Abstract:
A method and system that permits artistic works that are accessed on the internet or from a data center to be down loaded pursuant to an agreement with a representative of the copyright owner to users of postal security devices to pay for their use of copyrighted artistic works. A scanner at the post would read the already existing indicia and other information on the mail piece and then extract a unique identifier contained on the mail piece that is associated with the artistic or graphical information contracted to appear on the mail piece. The scanner with also read tracking information that is contained in the unique identifier. The extracted unique identifier would be periodically uploaded to a data center. The data center would compare the unique identifier on the mail piece with information about artistic or graphical information that has previously been uploaded from sending postal security devices to determine when the track mail piece arrived at a post office near the addressee.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Reference is made to commonly assigned co-pending patent application Ser. No. 09/204,219 filed herewith entitled “Digital Printing, Metering and Recording of Graphical Information on The Face of A Mail Piece” in the names of Meredith B. Fischer and Ronald Sansone, Ser. No. 09/204,382 filed herewith entitled “Metering, Recording And Reading Graphical Information On The face Of A Mail Piece To Detect Misuse Of The Graphical Information” in the names of Ronald Sansone and Meredith B. Fischer, and Ser. No. 09/204,380 filed herewith entitled “Recording Graphical Information On The face Of A Mail Piece And Placing Information About The Graphical Information In An Information-Based Indicia” in the names of Ronald Sansone and Meredith B. Fischer. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to the field of postage meters and more particularly to the digital printing of postage indicia and the recording of other information on the face of a mail piece that is subsequently read. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Copyrights may be obtained for pictorial and graphic, works of fine, graphic and applied art, photographs, prints, maps, technical drawings and diagrams. Such works must include works of artistic craftsmanship insofar as their form, but not their mechanical or utilitarian aspects, are concerned. An artist obtains copyright protection for their “original works of art” when the works are fixed in a tangible medium. Thus, currently copyright protection is secured automatically upon creation. 
     In general, in the United States, copyright registration is a legal formality intended to make a public record of the basic fact of a particular copyright. Even though registration is not generally a requirement for copyright protection, the copyright law requires registration before any infringement suit may be filed in court. 
     Basically, the unauthorized making or publication of a copy of a copyrighted work is the essence of copyright infringement. An unauthorized copy is that which ordinary observation would cause one to be of the opinion that the copy had been taken from the work of another. 
     Mere similarity alone does not necessarily establish infringement. Fundamentally, a copyright affords protection against copying only. The copyright laws impose no prohibition against the independent creation of a work, even though it may be similar or identical to the copyrighted work. As a consequence, a claim of copyright infringement can be defeated by evidence that the accused work was independently produced. 
     Notwithstanding the copyright deterrence factor, many people use copyrighted artistic works or incorporate portions of copyrighted artistic works in their own works without receiving permission from the copyright owner. Photocopying machines and the internet have made it easier to copy artist copyrighted works. In fact, the above type of copyright infringement is very pervasive throughout our society. 
     The music industry has made an effort to protect the rights of music writers through ASCAP, which monitors the playing of music to assure that commercial use of such music is authorized. Copyright Clearing House has a scheme for representing authors and publishers to protect literary works. Each of these schemes involves paying a fixed fee for the right to play the copyrighted music or reproduce copyrighted writings, respectfully. Other than this, there are no organized and effective methods for protecting the rights of artistic copyright owners. 
     There is also a problem with regard to those who wish to reproduce copyrighted artistic material, but have no convenient means for making payment. One using the internet wishing to reproduce an artistic work would have a near-impossible task trying to obtain consent from the copyright owner, who maybe thousands of miles away. The person wishing to copy the material with consent would not know the cost of producing such material and would not know where to send payment. Clearly, it would be advantageous if a system would be provided whereby the public would have the ability to obtain authorization for reproducing the copyrighted work. 
     Historically, postage meters have been mechanical and electromechanical devices that: maintain, through mechanical or “electronic registers” (postal security devices), an account of all postage printed and the remaining balance of prepaid postage; and print postage postmarks (indicia) that are accepted by the postal service as evidence of the prepayment of postage. With the introduction of postage meters that print a postal indicia by means of digital printing, it became possible to print artistic copyrighted works in the vicinity of the postal indicia. Users of postage meters also have a problem in reproducing copyrighted artistic works, since no convenient means for making payment to the owner of the copyright currently exists. 
     Soon, small business mailers may be able to use their desktop computer and printer to apply postage directly onto envelopes or labels while applying an address. The United States Postal Service Engineering Center recently published a notice of proposed specification that may accomplish the foregoing. The title of the specification is Information-Based Indicia Program Postal Security Device Specification, dated Jun. 13, 1996, herein incorporated by reference. The Information-Based Indicia Program specification includes both proposed specifications for the new indicium and proposed specifications for a postal security device (PSD). The proposed Information-Based Indicia (IBI) consists of a two-dimensional bar code containing hundreds of bytes of information about the mail piece and certain human-readable information. The indicium includes a digital signature to preclude the forgery of indicia by unauthorized parties. The postal security device is a security device that produces a cryptographic digital signature for the indicium and performs the function of postage meter registers. 
     The IBIP is a United States Postal Service initiative supporting the development and implementation of a new form of postal indicia. The IBIP specification is intended to address the counterfeiting threat. An IBIP indicium substitutes for a postage stamp or as a postage meter imprint as evidence of the fact that postage has been paid on mail pieces. The Information-Based Indicia technology of the United States Postal Service offers the postal customer a way to pay for postage without stamps. Envelopes may be franked using the postal customer&#39;s personal computer, a personal computer compatible add-on and the customer&#39;s printer. The PSD provides postal value storage and the link to the USPS and the manufacturer of the personal computer compatible add-on. The IBI should be able to be read at any time to verify that funds have been paid. 
