System and method for purchase and application of postage using personal computer

A distributed computer system enables end-users having personal computers to purchase postage from the post authority. End-user computers each include a modem for communicating with a computer at the postal authority, a secure non-volatile memory for storing postal usage and remaining postage information, a postage meter control program that includes a program for communicating with the postal authority to purchase postage and for updating the contents of the secure non-volatile memory. The end user computers preferably include a printer and a postage printing program for directing the printer to print addresses and postage on envelopes and labels. The postage printing program assigns a unique serial number to every printed envelope and label, where the unique serial number includes a meter identifier unique to that end user. As a result, every printed envelope and label contains a unique serial number. The postage printing program also directly controls the printer so as to prevent end users from printing more than one copy of any envelope or label with the same serial number. By capturing and storing the serial numbers on all mail pieces, and then periodically processing that information, the postal service can detect fraudulent duplication of envelopes or labels. The postage meter control program in each end user computer also allows the postal service to collect from the secure non-volatile memory audit information concerning postage purchased and postage applied to mail pieces by the end user's computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to the preparation and subsequent processing of mail 
in the United States and its territories. More specifically, the invention 
focuses on means to apply postage to envelopes, mailing labels, and flyers 
using an ordinary personal computer and printer (laser, inkjet or matrix). 
The invention also provides a convenient method to purchase U.S. postage 
via phone/modem, the ability to maintain a computerized account of postage 
expenditures, and provisions for remote electronic audit functions by the 
U.S.PS Inspection Service. 
Importantly, the invention is integrated with an existing mail management 
software product called Envelope Manager which has the ability to obtain 
ZIP+4 information using conventional phone lines, track and maintain the 
age/currency of stored ZIP+4 information, print a POSTNET bar code, print 
a FIM (Facing Identification Mark), and compute an appropriate discount 
for automation-readable mail. 
Automation Goals of the United States Postal Service 
Since the early 1980's, the U.S. Postal Service has focused a vast majority 
of its R&D efforts on the automated handling of mail. Processing some 160 
billion pieces of mail per year (rising to an estimated 200 billion 
pieces/year by 1995), the U.S.PS mail flow is greater than that handled by 
the next five largest national postal systems combined. One of the key 
elements in the automation program is the machine sortation of mail 
pieces. 
To accomplish sortation, the LAQPS has embarked upon a massive effort to 
bar code all mail by 1995. The bar code employed by the U.S.PS mail 
processing equipment is knowh as POSTNET, and is comprised of a series of 
short and long bars which encode a ZIP+4 for a given address. This bar 
code sequence can be presently seen on certain types of mail pieces 
today--particularly business reply and courtesy reply (payment) envelopes. 
Another related bar code option will be supported by the U.S.PS in late 
1991. It is called the Delivery Point Bar Code or Advanced Bar Code 
("ABC"). The Delivery Point bar code begins with the bar code 
representation of the ZIP+4 and adds the bar code equivalent of the last 
two numbers of the street address. This leads to even finer sorting 
resolution. 
The POSTNET bar code is a critical element in the multiple sorting steps 
that occur between U.S.PS acceptance of a mail piece and the delivery. In 
fact, bar-codes are so important that the U.S.PS applies them to a great 
fraction of incoming letters using some very complex and expensive 
equipment. 
To understand where and how this bar coding is accomplished--as well as the 
value of prebar coded mail--we will refer to FIG. 1. This figure shows the 
key sortation steps undertaken at the "originating" U.S.PS site. All mail 
collected in a given geographic area (say Washington, D.C., for example) 
is amassed nightly at a General Mail Facility or "GMF". This GMF is 
referred to as the "originating site". 
The mission of the GMF is to sort the mail flow down to the first three 
digits of the ZIP code so it may be loaded that evening on trucks or 
planes destined for key distribution points around the country. The GMF 
also looks up ZIP+4's for and applies POSTNET bar codes to as much mail as 
practical. This complex effort is undertaken so that subsequent sortation 
steps at the GMF and the destination offices can be done automatically by 
low-cost bar code sorters. 
The very first step in the GMF handling/sorting occurs at the 
Facer-Canceller machine (c.f; FIG. 1). This machine mechanically orients 
all mail pieces so the address and postage are facing in a uniform 
direction. It will also place a cancellation mark on the mail piece if it 
carries a glued stamp. 
Importantly, if the mail piece contains a Facing Identification Mark of 
pattern "A" or "C" (c.f., (FIG. 2a), the equipment will detect this 
condition and infer that the mail has been prebar coded (c.f., FIG. 2b). 
The prebar coded mail is routed directly to low-cost bar code sorters at 
the end of the GMF process (bypassing some extremely complex and 
time-consuming steps which we will discuss momentarily) and loaded on the 
appropriate truck or plane. 
Mail which has no POSTNET bar code enters one or more of the sorting 
environments shown in FIG. 1. If the mail piece is of odd size/shape, it 
proceeds to the manual sorting bays. Manual sorting is by far the most 
expensive operation at the U.S.PS as it is highly labor-intensive. 
If the mail piece is between postcard and COMM-14 size and has a typed or 
printed address, it is directed to the Multi-line OCR machine. The OCR 
processes 10 envelopes/second, reading the address optically, looking up 
the ZIP+4 on a nearby main-frame computer, and "spraying" the POSTNET bar 
code on the mail piece using ink jet technology. Again, the importance of 
applying the bar code at the originating site is that it is used numerous 
times both at the originating GMF and when it arrives at the destination 
U.S.PS offices on the following day. Each sortation is run to a finer 
level--eventually sorting mail in delivery order for a given street in 
AnyTown, USA. 
If the mail piece is of conventional size but handwritten (or otherwise 
unreadable) by the OCR, it enters the MPLSM stream. Using these 
semi-automated sorting machines, operators read significant components in 
the address fields and enter command codes into a small keyboard to route 
the mail piece to the appropriate sortation bins. 
The relative value of prebar coded mail is underscored by the following 
U.S.PS cost factors: 
______________________________________ 
Manual Sortation $40/1000 pieces 
Sortation by POSTNET bar code 
$4/1000 pieces 
______________________________________ 
As some 80% of the annual $40 billion dollar U.S.PS budget is allocated to 
employee payroll, the POSTNET bar code can be readily seen as a critical 
factor in controlling U.S. postage costs. The U.S.PS has a staff roster of 
over 700,000 men and women, with the great majority involved in mail 
processing and carrier delivery. A typical carrier spends up to 50% of his 
or her work day sorting mail by hand before walking or driving the actual 
delivery route. Bar coding is expected to reduce carrier sorting time by 
25% to 50%, as the Delivery Point barcoded mail can be sorted by machine 
to the sequence in which the carrier travels his/her route. 
