EP1538573A1 - System for automatically determining a product description for display by a franking machine. - Google Patents

Abstract

The postal franking machine is based around a microprocessor [7] and has a program memory [4], RAM memory [5], keyboard [6] and display [8]. A programmable memory [2] is subdivided into sectors that contain information for automatic classification of products. This is in the form of tabulated data relating to product codes.

Description

The invention relates to a device for automatically determining a Product description for display by means of a mail processing device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is for Use in franking machines, postage scales, for use in by a personal computer (PC) supported mailing systems or PC frankers and other mail processing equipment.

Already EP 493 948 B1 discloses a franking machine which the dispatch type as a separate Wahldruckstempel to the postmark or integrated with can print and those with a majority to registers in a secure module for storing accounting data is equipped, based on the use of the franking machine relate to the franking of objects.

A first set of registers refers to a specific first one Service and a second set of registers refers to a special one second service, wherein via the input means the special services are selectable and the accounting data of the selected one Service to be updated. But there are only certain services recorded for billing purposes. These bills give that Carrier insufficient information about customer behavior.

Now is required by some postal authorities / postal carriers or through Discounts favor that the user prints over in the Postage meter stored operations, for post office stack / freight accompanying documents / letter or in a period of time, i. Settlements or statistics or receipts about a done Recharge to add credit. The customer behavior foreseeing would also be interesting for future postal carriers, which will offer new mail services, which will then must be billed separately. According to EP 285 956 B1 is a Franking machine with a special operation memory and with equipped with a connection for an external printer. From the user is required from the stored periodic collection of all data only to pick out and print certain. For this the user must not only provide a separate printer but optionally also still a high expenditure of time for the searching out and the Reserve the data.

Applicants' newer franking machines use digitally working ones Printing units. For example, the franking machines have T1000 or JetMail of the applicant Francotyp Postalia AG & Co.KG worldwide the first time a thermal transfer printer or an inkjet printer on. Thus, it is possible in principle to a filled letter in the area of Franking stamp also to print addresses and other information which in a related context with a service stand.

So u.a. also printing options when franking printed to the Identify shipment type or shape. The form of storage can meet the needs of a large number of users one and the same Be adapted franking machine. So in some machines of one Class formation in the form of cost centers assumed the individual Assigned to user groups.

To print reports without a separate External printer is in DE 42 24 955 A1 a method and Arrangement for an internal cost center pressure proposed. The for Printouts that can be generated by each cost center are available at the time of printing Subdividable listings of postal use of the franking machine. The Saving the additional printer is beneficial for the users. For the users, however, it is unreasonable, at the request of the postal carrier or data center again and again lists with data about the use the franking machine print out. Because while printing of lists of the cost center data by means of the internal franking machine Of course printhead can not be franked.

The postal authorities of some countries call for future mail processing equipment a product code entry PCE (Product Code Entry). The Current PCE requirements vary from country to country. In Germany there are 561 ProductCode Categories, in the Netherlands are 11 or 25 or 151 ProductCode categories and in Canada 16 or 48 or 72 ProductCode Categories are required. The however, requires additional input by the operator. The of The post prescribed product categories should be entered manually recognized by the mail processing device and in the context of data collection for a postal class statistics CoM (Class of Mail) to be stored. Of the so-called Product Code Entry (PCE) requires appropriate changes at the user interface and with regard to the user guidance of a mail processing device. The postal authorities of some countries demand in addition a weight class entry, which is also one for the operator requires additional operating effort.

The invention is based on the object, the product code input to automate as far as possible and at least one line of text for to generate a product description in the impression.

