WO2001035343A2 - Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition - Google Patents

Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001035343A2
WO2001035343A2 PCT/US2000/042109 US0042109W WO0135343A2 WO 2001035343 A2 WO2001035343 A2 WO 2001035343A2 US 0042109 W US0042109 W US 0042109W WO 0135343 A2 WO0135343 A2 WO 0135343A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
psd
postage
postal
security device
funds
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/042109
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001035343A3 (fr
Inventor
George Brookner
Michael Brown
Fetneh Eskandari
Robert Schwartz
Eric Zuidema
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 CA002391018A priority Critical patent/CA2391018A1/fr
Priority to AU30808/01A priority patent/AU3080801A/en
Priority to EP00991003A priority patent/EP1240624A4/fr
Publication of WO2001035343A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001035343A2/fr
Publication of WO2001035343A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001035343A3/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
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
    • G07B2017/00137—In a LAN
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
    • G07B2017/00145—Communication details outside or between apparatus via the Internet
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00201—Open franking system, i.e. the printer is not dedicated to franking only, e.g. PC (Personal Computer)
    • 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

  • the invention relates generally to postage meters, also called franking machines, and relates more particularly to electronic postage meters printing digital postal indicia.
  • Postage meters are well known. The present assignee has been designing and manufacturing postage meters for many, many decades. After these decades of experience, postage meters are extremely reliable and cost has been reduced to a minimum.
  • a typical postage meter prints its postage by means of an intaglio-type metal or strong plastic printing plate or die plate, using specified fluorescent ink_
  • Postage meters are simple to operate and there is little to go wrong. They have been accepted by nearly all the post offices of the world. Postage meters benefit post offices by reducing the need for retail sales of postage stamps, and by making it easy for postal patrons to adjust to changes in postage rates.
  • Present-day postage meters are able to accommodate mail pieces of varying thickness, and are able to print their indicia even if the surface of the mail piece is uneven.
  • a proof-of-postage generating system wherein funds, application of those funds, the replenishment of those funds and the auditing of those funds are secure against attempts at fraud.
  • the system may either be a Closed System (CS) wherein the pro of-of postage printing means are housed within the system computational means or within a cryptographically secure boundary.
  • CS Closed System
  • OS Open System
  • Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a first embodiment of a closed-system type of postage meter
  • Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a second embodiment of a closed-system type of postage meter
  • Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of a third embodiment of a closed-system type of postage meter
  • Fig. 3A is a functional block diagram of a variant of a closed-system type of postage meter
  • Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of a first embodiment of an open-system type of postage meter
  • Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of a second embodiment of an open-system type of postage meter
  • Fig. 6A is a functional block diagram of a third embodiment of an open-system type of postage meter, with an internally mounted postal security device (PSD);
  • PSD postal security device
  • Fig. 6B is a functional block diagram of a third embodiment of an open-system type of postage meter, with an externally mounted PSD;
  • Fig. 7A is a functional block diagram of a fourth embodiment of an open-system type of postage meter, with an internally mounted postal security device (PSD);
  • PSD postal security device
  • Fig. 7B is a functional block diagram of a fourth embodiment of an open-system type of postage meter, with an externally mounted PSD;
  • Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of a fifth embodiment of an open-system type of postage meter
  • Fig. 9A is a functional block diagram of a first embodiment of a hybrid of a closed-system and open-system type of postage meter.
  • Fig. 9B is a functional block diagram of a second embodiment of a hybrid of a closed-system and open-system type of postage meter.
  • a proof-of-postage generating system is described wherein funds, application of those funds, the replenishment of those funds and the auditing of those funds are secure against attempts at fraud.
  • the system may either be a Closed System (CS) wherein the proof-of postage printing means are housed within the system computational means or within a cryptographically secure boundary.
  • the system may be an Open System (OS) wherein the proof-of postage printing means are external to the system computational means.
  • PSD Postal Security Device
  • OS Open System
  • CS Closed System
  • the proof-of-postage (postal indicium) is digitally generated data.
  • Said digital data is represented as an image (generally, a printed image) on the mailpiece requiring said proof-of-postage.