Beginning in February, 1991, financial incentives became available to 
Postal customers who prebar code their outgoing mail. This is essentially 
an effort to reduce the expensive and relatively slow Optical Character 
Reading (OCR) step undertaken by the U.S.PS at major mail processing 
centers. The U.S.PS estimates that a savings of 60 to 80 million dollars 
per year will be achieved for each 1 percent of the mail volume which is 
pre-barcoded. These savings will be directly reflected in future postage 
prices, as the U.S.PS has operated since 1973 as a quasi-government agency 
with full responsibility for its own budget. 
The savings attributable to automation are so dramatic that the U.S.PS now 
offers a user discount of up to 5.7 cents for each First Class 
pre-barcoded mail piece effective with the February, 1991 rate increase. 
The 5.7 cent discount applies to 500 pieces of mail or more. A 5.3 
discount applies to quantities of 250 automation-readable envelopes and 
postcards. Under consideration for future implementation is a 2 cent 
"personal automation" discount for a single, automation readable letter. 
This personal automation rate was recommended by the U.S. Postal Rate 
Commission in January, 1991 and implementation is now expected in November 
or December of 1991 (coincident with the introduction of the 30 cent First 
Class rate). 
U.S.PS Concerns Regarding Discounts 
While the U.S.PS is strongly committed to automation and providing 
automation incentives, the organization has a great concern about 
confusing the mailing public with a spectrum of discount options. A key 
reason for the delayed implementation of the 2 cent personal automation 
rate is the concern that small mailers will apply 27 cents in postage 
when, in fact, the mail piece does not actually qualify for the automation 
discount rate. The same concern carries over to higher volume mailers, 
although it is not as deeply felt since most high volume mailers have the 
resources and time to master the nuances of the postal rate structure. 
U.S.PSThe requirements for an automation discount are: 
Recently-validated ZIP+4 ("CASS" or Coding Accuracy Support System 
Certified) 
POSTNET bar code representation of ZIP+4 
Facing Identification Mark (FIM) 
The POSTNET bar code and FIM are depicted in FIG. 2. 
The printing of the POSTNET bar code and FIM via PC printer is quite 
straightforward. A number of PC and mini-computer software products are 
currently available for this purpose. The Envelope Manager software which 
is included in support of this application contains these printing 
capabilities for a wide spectrum of laser and matrix printers which are 
used with computers. 
Obtaining a valid ZIP+4. for an address is much more difficult as the 
national address data base consumes some 4 gigabytes of computer storage. 
In printed form, the national data base of acdresses would large office 
room. A prior patent filing by this application (Filing Ser. No. 
07/605,649; System and Method for Accessing Remotely Located ZIP+4 Zipcode 
Database, pending) advances a concept called Dial-A-ZIP. Here a standard 
phone and PC modem are used to access a ZIP+4 from a remote PC or 
mainframe which is equipped with a copy of the U.S.PS certified national 
ZIP+4 data base. A computer equipped in this way is referred to as a 
ZIP-Station. A single address query can be accomplished in 15 seconds. Up 
to 100 addresses can be submitted in a single phone call, with an average 
response time of 1.5 seconds per address. The overall process is similar 
to a credit-card verification and can be demonstrated by loading and using 
the accompanying Envelope Manager software. 
The validated ZIP+4 is stored on the local PC along with the date of 
lookup. In this way, the computer can monitor the "age" of the ZIP+4. The 
U.S.PS requires that all automation-readable mail have a ZIP+4 which has 
been "CASS" (U.S.PS Coding Accuracy Support System) verified within the 
six months prior to the date the mail piece was sent. 
The combination of a software printing system such as Envelope Manager and 
the Dial-A-ZIP technology can be used to address the great majority of the 
U.S.PS concerns regarding discount confusion. The Envelope Manager 
software contains a printing option which can place a number of "postage 
insignia" in the upper right hand corner of the mail piece. FIG. 3 
illustrates some of the printing options in the current production version 
of Envelope Manager: 
Of particular note is FIG. 3c, the Personal Automation Rate insignia. If 
the Envelope Manager user chooses this formatting option, this box will 
print in the upper right hand corner of the mail piece if and only if the 
mail piece also prints a valid ZIP+4 POSTNET bar code and FIM. 
If the address being printed does not have a valid ZIP+4, or if the ZIP+4 
has not been verified through a "CASS" certified source in the last six 
months, the insignia will revert to that shown in FIG. 3a. In this way, 
the software provides a means to automatically and clearly mark each mail 
piece as to whether it qualifies for a postal automation discount. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A data management, printing and data communications architecture is offered 
which brings together a number of common and relatively low-cost computer 
hardware elements in such a way as to provide automated postage metering 
for envelopes, labels and/or flyers. The metering will automatically 
incorporate any zonal price premiums or automation discounts. The 
configuration also provides a means to periodically purchase postage via 
telecommunications, and provides means for the U.S.PS to audit each 
individual meter by telecommunications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Application of Postage Via PC Printers 
The technique discussed in the prior section assists in determining proper 
postage, but still depends upon a person to apply a correct stamp 
denomination or postage meter mark as a final step. This invention seeks 
to eliminate this final source of potential error by utilizing a personal 
computer/printer combination as a "personal postage meter." The invention 
also utilizes the PC as an automated means (via modem and conventional 
phone lines) to purchase additional postage as required. The tafter 
feature offers tremendous cost and time savings to both the mailing public 
and the U.S.PS. 
As noted previously, the Envelope Manager software product included with 
this application already provides means to "apply" certain types of 
postage to envelopes, labels and flyers. In addition to those 
illustrations in FIG. 2, the software will produce either Bulk or Business 
Reply Mail pieces on demand using a PC laser printer. In these cases, a 
unique WQPS permit number and city of issue is printed on each mail piece 
for accounting purposes. 
This invention extends the existing postage application capabilities of 
Envelope Manager to the more conventional mail pieces. The invention 
features: 
Means to apply a postage mark via desktop laser, inkjet or matrix printing 
technology. 
Means to compute and print the appropriate amount of postage integral to 
the "mark" as a function of: 
Mail Piece Weight 
Automation Status (automation readable) 
Mail Classification (first, second class, parcel post) 
Destination 
Means to apply an optional POSTNET or UPC bar code representation of the 
postage amount. 