     Mailers who would use graphics for advertising usually include in the mailing a reply card or a 800 telephone number to call to order the offered product. Knowledge of the arrival of the mailing allows the mailer to anticipate staffing requirements needed to respond to the influx of orders. Historically, a mailer would hire an outside service provider who would provide a list of agent addresses to send some of the mailings to. The service provider would have its agents notify the service provider upon receipt of the mailing, thereupon the service provider would notify the mailer of the receipt of certain specified mailings. A disadvantage of the above process is that it is costly and imprecise. Another disadvantage of the process is that people who have no intention of buying the product receive mailings. An additional disadvantage of the above process is that a very limited sampling is obtained. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an inexpensive method and system that permits artistic works that are accessed on the internet or from a data center to be downloaded pursuant to an agreement with a representative of the copyright owner to users of postal security devices to pay for their use of copyrighted artistic works. A scanner at the post would read the already existing indicia and other information on the mail piece and then extract a unique identifier contained on the mail piece that is associated with the artistic or graphical information contracted to appear on the mail piece. The scanner will also read tracking information that is contained in the unique identifier. The extracted unique identifier would be periodically uploaded to a data center. The data center would compare the unique identifier on the mail piece with information about artistic or graphical information that has previously been uploaded from sending postal security devices to determine if misuse has been committed in the production of the artistic or graphical information. 
     The invention also counts the number of times given artistic works or graphical information are read by postal scanners. Thus, the data center will be able to determine actual usage of the artistic works or graphical information and compare them with the contracted usage of the artistic works or graphical information. The invention also can process the information read by the postal scanners and determine whether or not the mailer wants a tracking report produced. If tracking has been elected, data is extracted from the data scanned by the postal scanners and a report is generated detailing the arrival time and location of the mailers mail pieces. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a drawing of a prior art mail piece containing a postal indicia and graphical information; 
     FIG. 2 is a drawing of a prior art mail piece containing an Information-Based postal Indicia (IBI) and graphical information; 
     FIG. 3 is a drawing of a artistic mail piece containing a postal indicia and graphical information that was down loaded pursuant to an agreement with a representative of the copyright owner; 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a personal computer  41 , a postal security device  44  and a printer  42  that is used to place graphical information  32  on mail piece  31 ; 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mailer&#39;s personal computer  70  and a postage meter  72 ; 
     FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing how computer  41  and computer  70  communicate with data centers  55  and  86 ; 
     FIG. 6B is a flow chart showing how data centers  86  and  55  communicate with computers  70  and  41 ; 
     FIGS. 7A-7D is a flow chart of the Mail Production program contained within computer  41  of FIG.  4  and computer  70  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a program contained in computers  41  and  70  enabling printers  42 ,  71  and  76  to print mail pieces  31  and  81 ; 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart that shows the interaction between the mail production software residing in computer  41  and computer  70  and the controller programs contained in PSD  44  and meter  72  leading to the printing of a licensed graphic indicia; 
     FIG. 10A is a flow chart showing how the user of computer  41  or computer  70  would obtain a license to reproduce a registered graphic; 
     FIG. 10B is a flow chart showing how the user of computer  41  or computer  70  reports usage of graphic information to data center computer  55  or data center computer  86 ; 
     FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing how data center computer  55  or data center computer  86  processes a request for a graphic; 
     FIG. 12A is a flow chart showing how postal data center computer  61  or postal data center computer  95  sends processed scanned mail piece files to data center computer  55  or data center computer  86 ; 
     FIG. 12B is a flow chart showing the transfer of scanned mail piece records from the post office to the data center and the production of printed tracking reports; 
     FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing how data center  55  or data center  86  produces sorted files; 
     FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing how data center  55  or data center  86  produces invalid usage reports; 
     FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing how data center  55  or data center  86  produces copyright, postal fraud and indicia misuse reports; 
     FIG. 16 is a drawing showing encrypted number  35  hidden in an Information-Based Indicia; and 
     FIG. 17 is a drawing showing how encrypted number  35  (not shown) is hidden in graphic information  32 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail, and more particularly to FIG. 1, the reference character  11  represents a prior art mail piece that has a recipient address field  12  and a sender address field  13 . A postal indicia  14  that was made by a electronic meter is affixed to mail piece  11 . Indicia  14  contains a dollar amount  15 , the date  16 , that postal indicia  14  was affixed to mail piece  11 , the place the mail piece was mailed from  17 , the postal meter serial number  18  an eagle  19  and a security code  20 . Security code  20  is a unique number that is derived from address field  12  and information contained in the postage meter that affixed indicia  14 . The manner in which security code  20  is obtained is disclosed in the Sansone et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,555 entitled “Unsecured Postage Applying System” herein incorporated by reference. Graphical artistic material or an advertising slogan  21  is also affixed to mail piece  11 . 
     FIG. 2 is a drawing of a prior art mail piece containing a USPS Information-Based Indicia (IBI)  24  and graphical information or advertising information  25  that was affixed by a electronic meter or a printer that was coupled to a postal security device. Mail piece  11  has a recipient address field  12  and a sender address field  13 . Indicia  24  contains a dollar amount  26 , the date  27  that postal indicia  24  was affixed to mail piece  11 , the place  28  that mail piece  11  was mailed, the postal meter serial number  29 , a two-dimensional encrypted bar code  30 , a Facing Identification Mark (FIM)  31  and a security code  9 . Security code  9  may be contained within code  30 . The manner in which security code  9  is obtained is disclosed in the Sansone et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,555 entitled “Unsecured Postage Applying System” herein incorporated by reference. 
     FIG. 3 is a drawing of an artistic mail piece  31  containing a postal indicia  14  or  24  and graphical information  32  that was down loaded pursuant to an agreement with a representative of the copyright owner. Mail piece  31  has a recipient address field  33  and a sender address field  34 . A postal indicia  14  or  24  is affixed to mail piece  31 . Graphical information  32  contains a coded number embedded in the graphical information  32  or a security code or encrypted number  35  that is printed in the vicinity of the graphical information  32 . It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that graphical information  32  may be placed at other locations on mail piece  31  and/or additional graphical information may be placed on mail piece  31 . The manner in which encrypted number  35  will be generated will be more fully described in the description of FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a personal computer  41 , a postal security device  44  and a printer  42  that is used to place graphical information  32  on mail piece  31 . Computer  41  is coupled to printer  42 , modem  43  and postal security device  44 . Postal security device (PSD)  44  is specified in the Information-Based Indicia Program Postal Security Device Specification, dated Jun. 13, 1996, herein incorporated by reference. PSD  44  is expected to be a hardware component for use with a computer based mail metering system. PSD  44  will be a unique security device. The core security functions of PSD  44  are cryptographic digital signature generation and verification and secure management of the registers that track the remaining amount of money available for indicia creation, i.e., descending register and the total postage value used by PSD  44 , i.e., ascending register. PSD  44  will be a tamper-resistant device that may contain an internal random number generator, various storage registers, a date/time clock and other circuits necessary to perform the foregoing functions. PSD  44  will comply with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-1 published by the United States Department Of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, and will be validated through the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Computer Systems Laboratory&#39;s Cryptographic Module Validation Program. 
