Abstract:
An item handling system for and method of handling items in an item stream, the system comprising: a validation unit for validating an element containing an authentication code on each item in an item stream, wherein an item is assigned as being spoiled where the element does not satisfy at least one validation criterion; and a sorting unit for separating spoiled items from the item stream.

Description:
This application is a national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2003/010731 filed Sep. 26, 2003 and published in the English language. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an item handling system for and method of handling items, especially mail documents, such as sheets, and mail carriers, such as envelopes, and in particular an item handling system for and method of refunding or reusing value as applied to spoiled items, especially postage value as applied to spoiled mail documents bearing sensitive information. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Where items, typically mail documents, such as sheets, or mail carriers, such as envelopes, as printed in large batches or runs, are to be delivered by a postage service, the required postage value can either be applied on the mail carriers or directly to the mail documents. The direct application of postage value to mail documents facilitates the subsequent handling of the mail documents in not requiring the postage value subsequently to be applied separately to the mail carriers. Typically, postage value can be applied by way of an imprinted indicium incorporating an authentication code, which indicium, where applied directly to a mail document, is provided at a window of a windowed envelope, or an electronic label, such as a radio frequency (RF) tag, incorporating an authentication code. 
   The application of postage value can, however, lead to spoilage where mail documents or mail carriers are not properly imprinted or electronically labelled, for example, as a result of mis-registration of the printer or label writer or improper operation of the printer or label writer. 
   Where handling large batches of items, the numbers of spoiled items can be quite significant. Ordinarily, a batch of items including any spoiled items would be delivered to the postage service, with spoiled items being returned in due course, and thereby necessitating the manual handling of each of the spoiled items in order to request a refund of the postage value associated with each spoiled item. Where an item is spoiled, the item is currently required to be presented to the postage service for a refund of the applied postage value. 
   As will be appreciated, the requesting of refunds in respect of spoiled items is particularly laborious, and often refunds are not requested as the effort required to obtain the refunds does not merit the value of the refunds. 
   Also, as the present inventor has recognized, where the items include sensitive information, typically confidential, personal information, such as medical or financial information, the sensitive information should not be made available to a third party. 
   It is thus an aim of the present invention to provide an item handling system for and method of handling items, especially mail documents, such as sheets, and mail carriers, such as envelopes, which allow for identification of spoiled items, and in particular an item handling system for and method of refunding or reusing value as applied to spoiled items, especially postage value as applied to spoiled mail documents bearing sensitive information. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling items in an item stream, the system comprising: a validation unit for validating an element containing an authentication code on each item in an item stream, wherein an item is assigned as being spoiled where the element does not satisfy at least one validation criterion; and a sorting unit for separating spoiled items from the item stream. 
   In one embodiment the validation unit is operative to scan each item for an element. 
   Preferably, the at least one validation criterion requires the element to have at least one physical characteristic. 
   More preferably, the at least one physical characteristic comprises at least one of a position, size and color of the element. 
   In one embodiment the validation unit is operative to read data from the element. 
   Preferably, the at least one validation criterion requires authentication of at least part of the read data. 
   In one embodiment the authentication of at least part of the read data requires the at least part of the read data to have a predeterminable format. 
   In another embodiment the authentication of at least part of the read data requires the at least part of the read data to match check data. 
   In one embodiment the element is a printed imprint. 
   Preferably, the imprint is a two-dimensional barcode. 
   In another embodiment the element is an electronic label. 
   Preferably, the electronic label is a radio frequency tag. 
   In one embodiment the items bear sensitive information. 
   In one embodiment the sensitive information is printed on the items. 
   In another embodiment the items include an electronic label containing the sensitive information. 
   Preferably, the electronic label is a radio frequency tag. 
   In one embodiment the system further comprises: a perforating unit for perforating each spoiled item about the element such as to allow a section of the item including the element and excluding the sensitive information to be separated. 
   In another embodiment each item is perforated about a section including the element, such as to allow the section of the item including the element and excluding the sensitive information to be separated. 
   In a further embodiment the element is removable from the item such as to allow the element to be separated. 
   In yet another embodiment each item includes a label on which the element is provided, such as to allow the element to be separated by removal of the label. 
   In one embodiment the sensitive information is encoded. 
   In a yet further embodiment the system further comprises: an obliteration unit for obliterating the sensitive information on each spoiled item. 
   In one embodiment the obliteration unit comprises a printer for over-printing the sensitive information such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   In another embodiment the obliteration unit comprises an applicator for applying a panel over the sensitive information such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   In a further embodiment the obliteration unit comprises a cutter for cutting out a section of each spoiled item including the sensitive information such that the item includes no sensitive information. 
