U.S. patent application number 12/425290 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for system and method for providing computer-based postage stamps.
This patent application is currently assigned to STAMPS.COM. Invention is credited to Daniel K. Cowles, Craig L. Ogg, Anthony Robert Phoenix.
Application Number | 20090219573 12/425290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22902061 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090219573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ogg; Craig L. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMPUTER-BASED POSTAGE STAMPS
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and
with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to
print postage, determining the means for generating the request,
determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the
master serial number and printing the postage. The present
invention provides for the creation of computer-based postage that
may be used in a manner similar to standard postage issued by the
USPS. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intended address of
the recipient need not be verified at the time the postage is
created. Rather the postage may be used at any time in the future
with any recipient.
Inventors: |
Ogg; Craig L.; (Long Beach,
CA) ; Cowles; Daniel K.; (Irvine, CA) ;
Phoenix; Anthony Robert; (Lakewood, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
PO BOX 7068
PASADENA
CA
91109-7068
US
|
Assignee: |
STAMPS.COM
|
Family ID: |
22902061 |
Appl. No.: |
12/425290 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11205855 |
Aug 16, 2005 |
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12425290 |
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09975532 |
Oct 10, 2001 |
7191158 |
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11205855 |
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60239424 |
Oct 10, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07B 17/00024 20130101;
G07B 2017/00298 20130101; G07B 2017/00064 20130101; G07B 2017/00201
20130101; G07B 2017/00145 20130101; G07B 2017/0062 20130101; G07B
2017/00822 20130101; G07B 17/00508 20130101; G07B 2017/00056
20130101; G07B 2017/00653 20130101; G07B 2017/00443 20130101; G07B
2017/0058 20130101; G07B 2017/00637 20130101; G07B 2017/00032
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Claims
1. A method executed by a computer system for printing postage on a
label stock, the method comprising: displaying a first user
interface for allowing a user to input a printer type for printing
the postage; receiving a printer type input by the user from the
first user interface; determining a label stock type, based on the
received printer type; displaying a second user interface for
printing a roll label stock or a third user interface for printing
a sheet label stock, based on the determined label stock type;
receiving a postage request from the user; and instructing a
printer of the printer type to print the postage on a label of the
label stock.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein allowing a user to input a printer
type comprises selecting the printer type from a displayed list of
printer types.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein allowing a user to input a printer
type comprises typing the printer type by the user in a displayed
form.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising printing a serial
number on the label.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the label further includes
micro-printing.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising tracking the use of a
label serial number.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising cutting the printed
postage with a cutting die having at least one cutting edge
composed of a sequence of angled lines.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the label further includes a
pre-printed serial number.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising including the
pre-printed serial number in the postage.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising inputting the
pre-printed serial number by the user; and validating the
pre-printed serial number by checking the pre-printed serial number
against a database of valid pre-printed serial numbers.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising displaying labels that
are not selected for printing as blank labels in a sheet label
stock field in the third user interface for printing a sheet label
stock.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the third user interface for
printing a sheet label stock includes a full sheet button to print
postage onto a full sheet of labels, and a partial sheet button to
print postage on a partial sheet of labels.
13. A method executed by a computer system for printing postage on
a label stock, the method comprising: determining whether the label
stock is a roll label stock or a sheet label stock; displaying a
first user interface for printing a roll label stock, when the
label stock is a roll label stock; displaying a second user
interface for printing a sheet label stock, when the label stock is
a sheet label stock; receiving a postage request from the user
using the first or second user interface; and printing the postage
on a label of the roll label stock or the sheet label stock.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising receiving a printer
type; and determining whether the label stock is a roll label stock
or a sheet label stock, based on the received printer type.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the label further includes a
pre-printed serial number.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising including the
pre-printed serial number in the postage.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising inputting the
pre-printed serial number by the user and validating the
pre-printed serial number by checking the pre-printed serial number
against a database of valid pre-printed serial numbers.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising displaying labels
that are not selected for printing as blank labels in a sheet label
stock field in the second user interface for printing a sheet label
stock.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the second user interface for
printing a sheet label stock includes a full sheet button to print
postage onto a full sheet of labels, and a partial sheet button to
print postage on a partial sheet of labels.
