EP0902400B1 - Procédé pour vérifier un motif destiné à la sécurité - Google Patents

Procédé pour vérifier un motif destiné à la sécurité Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0902400B1
EP0902400B1 EP98250402A EP98250402A EP0902400B1 EP 0902400 B1 EP0902400 B1 EP 0902400B1 EP 98250402 A EP98250402 A EP 98250402A EP 98250402 A EP98250402 A EP 98250402A EP 0902400 B1 EP0902400 B1 EP 0902400B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
window
sub
memory
column
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98250402A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0902400A2 (fr
EP0902400A3 (fr
Inventor
Klaus Heinrich
Thomas Epping
Stephan Günther
Ralf Kubatzki
Wolfgang Dr. Thiel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Original Assignee
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Francotyp Postalia GmbH filed Critical Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Publication of EP0902400A2 publication Critical patent/EP0902400A2/fr
Publication of EP0902400A3 publication Critical patent/EP0902400A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0902400B1 publication Critical patent/EP0902400B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/00024—Physical or organizational aspects of franking systems
    • 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
    • G07B17/00362—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
    • G07B17/00435—Details specific to central, non-customer apparatus, e.g. servers at post office or vendor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/004—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip
    • G07D7/0047—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip using checkcodes, e.g. coded numbers derived from serial number and denomination
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/00024—Physical or organizational aspects of franking systems
    • G07B2017/00032—Determining the location of apparatus
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00354—Setting of date
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00362—Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
    • G07B2017/00395—Memory organization
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00362—Calculation or computing within apparatus, e.g. calculation of postage value
    • G07B2017/00395—Memory organization
    • G07B2017/00403—Memory zones protected from unauthorized reading or writing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00435—Details specific to central, non-customer apparatus, e.g. servers at post office or vendor
    • G07B2017/00443—Verification of mailpieces, e.g. by checking databases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00524—Printheads
    • G07B2017/0054—Thermal printhead
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00572—Details of printed item
    • G07B2017/0058—Printing of code
    • G07B2017/00588—Barcode
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00572—Details of printed item
    • G07B2017/00604—Printing of advert or logo
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00637—Special printing techniques, e.g. interlacing
    • G07B2017/00645—Separating print into fixed and variable parts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00661—Sensing or measuring mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00709—Scanning mailpieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00733—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00741—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system using specific cryptographic algorithms or functions
    • G07B2017/0075—Symmetric, secret-key algorithms, e.g. DES, RC2, RC4, IDEA, Skipjack, CAST, AES

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for testing Security imprints, in the preamble of Claim 1 specified type.
  • the method comprises Steps to capture the serial number, postal value, the graphical symbols and their input via a Input device, as well as the start of an automatic Evaluation and signaling of the comparison result.
  • the on a mail piece printed graphic symbols can with a suitable reader can be entered automatically.
  • a postage meter usually generates a print in a form agreed with the post office, right-justified, Starting parallel to the top edge of the mail with the content postal value in the postmark, date in Daily stamps and stamps for advertising clichés and if necessary, shipment type in the optional cancellation stamp.
  • the postal value, the Date and the type of shipment form the according to the mail piece to be entered variable Information.
  • the postage value is the one from the sender prepaid transport fee (Franko), the one taken from the refillable credit register and the Freeing the mail item is used.
  • the date is a current date or around a future date in a postmark. While the current date of a clock / date module automatically provided, must be in a manual Pre-dating a setting of the desired future date. Interesting is the pre-dating in all cases where the advent of Mail processed very early and franked, but too must be sent on a specific date.
  • the embedding the variable data for the date in the Daily cancellation can basically as well as the impression of the postage value.
  • the approved advertising clichés can embody messages of various kinds Art include, in particular the Address, the company logo, the PO Box and / or one any other message.
  • advertising cliché acts it is an additional one in the postal sense Indication to be agreed with the postal authority.
  • From DE 37 12 100 is already a postage meter message printing system known, the to be printed Signs, a postage value and a telegraphic Embrace message.
  • the electric postage meter is with a postage meter accounting circuit, which delivers the postage fee value, with one Telephone or transmission connection, with a message input device, with a transmission control system, with a printer and with a memory equipped.
  • the memory delivers the message, thus the characters to be printed become at least partially due to data stored in memory.
  • the Advertising clichés are selectively changed by the data center, when with the message input device a request the data center via the transfer port the review of the coded Requirement in the data center was positive and that of the Data center transmitted message in the franking machine has been checked. Also already became proposed to a third party the possibility of To give advertising on the own post, by the Space leased for the franking machine message becomes. The data center then becomes the message of a Transmitted to third parties. The data center must have the message the third of the franking machine and controlled also the use of the message in the Franking machine. But here are always measures necessary to make sure the connection is maintained that the message authorizes is and that the data is correct.
  • the disadvantage here is that when changing manually Input information the previous old input information is lost. Only on in the central office Saved advertising messages can then be used become. Another disadvantage is that the change is not can be done without interruption. The se-tenant is electronically and mechanically consuming. The usage on the one hand by printing drums or on the other hand by Dot matrix printers also leads to an undesirable Noise pollution.
  • EP 294 397 is an automatic transmission system known with user (chip) cards.
  • the user cards are with a microprocessor and a data output unit Mistake.
  • the franking machine points a terminal for the user cards with value processing section, Programming means for card microprocessor and a processing section microprocessor for execution of a programmed handling procedure on, with a graph of the card memory through Terminal is loaded into the printer memory.
  • the possibility a modification of the graphic is only in the whole, d. H. about reloading an externally changed one Postage stamps including postmark by means of user cards.
  • Through new advertising clichés can here Safety in itself can not be increased. Such can be easily generated electronically. on the other hand would change a promotional cliché to a manipulation clues. To evaluate such things, but is through the postal authority is not yet planned here.
  • a security system for use with a character printing authorization device known.
  • a calculator of the franking machine is a memory for the data to be loaded Graphic change and data associated with the associated date.
  • an external selection device via a connection device (Modem) accessed a selection of one too printing character pattern. It is intended that the printed character pattern for checking the security the authorization of the franking machine used becomes.
  • US-A-4775246 describes a check method for security imprints on mail, in which encrypted information on the mail is decrypted and the obtained unencrypted information for verification is compared with the franked postal indicia.
  • Such a bar code by means of a separate Printer is known from US 4,660,221 and the US 4,829,568, wherein in the latter US Patent also a character with offset elements printed whose offset is the relevant safety information contains.
  • the evaluation is done, for example in US 4 641 346 by such a sign read column by column and with stored characters is compared in columns to the safety information recover.
  • the evaluation is accordingly complicated and only by means of expensive Equipment from the postal authority.
  • Another security system uses imprints in Shape of a diagram (US 5 075 862) within the Frankiermaschinenstempelabdrucks. When printing elements are missing, the dots are missing in the printed image, resulting in signaling an alleged forgery can. Such marks in diagram form within the Franking machine stamp imprint are therefore not so for sure. Even with a faultless impression is the machine evaluation difficult because always the whole Print image is to evaluate.
  • the fully electronic generated advertising cliché belongs in this solution but as well to the constant data of the franking picture, how the frame layout of the value stamp and the day stamp with Location and if necessary the zip code.
  • the advertising cliché but can not partially in that franking machine be changed.
  • variable Data of the mark in one or more windows within a fixed area by the postage meter print image to embed the given frame during printing is suggested.
  • the variable Data of the mark in one or more windows within a fixed area by the postage meter print image to embed the given frame during printing is suggested.
  • the time critical generation of the marking data becomes at least one after completing all entries
  • Combination number formed from predetermined sizes and this according to an encryption algorithm to a Encrypted crypto number, which then into one Mark is implemented.
  • At least one associated with the higher digits of the combination number Number is a monotone variable. This changes the marking with each pressure, what such a franked mailpiece makes unmistakable.
