CA1223360A - Modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter - Google Patents
Modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1223360A CA1223360A CA000442597A CA442597A CA1223360A CA 1223360 A CA1223360 A CA 1223360A CA 000442597 A CA000442597 A CA 000442597A CA 442597 A CA442597 A CA 442597A CA 1223360 A CA1223360 A CA 1223360A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- data
- program
- volatile memory
- postage meter
- firmware
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
- G07B17/00362—Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
- G07B17/00362—Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
- G07B2017/00395—Memory organization
- G07B2017/00403—Memory zones protected from unauthorized reading or writing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00733—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system
- G07B2017/00935—Passwords
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
MODIFYING A FIRMWARE VARIABLE IN
AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method and associated apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, providing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program, and accessing such external data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with the presence of the external data.
AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method and associated apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, providing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program, and accessing such external data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with the presence of the external data.
Description
~33~1~
CROSS REFERENCE ~O RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is related to copending application Serial No. 442,643, filed on even date herewith in the name of Danilo Buan, entitled STAND-ALONE ELECTRONIC
MAILING MACHINE, which describes a postage meter within which the present invention may be utilized.
Further, copending patent application Serial No.
442,65~, filed on even ~ate herewith in the names of John H. Soderberg and Edward C. Duwel, entitled, CONTROLLING
FIRMWARE BRANCH POINTS IN AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER, discloses the use of external data to select a branch of the program.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electronic postage meters, and, more particularly, to electronic postage meters operating under control of a program and including non-volatile memories (NVMs), such as the type disclosed in the aforementioned related patent application.
Known electronic postage meters employing firmware such as disclosed in United States Letters Patent 4,301,507, issued on ~ovember 17, 1981, and assigned to Pitney Bowes, Inc. of Stamford, Connecticut are programmed via ROMs to undergo a certain sequence of operations. Such arrangement is adequate for use with a particular postal system such as that presently employed in the United States. However, for an electronic postage meter to be capable of international usage; where the requirements of the postal systems of the various countries vary widely, the number of individual programs or software packages required to accommodate such variations would increase the programming costs significantly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a programmed electronic pos~age meter in which 35 a variable in the program is modified to satisfy the requirements of a variety of different postal systems.
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.1~
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It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an electronic postage meter having the same firmware for use with different postal systems.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a general program in which the actions of the Eirmware may be changed for a particular application based on information stored in the meter.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a firmware controlled electronic postage meter for various postal systems in which programming costs are minimized.
Briefly, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method and associated apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter is provided comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, storing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program, and accessing such external stored data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with the presence of the external data.
Various aspects of this invention are as follows:
A method for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of:
storing a program for operation of the electronlc postage meter;
storing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program; and accessing such external stored data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with -the presence of the external data.
A method for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of:
. ~.. ~
-3a-storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter in at least one ROM;
storing data external to the stored program; and modifying a variable in the firmware in accordance with the stored external data.
Apparatus for modiying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising:
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
non-volatile memory means; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of a firmware variable; and means interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory means for providing communication therebetween to access said data and change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence o said data in said non-volatile memory means.
Apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising:
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
a non-volatile memory; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of the firmware;
interconnecting means including a microprocessor and a system bus for interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory for providing communication therebetween to access said data stored in said non-volatile memory and the firmware to change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory, the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory resulting in the setting of phantom zeros.
Other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description considered in conjunction with the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, as follows:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of ~he generalized electronic circuitry o~ an electronic postage meter;
FIGURE 2 is a detailed block diagram of the electronic circuitry of the electronic postage meter;
FIGURE 3A is a flowchart for Inbound Message Conversion illustrating the present invention; and FIGURE 3B is a flowchart for Outbond Message Conversion illustrating the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure l, the electronlc postage meter includes an 8-bit microprocessor lO (CPU), such as an Intel Model 8085A
microprocessor which is connected to various components through a system bus 12. ~OM 14 is connected to the microproce5sor 10 through the system bus 12. The ROM 14 stores the programs for controlling the postage meter. It should be understood that the term ROM as used herein includes permanently programmed and reprogrammable devices. An integrated circuit 16, which may be Intel Model 8155, is connected to the system bus 12 and includes ~AM, input and output lines and a timer. The RAM portion of the intergrated circuit 16 has memory space allocated for transient storage of the da~a for the ascending regis~er and descending register. An external data communication port 18 is connected to the microprocessor lO through optical isolator 20. The external data Communication port 18 allows connection with devices ~uch as an electronic scale, an external computer, servicing equipment and the like. Also electrically connected to the microproces50r 10 through the system bus 12 is the keyboard 22 of the postage 331~
meter and a non-volatile memory (NVM) 24. Stepper motors 26, 28 ara also i.n electrical connection with the microprocessor 10 via motor drivers 30 and the integrated circuit 16. A
reset and power control 32 is electrically connected between the integrated cixcuit 16, the NVM 24 and the microprocessor 10. A
relay 34 connects the AC printer motor 36 to the integrated circùit 16. A display 38 is also electrically connected to the integrated circuit 16. Trip pho~osensor 40 is connected to the microprocessor 10 through integrated circuit 16 to indicate the pxesence of an envelope to be stamped, as described more ully in the aforementioned patent application entitled, STAND-ALONE ELEC~
TRONIC M~ILING MACHINE.