     Computer  41  tells printer  42  when and how to print: address field  45 , return address field  46 , IBI indicia  24 , encrypted number  35  and graphical information  32  on mail piece  31 . Printer  42  is used to print and complete material  47  that may be inserted into mail piece  31 . It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that graphical information  32  may be placed at different locations on mail piece  31 , for instance, location A. 
     Modem  43  is coupled to data center modem  50  via communications path  51  and modem  43  is coupled to postal modem  54  via communications path  52 . Modem  50  is coupled to data center computer  55 . Data center computer  55  is coupled to: a funds data base  56 ; a graphics data base  57  and a licensee rate data base  58 . Data base  57  contains licensable advertising slogans and/or graphical information  32  that may be placed on mail piece  31  in the spaces reserved for advertising slogans and/or graphical information. Artists and/or the owners of the material contained in data base  57  have previously granted the operator of data center computer  55  the right to license the material contained in data base  57 . Licensee data base  59  contains a list of the people or legal entities that contracted to use the graphics and/or other information contained in data base  57 . Owners data base  60  contains a list of the artists and/or owners of the material contained in data base  57 . Data base  59  is coupled to data base  57  and data base  60  is coupled to data base  57 . Licensee rate data base  58  contains the royalty rate for using the material contained in data base  57  and licensee data base  59  contains a list of the people or entities that have contracted for the material contained in data base  57 . Computer  55  is also used to control data flow between computer  55  and computer  41 . 
     Modem  54  is coupled to postal data computer  61 . Modem  54  is coupled to modems  50  and  43 . Postal data center computer  61  is coupled to scanner  62 . 
     The owner or user of computer  41  may contact the operator of data center computer  55  to determine what material, i.e., graphical information and other information, the operator of computer  55  is willing to sublicense for inclusion on mail piece  31  and the material  46  inserted into mail piece  31 . If the owner or user of computer  41  elects to license certain specified material in data base  57  at the rate specified in licensee rate data base  58 , that licensee is entered in data base  59  and the operator of data center computer  55  pays a previously agreed upon fee to the owner specified in data base  60 . The amount agreed upon by the operator of data center computer  55  and computer  41  for each use of the material specified in data base  57  is deducted from that portion of funds data base  56  that the operator of computer  41  has paid for. 
     After address field  45 , return address field  46 , IBI indicia  24 , graphical information  32 , and a security code or encrypted number  35  are printed on mail piece  31  and the proper material is inserted into mail piece  31 , mail piece  31  is posted. Postal scanner  62  will scan and read indicia  24  and encrypted number  35 . The encrypted number  35  will be forwarded to data center computer  55  via computer  61 , over modems  54  and  50 . If encrypted number  35  is a valid security code and has been read a specified number of times, computer  55  will inform computer  41  that there has been usage of graphical information  32 . Computer  55  will also remove funds from data base  56  and transfer them to owners data base  60 . If the encrypted number  35  is an invalid security code and has been read a specified number of times, computer  55  will check other information on suspected mail piece  31  to ascertain if the licensee is the source of the mail piece  31  or if graphical information  32  has been copied by another mailer. For the former case, computer  55  will notify computer  41  that they may have exceeded the amount of usage of graphical information  32  specified in the license agreement. For the latter case, computer  55  will notify the owner of graphical information  32  of the multiple occurrences of unlicensed usage of graphical information  32 . 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mailer&#39;s personal computer  70  and a postage meter  72 . A mailer&#39;s personal computer  70  is connected to printer  71 . Printer  71  is controlled by a mail program which is contained in computer  70  and is more fully described in the description of FIG.  7 . Printer  71  prints recipient address field  82  and sender address field  83  on envelope  81 . 
     Computer  70  is connected to digital postage meter  72 . Postage meter  72  comprises: a user input/output device  73  that receives mail piece  81 ; a funds vault  74  that represents the value of the postage that may be used by meter  72 , vault  74  is coupled to device  73 ; an accounting and graphics module  75  that contains information used to print indicia  14 , graphical information  32  and security code  35 , module  75  is coupled to device  73 ; a printer  76  that is coupled to device  73 ; a removable random access memory card  78 , card  78  is coupled to device  73 ; a controller  77  that is coupled to device  73 , funds vault  74 , accounting and graphics module  75 , printer  76 , removable random access memory image card  78 , and an addressable ram memory  79  contained within card  78 . It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that random access memory card  78  may be attached to computer  70  and to controller  77 . Printer  76  prints indicia  14 , graphical information  32 , security code  35  on mail piece  81 . 
     Computer  70  is coupled to removable random access memory card  78 . Computer  70  is also coupled to user printer  82 . Printer  82  is used to print material  83  that may be inserted into mail piece  81 . It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that graphical information  32  may be placed at different locations on mail piece  81 , for instance, location B. 
     Computer  70  is coupled to postage meter data center  86  via modem  84 , communications path  87  and modem  85 . Postage meter data center computer  86  is coupled to: modem  85 ; a funds data base  87 ; a graphics data base  89 ; wherein data base  89  contains licensable graphical material and licensable slogans that may be placed on mail piece  81 , and a rate data base  88  that specifies the rate for licensing the material contained in data base  89 . Computer  86  is also coupled to owners data base  90  and licensee data base  91 . Computer  86  is used to control data flow between computer  70  and computer  86 . 
