the database 3_1 is checked by the computer 33 to ascertain whether there is a previous corresponding entry. If there is a previous corresponding entry, then either the item presently being scanned, or the iteirf corresponding to the previous entry, is fraudulent in nature.
  • indicia may be printed on a manifest generated at 10.
  • indicia evidencing proof of payment may be printed on a manifest delivered to the postal authority with the mail for the day.
  • each permit mailer wishing to utilize the invention, is uniquely identified to the aforementioned Host Financial System using public key methodologies.
  • the Host Financial System may be operated and maintained by any trusted party approved by the postal authority or other carrier.
  • the postal authority or carrier
  • PSD there are a least three distinct ways in which the PSD can be implemented.
  • a "virtual" PSD may reside with a computer of the Host Financial System.
  • a local PSD such as may be found in a postal meter.
  • a shared PSD which may be connected to, for example, a network so that several authorized users may obtain required funds.
  • FIG. 2 an embodiment of the invention specifically directed to use for producing postage on mail, is disclosed.
  • the mail is run. That is, each piece of mail is weighed, and a determination of what mail services is to be used, is made.
  • all of this information is processed in the manner discussed above, by appropriate software.
  • an electronic report is printed.
  • Funds are requested from PSD 36. Either in advance, or upon request, PSD 36 communicates with a telemetering service (TMS) center 38. In a manner well known in the art, this TMS center 38 provides funds to PSD 36.
  • TMS center 38 is authorized to communicate with a financial institution where it can access a bank or credit card account 40 to charge for the funds transferred to PSD 36.
  • TMS telemetering service
  • PSD 36 provides a digital signature to authorize the printing of the appropriate postage labels at 42.
  • the system of Fig. 2 operates in accordance with the general principles discussed above with respect to Fig. 1.
  • the labels may include preprinted indicia 44.
  • a two-dimensional bar code 46 as described above may be used. Additional information which can be coded into this bar code, and may be otherwise available, by printing, in human readable form, may be to whom the mail is addressed, from whom it originated, the address that the mail is being sent to, routing information, a tracking number identification 48, and other information which is typical, such as the amount of postage 50, the date of posting 52, the class of mail 54 and the zip code of origin 56.
  • the indicia are typically printed by a dedicated thermal printer 9not shown) of a type well known in the art.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé permettant de produire une preuve (26) qu'un paiement a été effectué. La valeur totale représentée par la preuve (26) est déterminée. Les fonds correspondants à la valeur totale sont réclamés par une source sûre (24). Une autorisation de production de la preuve (26) est envoyée par la source sûre (24). La preuve (26) est ensuite imprimée (26A), envoyée par fax (26B), par courrier électronique (26C) ou par un autre transfert électronique. La preuve (26) peut contenir des données chiffrées, ou des nombres consécutifs contenus dans les données chiffrées. Les données chiffrées peuvent se présenter sous la forme d'un code à barres bidimensionnel. Les informations peuvent être extraites de la preuve (26) par balayage, par exemple. L'authenticité de la preuve (26) est préalablement reçue et au moins quelques informations contenues dans la preuve sont entrées dans la base de données.
PCT/US2000/025522 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Systeme et procede de paiement WO2001020464A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002384697A CA2384697A1 (fr) 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Systeme et procede de paiement
EP00963570A EP1222547A4 (fr) 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Systeme et procede de paiement
AU74963/00A AU7496300A (en) 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Payment system and method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15441999P 1999-09-17 1999-09-17
US60/154,419 1999-09-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001020464A1 true WO2001020464A1 (fr) 2001-03-22

Family

ID=22551296

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/025522 WO2001020464A1 (fr) 1999-09-17 2000-09-18 Systeme et procede de paiement

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1222547A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU7496300A (fr)
CA (1) CA2384697A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001020464A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10354299B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2019-07-16 Taxiprop Pty Ltd Taximeter, system and method for a taxi