~ he e~ronic postage meter is controlled by the micropro-~cessor 10 operating under control of the programs stored in the ROM 14. The microprocessor 10 acce~ts information entered via the keyboard 22 or via the external communication port 18 from external message generators. Critical accounting data and other important information is stored in the non-volatile memory 24. The non-volatile mem0ry 24 may be an MNOS semiconductor type memory, a battery augmented CMOS memory, core memory, or other suitable non-volatile memory component. The non-volatile memory 24 stores critical postage meter data during periods when power is not applied to the postage meter. This data includes in addition to the serial number of the mailing machine or postage meter information as to the value in the descending register (the amount of postage avail-able for printing), the value in the ascending register (the total amount of postage prin~ed ~y the meter), and the value in the piece count register (thP total number of cyc-les the meter has per~ormed), as well as other ~ypes of da~a, ~uch a~ trip status, ini~ialization and service information, Which are desired to be retained in the memory even though no power is applied to the metex.
When an on/o~ power switch 42 is turned ~n Cc~osed~ q 33~
the microprocessor 10 and the balance of the electronic compon-ents. The information stored in the non-volatile memory 24 is transferred via the microprocessor 10 to the RAM of the integrated circuit 16. After power up the RAM contains an image or copy of the information stored in the non-volatile memory 24 prior to energization. During operation of the postage meter, certain of the data in the RAM is modified. Accordingly, when postage is printed, the descending register will be reduced by the value of the printed postage, the ascending register increased by the value of the printed postage and the piece counter register incremented.
When the power swi~ch 42 is turned off (opened), the updated data in the RAM is transferred via the microprocessor 10 back into a suitably prepared area of the non-volatile memory 24. A like transfer of information between the non-volatile memory 24 and the RAM takes place during power failure.
Referring to Figure 2, a more detailed block diagram of the arrangement of the electrical components for the postage meter is illustrated generally as 48. Power is supplied to the postage meter from the AC line voltage, typically 115 volts. This line voltage is applied to the meter through a hot switch 50 which cuts off power to the postage meter to protect the electrical components thereof if ~he temperature rises above a preset limit, nominally 70C. The hot switch 50 is connected to the AC drive motor 36A
through an RF filter 52 and an opto-triac 54 which provides isolation between the line voltage and the control logic for the meter. The hot swi~ch 50 is also connec~ed to a ~ransformer 55 protected by a fuse 58.
The output of the transformer 56 is coupled to a pre-regulator 59 through a cold switch 60. The cold switch 60 cut~ off power to the pre-regulator 59 if the temperat~re ~rops below a preset limit, nominally 0C. The pre-regulator 59 provides an output voltage of a predetermined range to a switcher 62 which generates the output voltage +5V; and the voltages for generating -12V and -30V.
36~
display 38A. ~he ~5V from the switcher 62 is also applied to a ~SV filter 6~ which provides ~5V for logic circui-ts.
Speciflcally, the ~5V is applie~ to the keyboard 22A, the display 38A, and bank, digit and trip sensor logic 68 and to the integrated circuits. The -12V is appl.ied to a -12V regulator 70 and then to the non-volatile memory 24A.
The -30V output from the switcher 62 is also applied to a -30V regulator 74 and then to a -30V switch 76 which switches its output voltage on and off in response to the requirements of wxiting in NVM as dictated by ~he program. The output of the -30V switch is applied to the non-volatile memory 24A. The -30V
supply is connected to the power on reset 7~ of the microprocessor lOA.
+5V from the switcher 62 is also supplied to one input of the powe.r on reset 72i the other input receives -30V from the regulator 74 as previously described. A low voltage sensor 88 also recei~es one input of +5V from the switcher 62 and its other input rom the pre-regulator 59; its output is applied to the microproces50r lOA.