  • This marker is preferably in the form of a Barcodes and / or as a series of symbols in one Field of the postage meter image simultaneously with printed by the single printer module.
  • the symbolism becomes next to the machine too a visual evaluation by a trained Examiner showing the shape and the conceptual content of the symbols evaluates, in the post office allows.
  • the shape of the symbols, with orthogonal edges, allows over an integral Measurement of the degree of blackening a particularly simple and fast machine readability. Opposite the bar code becomes a higher information density with the symbol series achieved and thus space in the franking machine print image saved or can by means of the graphical Symbols are printed more information coded.
  • a controller that controls the billing and Sequence control takes over, generates is therefore provided that a pressure control signal after a print request is formed by the in binary pixel data converted tag data during the column-wise Print in the course of a special print routine column by column in the currently printed column to a predetermined Place to be inserted.
  • the invention assumes that after switching automatically the postage value in the value impression accordingly the last entry before turning off the franking machine and the date in the day stamp according to the current date are given that for the impression the variable data into the fixed data for the frame and for all unchanged data embedded electronically.
  • This variable data the window contents will be briefly referred to as Window data and all fixed data for the value stamp, the day stamp and the ad slogan stamp as Frame data.
  • the framework data is one first memory area of a nonvolatile random access memory removable.
  • the window data is one second memory area for assembly an overall representation of a franking picture removed. According to the invention, the data from both Memory areas according to a freely selectable Assignment before printing to a pixel print image compounded and during printing to a column completed the entire franking machine print image.
  • Those variable data, which during the Pressure to be embedded in the pressure column include at least the marking data. The time required for the previous composition of the entire pixel image with the remaining data is reduced accordingly.
  • the previous composition is similar to the Date in the postmark and as in the postage value in the stamp, where the variable information in the designated Windows subsequently supplemented and modified can be. It is assumed that a Embedding a variable text part in a frame for an advertising cliche can be done in the same way as with the other window data and that for one Window within the overall presentation of the advertising cliché is defined. To save time, will be only the parts of a graphic representation at a Newly saved change that actually changed become.
  • the procedure goes to the preparation of a cliche text part change for franking machines assume that loading of agreed cliché types via MODEM or Chip card and selecting a cliché type in can be done in a known manner.
  • According to the invention becomes an optional editing of one in the postage meter stored cliche text part and a composition and the display of an overall view and if necessary, a saving of the edited text part additionally guaranteed before printing.
  • the arrangement for stereotype text part change for franking machines has according to the invention in a variant a pixel memory and a non-volatile memory with separate storage areas.
  • the first memory area for the corresponding memory area Frame data where the fixed data of the different Cliché types are assigned to a selection
  • the second memory area for window data i.a. for a number of assignable plural cliche text parts, intended.
  • the non-volatile memory is stationary with a facility that the data in this second Memory area automatically in a predetermined manner can change, in connection.
  • a message should be in an agreed upon Window of a field for an advertising cliché in the franking imprint be transmitted, with the message in Plain text directly addresses the addressee.
  • the Message can not be arranged with the post office be an alphanumeric text part of any Information, e.g. Notes on company holidays, fairs, Conferences and / or public events.
  • the invention therefore continues to be based on the consideration with the post office an approval procedure for to partially agree on cliché types which can be supplemented by the customer, in the franking machine on her keyboard the function for changing alphanumeric text parts within the advertising cliché. This eliminates the need each time new advertising clichés from the postage meter manufacturer or dealer or request its data center and thus also eliminates the associated complex security procedure including the transmission coded Signals for cliché data via modem.
  • a change of text may not become one reduce counterfeit security and on the other hand in a review of the franking of mail, that with such a cliche text part change is provided in the post office no automatic rejection of the mail as allegedly causing falsification.
  • a security imprint is therefore a corresponding marking including the fixed Postage meter pixel image data used in cliche text editing remain unchanged, generated.
  • hexadecimal is proposed Framework data, window data and assignment data in the each separate memory areas of an additional non-volatile memory and there to save the print image before printing and to edit the cliche text parts can. It takes place thereafter a takeover in the volatile pixel memory and an array of Window data corresponding to the allocation data in the Frame data. But this is by the invention possible to work time optimized, so that the Print speed is high.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the invention Postage meter with a printer module 1 for a fully electronically generated franking picture, the Advertising slogan and / or a marker for one Safety impression contains, with at least one actuator having input means 2, and with a display unit 3, both via a I / O control module 4 are coupled, a non-volatile Memory 5 for at least the constant Parts of the franking picture and with a control device 6.
  • a character memory 9 provides the necessary print data for the volatile main memory 7.
  • the control device 6 has a microprocessor ⁇ P connected to the input / output control module 4, with the Character memory 9, with volatile memory 7 and with the non-volatile working memory 5, with a cost center memory 10, with a program memory 11, with a transport or feed device if necessary with strip release 12, one Encoder (coding disc) 13 and with a Clock / Date Module 8 is in communication.
  • character memory 9 are all alphanumeric characters or symbols are stored pixel by pixel as binary data. Data for alphanumeric characters or symbols are in non-volatile memory 5 compressed in shape a hexadecimal number stored. According to the from the encoder 13 delivered position message via the Feed of the mail or paper strip in relation to the printer module 1, the compressed data from read the main memory 5 and using the character memory 9 in a binary pixel data exhibiting Converted print image, which decompressed in such Form stored in the volatile memory 7 becomes. To explain the invention will be below Memory 7a, 7b and pixel memory 7c used, although it is preferably physically physically is a single memory device.
  • the main memory 7b and the pixel memory 7c stand with the printer module 1 via a print register (DR) 15 and an output logic having printer control 14 in connection.
  • the pixel memory 7c is output side to a first input of the printer controller 14 switched, at the other control inputs Aüsgangssignale the microprocessor control device 6 abut.
  • non-volatile Memory 5 points in non-volatile Memory 5 a first memory area A (inter alia, for the data of the constant parts of the Franking picture u.a. the advertising cliché frame, being a associated indication i denotes the respective frame), and a pixel memory area I in the volatile one Pixel memory 7c on.
  • a first memory area A (inter alia, for the data of the constant parts of the Franking picture u.a. the advertising cliché frame, being a associated indication i denotes the respective frame)
  • a pixel memory area I in the volatile one Pixel memory 7c on.
  • a second memory area B in the non-volatile memory 5 and a Pixel memory area II in the pixel memory 7c for the selected decompressed variable part data of the franking picture.
  • a saved cliche text part is still by an assigned name or indication j.
  • the data for a first assignment of the name of the Cliche text parts to the names of the cliché frames lie in a third memory area C of the non-volatile Memory 5 before. Through this assignment the records in the memory areas A and B addressed and automatically called accordingly become.
  • the memory areas A to T in the nonvolatile random access memory 5 may contain a multiplicity of sub memory areas, under which the respective data are stored in data records.
  • the number chains (sTrings) which are input for the generation of the input data with a keyboard 2 or via an electronic balance connected to the input / output device 4, calculating the postal value and not shown in FIG. 1, are automatically entered in the memory area T of FIG nonvolatile random access memory 5 stored. This ensures that the last input variables are retained even when the postage meter machine is switched off, so that after switching on, the postage value in the value impression corresponding to the last input prior to switching off the franking machine and the date in the date stamp is preset according to the current date.
  • data sets of the sub-memory areas for example A i , B j , C, etc., also remain. In each record of a sub-memory area A i , B j and B k , control codes and run-length-coded frame or window data are alternately included in succession.
  • the corresponding temporary assignment from window to Frame data will be displayed after switching on according to the current or predefined future date of the microprocessor having a control device 6 hit.
  • the respective selected Framework data for the advertising slogan stamp, for the postmark and for the postage stamp in the Register 100, 110, 120, ..., of a volatile Memory 7a taken over, during the Take control code decoded and in a separate Memory area of the working memory 7b stored become.
