Importance

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Abstract

A self-contained multi-function system for preparing mail items, the system comprising a general-purpose computer for preparing a document to be sent and for preparing secure postage metering or 'franking' information, a digital imaging device connected to the general-purpose computer so as to print both the document to be sent, and at least a destination address for the document but not the postage imprint on an envelope that is to receive the document, and a folder/inserter connected both to the digital imaging device and to the general-purpose computer so as to receive and fold the printed document, and, once the document has been inserted in the envelope, so as to affix the postage imprint selectively by performing a write operation in a writable microcircuit of an electronic tag carried by the envelope or by the document. The digital imaging device may further include an optical read module for making it possible to digitize documents inserted directly into the digital imaging device, and a fax-sending module for enabling documents that have been previously digitized by the optical read module to be transmitted directly over a communications network.

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First Claim