     Artists and/or the owners of the material contained in data base  89  have previously granted the operator of data center computer  86  the right to license the material contained in data base  89 . Licensee data base  91  contains a list of the people or legal entities that contracted to use the graphics and/or other information contained in data base  89 . Owners data base  90  contains a list of the artists and/or owners of the material contained in data base  89 . Licensee rate data base  88  contains the royalty rate for using the material contained in data base  89 . 
     Modem  92  is coupled to modem  85  via communications path  93  and modem  92  is coupled to modem  84  via communications path  94 . Postal center computer  95  is coupled to postal scanner  96 . 
     The owner or user of computer  70  may contact the operator of data center computer  86  to determine what material, i.e., graphical information and other information the operator of computer  86  is willing to sublicense for inclusion on mail piece  81  and the material inserted into mail piece  81 . If the owner or user of computer  70  elects to license certain specified material in data base  89  at the rate specified in licensee rate data base  88 , that licensee is entered in data base  91  and the operator of data center computer  86  pays a previously agreed upon fee to the owner specified in data base  60 . The amount agreed upon by the operator of data center computer  86  and computer  70  for each use of the material specified in data base  89  is deducted from that portion of funds data base  87  that the operator of computer  70  has paid for. 
     After indicia  14 , graphical information  32 , and encrypted number  35  are printed on mail piece  81  and the proper material is inserted into mail piece  31 , mail piece  31  is posted. Postal scanner  96  will scan and read indicia  14  and encrypted number  35 . The encrypted number  35  will be forwarded to data center computer  86  via computer  95 , over modems  92  and  85 . If encrypted number  35  is a valid security code and has been read a specified number of times, computer  86  will inform computer  70  that there has been usage of graphical information  32 . Computer  86  will also remove funds from data base  87  and transfer them to owners data base  90 . If the encrypted number  35  is an invalid security code and has been read a specified number of times, computer  86  will check other information on suspected mail piece  81  to ascertain if the licensee is the source of the mail piece  81  or if graphical information  32  has been copied by another mailer. For the former case, computer  86  will notify computer  70  that they may have exceeded the amount of usage of graphical information  32  specified in the license agreement. For the latter case, computer  86  will notify the owner of graphical information  32  of the multiple occurrences of unlicensed usage of graphical information  32 . 
     FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing how computer  41  and computer  70  communicate with data centers  55  and  86 . This program is stored in computers  41  and  70 . The program begins in decision block  200 . Block  200  determines if remote process services have been requested. If remote process services have been requested, the program goes to block  202  the remote service screens. 
     Then the program goes to decision block  210 . Block  210  determines whether or not the user has selected a meter or PSD refill or usage of graphic information  32 . If the user has selected a meter or PSD refill or usage of graphic information  32 , the program goes to block  212  to refill meter  72  or PSD  44  or report the usage of graphic information  32 . Now the program goes to decision block  214 . Block  214  determines whether or not meter  72  or PSD  44  has been refilled. If meter  72  or PSD  44  has not been refilled, the program goes to block to  216  communication process. The above fact is transmitted to data center  86  or data center  55 . If block  214  determines that meter  72  or PSD  44  has been refilled, the program goes to decision block  220 . 
     The program will also go to block  220  if decision block  210  determines that the user did not select a meter or PSD refill. Block  220  determines whether or not the user has selected to register graphical information. If the user has selected to register graphical information, the program goes to block  222  to upload the graphical information. Now the program goes to decision block  224 . Block  224  determines whether or not graphical information has been uploaded. If graphical information has not been uploaded, the program goes to block  216  communication process. The above fact is transmitted to data center  86  or data center  55  via modems or the internet. If block  224  determines that graphic information has been uploaded, the program goes to decision block  230 . 
     The program will also go to block  230  if decision block  220  determines that the user did not select to register graphical information. Block  230  determines whether or not the user has selected a graphics license. If the user has selected a graphics license, the program goes to block  232  to select, encode and download. Now the program goes to decision block  234 . Block  234  determines whether or not the above process has been completed. If the process has not been completed, the program goes to block to  216  communication process. The above fact is transmitted to data center  86  or data center  55 . If block  234  determines that the process has been completed, the program goes to decision block  240 . 
     The program will also go to block  240  if decision block  230  determines that the user did not select a graphics license. Block  240  determines whether or not the user is done. If the user is done, the program goes to block  503  (FIG.  7 ). If the user is not done, the program goes back to the input of block  202 . 
     FIG. 6B is a flow chart showing how data centers  86  and  55  communicate with computers  70  and  41 . The program begins in block  300  when computer  41  or computer  70  calls data center computer  55  or data center computer  86 . This may be done by modem to modem links or via the internet. Now the program goes to block  301  to begin the data center communication process. Then the program goes to decision block  302 . Decision block  302  determines whether or not a remote service call was requested. If block  302  determines that a remote call was not requested, the program goes back to block  301 . If block  302  determines that a remote service call was requested, the program goes to block  310 . 
     Block  310  determines whether or not the user of computer  41  or computer  70  has selected a meter or PSD refill or usage of graphic information  32 . If the user of computer  41  or computer  70  has selected a meter or PSD refill or usage of graphic information  32 , the program goes to block  312  to perform the meter, PSD refill routines and/or report usage of graphic information  32 . Then the program goes to decision block  314 . Decision block  314  determines whether or not this process has been completed. If block  314  determines the process has not been completed, then the program goes to block  301 . If block  314  determines that the process has been completed, then the program goes to decision block  320 . 
     If decision block  310  determines that the user of computer  41  or computer  70  did not decide to refill meter  72  or PSD  44 , the program also goes to decision block  320 . Decision block  320  determines whether or not the user of computer  41  or  70  has selected graphics registration. If block  320  determines that the user of computer  41  or computer  70  has selected graphics registration, the program goes to block  322 . Block  322  performs the graphics registration and upload process. Then the program goes to block  324 . Block  324  determines whether or not the process has been completed. If block  324  determines that the process has not been completed, then the program goes to block  301 . If block  324  determines that the process has been completed, then the program goes to decision block  330 . 
