Abstract

A postage meter for use in a remote meter resetting system has data entered by a user of a selected, variable amount of postage in preparation for funding the postage meter with that amount. A unique combination is generated by the meter which varies as they function of signals generated within the postage meter and of the selected, variable postage amount entered into the postage meter. The meter also generates a unique user accessible authorization code which is employed by the user when communications are established with a remotely located data center. The unique authorization code is dependent upon the number of times the meter has been reset and on the other conditions within the meter. The data center computes and provides to the user a combination to be entered into the meter. The externally generated combination received from the data center is entered by a user into the postage meter. The meter generated combination and externally generated combinations are compared within the meter. When a comparison indicates the existence of a predetermined relationship, the postage meter is funded with the selected variable amount. Upon funding the meter, a new unique authorization code is generated for subsequently accessing the data center.