Means to encode "meter identification" in both text and bar coded formats 
for automated accounting at Postal mail handling sites. 
Means to assign and print a unique serial number for each mail piece in 
both text and bar coded formats to further enhance fiscal controls. 
Means to print the date of postage application and city/state of issue. 
Means to purchase additional postage via PC modem and conventional phone 
lines, using either credit card or established account information to 
effect the purchase. 
Multiple security means to prevent users from tampering with the amount of 
unused postage. 
Means to allow U PS Inspection Service personnel to perform remote audits 
via phone/modem. 
Meeting Customer Service Goals of the U.S.PS 
While the U.S. Postal Service processes the overwhelming share of the mail 
and packages in the United States, it is under continuing pressure from 
competitors in the private-sector and some members of Congress. 
Competition has ranged from premium delivery services offered by Federal 
Express, Emery Air Freight, and United Parcel Service Blue Label, to 
regional delivery firms which specialize in the delivery of catalogs and 
third class advertisements. All of these competitors are viewed as serious 
threats by Postal management. 
Elements of the Congress continue to propose the privatization of the mail 
service, or broadened competitive rules which permit more aggressive 
participation by private firms. The U.S.PS maintains that the current 
quasi-monopolistic posture of U.S. mail service is a requirement for 
uniform service throughout the nation and its territories. 
The combined pressures of market competition and Congressional input have 
forced the U.S.PS to adopt a more market-oriented approach. In the words 
of Postmaster General Anthony Frank, "We have a monopoly, we need a 
monopoly, and we can't act like a monopoly." 
Complaints about long lines and waits to buy postage continue to haunt the 
Postal Service. Postmaster General Frank, testifying to a House 
Subcommittee on Government Information on Jun. 13, 1991, indicated that he 
has set a goal of making customers wait no more than five minutes to buy 
stamps. Some 7,000,000 people visit the nation's 40,000 post offices each 
day and existing Postal Union contracts make it difficult to provide 
adequate counter staff to expeditiously service these customers. 
The invention described in this application speaks not only to the 
automation goals of the U.S. PS, but squarely solves a major customer 
service issue. There are tens of millions of personal computers operating 
in the United States. If consumers could purchase and apply postage with 
their existing PC investment rather than physically travel to the post 
office, the number of retail counter transactions could be reduced 
dramatically. Further, postage could be purchased by phone 24 hours a day 
and 365 days per year with this invention. The net result will be a 
tremendous increase in customer service and satisfaction. 
Comparing Existing Postage Application Technology with This Invention 
Most low and medium volume mail generators apply postage manually (stamps) 
or with mechanical postage meters made by firms such as Pitney Bowes or 
Friden. The two latter firms benefit from a quasi-monopolistic arrangement 
with the UQPS, and their postage meters may only be rented. 
Meters are periodically replenished with a dollar value of postage by 
physically carrying the unit to a nearby Post Office. The Postal customer 
pays a lump-sum amount (say $300) to the Postmaster and the clerk 
mechanically adjusts the postage meter with specialized tools. The meter 
is then resealed with a wire and embossed lead lock (analogous to a wax 
seal in early correspondence). The actual process can take up to 15 
minutes and typically involves an inconvenience to the customer, the 
clerk, and all of the other Postal patrons waiting in line. 
In the past few years, some of the larger Pitney Bowes postage machines 
have offered an option to replenish the meter via a phone line and 
dedicated communications hardware. The drawback here is that these 
machines are relatively uncommon (due to their cost) and require dedicated 
telecommunications equipment which can be used only for this purpose. 
These new machines also pose a problem for U.S.PS audit processes and 
fraud prevention. Currently, VAPS Inspectors must make on-site visits to 
firms which purchase postage via phone, adding considerably to U.S.PS 
operational costs. The invention described in this application uses the 
power of the remote personal computer in a way such that the U.S.PS audit 
may be accomplished by phone. 
Postal meters are also limited in that they are essentially "ignorant" of 
the destination of the mail piece. The meter operator must examine certain 
mail pieces to ascertain the delivery "zone" (i.e., in parcel post 
mailings), and then apply the postage based on a chart of weight and 
zones. The invention described here prints the postage concurrently with 
the address and ZIP+4, so the program can automatically determine the 
zonal destination (the location of the sender is established in the 
supervisory setup of the program). 
Another limitation of the postage meter machine is its inability to detect 
mail which qualifies for discounted postage rates (e.g., pre-barcoded 
mail). The invention described here, which is integrated with the Envelope 
Manager software, will concurrently determine the amount of the qualifying 
postage discount. 
The only other variable in the computation of postage is the weight of the 
mail piece. In small volume environments, weighing is undertaken as a 
separate step, generally after the package is completely assembled. 
Postage is subsequently affixed by hand (stamps) or via a small postage 
meter after the weighing process. 
In one embodiment, the invention described here will require the operator's 
knowledge of the mail piece weight prior to creating the envelope or 
label. This modification of work flow is not overwhelming, and 
computational aides are available to assist (for instance, the user is 
given the opportunity to indicate the number of pages in the document to 
be mailed and the computer estimates the net weight). It is also important 
to realize that a great fraction of first class mail is under one ounce 
and that actual weighing is rarely undertaken in practice. 
In large mail room environments, dedicated electromechanical postage meters 
are available which both weigh and post each mail piece. Once again, the 
cost of these advanced units is several thousand dollars and not within 
the reach of the large majority of small business and home office 
environments. Nor are these units able to determine where each mail piece 
is going as the meters do not have a way to sense the actual address. This 
makes their utility limited in circumstances where delivery zones are 
important (e.g., parcel post). 
Another embodiment of this invention includes a low cost scale (such as the 
OH CT600 scale with Ohaus meter #77172-00 R5232 interface) or "load cell" 
connected to the personal computer via a serial or "COM:" port. These 
scales or load cells are commonly used in computerized data acquisition 
systems. The devices have advantages over ordinary scales as they require 
no "read-out" device (the display function is provided by the personal 
computer) and often receive their electrical power from the connection to 
the personal computer. The net result is that adding an optional scale to 
the postage metering device involves only a modest cost. 
Another recognized shortcoming of conventional mechanical postage meters is 
their print quality. There is little incentive for users to maintain 
sufficient ink to produce a clear, readable mark. A substantial fraction 
of metered mail will show evidence of a meter mark, but the actual amount 
of postage placed is indecipherable. The invention described here prints 
the postage mark using the same printing mechanism as that used for the 
main address and other printed elements of the mail piece (e.g. logos). 