   In a still further embodiment the system further comprises: a packaging unit for packaging each spoiled item such as to conceal the sensitive information. 
   In a yet further embodiment each item includes a cover sheet on which the element is provided, such as to allow the cover sheet including the element to be separated from the item. 
   In one embodiment the cover sheet includes no sensitive information. 
   Preferably, the system further comprises: a control unit for controlling operation of the system. 
   In still yet another embodiment the control unit is operative to generate a spoiled item notification in respect of each spoiled item for communication to a remote center. 
   Preferably, the control unit includes a communications module for electronically communicating with the remote center, whereby the spoiled item notifications are transmitted electronically to the remote center. 
   In one embodiment each spoiled item notification is transmitted separately. 
   In another embodiment the spoiled item notifications are transmitted in batches at predeterminable intervals. 
   Preferably, the validation unit is operative to acquire an image of each spoiled element, and each spoiled item notification includes an image of the respective spoiled element. 
   In one embodiment the image excludes the sensitive information. 
   In one embodiment the authentication code embodies value. 
   In a still yet further embodiment the control unit includes a refund credit register and is operative to credit the refund credit register in respect of the value as applied to each spoiled item. 
   In still yet another further embodiment the control unit is operative to provide for reuse of the authentication code contained in the element of each spoiled item. 
   Preferably, the system further comprises: a writing unit for writing an element on each item; and wherein the control unit is operative to control the writing unit to write an element containing the authentication code contained in the element of a previous item assigned as being spoiled. 
   In one embodiment the writing unit comprises a printing unit for printing an imprint as an element on each item. 
   In another embodiment the writing unit comprises an electronic label writer for writing to an electronic label as an element on each item. 
   In one embodiment the items comprise documents. 
   Preferably, the documents comprise one or more sheets. 
   Preferably, the documents comprise mail documents. 
   In another embodiment the items comprise document carriers. 
   Preferably, the document carriers comprise envelopes. 
   Preferably, the document carriers comprise mall carriers. 
   In another aspect the present invention provides a method of handling items in an item stream, the method comprising the steps of: validating an element containing an authentication code on each item in an item stream, wherein an item is assigned as being spoiled where the element does not satisfy at least one validation criterion; and separating spoiled items from the item stream. 
   In one embodiment each item is scanned for an element in the validation step. 
   Preferably, the at least one validation criterion requires the element to have at least one physical characteristic. 
   More preferably, the at least one physical characteristic comprises at least one of a position, size and color of the element. 
   In one embodiment data is read from each element in the validation step. 
   Preferably, the at least one validation criterion requires authentication of at least part of the read data. 
   In one embodiment the authentication of at least part of the read data requires the at least part of the read data to have a predeterminable format. 
   In another embodiment the authentication of at least part of the read data requires the at least part of the read data to match check data. 
   In one embodiment the element is a printed imprint. 
   Preferably, the imprint is a two-dimensional barcode. 
   In another embodiment the element is an electronic label. 
   Preferably, the electronic label is a radio frequency tag. 
   In one embodiment the items bear sensitive information. 
   In one embodiment the sensitive information is printed on the items. 
   In another embodiment the items include an electronic label containing the sensitive information. 
   Preferably, the electronic label is a radio frequency tag. 
   In one embodiment the method further comprises the step of: perforating each spoiled item about the element such as to allow a section of the item including the element and excluding the sensitive information to be separated. 
   In another embodiment each item is perforated about a section including the element, such as to allow the section of the item including the element and excluding the sensitive information to be separated. 
   In a further embodiment the element is removable from the item such as to allow the element to be separated. 
   In yet another embodiment each item includes a label on which the element is provided, such as to allow the element to be separated by removal of the label. 
   In one embodiment the sensitive information is encoded. 
   In a yet further embodiment the method further comprises the step of: obliterating the sensitive information on each spoiled item. 
   In one embodiment the obliterating step comprises the step of: over-printing the sensitive information such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   In another embodiment the obliterating step comprises the step of: applying a panel over the sensitive information such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   In a further embodiment the obliterating step comprises the step of: cutting out a section of each spoiled item including the sensitive information such that the item includes no sensitive information. 
   In a still further embodiment the method further comprises the step of: packaging each spoiled item such as to conceal the sensitive information. 
   In a yet further embodiment each item includes a cover sheet on which the element is provided, such as to allow the cover sheet including the element to be separated from the item. 
