System for printing encrypted messages with bar-code representation

A system for the printing and reading of encrypted messages on a printing medium, the system comprising:

• (a) a keyboard for the entry of data corresponding to alphanumeric characters;
• (b) means coupled to said keyboard for storing the data;
• (c) encryption means responsive to the data for producing a code of a plurality of code characters derived from the data and corresponding to a plurality of said alphanumeric characters;
• (d) a bar-code printer for printing a bar-code indicia on said medium;
• (e) means coupled to said storage means for driving said printer to intermix signals applied thereto corresponding to an alphanumeric character from said keyboard and signals corresponding to one of said code characters, whereby said indicia is formed of intermixed portions corresponding to said alphanumeric characters and code characters;
• (f) means for reading said bar-code indicia on said medium;
• (g) means coupled to said reading means for generating first signals corresponding to a decryption of said code and second signals corresponding to the portions of said bar-code indicia corresponding to said data;
• and
• (h) means for comparing said first and second signals for verification of said bar-code indicia.

A device for verifying a bar-code indicia including postal data and encrypted material derived from said postal data, said inidicia being printed on a printing medium comprising:

• (a) means for reading bar-code indicia on said printing medium said indicia having alternately appearing intermixed portions corresponding to postal data and encrypted material respectively;
• (b) means responsive to bar-code indicia read by said reading means for generating signals corresponding to the data and the encrypted material;
• and
• (c) means for comparing said signals to verify the indicia.

A system for the reading of encrypted messages on a printing medium, the encrypted message being provided on a bar-code indicia having adjacent bar code portions that represent a plurality of alternating data and encrypted material, the system comprising:

• (a) means for reading said bar-code indicia on said medium;
• (b) coding means coupled to said reading means for generating code signals and means for generating second signal, representing said bar code indicia;
• and
• (c) means for comparing a code read by said reading means with said second signal at a determined time for verification of said bar-code indicia.

A device for the metering of postage and similar indicia, comprising:

• entry means for the entry of data signals corresponding to sequences of alphanumeric characters related to the mailing of a package,
• encoding means coupled to receive said first signals and produce coded signals corresponding thereto,
• a bar-code printer,
• drive means for driving a material to be printed with respect to said bar code printer, and
• synchronizing means connected to apply a plurality of said data signals and said coded signals alternately to said bar code printer to print an indicia in which a plurality of alternate adjacent portions thereof represent said data signals and said coded signals.