TELEPHONE/FAX FRANKING SYSTEM

Abstract: A system for printing postal indicia (58). The system generally comprises a telephone/fax device (50) adapted to print postal indicia (58), and a host data center (20). The host data center (20) is generally adapted to communicate with the telephone/fax device (50) and provide the postal indicia data that can be printed.

Description: TELEPHONE/FAX FRANKING SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application Serial No.: 60/165,497 filed on November 15, 1999. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to postage printing systems and, more particularly, to a telephone/fax postage printing system. 2. Description of Related Developments Generally, the issuing of the right and capability to print a postage indicia (proof of postage payment) involves a strict set of security procedures that guarantee that the printed postage indicium are valid instruments. Postage can be printed onto an adhesive or water activated gluing material, typically referred to as label stock. The label stock may include a self- adhesive backing or require moistening for affixing to a mail piece. Postage meters are well known. Postage meters are extremely reliable and cost has been reduced to a minimum. A typical postage meter prints its postage by means of an intaglio-type metal or strong plastic printing plate or dye plate, using specified fluorescent ink or non- fluorescent ink. Generally, cryptographically secure information can be included in the postal indicium, and read to verify that information on each and every mail piece. To be commercially viable, system configurations that generate cryptographically secure information for use in printing postal indicia must not only satisfy the requirements of the postal authorities, but must also provide user function more or less approximating that of present-day postage meters. Such a system is described in application no. (attorney docket no. 770P009679-US (PAR) commonly assigned to the assignee of this application and which is incorporated herein by reference . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to, in a first aspect, a system for printing postal indicia. In one embodiment, the system comprises a telephone/fax device and a host data center. The telephone/fax device can be adapted to " print postal indicia. The host data center communicates with the telephone/fax device and provides the postal indicia data to be printed. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of obtaining postal indicia data. In one embodiment, the method comprises establishing a communications link between a host data center and a telephone/fax device. Using the telephone/fax device the postal indicia data is requested and received. The postal indicia is then printed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system incorporating features of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system incorporating features of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a system incorporating features of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Fig. 1, a block diagram of a system 4 incorporating features of the present invention is shown.' Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 4 generally comprises an integrated data and encryption access system 10 ("IDEAS") and an end user/customer 12. In alternate embodiments, the system 4 can include such other suitable devices or systems for obtaining and printing indicia. The IDEAS 10 is generally adapted to interface with the end user 12 and provide for example, postal indicia, financial data and information, proof of payment information and indicia, secure fund and information transactions and access to other carrier systems 42. In one embodiment, the system 4 could include more than one end user/customer 12. Each end user/customer 12 is generally adapted to access the IDEAS 10 through a telephone/fax communication device 50 in order to request and obtain indicia from the IDEAS 10. Generally, the system 4 is on a network, such as for example, the Internet, and the system 4 is adapted to determine if incoming data is for a IP address associated with one of the devices, such as the host data center 20 or telephone/fax communication device 50, of the system 4. The indicia could then be downloaded or reproduced into an appropriate forum, such as for example, printing the indicia onto a label. Digital signature technology can be used as authenticated security to validate the postage indicia. This allows the postage indicia to be- transmitted without having to encrypt the data content, only sign it. It is a feature of the present invention to use a telephone/fax device 50 to bring the ability of printing postage stamps into the home or business, such as a United States Postal Service ("USPS") closed franking system, without the need for dedicated postage machine hardware or a computer to print the indicia. There is no need for the sender and receiver to share secret information. All critical indicia data communications generally involve only public keys, and no private key is ever transmitted or shared. The application of public/private key security measures to the present invention, such as those used in a USPS closed franking system, will be understood by those of skill in the art. Referring to Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the IDEAS 10 can include a host data center 20, a communications protocol and message integrity control 28, a communications discriminator and translator 30, and a communications options control 32. The IDEAS 10 could also include other suitable devices for providing secure financial data and other information to an end user 12. Generally, the host data center 20, also referred to as a remote data center, can include one or more postal security devices 22 ("PSD") and various application function controls, such as for example, network access to carriers control 201, customer account control 202, identification access control 203, funds debit and credit control 204, crypto-certificate control 205 and audit control 206. In an alternate embodiment, the host data center can include such other suitable devices for providing information, postage and funds to an end user 12. Generally, the system 4 uses the host data center 20 as the source and maintenance of customer account postage . The PSD is generally adapted to provide security functions for the customer 12 and can include cryptographic digital signature generation and verification through, for example, the crypto-certificate control 205. The security functions can include for example, the secure management of the funds related registers that track remaining funds available for indicium creation and the total postage value used by the PSD 22 and the respective customers. In order to securely perform security functions, the PSD 22 can include an internal random number generator, various storage registers and a date/time clock. Such a PSD is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,009,417, and co-pending U.S. Application Nos . 