   In one embodiment the cover sheet includes no sensitive information. 
   In still yet another embodiment the method further comprises the step of: generating a spoiled item notification in respect of each spoiled item for communication to a remote center. 
   Preferably, the method further comprises the step of: electronically transmitting the spoiled item notifications to the remote center. 
   In one embodiment each spoiled item notification is transmitted separately. 
   In another embodiment the spoiled item notifications are transmitted in batches at predeterminable intervals. 
   Preferably, an image of each spoiled element is acquired in the validation step, and each spoiled item notification includes an image of the respective spoiled element. 
   In one embodiment the image excludes the sensitive information. 
   In one embodiment the authentication code embodies value. 
   In a still yet further embodiment the method further comprises the step of: crediting a refund credit register in respect of the value as applied to each spoiled item. 
   In still yet another further embodiment the method further comprises the step of: reusing the authentication code contained in the element of each spoiled item. 
   Preferably, the method further comprises the step of: writing an element on each item, wherein, where the element of a previous item is assigned as being spoiled, the written element contains the authentication code contained in the element of the previous item assigned as being spoiled. 
   In one embodiment the writing step comprises the step of: printing an imprint as an element on each item. 
   In another embodiment the writing step comprises the step of: electronically writing to an electronic label as an element on each item. 
   In one embodiment the items comprise documents. 
   Preferably, the documents comprise one or more sheets. 
   Preferably, the documents comprise mail documents. 
   In another embodiment the items comprise document carriers. 
   Preferably, the document carriers comprise envelopes. 
   Preferably, the document carriers comprise mail carriers. 
   In its preferred embodiment the present invention relates to a mail preparation system for and method of preparing mail items for delivery to a postage service. In validating the mail items prior to delivery to a postage service, the present invention provides that all of the delivered mail items are valid items, and facilitates the obtainance of a refund in respect of spoiled items. 
   In a further aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling spoiled items including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, the system including: a perforating unit for perforating each spoiled item about the element such as to allow a section of the item including the element and excluding the sensitive information to be separated. 
   In yet another aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling spoiled items including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, the system including: an obliteration unit for obliterating the sensitive information on each spoiled item. 
   In one embodiment the obliteration unit comprises a printer for over-printing the sensitive information such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   In another embodiment the obliteration unit comprises an applicator for applying a panel over the sensitive information such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   In a further embodiment the obliteration unit comprises a cutter for cutting out a section of each spoiled item including the sensitive information such that the item includes no sensitive information. 
   In a yet further aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling spoiled items including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, the system including: a packaging unit for packaging each spoiled item such as to conceal the sensitive information. 
   In a still further aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling spoiled items including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, the system including: a cover sheet application unit for applying a cover sheet to each item on which an element is provided, such as to allow the cover sheet including the element to be separated from each spoiled item. 
   In a yet further aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling spoiled items including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, the system including: a control unit for controlling operation of the system and including a communications module for electronically communicating with a remote center, wherein the control unit is operative to generate a spoiled item notification in respect of each spoiled item and transmit the spoiled item notifications electronically to the remote center. 
   In still yet another aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling spoiled items including an element containing an authentication code embodying value and bearing sensitive information, the system including: a control unit for controlling operation of the system and including a refund credit register, wherein the control unit is operative to credit the refund credit register in respect of the value as applied to each spoiled item. 
   In a still yet further aspect the present invention provides an item handling system for handling spoiled items including an element containing an authentication code embodying value and bearing sensitive information, the system including: a control unit for controlling operation of the system, wherein the control unit is operative to provide for reuse of the authentication code contained in the element of each spoiled item. 
   In still yet another aspect the present invention provides a document including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, wherein the document is perforated about a section including the element, such as to allow the section of the document including the element and excluding the sensitive information to be separated. 
   In one embodiment the document comprises one or more sheets. 
   In a still yet further aspect the present invention provides a document including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, wherein the element is attached to the document such as to allow for complete removal therefrom. 
   In one embodiment the document comprises one or more sheets. 
   In still yet another further aspect the present invention provides a document including an element containing an authentication code and bearing sensitive information, wherein the document includes a removable label on which the element is provided, wherein the label is attached to the document such as to allow for complete removal thereof. 