20. A system for printing postage on a label stock comprising:
means for displaying a first user interface for allowing a user to
input a printer type for printing the postage; means for receiving
a printer type input by the user from the first user interface;
means for determining a label stock type, based on the received
printer type; means for displaying a second user interface for
printing a roll label stock or a third user interface for printing
a sheet label stock, based on the determined label stock type;
means for receiving a postage request from the user; and
instructing a printer of the printer type to print the postage on a
label of the label stock.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/205,855, filed Aug. 16, 2005, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/975,532 filed on Oct. 10, 2001 which
claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/239,424
filed Oct. 10, 2000 and entitled "A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING
COMPUTER BASED POSTAGE STAMPS" the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A significant percentage of the United States Postal Service
(USPS) revenue is from metered postage. Metered postage is
generated by utilizing postage meters that print a special mark,
also known as postal indicia, on mail pieces. Generally, printing
postage and any other value bearing item (VBI) can be carried out
by using mechanical meters or computer-based systems.
Conventionally, a business or other entity will have a meter at its
place of business, and will use the meter to print postal indicia
on mail pieces or on labels that are then affixed to the mail
pieces.
[0003] With respect to computer-based postage processing systems,
the USPS under the Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) has
published specifications for IBIP postage meters that identify a
special purpose hardware device, known as a Postal Security Device
(PSD) that is generally located at a user's site. The PSD, in
conjunction with the user's personal computer and printer,
functions as the IBIP postage meter. The USPS has published a
number of documents describing the PSD specifications, the indicia
specifications and other related and relevant information.
[0004] Currently, one of the standards required by the USPS is that
the address of the intended recipient of a piece of mail be
verified by comparing the entered address with a database of valid
addresses provided by the USPS. Conventionally, this requires that
the sender have the database installed on their local computer and
compare the intended destination address with the addresses in the
database. Therefore, while conventional computer-based postage
systems allows a user to print a postal indicium at home, at the
office, or any other desired place for a particular mail piece with
an intended recipient, such systems do not allow the printing of
postal indicia onto labels or other print media for future use on
any mail piece with a presently unidentified recipient.
[0005] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a system and
method for printing postal indicia that does not require address
matching or mailing on a particular date, for use on mail pieces in
a manner similar to standard stamps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides for the creation of
computer-based postage that may be used in a manner similar to
standard postage issued by the USPS. In a presently preferred
embodiment, the intended address of the recipient need not be
verified at the time the postage is created. Rather the postage may
be used at any time in the future with any recipient.
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided
for printing postage to be used on any date and with any recipient.
The method includes providing label stock including a master serial
number. A computer system receives from a user the master serial
number and a postage request. The computer generates an indicium
using the master serial number and the postage request. The
computer then prints the postage using the indicium and the label
stock.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, the label stock further
includes anti-fraud devices. The anti-fraud devices may include
micro-printing, watermarks, the use of phosphorescent ink, and
color changing ink on the label stock.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the postage request
includes a postage amount, a postage class, and an identification
of a Licensing Postage Office.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the label stock includes
a pre-printed serial number. The computer generates an indicium
including the pre-printed serial number.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the master serial number
is linked by the computer to a specific postage printing device.
Once the master serial number and the specific printing device are
linked, generation of the indicium further includes ensuring the
master serial number is used with the specific postage printing
device
[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and
with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to
print postage, determining the means for generating the request,
determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the
master serial number and printing the postage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an Internet client/server
environment used by an on-line postage system in one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the operation of an exemplary
system for generating computer-based postage in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to enter postage information in a free format
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a screen shot of a postage calculator interface to
allow a user to calculate the postage for a particular mail piece
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a void Computer-based postage stamp
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a computer-based postage stamp in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to enter the serial number of a label sheet or roll of
labels in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to enter a master serial number of sheet label stock
or roll label stock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to quickly print postage using roll label stock in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to quickly print postage using sheet label stock in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to view a history of printed postage in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention enables
computer-based postage systems to print postal indicia
(computer-based postage stamps) that may be mailed on any current
or future date, to any recipient. An example of a computer-based
postage system is a software-based, on-line postage system
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/163,993 filed on
Sep. 29, 1998, by Mohan Ananda, entitled "On Line Postage System",
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if
set forth in full. The on-line postage system software comprises
user code or client software that resides on a client system and
controller code that resides on a server system. An exemplary
online postage system may comprise a user system electronically
connected to a server system, which in turn is connected to a USPS
system. The server system is preferably capable of communicating
with one or more client systems simultaneously.
