Virtual postage metering system
US7203666B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00064
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A virtual postage metering system and method provides value added services corresponding to postage metering transactions. Funds are not stored at a user's site, reducing the risk of unauthorized modification of accounting balances. There is a database record of every mailpiece, thereby improving verification since all valid pieces are known. Furthermore, the present invention enables the Post to know the volume of mail to be processed prior to receipt of physical mail pieces. Since more mailer data is available (e.g. when users usually mail, how much mail per day, average postage amount) the virtual postage metering system enables the postal service to predict mail handling patterns. Additionally, users have the option to pay as they go which contrasts present systems in which funds must be on deposit prior to being downloaded to a meter although such downloaded funds may remain in the meter for weeks before being used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.