| 摘要 |
In accordance with the present invention, a system for securely metering mailpieces includes a plurality of local stations and a data center having a central database in communication with a Post Office. Each of the local stations includes apparatus for reading indicia printed on a mailpiece, apparatus for reading information from a mailer identification card, apparatus for requesting transaction authorization from a postal system and for initiating communication to the data center of information read from the indicia and the mailer identification card. Each local station also includes a secured pouch for securely holding the mailpiece when the mailpiece is accepted by the data center. The data center authorizes acceptance of the mailpiece after comparing the indicia information and mailer identification card information to records in the central database to verify that there are sufficient funds or credit available to the mailer which satisfy an amount of postage in the indicia. Once verified, the data center issues authorization of the mailpiece and debits the account of the mailer for an amount equal to the amount of postage.
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