[0026] In operation, a licensed and registered client of the
on-line postage system sends a request for authorization to print a
desired amount of postage. A postal security device (PSD) server
determines whether the client's account balance is sufficient to
cover the requested amount of postage, and if so, communicates an
authorization to the client system. The client system then sends
image information for printing a postal indicium for the granted
amount to a printer so that the postal indicium is printed on the
print media, such as for example a label. Once the postage
information is printed on an individual label it may be
subsequently placed on an individual mail piece with a recipient of
the users choosing and mailed and processed by the USPS.
[0027] In one embodiment, the PSD package preferably includes
ascending and descending registers (the ascending register "AR"
records the amount of postage that is dispensed or printed on each
transaction and the descending register "DR" records the value or
amount of postage that may be dispensed and decreases from an
original or charged amount as postage is printed). A preferred PSD
may further include a device ID, indicia key certificate serial
number, licensing ZIP code, key token for the indicia signing key,
date and time of last transaction, the last challenge received from
the client, the operational state of the PSD, expiration dates for
keys, the passphrase repetition list and the like.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary client/server
environment used by an on-line postage system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. Clients 10a-10n and server
20 engage in two-way communication over a suitable communication
network 12. In one embodiment, communication network 12 comprises
the Internet. It will be understood by those skilled in the art
that the communication network may take many different forms, such
as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wired
telephone network, wireless network, or any other network that
supports data communication between respective entities.
[0029] The clients 10a-10n may take many different forms, and in
one illustrative embodiment comprise personal computers and
printer, with the personal computers being linked to a PSD.
Alternatively, the clients 10a-10n may comprise computers or any
other device that has processing capabilities and that may engage
in communication over communication network 12. Clients 10a-10n may
be connected to the communication network 12 through communication
links 14a-14n. In addition, each client preferably has access to a
printer such as printer 16. Optionally, a local network 18 may
serve as the connection between some of the clients, such as the PC
10a and the Internet 12. Servers 20a-20m are also connected to the
Internet 12 through respective communication links.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, the basic operation of an exemplary
computer-based postage system for printing computer-based postage
stamps is described in more detail. Operation begins at step 100,
with a user entering a request to print the desired postage.
Conventional non PC postage stamps correspond to the postage class
of the particular mailpiece, typically first class. However, there
are special stamps available that are designed especially for
priority and express mail services. Therefore, an exemplary
computer-based postage system preferably provides a plurality of
interfaces from which a user may print computer-based postage
stamps for use with standard first class service as well as other
specialty services. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary
user interface 102 preferably provides wizard based prompts to
assist users in determining the type/class of postage to print. In
addition, a second power interface is preferably available that
allows customers to simply enter the postage rate and print
computer-based postage stamps. An exemplary user interface
preferably includes a window 104 into which the user may enter
postage information, such as for example, $0.33 for first class
stamps, in a free form. The user interface also includes a link 104
to a postage calculator that may be used to calculate postage for
specialty services such as for example Express mail. An exemplary
postage calculator as shown in FIG. 4, preferably includes a
plurality of toggle buttons 106 that allow a user to select the
mail class or specialty service for which postage is being printed.
In addition, the calculator preferably includes a drop down box
that allows a user to select a book rate 108 or the type 110 of
mail piece to be sent, such as for example, a letter, flat, box or
oversized box.
[0031] An exemplary postage calculator preferably allows a user to
enter the weight of an item to be mailed into weight fields 112A,
112B. The dimensions of the weight fields may be for example pounds
and ounces. An exemplary on-line postage system preferably allows
users to integrate a digital scale into the postage system. The
print postage screen preferably provides an interface to the
digital scale. A scale button 114 on the print postage screen
preferably allows for the automatic retrieval of the weight of the
mail piece from the scale. The system preferably displays this
weight in the enter weight fields 112A, 112B. A default weight is
preferably 0 lbs., 1 oz. After the initial use, the fields
preferably remember the last value.
[0032] An exemplary postage calculator further provides windows 116
and 118 in which a user may enter the destination and origin zip
codes respectively. The destination and origin zip codes are active
after a weight that warrants zone based postage has been entered. A
cost of mailing dialog box 120 preferably appears when multiple
recipients are selected. The cost of mailing dialog box 120
preferably displays the total cost for the mailing.
[0033] Referring back to FIG. 2, in the described exemplary
embodiment, the indicia generation process preferably determines
whether the print wizard was used to generate the request to print
computer-based postage stamps 130. If the print wizard was used to
generate the request the class selected within the wizard will be
the class included in the computer-based postage stamps. If the
wizard was not used, the rate class will default to first class. In
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user may select
any denomination of postage desired, up to the maximum limit
defined by the PCIBI-O, that is currently $999.99.