09/254,915, 09/438,810 and (attorney docket no. 770P009679-US (PAR) ) , each of which is commonly assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference. Each PSD 22 can generally provide access to a customer account through customer account control 202 and the related funds, and as well as access and portals/privileges. A PSD 22 can be adapted to interface and support the implementation of the various controls of the host data center 20, including for example, device authorization, finance and indicium creation. Each PSD 22 can also be adapted to allow only authorized customers to apply a valid indicium to a mail piece. In one embodiment, the PSD 22 can be embodied as a tamper resistant component into the telephone/fax system 50 base communicating with a host data center 20 for funds control 204. This can also include the capability of tamper detection and fail-safe response. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the PSD 22 may also be implemented remotely from the telephone/fax 50 in a host data center 20 where the PSD functions can be securely controlled to support each remote customer account. Each PSD 22 at the host data center 20 can be adapted to abstract customer count identification information and debit and credit card information from the associated customer's input data stream. In one embodiment, the PSD 22 can be adapted to validate the customer 12 and the indicium request, and provide the indicia to the customer 12 or alternatively cancel the transaction if the transaction is an error. The communications discriminator and translator 30 is generally adapted to discriminate or choose between the various possible communications options 32 and coordinate with the communications protocol and message integrity control 28. The control 28 can include communications protocol and message integrity control functions for the communications options 32. These communication options 32 can include any suitable communication method, such as for example, satellite communications, and dedicated high-speed communication lines, such as a T-l line, telephone or worldwide web access or cable communication access. In one embodiment, the discrimination can be cost reduced by purchasing transmission capability from a third party service provider. In this embodiment, the communication option 32 could be routed to an associated- service provider (not shown) . The service provider could provide the communications and related protocol to the host data center 20 in accordance with established standards . As shown in Fig. 2, the IDEAS 10 can also be adapted to communicate with carrier systems 42 through an interface 40. The host data center 20 could for example, utilize the network access to carriers control 201 to access the carriers 42. Alternatively, any suitable mechanism could be used to access the carriers 42. The interface 40 can include any suitable communications interface or portal, such as for example, a modem connection or the Internet. The carriers 42 can include any entity from which shipping/mailing or financial information/data can be obtained. For example, in one embodiment, the carriers 42 can include such services as United Parcel Service, FedEx, or Emery. The customer 12 would be able to obtain consolidated shipping/mailing information from each of these carriers, including the USPS, for comparisons between competitive services and costs. The host data 20 can also provide the customer/user 12 with the capability of ordering services from an appropriate carrier 42, including the USPS. Information regarding costs, best ship method, fastest carrier, and pick-up and delivery for example, can be provided to the customer 12 via a display 64 on the telephone/fax 50, the printer 52 or an external printer (not shown) . The information could also be transmitted to computer 56 for display. If an external printer is used by the customer 12, such as for example a thermal or laser/ink jet printer, related shipping forms can be printed with the necessary information and fields filled a shipping- application in the host data center 20. The customer can then access information in the host data center 20 regarding tracking information. The tracking information could be displayed on the display 60, printed by printer 52, printed on an external printer, obtained via an audio/voice function of the telephone/fax 50, or any such suitable mechanism. Tracking information could also be obtained from each carrier through the host data center 20, which can then be provided to the customer/user 12. In this manner, the customer/user 12 does not need to access the individual carrier or different carriers at different times to obtain shipping/mailing, ordering and tracking information, but rather can access the host data center 20, which can provide a single point contact for the customer/user 12 for each carrier. Referring to Fig. 2, a customer/end user 12 can comprise a telephone/fax device 50, an indicia printer 52, a scale 54. The customer 12 could also include a computer 56. In one embodiment, the computer 56 can include an image repeater. The printer 52 could be a stand-alone printer, or a printer internal to the telephone/fax 50. In an alternate embodiment, the customer/end user 12 can include such other suitable components for allowing an end user 12 to communicate with an IDEAS 10 and obtain secure indicia 58. Generally, the customer/end user 12 can be configured so that the computer 56, telephone/fax 50 and scale 54 are adapted to communicate directly with the printer 52. The telephone/fax 50 is also adapted to communicate with the IDEAS 10. In an alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the