TECHNIQUE FOR GENERATING INDICIA INDICATIVE OF PAYMENT USING A POSTAL FUND

摘要

A payment system includes a label device (103), and a postal security device (PSD) (130) which stores postal funds for dispensing that may be replenished via electronic funds transfer. For example, the payment system performs functions other than just dispensing postal funds such dispensing lottery tickets. In the case of dispensing postal funds, the label device (103) is programmed to generate indicia (400) onto label stock (403) which serves as proof of postage after deducting the corresponding postage amount to be dispensed from the postal funds stored in the PSD (130). In the case of dispensing lottery tickets, the label device (103) is programmed to connect to a lottery server over a communications network and to transmit transaction data concerning the selected lottery numbers (1207), payment for the lottery entry, etc. to the lottery server. Accordingly, the payment system deducts the payment amount corresponding to the lottery entry from the postal funds stored in the PSD (130). In return the payment system receives, from the lottery server, data concerning indicium (1300). Label device (103) then uses the received data to print indicium (1300) on label stock (1303), thereby producing a lottery ticket.