The low voltage sensor 8B detects power failure and communicates this to the microprocessor lOA which in turn addresses the RAM
through system bus 12A to transfer all security data present in the RAM to the non-vola~ile memory 24A.
Another output from the pre-regulator 59 in the form of ~24V
is applied to the digit and bank motor drive 30A for the bank motor 26A and digit motor 28A, whieh selects the particular print-ing wheel (bank~ which is to ~e activated and the particular digit of the selected printing wheel which is to be set.
An outpu~ strobe from ~he integrated circuit 16A is buffered through buffer driver 68 and applied to digit sensor (encoder) 78, bank sensor (encoder) 80, and trip sensor 4~A. The opto strobe applies power to the digit sensor 7B, bank senssr 80 and trip sensor 40A when needed. The output ~rom the trip sensor 40A is applied to the input/output lines 8~ which are coupled to the inte-~2331~
digit sensor 78 and bank sensor 80 and cycle switch 84are applied to a storage buffer 86 During power up, the key switch 42, see Fig. 1, is closed, and the AC line voltage energizes the electrical components previously described and an Initialization process will occur. Such initialization may include a hard and/or soft initializatlon process as disclosed in the aforementioned Uni-ted States Letters Patent 4,301,507.
~referably the Initialization process is that described in copending application Serial No. 442,623, filed on even date herewith in the name of Easwaran C. N. Nambudiri entitled, INITIALIZING THE PRINT WHEELS IN AN ELECTRONIC
POSTAGE METER, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.
In operation, the microprocessor lOA under control of the ROM 14A and possibly the auxillary ROM 100 communi-cates over the address bus 94 and control bus 98 with the device select 98. The output of the device select 98 communicates with the particular module to be addressed over select lines 99. The modules to be addressed are the RAM, the ROM 14A, an auxiliary ROM 100, a demultiplexer 102, NVM logic 104 and the buffer 86. The RAM of integrated circuit 16A provides the working memory for the postage meter and the microprocessor lOA. The ROM 14A stores the program; the auxiliary ROM 100 may be used to provide additional program storage space. The non-volatile memory 24A provides storage of all ~ecurity information for the meter and retains such information during power down or power failure. The demultiplexer 102 latches the lower eight (8) bits of address information that defines a particular location which is used immediately thereafter.
The NVM logic 104 controls the mode of operation of the NVM 24A and also provides ready wait and NVM ready signals to the microprocessor lOA to indicate the presence of the slow speed device (NVM) as active on the bus 12A.
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g As previously mentioned, the digital sensor 78 (optical encoder) and bank sensor 80, (optical encoder) and cycle switch 84 whose current state is read, i.e., "Home" or "In Cycle", apply input signals to the buffer 86 which sends output signals over data bus 108 to the microprocessor lOA for storage in the proper RAM location~
The RAM is also elec~ically coupled to I/O lines to transmit or receive data from the trip sensor 40A, the display 38A, keyboard 22A, and privilege access switch 110, if present. The privilege access switch llO may be used in applications which require manual resetting of meter postage via a switch which is kept under seal.
The flow charts discussed below indicate how o~e or mQre external data bits preferably stored in non-volatile memory can be used to change a firmware variable so that the actions of the firmware change. It should be understood that the term firmware as used herein includes softwareO
Phantom zeros are necessary in a postage meter because of the variations in monetary systems and the range thereof around the world. Phantom zeros occur mechanically fixed and thus will appear on each imprint of the meter. The postage value will display the value to be printed, including the phantom zeros. The setting of phantom zeros in the display is accomplished by modifying a firmware variable based on data stored in non-volatile memory.
Specifically, referring to the flow chart illustrated as llO
in Fig. 3A for an Inbound Message Conversion, i.e., entering postage from the keyboard, the format of the digits is set equal to the format of the digits minus those phantom zeros set in non-~olatile memory.
When entering postage from the keyboard, the use of the decimal point ~2~
describes the se~ting exactly. If the ~ormat of the decimal is equal to F (HEX), i.e., no decimal entry being made, the meter will default to the decimal position specified in the characteristic code stored in the NVM
and the message will be conver-ted internally for display.
Control is then returned to the superordinate process.
However, if the decimal is not equal to F (HEX), i.e., a decimal point has been set, the NVM is addressed to set the format of the decimal equal to the decimal format minus the phantom zeros stored in NVM. There~ore, the ~nessage i9 converted internally for display and control is returned to the superordinate process.
