Virtual mailing system
US7991706B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00064
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A virtual mailing system includes a virtual post office disposed in a virtual environment. A user in the virtual environment can request for the delivery of an electronic asset. A postage metering device, associated with the virtual post office, is operative to review the aspects of the delivery of the electronic asset and affix a postage amount. The postage metering device is also operative to process monetary funds relating to payment of postage for the virtual delivery of the electronic asset. The processing of monetary funds includes coordinating between virtual funds and real world funds so that virtual customers pay for delivery costs using virtual funds backed by real world currency. Through the virtual post office, electronic assets may then be virtually delivered to intended recipients within the virtual environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.