The object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

The operator of a mail processing device already provides via a keyboard dispatch information, which are needed on the one hand for the Postwertberechnung and on the other hand for the production of choice prints. Based on these manual inputs, a device now automatically determines the product code and stores the latter in a memory of the mail processing device. The device can be operated according to the invention in order to automatically carry out a generation of at least one text line for a product description in the impression. A postage table has been enhanced according to the country-specific postal requirements so that you can use the product code to determine product descriptions, which must be included in the impression according to the postal requirements. Additional tables are provided to obtain an index from the product code. This index is used in a second table to find the necessary text for the product description. By means of another table, text strings can be found based on the set shipping parameters, which must also appear in the print.
The device advantageously utilizes the microprocessor, memory, program memory and receiver means already present in the mail processor for loading and storing current table values and data associated with the input, as well as a display and a keyboard with controls. The device is, for example, part of a postage computer scale, to which an franking machine is connected via an interface. The automatically determined product code and possibly weight class code is buffered in the memory of the postage computer scale and then transmitted via the interface to the franking machine and stored there non-volatile up to query by a remote data center.
The device may be in another embodiment part of a franking machine with integrated postage calculator or a similar mail processing device.
According to the invention, there are also provided a programmable memory for tables, a memory for the data values of the shipping parameters of a mailpiece and means for setting a PCE operating mode for automatic product code entry and the microprocessor is programmed by a program stored in the program memory to switch to the operating mode. Either via the interface or via an operating element setting the PCE operating mode, for example, during startup or after switching on the device or system is made by the microprocessor responds to the signals sent to the device via interface or via a control element accordingly.
In particular, non-volatile storage of a start address in a programmable memory is performed by at least one first table, which consists of several columns, which columns may contain data values as well as pointers to further tables.
The program contains corresponding instructions and the microprocessor is programmed to generate screens for at least input of shipping parameters for displaying the input possibilities on the display and for volatile storage of data values of the inputs in the working memory. Such data values, for example weight values, can be delivered via the interface as well as entered manually. The above-mentioned first table is used to access further tables when the data values are evaluated which determine the valid row of the table whose data values correspond to the data values stored in the main memory. As well as or in connection with the determination of the product code, a weight class code can also be determined and stored non-volatile in a memory area for use data in the programmable memory. The latter can be connected to the receiving means which are equipped to load tables into the programmable memory.
This is at least a first table that can be assigned to other related tables, such as weight table, product code table, tables with description text and text strings and weight class table.

Figur 1,

Blockschaltbild der Einrichtung im Postgerät,

Figur 2,

Flußdiagramm zum Betrieb der Einrichtung,

Figur 3,

Frankierstempelabdruck,

Figur 4,

Sub-Flußdiagramm zum automatischen Ermitteln von Produktbeschreibung und Textstrings.

Figur 5,

Liste des Blocks 103 des Sub-Flußdiagramms nach Figur 4.

Figur 6,

Liste des Blocks 104 des Sub-Flußdiagramms nach Figur 4.

Figur 7,

Liste des Blocks 105 des Sub-Flußdiagramms nach Figur 4.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or will be described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figure:

FIG. 1,

Block diagram of the device in the mailing device,

FIG. 2,

Flowchart for operating the device,

FIG. 3,

franking stamp imprint,

FIG. 4,

Sub-flow chart for automatic determination of product description and text strings.

FIG. 5,

List of the block 103 of the sub-flowchart of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6,

List of block 104 of the sub-flowchart of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7,

List of the block 105 of the sub-flowchart of FIG. 4.

• zum zeilenweisen Durchsuchen der ersten und zweiten Spalten der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle und Aufruf von Programmanweisungen,
• zum Vergleichen der Datenwerte mit den Datenwerten der Eingaben, die im Arbeitsspeicher 5 gespeichert sind, entsprechend den Vorgaben für gültige Versandparameter, die in den ersten und zweiten Spalten der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle in Form von Datensätzen gespeichert vorliegen,
• zum Auswerten der Anweisungen in den übrigen Spalten der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle, wobei das Auswerten für gültige Versandparameter in nur derjenigen Zeile der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle erfolgt, denen die Datenwerte im Arbeitsspeicher 5 entsprechen.

Das Empfangsmittel 3 kann in einer - nicht gezeigten - anderen Variante auch direkt über die Schnittstelle 9 angeschlossen sein.
Über die Schnittstelle 9 kann einerseits - in einer nicht gezeigten Weise - eine Waage an eine Frankiermaschine oder ein PC-gestütztes Postversandsystem zur automatischen Gewichtseingabe angeschlossen sein. Andererseits kann eine Gewichtseingabe manuell durch Bedienungselemente 6 vorgenommen werden.
Das Empfangsmittel 3 kann in einer - nicht gezeigten - weiteren Variante auch indirekt über die Schnittstelle 9 angeschlossen sein. So ist beispielsweise die Mitbenutzung eines Modem der Frankiermaschine durch eine Waage möglich, um Portogebührentabellen in die Speicher der Portorechnerwaage zu laden. Die Einzelheiten der Zusammenschaltung gehen aus dem EP 724 141 B1 hervor. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the device in the mailing device. The mailing device has a programmable memory 2 (EEPROM), which in operation with a receiving means 3 (MODEM) on the one hand and with a program memory 4 (EPROM), a random access memory 5 (RAM), with a control element 6 (KEYBOARD) and a microprocessor 7 (μP ) is connectable on the other hand. The receiving means 3, the random access memory 5 (RAM), the operating element 6 and the microprocessor 7 (μP) may for example be part of a franking machine, an electronic postage scale or a PC-based mailing system. Such machines are usually equipped with a display unit 8 (DISPLAY) and an interface 9 (INTERFACE). The aforementioned means are interconnected, for example via a bus 10. The programmable memory 2 stores at least one table for automatic product code entry and the microprocessor 7 is programmed by a correspondingly associated application program:

• for searching line by line the first and second columns of the at least one first table and calling program instructions,
• for comparing the data values with the data values of the inputs stored in main memory 5 in accordance with the specifications for valid shipping parameters stored in the first and second columns of the at least one first table in the form of data records,
• for evaluating the instructions in the remaining columns of the at least one first table, wherein the evaluation for valid shipping parameters takes place only in that row of the at least one first table to which the data values in the main memory 5 correspond.

The receiving means 3 can also be connected directly via the interface 9 in another variant (not shown).
On the one hand, via the interface 9, a balance may be connected to a franking machine or a PC-based mailing system for automatic weight input, in a manner not shown. On the other hand, a weight input can be made manually by controls 6.
The receiving means 3 can also be connected indirectly via the interface 9 in a further variant (not shown). Thus, for example, the shared use of a modem of the franking machine by a scale is possible to load postage fee tables in the memory of the postage computer scale. The details of the interconnection can be found in EP 724 141 B1.

• ein Speicherbereich D mit einem Programm zum Auswerten von im Arbeitsspeicher 5 gespeicherten poststückbezogenen Datenwerten zu deren permanenten oder semi-permanenten Speicherung vorgesehen ist,
• ein Speicherbereich E zum permanenten oder semi-permanenten Speichern mindestens einer ersten zusätzlichen Tabelle für Indexe die den jeweiligen Produktcode zugeordnet sind, wobei in dieser Tabelle die Produktcodes aufsteigend oder fortlaufend in einer Spalte und parallel dazu in einer zweiten Spalte die Indexe für die Produktbescheibungen gespeichert sind,
• ein Speicherbereich F zum permanenten oder semi-permanenten Speichern einer zweiten zusätzlichen Tabelle für Produktbeschreibungen vorgesehen ist, die den jeweiligen aus der ersten Tabelle ermittelten Indexen zugeordnet sind.

Der Mikroprozessor 7 ist durch das Programm zum Auswerten der im Arbeitsspeicher 5 gespeicherten poststück-bezogenen Datenwerte, mittels einer im programmierbaren Speicher 2 gespeicherten Tabelle programmiert, um einen Produktcode und die für das Dienstleistungsprodukt zutreffende Produktbeschreibung aus einer im Speicher 2, 4 gespeicherten Tabelle mit Produktbeschreibungen anhand des Produktcodes automatisch zu ermitteln sowie um den notwendigen Text für die Produktbeschreibung zum Erzeugen von Abdrucken auszugeben.

The programmable memory 2 (EEPROM) is operable to load tables via the receiving means 3 with an external memory 1 operable. The receiving means 3 is preferably an analog or digital modem. Alternatively, the receiving means may be a drive and the external storage 1 may be a CD or DVD. In a further alternative, the receiving means may be a smart card reader and the external memory may be a smart card. It is also possible that a receiving means is a memory stick interface and the external memory is a memory stick. The decisive factor is that a suitable data carrier and associated receiving means are available.
The data carrier (memory 1) has in one of the memory areas an application program for automatic product code input and for generating screens, which is suitable at least for inputs of shipping parameters for representing the input possibilities on the display 8. At least the first table is stored in the first memory area I and further tables in further memory areas II, III,..., VI, which are accessed via the application program, the at least one first table having at least columns for data values corresponding to valid dispatch parameters and for pointers to a weight table, for pointers to a product code table.
The application program can already be stored in the program memory 4 in the factory in an alternative variant. The memory of the program memory 4 forms a permanent and the programmable memory forms a semi-permanent memory.
For automatically generating a product description by means of a mail processing device, it is provided that in the program memory 4 or programmable memory 2:

• a memory area D is provided with a program for evaluating post item-related data values stored in the main memory 5 for their permanent or semi-permanent storage,
• a storage area E for permanently or semi-permanently storing at least one first additional table for indexes associated with the respective product code, in which table the product codes are stored in ascending order or consecutively in one column and in parallel in a second column the indexes for the product descriptions .
• a memory area F is provided for permanent or semi-permanent storage of a second additional product description table associated with the respective indexes determined from the first table.