Referring to the flow chart illustrated as 120 in Fig. 3B, for an Outbound Message Conversion, i.e., display-ing the entered postage on the display, the internal units are converted to a data format or message. NVM is then accessed to set the format of the digits in the message equal to the format of the digits plus the phantom zeros stored in the NVM. If the format of the decimal is equal to F (HEX) i.e., no decimal entry being made, control is returned to the superordinate process. However, if the format of the decimal is not equal to F (HEX), NVM
is accessed to set the format of the decimal equal to the decimal format plus the phantom zeros stored in NVM.
Control is then returned to the superordinate process.
Preferably, as disclosed in the copending patent applicat-ion Serial No. 422,884, filed on March 4, 1983, in the names of Edward C. Duwel and John H. Soderberg, entitled, NON-VOLATILE MEMORY SERIAL NUMBER LOCK FOR ELECTRONIC
POSTAGE METER, and U.S. Patent No. 4,525,786, issued June 25, 1985, Raymond R. Crowley and John H. Soderberg, entitled, ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER HAVING A ONE TIME
ACTUABLE OPERATING PROGRAM TO ENABLE SETTING OF CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING REGISTERS TO PREDETERMINED VALUES, after the serial number is set in the meter a "one time" program locks up the meter to preclude further changes therein.
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It is known and understood for the purpose of the present application that the term postage meter refers to the general class of device for the imprinting of a defined unit value for govern- _ mental or pr.ivate carrier delivery of parcels, envelopes or other like application for unit value printing. Thus, although the term u postage meter is utilized, i~ is both known and employed in the trade as a general term fox devices utilized in conjunction with services other than those exclusively employed by governmental postage and tax services. For example, private, parcel and freight ser~ices purchase and employ such meters as a means to provide unit value printing and accounting for individual parcels.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present invention without depart-ing from the spirit and scope thereof as described in the specifica-tion and defined in the appended claims.
CROSS REFERENCE ~O RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is related to copending application Serial No. 442,643, filed on even date herewith in the name of Danilo Buan, entitled STAND-ALONE ELECTRONIC
MAILING MACHINE, which describes a postage meter within which the present invention may be utilized.
Further, copending patent application Serial No.
442,65~, filed on even ~ate herewith in the names of John H. Soderberg and Edward C. Duwel, entitled, CONTROLLING
FIRMWARE BRANCH POINTS IN AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER, discloses the use of external data to select a branch of the program.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electronic postage meters, and, more particularly, to electronic postage meters operating under control of a program and including non-volatile memories (NVMs), such as the type disclosed in the aforementioned related patent application.
Known electronic postage meters employing firmware such as disclosed in United States Letters Patent 4,301,507, issued on ~ovember 17, 1981, and assigned to Pitney Bowes, Inc. of Stamford, Connecticut are programmed via ROMs to undergo a certain sequence of operations. Such arrangement is adequate for use with a particular postal system such as that presently employed in the United States. However, for an electronic postage meter to be capable of international usage; where the requirements of the postal systems of the various countries vary widely, the number of individual programs or software packages required to accommodate such variations would increase the programming costs significantly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a programmed electronic pos~age meter in which 35 a variable in the program is modified to satisfy the requirements of a variety of different postal systems.
. .
.1~
~2336~
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an electronic postage meter having the same firmware for use with different postal systems.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a general program in which the actions of the Eirmware may be changed for a particular application based on information stored in the meter.
It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a firmware controlled electronic postage meter for various postal systems in which programming costs are minimized.
Briefly, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method and associated apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter is provided comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, storing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program, and accessing such external stored data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with the presence of the external data.
Various aspects of this invention are as follows:
A method for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of:
storing a program for operation of the electronlc postage meter;
storing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program; and accessing such external stored data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with -the presence of the external data.
A method for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of:
. ~.. ~
-3a-storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter in at least one ROM;
storing data external to the stored program; and modifying a variable in the firmware in accordance with the stored external data.
Apparatus for modiying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising:
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
non-volatile memory means; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of a firmware variable; and means interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory means for providing communication therebetween to access said data and change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence o said data in said non-volatile memory means.
Apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising:
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
a non-volatile memory; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of the firmware;
interconnecting means including a microprocessor and a system bus for interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory for providing communication therebetween to access said data stored in said non-volatile memory and the firmware to change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory, the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory resulting in the setting of phantom zeros.
