EP0580274B1 - Method and device for a print-out for an internal charge office - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for an internal cost center print the in the generic terms of claim 1 or 9 specified Art.

For the postage billing, statistics about the postage volumes processed by franking machines created. Because the franking module prints a value, there is a need for security in relation to the printing area as well as in terms of the billing area. Usually those are from the postage accounting system created statistics on a separate external printing unit printed out.

A franking module is known from DE 40 18 166 A1, the one in a slot of a drive bay Personal computer is arranged and a printing unit for self-adhesive franking strips. It is although it has also been proposed with the franking printing unit Addresses to print, however, is for printing from billing data to another as before Personal computer connected external printer required.

It was a franking machine with an inkjet print head (US 5,038,153) proposed or suggested an existing printing facilities one Communication terminal (fax machine) for franking to use (DE 40 34 292 A1), for printing However, these printing devices are accounting data all not set up.

DE 39 03 718 is a postage billing system for franking machines used by several people or departments using an associated IC card can be set and used, known, the individual cards to the people or departments be assigned to the settlement. With a personal computer can use the information stored in the card be read out at the end of a billing cycle a list of the use of the franking machine to get during the billing period. The use of the franking machine can be done for everyone User (card holder) displayed and printed out will. The need for one is complex separate personal computers with associated printer, for a written list of the use Get cost center. The disadvantage is that with everyone Computer system easily mimicking such an expression is. A backup of the printout of the accounting data against manipulation is not provided.

It is the task of remedying the shortcomings of the above. State of the art to avoid and on inexpensive and inexpensive Way to print out for each of the cost centers. The printouts should be there from the start for internal cost center accounting from those of Differentiate franking.

The task is based on the prior art according to the generic term with the characteristic arrangement features of claim 1 and the procedural features of claim 9 solved.

The invention is based on the consideration that under the requirement of using such a printing device for franking mail, which variable Print information about the printhead can now also print out for each of the cost centers with the print head of the franking machine usually only for franking the letters are responsible. For this, a user dialog and a switchover in the control unit of the franking machine made and that in a cost center memory (KSP) saved billing data no longer via an input / output interface, but directly output via the print head of the franking machine. The billing data of interest are from the control unit in cooperation with the input / output means compiled in a working memory read, decompressed, processed and in graphic pixels converted as well as in a pixel memory cached.

The franking zone on letters preferably has one Width of about 2.5 to 3.5 cm. The invention goes in particular assume a franking print head consisting of from a single pressure bar, for franking and to be used for internal cost center accounting. Internal cost center printing takes place on one surface 2.5 to 3.5 cm wide and 14 to 21 cm wide Length.

The franking module enables before, in particular on a strip of internal cost center printing, a representation of at least three multi-line Information groups simultaneously in one display. The first information group on each strip contains labeling, safety and information data.

The identification data consist, for example, of the current date, a serial number for internal Cost center printouts and a strip number. Out For reasons of counterfeit security, additional Security data generated in a memory area of the RAM and cached as a crypto number displayed. The information data relate to a short message about order and organization in the subsequent information groups.

The last information group contains the specification of the Sum of accounting data on the selected and listed according to an agreed order Information groups.

The middle information groups contain the actual accounting data. The information groups are evenly divided into blocks that can be viewed and checked in the display before printing. For each block there is a clear display in the form of "What you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG). With a number of x ≥ 2 information groups per block, with a number of k ≥ 2 blocks per strip and with a size of the display window, sufficient for displaying all blocks of a strip, the following applies to a maximum number of information groups that can be assigned to the cost centers: m A = y * {(x * k) - 1} - 1 with y = 1

If the number of cost centers m _A is defined by the size of the display window, the sum of the cost center data is given in the last block at the end of the list. If the number of cost centers is greater than _mA , which would possibly have to be printed on several strips (y> 1) of constant length, scrolling in the display is provided beforehand. At the end of the list in the last block or at the end of the last strip, the sum of the cost center data is also given.

The cost centers are at least in the display divided into two adjacent blocks. At the The blocks are preferably printed one below the other. For this, the printing direction per block is electronically so rotated that the columns as rows and the rows as Columns appear.

So that the printouts for the internal Differentiate cost center accounting from franking, is special in addition to a rotation of 90 ° a rotation of 270 ° is provided.

The invention takes into account the consideration that with a print bar width b _p = 2.5 to 3.5 cm, only a few lines with few alphanumeric characters per line can be printed. In order to enable printing with lines rotated by 90 °, there is an additional control for the print bar of the print head, which electronically rotates the orientation of the standard print of a block by 90 °. Because the line length is limited, the blocks are rotated individually. According to the invention, the rotation is carried out in a block, for example with the dimensions b _p * b _p .

The procedure for internal cost center printing by means of the franking module is further characterized in that that in the memory areas of the pixel memory 7 different orthogonally rotated blocks are cached. It is assumed, after another switchover in the control unit, the blockwise orthogonal rotation by a additional hardware and / or software in the control unit perform.

The procedure for internal cost center printing using the franking module also assumes in the Pressure control unit 14 a corresponding switch to make the print in the printing direction which distinguishes lines from franking imprint. The Invention is advantageous in such printing processes applicable where the printhead remains stationary.

To print cost centers without information prevent only the information from cost centers printed that have already been worked with. A waste of paper strips is avoided. It is also advantageous that a method created for counterfeit-proof cost center printing has been.

Figur 1,

Blockschaltbild der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung in einer Frankiermaschine

Figur 2,

Darstellung eines Kostenstellendrucks mittels Frankiermodul

Figur 3,

Ablaufplan für einen internen Kostenstellendruck

Figur 4,

Schaltung für eine orthogonale Pixelspeicherfelddrehung

Figur 5a,

Speicherbereich I vor einer 90°-Pixelspeicherfelddrehung

Figur 5b,

Speicherbereich II nach einer 90°-Pixelspeicherfelddrehung

Figur 5c,

Flußdiagramm für eine 90°-Pixelspeicherfelddrehung

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are shown in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1,

Block diagram of the arrangement according to the invention in a franking machine

Figure 2,

Representation of a cost center print using the franking module

Figure 3,

Schedule for internal cost center printing

Figure 4,

Circuit for orthogonal pixel memory array rotation

Figure 5a,

Memory area I before a 90 ° pixel memory field rotation

Figure 5b,

Memory area II after a 90 ° pixel memory field rotation

Figure 5c,

Flow chart for a 90 ° pixel storage field rotation

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the invention Arrangement in a franking machine, with Input / output means 2, 3, 4 storage means 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, a control unit 6, preferably with a microprocessor (µP), one Pressure control unit 14, a printing unit 1, with a Drives having transport unit 12, preferably a strip encoder with strip release contains, and with an encoder 13.

The input / output means include both shown and also internal and / or external actuating means, not shown (Chip card, remote specification, PC actuation means etc.) for the franking module.

To those with the input / output means 2, 3, 4 and with storage means 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 connected control unit 6, the encoder 13 is the strip sensor with strip release 12 and a pixel memory 7 with several separate memory areas I, II, III and IV connected.

The print control unit 14 reads from the pixel memory 7 when franking data, the printing unit 1 via a - not shown in FIG. 1 - switching unit present in the pressure control unit 14 (SE) is controlled. Such a switching unit can be coupled with a controllable energy source, as is the case, for example, in German application P 42 14 545.7 proposed for an ETR printing process has been.

The method advantageously consists in that a printing device for internal cost center printing 1 of a franking module can be used.

At the first intended switchover in the control unit 6 on internal cost center pressure Franking option blocked. The cost center pressure takes place with the same printing unit 1, whereby - apart from the different content - the However, printout in the printing direction of the lines is clear differs from a franking imprint.

Due to the switchover, those in the cost center memory (KSP) 10 stored accounting data from the control unit 6 in cooperation with Input / output means 2, 3 and 4 compiled in one Main memory (ASP) 5 read in, decompressed, processed and converted into graphic pixels as well as in one Pixel memory 7 buffered in blocks.

The procedure for internal cost center printing by franking module is based on the fact that a in Blocks present print image block by block in the printing direction is rotated so that the rows become columns and are reversed, with k blocks of accounting data of m Cost centers included, the first block of an existing one Print image additionally an identification and the last block of a printed image is a summation of the Has billing information.

a) Sperrung der Frankiermöglichkeit und Hinweis für den Benutzer in der Anzeige, daß jetzt keine Frankierung erfolgt, sondern ein interner Kostenstellendruck. Eingabeaufforderung und Autorisierung des Benutzers. Berechnung der maximalen Anzahl an Kostenstellen pro Ausdruck entsprechend der Eingabe der Abmaße des Aufzeichnungsträgers (Streifenlänge). Aufruf der Abrechnungsdaten nur von benutzten Kostenstellen.

b) Auswahl einer bestimmten Anzahl zu druckender Kostenstelleninformationen, vorzugsweise ein Bereich von KST 1 bis KST X, durch den Benutzer. Summenbildung, Kennzeichenbildung und Aufteilung der Informationen auf Blöcke unter folgenden Prämissen:

• Jeder Ausdruck wird numeriert. Das Datum und die Nummer des Ausdruckens sowie die Streifennummer gefolgt von einer Kryptozahl stehen dabei am Anfang des Kostenstellendrucks.
• Die nach steigender Nummer erfolgende Auflistung der Kostenstellen beginnt mit der Kostenstellen Nummer 1 oder mit der Nummer der ersten benutzten Kostenstelle, und enthält die Information über die entsprechende Anzahl an Frankierungen, d.h. der gedruckten Stückzahl unter dieser Kostenstelle, und die Information über den bisher durch die Kostenstelle verbrauchten Portogesamtbetrages.
• Die über die Daten aller ausgewählten Kostenstellen gebildeten Summen für Stückzahl und verbrauchten Portobetrag stehen am Ende des Kostenstellendrucks.

c) Darstellung von jeweils nebeneinanderliegenden Blöcken in der Anzeige mit Möglichkeit des Vor- und Zurückblätterns.

d) Blockweise elektronische Pixel-Speicherfeld-Drehung, Auslösen eines ersten Streifens vom Streifengeber und spaltenweiser Druck.

There is a user dialog before printing under the following conditions and data preparation with the content specified below before internal cost center printing:

a) Blocking the franking option and advising the user in the display that no franking is now taking place, but rather internal cost center printing. Prompt and authorization of the user. Calculation of the maximum number of cost centers per printout according to the input of the dimensions of the record carrier (strip length). Calling up of billing data only from used cost centers.

b) The user selects a certain number of cost center information to be printed, preferably a range from KST 1 to KST X. Formation of totals, identification and distribution of information into blocks under the following premises:

• Each expression is numbered. The date and the number of the printout as well as the strip number followed by a crypto number are at the beginning of the cost center printing.
• The list of the cost centers after the increasing number begins with the cost center number 1 or with the number of the first cost center used, and contains the information about the corresponding number of frankings, i.e. the number of pieces printed under this cost center, and the information about the number previously used by the Total cost of postage used.
• The totals for the number of items and the postage used, which are formed from the data of all selected cost centers, are at the end of the cost center printout.

c) Representation of blocks lying next to each other in the display with the possibility of scrolling back and forth.

d) Block-wise electronic pixel memory field rotation, triggering of a first strip from the strip sensor and column-wise printing.

According to the invention is a means for orthogonal pixel storage field rotation 15 and at least one memory area provided for accounting data in the pixel memory 7, in which data is loaded under conversion and / or read from the data under conversion will. This means that it is present in k blocks Print image rotated block by block in the printing direction, that the rows become columns and vice versa, where k Blocks contain accounting data from cost centers, the first block of an existing print image additionally a label and the last block of a Print image has a summation of the accounting data.

According to the invention it is further provided that the pixel memory 7 contains several separate memory areas, from which the print control unit 14 accounting data reads.

In one embodiment, the printing medium Automatic strip dispenser strips used. There although these strips are 165 mm long, they are only approx. 35 are up to 40 mm wide, the billing statistics information quantitatively to a uniform line length 2.5 cm for 192 dots or 3.5 cm for 256 dots be reduced. One way is to do that Print image through computational transformation for a Reduce the pressure bar by 25.4 mm. Another An advantageous option is to use one already in the character memory 9 so far only for the imprint of the machine number of the franking device provided character set of suitable size, where appropriate to increase or supplement it is.

Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of an internal Cost center printing in three square blocks on a franking strip, for the sake of simplicity three cost centers. The accounting data of each cost center form an information group. The chronological order with the internal cost center printout is before the printout either according to the ascending number of used cost centers or according to the frequency of use or after falling costs in the user dialog compatible. The one according to the agreed order List of cost center data containing Information groups can be checked in display 3. The representation or the printout takes place in quadratic Blocks, each block at least one Contains information group. Other variants of a Order can be created and before printing in display 3.

From the first information group of the first block of the - Cost center printout shown in Figure 2 you can see information in the third line, that for listing the cost center data Information groups here as an agreed order "NUMBER OF KST" is selected. That means that Order according to the increasing number of used cost centers he follows. From the second information group of the first blocks it can be seen that each listing with The cost center number begins that line below it the information about the corresponding number Frankings, i.e. the number of pieces printed below this Cost center, contains and below the information over the previously used by the cost center Total postage.

The number of blocks per record carrier depends on the dimensions of the record carrier and must therefore be entered beforehand in the franking module, which then automatically determines the maximum possible number of blocks per record carrier and controls the feeding of the record carrier, for example the strip dispenser. For example, on y = 1 franking strips with a length of 15 cm and a width of 2.5 cm, ie with 192 dots in the print bar with b _p = 2.5 cm, there is a space of k = 6 blocks. With x = 2 information groups per block, the total number of information groups is 12. The first information group again contains identification data, a crypto number and information. However, the number of cost centers is determined according to equation (1) to m _A = y * {(x * k) - 1} - 1 = 10. At the end of the list, there is still space in the last information group of the last block for specifying the sums of cost center data.

Another distribution of information groups on the Blocks are also possible. So at the command prompt be agreed that a listing within a cost center based on election printing (airmail, Printed matter, etc.) is made.

The flow chart shown in Figure 3 for an internal Cost center printing starts from an automatic and / or manual date entry with which Enter the number of the cost center and an entry the authorization code. It is envisaged that the Userdialog a special authorization procedure for includes certain cost centers to be protected and that access to this cost center information on a certain group of people is limited. In a Cost center routine is a prompt for the order in the order of the cost center printouts and for the order of the listing within one Printout for each cost center and an automatic one Formation of information groups is provided.

The processor searches in the cost center printing routine reads all cost centers that have been worked with the data from the cost center memory and stores this data in a memory area A of the main memory 5 for example in BCD-coded form. At the same time the user requests the area at cost centers, which is also in area A of the working memory 5 in BCD encoded form is saved. The processor in the control unit 6 forms the sum of this area assigned cost center data and stores them in a memory area B of the main memory 5. The The processor also forms the identification data from the current date, a serial number for internal cost center printouts and a strip number and stores them in a memory area C of the main memory 5. It encrypts this data together with a machine parameter (number of the franking module) to a crypto number and stores it in a memory area D of the main memory 5. Im Character memory 9 lies in each of these crypto numbers Character code before.

Then the input stripe length or the dimensions of the Record carrier requested by the user. There on a single franking strip at the beginning of the identification data, at the end the totals data and in between the information about the cost centers is available, the processor sorts the data and numbers the cost center has been assigned accordingly and stored in a further memory area E. The strip length is taken into account and if necessary, the necessary division into several Stripes made, the identification data and Data for the maximum number of cost centers on the first to penultimate strips and on the last Stripes according to the number of cost centers formed total data are taken into account.

The franking module enables the internal cost center printing on a strip by means of a display 3 a representation of identification data, of accounting data of several cost centers and totals data, divided into three for example side by side lying blocks. For this purpose, a memory area F of RAM 5 used.

If the number of cost centers is greater than the display can be represented on several strips more constant Length would have to be printed is first a scroll provided in the ad. At the end of the list in last block or at the end of the last strip also the specification of the sum of the cost center data. For each block there is a clear representation in the Form "What you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG).

After selecting the range of cost centers to that of a first key of the actuating unit 2 triggered command "cost center display" which is coded in BCD Form available data for labeling and for the crypto number as well as for the first of the cost centers read from the main memory 5, decompressed and with the help of the character memory 9 in one first print image converted.

This first print image contains, for example - as in shown in Figure 2 - the information of three Cost centers and is initially in a display unit 3 of the franking module is displayed, of which the Label information, the crypto number that information about the order and the three Cost center information and total information shown in three adjacent blocks will. In the character memory 9 are preferably all Alphanumeric characters are stored pixel by pixel as them for normal expression and display (size and direction) are needed.

When the display area is fixed, the pixel memory gets 7 from the control unit 6 in the display means 3 print image data which can be displayed in the printing direction in one first block. The block is in the first area I of the pixel memory 7 buffered.

This print image data is from a hardware and / or Output logic of the control unit implemented in software 6 passed to the pixel memory 7, from which also when franking the print pixel data the print control unit 14 columns the print head be fed. The franking option is however locked and a switchover is effective.

Using the block diagram shown in FIG. 1 - Is a first variant of a switchover closer are explained. It is contemplated that the pixel memory 7 several separate memory areas I, II, III and IV, from which the pressure control unit 14 Print image data, in particular including billing data Reads out print image data block by block. The pixel memory 7 is connected to the control unit 6, wherein the pixel memory 7 in the output means 3 in the printing direction displayable accounting data as a print image received in blocks.

The addresses A supplied by the control unit 6 comprise area addresses A _B for the selection of a memory area I, II, III or IV for the storage of a block and low addresses for the addressing within a block. The low addresses are now converted during storage in a means 15 for rotating the pixel memory field.

In a further variant, 15 are used in the means Pixel memory field rotation the low addresses when swapping out a block converted, i.e. if the Print control unit 14 print image data, in particular accounting data print image data containing blocks reads.

Another variant provides that the pixel memory 7 several separate memory areas II, III and IV contains from which the orthogonally rotated Blocks are read out. Every block of a print image, especially with billing data, is previously in temporarily stores the first area I of the pixel memory 7 and by the means for orthogonal pixel storage field rotation 15 converts to at least one second area II of the pixel memory 7 transferred. At least one is electronically rotated by 90 ° or around Block rotated 270 ° in the printing direction Print image with accounting data in the second area II of the pixel memory 7 buffered before printing. On the command "cost center printing" from a The button of the operating unit 2 becomes the print image data of the first block from the first area I of the pixel memory 7 read out.

A print image rotated by 90 ° in the printing direction with accounting data is generated in another Variant in the control unit 6 a switchover made on a mean that is a 90 ° pixel storage field rotation makes. The addresses A are replaced by the However, pressure control unit 14 does not pass through converted. The rotated printed image in a second area II of the Pixel memory 7 before printing. The print control unit 14 is for printing over the lines with data D connected to the second area II of the pixel memory 7. Then a strip is made on the strip dispenser triggered.

The strip is transported to the print head and on Encoder 13 provides a position report of the strip in relation to the printhead. According to this position report the print image data from the second Area II of the pixel memory 7 is read out in columns and serially into the serial-parallel shift register in a known manner the switching unit (SE), cached in latches and during the STROBE pulse by means of the print head of the printing unit 1 printed.

During the printing breaks, the second block is in the first area I of the pixel memory 7 in whole or in part in consecutive pauses and supplied to the means for a 90 ° pixel storage field rotation. Then the one rotated by 90 ° in the printing direction Block of the print image with accounting data in the third area III of the pixel memory 7 before printing cached. In the same way the 90 ° rotation and storage of the third block in the fourth memory area IV.

The control unit 6 is connected to the pressure control unit 14 also coupled to check whether the pressure is completed. A corresponding check is carried out software. A control for a strip feeder is for variable length strips or provided for a constant length. Enough a strip not to print out all cost centers, so is from the control unit 6 from the strip encoder another strip requested and printed. The strips are numbered according to their order. For this purpose, each strip is marked intended.

Instead of the stripes, of course, envelopes or Sheets in A5 or A6 format made by one automatic feed unit can be supplied with the Cost centers are printed. But it is also a Interactive operation with the operator via the display possible: On the note: "Please insert paper" must each manually create paper.

By re-inserting the sheet or the like Mechanics (swapping the sheet edge) electronic rotation of the printing direction by 270 ° opposite the default print direction of the lines and one Column call from the pixel memory 7 with the last column begins, which can preferably be made of paper material existing record carriers under certain circumstances be printed several times.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit for the means for orthogonal pixel memory field rotation, which is arranged in the print control unit DS and is connected to the address inputs of the pixel memory 7. It consists of an electronic switch U and a means for address generation G. The electronic switch U contains multiplexers MUX1, MUX2 and the means for address generation G contains a first and a second counter module Z and read-only memory ROM1, ROM2 to the addresses individually to convert. It is provided that each multiplexer MUX1, MUX2 consists of several tri-state buffers and is controlled by a state machine SM (not shown in FIG. 4) of the printer controller DS. When reading in the data, the first multiplexer MUX1 for the low addresses A _{L is switched} to the inputs U ₂ , so that the pixel memory 7 can be addressed normally by the control unit 6. In this case, one of the memory areas with the area addresses A _{B is} addressed via the inputs U _{2 of} the second multiplexer MUX2.

To convert the data from a memory area of the pixel memory 7, the low addresses A _L for the internal addressing of the data of each block via a first counter with the outputs Z ₁ and area addresses A _B for the addressing of the memory areas via a second counter the outputs Z ₂ generated. The multiplexers are switched over and the outputs Z ₂ are applied to the area address inputs of the pixel memory 7 via the inputs U _{1 of} the second multiplexer MUX2. If the outputs Z _{1 of} the first counter are applied to a 90 ° address converter (ROM1), the outputs of which are connected to the inputs U _{1 of} the first multiplexer MUX1, low addresses are formed for the pixel memory 7, which cause a 90 ° pixel memory field rotation .

If the outputs Z _{1 of} the first counter are applied to a 270 ° address converter (ROM2), the outputs of which are connected to the inputs U _{3 of} the first multiplexer MUX1, low addresses are formed for the pixel memory 7, which cause a 270 ° pixel memory field rotation .

If, on the other hand, the outputs Z _{1 of} the first counter are not applied to a 180 ° address converter, in a manner not shown, low addresses are supplied to the pixel memory 7 via the multiplexer, which cause a 0 ° or 180 ° pixel memory field rotation.

In a further variant it is provided that the circuit for orthogonal pixel memory field rotation 15 is connected to the pixel memory 7 by at least one block of a printed image with accounting data in at least a second area II of the pixel memory 7 electronically rotated by 90 ° or by 270 ° in the printing direction to load. In the case of converting reading, the lines for the area addresses A _B supplied by the control unit 6 via inputs U _{2 of} the second multiplexer MUX2 with the area address inputs of the pixel memory 7, but the lines for the low addresses A _L supplied by the control unit 6 via an address converter ROM1 or ROM2 and the inputs U ₁ and U _{3 of} the first multiplexer MUX1 connected to the low address inputs of the pixel memory 7.

When reading out the converted data, the print control unit 14 is connected via the data line to the second area II of the pixel memory 7 and to the control unit 6. The outputs Z _{2 of} the second counter are again coupled to the area address inputs of the pixel memory 7 via the inputs U _{1 of} the second multiplexer MUX2. The outputs Z _{1 of} the first counter are connected via the inputs U ₂ directly to the low address inputs of the pixel memory 7, so that the print control unit 14 receives, during normal print data output, the billing data which can be displayed in the output means 3 in the printing direction as orthogonally rotated blocks of a print image.

Another possibility is to combine the above variants. For internal cost center printing data in the first area I of the Pixel memory 7 read in normally. In the break from printing before the strobe pulse, DS a switch to the pixel memory field rotation made. So the data is not like, for example even when franking, right into the SP shift register the switching unit SE, but only in redirected form into a second memory area II of the pixel memory 7 loaded.

The generated in the means for address field generation G. Addresses are used to write the data via the data lines into the second memory area II of the pixel memory 7 with the intended rotation. As in particular from the information on the memory areas I and II in Figure 4 can be seen the row data to column data.

The means for address field generation G is in the variant shown integrated in the printer controller 14 and implemented in hardware. On via clock impulses charged meter generates a meter reading, which is converted to an address via a ROM. To everyone appearing on data line D with the clock pulse bits addressed by the control unit 6 then there is a new address at the ROM output.

In another variant, this address field generation made by software from the control unit 6. In the pressure control unit 14 are only those State machine, a circuit for serial output SO and the switching unit SE still required.

A variant of a flowchart for a 90 ° pixel memory field rotation, shown in FIG. 5c, is only one example of a software solution. 5a shows a memory area SPB I (192 * 192) with associated source bit counter and source byte counter and in FIG. 5b a memory area SPB II (192 * 192) with associated source bit counter and source byte counter. An initial position with source byte N = 192 and source bit K = 192 is controlled in the pixel memory field (192 * 192) to be rotated. The first source address H ₁₉₂ and the first destination address Z ₁ are loaded for one data word with 192 bits.

Only the last 192 bit of the data word of the top source address H ₁₉₂ is required. Therefore, the data word is shifted in a shift register until the 192nd bit is in a carry bit memory. This carry bit is loaded as the 192nd bit into the data word to be formed under the target address Z ₁ . The source byte and destination bit counters are decremented to N: = N-1 and J: = J-1. The new second uppermost source address is obtained by decrementing by the run length variable L = 192 bits to H: = H - L.

Only the last 192 th bit of the data word of the second uppermost source address H ₁₉₁ is also required. The data word is shifted in the shift register until the 192nd bit is in a carry bit memory. This carry bit is loaded as the 191st bit into the data word to be formed under the first target address Z ₁ .

This continues until the last bit of the lowest source address H _{1 has been transferred as} the first bit into the data word of the first destination address Z ₁ . Now by decrementing N = 0 is reached, the target byte counter increments to M: = M + 1 and the source bit counter decrements to K: = K - 1. As long as the transfer of the last bit is not yet completed, the target address is incremented by the run length variable to Z. : = Z + L. The readdressing is now done because of the decremented source bit counter for the 191-th bits of all source addresses. In general, the kth bits of the data D _{H of} all source addresses become bits of the data of a destination address. When the transfer of the last bit is completed, the target byte counter is set to M = 192. After the stop, the next block can be rotated 90 ° in the same or a similar way. An orthogonal rotation through 180 ° or 270 ° is possible by repeating the flow chart several times.

Ink-jet printers can advantageously be or use a thermal transfer printer. With an ETR printer with 192 electrodes in a pressure bar thus called serially from the memory area I. 192 * 192 individual data bits re-addressed. In in the same way, the - from the readdressing Space reasons not shown in Figure 4 - further blocks of 192 * 192 bit. Of the Electronic switch is the same through others Interconnect switches constructed in this way add if with additional address converters other different rotation should be realized.

Since only a third of the memory area that must be available for franking is used for each block, this re-addressing is so fast that there is enough time for switching to the pixel memory field rotation and for serial data transfer into the SP shift register in the switching unit 2 is present. The memory areas II to IV are advantageously the same pixel memory area (RAM) that is also addressed during franking. Although an addressable RAM area of 2 ¹⁸ bit addresses is required for the memory areas I to IV, this is not fully utilized.

In the way of working, several variants are possible, which also require less storage space. In the first variant, block-by-block data is buffered in memory area II, then serially transferred to the switching unit after switching. After this transfer, the readdressing and intermediate storage can be carried out in the third memory area III. Further data of a block can thus be read, readdressed and buffered during printing. This also applies to the third block, while the second block is being printed, etc. The memory area II which has now been printed out is now free again for the data of a new block. In a second variant, all three memory areas II, III and IV are first filled with data before printing. With 2 ^18- bit addressable RAM areas, up to 7 pixel memory areas of 192 * 192 bits each can be addressed. It can easily be seen that with several available memory areas, many possible ways of working are possible in order to generate an internal cost center printout, all of which make use of the solution according to the invention.

The invention is not based on the present embodiment limited. Rather, there are a number of variations conceivable within the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. Arrangement for internal cost-centre printing by means of a franking module having a print unit, a control unit connected with input/output means and with memory means,
   characterized in

   that at least one memory area for accounting data is provided in a pixel memory, into which data are loaded under conversion and/or from which data are read out under conversion, wherein said conversion consists in a blockwise orthogonal pixel memory field rotation;

   that there is provided a means for an orthogonal pixel memory field rotation (15) for the purpose of intermediately storing a block of a printing image with accounting data that is electronically rotated by 90° or by 270° in printing direction in at least one memory area of the pixel memory (7) or to read it out from such area; and

   that the print control unit (14) reads out printing image data according to the accounting data blockwise from the pixel memory (7).
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the print control unit (14) or the control unit (6) contains the means for pixel memory field rotation (15) and that such means (15) is realised in the form of hardware and/or software.
3. An arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the pixel memory (7) receives the accounting data displayable in printing direction in the output means (3) from the control unit (6) blockwise as a printing image; that the print control unit (14) is connected with at least one first area I of the pixel memory (7) and with the control unit (6), wherein the means for orthogonal pixel memory field rotation (15) is connected with the pixel memory (7) for reading out blockwise from at least the first area I of the pixel memory (7) a block of a printing image with accounting data to be electronically rotated by 90° or by 270° in printing direction.
4. An arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for orthogonal pixel memory field rotation (15) is connected with the pixel memory (7) for loading into at least one second area II of the pixel memory (7) at least one block of a printing image with accounting data electronically rotated by 90° or by 270° in printing direction; that the print control unit (14) is connected with said second area II of the pixel memory (7) and with the control unit (6), wherein the print control unit (14), in a print data output, receives the accounting data displayable in printing direction in the output means (3) in the form of orthogonally rotated blocks of a printing image.
5. An arrangement according to any of the above claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pixel memory (7) contains at least two separate memory areas I and II from which the print control unit (14) reads out blockwise printing image data according to the accounting data; that the pixel memory (7) is connected with the control unit (6), wherein the pixel memory (7) receives blockwise as printing image the accounting data that are displayable in printing direction in the output means (3); that every block of a printing image with accounting data is intermediately stored in the first area I of the pixel memory (7) and, being converted by the means for orthogonal pixel memory field rotation (15), is transferred into at least one second area II of the pixel memory (7) in order to intermediately store at least one block of a printing image with accounting data that is electronically rotated by 90° or by 270° in printing direction in the second area II of the pixel memory (7) before the printing-out takes place.
6. An arrangement according to any of the above claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means for pixel memory field rotation consists of at least one electronic alteration switch U and a means for address generation G.
7. An arrangement according to any of the above claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electronic alteration switch U contains a multiplexer MUX1, MUX 2 and the means for address generation G contains at least one read-only memory ROM1, ROM2 for converting the addresses individually.
8. An arrangement according to any of the above claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the multiplexer MUX consists of several tristate buffers and is controlled by a state machine SM of the printer control DS; that, for the reading-out of data from a memory area of the pixel memory (7), there are generated low addresses for the internal addressing of the data of each block through a first counter Z1 and area addresses for the addressing of the storage areas through a second counter Z2.
9. A method for internal cost-centre printing with a printing device that can print out variable information, characterized in that there is performed a user dialog and a changeover of a control unit (6) of a franking machine from franking printing to internal cost-centre printing, wherein a data preparation is provided before the internal cost-centre printing and wherein the accounting data stored in the cost-centre memory (KSP) are converted into graphic pixel data by the control unit (6) and are printed out by the print head of the franking machine.
10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that, due to the changeover, the accounting data stored in a cost-centre memory (KSP) are compiled, read into a working memory, decompressed, prepared, converted into graphics pixels and intermediately stored blockwise in a pixel memory by the control unit in cooperation with input/output means; that every block contains at least accounting data on one cost-centre and, in addition, either data for identification or data of all used cost centres summarized according to the selected area; and that, for cost-centre printing, there is carried out an address field generation and the print head used for franking postal goods makes a printout for cost-centre printing that is different from a franking printout.
11. A method according to claims 9 to 10, characterized in that one more changeover is done in the print control unit (14) before the printing unit (1) of the franking module is used for internal cost-centre printing; and that, before the printing-out, a printing image that is present in blocks is orthogonally rotated in printing direction, preferably by 90°.
12. A method according to claims 9 to 10, characterized in that one more changeover is performed in the control unit (6) and, in interaction with further memory areas of the working memory (5), the orthogonal rotation of the blocks containing the information groups is performed according to a program stored in the program memory (11).
13. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the further changeover in the print control unit (14) is performed in such manner that data with converted or non-converted addresses are read into selected memory areas of the pixel memory (7) and are read out with non-converted or converted addresses.
14. A method according to claims 9 to 13, characterized in that differently orthogonally rotated blocks are intermediately stored in the memory areas of the pixel memory (7).
15. A method according to claims 9 to 14, characterized in that one block contains a number of x information groups; that a printing image existing in k blocks is blockwise electronically rotated in printing direction in such manner that the lines become columns and vice versa, wherein k blocks only contain accounting data of m_A = y * {(x * k) - 1} - 1 cost centres, the first group of information of at least one first block of an existing printing image contains an identification and the last group of information of the last block of a printing image contains a summary of the accounting data.
16. A method according to claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the strip feeder requests and prints out another strip if one strip is not sufficient for printing out all cost centres, and that the strips are identified with at least the date, the number of the internal cost centre printing and their number of order.
17. A method according to claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the identification of each strip is completed with a cryptonumber to make it forgery-proof and/or with an information on the type of order of the listing.
18. A method according to any of the above claims 9 to 17, characterized in that, before the internal cost-centre printing, there is performed a user dialog for the authorization and choice of the printing contents, wherein the use of the franking module for every cost centre is indicated.
19. A method according to any of the above claims 9 to 18, characterized in that the user dialog comprises a special authorization procedure for certain cost centres having a higher level of protection and that the access to such cost-centre information is restricted to a certain group of persons; that a cost-centre routine comprises the prompt for an area of cost centres, for the order of sequence of the cost-centre printouts and for the order of the listing within every single printout on each cost centre and there is provided an automatic formation of information groups.
20. A method according to any of the above claims 9 to 19, characterized in that a listing within a cost centre is performed according to the option printing data for specific mail category.

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