The microprocessor 7 is programmed by the program for evaluating the item-related data stored in the work memory 5 by means of a table stored in the programmable memory 2, a product code and the product description applicable to the service product from a product description table stored in the memory 2, 4 using the product code to determine automatically and to output the necessary text for the product description for the production of impressions.

The microprocessor 7 is for example by a program memory 4 stored program programmed to from the Product code to determine an index as well as via the index in the second table the necessary text for the product description Find. In addition, a storage area T is permanent or semi-permanent Save at least one third additional table with Text strings are provided which are assigned to the respective indexes. Of the Microprocessor 7 is programmed by a program to use the set shipping parameters from the table the text strings determine and output for printing to a printing device.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for operating the device which automatically determines a valid product code and a corresponding weight class code from the shipping parameters set by the operator. The mode of operation must be set only once after startup 80 (step 81), with a choice as to whether a table is used with all product codes or a limited number of categories (product code). The advantage is that additional manual entry of product code and weight class code for the particular mail item by the operator becomes unnecessary. The mailing machine determines the setting according to the selection in step 82. For example, it is determined in step 82 that all categories are to be used or not to be used, then in step 83 or in step 85, an appropriate program is branched, which accesses a first table 1 or a second table 2 (in FIG Steps 84 and 86, respectively).
Automation requires the operator - as usual - to set the postage-related shipping parameters in step 87, however, further manual inputs are unnecessary and the determination of the product code and weight class code automatically runs in the background (from step 88). The ascertained quantities of item-related product code and weight class code are automatically transmitted to the data center for evaluation at intervals. Without additional input, the operator can take advantage of the postal services offered to him, for example, when he participates in the NetSet project in the Netherlands and statistical data is transmitted to the data center.
The operator sets his shipping parameters on a postage scale or on a postage meter. The shipping parameters are a combination of delivery destination, shipping method, shipping format if necessary and additional services that may have been set. From a valid combination of shipping parameters, the product code and weight class code is determined.
While the operator sets the shipping parameters, it is automatically checked whether the set shipping parameters are valid, ie allowed by post. With the help of the postage balance the weight of the consignment is determined. It is also possible to enter the weight via the keyboard if the weight range of the shipping method is greater than the weighing range of the balance. For example, if a 5 kg scale is available, but the weight range of the shipping method allows a weight of up to 20 kg, then the operator has the option of entering the weight of his shipment via the keyboard (eg 15 kg). For additional services that require, for example, the entry of a value (eg value letter), the operator is prompted to enter the value of the program via the keyboard when selecting such an additional service.
The set shipping parameters, the possibly entered value and the weight of the consignment form the input parameters for the determination of product code and weight class. The operating software of the postage scales or franking machine or postal device is stored in the program memory. The program memory is preferably designed to be pluggable. This provides easy interchangeability and thus adaptation to the different poster requirements in different countries.
The operating software provides instructions for a function of the microprocessor to use the input parameters (shipping parameters, weight, value input) to search a separately stored table to determine product code and, if appropriate, weight class code.
Alternatively, a device programming medium includes an application program for automatic product code entry in one of its storage areas, and the application program may be loaded into a storage area of the programmable storage 2 and stored non-volatile. The programming is specifically geared to the products or service of the mail carrier to form a particular combination of shipping parameters stored in memory and to compare with one of the possible products or services of the mail carrier. In this case, a separately stored table is also searched and from this product code and, if appropriate, weight class code determined.
Such a separate table, which stores the valid product code for each possible combination of shipping parameters, is accommodated in separate storage in, for example, storage area II. A separate memory may be a data carrier or an external storage medium 1 with a multiplicity of memory areas I to VI.

The above table is in a in the postage balance or Postage meter memory (e.g., EEPROM 2). The Table can also be during the production of the postage computer scale or Postage meter stored in the program memory (EPROM 4) become. The operating software or the application program knows the Location and the start address of the table and so can on this access.

1.

Spalte: enthält die gültige Versandparameterkombination, die eingestellt sein muss, um diese Zeile der Tabelle auszuwählen

2.

Spalte: enthält eine Maske von Versandparametern, um ggf. diese Zeile als Treffer auszuschließen.

3.

Spalte: enthält den Maximalwert einer Versicherungssumme bzw. des Wertes des Versandstückes. Dieser Wert ist Null, wenn ein Wert für die Versandauswahl nicht notwendig ist.

4.

Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger auf eine Gewichtstabelle. Diese Gewichtstabelle enthält alle Gewichtsabstufungen für die eingestellten Versandparameter.

5.

Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger auf die Produktcodetabelle.

6.

Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger auf die Gewichtsklassentabelle.

7.

Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger auf eine Spezialfunktion, die ggf. noch ausgeführt werden soll. Der Wert kann auch NULL sein.

A product code table is explained in detail using a table for the Netherlands. The table consists of 7 columns:

1.

Column: Contains the valid shipping parameter combination that must be set to select this row of the table

Second

Column: Contains a mask of shipping parameters to possibly exclude this line as a hit.

Third

Column: contains the maximum value of an insured sum or the value of the package. This value is zero if a value for the shipping selection is not necessary.

4th

Column: contains a pointer to a weight table. This weight table contains all weight graduations for the set shipping parameters.

5th

Column: contains a pointer to the product code table.

6th

Column: contains a pointer to the weight class table.

7th

Column: contains a pointer to a special function that should still be executed. The value can also be NULL.

The input parameters for the calculation and the corresponding country or carrier-specific calculation function are called in step 88. And a line counter is reset to zero (k = 0).
On the basis of the checking of column 1 and column 2, a row k with a valid hit is searched in step 90 within the table. Each column contains a record of 32 bits. The line which delivers the first valid hit is used for further evaluation. If no pepper is determined in the interrogation step 91, then in step 92 the line count is changed (for example, incremented) and the second step is refused. On the other hand, the row count remains unchanged in the event of a hit, and a column 3 is evaluated. It is checked whether the insured sum entered or the value of the package is less than or equal to the maximum value indicated in column 3. If this is not the case, then the following lines are examined for the next hit. The row count will continue to change.
Otherwise, there is a hit, and a pointer in column 4 of the row providing the valid hit points to a particular at least one weight table. The latter is stored in a separate memory area B of the nonvolatile memory 2 (EEPROM). Now, a step 93 is branched to search the weight table and to determine a table index.
The weight table pointed to by the pointer in column 4 is searched until the weight value is found in the table which comes closest to the weight determined by the scale or the weight value entered via the keyboard, ie the next higher one Weight value in this table is valid. The weight table stores the weight graduations for which different product codes or weight classes apply. The weight gradations can look like this:
Weight table = 0.20, 200, 250, 500, 750, 000, 1500, 2000, 5000000
It is examined in which gradation of the weight table the determined weight value fits. If an entry was found, the associated table index is determined from this, which indicates at which point of the table the matching entry was found.
Subsequently, in step 94, that at least one product code table to which the pointer in column 5 points is examined. With the aid of the table index found in the weight table, the corresponding product code is determined in the product code table.
The already determined table index may also be used in step 95 to determine the corresponding weight class in the weight class table pointed to by the pointer in column 6.
Column 7 is currently reserved for possible future applications.

The product code and the weight class code are returned to the calling function as parameters and stored in step 96. If no result is found within the table, which results from the delivery destination, shipping type, if applicable, delivery form and additional services, then a default product code is returned to the calling function. This default product code is defined according to the postal requirement (eg NLD = 9999 in the Netherlands).
Thus, the product code table only contains an entry for the shipping parameters, for which a product code must also be determined according to postal regulations. There are also shipping parameters that should generate a product code that belongs to the category "Other". There are no separate entries in the table for these shipping parameters. At the end of the table there is an entry that will be read if no match was found before. This entry then refers to the product code table with the product code for "Other".

This solution has been implemented especially for the Netherlands. For other country variants, the table may look different. Then it could be that an error code must be generated if no matching match for the set shipping parameters was found in the table.
A postage computer scale, eg of the FlexiScale type, determines a postage value and the corresponding product code and the corresponding weight class code from the set shipping parameters, such as destination, type, if necessary format and form. The product code and the weight class code are transmitted to the franking machine in addition to the postage value and stored there until the data is requested from a remote data center.
A static balance and its postage calculator function was included in the type Jetmail®, Mymail® and Ultimail® franking machines
integrated common housing. Within the framework of the Frankit requirements of Deutsche Post AG, a product code must also be processed, which is made possible with the country variant Germany for franking machines of the above-mentioned type. However, this does not differ in principle from a product code prescribed in the Netherlands by the postal authority, so that the sequence of method steps explained with reference to FIG. 2 is, in principle, also retained for Germany. This also applies to other countries whose postal authorities or private postal carriers require the use of a product code in the future.

FIG. 3 shows a franking stamp impression 20 which comprises at least one Line 21 for the product description or text strings for the shipping parameters contains. In the example shown is in the corresponding line "AIR MAIL", which generates automatically and during printing along with the remaining postage stamp data on a mail piece is printed.

After the figure 2 is in a penultimate step 96, the product code and saved the weight class. Before that, there are more to follow Steps 80-95, including the steps for evaluating the im Memory 5 stored poststückbezogene data values, by means of a table stored in the programmable memory 2 to the Determine product code. Another subroutine 100 for determining the Product code description, which is based on the sub-flowchart (Figure 4) is explained, expires before the end 110.

FIG. 4 shows a sub-flowchart for automatically determining of product description or text strings. In a first sub-step 101, the microprocessor 7 is set by the program Index1 = 0 and then a sub-step 103 is reached to determine if a certain Index1 the one stored in the penultimate step Product code corresponds. The product codes are ascending in the table associated with a corresponding ascending value of Index1 or consecutively in one column and in parallel in a second column the Indexes for the product descriptions are stored. About another Sub-step 102 is branched back to sub-step 103 until in sub-step 103, the searched index has been determined. In the further Sub-step 102 will do this by, for example, incrementing the next one Index1 determined.

FIG. 5 shows a list of sub-step 103 which is suitable for Germany of the sub-flow chart of Figure 4. To the determined product code (for example product code = 15), which is smaller than the registered one Product code (for example product code = 20) is in the table becomes associated - not shown - Index1 determined. For example, a determined product code = 15 in the list of Figure 5 the index1 = 3

FIG. 6 shows a list of the fourth sub-step which is suitable for Germany 104 of the sub-flow chart of Figure 4. With the above Index1 (for example: Index1 = 3) is determined by means of the List according to Figure 6, the next index value (namely, index = 2) automatically determined. In the fourth sub-step 104, the determined index saved. The two lists of Figure 5 and Figure 6 are as columns a first additional table to be understood in the memory area E is stored.

FIG. 7 shows a list of the sub-step 105 of the sub-flow chart according to FIG. 4 which is suitable for Germany. For example, index = 2 has been determined by means of the table according to FIG. 6 and, after being entered into the list according to FIG. 7, results in the corresponding string for the supplementary letter service ( BZL), for example: An index = 2 leads to the display text = compact letter \ r additional service. Where the character \ r stands for newline. If Index1 is zero, no BZL text string is printed.
A permanent or semi-permanent storage of such a second additional product description table is provided in a memory area F. Corresponding text strings are assigned to the respective indexes determined from the first table. The product description applicable to the service product from a table with product descriptions stored in the memory 2, 4 on the basis of the product code is thereby automatically determined in a fifth sub-step 105 and displayed on a display. The necessary text for the product description for producing impressions is generated in the same or similar manner and then inserted into the rest of the printed image. A memory area T for permanently or semi-permanently storing at least one third additional table is provided for those text strings which are output for printing to a printing device.

Claims (4)

Device for automatically generating a product description by means of a mail processing device, comprising a programmable memory (2), a program memory (4), a working memory (5), a keyboard with operating elements (6) and a microprocessor (7), characterized in that in the program memory (4) or programmable memory (2): a memory area (D) is provided with a program for evaluating post item-related data values stored in the main memory (5) for their permanent or semi-permanent storage, a memory area (E) for permanently or semi-permanently storing at least one first additional table for indexes associated with the respective product code, in which table the product codes are ascending or contiguous in one column and in parallel in a second column the product report indices are stored, a memory area (F) is provided for permanently or semi-permanently storing a second additional product description table associated with the respective indexes determined from the first table, and in that the microprocessor (7) is programmed by the program for evaluating the item-related data stored in the main memory (5) by means of a table stored in the programmable memory (2) in order to obtain a product code and the product description applicable to the service product from a memory in the memory (2 4) automatically determine the product description table based on the product code and to output the necessary text for the product description for producing impressions. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor (7) is programmed by a program in order to determine an index from the product code and to find the necessary text for the product description via the index in the second table. Device according to claims 1 to 2, characterized by that a memory area (T) for permanent or semi-permanent storage of at least a third additional table is provided with text strings that are associated with the respective indexes, in that the microprocessor (7) is programmed by a program in order to determine the text strings from the table based on the set shipping parameters and to output them to a printing device for printing. Device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the permanent memory of the program memory (4) and the semi-permanent memory of the programmable memory (2).

Images