  • the registers become sub memory areas in the memory area of the main memory 7a educated. In another variant these are aforementioned register part of the microprocessor control 6th
  • the Figure 1 shows a block diagram for such a first Variant of the solution according to the invention.
  • New frame and / or window data can be selected as long as after inserting and saving binary pixel data into the first pixel memory area I and the selection of editable window data followed by Decompress as well as their storage as binary pixel data in the second pixel memory area II still no print request is present.
  • this first variant is - in a not shown in the figures Way - a variety of each separate Pixel storage areas for frame and for Window pixel data provided.
  • the window data affect u.a. the current postage (postage) and franking machine specific data (serial number) in Franking stamp, the date or additional appropriate Data (absolute time or quantity) in the postmark, editable cliche text file details in cliché stamp.
  • the composition of the frame and window pixel data takes place again - as in the first variant - during the execution of a special print routine.
  • FIG. 2 shows a second variant of the invention Solution. It can also be specially generated encrypted and in a sixth memory area F stored marking data used for identification become.
  • the arrangement for stereotype text part change for Franking machines now has three separate pixel memories Storage areas on.
  • the first Memory area I for the data of the cliché type (Frame) the postal value and the current date and the second memory area II for several assignable Cliche text data becomes a third memory area III provided for the marking data.
  • the Establish the data in this first, second and third memory area can change is the the same microprocessor of the control device 6, the also the billing routine and the print routine performs.
  • the data from the three memory areas are determined according to a predetermined (in certain limits freely selectable) assignment during the Print to an overall presentation of an advertising cliché composed.
  • a marking of mail on the base of a crypto number generated to mark Enabling identification of postage meters be made without difficulty if the multi-digit crypto not included the data values of the data stored as a hexadecimal number entire clichés, but only with inclusion selected data values of the cliché frame and additional data, such as the machine parameter of the value setting and the date formed and cached becomes.
  • numeric or Numerical values such as the number of the used Advertising clichés, but data values of image information used to form the encrypted information becomes.
  • DE-PS 40 03 006 can for Forming the crypto number any area of the Advertising clichés, which separate data, in one Record assigned are used. Out For this purpose, this data set will be individual data selected. It is advantageous that the Column end for each column to be printed as control code which is coded to the run length coded hexadecimal data connects. In this case, preferably the first in the record run-length encoded hexadecimal data become.
  • each ad copy number can be assigned, with each one being Record those a subset of the Promotional data. It will by an existing in the machine and / or generated physical size, the record with the associated Data of the column-wise regional image information selected to contain at least a number of data (Hexadecimal numbers).
  • those of a predetermined Print column corresponding runlength encoded hexadecimal Data together with at least some of the Data of the machine parameters (serial number, monotone changeable size, time data, inspection data, such as For example, the number of prints in the last Inspection) and the postage value to a number in more specifically - in connection with FIG. 10 explained - way combined and encrypted.
  • License plate can before, behind, under u./o. over one Field within the actual postage stamp impression to be printed. This is it according to the invention, by humans, as well machine-readable mark.
  • a letter envelope transported under the printer module 1 17 is with a postage meter stamp image printed.
  • the check box is located in a manner advantageous for an evaluation in one Line below the fields for the value stamp, for the Daily cancellation, for the advertising cliché and possibly in the field for the optional printing accessory of the postage meter stamp image.
  • the check box is in one within the postage meter image under the Day stamp arranged window FE 6.
  • Der den Postal value in a first window FE 1 the Machine serial number in a second and third Windows FE 2 and FE 3 contains value stamps If necessary, a reference field in a window FE 7 and a If necessary, enter the number of the advertising cliché in one Window FE 9 on.
  • the reference field serves for pre-synchronization for reading the graphic string and to obtain a reference value for the Light / dark threshold for a machine evaluation.
  • a pre-synchronization for reading the graphic String will also be through and / or in connection with the frame, in particular the postage stamp or Value stamp reached.
  • the fourth window FE 4 in the day stamp contains the current or entered in special cases predated date.
  • Underneath is an eighth window FE 8 for a compressed exact time, in particular for high-performance franking machines with tenths of a second. This ensures that no impression one similar impression, causing a fake by Copying the impression with a copier useless becomes.
  • a fifth window FE 5 is in the advertising cliche for a editable advertising cliché text part provided.
  • FIG. 3b shows the representation of a security impression with a checkbox in the columns between the stamp and the date stamp can be seen, wherein the upstream vertical part of the Frame of the value stamp of the Vorsynchronisation and if necessary serves as a reference field. This eliminates one separate window FE7.
  • the marking data can be in this variant with a vertical arrangement of Series of symbols in near-time in near-time be detected.
  • the marking form is free with any postal authority compatible. Any general change of the marking picture or the arrangement of the marker field is because of the electronic pressure principle easily possible.
  • the arrangement for the rapid generation of a security impression for franking machines allows a fully electronically generated franking image, which was formed by the microprocessor-controlled printing process from fixed data and current data, to be set.
  • a third memory areas C are provided in the non-volatile main memory, in which data for a first assignment of the names of the variable parts to the names of the constant parts are present.
  • the data for the constant parts of the franking image which relate to at least the frame of an advertising cliche are stored in a first storage area A i , with an associated name identifying the cliché frame, and the data for the variable parts of the franking image are in a second storage area B j or for tag data is stored in a memory area B k , where an associated name identifies the variable part.
  • FIG. 3f is an illustration of a sentence Symbols for a check box are shown, with the Symbols are formed in a suitable manner, so that both a machine as well as a visual evaluation by trained personnel in the postal authority becomes.
  • a barcode is with a higher Information density when imprinting the symbols space saved. It suffices, between 10 To differentiate blackening levels, for example by about a factor of three compared to the ZIP CODE shorter length in the representation of the information too to reach. Thus, there are ten symbols, where the blackness differs by 10% each. at a reduction to five symbols can be the Blackness differ by 20%, but it is necessary, the number of symbols to be printed considerably increase if the same information as with the symbol set shown in FIG. 3f, should be reproduced. Also a sentence with a higher number of symbols is conceivable.
  • Another advantage over a bar code is in by the symbolism of the picture content conditional good readability of the individual to each other lined up icons in the check box and the Possibility of image content for a manual evaluation to understand language.
  • the check box is at least under or in a field of the postage meter stamp image arranged and it becomes a line of such symbols below the franking stamp imprint and at the same time printed with this.
  • the Character memory 9 becomes a conversion of a Crypto-number in a marked symbol performed.
  • the machine identification of the symbols in License plate can be made in two variants: a) via the integrally measured density of each symbol or b) via edge recognition for symbols.
  • the advantage of a used symbol set of the specified Type is that, depending on the requirement of respective national postal authority in a simple way mechanically (by for example integral measurement of Degree of blackening of the symbols) and / or manually one Identification of an authentic franking stamp about the conceptual content of the icons is enabled.
  • a corresponding - shown in FIG. 4 - Evaluation device 23 for a manual identification has a computer 26 with suitable program in Memory 28, input and output devices 25 and 27 on.
  • the used at the respective postal authority Evaluation device 23 stands with a - in the figure. 4 not shown - data center 21 in conjunction.
  • a first evaluation variant are in the Input device 25 by the trained examiner manually or by means of a suitable reader 24 automatically the graphical symbols entered in order to on the mail (letter) printed mark in to convert back at least one first crypto KRZ1.
  • the actuators, in particular Keyboard the input device with the symbols be marked to the manual input too facilitate.
  • the verification takes place in a third step Comparison of the crypto numbers KRZ1 with VKRZ1 in the computer 26 the evaluation device 23, wherein a signal for Eligibility for equality or non-entitlement with negative comparison result (inequality) is delivered.
  • a second evaluation variant consists of the printed mark to recover the individual information and with those open on the mail piece compare printed information.
