Pitney Bowes Inc.

Certicom Corporation

Other

Frederick W Ryan, Jr

Robert A Cordery

Leon A Pintsov

David K Lee

David W Riley

Monroe A Weiant, Jr

Ronald P Sansone

Steven J Pauly

Matthew John Campagna

John F Braun

Robert W Sisson

Bradley R Hammell

Bertrand Haas

Scott Alexander Vanstone

Robert John Lambert

Richard W Heiden

Perry A Pierce

Theresa Biasi

Douglas B Quine

Andrei Obrea

Robert Philip Gallant

Walter J Baker

Thomas J Foth

Walter J Kulpa

Jeffrey D Pierce

Brian M Romansky

Donald G Mackay

John H Steinmetz

Joseph L Gargiulo

Steven M Kaye

Maria P Parkos

Brad L Davies

Mark A Scribe

John W Sussmeier

Gary S Jacobson

Wesley A Kirschner

Kevin D Hunter

Claude Zeller

Jay Reichelsheimer

Easwaran C Nambudiri

Arthur J Parkos

Linda V Gravell

Ari P Singer

Nathan Rosenberg

Peter C Di Giulio

Louis J Loglisci

Vadim L Stelman

Gary G Hansen

Michael W Wilson

Anuja Ketan

Benjamin D Singer

David E Pitchenik

Murray D Martin

Edward J Twarog

Scott F Armstrong

John A Hurd

James L Harman

Darryl T Rathbun

Douglas A Clark

Kevin L Strobel

Michael J Ramadei

Michael J Critelli

Gary M Heiden

Robert W Allport

Cheryl L Picoult

Kathryn V Lawton

Frank M D'Ippolito

Ronald Reichman

Feliks Bator

G Thomas Athens

Stephen Kelly

Timothy J Nicholls

Donald MacKay

Ian A Siveyer

Michael P Swenson

Anthony F Violante

Christopher C Lang

Yassir Nawaz

David G Collings

Shirish S Joshi

Kathyrn V Lawton

Erik D N Monsen

Robert Phillip Gallant

Matthew E Sanchez

Bradley W Ficko

Edward J Naclario

Leon A Pinstov

Joel L Wald

Frank M D'lppolito

Kathleen A Bishop

Cathy C Morrissey

Andre Obrea

Anuja S Ketan

A method of controlling the use of a custom image by a user in a value dispensing system, such as a mail processing system, that enables the system provider to account and charge for the use of the custom image without ever actually receiving the data representing custom image. The method includes steps of receiving a hash generated from at least the custom image at a provider location, such as a data center, generating a digital signature from data including at least the received hash, and transmitting the digital signature and data used to generate the digital signature to the user at a user location. The method may further include additional steps of determining whether the digital signature can be successfully verified, and allowing the custom image to be printed by the user only if it is determined that the digital signature can be successfully verified.

Method to control the use of custom images

A signature scheme is provided in which a message is divided in to a first portion which is hidden and is recovered during verification, and a second portion which is visible and is required as input to the verification algorithm. A first signature component is generated by encrypting the first portion alone. An intermediate component is formed by combining the first component and the visible portion and cryptographically hashing them. A second signature component is then formed using the intermediate component and the signature comprises the first and second components with the visible portion. A verification of the signature combines a first component derived only from the hidden portion of the message with the visible portion and produces a hash of the combination.

Hybrid signature scheme

A method and system for providing services to a mail delivery point are presented. According to the method, a delivery point identifier is acquired from a device located at the delivery point. Then, delivery point data is accessed corresponding to the delivery point identifier, and mail delivery services are provided in response to the delivery point data. The delivery point data are modifiable by a recipient who receives physical mail at the delivery point, and the delivery point data includes recipient preferences.

Delivery point identity services

Methods and systems for providing confidentiality of communications sent via a network that is efficient, easy to implement, and does not require significant key management. The identity of each node of the routing path of a communication is encrypted utilizing an identity-based encryption scheme. This allows each node of the routing path to decrypt only those portions of the routing path necessary to send the communication to the next node. Thus, each node will only know the immediate previous node from which the communication came, and the next node to which the communication is to be sent. The remainder of the routing path of the communication, along with the original sender and intended recipient, remain confidential from any intermediate nodes in the routing path. Use of the identity-based encryption scheme removes the need for significant key management to maintain the encryption/decryption keys.

Method and system for securing routing information of a communication using identity-based encryption scheme

Methods and systems for verification of indicia that do not require key management systems, and in which revocation of key pairs is easily performed without adding costs to the verification process are provided. Indicia are generated and authenticated utilizing an identity-based encryption (IBE) scheme. A key generating authority generates a private key for a PSD, distributes the private key securely to the PSD, and provides public information for use by a verification service when verifying cryptographic digital signatures generated with the private key. The corresponding public key is a string consisting of PSD information that is provided as part of the indicium. The verification service can verify the signature of each indicium by obtaining the public key string from the indicium, and utilizing the key generating authority's public information.

