Stamps Com Inc.

E-stamp Corporation

Other

Kara Technology Incorporated

Salim G Kara

Martin J Pagel

Manish Desai

Ken D Hinh

Mohammas A Husain

A system and method for remote postage metering of postage indicia, including demanding a desired postage amount and subsequently printing the postage indicia onto a piece of mail. A user inputs certain necessary information, as well as additional desired information, into a local processor-based system. The local system then assembles a postage demand in suitable format and transmits the same to a remote postage metering device. The remote postage metering device then verifies the demand for authority to demand and valid funding. Upon verification, the remote postage meter assembles a data packet representing an authorized postage indicia. The data packet is transmitted to the local system for printing. Printing of the postage indicia may be unaccompanied, or may include additional information. Such additional information may include destination and return address, machine readable routing or identification information, or a complete document to be posted.

System and method for remote postage metering

An envelope having a window for allowing a printed postage indicia to show through is shown. According to a preferred embodiment, the postage indicia window may be provided with a glassine covering. Preferably the postage indicia may be put in a corner of a document to be mailed and the document placed in the envelope so that the postage indicia shows through the postage indicia window.

System and method for printing postage indicia with mail-by date

A system and method for printing multiple postage indicia, such as an outbound and/or an associated return postage meter stamp, including a desired postage amount, onto a document or label is described. A processor based system is programmed to interact with a customer to produce the desired postage indicia and to print multiple ones of the indicia substantially contemporaneously. The indicia may include information to allow their use at a later date and/or from a location other than where they are produced.

System and method for printing multiple postage indicia

A system and method for transmission of a document from a sending location to a receiving location by way of a trusted way location is disclosed. A selected document is physically or electronically transmitted by a sending location to a letter server operated by a delivery service. A confirmation of transmission of the document is provided the sender by the delivery service. Thereafter, the letter server reproduces the document in original quality, accompanied by any necessary items such as a delivery container and/or delivery instructions. The delivery service then delivers the reproduced document such as through electronic delivery or inducting the reproduced document into its delivery paradigm for physical delivery to the indicated recipient.

Postage server system and method

A system and method for transmission of a document from a sending location to a receiving location by way of a trusted way location is disclosed. A selected document is physically or electronically transmitted by a sending location to a letter server operated by a delivery service A confirmation of transmission of the document is provided the sender by the delivery service. Thereafter, the letter server reproduces the document in original quality, accompanied by any necessary items such as a delivery container and/or delivery instructions. The delivery service then delivers the reproduced document such as through electronic delivery or inducting the reproduced document into its delivery paradigm for physical delivery to the indicated recipient.

Systems and methods for dispensing postage or other authorization information electronically by using a secure processor containing an amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail or other item are shown. The generated postage as applied to an item is preferably scanned and decoded toward the goal of validation of the pre-paid rights or obligation to pay to send the article of mail. A plurality of criteria and checks may be used to accomplish validation. For example, the fact that the indicia can be decoded gives a basic comfort level of validation and a check against a central user database for validation criteria provides for validation according to embodiments.

System and method for validating postage

There is disclosed a system and method for dispensing postage or other authorization information electronically by using a portable processor containing a maximum amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail or other item. A plurality of shipping service providers may utilize the portable processor to store and dispense credit value for authorization of various shipping services. Accordingly, a user is presented with information regarding various shipping service providers fees and/or services associated with particular shipping/delivery parameters desired by the user in order to make an informed choice as to a most preferable method of shipment.

System and method for automatically providing shipping/transportation fees

Preprinted forms are used in a general purpose printing device to allow for the subsequent verification of the authenticity of a printed document such as a ticket for transportation services. In operation, the user accesses the seller of the goods/services and during an information exchange with the seller the user inputs at least a portion of the preprinted data from the form. The seller then uses this information to formulate a printable control indicia which is then printed on the form at the user's location. When the form is subsequently presented to the seller, for example when the user attempts to board an aircraft using the form he/she printed, the preprinted portion of the form is used to obtain a decipher key which in turn is used to decipher the control indicia. Inability to decode the control indicia indicates that the printed material on the form may not be authentic.

Verifying the authenticity of printed documents

Universally available preprinted forms are used in a general purpose printing device to allow for the subsequent verification of the authenticity of a printed document such as a ticket, stamp, check, or money order. In operation, the user accesses the seller of the goods/services and during an information exchange with the seller there is inputted at least a portion of the preprinted data from the form. The seller then uses this information to formulate a printable control indicia which is then printed on the form at the user's location. When the form is subsequently presented to the seller, for example when the user uses the form he/she printed, the preprinted portion of the form is used to obtain a decipher key which in turn is used to decipher the control indica. If desired, a special security marking may be associated with the form for additional security. Inability to decode the control indicia indicates that the printed material on the form may not be authentic. A vending machine is shown in one embodiment.

Verifying the authenticity of printed documents on universally available paper stock

Window portion of a stampless envelope

A system and method for certified transmission of an electronic document, as verified by the generation of a certification indicia. Three embodiments of the system and method are disclosed, providing for the certified transmission of a document through an independent certification device or for direct transmission from a sender to a recipient. Furthermore, the resulting certification indicia may be generated by an independent certification device or by a portable processor at the sender or receiver's location.

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CA

Salim G Kara