  • the starting number is one Combination number KOZ and contains the number combination at least two sizes, with one size through the upper digits of the combination number KOZ and the other size represented by the lower parts of the KOZ becomes.
  • the part of the number combination, which is to be evaluated, for example the postal value is disconnected and displayed.
  • a third evaluation variant are in the evaluation manually or automatically by the operator Sizes G0, G2, G3 and G4 are entered to use with the same key and encryption algorithm, like he is used in the franking machine, a crypto number derive. A mark generated from it becomes displayed and by the operator with the on the mail (Letter envelope) printed mark compared. the is the symbolism of the in the output unit 27th presented and printed on the mail Markings against.
  • the first size G1 is the advertising tile frame number WRN which the examiner recognizes from the franking stamp image.
  • this first variable is also known to the franking machine manufacturer and / or data center and is communicated to the postal authority.
  • the advertising frame frames WR n associated with the serial number SN of the respective franking machine are displayed with assigned numbers WRN n on a screen of the data output device 27. The comparison with the advertising frame WR b used on the letter is made by the examiner who inputs the thus obtained number WRN n .
  • the transmitted from the data center in the memory 28 stored lists contain on the one hand the current assignment of the parts of the advertising cliché frame WRNT to a second size G2 (for example, the Date DAT) and on the other hand the assignment of symbol lists to a third size G3 (for example the Postage value PW).
  • User-specific information such as For example, the ad clip frame number WRN can be used for random manual evaluation of the marking be used by decoding lists due to the user-specific information can be selected, the contain corresponding records. With the size G2 (DAT) will then be the byte from the record determines what happens when generating the combination number is used.
  • the examiner takes the serial number SN the windows FE2 and FE3 of the impression and sets the Frank machine user. This can additionally the ad unit numbers are used as they are in usually assigned to specific cost centers, if one and the same machine of different Users is used.
  • Lists are data of last exam, etc. also data from the last one Inspection registered. Such data is for example, the number of pieces, if the machine over has an absolute piece count, or the absolute Time data, if the machine has an absolute Time counting features.
  • the correctness of the printed postage value according to the valid Provisions of the postal authority reviewed. This can be done in fraudulent intent Manipulation of the value impression can be determined.
  • the second test step becomes the monotony of the data, especially the one checked in window FE8. With that you can Copies of a franking imprint can be determined. A manipulation for the purpose of counterfeiting is therefore not promising, since these data in the form of a cryptized symbol series additionally in at least be printed on a check box.
  • window FE8 For an absolute time or piece count, must be at the impression the number given in window FE8 has increased since the last exam.
  • window FE8 are nine digits, representing the representation a period of about 30 years with a resolution of seconds, allowed. Only after this time would the Overflowed counter. From the mark this can Sizes are recovered to open with them compare printed unencrypted sizes.
  • a third optional test step can then at Suspected of manipulating even the other sizes, in particular the serial number SN of the franking machine, if necessary the cost center of the user checked and be determined.
  • the associated window data is Type 1, i. they are changed less often than Type 2 window data, such as in the window FE8 the TIME and in window FE6 the marking data.
  • the data the windows FE8 and FE9 are not open unencrypted but are just for encryption used. Therefore, they are missing from FIG. 3a shown windows FE8 and FE9 in the - in the figures 3b to 3e - franking machine print images, to illustrate these variants.
  • the temporarily variable variables to be entered For example, the advertising cliché (frame) number WRN, the Date DAT, the post value PW, time data TIME and the Serial number SN automatically by means of a reader 24 in each case from the corresponding field of the postage meter stamp image detected and read.
  • the size G1 corresponds, for example, a Thisklischee (frame) number.
  • T i , T j of the main memory 5 of the franking machine corresponding number strings (sTrings) for window or frame input data are stored.
  • the sizes G0, G2 and G3 correspond, for example, to the window data stored in the sub-storage areas T j of the main memory 5 of the franking machine, the size G0 in the windows FE2 and FE3 from the sub-storage areas T 2 and T 3 , the size G 2 in the window FE4 from the window Subspace T 4 and the size G3 in the window FE1 from the sub-storage area T 1 stems.
  • steps a) to c) have already been carried out before have been stored, the stored cliché frame with the used cliché text parts immediately displayed and selected to make a change in the Cliché or the combination of a cliché with the selected cliche text part without a print interruption to effect.
  • a cliché frame is a representation of a number of names of the stereotypes frame or a clear representation for selecting the stereotype frame with associated cliché or standard text part of a pixel memory.
  • an assignment of at least one of the variable text parts for FE5 to the respective cliché frame is made.
  • editing of the selected cliche text part can be done with simultaneous clear text display. After editing a cliche text part for the window FE5 and assembling and displaying an overall representation of a franking image, the edited text part is automatically stored before franking, whereby a new data record or a new assignment of the edited text part to the cliché frame in the memory areas B 5 or C is stored.
  • the windows within the overall representation of the advertising cliché impression are defined so as to store in a separate sub-storage area B 5 only the parts of a graphic representation in the event of a change, which are actually changed.
  • the data of the window contents are the memory area B for the purpose of assembling to an overall representation of a franking picture again removed.
  • a run-length coding of graphical data has been provided, the first code of each line of the coding indicating the number of pixels to be printed per column and control codes, for example, for windowing of the respective windows (types 1 or 2), Column End, Image End are in hexadecimal notation.
  • the cliché data and the data for the variable cliche text parts are extracted from the storage areas A i and B 5 as needed, taking the assignment into account.
  • a plurality of data sets for the cliche text parts are preferably stored.
  • the user enters his cost center, whereby a predetermined frame frame data set from the storage area A i is selected.
  • the selectable stereotype frames are each assigned to a cost center KST and / or a second assignment of stereotype type number to cost centers is stored in a fourth memory area D, the control unit 6 can perform the predetermined compilation of the print image data.
  • the names of the cliched frames stored in a first storage area A are composed of the number KN of the cost center K and a type number TN such that the names of the cliche text parts stored in a second sub-storage area B 5 are replaced by the one at the time of Generation current date and possibly determined by the time UZ and that the data for the first assignment in the third memory area C by storing both the cost center number CN and the type number TN containing name of the stereotype frame, as well as a date DAT and possibly a time UZ containing name of the cliche text part are determined.
  • an assignment is found in the memory area D and a predetermined record for the cliché frame from A i selected.
  • the associated cliché text part can be addressed on the basis of the assignment given in the memory area C in the memory area B 5 and then automatically transmitted to the memory area 7a of the volatile main memory 7.
  • a cliché frame without existing assignment of a name a cliche text part name can not be displayed become.
  • the assignment may be e.g. on the period of the current year.
  • the defined period through the selectable time data in the data of Assignment of cliché text parts especially those Time data such as the month and / or the year, in relation to the current of a clock / Datebaustein 8 delivered automatically.
  • sub-memory areas B 5 B 6 and B 7 of the main memory 5 of the franking machine are the stored window data for a Thisklischeetextteil, a check box and possibly for a reference field. It should be noted that in some of the sub-memory areas of the main memory 5 of the franking machine designated as B k , the window data are written in and / or read out more often than in other sub-memory areas. If the nonvolatile memory is an EEPROM, a special memory method can be used to safely stay below the limit of memory cycles allowed for it. On the other hand, it is also possible to use a battery-supported RAM for the non-volatile main memory 5.
  • the temporally less changeable window data will be hereafter referred to as type 1 window data.
  • type 2 window data below the constantly changing window data called.
  • FIG. 5 in relation to that in FIG. 2 shown second variant - now a third variant represented the solution according to the invention, wherein the Method for the presence of - in the figure 1 - is based on two pixel memory areas shown.
  • the window data of the type 1 which can not be changed constantly like date, serial number of the franking machine and that for several prints selected cliche text part before printing along with the frame data in Binary data decompressed and to one in the pixel memory area I stored pixel image composed become.