   In one embodiment the document comprises one or more sheets. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an imprint as properly printed on an item in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an imprint as improperly printed on an item in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an imprint as properly printed on an item in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an imprint as improperly printed on an item in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an item having a properly-printed imprint thereon in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an item having an improperly-printed imprint thereon in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an item having an improperly-printed imprint thereon in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an item having an improperly-printed imprint thereon in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an imprint as properly printed on an item in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an imprint as improperly printed on an item in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an imprint as properly printed on an item in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an imprint as improperly printed on an item in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an imprint as properly printed on an item in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an imprint as improperly printed on an item in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an item handling system as a modification of the eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 25  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 26  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 27  illustrates an imprint as properly printed on an item in accordance with the eleventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 28  illustrates an imprint as improperly printed on an item in accordance with the eleventh embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 29  illustrates an item handling system in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 30  illustrates an imprint as properly printed on an item in accordance with the twelfth embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 31  illustrates an imprint as improperly printed on an item in accordance with the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an item handling system  1  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  1  comprises a printing unit  3  for printing a postage imprint  5  on each item  7  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  7  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets, but in other embodiments could be a mail carrier, such as an envelope. In this embodiment the item  7  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   The printing unit  3  includes a printer  9 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  5 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on an item  7 . 
   The item handling system  1  further comprises a validation unit  11  for validating the imprint  5  as applied to each item  7 . 
   The validation unit  11  includes an imaging apparatus  13 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each item  7  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  5 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  5  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  11  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  5  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  5  is not as expected, the imprint  5 , and hence the associated item  7 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  5  could also be referenced.  FIG. 2  illustrates a good imprint  5 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window.  FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a spoiled imprint  5 , in having a footprint which extends outside a predetermined window, typically as caused by mis-registration of the item  7  and the printer  9  of the printing unit  3 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  11  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  3  to print the imprint  5 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  5 , and hence the associated item  7 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  1  further comprises a perforating unit  15  for perforating each item  7  assigned as being spoiled to introduce a perforation  17  about the spoiled imprint  5 , thereby providing for ready detachment of the spoiled imprint  5  from the main body of the item  7 , which in this embodiment includes the sensitive information, and allowing for presentation of the detached spoiled imprint  5  to the postage service for a refund of the applied postage value. 
   The perforating unit  15  includes a perforator  19  for perforating each spoiled item  7  with a perforation  17 , in this embodiment as a line, having a predetermined position. 
   The item handling system  1  further comprises a sorting unit  21  for removing the spoiled items  7  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  1  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  7 . 
   In this embodiment the sorting unit  21  includes a printer  23  for printing spoilage information  25 , which designates the reason for spoilage, such as through the use of an error code, on each item  7 . As will be appreciated, identifying the reason for spoilage facilitates the processing of spoiled items  7  by the postage service. 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  1  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  5  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  5 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  5  are printed for Y printed imprints  5 , or Z spoiled imprints  5  are printed consecutively. 
   In one alternative embodiment the perforating unit  15  can be omitted and the items  7  instead be pre-perforated. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates an item handling system  101  in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  101  comprises a printing unit  103  for printing a postage imprint  105  on a label  106  as affixed to each item  107 . In this embodiment the item  107  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets. In this embodiment the item  107  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   In this embodiment the label  106  is pre-applied to the item  107  such as to allow for direct printing thereon, and is removable such as to allow for presentation of a postage imprint  105 , where spoiled, to the postage service separately from the item  107 . 
   The printing unit  103  includes a printer  109 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  105 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on the label  106  on each item  107 . 
   The item handling system  101  further comprises a validation unit  111  for validating the imprint  105  as applied to each item  107 . 
   The validation unit  111  includes an imaging apparatus  113 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each item  107  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  105 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  105  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  111  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  105  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  105  is not as expected, the imprint  105 , and hence the associated item  107 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  105  could also be referenced.  FIG. 5  illustrates a good imprint  105 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window on the label  106 .  FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a spoiled imprint  105 , in having a footprint which is not of the expected size, in this example of a smaller size as caused by the printer  109  of the printing unit  103  not fully printing the imprint  105 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  111  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  103  to print the imprint  105 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  105 , and hence the associated item  107 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  101  further comprises a sorting unit  121  for removing the spoiled items  107  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  101  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  107 . Following separation of the spoiled items  107 , the labels  106  thereon are removed for presentation of the spoiled imprints  105  to the postage service for a refund in respect of the applied postage value. 
   This embodiment, by virtue of maintaining the spoiled items  107  intact, advantageously allows for the return of the spoiled items  107  to the item stream on re-application of labels  106 . 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  101  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  105  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  105 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  105  are printed for Y printed imprints  105 , or Z spoiled imprints  105  are printed consecutively. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates an item handling system  201  in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  201  comprises a printing unit  203  for printing a postage imprint  205  on each item  207  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  207  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets. In this embodiment the item  207  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   The printing unit  203  includes a printer  209 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  205 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on an item  207 . 