Other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description considered in conjunction with the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, as follows:
~ . .
316~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of ~he generalized electronic circuitry o~ an electronic postage meter;
FIGURE 2 is a detailed block diagram of the electronic circuitry of the electronic postage meter;
FIGURE 3A is a flowchart for Inbound Message Conversion illustrating the present invention; and FIGURE 3B is a flowchart for Outbond Message Conversion illustrating the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure l, the electronlc postage meter includes an 8-bit microprocessor lO (CPU), such as an Intel Model 8085A
microprocessor which is connected to various components through a system bus 12. ~OM 14 is connected to the microproce5sor 10 through the system bus 12. The ROM 14 stores the programs for controlling the postage meter. It should be understood that the term ROM as used herein includes permanently programmed and reprogrammable devices. An integrated circuit 16, which may be Intel Model 8155, is connected to the system bus 12 and includes ~AM, input and output lines and a timer. The RAM portion of the intergrated circuit 16 has memory space allocated for transient storage of the da~a for the ascending regis~er and descending register. An external data communication port 18 is connected to the microprocessor lO through optical isolator 20. The external data Communication port 18 allows connection with devices ~uch as an electronic scale, an external computer, servicing equipment and the like. Also electrically connected to the microproces50r 10 through the system bus 12 is the keyboard 22 of the postage 331~
meter and a non-volatile memory (NVM) 24. Stepper motors 26, 28 ara also i.n electrical connection with the microprocessor 10 via motor drivers 30 and the integrated circuit 16. A
reset and power control 32 is electrically connected between the integrated cixcuit 16, the NVM 24 and the microprocessor 10. A
relay 34 connects the AC printer motor 36 to the integrated circùit 16. A display 38 is also electrically connected to the integrated circuit 16. Trip pho~osensor 40 is connected to the microprocessor 10 through integrated circuit 16 to indicate the pxesence of an envelope to be stamped, as described more ully in the aforementioned patent application entitled, STAND-ALONE ELEC~
TRONIC M~ILING MACHINE.
~ he e~ronic postage meter is controlled by the micropro-~cessor 10 operating under control of the programs stored in the ROM 14. The microprocessor 10 acce~ts information entered via the keyboard 22 or via the external communication port 18 from external message generators. Critical accounting data and other important information is stored in the non-volatile memory 24. The non-volatile mem0ry 24 may be an MNOS semiconductor type memory, a battery augmented CMOS memory, core memory, or other suitable non-volatile memory component. The non-volatile memory 24 stores critical postage meter data during periods when power is not applied to the postage meter. This data includes in addition to the serial number of the mailing machine or postage meter information as to the value in the descending register (the amount of postage avail-able for printing), the value in the ascending register (the total amount of postage prin~ed ~y the meter), and the value in the piece count register (thP total number of cyc-les the meter has per~ormed), as well as other ~ypes of da~a, ~uch a~ trip status, ini~ialization and service information, Which are desired to be retained in the memory even though no power is applied to the metex.
When an on/o~ power switch 42 is turned ~n Cc~osed~ q 33~
the microprocessor 10 and the balance of the electronic compon-ents. The information stored in the non-volatile memory 24 is transferred via the microprocessor 10 to the RAM of the integrated circuit 16. After power up the RAM contains an image or copy of the information stored in the non-volatile memory 24 prior to energization. During operation of the postage meter, certain of the data in the RAM is modified. Accordingly, when postage is printed, the descending register will be reduced by the value of the printed postage, the ascending register increased by the value of the printed postage and the piece counter register incremented.
When the power swi~ch 42 is turned off (opened), the updated data in the RAM is transferred via the microprocessor 10 back into a suitably prepared area of the non-volatile memory 24. A like transfer of information between the non-volatile memory 24 and the RAM takes place during power failure.
Referring to Figure 2, a more detailed block diagram of the arrangement of the electrical components for the postage meter is illustrated generally as 48. Power is supplied to the postage meter from the AC line voltage, typically 115 volts. This line voltage is applied to the meter through a hot switch 50 which cuts off power to the postage meter to protect the electrical components thereof if ~he temperature rises above a preset limit, nominally 70C. The hot switch 50 is connected to the AC drive motor 36A
through an RF filter 52 and an opto-triac 54 which provides isolation between the line voltage and the control logic for the meter. The hot swi~ch 50 is also connec~ed to a ~ransformer 55 protected by a fuse 58.