  • constantly changing window data of type 2 decompressed and as binary window data in the second pixel memory area II before printing saved.
  • Type 2 window data is the too printing postage and transport-dependent postal value and / or the constantly changing marker.
  • step 40 After the start in step 40 is due to the Enter the cost center in step 41 an automatic Enter the last currently saved window and frame data and in step 42 a corresponding one Display.
  • a Cliche text part which a certain advertising cliché is assigned automatically.
  • step 43 frame data in registers 100, 110, 120, ..., the volatile memory 7a taken and thereby control code detected and in the volatile Memory 7b stored.
  • the remaining framework data are decompressed and stored in the volatile pixel memory 7c stored as binary pixel data.
  • the Window data in registers 200, 210, 220, ..., des volatile memory 7a loaded and thereby Control code detected and in volatile memory 7b stored and the remaining window data after their Decompression according to columns in the volatile Pixel memory 7c stored.
  • FIG. 9a the, decoding of the control code, Decompression and loading of the fixed frame data as well as the formation and storage of the window characteristics and in FIG. 9b the embedding of decompressed current type 1 window data into the decompressed frame data after the start of the Postage meter or after editing by Framework data shown in detail.
  • step 44 are either the decompressed Frame and window data of type I as binary Pixel data stored in Picheltechnischerie II before and may be further processed in step 45 or there will be a new input of frame and / or Window data. In the latter case, the step 51 branched.
  • step 51 the microprocessor determines whether via the input means 2 an input is made to Window data, for example, for the postal value, through to replace a new one or window data, for example, for a cliche text line to replace or edit. Is such an input made,
  • step 52 the required sub-steps for the inputs are made, i. it will be a finished one other data set selected (cliche text parts) and / or generates a new record that stores the data for the individual characters (numbers and / or letters) of the Input size contains.
  • step 53 corresponding records for a Display for checking the input data is called and for the subsequent step 54 to reload the Pixel memory area I with the window data of type 1 provided.
  • the data from according to the Input called records are evaluated to Control code for a "color change” or a To detect "column end" which is for embedding the newly entered window data is required. Then those data are not tax code are decompressed into binary window pixel data and in the pixel memory area I embedded in columns.
  • step 55 introduces the possibility to change the used fixed advertising clichés or framework data on one Step 56 to enter the currently selected one Frame data sets together with the window records perform. Otherwise, the step 44 branched.
  • step 44 If a new input of selected special sizes take place, a flag is set in step 44 and at the subsequent step 45 for formation of Data for a new marker symbol series considered, if here after a second variant a step 45b is to be completed.
  • step 45 the new coded is formed Window data of type 2.
  • the Marking data generated for a window FE6 where previous steps of encrypting data for Generation of a crypto number are included.
  • This step 45 is also a shape as Bar code and / or symbol chain provided.
  • FIG. 10 shows the formation of new variants in two variants coded window data of type 2 for a marker image explained.
  • a first variant are in a step 45a, a monotone variable processed, so that ultimately by the printed Markers symbol series every footprint unmistakable becomes.
  • step 45b processed before the step 45a other sizes.
  • the correspondingly formed data record for the marking data is then loaded in an area F and / or at least in a sub-memory area B 6 of the non-volatile main memory 5, thereby overwriting the previously stored data record for which window characteristic values have already been determined or are predetermined and now only in the volatile random access memory 7b are stored.
  • the sub-memory area B 10 is preferably provided for a data record which leads to the printing of a second marker symbol row, as shown in FIGS. 3 c and 3d.
  • double rows of symbols - in a manner not shown in Figure 3b - can be printed side by side.
  • the area F is preferably provided for a record leading to the printing of a bar code, as shown in Figure 3e.
  • step 46 data is transferred byte by byte into the volatile memory register 7a and the control characters "color change” and "column end” are decoded to decode the remaining data of the data set and decoded binary window pixel data of type 2 into the pixel memory area II of the volatile random access memory 7c.
  • FIG. 11 shows in detail the decoding of control code and conversion into decompressed binary type 2 window data.
  • type 2 window data are identified in particular by the index k and relate to the data for the window FE6, if necessary, to FE10 for marking data and optionally to FE8 for the time data of the absolute time count. Even the time data represent a monotonously variable, since time-dependent increasing size.
  • step 47 upon a successful print request on the a print routine including step 48 and in the case of a print request that has not yet been completed in Waiting for the print request.
  • the holding pattern is - in the Figures 5 and 6 shown - at the beginning of Step 47 returned directly.
  • the printing routine for assembling printing gap data from the pixel storage areas I and II takes place during the loading of the printing register (DR) 15.
  • the printer control (DS) 14 effects this directly after the loading of the Print register (DR) 15 a pressure of the loaded printing column. Subsequently, it is checked in step 50 whether all columns for a franking machine print image are printed by comparing the current address Z with the stored end address Z end . If the print routine for a mail item is executed, the system branches to step 57. Otherwise, the program branches back to step 48 to generate and print the next print column until the print routine is completed.
  • step 57 Checked if further mail pieces are to be franked. is this is the case, then in step 60, the franking completed. Otherwise, the end of printing is not yet reached and it is branched back to step 51.
  • FIG 6 is a fourth variant of solution according to the invention, wherein different from the Block diagram of Figure 1 only a pixel memory area I used is shown.
  • pixel memory area I become decoded binary Frame data and Type 1 window data before printing assembled and stored.
  • the steps are up on the step 46, which here in this variant is saved according to the figure 6, and the step 48, which is replaced by step 49 here, identical. Until step 46 results in Essentially a same order in the process.
  • FIG. 13 details the printing routine for the composition of a pixel memory area I and Data taken from memory areas.
  • Type 2 window data will be displayed in the Step 49 during the printing of each column decompressed and along with the columns too printing binary pixel data from the pixel memory area I is composed into a print column control signal.
  • Type 2 window data is for example the to be printed postgut- and promotion-dependent Postage value and / or the constantly changing marking.
  • a letter envelope 17 is moved under the printing module 1 of an electronic postage meter machine with the speed v in the direction of the arrow and printed in the column s 1 starting grid-like columns by column with the illustrated Postwert Lake Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff Kunststoff KunststoffTime a pressure bar 16 with a number of pressure elements d1 to d240.
  • the inkjet, or a thermal transfer printing principle for example, the ETR printing principle (Electroresistive Thermal Transfer Ribbon) can be used.
  • a column s f to be printed has a printed pattern 30 to be printed consisting of colored dots and non-colored dots. In each case a colored pressure point is printed by a printing element. On the other hand, the non-color printing dots are not printed.
  • the first two printing dots in the printing column s f are colored to print the frame 18 of the postal stamp image 30. Then, 15 non-colored (ie non-active) and 3-colored (ie active) pressure points are alternately followed until a first window FE1 is reached in which the postal value (postage) is to be inserted. This is followed by a range of 104 non-colored pressure points to the end of the column.
  • Such run-length coding is realized in the data record by means of hexadecimal numbers. The storage space requirement is minimized by having all the data in such a compressed form.
  • This method yields a data set for the pressure column s f in the form shown in detail: ... "2", “0D”, “02”, “4F”, “F1”, “68”, “FE”, ..., ...
  • window characteristics Z j , T j , Y j or Z k , T k , Y k are generated and together with specified values for the start address Z 0 , end address Z end and the total run length R, ie the number of per printing column required binary data stored in volatile memory RAM 7b.
  • FIG. 8 shows a representation of the window characteristic values relating to a pixel memory image and stored separately therefrom for a first window FE1.
  • Figure 9a shows the decoding of the control codes, decompression and loading of the fixed frame data as well as the formation and storage of the window characteristics.
  • the source address H i for frame data is incremented and a color change is made, so that the initial data byte is evaluated, for example, as colored, which later leads to correspondingly activated printing elements.