customer/end user 12 can be configured so that the scale 54 and computer 56 communicate with the telephone/fax 50, which can also be adapted to communicate with the printer 52 and the IDEAS 10. The telephone/fax device 50 is generally adapted to allow a user to request indicium 58, such as for example postal indicium data, and to receive and print the postal indicium 58. The indicium 58 generally comprises a postmark applicable to postage metering. In an alternate embodiment, the indicium could include payment evidencing information, digital signatures, confidential information, and information related to fund transfer and confidential information. The postmark can include bar coding, which when scanned, can be used to verify that the postmark is valid. The symbology of the postmark can be presented as a limited-data content one dimensional bar code, or a two dimensional bar code. The two dimensional bar code can include an encrypted validating signature provided by a certification authority which can contain information relating to not only the customer and related PSD account information, but also to the address of the recipient . Each of these can be used to guarantee the authenticity of the postal indicium. The printing device 52 can include any print mechanism, such as for example, a label printing mechanism, that can be interfaced to the telephone/fax 50 to print indicia. The application of two-dimensional barcoding and the use of digital signatures to authenticate barcode content allows printing to be accomplished on any media with "bit mapping" technology, so long as the barcode is scannable/readable by USPS verifying equipment. In one embodiment, the indicia could include a franking, impression printed on a label material can be used as a postage stamp. The label material could include printing media such as strips of tape or rolls of tape. For example, the printing device 52 could comprise a label/tape printer, an interface printer internal or external to the telephone/fax 50 or a service provider's dedicated printer to print from the web or a private host data center. In an alternate embodiment, the printing mechanism 52 can also be a part of the telephone/fax 50. In one embodiment, the printing mechanism 52 can also be adapted to print information onto a label-type stock for the purpose of communicating information and marketing initiatives to the end user, which may include a home or a business, that are accessed through the telephone/fax 50 and IDEAS 10. The initiatives could include printing coupons as an incentive or bonus for the customer 12. The "marketing-type" data, could be secured via the use of digital signatures, which provides the coupons of value printed from their telephone/fax device 50. The IDEAS 10 could be accessed to obtain the coupon of value for a product or an activity, for example. Coding on the coupon could indicate the customer identification, which when inputted into the system, such as by scanning, would verify whether the coupon has already been used. The telephone/fax 50 could be keyed/identified to the customer of record such that only information carrying the telephone/fax identification code would be processed by the telephone/fax 50. Even items such as lottery tickets could be obtained and printed in the end user's environment via the digital signature signing process. Generally the telephone/fax device 50 transmits a data request to the host data center 20 and can include an-- input device 60, such as for example a keypad. In an alternate embodiment, the input device 60 can include any suitable device for inputting or "keying in" information from a matrix of alphanumerics and symbols, such as for example a TV remote control device. In one embodiment, the input device 60 could include a personal computer ("PC") to offload the keying in of data. The IDEAS 10 is generally adapted to allow for interactive communications between the customer 12, the host data center 20 and the PSD 22. For example, in an authorization process between the customer 12 and the PSD 22 in one embodiment of the invention, the customer 12 can input a personal identification number ("PIN") to the telephone/f x device 50. In order to provide added security, the data center 20 can be adapted to request that additional identifying information be inputted to the telephone/fax 50 for communication to the data center 20 and PSD 22. For example, the additional data could include a birth date, a social security number, an address, or such other unique customer specific data. The correct responses to the request for additional data can be pre-coded into the system for verification purposes. The additional information can also be randomized in the system so that each request for additional information from the data center would not be the same for each transaction. The additional information can be alternated, randomly or sequentially, among the additional responses that are coded into the system. This mechanism of "redundant access security" can reduce the possibility of a pin or PSD access code being fraudulently obtained and used. The import system (customer 12) and the output system (the PSD 22) can have a fail-safe redundancy intercommunications system that reduces the opportunity for fraudulent use of the system. Additionally, using a pin/code/additional information request from the host data center 20 for the customer/user 12 authentication process is an option for identifying the user 12 of the PSD 12 to the host data center 20. Referring to Figs . 