GB2501254A

GB2501254A - Method for paying for postage

Info

Publication number: GB2501254A
Application number: GB1206644.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sean Reel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-16
Filing date: 2012-04-16
Publication date: 2013-10-23
Also published as: GB201206644D0

Abstract

A method for enabling a user to pay for postage though requesting an alphanumeric stamp code via SMS message from a premium rate number or receiving the stamp code from a reverse charge SMS number, the method including the steps of: transmitting a request including a postal code (102) from the user to a vendor; transmitting a stamp code (111) associated with the postal code from the vendor to the user; the user applying the stamp code (111) to a letter or parcel (40) comprising the postal code (102) and posting the letter or parcel (40); and the vendor or postal service receiving the letter or parcel (40) and authenticating the stamp code.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POSTAGE PAYMENT

This invention relates to a method and system for enabling a user to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid, and particularly but not exclusively a method and system for enabling a user to pay for postage via an SMS message.

Traditionally, in order to send a letter or parcel, a user must purchase a postage stamp and affix the stamp to the letter prior to depositing the letter in a postal box.

The postal service collects the letter from the postal box and transports it to the sorting office for processing. Processing of the letter includes verifying that the letter comprises a stamp and that the stamp is unused. Processing also includes marking the stamp with ink or the like in order to prevent further use thereof. Whilst this system is moderately effective in verifying that the postage costs have been paid, it is also susceptible to fraud. For example, a user may print their own postage stamps or remove the ink markings from previously used stamps such that the stamps appear new. Furthermore, it will be appreciated it is time-consuming and inconvenient to travel to a shop or Post Office in order to purchase a stamp to send a letter.

One alternative to purchasing stamps from a shop or Post Office is the Post Office Online Postage system. This system enables a user to enter the address of a recipient and the type of postage required. The user then makes an online payment via a credit or debit card and is provided with a label that must be printed and attached to the letter or parcel. The label contains a matrix barcode, which is read by a barcode reader at the Sorting Office to verify that postage has been paid. The letter or parcel must be posted by the next working day in order for the label to remain valid, which serves to prevent the user from using the same label to send multiple letters to a given recipient over a prolonged period of time. One disadvantage of the Post Office Online Postage system is that the user must have access to a printer; this prevents a user from utilising the system if they do not own a printer or if they are away from their printer. A further problem with the Post Office Online Postage system is that payment is taken online via credit or debit card, which is time-consuming and renders the user susceptible to online credit or debit card fraud.

I have now developed an improved method and system for enabling a user to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a method for enabling a user to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a request from the user to a vendor, the request providing payment or agreeing to provide payment, and the request comprising a postal code; transmitting a stamp code associated with the postal code from the vendor to the user, the stamp code comprising a plurality of alphanumeric characters; applying, by the user, the stamp code to a letter or parcel comprising the postal code; posting, by the user, the letter or parcel; receiving, by the vendor or an associated party, the letter or parcel; authenticating, by the vendor or an associated party, the stamp code provided on the letter or parcel.

The term alphanumeric as used above and in the remainder of the document should be interpreted as including letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and mathematical and other conventional symbols.

It will be appreciated that the step of authenticating the stamp code written on the letter or parcel ensures that a user cannot fraudulently produce his or her own stamp codes. It will also be appreciated that postal sorting offices generally comprise character recognition technology for "reading" an address label of a letter or parcel.

Accordingly, no additional technology is required in order to "read" a stamp code comprising a string of alphanumeric characters. Once the stamp code has been read, its validity may be verified by a processor, or by a programme designed to run on existing computer technology. Furthermore, a string of alphanumeric characters may be readily copied onto the letter or parcel by hand, thereby obviating the requirement for a printer. Accordingly, a method of payment for postage in accordance with the present invention is preferable to the above-described Post Office Online Postage.

The method of the present invention is also preferable to the traditional postage stamp system since it obviates the requirement to travel to a shop or Post Office to purchase a stamp and therefore alleviates the problems associated with travel such as inconvenience, pollution, time-delay etc. Preferably the step of transmitting a request from the user to the vendor comprises transmitting a text message from the user to the vendor, the text message comprising the postal code. The text message may be an SMS message or an MMS message or the like. Advantageously, the request is sent instantaneously and the user does not require internet access in order to send the request. The receiving number may be a premium rate number, which enables the user to make a payment to the vendor via their mobile telephone service provider. This payment will therefore appear on the user's monthly mobile telephone bill or will be deducted from the user's remaining pre-paid credit, depending on the mobile telephone payment package that the user has chosen. Advantageously, payment via a premium rate number is instant and obviates the inconvenience and risk associated with providing credit or debit card details.

