Method of and apparatus for generating and authenticating postal indicia
US6308165A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/0083
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for authentication of postage indicia are disclosed. A secret key is read from store and modified in dependence upon postage data to be printed in a postage indicium. The modified key is then utilized to generate an authentication code dependent upon the postage data to be printed. Authentication of the indicium is effected by reading the authentication code and postage data from the printed indicium and repeating the process of generating an authentication code. The generated authentication code is compared with the authentication code read from the indicium. A control code based on a value in an accounting register may be included in the indicium. The value may be a value of postage dispensed in a determined expired period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.