2 and 4 , in one embodiment of a method of the present invention, the postage-requesting customer 12 establishes contact 100 with the host data center 20 which can include providing customer identification. The customer identification could include the entry of a unique customer code or identifier. Generally, this action could take place over a telephone line, but could also occur through a dedicated service providers own network access. The customer 12 could then activate 102 a menu on the display 64 via the keyboard 60 and call-up 104 a "postage" sub-menu, such as for example, menu 66 in Fig. 2 or menu 68 in Fig. 3. In addition to the menu options listed in menus 66 and 68, the menu could require the customer 12 to enter 106 an identification code, which, when compared to a code associated with the telephone/fax 50 of record at the host data center 20, could verify 108 that the telephone/fax and related identification code are valid. The entry of the customer identification code could be a manual entry via an input device 60, or an automatic process using an identifier function of the telephone/fax 50. The data entry 110 by the customer 12 can be accomplished by using the keyboard 60 to select alphanumerics from the menu displayed on the display 64. The customer could also enter the destination address of the recipient of the mailpiece, which can also be affixed to the indicia label tape. This information can then be forwarded 112 to the host data center. The host data center 20 can return 114 indicia data that can include a cryptographically signed proof of postage payment code which can be printed 116 as part of the indicia image 58. Once printed, the image can be scanned to confirm the single time use of the authenticated indicia image. In one embodiment, a scale 54 can be interfaced to the telephone/fax 50 that is adapted to enter 120 a weight of the item. The indicia returned 114 from the host data center 20 can include the proper value of postage for the telephone/fax 50 to print 116. Alternatively, the proper value of postage can be printed apart from the indicia. The mailpiece weight could also be entered manually via a keyboard, which could include accessing appropriate menu options from a screen. In an alternate embodiment, the interaction between the user 12 and the telephone/fax 50 could include voice conversion technology and a voice conversion interface providing voice commands and requests from the telephone/fax system 50 to the customer 12. The voice recognition system could replace manual entry of postage request data. The voice commands and requests, could, in one embodiment, be replicated in text and graphics on the telephone/fax display. In an alternate embodiment, the telephone/fax device 50 could be used to obtain an authenticated money/order or voucher, or such other similar financial instrument from the host data center 20. The authentication process can include using digital signature technology to authenticate the money/order or voucher. The telephone/fax device 50 could also be used to send a- financial instrument, such as an authenticated check/payment, to a recipient. The present invention provides for the printing of postage indicium without the need for a personal computer, and provides the capabilities of a USPS closed franking system without the necessity for dedicated postage machine hardware. The capability of printing postage indicia, as well as other indicia, is brought into the home or business via the telephone/fax 50. The present invention provides for the secure transmission of franking data, and the indicia can be printed on a printing mechanism interfaced with the telephone/fax 50 capable of printing an image onto label stock. It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A system for printing postal indicia comprising: a telephone/fax device, the telephone/fax device being adapted to print the postal indicia; and a host data center adapted to communicate with the telephone/fax device and provide the postal indicia data to be printed. 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a printer connected to the telephone/fax device, the printer being adapted to print the postal indicia. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the host data center includes a postal security device adapted to provide secure management of funds-related registers that track an amount of money available for indicium creation. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the telephone/fax device is adapted to print a franking impression. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the printer is adapted to print a franking impression. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the postal security device further includes an accounting register indicative of postage value and a cryptographic device disposed for secure communications with a control for adjusting a contents of the accounting register and for generating data to be included in the postal indicia. 7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a communications link between the host data center and a carrier, wherein the communications link can be used to access the carrier to obtain shipping and mailing information from the carrier. 8. A method of obtaining postal indicia comprising the steps of : establishing a communications link between a host data, center and a telephone/fax device; requesting the postal indicia data using the telephone/fax device; receiving the postal indicia data through the telephone/fax device; and printing the postal indicia. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of using the telephone/fax device to access a carrier through a communication link between the host data center and the carrier in order to obtain shipping and mailing information from the carrier. 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of using the telephone/fax device to order services from the carrier. 11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of using the telephone/fax device to obtain tracking information from the host data center, wherein the host data center is adapted to communicate with the carrier to obtain the tracking information. 12. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of using the telephone/fax device to obtain an authenticated coupon from the host data center, wherein the coupon is associated with a product, service or activity. 13. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of using the telephone/fax device to obtain an authenticated coupon from the host data center further comprises authenticating the coupon using digital signature technology. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of using the telephone/fax device to obtain an authenticated money order/voucher from the host data center. 15. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of using the telephone/fax device to send an authenticated check/payment to a recipient.

Inventors: ALLOCCA MICHAEL A, BROOKNER GEORGE M, ALLOCCA, MICHAEL, A., BROOKNER, GEORGE, M.
Applicants: ASCOM HASLER MAILING SYS INC, ASCOM HASLER MAILING SYSTEMS, INC.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G06F15
IPC codes: H04N1