  • the above-mentioned byte which is a run-length-coded hexadecimal number for frame data, is now transferred in sub-step 4313 from the area A i of the non-volatile memory 5 selected accordingly by the cost center KST to a register 100 of the volatile memory 7a.
  • control characters are detected and a run-length variable X is set back to zero.
  • sub-step 4314 a control character "00" for recognized a color change, what after re-branching up Sub-step 4312 results in a color change, i. causes the next run-length encoded hexadecimal number an inactivation of the printing elements according to the Run length. Otherwise, in sub-step 4315 determines if a control character "FF" for picture end is present. If such is detected, the point d achieved according to the figures 5 or 6 and the Step 43 completed.
  • sub-step 4315 such a control character "FF" is not recognized for picture end, it is checked in sub-step 4316 whether there is a control character "FE" for a column end. If such is detected, the color flip-flop 1 is reset in sub-step 4319 and branched to the sub-step 4312, and then in sub-step 4313 to load the byte for the next printing column. If no column end exists, it is determined in sub-step 4317 whether there is a control character for a type 2 window. If such has been recognized, then branching is made to sub-step 4322. Otherwise, it is examined in sub-step 4318 whether there is a control character for type 1 windows. If this is the case, then a point c 1 is reached at which a step 43b-shown in FIG. 9b-is carried out.
  • sub-step 4318 does not use a control character for Window data of type 1 detected, then lie in bytes called the run length encoded frame data which is decoded in sub-step 4320 and in binary Frame pixel data converted in the pixel memory area I of the pixel memory 7c at the set address Z get saved.
  • sub-step 4321 is according to the number of bits converted the Column run length variable X determines and then the Destination address for the pixel memory area I to this Variable X increased. This is a point b reached and to call a new byte will be back on the Sub-step 4312 branches back.
  • sub-step 4322 if there is a control character for type 2 window data, the executed storage of window characteristics T k is determined. If a window characteristic value, in this case the window column running variable T k, is still at the initial value zero, the window start address Z k corresponding to the address Z is determined in a sub-step 4323 and stored in the volatile main memory 7 b. Otherwise, a branch is made to a sub-step 4324.
  • the sub-step 4323 is also followed by the sub-step 4324, in which the window characteristic value of the window column variable T k is incremented.
  • the subsequent sub-step 4325 the previous window column variable T k stored in the volatile main memory 7 b is overwritten with the current value, and the point b is reached.
  • the from the hexadecimal data converted bits (dot 1) ie in step 43a shown in FIG. 9a byte by byte in the pixel memory area I of the volatile Pixel memory 7c taken and consecutively as Binary data stored.
  • FIG. 9b shows the embedding of decompressed current window data of type 1 in the decompressed frame data after the start of the franking machine or after the editing of frame data. Provided that a control character for type 1 window has been detected in sub-step 4318, the point c 1 is reached, and thus the beginning of step 43b.
  • sub-step 4330 the executed storage of window parameters T j is determined. If a window characteristic value, in this case the window column running variable T j, is still at the initial value zero, the window start address Z j corresponding to the address Z is determined in a sub-step 4331 and stored in the volatile main memory 7 b. Otherwise, a branch is made to a sub-step 4332.
  • the sub-step 4331 is also followed by the sub-step 4332, in which the window characteristic of the window column run length Y j and the window column run length variable Wj to zero, and the window source address U j to the initial value U oj - 1 and the second color flip-flop for windows on " do not print in color ".
  • the previous window source address U j is incremented and a color change is performed, so that any window bytes loaded in the following sub-step 4334 are evaluated as colored, which subsequently leads, during the printing, to activated printing elements.
  • sub-step 4334 one byte from the sub-memory areas B j in the non-volatile main memory 5 is loaded into register 200 of the volatile main memory 7 a, thereby detecting for control characters.
  • sub-step 4335 the window column run length Y j is incremented by the value of the window column run-length variable W j .
  • sub-step 4336 it is determined whether there is a control character "00" for color change. If such has been detected, the program branches back to sub-step 4333. Otherwise, it is examined in sub-step 4337 whether there is a control character "FE" for the end of the column. If this is not the case, window data is available.
  • a sub-step 4338 the content of the register 200 is decoded with the aid of the character memory 9 and the binary window pixel data corresponding to that byte is stored in the pixel memory area I of the pixel memory 7c.
  • the window column run length variable W j is then determined in a sub-step 4339 to increment the address Z to the value of variable W j.
  • the new address is available for a new byte of the record to be converted and it is branched back to the sub-step 4333, in which also the new source address for a byte of the record for window FEj is generated.
  • sub-step 4340 in which increments the window column variable T j and the volatile memory 7b saved window column variable T j, and the window column run length Y j with the current value is overwritten be. Subsequently, a color change is performed in the sub-step 4341 and the point b is reached.
  • step 43b is completed and new Frame data could be translated in step 43a, if a next window is not recognized or the Point d has been reached.
  • Fig. 9c the embedding of decompressed variable window data of type 1 into the decompressed frame data after the editing of this type 1 window data is illustrated.
  • pixel memory data and window characteristics have already been stored prior to the beginning of step 54.
  • Sub-step 5440 begins by determining the number n 'of windows for which the data has been changed and determining the associated window start address Z j and window column variable T j for each window F Ej.
  • a window count variable q is set equal to zero.
  • the source address U j is set to an initial value U oj -1, the destination address Z j used to address the pixel memory area I, a window column counter P j and the second color flip-flop set back to the initial value zero.
  • sub-step 5443 the source address is incremented and a color change is performed before the sub-step 5444 is reached.
  • sub-step 5444 a byte of the changed data set in nonvolatile memory is called and transferred to register 200 of volatile memory 7a, detecting control characters. In the case of a control character "00" for color change, branching back to sub-step 5443 takes place in sub-step 5445. Otherwise, a branch is made to sub-step 5446 to search for control characters "FE" for a column end. However, if such a control character is not present, the content of the register 200 can be decoded in the following sub-step 5447 with the assistance of the character memory 9 and converted into binary pixel data for the window to be changed.
  • the program branches to the sub-step 5449, in which the window column counter P j is incremented.
  • sub-step 5450 it is examined whether the window characteristic value for the associated window column variable T j is reached by the window column counter P j . Then, for a first changed window, all change data would be loaded into the pixel memory area I and branched back to sub-step 5453 and from there to sub-step 5441 to transfer change data to the pixel memory area I for a possibly second window.
  • the window count variable q is incremented for this purpose and the subsequent window start address Z j + 1 and the following window column variable T j + 1 are determined.
  • sub-step 5451 and 5452 branch back to sub-step 5443 to overwrite another window column in the pixel memory area until the old binary window pixel memory data is replaced by the new one have been completely replaced.
  • the destination address for the data in the pixel memory area I is incremented by the frame total column length R.
  • the destination address V j is thus set to the next column for binary pixel data of the window in the pixel memory area I.
  • the color flip-flop is reset to zero to begin conversion with pixel data evaluated as colored. If no further new input is determined in step 44, the formation of new coded window data of type 2 for a marking image, in particular according to a first variant with a step 45a, can now take place in step 45.
  • Step 45 includes further sub-steps, shown in Figure 10, for forming new coded type 2 window data for a marker image. While decompressed binary pixel data are already present in the pixel memory area I, after step 44 in step 45 the output data for the data records containing the compressed data are again required for the windows FEj and possibly for the frame data to generate new coded window data of type 2 for a Make markup symbol array.
  • the individual output data (or input data) are stored in accordance with the respective quantities G w in the memory areas T w as a BCD-packed number.
  • the data for a data record for window FEk of type 2 are now assembled in several steps and stored non-volatilely in a sub-memory area B k .
  • a marking symbol series are generated in a step 45a.