  • Said proof-of postage may be represented as a graphical image, human readable information, various bar codes (both 1 - dimensional or 2-dime ⁇ sional codes), OCR characters, etc., or any combination thereof.
  • PSD Postal Security Device
  • the first embodiments set forth herein relate to Closed Systems (CS) which may take the form of three different embodiments, dependent upon the needs of the customer.
  • This CS approach provides a printing means within the franking device or within a cryptographically secure boundary as executed by a vendor.
  • Said franking device is dedicated to the imprinting of proof-of-postage (said proof-of-postage will take the form and aesthetics required by the regulating body) and other related information (at times referred to as audit information and reports).
  • the cryptographic content of the printed indicia image contains information unique to that transaction and specific PSD.
  • the Postal Security Device (PSD) 22 is attached as a "dongl ⁇ " (an adaptive interfacing device which connects to and uses a communications port while still allowing the port to be used by other devices) to the self contained franking device 24 (see Figure 1).
  • the cryptographic data content between the PSD 22 and franking device 24 is verified for authenticity (e.g. signature certificate) whereupon the printing mechanism 25 within the franking device 24 delivers the appropriate image to the mailpiece, letter or invoice.
  • Crediting new funds to the PSD is managed by an interface (modem) 21 adapted to the franking device 24 which communicates cryptographically with a host Data Center 20 which provide funds for the PSD through the franking device 24.
  • modem interface
  • the communications between the franking device 24 and Data Center 20 or between the franking device 24 and PSD 22 are cryptographically encoded with all transactions being verified by the crypto-code structure and certificate authorization schema as required by the regulating body.
  • Said PSD 22 may be moved from one franking device 24 to another so long as each franking device 24 is authorized/keyed to function with said PSD 22. In all cases the PSD 22 has the ability to account for funds and history as related to the franking device 24 to which it has been attached.
  • the communications channel 31 between the franking device 24 and the data center 20 need not be secure.
  • the channel 31 may be a dialed voice telephone call over the public switched telephone network, with modems at each end of the line.
  • the channel 31 may be an ISDN telephone call, or may be a TCP/IP session placed over any suitable physical medium and underlying protocol, such as frame relay.
  • the communications between the franking device 24 and data center 20 may desirably be carried out as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,506, assigned to the same assignee as the assignee of the present invention.
  • the postal security device 22 contains an accounting register indicative of postage value, and contains cryptographic means, said cryptographic means disposed for secure communications with a remote host 20 for adjustment of the contents of said accounting register, said cryptographic means further disposed for generation of data to be included in said postal indicia, said postal security device 22 disposed to account within said accounting register for postage value provided in said postal indicia and to fail to generate such data when said accounting register satisfies a predetermined condition.
  • the accounting register of the PSD 22 is a descending register, and postal indicia are printed only if the value stored in the descending register is greater than the amount of postage value desired to be printed. In this way the postage printing system employing the PSD 22 mimics the well-known behavior of a present- day postage meter in which the meter refuses to print more postage if it is empty or almost empty.
  • the Postal Security Device (PSD) 22 is internal to the franking device 24 and is disposed to the same security requirements of the first embodiment
  • Crediting new funds to the PSD is managed by an interface (modem) 21 adapted to the franking device 24 which communicates cryptographically with a host Data Center 20 which provide funds for the PSD 22 through the franking device 24.
  • the communications between the franking device 24 and Data Center 20 or between the franking device 24 and PSD 22 are cryptographically encoded with all transactions being verified by the crypto-code structure and certificate authorization schema as required by the regulating body.
  • the communications between the franking device 24 and data center 20 may desirably be carried out as set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
  • Said PSD 22 is not accessible for removal from the franking device 24. Attempts to do so or to modify PSD contents will be met with its fail safe ability to secure itself and its internal registers as required by the regulatory authority.
  • the Postal Security Device (PSD) 22 is interfaced to a personal computer 26 as is shown in Figure 3
  • the PSD 22 is credited with funds via communications (typically modem) between the personal computer (PC) 26 and associated Data Center 20.
  • the communications between the PC 26 and Data Center 20 foliow the cryptographic security rules and signature verifications required by the regulatory body.
  • the communications between the PC 26 and data center 20 may desirably be carried out as set forth in U.S. Pat No. 5,237.506, assigned to the same assignee as the assignee of the present invention. Further, the secure communications between the PSD 22 and the remote franking device 24 are likewise assured.