Thus, the end user is much more likely to change laser toner cartridges or 
printer ribbons before print quality deteriorates significantly. 
Postal Market Segment Addressed by This Invention 
The invention described in this application essentially replaces the 
conventional postage meter with a combination of specialized (but 
low-cost) software and standard personal computer hardware (PC, printer, 
and modem). This combination of software and common hardware can be used 
to compute proper postage, account for zonal variations in postage, 
determine if automation discounts can be taken, apply the postage, 
maintain a running log of how and where postage was used, and 
replenish/purchase additional postage via modem. 
This approach encourages postal automation through the proper and 
controlled use of U.S.PS discounts, reduces U.S.PS point-of-sale costs by 
automating the purchase of postage, and reduces the frustration level of 
postal customers trying to purchase postage. It is an ideal approach for 
home office and small business mailers. 
The importance of the smaller mailer in overall U.S.PS demographics is 
shown in FIG. 4. This chart presents data gathered by the U.S.PS showing 
the breakdown of mail volume by source. 
Note that 200 so-called key national accounts represent nearly 1/4 of the 
160 billion pieces of mail processed annually. Key national accounts 
include several Federal Agencies, Sears, the Armed Forces and the U.S.PS 
itself. 
The next category, key major accounts, is comprised of 40,000 large mass 
mailers who have a reasonable automation posture to support ZIP+4 
barcoding. Included here are major banks, department store chains, etc. 
The third category accounts for 30% of the mail volume, but is distributed 
over 8,000,000 separate entities (small and medium businesses). Finally, 
the remaining 18% of the mail volume is generated by household mailers. 
This invention squarely addresses the 48% of the mail flow generated by 
small entities and home users. It will also have application at individual 
and departmental levels in the larger firms. These sectors have been 
essentially ignored by the U.S.PS over the past ten years, with most of 
the automation technology interface being focused on the larger accounts. 
The U.S.PS has only recently recognized the implications of this omission, 
and is now embarking on a number of marketing efforts tailored to the 
small business and home office mailer. 
Interfacing with Postal Accountability Systems 
It is important to recognize that the proposed invention does not depart 
from current U.S.PS accountability systems--it actually enhances them. By 
accountability, we mean how the application of proper postage is confirmed 
by the U.S.PS. 
Stamps issued by the U.S.PS, as well as the red postage ink used in 
mechanical postage meters, contain a phosphorescent trace material which 
can be detected by the first mechanized equipment encountered by the mail 
piece. This machine is called the Facer/Canceller (c.f. FIG. 1). Its job 
is to flip envelopes so that the addressed/stamped face is uniformly 
facing forward and upright. The machine then applies a cancellation 
marking over those mail pieces carrying stamps. Metered pieces undergo no 
cancellation as the mark is integral to the envelope and not easily 
reused. 
This machine also reads the FIM (Facing Identification Mark) to see if a 
stamp should even be expected and if a POSTNET bar code is on the mail 
piece. The four FIM's currently in use are: 
______________________________________ 
FIM A: Bar coded - Look for stamp or meter 
FIM B: No Bar Code - Business Reply or Official Mail, 
no need to look for postage 
FIM C: Bar coded - Business Reply or Official Mail, 
no need to look for postage 
FIM D: No Bar Code - OCR Readable, 
look for stamp or meter 
______________________________________ 
If the mail piece has no FIM whatsoever, a stamp or postage meter mark will 
be expected. 
The Facer/Canceller will route pieces which should have a stamp or meter 
mark, but show no detectable signs of one, to a separate holding bin for 
manual evaluation by U.S.PS personnel. However, the remaining and vast 
majority of the mail flow has no further check applied! In particular, the 
amount of postage applied to a mail piece is never checked by automated 
means. It is the carrier or manual mail sorter who has the primary 
responsibility for catching mis-posted mail pieces. (The U.S.PS Inspection 
Service also makes periodic spot checks and audits on mail streams.) 
The limitations of the existing U.S.PS accountability system make the 
adaptation of the subject invention possible with little or no 
modification to existing postal equipment. PC printers do not operate with 
phosphorescent dyes, but such detection is irrelevant insofar as the 
proposed invention. Mail pieces produced with this invention would be 
treated like Business Replay or official "penalty" mail. The applied FIM 
code essentially instructs the Facer/Canceller to omit the phosphorescent 
check. 
Additionally, one embodiment of this invention adds the POSTNET or UPC bar 
code equivalent to the postage amount, identifying meter number, and 
unique serial number. In this way, the same bar code scanners which read 
the ZIP+4 encoding for sortation purposes can also read and store the 
amount of postage and originating account number. Therefore, postage 
expenditure could be compared with postage purchases for any user of this 
technology. This would offer the U.S.PS a new and unprecedented level of 
accountability. 
Provisions to Prevent Un-Authorized Duplication of the Postage Mark 
An invention addressing this arena must provide appropriate safeguards 
against the duplication of postage marks on multiple envelopes or labels. 
With modern desktop PC's, scanners, and printers, it is possible to 
replicate a wide spectrum of images and designs. Those familiar with PC 
printers--particularly laser printers--are also aware that the printer can 
be instructed to make multiple copies of a single print image. This 
invention incorporates several means to prevent such abuse. 
First, the metering software defaults to a single copy per envelope or 
label image for each print request. This is performed with a so-called 
"software reset command" which supersedes any command which may have been 
issued from the printer panel. The reset command is followed by an 
explicit command to produce one and only one image. Put another way, when 
in the metering mode, the software will not permit the multiple copy 
instruction to be sent. 
If the user does ask for "n" multiple images of the same envelope or label, 
the software will produce "n" pieces, but it will not use the internal 
printer replication feature. Rather, the software will produce "n" 
distinct pieces by: 
a. applying postage to each piece and deducting each amount from the 
running meter balance. 
b. applying a unique serial number to each mail piece. 
The unique serial number assigned by the software, combined with the U.S.PS 
meter ID number provided by the UQPS in the initial sign-up procedure, 
provides a unique ID for every mail piece produced with this invention. A 
subsequent automatic or manual audit would immediately uncover 
duplications. 
The unique serial number also addresses another possible fraudulent 
activity which might be undertaken by a fairly sophisticated PC user. 
There are programs which permit one to capture a data stream which is 
destined for a printer port and place it in a file instead. If the image 
of a metered envelope or label were captured in this manner, it 
conceivably could be printed an unlimited number of times without using 
the main metering program. 
