Postage metering system and method for a stand-alone meter operating as a meter server on a network
US6085181A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00967
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A postage metering system includes a plurality of printer modules operatively connected as part of a network and operating as client printer modules on the network. A postal security device (PSD) is coupled directly to a local one of the client printer modules. The PSD includes unique identification, postal value storage and a digital signature generator. The client printer modules function as a postage metering network wherein a one of the client printer modules remote to the PSD requests evidence of postage payment from the PSD through the local client printer module for concluding postage metering transactions. The local client printer module function as a stand-alone meter when requests for evidence of postage payment from the PSD are initiated at the local client printer module. The local client printer module initiates local requests for evidence of postage payment to be printed at the local client printer modules and receives remote requests for evidence of postage payment from the remote client printer modules. The remote requests include identification of the remote client printer modules. The local client printer module sends each request for evidence of postage payment t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.