Preferably the step of transmitting the stamp code from the vendor to the user comprises sending a text message to the user, the text message comprising the stamp code. The text message may be an SMS message or an MMS message or the like. Advantageously, the stamp code is sent instantaneously and the user does not require internet access in order to receive the stamp code. It will also be appreciated that a stamp code comprising a string of alphanumeric characters may be readily transmitted via SMS message. Preferably the text message is charged to the user via so-called reverse SMS billing. This reverse SMS billing may be used in conjunction with the above-described premium receiving number, but is preferably used instead of the premium rate receiving number. One advantage of reverse SMS billing is that payment will only be taken from the user once the user receives a stamp code, thereby avoiding potential problems associated with refunding the user in the event that the stamp code is not received. A further advantage of reverse SMS billing is that the payment may be varied in dependence upon the type of postage required e.g. second class small letter, first class large letter, next-day delivery etc. Payment may be varied by the transmission of multiple text messages to the user or by the transmission of a single text message at a variable cost.

The step of applying the stamp code preferably comprises writing the stamp code by hand on a letter or parcel or label for affixing to a letter or parcel.

Preferably the request further comprises a type of postage required, such as second class small letter, first class large letter etc. The stamp code may comprise a so-called check-digit i.e. an alphanumeric character that is dependent upon the remaining alphanumeric characters within the string. In this preferred embodiment, the step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel comprises verifying that the check-digit is the correct alphanumeric character for the remaining alphanumeric characters within the string.

The stamp code may comprise the postal code, which may be in an encrypted form.

In this preferred embodiment, the step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel comprises or further comprises verifying that the postal code of the letter or parcel is identical to the postal code encrypted within the stamp code of the letter or parcel. It will be appreciated that this ensures that a single stamp code is only valid for one address and is therefore not used to send a plurality of letters or parcels to different addresses.

The stamp code may comprise or further comprise an expiry date, which may be in an encrypted form. In this preferred embodiment, the step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel comprises or further comprises verifying that the date at which said step takes place is not later that the expiry date encrypted in the stamp code. Advantageously, the provision of an expiry date ensures that the same stamp code is not used to send multiple letters or parcels to the same address over a prolonged period of time.

The stamp code may also comprise or further comprise the type of postage required e.g. first class small letter etc. The type of postage is preferably provided in an encrypted form in order to avoid tampering such as altering a stamp code for second class postage to a stamp code for first class postage.

In an alternative embodiment, the postal code is not contained within the stamp code.

In this embodiment, the method preferably further comprises the step of storing the stamp code and the postal code as an associated entry in a memory, this step being effected by the vendor after the stamp code has been generated. The step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel preferably comprises verifying that the stamp code of the letter or parcel is identical to a stamp code stored in the memoly, and the postal code of the letter oi parcel is identical to the associated postal code stored in the memory. The method may also comprise a further step of deleting the relevant stamp code and associated postal code from the memory, this step being perfoimed aftei the step of authenticating the stamp code. This additional step of deleting the stamp code and associated postal code ensures that the same stamp code cannot be used more than once. It is envisaged that the same stamp code may be regenerated at a later date, but not for the same postal code.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a method for enabling a user to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid, the method comprising the steps of: leceiving a request from a user, the request providing payment oi agreeing to provide payment, and the request comprising a postal code; generating a stamp code associated with the postal code, the stamp code comprising a plurality of alphanumeric characters; transmitting the stamp code to the user for applying onto a letter or parcel addressed to the postal code; leceiving the lettei or parcel comprising the postal code and the stamp code; and, authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel.

Pieferably the step of leceiving a lequest from a user comprises receiving a text message from the user, the text message comprising the postal code. The text message may be an SMS message or an MMS message or the like.

Advantageously, the request is sent instantaneously and the usei does not require internet access in order to send the request. The receiving number may be a premium rate number. This enables the user to make a payment for receiving a stamp code (and hence make a payment for the postage of the letter or parcel) via their mobile telephone service providei.

Preferably the step of transmitting the stamp code to the user comprises sending a text message to the user, the text message complising the stamp code. The text message may be an SMS message or an MMS message or the like. The text message is preferably charged to the user via so-called reverse SMS billing. This reverse SMS billing may be used in conjunction with the above-described premium receiving number, but is preferably used instead of the premium rate receiving number. Payment may be varied in accordance with the type of postage required by the transmission of multiple text messages to the user or by the transmission of a single text message at a variable cost.

