System for printing encrypted messages with a character generator and bar-code representation

A package having an imprint thereon including a means for validating the integrity of the imprint, the validating means comprising:

• a first indicia representing the value of the imprint, said value related to charges associated with said package,
• a second indicia for indicating other information, the first and second indicia each being comprised of a bar-code and a plurality of alphanumeric characters, and
• a portion only of the plurality of characters and a portion only of the bar-code constituting an encrypted message, related in a determined manner to other information on the package, the bar code encrypted message being machine readable to provide information validating the integrity of the imprint.

A package having an imprint thereon comprising:

• indicia comprised of a bar-code having a first portion and a plurality of alphanumeric characters representing the value of the imprint in unencrypted form, said value related to charges associated with said package a second portion of the bar-code and at least one of the alphanumeric characters comprising an encryption of said value and other information on the package in accordance with a predetermined relationship, the bar code encryption of the indicia being machine readable to provide an indication that the imprint is valid.

In a postage meter, a system for providing validation information to a postage imprint produced by the meter, the validation system comprising:

• printing means, means coupled to the printing means for controlling the operation of the printing means, and
• means coupled to the controlling means for providing a bar-code encryption data and alphanumeric encryption data each dependent upon the postage imprint to said controlling means such that said controlling means controls the operation of said printing means to be operable to print encryption information including encrypted bar-code information and alphanumeric characters as well as unencrypted bar-code and alphanumeric information, thereby providing an indication that the postage imprint is valid.

In a method for printing bar code and alphanumeric postal indicia on a mailpiece employing a device including a printing means and a means for controlling the printing means, the method for providing means to validate the postal indicia comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating encryption signals that are a function in accordance with a given relationship of the postal indicia to be printed;
• and
• (b) controlling the operation of the printing means with said signal, to print bar-code encryption indicia and alphanumeric encryption indicia along with unencrypted bar-code and alphanumeric data.