초록

A trackable postage stamp includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface is adapted to adhere to a piece of mail. The stamp also includes a passive tracking device including stamp identification (ID) information.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of tracking a postage stamp, the method comprising: coupling tracking information to the stamp, the tracking information including a stamp ID; dispensing the stamp to a customer; reading the tracking information as the stamp is dispensed; storing the stamp ID in a da

What is claimed is: 1. A method of tracking a postage stamp, the method comprising: coupling tracking information to the stamp, the tracking information including a stamp ID; dispensing the stamp to a customer; reading the tracking information as the stamp is dispensed; storing the stamp ID in a database; and further comprising reading the tracking information as the stamp is deposited into a postal mailbox, and storing the stamp ID and a mailbox location within a database, wherein the tracking information is stored within a passive RFID device. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising comparing the mailbox location and the dispensing location, and identifying the stamp if the mailbox location is more than a predetermined distance from the dispensing location. 3. A method of tracking a postage stamp, the method comprising: coupling tracking information to the stamp, the tracking information including a stamp ID; dispensing the stamp of a customer; reading the tracking information as the stamp is dispensed; storing the stamp ID in a database; sensing when an article is deposited in a mailbox; determining when tracking information was not properly read for all the articles placed in the mailbox; and providing a perceivable indication when it has been determined that tracking information was not properly read for all the articles placed in the mailbox, wherein the tracking information is stored within a passive RFID device.