  • the PC 26 is programmed so that it can receive a request from a user for the printing of postage, and forward information about the request to the PSD 22.
  • the PSD 22 provides cryptographically secured data which will be contained in the postal indicium, and this data is provided eventually to a printer for printing.
  • a closed system printer 24 (each a dedicated printing mechanism 25, preferably in a secure housing) are networked to a Postal Security Device 22.
  • the PSD is in the same secure housing as the printing mechanism.
  • a cryptographic boundary 102 is established which contains the PSD and each of the at least two closed system printers 24.
  • the communications channel that networks the PSD and the printers is a channel which passes messages each of which is cryptographically authenticated so as to provide the equivalent of a secure physical housing containing the PSD and the printers.
  • the PSD is desirably in a personal computer, connected by modem 21 via a communications channel 31 to a remote data center 20.
  • passed messages may not be necessary that the passed messages be encrypted. Instead, it may suffice that they are merely cryptographically signed or otherwise cryptographically authenticated.
  • the printers can be used for any of a number of franking applications, including: mail transporting and franking, a static franking system, a semi-automatic franking system (e.g. insert mailpiece-eject mailpiece), or combinations thereof.
  • indicium e.g. 1 -D or 2-D bar code and other aspects of layout
  • form of indicium e.g. 1 -D or 2-D bar code and other aspects of layout
  • the PSD device 22 evident in the first and third embodiments (Figs. 1 and 3), present the opportunity for physically relocating said PSD 22 from a system configuration evidenced in Figure 1 to a different system configuration evidenced in Figure 3, or vice versa.
  • Said PSD 22 has the capability of optionally containing pertinent information regarding the system adaptation to which it is incorporated, including such parametric data as host serial numbers, register readings, and the like.
  • the PSD 22 noted in Figure 3 could be located in or on the Franking Device 24, to wit, the PC 26 would communicate to the Franking Machine's PSD via any PC compatible communications link (e.g. RS232, parallel, etc.).
  • the Open System (OS) arrangement which may take the form of five different embodiments, will now be described.
  • This employment provides a printing means 23 outside a franking device.
  • Said printing means 23 is any commercially available printing means capable of reproducing the franked image content, makeup and resolution in accordance with regulatory requirements addressing said franked image content, makeup and resolution.
  • the cryptographic content of the printed indicia image contains information unique to that transaction and specific PSD.
  • the PSD 22 is interfaced to a Personal Computer (PC) 26 communication port. Also interfaced to the same PC 26 is a printer 23 capable of reproducing the franked image content, makeup and resolution in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • PC Personal Computer
  • PSD 22 Crediting new funds to the PSD 22 is managed by an interface (modem) 21 adapted to the PC 26 which communicates cryptographically with a host Data Center 20 which provide funds for the PSD 22 through the PC 26.
  • the communications between the Data Center 20 and PSD 22 are cryptographically encoded with all transactions being verified by the crypto-code structure and certificate authorization schema as required by the regulating body.
  • the communications between the PSD 22 and data center 20 may desirably be carried out as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,506, assigned to the same assignee as the assignee of the present invention.
  • Said PSD may be moved from one PC 26 to another. Further, said PSD 22 may be relocated to a Closed System (CS) embodiment such as that set forth in Figs. 1 and 3.
  • CS Closed System
  • the PSD 22 is internally interfaced to a Personal Computer (PC) 26 as is shown in Figure 5. Also interfaced to the same PC 26 is a printer 23 capable of reproducing the franked image content, makeup and resolution in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • PC Personal Computer
  • PSD 22 Postal Security Device 22
  • interface (modem) 21 adapted to the PC 26 which communicates cryptographically with a host Data Center 20 which provide funds for the PSD 22 through the PC 26.
  • the communications between the Data Center 20 and PSD 22 are cryptographically encoded with all transactions being verified by the crypto-code structure and certificate authorization schema as required by the regulating body.
  • the communications between the PSD 22 and data center 20 may desirably be carried out as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,506, assigned to the same assignee as the assignee of the present invention.
  • the PSD 22 is internally mounted ( Figure 6A) or externally interfaced ( Figure 6B) to a networked host 27.
  • Networked to the host 27 are one or more Personal Computers (PC) 26.
  • the printing device 23 is interfaced to the host 27, as might be the case in a centralized mailing application.
  • the printer 23 is capable of reproducing the franked image content, makeup and resolution in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • PSD 22 Postal Security Device 22