Preferably the request further comprises a type of postage required such as second class small letter, first class large letter etc. The stamp code may comprise a so-called check-digit i.e. an alphanumeric character that is dependent upon the remaining alphanumeric characters within the string. In this preferred embodiment, the step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel comprises verifying that the check-digit is the correct alphanumeric character for the remaining alphanumeric characters within the string.

The stamp code may comprise the postal code, which may be in an encrypted form.

In this preferred embodiment, the step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel comprises or further comprises verifying that the postal code of the letter or parcel is identical to the postal code encrypted within the stamp code of the letter or parcel.

The stamp code may comprise or further comprise an expiry date, which may be in an encrypted form. In this preferred embodiment, the step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel comprises or further comprises verifying that the date at which the step of receiving the letter or parcel takes place is not later that the expiry date encrypted in the stamp code.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the postal code is not contained within the stamp code. In this embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of storing the stamp code and the postal code as an associated entry in a memory, and the step of authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel preferably comprises verifying that the stamp code of the letter or parcel is identical to a stamp code stored in the memory, and the postal code of the letter or parcel is identical to the associated postal code stored in the memory. The method may comprise a further step of deleting the stamp code and associated postal code from the memory after the step of authenticating the stamp code has been cariied out.

The stamp code may additionally comprise the type of postage e.g. first class small lettei etc. The type of postage is preferably provided in an enciypted foim in order to avoid tampering such as alteiing a stamp code for second class postage to a stamp code for first class postage.

In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a third aspect, theie is provided a system for enabling a user to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid, the system comprising: a mobile telephone for transmitting an SMS request comprising a postal code; a ieceiverfoi leceiving the SMS request; stamp code generation means for generating a stamp code in dependence upon the request; a transmitter for transmitting an SMS message comprising the generated stamp code to the user for copying to a letter or parcel; and, authentication means for authenticating the stamp code of the letter or parcel.

The stamp code authentication means preferably comprises character recognition means for automatically converting the stamp code written on the letter or parcel into a computer-ieadable format. This enables the automatic authentication of the stamp code written on the lettei or parcel.

The stamp code generation means preferably comprise a real-time clock for determining the date at which the request is sent and allocating an expiry date to the stamp code in dependence upon the date at which the request is sent. The expiry date may, for example, be two working days after the date at which the request is sent. In this preferred embodiment, the authentication means also preferably comprises a real-time clock foi verifying that the stamp code has not expiied i.e. the date is not later than the expiry date of the stamp code.

The system pieferably furthei comprises a memory foi storing the stamp code generated by the stamp code generation means. The stamp code may be deleted from the memory once the authentication means detects that it has been used. This prevents multiple (and hence fraudulent) usage of a single stamp code.

The stamp code is preferably stored with the postal code as an associated entry. In this pieferred embodiment, the authentication means is prefeiably arianged to veiify that the stamp code of the lettei ci parcel is identical to a stamp code stored in the memory, and the postal code of the letter or parcel is identical to the associated postal code stored in the memory.

Two embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figuie 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of enabling a usei to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the first and second aspects; Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of enabling a user to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid in accordance with a second embodiment of the piesent invention as seen fiom the first and second aspects; Figure 3 is a system for enabling a user to pay for postage and verifying that postage has been paid in accordance with the piesent invention as seen fiom the third aspect; and, Figure 4 is a letter comprising a postal code and a stamp code for use with the method of Figure 1 oi Figuie 2 andloi the system of Figuie 3.

Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 4 of the drawings, there is provided one embodiment of a method and system 10 for verifying payment for postal services.

The system 10 comprises a base station 30 and a mobile telephone 20. The base station 30 houses a receiver, stamp code generation means 31, and a transmitter.

The base station 30 also houses authentication means 32 including chaiacter recognition means 321 and a real-time clock 322.

The stamp code generation means 32 may include a processor and a real time clock 321. The receiver and transmitter are preferably combined within a transceiver 31 operable within the mobile telephone network and adapted for sending and receiving SMS messages. The transceiver 31 is associated with a telephone number, which is preferably a short code telephone number such as a 5 digit telephone number. This serves to indicate to the user that there may be a cost premium associated with communication to or from the telephone number. Furthermore, a short code telephone number assists a user in committing the telephone number to memory, and therefore enables a user to access the service from any mobile telephone.