  • the sizes G0 to G5 which are only partially to be printed unencrypted open in franking machine stamp image
  • at least part of the sizes are used in the franking machine to form a single number combination (sub-step 451) a single crypto-number is encrypted (sub-step 452) and then converted into a mark to be printed on the mail (sub-step 453).
  • the storage of the data record to be generated for the marking in a window FE6 can take place in a concluding sub-step 454. Then the point c 3 is reached.
  • the time otherwise required in the franking machine for generating further crypto-numbers can be saved.
  • the continuously monotone variable G w is at least one ascending or descending machine parameter, in particular a time count or its complement during the service life of the franking machine.
  • a machine parameter is time dependent, especially if he is the one decreasing battery voltage of the battery-backed Memory characterizing size G4a and a second steadily monotonically decreasing size G4b or the respective Complement sizes G4a and G4b.
  • the second steadily decreasing size G4b the complement the quantity or a steadily monotonically decreasing is time-dependent size.
  • the continuously monotonically decreasing size is a numerical value according to the next inspection date (INS) and is a steadily monotonically decreasing time-dependent quantity.
  • the combination number KOZ1 is part of the user of the Franking machine characterizing size G0, G1 of the control device 6 is provided.
  • the upper 10 digits of the combination number KOZ1 for the TIME data (size G4) and the lower 4 digits for the post value (size G3) are provided in the sub-step 451 from the memory areas T w .
  • a maximum of 8 bytes, ie 16 digits can be encrypted at once.
  • the combination number KOZ1 can be supplemented in the direction of the lower digits, if necessary, by a further size.
  • the supplementary part may be part of the serial number SN or the number WRN of the advertising frame or the byte selected from the record of the advertising frame in dependence on another size.
  • This combination number KOZ1 can be found in sub-step 452 in FIG encoded for about 210 ms into a crypto KRZ1
  • the crypto KRZ1 based on a predetermined in the memory areas M of the nonvolatile random access memory 5 saved marking list in one to convert the corresponding symbol series.
  • the crypto KRZ1 based on a predetermined in the memory areas M of the nonvolatile random access memory 5 saved marking list in one to convert the corresponding symbol series.
  • increased information density can be achieved.
  • a second variant with a step 45b in addition to step 45a differs from the first variant by other but equally to be considered Output or input variables.
  • the second variant become one after the other in two steps 45b and 45a Mark series, wherein step 45b is carried out analogously to step 45a.
  • step 45 tested whether a flag has been set to carry out of sub-steps 45b and / or 45a, in sub-step 45b one at least the other Part of the users of the franking machine characterizing Size G0, G1 having second combination number KOZ2 formed, then to a second crypto KRZ2 encrypted and then into at least one second marker symbol series MSR2 based on a second Set of SSY2 is converted to symbols.
  • sub-step 455 451 is compared with the sub-step a combination number KOZ2 formed, in which case in particular the sizes for remaining parts of the serial number, for advertising clichés (frame) number, etc. Enter sizes can.
  • sub-step 456 as in sub-step 452 a crypto-number KOZ2 formed.
  • sub-step 457 then the transformation into one takes place again Marker string, which is sub-step 458 is cached non-volatile.
  • sub-step 45a comprising sub-steps 451 to 453 takes place. This may optionally be connected by a sub-step 454. Subsequently, the point c 3 is reached.
  • a sub-step 456 is entered different encryption algorithm than the DES for Time saved used.
  • variant is in Sub-step 453 of the first variant or in the sub-step 457 of the second variant of a transformation to additional increase in the density of information Marking symbol series opposite to the crypto number KRZ1 or KRZ2 made. For example, at a 16 digit crypto number now a set of 22 symbols used to transfer the information using only 12 digit - in the manner shown in the figure 3b - depict. For two cryptos, there is the marker symbol row shown there to double. This can be done by means of a the - shown in Figure 3b - mark symbol series parallel further marker symbol series happen.
  • a marker symbol row - as shown in FIG. 3a has been shown - is designed for 10 digits and can map a crypto KRZ1 if the symbol set 40 symbols.
  • step subsequent to step 45 then the data of a record for the Marker symbol series after decompression in embedded the remaining pixel data.
  • step 45 the data of a record for the Marker symbol series after decompression in embedded the remaining pixel data.
  • step 46 of FIG. 5 is explained in particular.
  • window characteristics Z k and T k are specified for changed window data, the window change number p 'is determined, and a window count variable q is set equal to zero.
  • window count variable q is set equal to the window change number p '. Then the point d 3 and thus the next step 47 would already be reached.
  • this path is not regularly entered at the beginning because the monotonically increasing size constantly generates new marker symbol rows for each impression.
  • Sub-step 4662 branches to window characteristics according to the changed windows and to enter To set initial conditions.
  • a new source address for the data of the record of the currently processed window FEk is generated to load in the next sub-step 4664 a byte of the coded window data of type 2 from the memory area B k in registers of the nonvolatile memory 7a and to detect control characters ,
  • a sub-step 4665 the window column run length Y k is then incremented by the window column run length variable W k , which is still zero. Thereafter, control characters for color changes are examined (sub-step 4666) and, if necessary, branched back to sub-step 4663 or searched for control characters column end (sub-step 4667). If successful, the sub-step 4669 is branched and the window column counter P k is incremented. Otherwise, in the next sub-step 4668, a decoding of the control code and a conversion of the called byte into decompressed binary window pixel data of type 2 is to be carried out.
  • Sub-step 4670 then checks whether all columns of the window have been processed. If this is the case, a branch is made to the sub-step 4671 and the column run length Y k of the window FEk is stored in the memory 7b and branched back to the sub-step 4673. If it is detected in sub-step 4670 that not all the columns have yet been processed, branching back to sub-step 4663 via sub-step 4672, whereby the window characteristic value Y k and the color flip-flop are set back to zero. In the next sub-step 4668, a decoding of the control code and an implementation of the called byte into decompressed binary window pixel data of type 2 may then be carried out again.
  • the printing routine shown in FIG. 12 for the Composing data from the pixel memory areas I and II expire when in step 47 a Print request is detected and data in a - in 5 not shown - Sub-step 471 loaded have been.
  • the pressure column has N pressure elemnt.
  • a sub-step 481 the register 15 of the printer controller 14 is serially loaded bit by bit from the area I of the pixel memory 7c with binary print gap data called with the address Z and the window counter h is set to a number which is the number of windows increased by one p corresponds.
  • a window counter h is decremented, which successively outputs window numbers k, whereupon in sub-step 483 the address Z reached in the pixel memory is compared with the window start address Z k of the window FE k . If the comparison is positive and a window start address is reached, the process branches to sub-step 489, which in turn consists of sub-steps 4891 to 4895. Otherwise, a branch is made to sub-step 484.
  • sub-step 4891 a first bit from region II of pixel memory 7c for window FE k is serially loaded into register 15, the sub-step 4892 increments address Z and bit count variable 1 and decrements window bit count X k .
  • a sub-step 4893 if not all bits corresponding to the window column run length Y k have been loaded, further bits are loaded from area II. Otherwise, a branch is made to the sub-step 4894, wherein the window start address Z k for the addressing of the next window column is increased by the total length R and the window column counter P k is decremented accordingly. At the same time, the original window bit count length X k corresponding to the window column run length Y k is restored.
  • Sub-step 4895 then checks whether all window columns have been processed. If this is the case, then the starting address Z k for the corresponding window FE k is set to zero or an address which lies outside of the pixel memory area I. Otherwise, and after the sub-step 4896, a branch is made to the point e 1 .
  • sub-step 484 it is checked whether all window start addresses have been queried. If that is done, then is branched to the sub-step 485 to the current Increment address Z. Has not happened yet? is branched back to the sub-step 481 to the To continue to decrement window counter h until the next window start address is found or until in sub-step 484, the window counter h becomes zero.
