Mail processing system including data center verification for mailpieces
US6317498A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00967
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for controlling the validity of printing of indicias on mailpieces from a potentially large number of users of postage meters includes apparatus disposed in each said postage meter for generating a code and for printing the code on each mailpiece. The code is an encrypted code representative of the postage meter apparatus printing the indicia and other information uniquely determinative of the legitimacy of postage on the mailpieces. The keys for the code generating apparatus are changed to change its code generation at predetermined time intervals in each of the meters. A security center includes apparatus for maintaining a security code database and for keeping track of the keys for generating security codes in correspondence with the changes in each generating apparatus and the information printed on the mailpiece by the postage meter apparatus for comparison with the code printed on the mailpiece. There may be two codes printed, one used by the Postal Service for its security checks and one by the manufacturer. The encryption key may be changed at predetermined intervals or on a daily basis or for printing each mailpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.