Such an approach would. have several drawbacks. First, the serial number on 
each mail piece would be identical, clearly exposing the fraudulent 
activity. Second, the address of the mail piece would be the same for 
every copy, a fact which would severely limit the utility of such an 
effort. Third, when a comparison was made between actual metered mail 
passing through the U.S.PS automation equipment (by virtue of a bar code 
representation of the meter ID and postage amount) and the postage 
purchased via modem, an obvious discrepancy would arise. 
This invention proposes means to obviate the capture of the printer data 
stream by software print-capture utilities. This is done by bypassing the 
very feature which the print-capture utilities employ. Essentially, on an 
Intel-based 808xx personal computer, there are three ways to convey 
information to the printer: 
Use an MS-DOS Operating System service. 
Use a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) service. 
Write directly to the printer hardware port. 
The MS-DOS services actually call upon the BIOS services to perform the 
output. Print-capture utilities intercept the "interrupt vector" 
controlling the printer BIOS communications (interrupt vector #17 on the 
lntel 808xx processors) and route the print stream to a file instead. 
One embodiment of this invention contemplates writing directly to the 
printer hardware port. In this way, no program can intercept the data 
stream. Sending multiple copies of the same postage mark to the printer 
thus becomes impossible. In the "C" language, communicating directly to 
the printer port is accomplished with the outportbo and inportbo 
functions. Sample C code which accomplishes such an operation is shown 
below: 
______________________________________ 
#define P.sub.-- DATA 
0.times.3BC /* Port LPT1: */ 
#define P.sub.-- STATUS 
(P.sub.-- DATA+1) 
#define P.sub.-- CNTRL 
(P.sub.-- DATA+2) 
#define TIMOUT 1000 
int main(void) 
char *string = "Print non-capturable test string?/n"; 
char c; 
int status; 
while( (c=*string++) != ` 0`) 
{ 
status = print(c); 
if (status != 0.times.90) 
{ 
printf("printer problem"); 
break; 
} 
} 
return 0; 
} 
int print(int symbol) 
{ 
unsigned int status; 
unsigned int time.sub.-- out = TIMOUT; 
outportb(P.sub.-- DATA,symbol); 
while(time.sub.-- out!=0) 
{ 
if( inportb(P.sub.-- STATUS) & 0.times.80 ) break; 
time.sub.-- out--; 
} 
status = (inportb(P.sub.-- STATUS) & 0.times.f8) 0.times.48; 
if(time.sub.-- out==0) status .vertline.=1; 
if(status!= 0.times.90) return status; 
outportb(P.sub.-- CNTRL, 0.times.0d); 
outportb(P.sub.-- CNTRL, 0.times.0c); 
return status; 
} 
______________________________________ 
Comparable functionality may be achieved with assembly or other languages 
which permit low level machine control. 
It is important also to put potential fraudulent activity in the proper 
perspective. The U.S.PS, and its Inspection Service in particular, has 
dealt effectively with Postal fraud since the U.S.PS's inception over 200 
years ago. There are--and there will continue to be--stamp counterfeiters, 
people who steam off and resell stamps, mail permit abusers, and those who 
tamper with meters. These elements will always be part of any society. The 
invention described here will be similarly abused by a minority. However, 
the U.S.PS enforcement program will remain as an effective deterrent, as 
will the substantial Federal penalties for mail fraud. In the inventor's 
view, the necessary level of checks and balances are in place, and the 
benefits of this invention vis-a-vis postal automation and customer 
convenience far outweigh the fraud potential or actual losses to illegal 
activity. 
A final point speaks to the level of expertise required to abuse the 
invention described here. Abuse would require the participation of a very 
skilled computer programmer. There are many skilled programmers in our 
society, but only a small percentage would engage in fraudulent behavior. 
And, their skill level would have to be at least as sophisticated--if not 
more so--as those who have the skills to tamper with mechanical postage 
meters. 
Altemate Embodiments of the Postage Mark Electronic Postage Mark Emblems 
The sample postage mark presented in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a very simple design 
which serves to express the fundamental information required by the U.S.PS 
--city/state of origin, date of issue, amount of postage, and meter 
number. This invention additionally provides for a unique serial number 
for each mail piece, and bar code representations of the postage amount 
and numerical identifiers. 
Referring to FIG. 5, item 1 is a destination address and item 2 is a 
POSTNET bar code representation of the ZIP+4. The facing identification 
mark, item 3, is shown as a FIM C configuration which indicates that stamp 
cancellation is not required. It should be noted that a new FIM 
configuration could also be employed to further distinguish mail posted 
using this invention. 
Item 4 is the postage mark as applied by laser printer. Item 4.a is the 
date of posting, applied by the computer program at the time of printing. 
Item 4.b is the City/State of sender, entered via a supervisory or setup 
function in the computer program. Item 4.c is a box prefaced with the 
phrase "U.S.Postage". Item 4.d is the computed postage, incorporating any 
valid U.S.PS discounts based on the POSTNET and ZIP+4 status. 
Item 4.e is a unique meter identification number issued by the U.S.PS via a 
program initiation session managed by the software. This one-time setup 
session is accomplished via PC and modem. Item 4.f is a optional bar code 
representation of the postage meter ID. This code could be read by 
wide-area bar code scanning equipment currently being installed nationwide 
to read the POSTNET bar codes, and used for future audit operations. 
FIG. 6 is an analogous posted label created from a 4".times.6" peel off 
label which is compatible with most laser printers. 
An alternate embodiment of this invention continues to provide the 
foregoing text-based and bar coded information, but contemplates the 
additional use of one or more complex graphical emblems, similar in some 
ways to the artistic and thematic content expressed in the regular stream 
of U.S.PS stamp "new issues," or as seen in the existing Pitney Bowes 
metering stamp (a curvilinear line-art rendering of an eagle). While 
effectively limited to a black and white format, these images could be 
telecommunicated to the postal customer's PC when additional postage is 
purchased. The images would be stored in encrypted "hidden" files on the 
computer (a subsequent section will discuss this in more detail as it 
pertains to the postage balance files). The images could be cast in 
industry-standard graphic formats such as TIFF or PCX, or a unique file 
format recognized and processed only by the metering and mail management 
software contemplated as part of this invention. 