     If decision block  320  determines that the user of computer  41  or  70  did not decide to select graphics registration, the program also goes to decision block  330 . Decision block  330  determines whether or not the user of computer  41  or  70  has licensed any graphics. If block  330  determines that the user of computer  41  or computer  70  has licensed graphic information, the program goes to block  332 . Block  332  selects, encodes and sends the appropriate files. The encoding may be a serial string of alphanumeric characters that are printed on the mail piece or symbols that are printed on the mail piece. The encoding may also be embedded in the graphic information. Then the program goes to decision block  334 . Block  334  determines whether or not the process has been completed. If block  334  determines that the process has not been completed, then the program goes to block  301 . If block  334  determines that the process has been completed, the program goes to decision block  340 . 
     If decision block  330  determines that the user of computer  41  or  70  did not decide to license graphic information, the program also goes to decision block  340 . Decision block  340  determines whether or not the user is done. If block  340  determines that the user is not done, the program goes back to the input of block  310 . If block  340  determines that the user is done, the program goes to block  350  and hangs up. 
     FIGS. 7A-7D is a flow chart of the Mail Production program contained within computer  41  of FIG.  4  and computer  70  of FIG.  5 . The program begins in block  500  where the user selects the mail production program. Then the operating system of computer  50  or computer  70  loads the mail production program in block  501 . At this point the program proceeds to decision block  502  to determine whether or not ram card  78  (FIG. 5) is attached to meter  72  or whether or not PSD  44  is attached to computer  41 . If ram card  78  is not attached to meter  72  or PSD  44  is not attached to computer  41 , then the program goes to block  503  and ends the program. This information is sent back to the operating system of computer  70 . If PSD  44  is attached to computer  41  or PSD  44  is attached to meter  72 , then the program proceeds to block  504  to read the software version for file. At this point. the program goes to decision block  505  to determine whether or not the resident mailer service file is current. If block  505  determines that the resident mailer service file is not current, then the program goes to block  506  to dial out to data center computer  86  (FIG.  5 ). Now the program goes to block  507  to download all the updated postal files. This is accomplished by obtaining from block  508  the current postal service graphic images, forms, rates, rules and fee files. Now the program goes to block  509  to upload all user files. The user files are obtained from block  510 , the files are the user mailer file of current mail piece graphics (public domain and registered). If decision block  505  determines that the resident mailer service file is current, then the program proceeds to block  511  to set item counter J=1. The program will also proceed to block  511  after uploading all the user files from block  509 . 
     At this point, the program proceeds to block  512  to display the mail metering services greetings on the display of computer  70 . Then the program proceeds to decision block  513  to determine whether or not the user has selected one of the offered services, i.e., first class mail, second class mail, third class mail, etc. If the user has not selected a service level, then the program goes back to the input of block  513 . If the user has selected a service level, then the program proceeds to block  518  to capture and store the selected parameter in program “B buffer”. The program will also go to decision block  514  to determine whether or not the weight of the mail piece was set. If the weight of the mail piece was not set, then the program proceeds back to the input of block  514 . If block  514  determines that the weight of the mail piece was set, then the program goes to block  118  to capture and store the selected weight in program “B buffer” the program also goes to decision block  515 . Decision block  515  determines whether or not a postal zone for the mail piece has been selected. If the zone has not been selected, then the program goes back to the input of block  515 . If the zone has been selected, then the program goes to block  518  to capture and store the selected zone parameter in program “B buffer” and to the input of decision block  516 . Decision block  516  determines whether or not any graphic services are needed. If no graphic services are needed, then the program goes to block  517  and then to block  530  to display the metering services production screen on the display of computer  70 . If block  516  determines that graphic services are needed, then the program goes to block  521  to display the graphic services on the greeting screen of the display of computer  41 ,  70 . The stored parameters in block  518  are transmitted to block  520  to select the basic services parameter buffer register. 
     At this point the program proceeds to decision block  522  to determine whether or not the graphic service has been selected from the menu on the screen of computer  41 ,  70 . If decision block  522  determines that the graphic listed in the menu was not selected, then the program goes back to the input of decision block  522 . If decision block  522  determines that the graphic on the menu was selected, then the program proceeds to block  525  to store the selected parameter value in buffer memory. Then the program goes to block  526  to select the graphic parameter buffer register. The program will also proceed to the input of decision block  523 . Block  523  determines whether or not the second graphic was selected. If the second graphic was not selected, then the program proceeds back to the input of block  523 . If the second service special service was selected, then the program goes to block  525  to store the selected parameter value in the buffer memory and to block  526  to select the second graphic parameter buffer register. The program will proceed through a decision block for all of the graphics that were offered (not shown). At this point, the program will proceed to decision block  524 . Block  524  determines whether or not the last graphic listed in the menu has been selected. If block  524  determines that the last service on the list has not been selected, then the program goes back to the input of block  524 . If block  524  determines that the last graphic has been selected, then the program goes to block  525 . 
     When the program finishes block  525 , it goes to blocks  526  and  527  to store the selected parameter values in buffer memory blocks  525  and to copy the associated graphics into the special graphics buffer block  527 . Then the program goes to block  528 , special graphics image buffer. These function will be at the outputs of blocks  522 ,  523 , and  524 . If block  524  determines that the last graphic has been selected, then the program goes to store the selected parameter value in buffer memory in block  525  to copy the associated graphics into graphic buffer in block  527  and to the graphic image buffer in block  528 . The program will then go to block  526  to select the graphic parameter buffer register. The program will then go to block  530  to display metering services on the production screen of computer  70 . Then the program proceeds to block  531  to sequentially read the information contained in block  520 , namely, the selected basic services parameter buffer register, use rates and fees to compose the basic postage value. Now the program goes to block  532  to compute graphic usage fees. Then, the program goes to block  533  to sum block  531  and block  532  to set both the PSD and the composed image charges. Block  533  will also compose the image and transfer this to PSD 44 /meter  72 . 
     Then the program goes to block  534  to read and transfer service graphics from the buffer to meter ram card  58  or PSD  44 . The above information is sent to ram card  78  that is plugged into meter  72 , i.e., it transfers the meter card routine. The above information may also be transferred to graphics buffer  98  in PSD  44 . The program also goes to block  535  to print the mail piece. Then the program goes to block  800  (FIG. 8) and process the mail piece and returns to block  540  (FIG.  7 ). Decision block  540  determines whether or not any additional mail is to be processed. If additional mail is to be processed, then the program goes to block  541  and then the program goes to block  511 . If decision block  540  determines that there are no more mail pieces to process, then the program goes to decision block  542 . Decision block  542  determines whether or not any other process services are requested. If block  542  determines that no other process services are requested, then the program goes to block  543 . Then the program proceeds to block  503  to end the program. If block  542  determines that there are other process services that were requested, then the program proceeds to block  543  and ends. 
     FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a program contained in computers  41  and  70  enabling printers  42 ,  71  and  76  to print mail pieces  31  and  81 . This program begins in block  535  to print the mail pieces  31  and  81 . Then the program goes to decision block  800 . Decision block  800  determines whether or not to compose the next envelope. If the program is not ready to compose the next envelope or mail piece, then the program proceeds back to the input of decision block  800 . If the program is ready to print the next envelope or mail piece, then the program proceeds to block  801  to get the name and the address of the recipient from the user. Then the program goes to block  802  to store the name and address of the recipient in the buffer. Now the program goes to block  803  to obtain the mail services to be processed from buffer  520 . Then the program goes to block  804  to get the mail piece parameters from buffer  526 . At this point, the program goes to block  805  to format the envelope field. Then the program goes to block  806  to print the envelope. Now, the program goes to decision block  807 . Decision block  807  determines whether or not PSD  44  or meter  72  has finished its printing cycle. If block  807  determines that PSD  44  or meter  72  has not finished its printing cycle, the program goes back to the input of block  807 . If block  807  determines that PSD  44  or meter  72  has finished its printing cycle, the program goes to decision block  540  (FIG.  7 ). Decision block  540  determines whether or not to print another mail piece. If block  540  determines not to print another mail piece, the program goes to block  503  end program (FIG.  7 ). If block  549  decides to print another mail piece, the program goes back to the input of block  511 . 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart that shows the interaction between the mail production software residing in computer  41  and computer  70  and the controller programs contained in PSD  44  and meter  72  leading to the printing of a licensed graphic indicia. The graphics from the buffers  526  and  528  to PSD buffer  98  or accounting and graphics  75  is read and transferred from block  534  via line  550 . The output from block  553  is transmitted to PSD buffer  98  or ram card  79  via line  554 . The output from PSD interface  98  or the output of accounting and graphics  75  is transmitted to the input of decision block  552  via line  551 . Decision block  552  determines whether or not the end of print signal is present. If the end of print signal is not present, then the program goes back to the input of block  552 . If block  552  decides that the end of print signal is present, then the program goes to block  553  to clear the current image from PSD  44 . The foregoing clear signal is transmitted to PSD buffer  98  via line  554  or accounting and graphics  75  via line  554 . 
     PSD controller program receives a print command from itself. This command is received when the controller determines that all the ready to print requirements are done. Decision block  720  receives at its input the print command. Decision block  720  determines whether or not computer  71  is ready to cause printer  42  to print (FIG.  4 ). If printer  42  or printer  76  is not ready to print, then the program goes back to the input of block  720 . If block  720  decides that printer  42  or printer  76  is ready to print, then the program goes to block  721  to print the indicia. Then the program goes to block  722  to read the licensed graphic fields and print the information that is read in block  722 . This information is transmitted from PSD  44  to block  722  via line  716  or accounting and graphics  75  via line  716 . The information from block  722  is also transmitted back to PSD buffer  98  via line  716  or accounting and graphics  75  via line  716 . Now the program goes to block  723  to read the non-licensed user graphics, print field and print and index the graphic register  526 . The user graphics print field is transmitted from PSD buffer  98  to block  723  via line  717 . Then the program goes to block  724  end of print signal from printer  42 . The end of print signal is transmitted to PSD  44  via line  718  or accounting and graphics  75  via line  718  and the end of print signal to printer  42  and printer  76 . 
     FIG. 10A is a flow chart showing how the user of computer  41  or computer  70  would obtain a license to reproduce a registered graphic. The program begins when the user of computer  41  or computer  70  decides to communicate with data center computer  55  or data center computer  86 . At this point the program goes to decision block  400 . Decision block  400  determines whether or not a graphic was selected. If a graphic was not selected, the program goes back to the input of block  400 . If a graphic was selected, the program goes to block  401  to obtain the selected graphic identification number. Then the program goes to block  402  to look up the next open license identification number and the owner of the selected graphic. Now the program goes to block  403  to obtain the number of pieces in the mailing and look up the rate for licensing the selected number of pieces. Then the program goes to block  404  where the cost of using graphic information  32  for the number of mail pieces requested is computed. Then the program goes to block  405  to store the above information in the license buffer  406 . 
     Then the program goes to block  407 , issue license to the online user. Now the program goes to block  408  to obtain the license parameters from buffer  406 . Then the program goes to block  409  to compose a data record of the license agreement. At this point, the program goes to block  410  and stores the above record. Then the program goes to block  411 , data center active license file. Now the program goes to block  412  and clears buffer  406 . At this juncture, the program goes back to the input of block  400 . 
     FIG. 10B is a flow chart showing how the user of computer  41  or computer  70  reports usage of graphic information to data center computer  55  or data center computer  86 . At this point, the program goes to decision block  850 . Decision block  850  determines whether or not a licensed graphic usage report was selected. If a graphic usage report was not selected, the program goes back to the input of block  850 . If a graphic usage report was selected, the program goes to block  851  to obtain the graphic identification number. Then the program goes to block  852  to look up the license identification number and the owner of the owner of the graphic. Now the program goes to block  853  to obtain the number of pieces in the mailing and look up the rate for using the selected number of pieces. Then the program goes to block  854  where the cost of using graphic information  32  for the number of mail pieces requested is computed. Then the program goes to block  855  to store the above information in the license buffer  856 . 
     Then the program goes to block  857  to open a active file. Now the program goes to block  858  to obtain the license parameters from the buffer of block  856 . Then the program goes to block  859  to compose a data record of the license. At this point the program goes to block  860  and stores the usage record. Then the program goes to block  861 , data center active license files. Now the program goes to block  862  and clears buffer  856 . At this juncture, the program goes back to the input of block  850 . 
     FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing how data center computer  55  or data center computer  86  processes a request for a graphic from a licensee. The program begins in decision block  420  when the user of computer  41  or computer  70  selects a graphic to license from the license entered into in FIG.  10 . Decision block  420  determines whether or not any licensing was requested. If no licensing was requested, the program goes back to the input of block  420 . If licensing was requested, then the program proceeds to block  421  to obtain all image parameters. Block  421  obtains the graphics database from block  423 , the rate database from block  424 , and the owner database from block  425 . The above databases are sent to block  426  for storage in a buffer. Then the databases are stored in block  427 , buffer  3 . Now the program goes to block  428  to obtain all the user parameters. Block  428  obtains the meter or IBI database from block  429 , the funds database from block  430  and the quantity, duration, etc. of the run from block  431 . Then the program goes to block  432  to store the above information in buffer  427 . Now the program goes to block  433  to read all the license parameters from block  427 . 
     Then the program goes to block  434  to compute the encrypted graphic identification number, i.e., encrypted number  35 . Encrypted number  35  may contain an indication that the mailer would like the post to track the arrival of the mail piece at specific post offices near the destination address of the mail piece. The manner in which encrypted number  35  is obtained is disclosed in the Sansone et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,555 entitled “Unsecured Postage Applying System” herein incorporated by reference. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that additional printed parameters or other parameters stored in the data bases or found on the mail piece may be used to obtain encrypted number  35 . Then the program goes to block  435  to store the encrypted graphic identification number. The encrypted graphic identification number is stored in license database  436 . Now the program goes to decision block  437 . Block  437  determines whether or not the computed and stored encrypted graphic identification number has been completed. If block  437  determines that the number has not been stored, the program goes back to block  434  to compute and store a new encrypted graphic identification number. If block  437  determines that the encrypted graphic identification number has been computed, stored and encrypted, then the program goes to block  438  to store the record. The record is then stored in licensee database  439 . Now the program goes to block  440  to send the license and identification numbers to the user. Then the program goes to block  441  to send these numbers to computer  41  or computer  70 . At this point the program goes to decision block  442 . Block  442  determines whether or not the license identification numbers have been sent to the user. If block  442  determines that the identification numbers have not been sent to the user, the program goes back to block  440 . If block  442  determines that the identification numbers have been sent to the user, then the program goes to block  443  to clear buffer  427 . At this point the program goes back to decision block  420 . 
     FIG. 12A is a flow chart showing how postal data center computer  61  or postal data center computer  95  sends processed scanned mail piece files to data center computer  55  or data center computer  86 . The program begins in decision block  445 . Block  445  determines whether or not a scanned mail piece data file is going to be transferred. If block  445  determines that a scanned mail piece data file is not going to be transferred, then the program goes back to the input of block  445 . If block  445  determines that the scanned mail piece data file is going to be transferred, then the program goes to block  446  to store the file in postal records archives. Then the program goes to block  447  to store the scanned mail piece data file in postal records archive  447 . Then the program goes to block  448  to read the records and then sort the records by indicia number. Then the program goes to block  449  to store the record in the sorted mail file record file block  450 . Then the program goes to block  451  to read the graphic identification numbers for each sorted indicia number. Then the program goes to block  452  to store the graphic identification numbers in the license usage data buffer. This information also goes to block  453 , the licensed usage data buffer. 
     Then the program goes to decision block  454 . Decision block  454  determines whether or not the license information has all been stored in the usage data buffer  453 . If block  454  determines that the usage data buffer has not stored all the information, then the program goes back to the input of block  451 . If block  454  determines that the usage data buffer has stored the all the information, then the program goes to block  455 . Block  455  finds the active license for each indicia. This information is transferred to block  456 , the data center active license file. Then the program goes to block  457  to merge the license parameters and usage data that block  457  receives from block  453 . Then the program goes to block  459  to produce and store the valid usage file. The valid usage file is stored in block  460 . Then the program goes to block  461  to produce and store the invalid usage file. The invalid usage file is stored in block  462 . Now the program proceeds to decision block  463 . Decision block  463  determines whether or not the above files have been stored. If block  463  determines that the above files have not been stored, then the program goes back to the input of block  455 . If block  463  determines that the above files have been stored, then the program goes back to the input of block  445 . 
     FIG. 12B is a flow chart showing the transfer of scanned mail piece records from the post office to the data center and the production of printed tracking reports. The program begins in decision block  910 . Block  910  determines whether or not the mail piece data file transferred from postal data center computer  61  has been scanned. If block  910  determines that the mail piece data file has not been scanned, the program goes back to the input of block  910 . If block  910  determines that the mail piece data file has been scanned, the program goes to block  911 . Block  911  stores the file in postal records archive block  912 . Then the program goes to block  913  to read records and then sort the records by indicia number. 
     Now the program goes to block  914  store in sorted tracking record file. Then the program goes to block  915  sorted tracking record filed. Then the program goes to block  916  to find for each indicia number a tracking number. Then the program goes to block  917  to store the information in the tracking usage buffer. Then, contemporaneously, the program goes to block  918  tracking usage data and to decision block  919 . Decision Block  919  determines whether or not all the tracking information has been stored. If block  919  determines that all the tracking information has not been stored, then the program goes back to the input of block  916 . If block  919  determines that all the tracking information has been stored, then the program goes to the input of block  920  to read records from tracking usage data buffer  918 . 
     Then the program goes to block  921  to format each record and send to printer block  922 . Then a mailer tracking report is printed. Then the program goes to decision block  923 . Block  923  determines whether one not each record has been printed and sent to printer block  922 . If block  923  determines that each record has not been printed, the program goes back to block  921 . If block  923  determines that each record has been printed, the program goes back to the input of block  910 . 
     FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing how data center  55  or data center  86  produces sorted files. The program begins in decision block  470 . Decision block  470  determines whether or not to produce statement files. If block  470  determines not to produce statement files, then the program goes back to the input of block  470 . If block  470  determines to produce statement files, then the program goes to block  471  to read the usage file. Block  471  reads the valid image usage file from block  472 . Then the program goes to block  473  to compare each image sum with the licensed quantity and sorts and then stores this sum. The sum is stored in the under/over file  474 . Then the program goes to block  475  to find the next under file and produce an in progress report. Block  475  receives information from block  474 . 