The output of the transformer 56 is coupled to a pre-regulator 59 through a cold switch 60. The cold switch 60 cut~ off power to the pre-regulator 59 if the temperat~re ~rops below a preset limit, nominally 0C. The pre-regulator 59 provides an output voltage of a predetermined range to a switcher 62 which generates the output voltage +5V; and the voltages for generating -12V and -30V.
36~
display 38A. ~he ~5V from the switcher 62 is also applied to a ~SV filter 6~ which provides ~5V for logic circui-ts.
Speciflcally, the ~5V is applie~ to the keyboard 22A, the display 38A, and bank, digit and trip sensor logic 68 and to the integrated circuits. The -12V is appl.ied to a -12V regulator 70 and then to the non-volatile memory 24A.
The -30V output from the switcher 62 is also applied to a -30V regulator 74 and then to a -30V switch 76 which switches its output voltage on and off in response to the requirements of wxiting in NVM as dictated by ~he program. The output of the -30V switch is applied to the non-volatile memory 24A. The -30V
supply is connected to the power on reset 7~ of the microprocessor lOA.
+5V from the switcher 62 is also supplied to one input of the powe.r on reset 72i the other input receives -30V from the regulator 74 as previously described. A low voltage sensor 88 also recei~es one input of +5V from the switcher 62 and its other input rom the pre-regulator 59; its output is applied to the microproces50r lOA.
The low voltage sensor 8B detects power failure and communicates this to the microprocessor lOA which in turn addresses the RAM
through system bus 12A to transfer all security data present in the RAM to the non-vola~ile memory 24A.
Another output from the pre-regulator 59 in the form of ~24V
is applied to the digit and bank motor drive 30A for the bank motor 26A and digit motor 28A, whieh selects the particular print-ing wheel (bank~ which is to ~e activated and the particular digit of the selected printing wheel which is to be set.
An outpu~ strobe from ~he integrated circuit 16A is buffered through buffer driver 68 and applied to digit sensor (encoder) 78, bank sensor (encoder) 80, and trip sensor 4~A. The opto strobe applies power to the digit sensor 7B, bank senssr 80 and trip sensor 40A when needed. The output ~rom the trip sensor 40A is applied to the input/output lines 8~ which are coupled to the inte-~2331~
digit sensor 78 and bank sensor 80 and cycle switch 84are applied to a storage buffer 86 During power up, the key switch 42, see Fig. 1, is closed, and the AC line voltage energizes the electrical components previously described and an Initialization process will occur. Such initialization may include a hard and/or soft initializatlon process as disclosed in the aforementioned Uni-ted States Letters Patent 4,301,507.
~referably the Initialization process is that described in copending application Serial No. 442,623, filed on even date herewith in the name of Easwaran C. N. Nambudiri entitled, INITIALIZING THE PRINT WHEELS IN AN ELECTRONIC
POSTAGE METER, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.
In operation, the microprocessor lOA under control of the ROM 14A and possibly the auxillary ROM 100 communi-cates over the address bus 94 and control bus 98 with the device select 98. The output of the device select 98 communicates with the particular module to be addressed over select lines 99. The modules to be addressed are the RAM, the ROM 14A, an auxiliary ROM 100, a demultiplexer 102, NVM logic 104 and the buffer 86. The RAM of integrated circuit 16A provides the working memory for the postage meter and the microprocessor lOA. The ROM 14A stores the program; the auxiliary ROM 100 may be used to provide additional program storage space. The non-volatile memory 24A provides storage of all ~ecurity information for the meter and retains such information during power down or power failure. The demultiplexer 102 latches the lower eight (8) bits of address information that defines a particular location which is used immediately thereafter.
The NVM logic 104 controls the mode of operation of the NVM 24A and also provides ready wait and NVM ready signals to the microprocessor lOA to indicate the presence of the slow speed device (NVM) as active on the bus 12A.
.~
~336~
g As previously mentioned, the digital sensor 78 (optical encoder) and bank sensor 80, (optical encoder) and cycle switch 84 whose current state is read, i.e., "Home" or "In Cycle", apply input signals to the buffer 86 which sends output signals over data bus 108 to the microprocessor lOA for storage in the proper RAM location~
The RAM is also elec~ically coupled to I/O lines to transmit or receive data from the trip sensor 40A, the display 38A, keyboard 22A, and privilege access switch 110, if present. The privilege access switch llO may be used in applications which require manual resetting of meter postage via a switch which is kept under seal.