  • interface (modem) 21 adapted to the Networked host which communicates cryptographically with a host Data Center 20 which provide funds for the PSD 22 through the Networked host 27.
  • the communications between the Data Center 20 and PSD 22 are cryptographically encoded with all transactions being verified by the crypto-code structure and certificate authorization schema as required by the regulating body.
  • the communications between the PSD 22 and data center 20 may desirably be carried out as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,506, assigned to the same assignee as the assignee of the present invention.
  • the Networked host 27 provides its interfaced printer 23 with the indicia representing addressing and postage value information requested by the local PCs 26 in accordance with indicia context requirements of the regulatory body.
  • the PSD 22 depicted in Fig. 6B may be moved to any other Open or Closed system application interfacing the PSD 22 in a like manner.
  • the printing devices 23 are interfaced to local Personal Computers 26, rather than to a Networked host 27.
  • Figs. 7A and 7B present the described configuration.
  • Fig. 7A defines the Networked host 27 with its PSD 22 internally mounted while Figure 7B shows the PSD 22 externally interfaced to the Networked host 27.
  • the PSD 22 depicted in Fig. 7B may be moved to any other Open or Closed system application interfacing the PSD 22 in a like manner.
  • the printing devices 23 are interfaced to either local Personal Computers 26 or a master host workstation 27 as shown in Fig. 8.
  • a single PSD 22 can support one or more indicium application sources from a master workstation 27. This embodiment is typical of a decentralized office environment where indicium applications occur at different workstations 26. However, only one workstation 27 in the local network loop 33 need have the PSD 22. All work stations 26 have the ability to produce secure indicia.
  • PSD 22 Postal Security Device 22
  • interface (modem) 21 adapted to the workstation 27 to which the PSD 22 is attached which communicates cryptographically with a remote host Data Center 20 which, in turn, provides funds for the PSD through the workstation 27 to which the PSD 22 is attached.
  • the workstation 27 to which the PSD 22 is attached provides its interfaced printer 23 and/or one or more of its interfaced workstations 26 with the indicia representing addressing and postage value information requested by the associated workstation 23 in accordance with indicia context requirements of the regulatory body.
  • the PSD 22 depicted in Fig. 8 may be moved to any other Open or Closed system application interfacing the PSD 22 in a like manner.
  • a Closed System (CS) franking device is interfaced to an Open System (OS) Personal Computer-based system which may take the form of two different embodiments, dependent upon the needs of the customer, as disclosed in Figs. 9A and 9B.
  • CS Closed System
  • OS Open System
  • Such a system provides the ability for a CS, typified in Fig. 2 whose PSD may be internal to the franking device as disclosed in Fig. 2, or external to the franking device, as disclosed in Fig. 1.
  • the Fig. 9A embodiment depicts said franking device interfaced to an external Personal Computer (PC) 26 which requests and receives proof of postage data from the CS franking device 24 for application to a mailpiece being processed through its (the PCs) own dedicated printer 23.
  • PC Personal Computer
  • said PC 24 may be networked to one or more Personal Computers 26 with each of those PCs 26 accessing one or more printers 23.
  • Said printing means relates to any commercially available printing means capable of reproducing the franked image content, makeup and resolution in accordance with regulatory requirements addressing said franked image content, makeup and resolution.
  • the cryptographic content of the printed indicia image contains information unique to that transaction and specific PSD.
  • the PSD 22 via the "dongle" or other adaptive interfacing device which connects to and uses a communications port while still allowing the port to be used by other devices interface may be connected to a device not previously predisposed to accepting installation of said PSD 22.
  • the PSD 22 can be credited with new or additional funds via a modem 21 within or external to the PSDs host.
  • the PSD 22 can be credited with new or additional funds via a communications port (e.g. RS232) on the PSDs host.
  • the host utilizes its internal or external modem to contact a remote central Data Center for downloading of funds to be credited to the PSD 22.
  • the PSD 22 may be removed from its host and connected to the parallel or serial port of a PC 26 with modem communications ability wherein said PC would communicate with a remote central Data Center to download funds into the PSD. The PSD would then be returned to its operational host.
  • the PSD may be connected directly to a PC wherein:
  • a postage metering device obtains a postmark (indicium) data from said PC, operating in a Closed System (CS) environment.
  • CS Closed System
  • a PC software can obtain a postmark (indicium) data from the same PSD in either an OS or CS.
  • a PC can be networked and share a single PSD with associated PCs/workstations in an OS.
  • the postage metering device configured as a Personal Computer (PC) is capable of being networked to one or more PCs to support multiple OS franking workstations.
  • PC Personal Computer