[0034] An exemplary system preferably utilizes special paper label
stock to protect against the fraudulent production of
computer-based postage stamps. The paper label stock may be
available through the computer-based postage service provider,
through retail outlets or other sources. In one embodiment of label
stock in accordance with the present invention, multiple labels are
placed on a single large sheet of label stock. The multiple labels
may be arranged in any fashion. In one embodiment of a label sheet
in accordance with the present invention, the labels are arranged
in a rectilinear grid pattern. In another embodiment of label stock
in accordance with the present invention, multiple labels are
arranged in a linear fashion placed on a roll of label stock.
[0035] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention a serial number uniquely identifies a label used to
generate a postage stamp. Such a label is herein termed a Postagio
label. An exemplary system may determine the label serial number
132 by way of the master serial number entered by a user in a
window 134 of the indicia print interface (see FIG. 3). The master
serial number is a manufacturer serial number that is used to track
the production, distribution, and use of a particular unit of label
stock. An exemplary system preferably prints computer-based postage
stamps having a pre-printed serial number that matches a serial
number on a Postagio label. As an added security measure, the
pre-printed serial number on the Postagio label will be based on
the master serial number for label stock. In one embodiment of a
pre-printed serial number in accordance with the present invention,
the master serial number is included as the leading 3 digits in a
pre-printed serial number. This allows a customer to reuse a
partial sheet of label stock, reducing waste while maintaining the
secure nature of the paper.
[0036] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention preferably
uses alphanumeric serial numbers, generated from a 28-character
set. The alphanumeric serial numbers will be broken up visually for
the customer to reduce data entry errors. The master serial number
will contain a checksum value and will help prevent incorrect sheet
values. In operation when a user prints computer-based postage
stamps an exemplary system preferably prints a serial number as
part of the indicia just above the pre-printed serial number
already on the label. In a preferred embodiment the printed serial
number is the same font and size as the pre-printed number on the
label. This allows for immediate comparison of the numbers by USPS
personnel.
[0037] In addition, a special serial number, such as for example,
LLL.LLL.LLL.LLL will be reserved for use by QA and will not be
tracked or restricted from reuse in any way. Entry of this value
will bypass the checksum validation. If a user enters this serial
number inadvertently, the indicium will be generated and their
account will be debited. However, the printed serial number will
not match the label serial number. This will require USPS
intervention to recognize that the serial numbers do not match.
[0038] In the described exemplary embodiment, master serial numbers
and pre-printed serial numbers are tracked on the server 135. When
a unit of label stock has been used, the server flags the meter
number that used label stock. If the user prints computer-based
postage stamps on a portion of label stock, the user will be able
to print indicia on the remaining labels included in the label
stock at a later time. However, only the meter that initially used
the label stock will be permitted to print the remaining labels.
Once all labels included in the label stock have been printed, the
associated master serial number and pre-printed serial numbers will
be flagged and any attempts to print a label using those serial
numbers will be rejected by the server. A preferred embodiment will
not activate all possible serial numbers. Rather, only label stock
and labels having serial numbers that have been produced by a
manufacturer and placed into distribution will be active and
available for use.
[0039] A user may print 136 postage or sample postage onto the
label stock. Referring to FIG. 3, the user may print sample postage
by selecting a print sample postage radio button 140. Therefore, an
exemplary computer-based postage system preferably includes void
computer-based postage stamps as sample postage for use in printer
verification tests. An example of a void computer-based postage
stamp is shown in FIG. 5. An exemplary postage system may utilize a
serial number outside the character set reserved for actual
postage, such as for example, ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.ZZZ.## as the serial
number for void indicia.
[0040] Referring back to FIG. 3, the user may print an actual
computer-based postage stamp by selecting a print postage radio
button 142. An exemplary computer-based postage stamp is preferably
different from indicia currently in use for IBIP to allow USPS
personnel and customers to instantly recognize and distinguish the
computer-based postage stamps. However, the computer-based postage
stamp preferably also guards against fraud. Therefore, an exemplary
Postagio indicium preferably utilizes a data matrix barcode
format.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary computer-based postage
stamp includes multiple pieces of information, some pre-printed and
some printed at the time of indicia creation, to ensure the
uniqueness of the stamp and ease of processing. For example, an
exemplary indicia includes the postage amount 200 displayed in the
upper left-hand corner of the indicia. The postage amount is
preferably displayed using the largest font size permitted given
the size of the label and the indicium. The large font size helps
ensure that USPS personnel can quickly identify the stamp value. In
addition, an exemplary system preferably prints "US Postage" 202
under the postage amount, preferably, in a slightly smaller font
than the postage amount. The term US Postage helps ensure that the
stamp is identified as being domestic in origin. Further the
indicia preferably identifies the mail class 204 served by the
stamp and may include relevant information regarding the stamps
origination such as for example the LPO 206 or Licensing Post
Office.