   The item handling system  201  further comprises a validation unit  211  for validating the imprint  205  as applied to each item  207 . 
   The validation unit  211  includes an imaging apparatus  213 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each item  207  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  205 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  205  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  211  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  205  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  205  is not as expected, the imprint  205 , and hence the associated item  207 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  205  could also be referenced.  FIG. 8  illustrates an item  207  bearing a good imprint  205 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window.  FIG. 9  illustrates an item  207  bearing an example of a spoiled imprint  205 , in having a footprint which extends outside a predetermined window, typically as caused by mis-registration of the item  207  and the printer  209  of the printing unit  203 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  211  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  203  to print the imprint  205 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  205 , and hence the associated item  207 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  201  further comprises an obliteration unit  215  for obliterating the sensitive information on each item  207  assigned as being spoiled, thereby allowing for the presentation of the spoiled items  207  to the postage service for a refund of the applied postage value without the sensitive information being made available to a third party. 
   In this embodiment the obliteration unit  215  includes a printer  219  for over-printing the sensitive information on the item  207 .  FIG. 9  illustrates an item  207  bearing an example of a spoiled imprint  205  where the sensitive information is over-printed such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   The item handling system  201  further comprises a sorting unit  221  for removing the spoiled items  207  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  201  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  207 . 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  201  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  205  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  205 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  205  are printed for Y printed imprints  205 , or Z spoiled imprints  205  are printed consecutively. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates an item handling system  201  in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  201  of this embodiment is quite similar to that of the above-described third embodiment, and thus, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of description, only the differences will be described in detail. 
   The item handling system  201  of this embodiment differs from that of the above-described third embodiment in that the obliteration unit  215  includes, in place of the printer  219 , an applicator  223  for permanently attaching a panel  225 , typically an adhesive panel, over the sensitive information on each spoiled item  207 .  FIG. 11  illustrates an item  207  bearing an example of a spoiled imprint  205  where the sensitive information is overlaid with a panel  225  such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates an item handling system  201  in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  201  of this embodiment is quite similar to that of the above-described third embodiment, and thus, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of description, only the differences will be described in detail. 
   The item handling system  201  of this embodiment differs from that of the above-described third embodiment in that the obliteration unit  215  includes, in place of the printer  219 , a cutter  227  for cutting out a section  229  of the item  207  which encompasses the sensitive information.  FIG. 13  illustrates an item  207  bearing an example of a spoiled imprint  205  where a section  229  of the item  207  corresponding to the sensitive information is cut out such as to allow the item  207  to be presented to the postage service in obtaining a refund of the applied postage value. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates an item handling system  301  in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  301  comprises a printing unit  303  for printing a postage imprint  305  on each item  307  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  307  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets, but in other embodiments could be a mail carrier, such as an envelope. In this embodiment the item  307  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   The printing unit  303  includes a printer  309 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  305 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on an item  307 . 
   The item handling system  301  further comprises a validation unit  311  for validating the imprint  305  as applied to each item  307 . 
   The validation unit  311  includes an imaging apparatus  313 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each item  307  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  305 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  305  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  311  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  305  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  305  is not as expected, the imprint  305 , and hence the associated item  307 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  305  could also be referenced.  FIG. 15  illustrates a good imprint  305 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window.  FIG. 16  illustrates an example of a spoiled imprint  305 , in having a footprint which extends outside a predetermined window, typically as caused by mis-registration of the item  307  and the printer  309  of the printing unit  303 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  311  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  303  to print the imprint  305 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  305 , and hence the associated item  307 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  301  further comprises a sorting unit  321  for removing the spoiled items  307  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  301  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  307 . 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  301  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  305  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  305 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  305  are printed for Y printed imprints  305 , or Z spoiled imprints  305  are printed consecutively. 
   The item handling system  301  further comprises a control unit  331  which is operative to control the operation of the item handling system  301  and includes a communications module  333  for providing for communication with a remote station  335 . 
   In this embodiment the control unit  331  is operative to transmit refund requests to the remote station  335  in respect of spoiled items  307 , where each refund request includes an image of the respective spoiled imprint  305  so as to enable the postage service to authenticate spoilage. In one embodiment the control unit  331  is configured to transmit a refund request on detection of each spoiled item  307 . In another embodiment the control unit  331  can be configured to transmit refund requests at predetermined intervals, for example, time intervals, such as daily or weekly, or event intervals, on re-crediting the item handling system  301 . 
