Patent ID: 7272581

Claim:
A method for providing a series of indicia, each of the series of indicia including a digital signature, the method comprising: receiving initialization data for a first indicium of the series of indicia; calculating a portion of the digital signature for the first indicium; performing a debiting operation for funds associated with a postage value of the first indicium; completing the digital signature for the first indicium using data generated in the debiting operation; printing the first indicium, including the digital signature for the first indicium, on a first mail piece; before the printing of the first indicium is completed, calculating a portion of the digital signature for a second indicium of the series of indicia; determining if new initialization data for a second indicium of the series of indicia is required; if new initialization data for a second indicium is not required, performing a debiting operation for funds associated with a postage value of the second indicium; completing the digital signature for the second indicium using data generated in the debiting operation; printing the second indicium, including the digital signature for the second indicium, on a second mail piece; and before the printing of the second indicium is completed, calculating a portion of the digital signature for a third indicium of the series of indicia.