System and method for authenticating indicia using identity-based signature scheme

A method for printing secure source images of the type that contain specific critical elements and non-secure images on a single printer includes determining the origin of an image (secure source or non-secure source). If the image to be printed is from the non-secure source, a determination is made if the image contains the specific critical elements of the type contained in secure source images. Printing of the image from the non-secure source is disabled if the image contains specific critical elements of the type contained in secure source images. Printing of the image from a non-secure source is enabled if the image does not contain specific critical elements of the type contained in the secure image. The determination if the non-secure source image contains the specific critical elements of the type contained in secure source images can be made after printing has commenced of the non-secure image.

Postage printing system for printing both postal and non-postal documents

A method is provided for authenticating an image printed at a predefined print resolution or in accordance with a predetermined print grid. The method includes the steps of scanning the image to produce digital data and segmenting the data into first and second groups corresponding, respectively, to first and second predefined sections of the image. Next, a determination is made concerning the anticipated spatial position of select columns of digital data from each of the first and second groups of data. By examining the data, differences may be identified between the anticipated and actual spatial position of the columns, to determine the authenticity of the image. The identified differences which may include (i) a rotary/linear displacement in the actual spatial position of the select columns. (ii) a change in beat frequency between sections of the image, and/or (iii) a phase shift in a beat frequency. Furthermore, the printed image may include a predefined phase shift introduced at the time of original printing, i.e., a change in spatial separation between adjacent columns of the print grid. The predefined phase shift can be used as a mark to validate the authenticity of the printed image.

Method for detecting fraud in a printed image

A closed loop postage metering system includes networked meters that provide mailers and/or recipients the capability to request additional or modified services during processing of a mail piece by a carrier. The networked meter allows the Post to charge the mailer, or even the recipient for these services or to provide them with a refund or credit. The services can include changing the processing of the mail piece. Further, the closed loop postage metering system enables more precise methods of paying for services when multiple carriers handle a mail piece. A special case of such multiple carriers handling is the handling of international mail.

Closed loop postage metering system

A method of printing a document includes generating commands in a computing device that include: (i) commands for printing based on document data, and (ii) an identification of a determined portion of the document data that is to be used in generating a printed copy detection pattern. The method further includes sending the printer control commands to an intermediate electronic device that stores a key, generating copy detection pattern data using the determined portion of the document data and the cryptographic key, and generating modified printer control commands that include commands for printing a first document portion based on the document data and a second document portion including the printed copy detection pattern based on the copy detection pattern data. Finally, the modified printer control commands are sent to a printing device. Also, a system is provided for implementing the method.

System and method for printing documents having a copy detection pattern

Fraud detection mechanisms and methods that are adapted for inconsistent data collection are provided. Data is analyzed to determine normal operational variations from ideal system behavior. Profiles are developed for each individual sender, e.g., the number of multiple scans performed per confirmation number generated by each sender, and other parameters, such as delivery areas, e.g., the number of multiple scans performed per specific geographic area. If the sender's profile differs significantly from the normal operational variations, there is an indication of potential fraudulent activity and an investigation can be initiated. By analyzing a combination of sender and delivery scan data with system wide scan data, the effect of inconsistent data is minimized to significantly reduce the number of erroneous indications of fraudulent activity while still providing a high level of fraud detection.

Fraud detection mechanism adapted for inconsistent data collection

Various methods for detecting the removal of a processing unit, such as a microprocessor or a microcontroller, form a printed circuit board in a secure printing system, such as a postage metering system are provided. The methods utilize one or more of a real time clock provided internal to the processing unit, a CMOS device provided on the printed circuit board external to the processing unit, and CMOS memory internal to the processing unit to detect the removal of the processing unit and therefore an attack.

Method for detecting the removal of a processing unit from a printed circuit board

A printing system is provided that dynamically adjusts the method of printing an image based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and the way in which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, on which sufficient contrast will be provided, the image can be printed directly onto the medium. For darker colored mediums, on which the ink used to print the image will not provide enough contrast with respect to the medium to produce a reliably readable image, the method of printing the image is modified to ensure that sufficient contrast is always provided to produce a reliably readable image.

System and method for improving print quality on mail pieces having low reflectivity

A media content printing method that includes storing encrypted media content data representing media content in a computing device, generating a file of print commands that include the encrypted media content data non-encrypted commands for printing the media content based on the encrypted media content data, and sending the file of print commands to an intermediate device that stores a cryptographic key. The method further includes sending the non-encrypted commands to a printing device, determining if the media content is authorized to be printed, and decrypting the encrypted media content data in the intermediate electronic device that corresponds to the authorized media content to produce decrypted media content data. The decrypted media content data is sent to the printing device for printing the media content based on the non-encrypted commands and the decrypted media content.

In-line decryption device for securely printing documents

An authentication method based on the use of an inanimate physical object that includes storing first object data in a storage medium, wherein the first object data is generated based on a first image of at least a portion of the physical object, capturing a second image of the at least a portion of the physical object, and generating second object data based on the second image. The method further includes searching the storage medium and determining that the second object data and the first object data are a match, and authenticating an individual associated with the physical object in response that determination. Also provided are embodiments of an authentication system that may be adapted to implement the method.

Method and system for authenticating a user based on a physical object

A method of paying for postage stamps, that involves the generation of a plurality of postage stamps, wherein each of the stamps has a unique identification code; and the debiting of an account for the generation of the plurality of stamps when a carrier processes one of the plurality of stamps.

Method of postal payment for set of customized postage

Growing community of inventors

Oxford, CT, United States of America

Frederick W Ryan, Jr