   In this embodiment the control unit  331  includes a refund credit register which stores the refunded value in respect of spoiled items  307  and maintains a history of the refunded value, and the remote station  335  is operative to credit the credit refund register with the postage value in respect of each authenticated refund request. In an alternative embodiment the remote station  335  can reconcile the postage value of authenticated refund requests at each re-crediting operation of the item handling system  301 . 
     FIG. 17  illustrates an item handling system  401  in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  401  comprises a printing unit  403  for printing a postage imprint  405  on each item  407  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  407  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets, but in other embodiments could be a mall carrier, such as an envelope. In this embodiment the item  407  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   The printing unit  403  includes a printer  409 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  405 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on an item  407 . 
   The item handling system  401  further comprises a validation unit  411  for validating the imprint  405  as applied to each item  407 . 
   The validation unit  411  includes an imaging apparatus  413 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each item  407  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  405 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  405  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  411  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  405  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  405  is not as expected, the imprint  405 , and hence the associated item  407 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  405  could also be referenced.  FIG. 18  illustrates a good imprint  405 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window.  FIG. 19  illustrates an example of a spoiled imprint  405 , in having a footprint which extends outside a predetermined window, typically as caused by mis-registration of the item  407  and the printing head  409  of the printing unit  403 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  411  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  403  to print the imprint  405 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  405 , and hence the associated item  407 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  401  further comprises a sorting unit  421  for removing the spoiled items  407  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  401  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  407 . 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  401  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  405  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  405 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  405  are printed for Y printed imprints  405 , or Z spoiled imprints  405  are printed consecutively. 
   The item handling system  401  further comprises a control unit  431  which is operative to control the operation of the item handling system  401  and includes a communications module  433  for providing for communication with a remote station  435 . 
   In this embodiment the control unit  431  includes a spoiled items register which maintains a history of spoiled items  407  and a refund credit register which stores the refunded value in respect of spoiled items  407  and maintains a history of the refunded value, and is operative both to maintain the spoiled items register in respect of spoiled items  407 , where each entry has an associated image of the respective spoiled imprint  405  so as to allow for future authentication by the postage service, and credit the refund credit register in respect of the postage value for each spoiled item  407 . In one embodiment the credit in the refund credit register is credited to a main credit register from which postage value is debited at predetermined intervals. 
   In this embodiment the remote station  435  can communicate with the item handling system  401  through the communications module  433  thereof to audit the refund credit register so as to reconcile the refunded postage value against the credited postage value and the postage value of items  407  delivered to the postage service. 
     FIG. 20  illustrates an item handling system  501  in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  501  comprises a printing unit  503  for printing a postage imprint  505  on each item  507  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  507  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets, but in other embodiments could be a mail carrier, such as an envelope. In this embodiment the item bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   In this embodiment the sensitive information is encoded, in preferred embodiments by digital signature or encryption. In being encoded, the sensitive information is not readable by other than the intended recipient who holds the required paired key, thus enabling the item  507  to be presented freely to the postage service without alteration. 
   The printing unit  503  includes a printer  509 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  505 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on an item  507 . 
   The item handling system  501  further comprises a validation unit  511  for validating the imprint  505  as applied to each item  507 . 
   The validation unit  511  includes an imaging apparatus  513 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each item  507  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  505 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  505  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  511  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  505  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  505  is not as expected, the imprint  505 , and hence the associated item  507 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  505  could also be referenced.  FIG. 21  illustrates a good imprint  505 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window.  FIG. 22  illustrates an example of a spoiled imprint  505 , in having a footprint which extends outside a predetermined window, typically as caused by mis-registration of the item  507  and the printing head  509  of the printing unit  503 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  511  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  503  to print the imprint  505 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  505 , and hence the associated item  507 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  501  further comprises a sorting unit  521  for removing the spoiled items  507  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  501  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  507 . 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  501  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  505  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  505 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  505  are printed for Y printed imprints  505 , or Z spoiled imprints  505  are printed consecutively. 
   In one modification, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the item  507  includes an electronic information label  523 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) tag, in which the sensitive information is encoded. 
     FIG. 24  illustrates an item handling system  601  in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  601  comprises an authentication label writing unit  603  for writing an authentication code to an electronic authentication label  605 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) tag, on each item  607  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  607  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets. In this embodiment the item  607  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   The label writing unit  603  includes an electronic label writer  609 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) writer, for writing an authentication code embodying postage value to an authentication label  605  on an item  607 . 