In use, in accordance with an embodiment of the method of present invention, a user (not shown) sends an SMS request 100 to the base station 30 operated by a vendor (not shown) at step (a). The SMS request 100 comprises the postal code 102 of a chosen recipient and may also comprise additional characters 101 for indicating the type of postage required. In the example shown in Figure 3, the letter [indicates that the user wishes to send a large letter! and the number 1 indicates that the user wishes to send the letter via first class post. The user may be charged a premium rate for sending the SMS request 100, the rate additional to the cost of a standard text message being equivalent to the postage charge. However, it is envisaged that the user will not pay a premium rate for sending the SMS request 100, and will instead pay for the cost of postage via reverse SMS billing upon completion of the transaction.

The transceiver 31 of the base station 30 receives the SMS request at step (b) and processing circuitry (not shown) interprets the request at step (c). Interpretation of the request includes extraction of the type of postage required 101 and extraction of the postal code 102.

The stamp code generation means 32 receives the type of postage required 101 and the postal code 102. The stamp code generation means 32 also extracts the time and/or date from the real time clock 321 and calculates an expiry date therefrom. The expiry date may, for example, be the date two working days from the date extracted from the real time clock 321. At step (d), the stamp code generation means 32 generates a stamp code 111 containing the type of postage required 101, the postal code 102, and the expiry date in an encrypted form. The stamp code 111 is a string of alphanumeric characters, which may comprise a check-digit for fraud-prevention purposes. It will be appreciated that the encryption ensures that a user cannot easily generate their own stamp codes and thus avoid postage charges. The inclusion of an expiry date also aids in the prevention of misuse of the system: the expiry date represents the last date at which the stamp code 111 is valid, and thus a user cannot use a single stamp code to send multiple letters or parcels to a given postal code over a prolonged period of time.

The stamp code generation means 32 conveys the generated stamp code 111 to the transceiver 31, which transmits it to the user via an SMS message at step (e). It is envisages that the SMS message 110 is charged to the user via reverse SMS billing, the cost of the message 110 being at least equivalent to the cost of the type of postage requested.

The user receives the SMS message 110 containing the stamp code 111 via their mobile telephone 20 at step (f). The user then applies the stamp code 111 to a letter addressed to the postal code 102 at step (g), writing the stamp code 111 in the top right-hand corner where a stamp would otherwise be placed. Finally, the user deposits the letter 40 in a postal box (not shown) at step (h).

A postal worker (not shown) collects the letter 40 from the postal box at step (i) and delivers it to the sorting office (not shown). The sorting office verifies the authenticity of the stamp code 111 at step (j). To achieve this, the sorting office utilises character recognition means 321 to "read" the stamp code 111 written on the letter 40 and convert the stamp code 111 into a computer-readable format. The sorting office may transmit the stamp code 111 in computer-readable format to the original vendor for verification that the stamp code 111 is valid, or the sorting office may perform their own authentication procedures. Whether performed at the sorting office or by the vendor, the process of verifying the authenticity of the stamp code 111 includes decrypting the stamp code 111 to reveal the postal code 102 that it was issued for, and verifying that this matches the postal code 102 written on the letter 40. The authentication process may also include decrypting the expiry date, retrieving the present date from a real-time clock 322, and verifying that the present date is not later than the expiry date of the stamp code 111.

If it is determined that the stamp code 111 is invalid (e.g. the postal code 102 written on the letter 40 does not match the postal code 102 encrypted within the stamp code 111, or the present date is later than the expiry date of the stamp code), the letter 40 is marked as requiring payment at step (k)(2). Alternatively, if it is determined that the stamp code 111 is valid, the letter 40 is delivered to the recipient at the designated postal code 102 in accordance with the type of postage required 101 (which may be decrypted from the stamp code 111) at step (k)(1).

Referring to Figures 2 to 4 of the drawings, there is provided an alternative embodiment of a method and system 10 for verifying payment for postal services.

Again, the system 10 comprises a base station 30 and a mobile telephone 20. The base station 30 houses a receiver, stamp code generation means 32, and a transmitter. The stamp code generation means 32 may include a processor and a real time clock 321. The receiver and transmitter are preferably combined within a transceiver 31 operable within the mobile telephone network and adapted for sending and receiving SMS messages. The transceiver 31 is associated with a telephone number, which is preferably a short code telephone number such as a 5 digit telephone number. This serves to indicate to the user that there may be a cost premium associated with communication to or from the telephone number.

Furthermore, a short code telephone number assists a user in committing the telephone number to memory, and therefore enables a user to access the service from any mobile telephone.

The base station 30 also houses authentication means 32 and a memory 33, the authentication means including character recognition means 321 and a real-time clock 322.