Receiving these new postage meter images could be made optional, based on 
user preferences, or mandatory. The mandatory implementation could be a 
useful means to frustrate and control counterfeiting and/or unauthorized 
production of the postage mark. By way of example, the U.S.PS could choose 
to change the postage mark on a three month cycle. Users would add this 
new mark to their system when they next purchased postage. Duplicators 
could, of course, quickly obtain a copy of the new image and begin the 
process of duplication and illegal distribution. However, their 
distribution network would pale in the light of the U.S.PS postage 
purchasing telecommunications 800 number network. By the time the 
duplicators had achieved any substantial distribution of the unauthorized 
image, the U.S.PS would have issued a new version which would be mandated 
for acceptance in the national mail stream by some published cut-off date. 
It should be mentioned that laser printers, inkjet printers, and the new 
bubble jet printers have resolutions of 300 dots per inch or greater. This 
means that postage marks could be designed with very high resolution, and 
printed with equally high resolution on the invention described here. 
Subsequent unauthorized copies would not be able to maintain this level of 
resolution and would therefore be detectable. 
Safeguarding the Personal Postage Meter Balance 
Perhaps the foremost security issue relevant to this invention revolves 
around the meter balance. Mechanical postage meters display a "remaining 
balance" figure indicative of the dollar amount of postage still available 
to the user. Funds are deducted from this running balance each time the 
meter applies postage. Funds are periodically added by a Postal clerk 
using special tools when the meter is taken to the post office. The meter 
balance is ostensibly protected from subsequent tampering by the customer 
by means of a wire and soft lead seal applied by the Postal clerk. 
The computer-based personal postage meter contemplated in this application 
must provide comparable or improved security. The issue of meter balance 
security must be considered from two perspectives: 
a. Protection against loss of U.S.PS revenues due to customer fraud. 
b. Protection against a dollar loss to the customer due to equipment 
breakdown. 
Both protection issues are tied to the means in which the running balance 
is stored. Basically, there are only two classes of storage media which 
are "non-volatile", that is, where the information will not be lost when 
the computer is turned off. The two media are: 
Disk media ("hard" or floppy media). 
Hardware memory chip with battery backup. 
Protecting the Customer's Meter Balance Investment 
The issue of protecting the customer's investment in postage may be 
addressed by examining the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) statistics for 
computer components, and by further recognizing that the maximum amount of 
postage permitted in the Personal Postage Meter could be kept low (say 
$75). The low ceiling on meter balance is quite practical as additional 
postage can be purchased in a minute or so, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. 
The MTBF values are available on a component-by-component basis, but one 
can assume that the average life of a disk or memory chip is at least 
three years. Further, when hardware problems do occur, they often provide 
ample warning to allow recovery processes to be applied. For purposes of 
discussion, if the risk of catastrophic and unrecoverable meter data loss 
in a given year period is 5% (a high value, in the inventor's view), the 
expected value of loss would be ($75/*0.05) =$1.87. Here we have assumed 
that the meter balance is half way between the maximum of $75 and $80 at 
the moment of loss. The applicant submits that most people would be 
willing to "pay" $1.87/year in return for never having to stand in line in 
the Post Office again. 
The expected value of loss should also be compared to the cost of renting 
the smallest mechanical postage meter from Pitney Bowes. This cost is on 
the order of $200/year and, because these machines may only be rented, the 
cost recurs year after year. Essentially, the metering concept advanced in 
this application obviates the annual rental costs and allows the small 
mailer to use his/her existing desktop computer investment to provide an 
even more advanced metering capability. 
Preventing Fraudulent Manipulation of the Meter Balance: Controlling File 
Access 
This invention envisions several embodiments for the storage of the meter 
running balance. Once again, the only media available for storage are disk 
or hardware (memory chip), and this invention contemplates utilizing one 
or both of these media. 
Disk-based storage is the simplest and involves no cost. However, the 
potential for tampering is significantly higher than that offered by 
hardware security solutions. Disk-based data files can be protected to 
some extent by either employing data encryption algorithms to the 
information stored and/or by assigning access limitations to the data 
files themselves. 
In the Intel/MS-DOS environs, file access may be restricted by setting the 
file attributes in the File Allocation Table (FAT). Configurations may be 
established whereby the file may be accessed and manipulated by the 
Personal Postage Meter Application, but not copied or otherwise accessed. 
Another level of file security is the MS-DOS "hidden file" attribute. 
Hidden files are not revealed by normal "directory" list commands. Nor can 
they be copied using standard copy commands. 
Limited access and "hidden" files can be managed on both floppy and hard 
disk media. 
Finally, the concept of "files" may be completely eliminated if the 
application writes directly to the disk track/sector without benefit of 
the usual MS-DOS or similar operating system services. Rather, BIOS 
services are employed to write directly to the physical media. By way of 
example, in the "C" language, this may be accomplished with code similar 
to that in the following listing. The code presented writes and then reads 
a test message string to track=1 and sector=1 of diskette drive A: 
specified in the ANSI-C biosdisk() function: 
______________________________________ 
int main(void) 
int result; 
char buffer[512]; 
result = biosdisk(0.times.16,0,0,1,1,1,buffer); 
if(result) 
{ 
printf("Drive no Ready! n"); 
exit(0); 
} 
else printf("Drive on Line n"); 
strcpy(buffer,"This is a secret number"); 
result = biosdisk(0.times.3,0,0,1,1,1,buffer); // write to disk 
if(result) printf("Write error on disk n"); 
result = biosdisk(0.times.2,0,0,1,1,1,buffer); // read from disk 
printf("%s", buffer); 
exit(0); 
} 
______________________________________ 
This technique completely disregards any other file information which might 
be stored on the disk. Because of this, the approach would be limited to a 
single-purpose diskette-media which would be inserted into the computer 
when postage operations were under way. The diskette would be labeled as a 
"Postage Meter Diskefte" and would be required whenever postage was 
purchased or applied. A directory listing of a diskette manipulated in 
this way would reveal no file structure whatsoever. 
The file access controls discussed here would prevent the vast majority of 
PC users from tampering with the meter balance file. The foregoing 
substantial technical hurdles, the severe penalties for postal fraud, and 
the provisions for modem-based audit by U.S.PS Inspection Service 
personnel (another facet of this invention described in a subsequent 
section), would serve as a major impediment to fraudulent meter 
manipulation. However, even more aggressive security measures are possible 
using hardware approaches. 
Preventing Fraudulent Manipulation of the Meter Balance: Hardware 
Approaches 
A more costly--but significantly more secure--means of storing meter 
balance data is in a non-volatile memory chip which can be addressed 
directly by the PPM application. In this situation, there is no possible 
way to access the stored data unless one has access to the proprietary 
design codes embedded in the hardware component. 