   The item handling system  601  further comprises a validation unit  611  for validating the authentication code as written to the authentication label  605  on each item  607 . 
   The validation unit  611  includes a label reader  613 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) reader, for reading the authentication label  605  such as to enable authentication of the authentication code. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  611  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the write data as utilized by the label writing unit  603  in writing the authentication code to the authentication label  605 . Where the obtained data and the write data do not reference, the authentication code, and hence the associated item  607 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the write data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the write data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the write data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  601  further comprises a sorting unit  621  for removing the spoiled items  607  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  601  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  607 . 
   In this embodiment the sorting unit  621  includes an information label writing unit  623 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) writer, for over-writing an electronic information label  625 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) tag, which contains the sensitive information, on each spoiled item  607  such as to render the sensitive information unreadable. 
   In an alternative embodiment, where the electronic information labels  625  are re-writeable, spoilage information, which designates the reason for spoilage, such as through the use of an error code, can be written to the information label  625  of each spoiled item  607  by the information label writing unit  623 . As will be appreciated, identifying the reason for spoilage facilitates the processing of spoiled items  607  by the postage service. 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  601  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled items  607  are identified for a given number of items  607 . For example, where X spoiled authentication labels  605  are identified for Y written labels  605 , or Z spoiled labels  605  are written consecutively. 
     FIG. 25  illustrates an item handling system  701  in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  701  comprises an electronic label writing unit  703  for writing an authentication code to an electronic authentication label  705 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) tag, on each item  707  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  707  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letter or information sheets, but in other embodiments could be a mail carrier, such as an envelope. In this embodiment the item  707  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   The label writing unit  703  includes an electronic label writer  709 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) writer, for writing an authentication code embodying postage value to an authentication label  705  on an item  707 . 
   The item handling system  701  further comprises a validation unit  711  for validating the authentication code as written to the authentication label  705  on each item  707 . 
   The validation unit  711  includes a label reader  713 , in this embodiment a radio frequency (RF) reader, for reading the authentication label  705  such as to enable authentication of the authentication code. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  711  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the write data as utilized by the label writing unit  703  in writing the authentication code to the authentication label  705 . Where the obtained data and the write data do not reference, the authentication code, and hence the associated item  707 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the write data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the write data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the write data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  701  further comprises a sorting unit  721  for removing the spoiled items  707  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  701  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  707 . 
   The item handling system  701  further comprises a packaging unit  723  for enclosing each of the spoiled items  707  in an enclosed package  725 . By enclosing the spoiled items  707 , the sensitive information on the spoiled items  707  cannot be read by the postage service, but the authentication label  705  can still be read electronically. 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  701  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled items  707  are identified for a given number of items  707 . For example, where X spoiled authentication labels  705  are identified for Y written authentication labels  705 , or Z spoiled authentication labels  705  are written consecutively. 
     FIG. 26  illustrates an item handling system  801  in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  801  comprises a cover sheet application unit  803  for applying a cover sheet  805  over each item  807  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  807  comprises a mail document, such as one or more sheets, for example, letters or information sheets, but in other embodiments could be a mail carrier, such as an envelope. In this embodiment the item  807  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   The item handling system  801  further comprises a printing unit  808  for printing a postage imprint  809  on each cover sheet  805  as delivered thereto. 
   The printing unit  808  includes a printer  810 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  809 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on each cover sheet  805 . 
   The item handling system  801  further comprises a validation unit  811  for validating the imprint  809  as applied to each cover sheet  805 . 
   The validation unit  811  includes an imaging apparatus  813 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each cover sheet  805  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  809 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  809  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  811  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  809  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  809  is not as expected, the imprint  809 , and hence the associated item  807 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  809  could also be referenced.  FIG. 27  illustrates a good imprint  809 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window.  FIG. 28  illustrates an example of a spoiled imprint  809 , in having a footprint which extends outside a predetermined window, typically as caused by mis-registration of the cover sheet  805  and the printer  810  of the printing unit  808 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  811  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  808  to print the imprint  809 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  809 , and hence the associated item  807 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  801  further comprises a sorting unit  821  for removing the spoiled items  807  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  801  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  807 . In this embodiment, by virtue of the imprints  809  being applied to cover sheets  805 , the cover sheets  805  of the spoiled items  807  can be removed and the items  807  re-introduced into the mail stream. Also, as the cover sheets  805  include no sensitive information, the cover sheets  805  can be presented freely to the postage service without any alteration. 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  801  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  809  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  809 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  809  are printed for Y printed imprints  809 , or Z spoiled imprints  809  are printed consecutively. 
