System and method for providing computer-based postage stamps

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to print postage, determining the means for generating the request, determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the master serial number and printing the postage. The present invention provides for the creation of computer-based postage that may be used in a manner similar to standard postage issued by the USPS. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intended address of the recipient need not be verified at the time the postage is created. Rather the postage may be used at any time in the future with any recipient.

1 . A method performed by one or more computers for printing postage, the method comprising:
 receiving a label stock including a pre-printed serial number printed on the label stock using color-changing ink;   displaying a user interface for printing actual postage and sample postage;   receiving a request from a user to print a sample postage;   generating the sample postage in accordance with the pre-printed serial number and the request, wherein the sample postage includes letters void and a printed serial number outside of a character set reserved for actual postage; and   printing the sample postage on the label stock.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the label stock further includes micro-printing. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the label stock further includes a watermark on the label stock. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the label stock further includes at least one cut edge using a special die. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 receiving a request from a user to print an actual postage; 
 generating the actual postage in accordance with the pre-printed serial number, a master serial number and the request; and 
 printing the actual postage using on the label stock. 
 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the actual postage includes a postage class. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the actual postage includes a Licensing Postage Office. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising generating an indicium and including the serial number in the indicium. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising generating an indicium, wherein the master serial number is linked to a specific postage printing device and generating the indicium further includes ensuring the master serial number is used with the specific postage printing device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising tracking the use of the label stock serial number. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising printing a service provide logo on the actual postage. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the label stock comprises color paper. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the color of the color paper has a maximum saturation in a range of approximately 10-30% saturation. 
     
     
         14 . A method performed by one or more computers for printing postage, the method comprising:
 receiving a label stock including a pre-printed serial number printed on the label stock using color-changing ink;   receiving a request from a user to print a postage;   generating the postage in accordance with the pre-printed serial number and the request, wherein the postage includes a logo for a service provider and a master serial number; and   printing the postage on the label stock.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the postage includes a postage class. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising generating an indicium and including the serial number in the indicium. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the master serial number is linked to a specific postage printing device and generating the indicium further includes ensuring the master serial number is used with the specific postage printing device. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising tracking the use of the label stock serial number. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the label stock comprises color paper, and wherein the color of the color paper has a maximum saturation in a range of approximately 10-30% saturation. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the label stock further includes micro-printing.