     Then the program goes to block  476 , the in progress print file. Then the program goes block to block  477 . Decision block  477  determines whether or not the in progress reports have been completed. If block  477  determines that the in progress reports have not been completed, then the program goes back to the input of block  475 . If block  477  determines that the in progress reports have been completed, then the program goes to block  478  to find the next completed files and produce reports. Then the program goes to block  480  to complete the print file. Then the program goes to block  479 . Decision block  479  determines whether or not the report has been produced. If block  479  determines that the report has not been produced, then the program goes back to block  478 . If block  479  determines that the report has been produced, the program goes to block  481  to find the next over files and produce reports. Then the program goes to block  483  to over print file. Now the program goes to decision block  482 . Block  482  determines whether or not the over files have been produced. If block  482  determines that the over files have not been produced, then the program goes back to block  481 . If block  482  determines that the over files have been produced, then the program goes back to the input of block  470 . 
     FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing how data center  55  or data center  86  produces invalid usage reports. The program begins in decision block  480 . Decision block  270  determines whether or not to produce statement files. If block  270  determines not to produce statement files, then the program goes back to the input of block  270 . If block  270  determines to produce statement files, then the program goes to block  271  to read the file. The file is read from invalid image usage file  272 . Then the program goes to block  273  to compare each image with open/closed licenses indicia identification numbers and graphic numbers and to sort and then store them in block  273 . The incident files are then stored in block  484 . Now the program goes to block  485  to find the next invalid meter or IBI number and send this to file. Then the program goes to block  486 , the invalid meter or IBI file. 
     Then the program goes to decision block  487 . Block  487  determines whether or not the next invalid meter or IBI number has been sent to the file. If block  487  determines that the number has not been sent to file, then the program goes back to the input of block  485 . If block  487  determines that the next invalid meter or IBI number file has been sent to file, then the program goes to block  488  to find the next invalid graphic usage and send this to file. Now the program goes to block  489 , the invalid graphic usage file. Then the program goes to decision block  490 . Block  490  determines whether or not the above process has been completed. If the above process has not been completed, then the program goes back to the input of block  488 . If block  490  determines that the above process has been completed, then the program goes to block  491  to find the next mismatch between the return address and the meter/IBI numbers. Then the program goes to block  492  and puts this information in the wrong mailer file. Then the program goes to decision block  493 . Block  493  determines whether or not this process has been completed. If the process has not been completed, then the program goes back to the input of block  491 . If the process has been completed, then the program goes to the input of block  270 . 
     FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing how data center  55  or data center  86  produces copyright violation, postal fraud and indicia misuse reports. The program begins in decision block  250 . Decision block  250  determines whether or not to print statement reports. If block  250  determines not to produce statement reports, then the program goes back to the input of  250 . If block  250  determines to print statement reports, then the program goes to block  251  to read in records of invalid meter or invalid IBI files. Then records are read into block  251  from block  252 , invalid meter or IBI number file. Then the program goes to block  253  to format each file and send the file to a printer. Then the program goes to block  254  to print the indicia misuse records. 
     Now the program goes to decision block  255 . Decision block  255  determines whether or not the printing has been completed. If block  255  determines that the printing has not been completed, then the program goes back to the input of block  253 . If block  255  determines that the printing has been completed, then the program goes to block  256  to read in records. Block  256  reads in invalid graphic usage file records from block  257 . Then the program goes to block  258  to format each record and send them to a printer. Then the program goes to block  259  to print the copyright violation report. Now the program goes to decision block  260 . Block  260  determines whether or not the copyright violation report has been printed. If block  260  determines that the copyright violation report has not been printed, then the program goes back to block  258 . If block  260  determines that the copyright violation report has been printed, then the program goes to block  261  to read in records. Then the wrong mailer in return address field file records from block  262  are read into block  261 . Then the program goes to block  263  to format each record and send them to a printer. Now the information is sent to printer block  264  to print the postal fraud report. Then the program goes to block  265  to determine whether or not the postal fraud report has been completed. If block  265  determines that the postal fraud report has not been completed, then the program goes back to the input of block  263 . If block  265  determines that the postal fraud report has been completed, then the program goes back to the input of block  250 . 
     FIG. 16 is a drawing showing encrypted number  35  hidden in an Information-Based Indicia. Indicia  900  contains a dollar amount  901 , the date  902  that postal indicia  900  was affixed to a mail piece  910 , the place  903  that the mail piece was mailed, the postal meter serial number  904 , a two-dimensional encrypted bar code  905 , a FIM  906  and the class of mail  907 . Information-Based Indicia data elements 1-11 are contained in space  908 . Data element No.  1  is the meter or PSD identification number and data element No.  2  is the ascending register value of the meter or PSD. Data element No.  3  is the postage for this particular mail piece and data element No.  4  is the digital signature. Data element No.  5  is the mailing date of mail piece  910  and data element No.  6  is the originated address of the mail piece. The address is obtained from the human readable text field on the mail piece. Data element number  7  is the license zip code and data element number  8  is the software identification number of the PSD. Data element No.  9  is the descending register value and data element No.  10  is the PSD certificate identification. Data element No.  11  is the rate category for the mail piece  910  being mailed. 
     Information-Based Indicia data element No.  12  is contained in space  909 . Data element No.  12  has been reserved by the United States Postal Service. Space  909  contains encrypted number  35 . 
     FIG. 17 is a drawing showing how encrypted number  35  (not shown) is hidden in graphic information  32 . Graphic information  32  may be composed of many lines that are similar to line  495 . Encrypted number  35  may be hidden within any line  495  of graphic information  32 . This may be done by having a binary code equivalent or other coded equivalent of encrypted number  35  placed within line  495 . Zeroes will be shown by spaces  496  and ones may be shown by spaces  497 . It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that encrypted number  35  may be hidden in other areas of graphic information  32 . 
     The above specification describes a new and improved system and method for recording tracking, graphical and/or textual information on a mailpiece. It is realized that the above description may indicate to those skilled in the art additional ways in which the principles of this invention may be used without departing from the spirit. It is, therefore, intended that this invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.