     FIG. 29  illustrates an item handling system  901  in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 
   The item handling system  901  comprises a printing unit  903  for printing a postage imprint  905  on an item  907  as delivered thereto. In this embodiment the item  907  comprises a mail document, such one or more sheets, for example, letter of information sheets, but in other embodiments could be a mail carrier, such as an envelope. In this embodiment the item  907  bears sensitive information, such as confidential, personal information. 
   In this embodiment the sensitive information is encoded, in preferred embodiments by digital signature or encryption. In being encoded, the sensitive information is not readable by other than the intended recipient who holds the required paired key, thus enabling the item  907  to be presented to the postage service without alteration. 
   The printing unit  903  includes a printer  909 , in this embodiment having an addressable head, for printing a postage imprint  905 , in this embodiment as a two-dimensional barcode indicium, alternatively referred to as a data matrix, embodying postage value on an item  907 , in this embodiment a letter bearing confidential, personal information. 
   The item handling system  901  further comprises a validation unit  911  for validating the imprint  905  as applied to each item  907 . 
   The validation unit  911  includes an imaging apparatus  913 , in this embodiment utilizing a camera, for scanning each item  907  to determine the position and shape of the footprint of the applied imprint  905 , and acquiring an image of the imprint  905  so as to read the data thereof. 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  911  is operative to reference the position and shape of the footprint of the scanned imprint  905  to an expected position and shape. Where one or both of the position and shape of the imprint  905  is not as expected, the imprint  905 , and hence the associated item  907 , is assigned as being spoiled. In one embodiment the color of the imprint  905  could also be referenced.  FIG. 30  illustrates a good imprint  905 , in having a footprint which is of a predetermined size and located within a predetermined window.  FIG. 31  illustrates an example of a spoiled imprint  905 , in having a footprint which extends outside a predetermined window, typically as caused by mis-registration of the item  907  and the printer  909  of the printing unit  903 . 
   In this embodiment the validation unit  911  is operative to authenticate the obtained data by referencing the obtained data with the print data as utilized by the printing unit  903  to print the imprint  905 . Where the obtained data and the print data do not reference, the imprint  905 , and hence the associated item  907 , is assigned as being spoiled. In this embodiment the obtained data is referenced to the print data by a direct comparison of at least respective parts of the obtained data and the print data. In other embodiments the obtained data can be referenced to the print data by indirect comparison, through the use of representations of the respective data. In a further embodiment the obtained data could be authenticated by the format of the obtained data. 
   The item handling system  901  further comprises a control unit  915  which is operative to control the operation of the item handling system  901 . 
   In this embodiment the control unit  915  is operative, on assignment of an item  907  as being spoiled, to control the printing unit  903  to reuse the authentication code of the spoiled imprint  905  on a subsequent item  907  as delivered thereto. Through such reuse of the authentication code of each spoiled imprint  905 , a refund of the applied postage value is not required. In this embodiment the control unit  915  is operative to effect reuse of the authentication code from a spoiled item  907  automatically, thereby avoiding any possibility of fraudulent intervention by an operator. 
   In this embodiment the control unit  915  maintains a spoiled items register in respect of spoiled items  907 , where each entry includes an image for the respective spoiled imprint  905 . 
   In this embodiment the control unit  915  includes a communications module  917  for providing for communication with a remote station  919 . In this embodiment the remote station  919  can communicate with the item handling system  901  through the communications module  917  thereof to audit the spoiled items register so as to enable reconciliation of the spoiled items register and the spoiled items  907  as returned to the postage service. 
   The item handling system  901  further comprises a sorting unit  921  for removing the spoiled items  907  from the item stream, thereby providing for continued operation of the item handling system  901  without having to interrupt the item stream to retrieve the spoiled items  907 . 
   In one embodiment the item handling system  901  can be configured such as to cease operation where a predetermined number of spoiled imprints  905  are printed for a given number of printed imprints  905 . For example, where X spoiled imprints  905  are printed for Y printed imprints  905 , or Z spoiled imprints  905  are printed consecutively. 
   Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described in its preferred embodiments and can be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   For example, the item handling system  901  of the twelfth-described embodiment can be modified in the manner of the item handling systems  1 ,  101 ,  201 ,  301 ,  401 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  801  of the other-described embodiments. 
   In another example, the item handling system  701  of the tenth-described embodiment can be modified in the manner of the item handling systems  1 ,  101 ,  201 ,  301 ,  401 ,  501 ,  601 ,  801 ,  901  of the other-described embodiments to provide for concealment of the sensitive information where that information would otherwise be readable.