One interesting concept advanced in this application is the integration of 
existing modem boards with one or more additional memory chips and lithium 
battery to arrive at a "PPM modem". 
FIG. 12 illustrates a typical internal modem card used in millions of 
personal computers. The card already provides access to the CPU bus and 
provides a means of direct communications through an 8250 UART (Universal 
Asychronous Receiver/Transmitter) chip. 
By adding one additional memory chip 12a (such as an MK48Z02 RAM), a 
long-life lithium battery, and a few circuit interconnects to a 
mass-produced PC modem board, the resulting configuration would provide 
complete modem functionality for all forms of PC communications plus the 
specific meter balance Storage functionality. The integrated approach is 
particularly appropriate inasmuch as the modem is a required element in 
the overall PPM design--it is used to purchase postage and access ZIP+4 
codes. 
Note that external modem configurations can be employed in an identical 
fashion. External modems are comprised of the same basic circuits, but 
require a case and distinct power supply and are therefore more costly to 
produce. 
Of course, a electronic circuit board comprised of a memory chip and 
battery could also be designed for the sole purpose of maintaining the 
meter balance. However, the combined approach (modem plus meter balance 
memory) is vastly preferable as only one PC bus slot is consumed and the 
cost for production and distribution of "commodity" modem boards is quite 
low. 
Refunds for Imperfect Prints 
It is common to encounter print-time errors with personal computer printers 
which result in printed specimens which cannot be used/mailed. Postal 
customers could receive credit for such pieces in the same manner that 
credit is made available for postage meter errors. The customer need only 
retain the defective pieces and periodically submit them to the U.S.PS for 
credit. 
It is noteworthy that the credit could be applied at the next postage 
purchase session via telecommunications. 
Implementation Hurdles 
The validity of a patent application is frequently and correctly tied to 
its practicality. The applicant is fully aware that there are very 
substantial institutional barriers to overcome before this invention 
emerges as an operational reality. We would like to devote this short 
section to a discussion of how these barriers might be overcome. (We 
realize that this section would most likely be omitted from the final 
patent.) 
The applicant has been an automation consultant to the U.S.PS and other 
government agencies for over ten years. The previously-mentioned Envelope 
Manager software and companion Dial-A-ZIP technology are being used 
nationwide by the U.S.PS for its daily business mailings. The software and 
related technology is extremely well known from the Postmaster General 
level, through key Assistant Postmaster General levels in the various 
operational groups, down to customer service representatives at the 
community level. 
The invention described here represents a significant departure from 
long-standing and time-honored Postal methods for the purchase of postage 
and individual metering. Extremely cautious initial reactions are to be 
expected from U.S.PS Finance, Inspection Service, Address Information, and 
Rates and Classifications Departments among others. Additionally, the 
existing postage meter vendors will likely object to this technology on 
competitive grounds. 
However, given this invention's tremendous benefits in terms of U.S.PS cost 
control and customer convenience, combined with the continuing 
proliferation of PC hardware in homes and businesses, the applicant is 
optimistic regarding the eventual acceptance of this invention. 
THE PROCEDURE TO PRINT A POSTED MAIL PIECE 
To further understand how this invention functions, it may be helpful to 
review the actions of a user who wishes to create a posted envelope or 
label. 
1. The user enters the address in the PC data base environment provided by 
the PC envelope/label generating software (such as Envelope Manager). 
Alternately, the user selects an existing entry in the address data base. 
See FIG. 7, which illustrates a typical address entry/modify screen with 
the Dial-A-ZIP ZIP+4 look up feature. 
2. If a new address is being entered, a CASS-certified ZIP+4 is obtained by 
invoking a Dial-A-ZIP query. In the Envelope Manager software, this is 
accomplished by pressing the ALT-F2 key combination. In approximately 15 
seconds, the validated ZIP+4 is returned and stored with the address 
record. (FIG. 7) 
If a previously-stored address is being printed, the date of the last ZIP+4 
verification is compared to today's date to ascertain if the ZIP+4 is 
older than 6 months. If so, the user will be warned of this fact and 
invited to revalidate the address via Dial-A-ZIP, or continue with the 
print and dispense with any postal automation discounts/ automation 
markings. 
3. The user will request that an envelope, label or flyer be printed. In 
Envelope Manager, this is accomplished by positioning a cursor at the 
address of interest and pressing ENTER. 
4. If the postage application option has been selected in the formatting or 
supervisory sections of the program, the user will then be prompted for 
(c.f., FIGS. 8,9): 
______________________________________ 
Parcel weight 
or 
Number of 81/2" .times. 11" pages. 
______________________________________ 
FIG. 8 shows a typical print request screen (enhanced from the production 
version of Envelope Manager accompanying this application) which shows a 
print-time "Apply Postage" option. FIG. 9 illustrates a typical detail 
screen which would appear when the Postage Option was selected. Here the 
user can input the weight of the parcel to be mailed or have the PC infer 
the weight based on the number of standard pages to be enclosed. This 
screen also shows the remaining postage available to the system. 
If an optional weighing device (e.g., load cell) is connected to the 
personal computer as shown in FIG. 1 1, the program will prompt for the 
placement of the mail piece (or components of the mail piece) on the 
weighing surface. The weight will then be ascertained by the computer and 
reported on the computer screen. FIG. 11 illustrates a typical personal 
computer (item 11.a), printer (item 11.b), a modem (item 11.c), a standard 
phone line (item 11.d), and an optional weighing device (item 11.e). FIG. 
12 illustrates a typical internal modem board for a personal computer. 
5. The program will now compute the required postage based on weight, 
destination and zone (based on ZIP Code), the ZIP Code status (a validated 
ZIP+4, will qualify for a discount), and then print the envelope, label or 
flyer, complete with postage mark. 
6. The remaining postage register file (an encrypted file on the PC or 
memory chip) is reduced by the amount of the last transaction and the 
just-completed transaction will be posted to a log. (The log may be 
printed out at any time for a history of postage expenditures by 
addressee, date of issue, etc.) 
THE PROCEDURE TO REPLENISH POSTAGE 
The user selects a Setup Option which submits the electronic request for 
additional purchase. FIG. 10 illustrates a typical program screen to 
purchase additional postage via telecommunications. As shown in FIG. 10, 
the user inputs his/her credit card number, the card expiration date, 
amount of postage requested, and the phone number of the nearest U.S.PS 
facility prepared to process this electronic purchase. When all fields are 
complete, a single key will dial this number and automatically submit the 
request. 