In use, a user (not shown) sends an SMS request 100 to the base station 30 of a vendor (not shown) at step (a). The SMS request 100 comprises the postal code 102 of a chosen recipient and may also comprise additional characters 101 for indicating the type of postage required. In the example shown in Figure 3, the letter L indicates that the user wishes to send a large letter, and the number 1 indicates that the user wishes to send the letter via first class post. The user may be charged a premium rate for sending the SMS request 100, the rate additional to the cost of a standard text message being equivalent to the postage charge. However, it is envisaged that the user will not pay a premium late for sending the SMS request 100, and will instead pay for the cost of postage via reverse SMS billing upon completion of the transaction.

The stamp code generation means 32 receives the type of postage required 101 and the postal code 102. At step (d), the stamp code generation means 32 generates a stamp code 111 containing the type of postage required 101 and the postal code 102. The stamp code 111 is a string of alphanumeric characters, which may comprise a check-digit for fraud-prevention purposes.

The stamp code generation means 32 stores the stamp code 111 and postal code 102 as an associated entry in the memory 33 at step (e), and passes the stamp code 111 to the transceiver 31. At step (f), the transceiver 31 transmits the stamp code 111 to the user via an SMS message 110. It is envisages that the SMS message 110 is charged to the user via reverse SMS billing, the cost of the message 110 being at least equivalent to the cost of the type of postage requested.

The user receives the SMS message 110 containing the stamp code 111 via their mobile telephone 20 at step (g). The user then applies the stamp code 111 to a letter addressed to the postal code 102 at step (h), writing the stamp code 111 in the top right-hand corner where a stamp would otherwise be placed. Finally, the user deposits the letter 40 in a postal box (not shown) at step (i).

A postal worker (not shown) collects the letter 40 from the postal box at step (j) and delivers it to the sorting office (not shown). The sorting office verifies the authenticity of the stamp code 111 at step (k). To achieve this, the sorting office utilises character recognition means 321 to "read" the stamp code 111 written on the letter 40 and convert the stamp code 111 into a computer-readable format. The sorting office may transmit the stamp code 111 in computer-readable format to the original vendor for verification that the stamp code 111 is valid, or the sorting office may perform their own authentication procedures. Whether performed at the sorting office or by the vendor, the process of verifying the authenticity of the stamp code 111 comprises comparing the stamp code 111 of the letter 40 to the list of previously generated stamp codes saved within the memory 33. If the stamp code 111 ot the letter 40 is identical to a stamp code within the memory 33 then the postal code of the letter 102 is compared to the postal code associated with the matching stamp code within the memory 33. The stamp code is declared to be valid only if both the stamp code and postal code within a single entry in the memory 33 are identical to the stamp code 111 and postal code 102 of the letter 40.

If it is determined that the stamp code 111 is invalid, the letter 40 is marked as requiring payment at step (l)(2).

Alternatively, if it is determined that the stamp code 111 is valid, the letter 40 is delivered to the recipient at the designated postal code 102 in accordance with the type of postage required 101. The stamp code 111 is then deleted from the memory to prevent further (and hence fraudulent) use. It is envisaged that the stamp code 111 may be issued again at a later date, but never to the same postal code 102.

One possible embodiment of the present invention comprises a mobile phone application ("app") for smartphones. The app may be downloaded onto a user's smartphone and enable the user to send a request for postage via a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, the app may comprise a request form with a text entry field for enabling the user to enter the postal code of a chosen recipient. The request form may also include a plurality of multiple choice fields such as the type of postage required and payment options. As regards payment options, the app may allow the user to send the request via SMS (and hence make payment via a premium rate SMS message and/or reverse SMS billing) or the app may allow the user to send the request via the internet (mobile internet or Wi-Fi). If the user wishes to send the request via the internet then it is not possible to take payment via the cost of an SMS message, and thus payment must be taken via credit or debit card. However, the method remains clearly advantageous over methods such as the Post Office Online Payment system since it obviates the requirement for a printer.

Finally, whilst the present invention has been described in terms of a request sent via a mobile telephone, it will appreciated that the method of the present invention is not limited to a request sent via a mobile telephone. For example, the SMS request from the user and/or the SMS message from the vendor may be replaced with request sent via a website (and a stamp code received therefrom). In these cases, it is not possible to take payment via the cost of an SMS message, and thus payment must be taken via credit or debit card. However, as mentioned above, the method remains clearly advantageous over methods such as the Post Office Online Payment system since it obviates the requirement for a printer.

From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple yet effective means of verifying payment of postage charges.