REMOTE POSTAGE METER RECHARGING SYSTEM HAVING VARIABLE USER AUTHORIZATION CODE

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREA postage meter for use in a remote meter resettingsystem has data entered by a user of a selected, variableamount of postage in preparation for funding the postagemeter with that amount. A unique combination is generatedby the meter which varies as they function of signalsgenerated within the postage meter and of the selected,variable postage amount entered into the postage meter.The meter also generates a unique user accessibleauthorization code which is employed by the user whencommunications are established with a remotely located datacenter. The unique authorization code is dependent uponthe number of times the meter has been reset and on theother conditions within the meter. The data center computesand provides to the user a combination to be entered intothe meter. The externally generated combination receivedfrom the data center is entered by a user into the postagemeter. The meter generated combination and externallygenerated combinations are compared within the meter. Whena comparison indicates the existence of a predeterminedrelationship, the postage meter is funded with the selectedvariable amount. Upon funding the meter, a new uniqueauthorization code is generated for subsequently accessingthe data center.