  • sub-step 486 it is checked whether all data for the column s k to be printed in register 15 is loaded. If this is not yet the case, the bit count variable 1 is incremented in the sub-step 488 to return to the point e 1 and then (in the sub-step 481) to load the next bit addressed by the address Z from the pixel memory area into the register 15.
  • the column is printed out in sub-step 487. Thereafter, in a step 50 already shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether all the pixel data of the pixel memory areas I and II have been printed out, that is, the mail piece has been franked. If that is the case, then the point f 1 is reached. Otherwise, branching is made to the sub-step 501 and the bit-count variable 1 is reset to zero, and then branched back to the point e 1 . Now the next pressure column can be created.
  • the source address is incremented.
  • sub-step 4993 sub-step 4991 is withheld to perform the color change. Otherwise, the system branches to sub-step 4994.
  • sub-step 4994 it is determined whether a control code "column end" exists. If this is not the case, then the register contents must be decoded and decompressed.
  • the character memory (CSP) 9 contains a series of binary pixel data which can be correspondingly retrieved on the basis of the hexadecimal number loaded in the volatile main memory 7a. This is done in sub-step 4995, and then the decompressed window pixel data for a column of windows FE j of type 2 are loaded serially into the print register 15 of the printer controller 14.
  • sub-step 4996 the address is then incremented and a corresponding next hexadecimal number is selected in the data set stored in non-volatile random access memory 5 in sub-area B 5 , as well as the bits converted in the decoding of the run-length encoding to form a window column run-length variable W j with which the destination address is incremented.
  • W j window column run-length variable
  • Sub-steps 4997 to 4999 follow, and then branch back to point e 2 .
  • Sub-steps 4998 and 4999 are similar to sub-steps 4895 and 4894 shown in Figure 12.
  • sub-step 497 the ready loaded Print column printed.
  • Sub-steps 491 to 497 run similar to the one shown in FIG. Sub-steps 481-487.
  • step 47 Will in step 47 when a print request has been made on the a print routine including step 48 and in the case of a print request that has not yet been completed in waiting for the print request, by - in the manner shown in Figures 5 and 6 - on the beginning of step 47 is decreased directly, the invention has a further temporal Advantage, since not permanently new the DES algorithm is generated. The next detectable time after a generation of the marker symbol series already trigger the pressure. Nevertheless, as mentioned, also other back branches possible.
  • step 45 be placed between steps 53 and 54.
  • subsequent step 54 then becomes Data of a record for the mark symbol series after its decompression into the remaining pixel data of the pixel memory area I embedded. Another Pixel memory area is then not required.
  • Another opposite variant saves in Pixel storage area only the frame pixel data and Bets all window pixel data into the same Pressure register 15 corresponding columns read without intervening a pixel memory for Window data is needed.
  • the memory area A i can be dispensed with.
  • the invariable image information is stored in a read-only memory, eg in the program memory (ROM) 11. In the decoding of the invariable image information, this read-only memory 11 is accessed, so that the intermediate storage can be dispensed with.
  • the invention is not limited to the present embodiment limited.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Procédé de contrôle des empreintes de sécurité sur des marchandises postales au moyen d'une chaíne de caractères graphiques, avec un dispositif de reconnaissance visuelle du numéro de série des envois postaux et de symboles graphiques qui sont appliqués comme une marque distinctive ainsi que leur entrée par un dispositif d'introduction (25) se distinguant par les étapes
    Entrée des symboles graphiques enregistrés de la série l'un après l'autre par un dispositif d'introduction (25), afin de retransformer un premier chiffre cryptologique (KRZ1) au moins de la marque imprimée par pression sur la marchandise postale,
    Démarrage d'une exploitation automatique dans l'ordinateur (26) d'un dispositif d'évaluation (23) et la mise en parallèle des dimensions ouvertes marquées par pression des chiffres de comparaison cryptologiques (VKRZ1) établis avec le premier chiffre cryptologique (KRZ1) et la signalisation du résultat de la comparaison.
  2. Le procédé, selon la spécification 1, se distingue ainsi, du fait que, lors de la saisie, les symboles graphiques marqués sur un envoi postal sont automatiquement saisis avec un lecteur (24) approprié.
  3. Le procédé, selon une des spécifications 1 à 2, se distingue ainsi, du fait que la saisie de la chaíne de caractères graphiques est en connexion avec la lecture d'un champ de référence d'une présynchronisation et d'une obtention d'une valeur de référence pour les seuils clairs/sombres lors d'une exploitation mécanique.
  4. Le procédé, selon la spécification 3, se distingue ainsi, du fait qu'une partie d'un cadre de l'empreinte de valeur sert de champ de référence.
  5. Le procédé, selon la spécification 1, se distingue ainsi, du fait que l'entrée des symboles graphiques, lors de leur saisie visuelle, s'effectue par les touches de fonction du clavier marquées à cet effet présentes dans le dispositif d'introduction (25).
  6. Le procédé, selon une des spécifications 1 à 5, se distingue ainsi, du fait que l'exploitation automatique de la chaíne de caractères graphiques concourrant avec le dispositif d'évaluation (23) s'effectue avec un centre de données (21).
EP98250402A 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé pour vérifier un motif destiné à la sécurité Expired - Lifetime EP0902400B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4221270 1992-06-26
DE4221270A DE4221270A1 (de) 1992-06-26 1992-06-26 Anordnung und Verfahren zur Klischeetextteiländerung für Frankiermaschinen
EP93250183A EP0576113B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé et dispositif pour la génération d'une impression de sécurité

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EP93250183A Division EP0576113B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé et dispositif pour la génération d'une impression de sécurité

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EP0902400A2 EP0902400A2 (fr) 1999-03-17
EP0902400A3 EP0902400A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
EP0902400B1 true EP0902400B1 (fr) 2005-08-10

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EP93109899A Expired - Lifetime EP0578042B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé pour commander l'impression colonne-par-colonne de l'image d'un timbre postal dans une machine d'affranchissement
EP98250403A Withdrawn EP0907149A3 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour évaluer des impressions de sécurité
EP98250402A Expired - Lifetime EP0902400B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé pour vérifier un motif destiné à la sécurité
EP93250183A Expired - Lifetime EP0576113B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé et dispositif pour la génération d'une impression de sécurité
EP98250404A Expired - Lifetime EP0907150B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour la vérification des impressions de sécurité

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EP93109899A Expired - Lifetime EP0578042B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé pour commander l'impression colonne-par-colonne de l'image d'un timbre postal dans une machine d'affranchissement
EP98250403A Withdrawn EP0907149A3 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour évaluer des impressions de sécurité

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EP93250183A Expired - Lifetime EP0576113B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Procédé et dispositif pour la génération d'une impression de sécurité
EP98250404A Expired - Lifetime EP0907150B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour la vérification des impressions de sécurité

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EP (5) EP0578042B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2099206C (fr)
DE (5) DE4221270A1 (fr)

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Also Published As

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EP0907150B1 (fr) 2005-08-31
CA2099206A1 (fr) 1993-12-27
US5894792A (en) 1999-04-20
EP0576113A2 (fr) 1993-12-29
EP0907149A2 (fr) 1999-04-07
EP0578042B1 (fr) 1999-05-19
EP0576113B1 (fr) 2000-03-08
DE4221270A1 (de) 1994-01-05
US5471925A (en) 1995-12-05
EP0578042A3 (fr) 1994-12-07
EP0907150A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
EP0902400A2 (fr) 1999-03-17
DE59310377D1 (de) 2005-10-06
EP0576113A3 (fr) 1994-12-07
CA2099206C (fr) 1998-10-27
DE59310376D1 (de) 2005-09-15
EP0902400A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
DE59309965D1 (de) 2000-04-13
EP0578042A2 (fr) 1994-01-12
EP0907149A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
DE59309587D1 (de) 1999-06-24
EP0907150A2 (fr) 1999-04-07

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