The flow charts discussed below indicate how o~e or mQre external data bits preferably stored in non-volatile memory can be used to change a firmware variable so that the actions of the firmware change. It should be understood that the term firmware as used herein includes softwareO
Phantom zeros are necessary in a postage meter because of the variations in monetary systems and the range thereof around the world. Phantom zeros occur mechanically fixed and thus will appear on each imprint of the meter. The postage value will display the value to be printed, including the phantom zeros. The setting of phantom zeros in the display is accomplished by modifying a firmware variable based on data stored in non-volatile memory.
Specifically, referring to the flow chart illustrated as llO
in Fig. 3A for an Inbound Message Conversion, i.e., entering postage from the keyboard, the format of the digits is set equal to the format of the digits minus those phantom zeros set in non-~olatile memory.
When entering postage from the keyboard, the use of the decimal point ~2~
describes the se~ting exactly. If the ~ormat of the decimal is equal to F (HEX), i.e., no decimal entry being made, the meter will default to the decimal position specified in the characteristic code stored in the NVM
and the message will be conver-ted internally for display.
Control is then returned to the superordinate process.
However, if the decimal is not equal to F (HEX), i.e., a decimal point has been set, the NVM is addressed to set the format of the decimal equal to the decimal format minus the phantom zeros stored in NVM. There~ore, the ~nessage i9 converted internally for display and control is returned to the superordinate process.
Referring to the flow chart illustrated as 120 in Fig. 3B, for an Outbound Message Conversion, i.e., display-ing the entered postage on the display, the internal units are converted to a data format or message. NVM is then accessed to set the format of the digits in the message equal to the format of the digits plus the phantom zeros stored in the NVM. If the format of the decimal is equal to F (HEX) i.e., no decimal entry being made, control is returned to the superordinate process. However, if the format of the decimal is not equal to F (HEX), NVM
is accessed to set the format of the decimal equal to the decimal format plus the phantom zeros stored in NVM.
Control is then returned to the superordinate process.
Preferably, as disclosed in the copending patent applicat-ion Serial No. 422,884, filed on March 4, 1983, in the names of Edward C. Duwel and John H. Soderberg, entitled, NON-VOLATILE MEMORY SERIAL NUMBER LOCK FOR ELECTRONIC
POSTAGE METER, and U.S. Patent No. 4,525,786, issued June 25, 1985, Raymond R. Crowley and John H. Soderberg, entitled, ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER HAVING A ONE TIME
ACTUABLE OPERATING PROGRAM TO ENABLE SETTING OF CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING REGISTERS TO PREDETERMINED VALUES, after the serial number is set in the meter a "one time" program locks up the meter to preclude further changes therein.
i~
.
~ D ~ ~
It is known and understood for the purpose of the present application that the term postage meter refers to the general class of device for the imprinting of a defined unit value for govern- _ mental or pr.ivate carrier delivery of parcels, envelopes or other like application for unit value printing. Thus, although the term u postage meter is utilized, i~ is both known and employed in the trade as a general term fox devices utilized in conjunction with services other than those exclusively employed by governmental postage and tax services. For example, private, parcel and freight ser~ices purchase and employ such meters as a means to provide unit value printing and accounting for individual parcels.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present invention without depart-ing from the spirit and scope thereof as described in the specifica-tion and defined in the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A method for modifying a firmware variable in an elect-ronic postage meter, comprising the steps of:
storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter;
storing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program; and accessing such external stored data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with the presence of the external data.
storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter;
storing data external to the stored program which data is capable of modifying a variable in the program to change the action of the program; and accessing such external stored data during operation of the electronic postage meter to change the action of the program in accordance with the presence of the external data.
2. The method recited in Claim 1, wherein:
the program is stored in at least one ROM.
the program is stored in at least one ROM.
3. The method recited in Claim 1, wherein:
providing the data allows modification of the actions of the program to set phantom zeros.
providing the data allows modification of the actions of the program to set phantom zeros.
4. The method recited in Claim 1, including the steps of:
storing the data in non-volatile memory.
storing the data in non-volatile memory.
5. A method for modifying a firmware variable in an elect-ronic postage meter, comprising the steps of:
storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter in at least one ROM;
storing data external to the stored program; and modifying a variable in the firmware in accordance with the stored external data.
storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter in at least one ROM;
storing data external to the stored program; and modifying a variable in the firmware in accordance with the stored external data.
6. The method recited in Claim 5, wherein:
the external data is set in non-volatile memory.
the external data is set in non-volatile memory.
7. Apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising:
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
non-volatile memory means; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of a firmware variable; and means interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory means for providing communication therebetween to access said data and change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory means.