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5257196A (en) * 1988-12-13 1993-10-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Apparatus and method for the processing of mail
US5675650A (en) * 1995-05-02 1997-10-07 Pitney Bowes Inc. Controlled acceptance mail payment and evidencing system
US5781438A (en) * 1995-12-19 1998-07-14 Pitney Bowes Inc. Token generation process in an open metering system
US5796841A (en) * 1995-08-21 1998-08-18 Pitney Bowes Inc. Secure user certification for electronic commerce employing value metering system
US5812666A (en) * 1995-03-31 1998-09-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. Cryptographic key management and validation system
US5826247A (en) * 1996-04-09 1998-10-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Closed loop transaction based mail accounting and payment system with carrier payment through a third party initiated by mailing information release
US5835689A (en) * 1995-12-19 1998-11-10 Pitney Bowes Inc. Transaction evidencing system and method including post printing and batch processing
US6108643A (en) * 1998-05-22 2000-08-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for metering permit mail that has an encrypted message affixed to a mail piece

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4873645A (en) * 1987-12-18 1989-10-10 Pitney Bowes, Inc. Secure postage dispensing system
US5712787A (en) * 1995-07-10 1998-01-27 Canada Post Corporation Electronic postal counter
EP0944878A4 (fr) * 1997-09-22 2002-09-04 Ascom Hasler Mailing Sys Inc Technique permettant de generer de maniere efficace des symboles multidimensionnels representant des informations postales

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5257196A (en) * 1988-12-13 1993-10-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Apparatus and method for the processing of mail
US5812666A (en) * 1995-03-31 1998-09-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. Cryptographic key management and validation system
US5675650A (en) * 1995-05-02 1997-10-07 Pitney Bowes Inc. Controlled acceptance mail payment and evidencing system
US5796841A (en) * 1995-08-21 1998-08-18 Pitney Bowes Inc. Secure user certification for electronic commerce employing value metering system
US5781438A (en) * 1995-12-19 1998-07-14 Pitney Bowes Inc. Token generation process in an open metering system
US5835689A (en) * 1995-12-19 1998-11-10 Pitney Bowes Inc. Transaction evidencing system and method including post printing and batch processing
US5826247A (en) * 1996-04-09 1998-10-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Closed loop transaction based mail accounting and payment system with carrier payment through a third party initiated by mailing information release
US6108643A (en) * 1998-05-22 2000-08-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for metering permit mail that has an encrypted message affixed to a mail piece

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1222547A4 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10354299B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2019-07-16 Taxiprop Pty Ltd Taximeter, system and method for a taxi

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7496300A (en) 2001-04-17
CA2384697A1 (fr) 2001-03-22
EP1222547A1 (fr) 2002-07-17
EP1222547A4 (fr) 2004-09-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2152835C (fr) Systeme de paiement postal a fonctions de protection des donnees sensibles sur les expediteurs et d'optimisation des donnees transmises au transporteur
US6385504B1 (en) Mail processing system with unique mailpiece authorization assigned in advance of mailpieces entering carrier service mail processing stream
US6005945A (en) System and method for dispensing postage based on telephonic or web milli-transactions
US5796841A (en) Secure user certification for electronic commerce employing value metering system
US6889214B1 (en) Virtual security device
US7226494B1 (en) Secure postage payment system and method
US20020083019A1 (en) Verifying digital signatures using a postal security device
US20040230542A1 (en) System and method for processing mail
JP3461002B2 (ja) 安全な郵便代金支払いシステムおよび方法
US6230149B1 (en) Method and apparatus for authentication of postage accounting reports
US6820065B1 (en) System and method for management of postage meter licenses
EP1064621B1 (fr) Systeme et procede de gestion de licences d'affranchisseuses
US6898581B1 (en) Secure user certification for electronic commerce employing value metering system
JP3965217B2 (ja) 郵便料金の計算及び支払い方法
US20080109359A1 (en) Value Transfer Center System
EP1222547A1 (fr) Systeme et procede de paiement
WO2001037108A9 (fr) Systeme d'affranchissement par telephone/fax
CA2419735A1 (fr) Systeme de traitement du courrier avec identificateur exclusif attribue par un service de transport avant la preparation du courrier

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000963570

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2384697

Country of ref document: CA

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000963570

Country of ref document: EP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP