Patent ID: 6240403
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G06Q,G07B

Abstract:
A modular postage accounting system comprising:a secure metering device configured to store postage accounting information, to generate data representing at least a portion of a secure postage indicium, and to account for the generation of said data by changing at least a portion of said postage accounting information, and wherein said secure postage indicium is configured to permit authentication of said secure postage indicium using encoded information included therein;a first computer coupled to said secure metering device, wherein said first computer is configured to control said secure metering device via at least one control signal, and wherein said secure metering device is configured to generate said data in response to said at least one control signal;a second computer;a printer coupled locally to said second computer; anda network communications medium coupled to said first and second computers, wherein said first computer is configured to convey said data to said second computer via said network communications medium to allow said second computer to control said printer to print said secure postal indicium.