[0042] A computer-based postage stamp may further include a
pre-printed serial number 208. The pre-printed serial number is a
unique number printed on the bottom left-hand corner of the label
to identify the sheet source and the individual label number. An
exemplary system further encodes the pre-printed serial number in
the indicium 210 to ensure that the stamp is unique. In addition, a
serial number will also be printed 212 at the time the Postagio is
created. This will be printed directly above the pre-printed serial
number as an added fraud deterrent. If the serial numbers do not
match each other and the serial number in the indicium, then the
computer-based postage is not valid. The computer-based postage
stamp may further include the logo 214 of the computer-based
postage provider. The logo may be pre-printed on the label. In one
embodiment the label stock preferably features the provider logo as
a means to guarantee that the label stock meets the necessary
security requirements.
[0043] In the described exemplary embodiment, the labels may also
include various anti-fraud features to guard against the fraudulent
production of computer-based postage stamps. For example, the label
stock preferably uses phosphorescent ink. This type of ink is
considered a specialized material that is not readily available to
the general public, ensuring the security of the label stock.
Therefore, in one embodiment each Postagio label is coated with a
phosphorescent ink. The phosphorescence will also assist the USPS
automated handling equipment in identifying the stamp. In addition,
the computer-based postage stamps will preferably be cut with a
special die to further ensure the security of the Postagio labels.
In one embodiment of a special die in accordance with the present
invention, the cutting edges of the die do not follow a straight
line. Instead the cutting edges are composed of a sequence of
specially angled lines.
[0044] The label stock may further include watermark printing in
the form of a printed background graphic (preferably in that range
of about 10-20% color saturation). The watermark printing is
visible to the eye and not easily reproduced. The watermark in one
embodiment is represented by a flag emblem, as shown in the sample
indicia illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0045] The Postagio label stock may further include micro-printing
that is invisible to the naked-eye, but can be seen under a
microscope. The micro-printing provides an additional security
measure, since it cannot be easily reproduced. In a preferred
embodiment the micro-printing is limited to the space to the left
of the indicium. The micro-printing preferably reads "US Mail/The
name of the service provider". In addition, the service provider's
logo may be printed on each Postagio label. The logo helps ensure
that an authorized vendor designated by both the service provider
and the USPS created the label. In addition, it will help the USPS
to quickly identify the product that created the Postagio. Finally
as previously described a pre-printed serial number with thermally
sensitive color-changing ink, known as thermochromatic ink, may be
included on the Postagio label stock. The serial number uniquely
identifies the Postagio label. In one embodiment, the serial number
on the label must match the number printed by the service provider
as well as the number in the indicium. The color-changing ink
ensures that a designated vendor created the Postagio label.
[0046] The Postagio label stock preferably does not use optical
brightening agents, to prevent a reaction under black light. In
addition, different color paper may be offered, possibly including
white, ivory, blue, pink, peach, and gray. All paper will be tested
to ensure compliance with the anti-fluorescent requirements and to
ensure that the indicia is still easily scannable. Colors will
preferably have a maximum saturation in a range of about 10-30%
saturation. In addition, the label design preferably accounts for
print engine tolerance in placement of specific elements.
[0047] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are screen shots of a suitable user
interface allowing a user to enter the master serial number of a
sheet or roll of label stock in accordance with an exemplary system
for generating computer-based postage in accordance with the
present invention. FIG. 7 is a screen shot of a suitable user
interface to allow a user to enter a printer type in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The printer
type will determine whether sheet label stock or roll label stock
is being used. A user uses the printer type field 300 to enter a
printer used to print postage. The user uses the printer type
button 302 to generate a printer type menu (not shown) with
selectable names of supported printer types. In operation, the user
selects the printer type button to generate the printer type menu.