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
non-volatile memory means; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of a firmware variable; and means interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory means for providing communication therebetween to access said data and change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory means.
8. The apparatus recited in Claim 7, wherein:
said interconnecting means includes a system bus and a microprocessor.
said interconnecting means includes a system bus and a microprocessor.
9. The apparatus recited in Claim 7, wherein:
the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory means provides for the setting of phantom zeros.
the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory means provides for the setting of phantom zeros.
10. Apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising:
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
a non-volatile memory; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of the firmware;
interconnecting means including a microprocessor and a system for interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory for providing communication therebetween to access said data stored in said non-volatile memory and the firmware to change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory, the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory resulting in the setting of phantom zeros.
ROM means for storing a program for the electronic postage meter;
a non-volatile memory; said non-volatile memory having data stored therein for changing the actions of the firmware;
interconnecting means including a microprocessor and a system for interconnecting said ROM means and said non-volatile memory for providing communication therebetween to access said data stored in said non-volatile memory and the firmware to change the actions of the firmware in accordance with the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory, the presence of said data in said non-volatile memory resulting in the setting of phantom zeros.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US44791282A | 1982-12-08 | 1982-12-08 | |
| US447,912 | 1982-12-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1223360A true CA1223360A (en) | 1987-06-23 |
Family
ID=23778233
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000442597A Expired CA1223360A (en) | 1982-12-08 | 1983-12-06 | Modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0111317B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2608539B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1223360A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3381746D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4528644A (en) * | 1983-07-18 | 1985-07-09 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Customizing the firmware after assembly of an electronic postage meter |
| GB2163704B (en) * | 1984-07-10 | 1989-06-01 | Canon Kk | Image processing apparatus |
| EP0187374A3 (en) * | 1984-12-24 | 1990-02-14 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Non-volatile memory display cells and systems |
| US4710883A (en) * | 1985-03-12 | 1987-12-01 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Electronic postage meter having a status monitor |
| US4958291A (en) * | 1985-12-26 | 1990-09-18 | Mamone John R | System for accounting for postage expended by a postage meter having security during editing of accounts |
| US5107455A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1992-04-21 | F.M.E. Corporation | Remote meter i/o configuration |
| GB2251211B (en) * | 1990-12-31 | 1994-08-24 | Alcatel Business Systems | Franking machine |
| CA2137509A1 (en) * | 1993-12-09 | 1995-06-10 | Young W. Lee | Multiple pulse width modulation circuit |
| DE19913066A1 (en) | 1999-03-17 | 2000-09-21 | Francotyp Postalia Gmbh | Method and arrangement for entering stamps into a franking machine |
| KR100657740B1 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2006-12-14 | 주식회사 엘지화학 | Branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer and electrolyte membrane using the same |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3978457A (en) * | 1974-12-23 | 1976-08-31 | Pitney-Bowes, Inc. | Microcomputerized electronic postage meter system |
| JPS6052477B2 (en) * | 1977-04-28 | 1985-11-19 | グローリー工業株式会社 | money exchange machine |
| JPS6014389B2 (en) * | 1977-09-20 | 1985-04-12 | 株式会社東芝 | currency exchange machine |
| US4280179A (en) * | 1979-10-30 | 1981-07-21 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Postage meter having interactive arithmetic operation capability |
| US4301507A (en) * | 1979-10-30 | 1981-11-17 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Electronic postage meter having plural computing systems |
| US4325440A (en) * | 1980-05-27 | 1982-04-20 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Method and system for computing special fees in a parcel postage metering system |
| GB2079223B (en) * | 1980-07-09 | 1984-03-14 | Roneo Alcatel Ltd | Postal franking meter |
| US4410961A (en) * | 1981-02-17 | 1983-10-18 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Interface between a processor system and peripheral devices used in a mailing system |
-
1983
- 1983-12-06 CA CA000442597A patent/CA1223360A/en not_active Expired
- 1983-12-08 DE DE8383112359T patent/DE3381746D1/en not_active Revoked
- 1983-12-08 JP JP23221083A patent/JP2608539B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1983-12-08 EP EP19830112359 patent/EP0111317B1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3381746D1 (en) | 1990-08-23 |
| EP0111317A2 (en) | 1984-06-20 |
| JPS59112381A (en) | 1984-06-28 |
| EP0111317B1 (en) | 1990-07-18 |
| JP2608539B2 (en) | 1997-05-07 |
| EP0111317A3 (en) | 1987-08-12 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |