EP0866427A2 - Postverarbeitungssystem mit einer über Personalcomputer gesteuerten druckenden Maschinen-Basisstation - Google Patents
Postverarbeitungssystem mit einer über Personalcomputer gesteuerten druckenden Maschinen-Basisstation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0866427A2 EP0866427A2 EP98250056A EP98250056A EP0866427A2 EP 0866427 A2 EP0866427 A2 EP 0866427A2 EP 98250056 A EP98250056 A EP 98250056A EP 98250056 A EP98250056 A EP 98250056A EP 0866427 A2 EP0866427 A2 EP 0866427A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- security
- base station
- machine base
- mail processing
- 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.)
- Granted
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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
- G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
-
- 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
- G07B17/00314—Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
-
- 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
- G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
- G07B2017/00201—Open franking system, i.e. the printer is not dedicated to franking only, e.g. PC (Personal Computer)
-
- 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
- G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
- G07B2017/00258—Electronic hardware aspects, e.g. type of circuits used
-
- 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
- G07B17/00314—Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
- G07B2017/00322—Communication between components/modules/parts, e.g. printer, printhead, keyboard, conveyor or central unit
-
- 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
- G07B2017/0037—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
- G07B2017/00427—Special accounting procedures, e.g. storing special information
Definitions
- the invention relates to a mail processing system with a personal computer controlled printing machine base station, according to the in the preamble of claim 1 or claim 15 specified type.
- the system is suitable for the processing of filled letters of different formats for medium to large Shipping quantities.
- the basic structure of both components Personal computer and machine base station enables one cost-effective adaptation to different customer requirements.
- the system can be used as a franking system for a number of carriers Shipping system or operated as a postage cancellation system.
- Letters are created in modern offices on the personal computer.
- the printed letters are enveloped by hand in the office or with a Envelope system inserts automatically. From a medium to higher
- the number of letters or other postal items to be sent are in Franking machines, used for franking the postal items.
- US 4,746,234 relates to a thermal transfer franking machine, which is surrounded by a secured housing.
- the slot of the Personal computers have a suitable size (5 1/4 "), to accommodate the franking module, which is due to the increasing Miniaturization in modern personal computers less and less often is guaranteed.
- the manual feed of the envelope or a franking strip is only for small-scale mail processing, i.e. for a low mail volume suitable. Automatic processing of Batch mail is already due to the lack of possible combinations an automatic mail collection machine excluded. This is also the case Solution only suitable for small volumes of letters.
- a similar solution is proposed in US 5,200,903 (Neopost).
- a Personal computers or a workstation are connected via a reusable cable a peripheral franking machine connected, which a billing and Control module (meter) and a printer for both printing the Franking stamp as well as for printing the recipient address contains.
- a MODEM is connected to the personal computer.
- the personal computer acts as a means of communication and does the calculation the respective postage fees for the individual packages Reason saved postage fee tables.
- the peripheral accounting module is of this computing and memory-intensive function relieved. No additional scales are required on the franking machine be connected if the letter weight due to the letter content can be calculated by the personal computer.
- the billing module the franking machine has a processor system with postage memories and does the billing.
- the directly connected control module controls the printing of address and franking stamp. Because of the secured housing can with this solution on secured cables and secured connecting parts between the accounting module and the printer to be dispensed with. Adequate access for the service too individual components are still
- a post-loadable postage meter which is connected to a personal computer which contains a MODEM and establishes a communication link with a telephone network.
- a scale can also be connected to the franking machine or integrated into the franking machine housing.
- An interface board is inserted into a slot of the personal computer, each of which contains an interface to a load cell and a display unit, as well as an electronically erasable and programmable memory EEPROM for the ascending register, descending register.
- a standard printer is connected to the personal computer via a parallel I / O interface and carries out franking printing.
- a primary password stored in a non-volatile memory of the personal computer enables access to all franking operations.
- a secondary password for the user is stored in the non-volatile, electronically erasable and programmable memory EEPROM of the interface board. No information was given as to whether the security against tampering with the system was also guaranteed. Most public mail carriers still have security concerns about the approval of open systems. Such a printer also does not appear to be suitable for processing large and varied mail volumes.
- the invention has for its object the disadvantages of the prior art Eliminate technology and create a mail processing system which consists of physically separate components, which is a enable maximum adaptation to the respective customer requirements, whereby the use of security enclosures is reduced and yet a Misuse for the purpose of falsifying individual data Components as well as the entire system is excluded.
- a printhead for a purely electronic print is made by one Controlled printhead electronics and forms a with a transport unit Postpiece thickness-tolerant printing station.
- the security before manipulation at the interface to the printing base is done by special measures in the personal computer and in the printing base and, if necessary, additionally with a security imprint the requirements imposed by the respective postal carrier guaranteed.
- the data for the security imprint include one Signature or marking, which is a verification of the printed Postage allows.
- the invention assumes that a secured housing only for certain components of the system is required.
- the system points a safety device protected by a safety housing in the Personal computer on that with the system bus of the personal computer connected is.
- Billing and security functions are in the security means according to the invention united.
- the accounting function of the Security means is based on a fast and tamper-proof Hardware accounting unit and non-volatile memory components, which, when the machine is switched off, has no support voltage for data retention need.
- a special data transmission hardware and a special fast interface to the machine base station allows a special control of at least the machine base station the means of security, whereby on the above Way of using the Machine base station without a connected safety device is made impossible.
- the system is based on a software-based security module Security means with a high level of security against manipulation fitted.
- a security processor preferably an OTP (One Time Programmable) processor is arranged in the security means and contains all safety-relevant programs saved in a read-out safe manner.
- OTP One Time Programmable
- the Security processor is with at least one unreadable Program part programmed to include at least one of the variety Perform safety functions. It is provided that the Security processor via the parallel input / output interface of the Security means and the PC system bus connected to a modem or that the security processor has at least one serial Interface of the security means is connected to a modem.
- These user programs are advantageous used to run the system under WINDOWS for a carrier variety Operate franking system, shipping system or postage cancellation system.
- the program memory of the personal computer and / or the Security means preferably contains an associated user program with a postage calculation based on entered shipping data and a weight entered manually or by scales or based on data entered for indirect weight calculation.
- the postage calculation includes a Subroutine for determining the cheapest mail carrier for the appropriate shipping or transportation task.
- the invention provides for a settlement in the Personal computer arranged at least one security means to carry out hardware and thereby for a large number of mail carriers assigned to the currently set mail carrier.
- service request means for mail processing for at least one mail carrier with the PC system bus are connected that at least one security means with equipped with at least one user-specific hardware circuit at least in the associated non-volatile memory chips carries out a settlement relating to a postal carrier.
- a separate security means is available for each mail carrier Insertable into a slot of a personal computer, the Slot can be changed, or there will be groups Mail carriers are each assigned a specific security means.
- the security means has at least one software-based security module in the safety processor or in the program memory and at least one fast interface.
- a software-based security module in the security processor is for example for generation of data for a security imprint or for the production of the Security provided during printing.
- a variety of software-based Security modules is for different mail carriers and purposes also usable.
- a software-based security module in the security processor can also fully meet the needs and demands of one specific mail carrier.
- the security processor of the security means with a modem in Communication connection is established as well as with an unreadable Program part is programmed, which is a tamper-proof Credit reloading into the postal register that is in the non-volatile Memory modules are formed, performed.
- the security means is via a first data cable and a Processing circuit of the special interface unit and / or Print head electronics in the machine base station to control one postage thickness-tolerant printing station connected.
- the security tool preferably has a fast serial interface for connection to the printhead electronics in the machine base station.
- the Machine base station contains and is a thickness-tolerant printing station via a special interface unit with the security means coupled.
- the security medium SM uses a special high speed serial channel connecting to the special Interface unit of the special machine base station manufactured.
- the Machine base station with the intention of manipulation. Additional special measures ensure security against an unauthorized manipulation.
- the approval numbers for the permitted safety equipment stored or listed which security means accessed must be made to settle the bill for a selected mail carrier perform.
- the user program of the personal computer and in a program module of the security means are the permitted or suitable printing devices according to the respective user program listed.
- the user program of the personal computer and in routines are stored in a program module of the security means, to be able to check each other's authorization. It is from Personal computer checked whether this corresponds to the respective user program or security means assigned to the respective postal carrier is connected and whether the respective user program assigned machine base station is connected.
- the security of the invention Mail processing system is based on two measures, which for one the way the safety device works and the other the How the franking printer works: a) The security means protected against manipulation of the postage fee settlement and b) the franking imprint of the franking printer is used against counterfeiting secured.
- the security of the security means is based on the fact that it is in contrast to a pure PC solution with special hardware acts.
- This special hardware has an interface to the PC system bus. But beyond that there is no access to the postage accounting program or to another security-related program, possible for security-relevant data or postage storage To write data.
- This security-relevant data can only read out by the processor of the security means or - for example as part of a credit reload - be used or changed.
- the billing data can be processed by the processor of the Personal computers are only read out, for example for the purpose View this billing information.
- the security device itself can be physically secured by various measures.
- the easiest The form of security is to encapsulate and seal the security agent.
- An equivalent measure is the shedding of the safety-relevant Hardware components, such as the postage memory.
- a higher level of security against manipulation is provided by a special variant of the security means in the form of a user-specific Circuit (ASIC) reached.
- ASIC user-specific Circuit
- the machine base station forms together with others individually controllable stations a mail processing machine, the individually controllable stations each with a second data cable interface with each other.
- an individually controllable station of the Mail processing machine an automatic feed station for mail items and with the machine base station via the second data cable is interfaced.
- the one with the security device equipped personal computer controls next to the machine base station also the automatic feed station on which side of the incoming mail is connected and an envelope or other Post mail to the inbox of the machine base station.
- an individually controllable station of the Mail processing machine is a dynamic scale and over second Interface data cable with the machine base station connected is.
- the individually controllable station is a dynamic scale and over a second Data cable with the machine base station and via a separate one Data cable is interfaced with the security means.
- the automatic Feeding station via a second data cable with the dynamic Scale and the dynamic scale via another second data cable is interfaced with the machine base station and that the machine base station and a first and separate Interface data cable with the security means in the personal computer connected is.
- the user-specific hardware circuit of the security device are in addition to the hardware accounting unit for executing an accounting function at least one serial interface with means for execution a security function included, the minimum a serial interface equipped with a monitoring circuit which is with the printhead electronics of the special interface unit or a processing circuit of the special interface unit interacts.
- the monitoring circuit can advantageously be connected operated with a software security module.
- the user-specific hardware circuit is preferably the Security means also with a medium-fast second serial interface equipped with a sensor / actuator control with couplers galvanic isolation includes to the machine base station together with other individually controllable stations of the mail processing machine via the processing circuit of the special interface unit to control. Optocouplers are preferred as couplers for use.
- the user-specific hardware circuit of the security means with a medium-fast second serial interface and with a slow third serial Interface is equipped, the medium-fast second serial Interface includes a sensor / actuator control and optocoupler, around the machine base station via the processing circuitry of the to control special interface unit as well as being the slow third serial interface is a UART circuit and optocoupler includes the further individually controllable stations of the Mail processing machine via a transmission circuit of the to control special interface unit.
- Security means 6 at least the following components: Microprocessor 1, program memory 2, memory 3, input / output port 4, and disk storage 5. This structure is supplemented by a display 8 and keyboard 9. Since the rest of the PC structure no special features has and is generally known, can at this point on a detailed description can be omitted.
- the security means 6 with the PC system bus 7 via a parallel input / output interface 64 and with the printing machine base station 24 via at least one serial interface 61, 62, 63 is connected, the at least one serial interface 62 as a special data transmission unit for Fast serial data transfer to the special interface unit 26 and the printhead electronics 81 in the machine base station 24 is trained.
- the security means 6 has mechanical and electrical required for the coupling on the PC system bus 7 System interface and is preferably in one of the free Slots of the personal computer 10 operated.
- the coupling on the system bus 7 of the personal computer 10 enabled by the parallel data transmission based on the clock rate of the Microprocessor 1 has a fast data throughput.
- the security tool also features a fast, tamper-proof special interface at least to output the print data to the print head 82 in the Machine base station 24.
- a quick one Tamper-proof special interface 26 at least for reception and forwarding the print data to the franking printhead 82 in the base 24 provided.
- the two aforementioned interfaces are via one Data cable 15 connected.
- the machine base station 24 forms together with others individually controllable stations 27, 28 a mail processing machine 20, wherein the individually controllable stations 27, 28 by means of data cables 25 interface with each other.
- the mail processing machine 20 On the right in FIG. 1 is the mail processing machine 20 in which Top view shown.
- the mail processing machine 20 is in shown in perspective, but the machine base station 24 is included one meter 40 combined.
- the meter can be used as a laptop and the Machine base station 24 can be designed as a docking station which is the laptop equipped with at least one security device is stuck.
- the laptop preferably has full functionality a personal computer.
- the meter 40 is through the aforementioned with the security means 6 equipped personal computers have been replaced.
- an automatic feed station 28 is connected on the incoming mail side.
- the automatic feed station 28 is intended to automatically send an envelope to the Create the inbox of the machine base station 24. she closes possibly - the arrangement, not shown - of an automatic Letter humidifier and closer.
- the postage to be franked is placed vertically on a support surface.
- With a swivel Pressure arm 281 resiliently counteracts the stack of mail items to be franked pressed a contact surface from which is driven by a motor Stand out feed rollers 282.
- the feed roller 282 does one Separation of postal items and is in the unpublished German application DE 196 05 017.0 has been described in more detail.
- the machine base station of the mail processing machine 20 becomes explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 9.
- the envelopes and similar mail pieces upright, slightly tilted backwards, with the help of a circulating conveyor belt equipped with pressure elements 243 242 transported to the franking printing station of the machine base station 24.
- the conveyor belt 242 with the pressure elements 243 is a Roller 244 driven and forms the transport unit of the machine base station 24.
- the transport base 242 to 244 of the machine base station 24 forms the together with the franking printhead 82 Franking station.
- the beginning of the envelope is immediately before the Franking printing station recognized by a sensor 247.
- an optical sensor 247 is arranged in a guide plate 240.
- the transport unit 242 to 244 become the envelope 30 or Parcel or franking strips before, within and after the Franking printing station transported.
- the envelopes are on the Guide plate 240 in which at least one window 241 is provided and in the at least one ink printhead 82 for printing is installed. If the conveyor belt 242 with the pressure elements 243 moves, an on / off Deflection part 245 or 246 in extensions of the pressure elements 243 in order for the envelope 30 Form clamping or for supplied or to be discharged Open envelopes.
- DE 19 605 014 and DE 19 605 015 became such Machine base station proposed for a franking machine and described in more detail.
- the envelope 30 is in the machine base station 24 on the above mentioned way transported by the conveyor belt 242 and by the Printed side facing away from viewer.
- the Mail processing machine 20 supplemented by a shelf 23.
- the envelopes would come with the printed side face down so that a running visual Control is not possible.
- the envelope passes behind the Printing station, a channel 22 and is deflected by a rocker 21 then fall into a box of tray 23.
- the mail processing machine 20 additionally has thick mail items one - shown in FIG. 10 - strip dispenser 248 for self-adhesive Franking strips on.
- the stripe encoder 248 is in the unpublished German application DE described in more detail.
- FIG 2a is for the variant of the mail processing system
- Figure 1 has been shown a general block diagram.
- the mail processing machine 20 consists of the automatic feed station 28, the machine base station 24 and the tray 23. It is over a first data cable 15 connected to the security means 6, which as PC slot corresponding to the outside - not shown - Has connection contact means for data cables.
- the franking imprint station does not have a meter, but only a machine base station and Franking printer means 81, 82 and other means which are based on the Figure 4 will be explained below.
- the billing function of the without the invention, the meter is required by the security means 6 accepted.
- individually controllable station 28 a is automatic feed station for mail and with data cable 25 with the machine base station 24 is interfaced.
- the personal computer equipped with the security means 6 thus controls 10 the machine base station 24 and the automatic one Feeding station 28, which is connected on the incoming mail side and a Envelope automatically to the inbox of the machine base station 24 creates.
- the verification functions that otherwise perform one meter would have to be taken over by the security means 6 according to the invention, which is arranged in the personal computer.
- the security means 6 can be arranged in a variety in the personal computer. Without a security means 6 and only with a computer can the Stations 28 and 24 are not operated.
- a personal computer 10 improves the system in terms of some properties, especially in terms of ease of use compared to one System.
- the system can now, for example also on a variety of other, especially private, mail carriers be applied. Freight or parcels can also be dispatched when a corresponding user program is called.
- FIG. 10 is a view of a mail processing system shown with a meter instead of the personal computer.
- the use the services of other, in particular private, mail carriers are limited due to the lower storage and data processing capacity of a meter compared to the personal computer.
- Last but not least the limited display and input options can be an application the franking machine for private mail carriers only in very limited Frame.
- the system according to the invention is on not limited anywhere.
- such a meter variant would be more expensive than a slot for a personal computer and would also a service technician to change the safety equipment for others require private mail carriers.
- FIG. 2b shows an expanded variant of the mail processing system as a block diagram.
- the system includes an automatic feed station 28, supplemented with a dynamic scale 27, a machine base station 24 and a personal computer 10.
- the automatic Feed station 28 separates letter envelopes from a stack and feeds them the machine base station 24, i.e. serves as a letter feeder. Act it different stacking weights in the stack of envelopes each require different postage, namely the additional Use of a dynamic scale 27 makes sense to the respective To determine the letter weight.
- the dynamic scale 27 allows one higher throughput of different postal items (mixed mail) for one automatic mail processing.
- the letter weight is indirectly from the scale 16 reported to the security module 6.
- the weight data are initially from the scale 16 via the second data cable 25.2 the machine base station 24 is sent and from this on the already existing line of the first data cable 15 to the security module 6 transferred.
- FIG. 2c shows an alternative variant of the mail processing system as a block diagram. It is equipped with an automatic Feeding station, with a dynamic scale 27, a machine base station 24 and a personal computer 10, the dynamic Balance 27 directly to the. Using a separate first data cable 15.2 Personal computer is connected. , with the personal computer 10 again is equipped with the security means 6. It is envisaged that the dynamic scale is an individually controllable station 27 and therefore via a second data cable 25.2 to the machine base station 24 is interfaced. The machine base station 24 is over the first data cable 15.1 also interface with the Security means 6 connected so that all security means 6 Monitoring tasks can be performed.
- the letter weight is directly after the alternative variant (Fig.2c) reported the security module 6, which for this with a - similar to the shown in Figure 7 - separate interface UART & OPTOKOPPLER is equipped.
- the correct postage is based on saved postage tables Franking value calculated, which the security module 6 bills. From Application program, the print data are generated and the Security module 6 is transmitted to the franking printhead 82, so that in the franking imprint station, for example, to the corresponding one The franking value calculated for this purpose is printed on the package. With this application the speed advantages come Franking device according to the invention fully to carry.
- the postage is not determined from the personal computer but from the security processor of the Security module performed, its structure and clock rate one Enable calculation in the millisecond range.
- the data transmission path from and to the printhead electronics 81 of the Franking printhead 82 is especially for the transmission of data formats designed. It is therefore at least two powers of ten faster than Data transfers via the second data cables 25.1 and 25.2 Standard interfaces, such as using a V24 interface. In order to can achieve maximum letter throughput even with changing letter weights be guaranteed. Both after the extended and after the alternative variant leads the personal computer 10 with inclusion of the security means 6 the postage calculation according to the desired Service of a selectable mail carrier according to valid tariffs.
- FIG. 2d shows a basic circuit diagram for a mail processing system shown according to the preferred variant. It is automatic Feeding station, with a dynamic scale, a machine base station and equipped with a personal computer, the dynamic scale, however, via the machine base station with the Personal computer is connected. Although the data of the dynamic Scales run over a third serial interface of the security device, the postage is not calculated in the security means, but from User program in the personal computer. That in the program memory user program stored on the personal computer also controls the functions of the individually controllable stations 27, 28 of the envelope processing system 20, with all traffic over the Security means 6 is processed. The individually controllable stations 27, 28 are each by means of the second data cable 25.1, 25.2 interfaced with each other, preferably one V24 interface is used.
- the automatic feed station 28 via data cable 25.1 with the dynamic scale 27 and the dynamic scale 27 over Data cable 25.2 interface with the machine base station 24 connected.
- the machine base station 24 is again separate first data cable 15.1 and 15.3 with the one with the security means 6 equipped personal computer 10 is interfaced. It is advantageous that the first or separate data cables 15.1 to 15.3 combined into a common first data cable 15 which is via a plug / socket with the special interface unit 26 is connected in the machine base station 24. All Data cables and interfaces are of course with appropriate Connection contact means equipped.
- the machine base station 24 a postal station thickness-tolerant printing station 82, 242 to 244 and one Has special interface unit 26, which of the Print head electronics 81 controlled print head 82 with a Transport unit 242 to 244 the postage thickness tolerant printing station forms.
- the service request means 1, 2, 9 are for the Mail processing for at least one mail carrier with the PC system bus 7 connected.
- At least one safety device 6 is provided Post carrier provided and the security means 6 has a user-specific hardware circuit 66 connected to the PC system bus 7 via a parallel input / output interface 64 and with the printing machine base station 24 via at least one Interface 61, 62, 63 and a first data cable 15 is connected, the at least one interface 61 in the user-specific Hardware circuit 66 as a special data transmission unit for fast data transmission between the security means 6 and one Processing circuit 268 of the special interface unit 26 and / or the printhead electronics 81 in the machine base station 24 is trained.
- the user-specific hardware circuit 66 contains Means 60, 61 for performing accounting and security functions for at least one selected mail carrier, the Hardware circuit 66 with non-volatile memory chips 68, 69 and is connected to a security processor 77 which has at least a non-readable program part is programmed to at least perform one of a variety of security functions.
- the safety means 6 shown in FIG. 3 has one Program memory EPROM 71, a (security) OTP processor 77, an input / output circuit 64 as a system interface to the PC system bus, a special data transmission and monitoring unit in the fast first serial interface 61, a hardware accounting unit 60 and non-volatile memory chips 68, 69.
- the security means 6 has a manipulation user-specific hardware circuit 66 for executing a Billing and security function.
- Circuit arrangement 66 the means 60 to 64 is advantageous by means of a user-specific one Circuit (ASIC) and is therefore tamper-proof.
- ASIC user-specific one Circuit
- the Hardware circuit 66 is connected to the non-volatile memory modules 68, 69 and connected to the security processor 77, which with a unreadable program is programmed to at least one out perform a variety of safety functions.
- the security processor 77 via the parallel input / output interface of the security means 6 and the PC system bus 7 is connected to a modem 11 and that Security processor 77 with a non-readable program part is programmed, which is a tamper-proof credit reload into the postal registers, which are in the non-volatile memory modules 68, 69 are formed.
- the security processor 77 via the at least one serial interface 61, 62 or 63 of the security means 6 with a Modem 11 is connected and that the security processor 77 with a Non-readable program part programmed for credit reloading is.
- the security processor 77 is preferably a microcontroller from Type DS83C520-CPU with a 16Kbyte internal program memory for a corresponding non-readable program part or other software-based security modules.
- the non-volatile memory modules are preferably around FRAM's 68, 69, preferably of the type FM1208S from RAMTRON, which, when the machine is switched off, has no support voltage for Need data retention. Access to the non-volatile FRAM memory area is controlled by the hardware circuit 66 (ASIC). The microcontroller can write and read on the whole Access memory area of the FRAM's. A special cryptographic Key for Data Encryption Standard (DES) or similar encryption methods in the internal program memory of the microcontroller 77 is used to decode the program data, which during initialization via the hardware circuit 66 into the non-volatile FRAM memory 68, 67 of the security means 6 can be loaded.
- DES Data Encryption Standard
- This Security-relevant program data are stored in the outside of the Security means 6 stored inaccessible memory areas.
- the plain text of the program is therefore only available in security means 6 Available.
- the remaining components of the system or the personal computer do not offer any possibility of interpreting the internal Program parts.
- the hardware circuit 66 (ASIC) ensures that from external only on the lower halves of the address space of the FRAM memories 68, 67 can be accessed.
- the upper halves of the address space of the FRAM memories 68, 67 remain inaccessible from the outside, so that there for example a DES key and the secret numbers for the Remote value specification for credit reloading as well as further instructions for further security measures in the form of program modules can be saved.
- a RESET logic 78 is provided in the safety means 6, the voltage rise when the personal computer 10 is switched on to detect and around the security means 6 in a defined Switch start state. If the accounting unit 60 the accounting an enable signal F is sent to a control unit 610 in the special data transmission and monitoring unit of issued fast first serial interface 61. The control unit 610 controls a shift register in the first serial interface 61 effective, which with parallel data from the PC system bus via the An input / output unit 64 is applied to a parallel / series conversion perform so that the data is serial to electronics 26, 81 in the machine base station 24 are transmitted.
- a basic one A description of such a security means 6 is, for example unpublished German application DE 196 03 467.1 with the Title: Franking machine, removable.
- the security means 6 can also have a CLOCK / DATE module 70 be equipped to meet postal regulations, which prohibit backdating of mail. According to the Turning the system on advantageously has a date setting procedure are used, which is described in European publication EP 745 958 A2 has been described in detail.
- the first serial interface 61 as Part of a special data transmission and monitoring unit a first safety circuit unit 611 and a second Safety circuit unit 612 provided.
- the first safety circuit unit 611 is provided in order to transmit the serial Add additional data and / or the aforementioned data to encrypt at least partially.
- the second safety circuit unit 612 is provided to transmit the serially received Evaluate data after its serial / parallel conversion, during or before they are connected to the PC system bus 64.
- the special one Data transmission and monitoring unit 61 thus forms one special serial interface that is fast and tamper-proof and pressure monitoring allowed.
- This special interface 61 has - not shown - output-side optocouplers for galvanic Disconnection and corresponding connection contact means.
- the security-related programs stored in the OTP processor 77 are, and others in the program memory EPROM 71 of the security means 6 stored programs becomes a security module created which the data transfer between personal computer 10th and machine base station 24 according to various criteria supervised. Thus, manipulation of the print data becomes essential made difficult or practically impossible.
- This allows in addition to the transmission of print data also the transmission of further data for communication with the mail processing machine 20, in particular with the machine base station 24. For example, a data rate of approx. 1,000,000 Bd when transferring data between personal computers 10 and Machine base station 24 reached.
- a fast special interface unit 26 is shown in FIG Machine base station 24 shown. It is envisaged that the special Interface unit 26 in the machine base station 24 one High speed channel and pressure pulse generating means 266 has the high speed channel with the printhead electronics 81 and the pressure pulse generating means 266 on the input side with an encoder 80 and on the output side with the printhead modules of the print head 82 are connected. Via the high-speed channel is at least one pressure signal on the pressure pulse generating means 266 applied when the sensor 247 a beginning of a Envelope or other piece of mail or franking tape start detected.
- the print head electronics 81 are also with the shift register SR shift registers connected to transmission circuit 260, which are coupled to the high speed serial channel to receive at least the print data of a print column and Send status reports.
- the special interface unit 26 has a fast transmission unit 260 on, for serial / parallel conversion of transmitted data, which relate to the control system and sensor data to be transmitted and status data that are required for control.
- the fast transmission circuit 260 with shift register SR and Data buffer is part of a processing circuit 268 which 24 parallel sensor data for both the machine base station receives and sends parallel actuator data, as well as for transmission of data from and to other stations of the mail processing machine 20 is formed.
- Processing circuit 268 is for the latter purpose equipped with a V24 interface to which a socket 269 for Plug contacts is connected. A plug is inserted into the socket 269 inserted the second data cable 25, which to another station the mail processing machine 20 leads.
- the printhead electronics 81 is connected to an encoder 80, which is a Emits a signal corresponding to the letter transport speed.
- Figure 9 shows a machine base station 24 with a device for upright letter transport 242 to 244, with means 801, 802 of the encoder 80 and with the franking printhead 82.
- With the drive roller 244 is one Incremental encoder disk 801 coupled, which with a photo cell 802 cooperates.
- the encoder signal is in addition to the safety means 6 via the High speed channel transmitted.
- the security means 6 is about a clock signal CLOCK for the high speed channel High-speed channel shift register to the fast special interface unit 26 and the printhead electronics 81 in the Machine base station 24 transmitted.
- the shift register SR the fast transmission circuit 260 indicates data in parallel Processing means in processing circuit 268.
- the transmission circuit 260 contains further registers (not shown) for data buffering and processing circuitry 268 possibly a state machine (state machine) and others Means for communication with the security means 6.
- an intelligent processing circuit 268 to use, consisting of a RAM 261, a Program memory 262, a central processing unit CPU 263, a non-volatile memory NVRAM 264, for an intelligent Sensor / actuator control.
- the security means 6 itself must then no actuator / sensor control, just needs required instructions from the application program to the base 24 to transmit.
- the fast transmission circuit 260 contains for this at least one with the serial channel of printhead electronics 81 connected shift register SR for instructions and others for that Machine base station 24 or for the other stations of the Mail processing machine 20 to receive certain data or Data from these stations come to the security means 6 send.
- the CPU 263 can, depending on the evaluation of the V24 interface and the sensor / actuator electronics 268 an interrupt signal generate and deliver to the security means 6.
- the one from the Stations of the mail processing machine 20 transmitted data subjected to preprocessing to only the most necessary data the security means 6 from the special interface unit 26 to transfer.
- a non-volatile Memory of the printhead control electronics 81 contains the identification number from the printhead 82 and possibly other specific data for the Operation of print head 82.
- the sensors / actuator electronics in the processing circuit 268 is with the - not shown - non-volatile Print head control electronics 81 memory via data and control lines connected.
- the storage and processing means 261 to 263 are used to check the authorization of each other Security means 6 and special interface unit 26 and / or des Printhead 82 used, preferably a standard method is used.
- the block diagram shown in FIG. 5 for a second variant of the Security means 6 differs from the first variant Provide a second interface 62, which means for the actuator / Sensor control and output-side optocouplers for galvanic Separation includes.
- the means for the actuator / sensor control are in Hardware, preferably as part of an ASIC, executed and in European patent application EP 716 398 A2 under the title: Postage meter internal interface circuit and method for Tamper-proof print data control has been shown in more detail.
- EP 716 398 A2 is the means of the actuator / sensor control not in the meter but now in the ASIC of the safety device 6 arranged.
- FIG. 6 shows a block diagram with the special Interface unit SE 26 in the machine base station for two serial Interfaces for connection to the security means 6 (according to the above explained 2nd variant shown in Fig. 5).
- the connection to the Security means 6 has already been described in principle above with reference to FIG. 2D explained.
- Another data cable 15.2 becomes the first data cable 15.1 added or all lines to a common data cable 15 summarized.
- the lines are each with a 50-pin Data connector connected to an associated socket Transmission circuit 267 of the machine base station 24 is inserted.
- the transmission circuit 267 has a separate channel Processing circuit 268, which consists essentially of a Series connection on shift registers SR 6, SR 7, SR 8, SR 9 and there are further shift registers, not shown, which are all in the SEROUT2 line for serial data transmission are looped in.
- the SEROUT2 line leads through a socket 269 to other - not shown - shift registers to the actuators and sensors further Stations 27, 28 of the mail processing machine 20 with data apply or query sensor data.
- An end plug 29 connects the serial data lines SEROUT2 and SERIN2, which thus form a closed loop.
- FIG. 7 shows a block diagram for a third variant of the Security means 6 with three types of serial interfaces 61, 62 and 63.
- the serial interface 61 again leads directly via optocouplers and the TTL high-speed channel to the pressure control electronics 81.
- Die medium-fast serial interface 62 is with the sensor / actuator control and optocouplers equipped - as shown in Fig. 5 - and leads - as 6 - separate from processing circuit 268 of FIG special interface unit 26.
- An additional slow serial Interface 63 is with UART electronics, for example ST16C450 or another corresponding serial input / output circuit, RS 232 and others, and optocouplers and is used to control the Stations of the mail processing machine 20 to the left of the base 24.
- Die three serial interfaces 61, 62 and 63 are via the Input / output circuit 64 connected to the PC system bus 7 and are created in parallel with data from the respective user program Control and query of the mail processing machine 20 is applied.
- a block diagram with the special interface unit SE 26 in the machine base station 24, the three serial interfaces 61, 62, 63 for connection to the safety means 6 (according to the third variant according to FIG. 7) is explained with reference to FIG.
- the arrangement of the switching means is as explained in FIG. 6, with the exception of the transmission circuit 267 on the PC-side socket of the special interface unit 26 and with the exception of the socket 269.
- Transmission circuit 267 includes another slow channel with a level converter to convert the TTL level to a V24 level.
- the socket 269 is connected to this level converter and now advantageously carries the V24 level. Further stations 27, 28 can now be connected to socket 269, all of which are equipped with V24 interfaces as standard.
- the data line SEROUT2 which contains at least the series circuit of shift registers SR 6 to SR 9, is already connected to the serial data line SERIN2 by a connecting line in the processing circuit 268 in order to form a closed loop.
- Shift registers are also arranged in the printhead electronics 81, which are coupled to the high speed serial channel to receive at least the print data of a print column and Send status reports.
- the printhead electronics 81 contains a - not shown - associated electronics, which lock or unlock the printing process can. For example, similar to the method for Tamper-proof print data control (EP 716 398 A2) Authorization ascertained an activation and the length of the print record are monitored to prevent manipulation in To complicate intent to emboss.
- authenticity is achieved in one variant at least some print data checked by printhead electronics 81.
- a software-based security module of the security means 6 is appropriately trained to deliver the required print data, which allow an aforementioned test.
- Another software module of the security means 6 is designed to the required print data for a security print with signature deliver which in the post office or at the selected one Post carrier is verifiable.
- RSA encryption is used.
- the Machine base station 24 is not necessarily in one secured housing, as is the case with conventional franking machines is common. Such a measure could not prevent that the line 15 instead of with the security module 6 with a prepared PC output is connected, via which then a sequence previously heard pressure signals are generated for which no billing more exists.
- One way of data transmission on line 15 to secure, is to encode the transmitted data.
- the safety module is located on the output side Encryption module and on the receiver side behind the interface of the Franking printer a corresponding decryption module. The Encryption can be carried out using the RSA procedure, which is considered secure respectively.
- the data line between the decoder module and the Register, which directly the individual printing elements of the Dot matrix printer controls must of course also be saved.
- the easiest way to do this is to put the two building blocks together be cast or their functions are integrated in an ASIC, the ASIC is physically connected to the printhead and only the print head 82 with the associated electronics 81 by a Security housing is secured.
- An alternative way to secure line 15 is that cryptified additional to the conventional franking information Information printed on the envelope as a mark or signature will. This information is preferably considered machine-readable Barcode printed. These printed codes are from specially installed in the post branches or distribution systems Readers recorded and checked for authenticity. Even color copies of real franking imprints could be discovered and removed in this way be pulled out of traffic. The details of such a procedure are from the applicant in DE 43 44 471 for use in conventional franking machines have been described. In comparison with the above Solution of the coded transmission of all information about the Line 15, the variant described here has the advantage that no effort on the receiver side in the franking printer Decryption of information needs to be done because of that now additionally supplied encrypted information is also encrypted to be printed.
- the franking print head 82 is preferably a dot matrix printer executed to change information, e.g. different Customer logos to be able to print.
- the printing process is the piezo ink jet process. It allows due its high printing speed also the rational processing large amounts of letters.
- Such a printhead is from the applicant (FP) developed and described in detail in US 5,592,203. Around enable the printer to have different envelope thicknesses To be able to print with the same quality is one of the applicant Arrangement under the file number DE 196 05 014.6 (not previously published), which are the transport and Describes printer means for a variant of the machine base station.
- FIG. 11 is a flow chart for the operation of the Postal processing system explained as a franking system.
- the user starts the personal computer and loads it with the associated one User program in step 100.
- the user finds the usual one User interface with PC keyboard and PC display unit, which already allowed by the hardware, in a comfortable way perform more functions than a meter for a franking machine could do.
- a menu navigation under the operating system WINDOWS allows you to select the one you want before loading User program.
- After loading the desired user program it is automatically checked in step 100 whether the security means is available that corresponds to the respective user program or assigned to the respective postal carrier.
- the variants included where several security modules are checked must be assigned to a specific mail carrier or where a variety of security modules to a variety Security funds is distributed.
- Another check is done automatically, to query the connection of the associated machine base station.
- the aforementioned tests include mutual verification the authorization of at least some of the components of the System. Is the presence corresponding to one of the queries 101 and 102 is not guaranteed, the user program is ended (Terminator). In addition to the query steps 101 and 102 shown can still further query steps - not shown in Fig. 11 be run through. Otherwise, after the aforementioned query branched to step 103 to activate the user program.
- a subsequent display and input routine in step 104 brings Non-volatile entries according to the last setting for display and enables menu-based further entries according to the desired service or shipping task.
- the franking user program contains an associated step 105 for postage calculation based on entered shipping data and of a weight entered manually or by scales or contains Subroutine for indirect weight calculation based on entered data.
- the postage calculation includes a preferred one Embodiment a subroutine to determine the cheapest Post carrier for the corresponding shipping or transport task. Or before the postage calculation - not in one Step 105a shown - the actuality of the stored tariffs the mail carrier checked and, if necessary, restored.
- the Security means has an automatic check routine, whether the selected services are up to date and available, otherwise establish communication with a remote data center 12, with special request data sent by the modem 11 and the required data received from the data center 12 and the required data is loaded into the memory of the security means will.
- the modem 11 is either directly or indirectly with the Security means 6 connected to the transmission of the required data to carry out at the request of the security means 6.
- the last one Variant becomes a from the data center TDC to the personal computer 10 Correspondingly suitable communication connection via modem 12 switched.
- a query step 106 takes place to determine a reloading requirement for a fuel credit, if the residual value R1 is smaller than the calculated postage.
- a reloading requirement exists on one step 107 for establishing communication via modem with a Data center, for example the teleporto data center from FP, for Reloading the postal register with a credit using a Remote value specification.
- the personal computer 10 - shown in FIG. 1 - contains one with the security agent 6 via the PC system bus connected modem 11, which the communication link to remote teleporto data center. Alternatively, however, it can Modem 11 - in a manner not shown - also via a serial Interface with the security means.
- step 107 After going through step 107 to produce a Communication via modem and reloading is done on the display and The input routine branched back in step 104. Otherwise from step 106 to step 108 for billing in the security module, including output of the register values and the signature to the Program branches, which corresponds to that made in step 104 Settings using saved data Printing of the postal matter in step 109 causes.
- the fixed dates, in particular frame data of the stamp image corresponding to the chosen mail carrier, and the semi-permeable window data, in particular advertising slogan graphic data, as well as the variable window data regarding postage in the value stamp, date in the date stamp and the signature together form a security imprint.
- the signature is in the security means 6 at least part of a encrypted checksum and added to the stamp image.
- the Query step 110 reached to finish mail processing determine (terminator) or otherwise for another Franking with changed settings on step 104 for display and branch back input.
- the printing of the mail in the Step 109 includes a number of subroutines, which run only in the safety means 6 and ensure that a Franking takes place with the billed postage value, or for Monitoring and control of the machine base station contribute.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 - An embodiment - shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 - is preferred of the security means SM 6 and the special interface unit 26 in the machine base station 24 is used.
- the transmission of print data to the machine base station 24 takes place via a first fast serial Interface in the security means 6 via data cable 15.1 and the The machine base station 24 is controlled via a second serial Interface in security device 6 via data cable 15.3.
- a third serial interface is also provided in the security means 6, for other peripheral devices such as automatic feed station 28 and dynamic scale 27 to the left of the machine base station 24 head for.
- time-critical controls Data lines are provided separately from the serial interface lines. All lines are advantageously in the data cable 15 summarized. The lines are each with a 50-pin Data connector connected to an associated socket Transmission circuit 267 of the machine base station 24 is inserted.
- both the automatic feeding station, the dynamic scale DW 27 and the Machine base station as well as the additional component a separate fast interface to the personal computer 10 be equipped.
- the at least one fast serial interface 61 which a data transmission and monitoring unit DÜ includes a corresponding number of connections for the High speed channels of the security agent SM 6 equipped.
- the system is advantageous to those from post carrier to post carrier adaptable to different postal conditions.
- a Security means 6 are added or exchanged.
- the Postage is calculated for a specific mail carrier in the Security means 6 from the security processor 77 according to a program be performed that EPROM 71 stored in the program memory and is specially tailored to the mail carrier.
- the billing takes place again in terms of hardware by means of accounting means 66 and the FRAM memories 68, 69.
- EPROM 71 contains one in the program memory Many such postage calculation programs are saved. The Postage calculation is made for a specific one from the variety Post carriers in security means 6 from security processor 77 after a corresponding program to be carried out that in Program memory EPROM 71 is stored and specifically on the selected mail carrier is tailored. It is also a variety on hardware processing units 60 and on FRAM memories 68, 69 intended. For the hardware-based billing is from the multitude Hardware accounting units 60 and associated FRAM memories 68, 69 there is a certain hardware accounting circuit, which by the Choice of mail carrier is selected. It is envisaged that in Security means 6 a number of hardware accounting units 60 associated non-volatile memory chips 68, 69 corresponding to the Number of mail carriers are provided to settle a bill Postage.
- the borderline case it contains at least one Security means 6 a settlement relating to a mail carrier, so that for a number of different mail carriers in the Personal computer an equal number of security means (6) is inserted.
- These security means 6 are on the output side an adapter connected to the first data cable 15, the Adapter the print data of the respective billing security means 6 in grinds in the high-speed channel. in the personal computer 10 set user program ensures that only one of the Security means 6 can transmit print data serially.
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Abstract
Description
Alternativ wird gemäß einer anderen Variante der US 5,309,393 ein offenes System vorgeschlagen. In einen Slot des Personalcomputers wird ein Interface-Board eingeschoben, welches sowohl jeweils eine Schnittstelle zu einer Wiegezelle und zu einer Anzeigeeinheit, als auch einen elektronisch lösch- und programmierbaren Speicher EEPROM für die Postregister (ascending register, descending register) enthält. Über eine parallele E/A-Schnittstelle ist am Personalcomputer ein üblicher Drucker angeschlossen, der den Frankierdruck durchführt. Ein in einem nichtflüchtigem Speicher des Personalcomputers gespeichertes primäres Paßwort ermöglicht den Zugriff auf alle Frankieroperationen. Im nichtflüchtigem elektronisch lösch- und programmierbaren Speicher EEPROM des Interface-Board's ist ein sekundäres Paßwort für die Nutzer gespeichert. Es wurde nicht mitgeteilt, ob die Manipulationssicherheit des Systems darüber hinausgehend gewährleistet wird. Bei den meisten öffentlichen Postbeförderern existieren noch Sicherheitsbedenken bezüglich der Zulassung offener Systeme. Auch erscheint ein solcher Drucker nicht geeignet, ein hohes und unterschiedliches Postaufkommen zu verarbeiten.
- Figur 1,
- Blockschaltbild für ein Postverarbeitungssystem mit einer automatischen Zuführstation, mit einer Maschinen-Basis-station und einem Personalcomputer mit Sicherheitsmittel,
- Figur 2a,
- Prinzipschaltbild für ein Postverarbeitungssystem in der Variante gemäß Figur 1,
- Figur 2b,
- Prinzipschaltbild für ein Postverarbeitungssystem in einer erweiterten Variante mit einer automatischen Zuführstation, mit einer dynamischen Waage, einer Maschinen-Basisstation und einem Personalcomputer,
- Figur 2c,
- Prinzipschaltbild für ein Postverarbeitungssystem in einer alternativen Variante mit einer automatischen Zuführstation, mit einer dynamischen Waage, einer Maschinen-Basisstation und einem Personalcomputer, wobei die dynamische Waage direkt mit dem Personalcomputer verbunden ist,
- Figur 2d,
- Prinzipschaltbild für ein Postverarbeitungssystem nach der bevorzugten Variante mit einer automatischen Zuführstation, mit einer dynamischen Waage, einer Maschinen-Basisstation und einem Personalcomputer, wobei die dynamische Waage über die Maschinen-Basisstation mit dem Personalcomputer verbunden ist,
- Figur 3,
- Blockschaltbild für eine erste Variante des Sicherheitsmittels,
- Figur 4,
- Blockschaltbild mit der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit in der Maschinen-Basisstation für eine serielle Schnittstelle zum Anschluß an das Sicherheitsmittel (erste Variante nach Fig.3),
- Figur 5,
- Blockschaltbild für eine zweite Variante des Sicherheitsmittels,
- Figur 6,
- Blockschaltbild mit der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit in der Maschinen-Basisstation für zwei serielle Schnittstellen zum Anschluß an das Sicherheitsmittel (2.Variante nach Fig.5),
- Figur 7,
- Blockschaltbild für eine dritte Variante des Sicherheitsmittels,
- Figur 8,
- Blockschaltbild mit der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit in der Maschinen-Basisstation für drei serielle Schnittstellen zum Anschluß an das Sicherheitsmittel (3.Variante nach Fig.7),
- Figur 9,
- Schnelle spezielle Transporteinheit in der Maschinen-Basis-station,
- Figur 10,
- Ansicht eines Postverarbeitungssystems mit einem Meter,
- Figur 11,
- Flußdiagramm für den Betrieb des Postverarbeitungssystem als Frankiersystem.
Die Übertragungsschaltung 267 enthält einen weiteren langsamen Kanal mit einem Pegelwandler, um dem TTL-Pegel in einen V24-Pegel zu wandeln. An diesem Pegelwandler ist die Buchse 269 angeschlossen und führt nun in vorteilhafter Weise den V24-Pegel. An der Buchse 269 können nun weitere Stationen 27, 28 angeschlossen werden, welche alle standardmäßig mit V24-Schnittstellen ausgerüstet sind. Die mindestens die Reihenschaltung an Schieberegistern SR 6 bis SR 9 enthaltende Datenleitung SEROUT2 wird bereits durch eine Verbindungsleitung in der Verarbeitungsschaltung 268 mit der seriellen Datenleitung SERIN2 verbunden, um eine geschlossene Schleife zu bilden.
- Initialisierung des Postverarbeitungssystems mit Vorauswahl einer Gruppe an Beförderern, aus welcher der gewünschte Beförderer anschließend selektiert werden kann, wobei während der Initialisierung eine automatische Routine im Personalcomputer abläuft, zur Herstellung einer Übereinstimmung mit aktuellen befördererbezogenen und mit sicherheitsrelevanten Daten, welche in dem mindestens einem Sicherheitsmittel 6 gespeichert sind,
- Verarbeiten von Eingaben betreff gestellter Dienstleistungsanforderungen an den Beförderer, wobei ein mittels des Prozessors 1 automatisch ausgewählter Postbeförderer oder ein mittels Tastatur 9 in Verbindung mit der Anzeigeeinheit 8 des Personalcomputers eingegebener Postbeförderer angezeigt wird und wobei weitere Versandinformationen, wie Versandart, und/oder die Kostenstelle am Personalcomputer mittels Tastatur manuell und/oder mittels Programm automatisch eingeben werden,
- automatische Auswahl derjenigen Beförderer aus vorgenannter Gruppe an Beförderern, welche die gestellten Dienstleistungsanforderungen erfüllen, während des Verarbeitens von Eingaben betreff gestellter Dienstleistungsanforderungen an den Beförderer und
- Errechnung der Portogebühr im Sicherheitsmittel 6 aufgrund des Gewichtes des Postgutes bzw. Briefes und aufgrund aktueller Tarife für selektierte Dienstleistungen, welche in dritten nichfflüchtigen Speicherbereichen der nichtflüchtigen Speicher 68, 69 des Sicherheitsmittels 6 gespeichert vorliegen, wobei zur Aktualisierung der Tarife auf diese dritten nichtflüchtigen Speicherbereiche schreibend und/oder lesend vom Sicherheitsprozessor 77 zugegriffen werden kann sowie
- Durchführung von Vergleichen der Portogebühr zur Kostenoptimierung bei der engeren automatische Auswahl des günstigsten Beförderers vom Personalcomputer .
Claims (17)
- Postverarbeitungssystem mit einer über Personalcomputer gesteuerten druckenden Maschinen-Basisstation, wobei der Personalcomputer mit über einen PC-System-Bus in Verbindung stehenden PC-Komponenten und mit einem Sicherheitsmittel zur Ausführung einer Abrechnungsfunktion ausgestattet ist, daß die Maschinen-Basisstation eine Druckstation für einen rein elektronischen Druck einschließt, in welcher ein Druckkopf mit einer Druckkopfelektronik verbunden ist,
gekennzeichnet dadurch,daß die Maschinen-Basisstation (24) eine postgutdickentoleranten Druckstation (82, 242 - 244) und eine spezielle Schnittstelleneinheit (26) aufweist, wobei der von der Druckkopfelektronik (81) angesteuerte Druckkopf (82) mit einer Transporteinheit (242 bis 244) die postgutdickentoleranten Druckstation bildet,daß Dienstleistungsanforderungsmittel (1, 2, 9) für die Postbearbeitung für mindestens einen Postbeförderer mit dem PC-System-Bus (7) verbunden sind,daß mindestens ein Sicherheitsmittel (6) je Postbeförderer vorgesehen ist und das Sicherheitsmittel (6) eine anwenderspezifische Hardwareschaltung (66) aufweist, die mit dem PC-System-Bus (7) über eine parallele Ein/Ausgabe-Schnittstelle (64) und mit der druckenden Maschinen-Basisstation (24) über mindestens eine Schnittstelle (61, 62, 63) und einem ersten Datenkabel (15) verbunden ist, wobei die mindestens eine Schnittstelle (61) in der anwenderspezifischen Hardwareschaltung (66) als eine spezielle Datenübertragungseinheit zur schnellen Datenübertragung zwischen dem Sicherheitsmittel (6) und einer Verarbeitungsschaltung (268) der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit (26) und/oder der Druckkopfelektronik (81) in der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) ausgebildet ist, sowiedaß die anwenderspezifische Hardwareschaltung (66) Mittel (60, 61) zur Ausführung von Abrechnungs- und Sicherheitsfunktionen für mindestens einen ausgewählten Postbeförderer enthält, wobei die Hardwareschaltung (66) mit nichtflüchtigen Speicherbausteinen (68, 69) und mit einem Sicherheitsprozessor (77) verbunden ist, der mit mindestens einem nichtauslesbaren Programmteil programmiert ist, um mindestens eine aus einer Vielzahl an Sicherheitsfunktionen auszuführen. - Postverarbeitungssystem, nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die spezielle Schnittstelleneinheit(26) in der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) einen Hochgeschwindigkeitskanal und Druckimpulserzeugungsmittel (266) aufweist, daß der Hochgeschwindigkeitskanal mit der Druckkopfelektronik (81) und das Druckimpulserzeugungsmittel (266) eingangsseitig mit einem Encodermittel (80) und ausgangsseitig mit den Druckkopfmodulen des Druckkopfes (82) verbunden sind.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 2, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die Maschinen-Basisstation (24) zusammen mit weiteren einzeln steuerbaren Stationen (27, 28) eine Postbearbeitungsmaschine (20) bildet, wobei die einzeln steuerbaren Stationen (27, 28) mittels Datenkabel (25, 25.1, 25.2) miteinander schnittstellenmäßig verbunden sind.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die einzeln steuerbare Station (28) eine automatische Zuführstation für Postgüter ist und über Datenkabel (25) mit der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) schnittstellenmäßig verbunden ist, wobei der mit dem Sicherheitsmittel (6) ausgestattete Personalcomputer (10) die Maschinen-Basisstation (24) und die automatische Zuführstation (28) steuert, welche postguteingangsseitig angeschlossen ist und ein Briefkuvert automatischen an den Posteingang der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) anlegt.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die einzeln steuerbare Station (27) eine dynamischen Waage ist und über Datenkabel (25.2) mit der MaschinenBasisstation (24) schnittstellenmäßig verbunden ist.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die einzeln steuerbare Station (27) eine dynamischen Waage ist und über ein Datenkabel (25.2) mit der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) und über ein separates Datenkabel (15.2) mit dem mit dem Sicherheitsmittel (6) ausgestatteten Personalcomputer (10) schnittstellenmäßig verbunden ist.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die automatische Zuführstation (28) über Datenkabel (25.1) mit der dynamischen Waage (27) und die dynamischen Waage (27) über Datenkabel (25.2) mit der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) schnittstellenmäßig verbunden ist und daß die Maschinen-Basisstation (24) und über ein separates Datenkabel (15.1 und 15.3) mit dem mit dem Sicherheitsmittel (6) ausgestatteten Personalcomputer (10) schnittstellenmäßig verbunden ist.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche 1 bis 7, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die separaten Datenkabel 15.1 bis 15.3 zu einem Kabel 15 zusammengefaßt sind, welches über eine Stecker/Buchse mit der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit 26 in der Maschinen-Basisstation 24 verbunden sind.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche 1 bis 8, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die Mittel (60, 61) der anwenderspezifischen Hardwareschaltung (66) eine Hardware-Abrecheneinheit (60) zur Ausführung einer Abrechnungsfunktion und die mindestens eine schnelle Schnittstelle (61) zur Ausführung einer Sicherheitsfunktion im Sicherheitsmittel (6) in Verbindung mit einem Programm-Modul des Sicherheitsprozessors (77) einschließen, wobei die mindestens eine schnelle Schnittstelle (61) als serielle Schnittstelle ausgebildet, mit einer Überwachungsschaltung und mit Kopplern zur galvanischen Trennung ausgerüstet ist, wobei die Überwachungs-schaltung mit der Druckkopfelektronik (81) der speziellen Schnittstellen-einheit (26) oder einer Verarbeitungsschaltung (268) der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit (26) zusammenwirkt.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche 1 bis 9, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die anwenderspezifische Hardwareschaltung (66) des Sicherheitsmittels (6) mit einer mittelschnellen seriellen Schnittstelle (62) ausgerüstet ist, welche eine Sensor/Aktor-Steuerung mit Optokopplern einschließt, um die Maschinen-Basisstation (24) zusammen mit weiteren einzeln steuerbaren Stationen (27, 28) der Postbearbeitungsmaschine (20) über die Verarbeitungseinheit (268) der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit (26) zu steuern.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche 1 bis 9, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die anwenderspezifische Hardwareschaltung (66) des Sicherheitsmittels (6) mit einer mittelschnellen seriellen Schnittstelle (62) und einer langsamen seriellen Schnittstelle (63) ausgerüstet ist, wobei die mittelschnelle serielle Schnittstelle (62) eine Sensor/Aktor-Steuerung und Optokoppler einschließt, um die Maschinen-Basisstation (24) über die Verarbeitungsschaltung (268) der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit (26) zu steuern sowie wobei die langsame serielle Schnittstelle (63) eine UART-Schaltung und Optokoppler einschließt, um die weiteren einzeln steuerbaren Stationen (27, 28) der Postbearbeitungsmaschine (20) über eine Übertragungsschaltung (267) der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit (26) zu steuern.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche 1 bis 11, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß die Übertragungsschaltung (267) der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit (26) eine zugehörige Steckerbuchse für den Datenstecker des ersten Datenkabels (15) und einen Pegelwandler einschließt, welcher in der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) eine Wandlung von TTL-Signalen für eine V24-Schnittstelle, welche mit einer V24-Buchse (265) verbunden ist, durchführt.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß der Sicherheitsprozessor (77) über die parallele Ein/Ausgabe-Schnittstelle des Sicherheitsmittels (6) und den PC-System-Bus (7) mit einem Modem (11) verbunden ist und daß der Sicherheitsprozessor (77) mit einem nichtauslesbarem Programmteil programmiert ist, welches eine manipulationssichere Guthabennachladung in die Postregister, die in den nichtflüchtigen Speicherbausteinen (68, 69) ausgebildet sind, durchführt.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß der Sicherheitsprozessor (77) über die mindestens eine serielle Schnittstelle (61, 62 oder 63) des Sicherheitsmittels (6) mit einem Modem (11) verbunden ist und daß der Sicherheitsprozessor (77) mit einem nichtauslesbarem Programmteil programmiert ist, welches eine manipulationssichere Guthabennachladung in die Postregister, die in den nichfflüchtigen Speicherbausteinen (68, 69) ausgebildet sind, durchführt.
- Postverarbeitungssystem mit einer über Personalcomputer gesteuerten druckenden Maschinen-Basisstation, wobei der Personalcomputer mit über einen PC-System-Bus in Verbindung stehenden PC-Komponenten und mit einem Sicherheitsmittel zur Ausführung einer Abrechnungsfunktion ausgestattet ist, daß die Maschinen-Basisstation eine Druckstation für einen rein elektronischen Druck einschließt, in welcher ein Druckkopf mit einer Druckkopfelektronik verbunden ist,
gekennzeichnet dadurch,daß Dienstleistungsanforderungsmittel (1, 2, 9) für die Postbearbeitung für mindestens einen Postbeförderer mit dem PC-System-Bus (7) verbunden sind,daß mindestens ein Sicherheitsmittel (6) mit mindestens einer anwenderspezifische Hardwareschaltung (66) vorgesehen ist, die in zugehörigen nichfflüchtigen Speicherbausteinen (68, 69) mindestens eine auf einen Postbeförderer bezogene Abrechnung durchführt,daß das Sicherheitsmittel (6) mindestens einen softwarebasierten Sicherheitsmodul im Sicherheitsprozessor (77) oder im Programmspeicher (71) und mindestens eine schnelle Schnittstelle (61) aufweist, daß das Sicherheitsmittel (6) über ein erstes Datenkabel (15) und über eine Verarbeitungsschaltung (268) der speziellen Schnittstelleneinheit (26) und/oder der Druckkopfelektronik (81) in der Maschinen-Basisstation (24) zur Steuerung einer postgutdickentoleranten Druckstation (82, 242 - 244) verbunden ist, unddaß der Sicherheitsprozessor (77) des Sicherheitsmittels (6) mit einem Modem (11) in Kommunikationsverbindung steht sowie mit einem nichtauslesbarem Programmteil programmiert ist, welches eine manipulationssichere Guthabennachladung in die Postregister, die in den nichtflüchtigen Speicherbausteinen (68, 69) ausgebildet sind, durchführt. - Postverarbeitungssystem, nach Anspruch 15, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß im Sicherheitsmittel (6) eine Anzahl an Hardwareabrecheneinheiten (60) mit zugehörigen nichfflüchtigen Speicherbausteinen (68, 69) entsprechend der Anzahl an Postbeförderern vorgesehen sind, um eine Abrechnung von Portowerten vorzunehmen.
- Postverarbeitungssystem, nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche 15 bis 16, gekennzeichnet dadurch, daß für eine Anzahl an unterschiedlichen Postbeförderern in den Personalcomputer eine gleiche Anzahl an Sicherheitsmitteln (6) eingesetzt ist, welche ausgangsseitig über einen Adapter mit dem ersten Datenkabel (15) verbunden sind, wobei der Adapter die Druckdaten des jeweils abrechnenden Sicherheitsmittels (6) in den Hochgeschwindigkeitskanal einschleift.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE19711998 | 1997-03-13 | ||
DE19711998A DE19711998A1 (de) | 1997-03-13 | 1997-03-13 | Postverarbeitungssystem mit einer über Personalcomputer gesteuerten druckenden Maschinen-Basisstation |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0866427A2 true EP0866427A2 (de) | 1998-09-23 |
EP0866427A3 EP0866427A3 (de) | 2000-09-20 |
EP0866427B1 EP0866427B1 (de) | 2006-08-16 |
Family
ID=7824239
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98250056A Expired - Lifetime EP0866427B1 (de) | 1997-03-13 | 1998-02-17 | Postverarbeitungssystem mit einer über Personalcomputer gesteuerten druckenden Maschinen-Basisstation |
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US (1) | US6456987B1 (de) |
EP (1) | EP0866427B1 (de) |
DE (2) | DE19711998A1 (de) |
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WO2002032047A1 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2002-04-18 | Trustcopy Pte Ltd | Remote printing of secure and/or authenticated documents |
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DE50015220D1 (de) * | 1999-03-12 | 2008-08-07 | Francotyp Postalia Gmbh | Anordnung zum Schutz eines Sicherheitsmoduls |
US7060925B1 (en) * | 1999-08-31 | 2006-06-13 | United States Of America Postal Service | Apparatus and methods for processing mailpiece information by an identification code server |
US7081595B1 (en) | 1999-08-31 | 2006-07-25 | United States Postal Service | Apparatus and methods for processing mailpiece information in a mail processing device using sorter application software |
US6801935B2 (en) * | 1999-12-14 | 2004-10-05 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Secure printing using electronic mailbox |
AU2001257401A1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-12 | Sheldon Margolis | Apparatus for converting an envelope feeding machine into an internet connected postage machine |
GB0202269D0 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2002-03-20 | Neopost Ltd | Postage meter security |
AU2003259166A1 (en) * | 2003-08-06 | 2005-03-07 | Catalina Marketing International, Inc. | Delivery of targeted offers for movie theaters and other retail stores |
FR2865832A1 (fr) * | 2004-01-30 | 2005-08-05 | Neopost Ind | Dispositif de traitement de courrier au vol |
DE102005014837B4 (de) * | 2004-08-02 | 2007-08-30 | Mahltig, Holger | Sicherheitsmodul und Verfahren zum Steuern und Kontrollieren eines Datenverkehrs eines Personalcomputers |
US7970714B2 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2011-06-28 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | System and method for producing a mailpiece including value added services |
DE102005061686A1 (de) * | 2005-12-21 | 2007-06-28 | Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh | Verfahren und Anordnung zum Bereitstellen sicherheitsrelevanter Dienste durch ein Sicherheitsmodul einer Frankiermaschine |
DE102007052458A1 (de) * | 2007-11-02 | 2009-05-07 | Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh | Frankierverfahren und Postversandsystem mit zentraler Portoerhebung |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE59813683D1 (de) | 2006-09-28 |
DE19711998A1 (de) | 1998-09-17 |
EP0866427A3 (de) | 2000-09-20 |
US6456987B1 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
EP0866427B1 (de) | 2006-08-16 |
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