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (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 de génération de preuves d'expédition (22, 24, 25, 26, 27) qui permet de protéger contre les tentatives de fraude les fonds, l'application de ces fonds et la reconstitution de ces fonds. Le système (22, 24, 25, 26, 27) peut se présenter comme un système clos (CS) dans lequel les moyens d'impression de preuves d'expédition (22) sont logés dans les moyens de calcul du système (24, 26) ou à l'intérieur d'un périmètre sécurisé par cryptographie. En outre, le système (22, 24, 25, 26, 27) peut être un système ouvert (OS) dans lequel les moyens d'impression de preuves d'expédition se trouvent à l'extérieur des moyens de calcul du système (24, 26).
PCT/US2000/042109 1999-11-12 2000-11-13 Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition WO2001035343A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002391018A CA2391018A1 (fr) 1999-11-12 2000-11-13 Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition
AU30808/01A AU3080801A (en) 1999-11-12 2000-11-13 Proof of postage digital franking
EP00991003A EP1240624A4 (fr) 1999-11-12 2000-11-13 Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US43881099A 1999-11-12 1999-11-12
US09/438,810 1999-11-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001035343A2 true WO2001035343A2 (fr) 2001-05-17
WO2001035343A3 WO2001035343A3 (fr) 2002-01-10

Family

ID=23742109

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/042109 WO2001035343A2 (fr) 1999-11-12 2000-11-13 Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1240624A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU3080801A (fr)
CA (1) CA2391018A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001035343A2 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2173741A (en) * 1985-04-17 1986-10-22 Pitney Bowes Inc Unsecured postage applying system
US4813912A (en) * 1986-09-02 1989-03-21 Pitney Bowes Inc. Secured printer for a value printing system
EP0718802A2 (fr) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Prévention de l'interception de données envoyées à distance d'une chambre forte de comptabilisation de dosage vers une imprimante digitale
EP0718803A2 (fr) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Identification d'une combinaison spécifique de chambre forte de comptabilisation de dosage et d'une imprimante digitale
US5684949A (en) * 1995-10-13 1997-11-04 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for securing operation of a printing module
US5696829A (en) * 1995-11-21 1997-12-09 Pitney Bowes, Inc. Digital postage meter system
US5812991A (en) * 1994-01-03 1998-09-22 E-Stamp Corporation System and method for retrieving postage credit contained within a portable memory over a computer network

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9114694D0 (en) * 1991-07-08 1991-08-28 Alcatel Business Machines Limi Franking machine with digital printer
ATE323311T1 (de) * 1996-09-24 2006-04-15 Ascom Hasler Mailing Sys Inc Frankierung mit digitalem postgebührennachweis
US6202057B1 (en) * 1997-12-18 2001-03-13 Pitney Bowes Inc. Postage metering system and method for a single vault dispensing postage to a plurality of printers

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2173741A (en) * 1985-04-17 1986-10-22 Pitney Bowes Inc Unsecured postage applying system
US4813912A (en) * 1986-09-02 1989-03-21 Pitney Bowes Inc. Secured printer for a value printing system
US5812991A (en) * 1994-01-03 1998-09-22 E-Stamp Corporation System and method for retrieving postage credit contained within a portable memory over a computer network
EP0718802A2 (fr) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Prévention de l'interception de données envoyées à distance d'une chambre forte de comptabilisation de dosage vers une imprimante digitale
EP0718803A2 (fr) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Identification d'une combinaison spécifique de chambre forte de comptabilisation de dosage et d'une imprimante digitale
US5606613A (en) * 1994-12-22 1997-02-25 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method for identifying a metering accounting vault to digital printer
US5684949A (en) * 1995-10-13 1997-11-04 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for securing operation of a printing module
US5696829A (en) * 1995-11-21 1997-12-09 Pitney Bowes, Inc. Digital postage meter system

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE BUSINESS DATELINE [Online] S. TANGNEY: 'Pitney bowes introduces postperfect, the most important business mailing system yet', XP002943045 Database accession no. 95-87592 & BUSINES WIRE 12 September 1995, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US, *
See also references of EP1240624A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3080801A (en) 2001-06-06
WO2001035343A3 (fr) 2002-01-10
EP1240624A4 (fr) 2004-04-28
EP1240624A2 (fr) 2002-09-18
CA2391018A1 (fr) 2001-05-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6009417A (en) Proof of postage digital franking
CA2256277C (fr) Affranchisseuse d'envois enregistres multiples
CA2256183C (fr) Methode securitaire permettant d'enlever les credits d'une affranchisseuse
CA2263437C (fr) Systeme d'affranchissement virtuel
CA2256671C (fr) Systeme et methode d'affranchissement pour la distribution d'affranchissement a de multiples imprimantes a partir d'un seul endroit
CA2224672C (fr) Systeme et methode d'ajout d'une couche cryptographique supplementaire pour la recharge de machines a affranchir
CA2266517A1 (fr) Systeme et procede de recuperation de credit d'affranchissement sur un reseau
US7203666B1 (en) Virtual postage metering system
WO2001035343A2 (fr) Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition
WO2001054071A2 (fr) Affranchissement numerique servant de preuve d'expedition

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

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: A2

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 TR 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)
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A3

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: A3

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 TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2391018

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000991003

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000991003

Country of ref document: EP

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 2000991003

Country of ref document: EP

DPE2 Request for preliminary examination filed before expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)