The user selects a printer type from the printer type menu. The
printer type menu is dropped and the printer type selected by the
user is shown in the printer type field. Once entered, the printer
type is retained for future reference. The user selects a "next"
button 304 to advance to the next serial number entry user
interface screen. In the case where the user selects a printer type
indicating that roll label stock is being used, a blank stamp is
issued from the printer 16 (FIG. 1) when the "next" button is
selected. The user may then reference the issued blank stamp for
subsequent data entry tasks.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to enter the serial number of sheet label stock or
roll label stock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. In the case that a printer type using roll label
stock was selected by the user in the previous user interface
screen, the user interface includes an instruction message 400
telling the user to examine the blank stamp that was issued from
the printer 16 (FIG. 1). The blank stamp includes a pre-printed
serial number from which the master serial number for the entire
roll of label stock may be determined. The pre-printed serial also
includes a label sequence number 404 that identifies the label's
sequence in the roll of label stock. The user reads the pre-printed
serial number from the stamp and enters the serial number into the
serial number entry field 402. In the case where the user is using
label stock in sheet form, the user simply reads a pre-printed
serial number from one of the labels on the sheet label stock. The
exemplary system for generating computer-based postage uses the
entered serial number for subsequently printing postage as
previously described. In an embodiment of an exemplary system for
generating computer-based postage in accordance with the present
invention, the entered serial number is validated by checking the
pre-printed serial number against a database of valid pre-printed
serial numbers and also by checking the type of the label stock
associated with the pre-printed serial number.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to quickly print postage using a roll of label stock
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A user selects a printer type selection button 502 to
generate and display a printer type menu (not shown). The printer
type menu includes a list of selectable printer types. The user
selects a printer type from the menu and the printer type menu is
dropped. The selected printer type determines the label stock type
as shown in label stock type field 502. Additionally, an exemplary
label 504 is shown within the user interface confirming the user's
choice of label stock. The user enters a start number in a start
number entry field 506 and the number of labels to print in a
number of labels entry field 508. The user enters the amount of
postage to print on each label in a postage entry field 510. The
total amount of postage to be printed is calculated and displayed
in a total postage cost field 512.
[0050] If the user does not know how much postage is needed, the
user may use a postage calculator 514 included in the user
interface to calculate the correct amount of postage. To use the
postage calculator, the user selects a mail piece type using the
mail piece type entry field 516. The user then enters the weight of
the mail piece using weight entry field 518. In one embodiment of
an exemplary system for generating computer-based postage, the user
can select a scale button 520 to automatically enter the weight of
a mail piece as the mail piece is weighed on a digital scale. The
user selects the mail class of the mail piece using a mail class
entry field 522. Finally, the user enters a ZIP code to which the
mail piece is being sent in a ZIP code entry field 524. Once all of
the previously described information is entered, a postage amount
is calculated and displayed in the previously described total
postage cost field 512.
[0051] To print postage, the user selects a print labels button
534. Alternatively, the user can print a voided sample label by
selecting a print sample button 536.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to quickly print postage using a sheet of label stock
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The operation of this user interface is the same as the
previously described roll label stock interface. However, if a user
selects a printer type using sheet label stock instead of roll
label stock, two additional buttons are made available to the user.
A user selects a full sheet button 600 to print postage onto a full
sheet of labels.
[0053] The user may also select a partial sheet button 602 to print
postage on a partial sheet of labels. In this case, the user enters
a starting number for the labels in a start number entry field 604
and the number of labels to print in a number of labels field 606.
When the user selects the partial sheet button and enters a start
number in the start number entry field, a sheet label stock display
607 is generated showing labels that will be printed. The sequence
numbers 608 of the printable labels on the sheet label stock are
shown in the sheet label stock display. Those labels that will not
be printed are shown as blank labels 610.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a screen shot of a suitable user interface to
allow a user to view a history of printed postage in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A user
selects a view reports tab 700 to generate a printed postage
history display 702. The printed postage history display includes
printed postage histories displayed in interactive columns. The
user selects an interactive column in order to sort the printed
postage display using the values in the interactive column. The
interactive columns include a date column 704, a mail class column
706, a postage amount column 708, a weight column 710, and a
destination column 712. The user uses the printed postage history
display to track the amount of printed postage over time.
[0055] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described, it should not be construed to limit the scope of
the appended claims. For example, the present invention may be
implemented by a variety of computer-based postage metering systems
in accordance with a variety of print requirements promulgated by
postal systems around the world. Further, although the operation of
the present invention has been demonstrated in limited to
applications in accordance with the USPS requirements. Rather, the
present invention is equally applicable for operation in all PC
postal printing systems.
[0056] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that
various modifications may be made to the described embodiment.
Moreover, to those skilled in the various arts, the invention
itself herein will suggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations
for other applications. It is therefore desired that the present
embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather
than the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the
invention.
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