The U.S.PS receiving facility performs a real-time credit verification with 
MasterCard or VISA and, within seconds, returns a signal which increases 
the postage on the PC by the specified amount. The postage value is stored 
in an encrypted, "hidden" DOS file which precludes tampering, or in a 
memory chip. 
An alternate embodiment of the invention amends the foregoing process to 
include a "call-back" protocol. Call-back protocols are frequently used in 
high-security computer installations. The user intending to connect to the 
central computer resource first calls in and enters his or her [D and 
password. The central computer then disconnects the phone connection and, 
employing a previously-stored phone number for this user, dials the number 
of the remote machine to re-establish the connection. 
This added level of security would further ensure that postage purchases 
reached the correct party and that the appropriate credit card account was 
charged. 
INITIAL ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE 
Replenishment of postage will be a routine procedure accomplished in a 
manner previously discussed. The U.S.PS will likely desire an initial 
"sign-up" which will register new users for this service. This invention 
contemplates that this process will also be accomplished via modem through 
the Envelope Manager (or similar) program. 
The initial sign-up screen will ask the user to submit: 
User's name and address 
Credit card number 
Estimated monthly purchases 
User's modem number (for audit purposes) 
User's voice number (for audit purposes) 
Any other statistics deemed useful by the U.S.PS 
The user will receive an assigned meter identification number immediately 
or via a subsequent telecommunications session which will be applied to 
all mail pieces produced by this user. 
ELECTRONIC FIELD AUDITS BY THE U.S.PS INSPECTION SERVICE 
Periodic audits by the U.S.PS Inspection Service will be accomplished using 
the same telecommunications hardware employed to purchase postage. 
However, the Inspection Service will call into the remote PC. 
The provision for remote electronic audit could be a precondition for 
utilizing the postage purchasing technology described in this invention. 
The audit would begin with an Inspector calling the user on his/her voice 
line and requesting an audit. (This call could actually be automated, with 
a computer, not a person, issuing verbal instructions to the user). 
The user would be instructed to load the Envelope Manager software select a 
supervisory option for the audit process. This would be the extent of the 
user's actions. The audit option would place the person computer modem in 
"automatic answer mode." At this point, the Inspector (or main U.S.PS 
computer!) would dial the modem number of the registered meter user and 
establish a connection. The Inspector (or U.S.PS computer) could then 
request one or more audit reports to be sent from the remote computer to 
the Inspector's computer which might include: 
A history of postage purchases 
A running total of postage affixed. 
A detailed log of postage applied by mail piece. 
This information could immediately be compared with data maintained at the 
point-of-purchase computer, information gathered via the bar code scanning 
equipment, benchmark data based on a "typical user," or historical data 
for this particular user. Using this information, the Inspector (or 
computer) could choose to accept the audit results, or call for a more 
detailed site audit if suspicious circumstances were detected. 
The audit process could also reset certain running totals, change 
encryption schemes, or even "lock" the postage metering function until a 
more complete audit was completed. 
Electronic Update for Postage Rates 
Postage rates, zones and regulations go through periodic changes. The most 
recent set of rates (February, 1991) are among the most complex. 
Using the same hardware and software employed for electronic postage 
purchase and audits, new rate tables could be loaded to the individual 
user's computers via phone line and modem. In fact, the rate table in each 
user's machine could be checked during each electronic purchase event and 
loaded to the remote machine as required. In this way, users of the this 
invention would have easy and consistent access to the latest rate 
structures. 
Applying the Correct Date 
Most mechanical meters rely upon the operator to set the current date. The 
U.S.PS encourages accurate postmark dates as they are often the basis for 
determining late payment criteria, but there is little the organization 
can do to prevent misuse. There are many reports of meter users setting 
the date back when paying taxes or other time-critical payments. 
The invention described here employs the computer's internal date as the 
postage. Most PC's sold in the past five years include an internal 
clock-calendar for this purpose. This will avoid inadvertent date 
misrepresentation due to the operator simply "forgetting" to set the new 
date. 
The experienced PC user knows that it is possible to reset the system date 
in a number of ways. However, this invention can cross check against the 
running log of postage applications to see if the "current date" is 
actually prior to some of the dates in the log. If this is so, it will 
prevent the user from continuing with an invalid date. 
The invention therefore greatly improves the reliability of the date 
applied on the postmark and thus meets a key objective of the U.S.PS. 
Log of Postage Expenditures 
The metering invention described here provides a convenient method to 
record and report upon postage expenditures with minimal user input. Each 
time a mail piece is posted, the date, destination address, amount of 
postage, discount amount, and other information are automatically recorded 
in a separate data file. 
This file may then be printed and summarized to obtain a complete profile 
of all mailing costs. This file can also be used in the UQPS audit process 
described elsewhere. The following is a sample log of postage expenditures 
recorded in that file: 
______________________________________ 
Post- Postage 
age Re- 
Date Destination Address Used maining 
______________________________________ 
060191 
Mr. Puliman 1442 Rose Lane 
$0.52 $60.00 
Anytown, CA 
94501-5501 
060391 
Mrs. Gail Sachs 
17 Moira Drive 
$0.29 $59.71 
Anytown, CA 
93301-1022 
060391 
Mr. Carbonara 
85 Knotson Blvd. 
$0.29 $59.42 
Anytown, CA 
94003-2007 
061491 
Ms. Simpson 18 Danbury Ave. 
$0.75 $58.67 
Anytown, CA 
92121-3745 
071091 
Ms. Kinsey 2331 Pacific Ave. 
$0.75 $57.92 
Anytown, CA 
94115-2442 
071091 
Mr. John Davis 
1582 Seacliff 
$0.29 $57.63 
Drive Anytown, 
CA 92123-2441 
071291 
Mr. Greg Fong 
1821 16th Ave., 
$1.21 $56.42 
Anytown, CA 
91311-4239 
071891 
Mrs. Joyce Jones 
445 Green St, 
$9.95 $46.47 
Anytown, CA 
94117-9445 
072591 
Mrs. K. Pierce 
17 Jones St., 
$2.90 $43.57 
Apt #2, 
Anytown, CA 
93212-9998 
080591 
Computers Inc. 
1821 North Lake 
$0.75 $42.82 
Blvd, Anytown, 
CA 92231-0909 
080591 
Blue Bear Ltd. 
178 Madison St., 
$2.90 $39.92 
Ste 1010, 
Anytown CA 
92114-2221 
______________________________________ 
Although only a single embodiment of the invention have been described, it 
will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications 
to the details shown and described may be made without departing from the 
scope of the invention.