초록 ▼

A system and method for marking mailpieces for postal fee and tracking purposes is described. The system greatly increases security now obtainable with conventional postage meters and postage stamp affixation. A central control computer under the control of a postal service enables the system. Host

A system and method for marking mailpieces for postal fee and tracking purposes is described. The system greatly increases security now obtainable with conventional postage meters and postage stamp affixation. A central control computer under the control of a postal service enables the system. Host computers under the control of customers and the postal service are used to control and audit the printing of indicia marks on mailpieces. Mailpieces can be scanned with remote field readers at any step in the mail distribution process, thereby providing information to the postal service and to the customers. Real time analysis of the scanned indicia marks is used to reduce problems associated with counterfeiting of mailpiece indicia and mailpiece diversion. Information security is provided so that proprietary information of the postal service and the users of the system is maintained at all times.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of dispensing postage to and identifying a mailpiece, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a control computer to control and enable a host computer by providing an allotment of postage to said host computer;(b) enabling said host computer to direct a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of dispensing postage to and identifying a mailpiece, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a control computer to control and enable a host computer by providing an allotment of postage to said host computer;(b) enabling said host computer to direct a printer to print an indicia symbol onto said mailpiece as evidence of paid postage and containing non postage related information unique to said mailpiece;(c) scanning said mailpiece with a field reader to capture said symbol imprinted thereon; and(d) verifying the authenticity of said symbol.