EP0907150A2 - Méthode pour la vérification des impressions de sécurité - Google Patents

Méthode pour la vérification des impressions de sécurité Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0907150A2
EP0907150A2 EP98250404A EP98250404A EP0907150A2 EP 0907150 A2 EP0907150 A2 EP 0907150A2 EP 98250404 A EP98250404 A EP 98250404A EP 98250404 A EP98250404 A EP 98250404A EP 0907150 A2 EP0907150 A2 EP 0907150A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
window
sub
memory
cliché
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
Application number
EP98250404A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0907150B1 (fr
EP0907150A3 (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
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Francotyp Postalia GmbH filed Critical Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Publication of EP0907150A2 publication Critical patent/EP0907150A2/fr
Publication of EP0907150A3 publication Critical patent/EP0907150A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0907150B1 publication Critical patent/EP0907150B1/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 verification of security imprints in which in the preamble of Specified claim 1 type.
  • the method comprises Steps for entering and encrypting information, that are printed on the mail piece, too a crypto number and generating a mark from the Crypto number, as well as the comparison of the generated with the printed mark.
  • the one on a piece of mail printed information can with a suitable Reader automatically entered into an evaluation device become.
  • the invention relates in particular to franking machines, which generated a fully electronic impression Franking of postal items including reprinting one Deliver advertising clichés and a marker.
  • the franking machine is with at least one input means, an output means, an input / output control module, a memory for at least one advertising cliché, one Control device and a printer module equipped.
  • a franking machine usually creates an imprint right-justified in a form agreed with Swiss Post, starting parallel to the upper edge of the mail with the content of postage in the postmark, date in Daily stamps and stamp impressions for advertising slogan and if necessary, type of shipment in the election stamp.
  • the post value that The date and the type of shipment form the according to the variable to be entered in the mail item Information.
  • the post value is that of the sender prepaid transportation fee (franking), the one taken from the refillable credit register and at Postage is used.
  • the date is a current date or a future date in a postmark. While the current date of a clock / date block automatically provided, must be in a manual Predating a setting of the desired one future date. Interesting is the pre-dating in all cases where the advent occurs Postage processed and franked very early, but too must be dispatched to a specific date.
  • the embedding of the variable data for the date in the In principle, day stamps can also be used for printing of the postal value.
  • the approved advertising clichés can send a wide variety of messages kind contain, especially the Address, company logo, mailbox and / or one any other message. Acting in the advertising cliché it is an additional one in the postal sense Information to be agreed with the postal authority.
  • a franking machine message printing system is already known from DE 37 12 100 known, the ones to be printed Characters, a postage charge, and a remote Include message.
  • the electrical franking machine is with a franking machine clearing circuit, which delivers the postage value, with a 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, therefore the characters to be printed are at least partially printed based on data stored in memory.
  • Advertising cliché can be selectively changed by the data center
  • the data center via the transmission connection is forwarded to the verification of the coded Requirement in the data center was positive and that of Data center transmitted message in the franking machine has been checked.
  • the possibility of a third party To allow advertising on your own post by the Space for the franking machine message rented becomes.
  • the data center then becomes the message of one Transmitted to third parties.
  • the data center needs the message of the third party to the franking machine and checked also the use of the message in the Franking machine. But there are always measures required to ensure that the connection the embassy is maintained authorized and that the data is correct.
  • Selective change in the memory saved advertising message must either the pixel data for the advertising message completely new from one Central are transmitted, the number of Print is monitored, or the one to be printed Advertising message is hand in using a keyboard entered a memory to successively save the Print postage, date and text lines.
  • the disadvantage here is that manual changes Input information the previous old input information is lost. Only on at the headquarters saved advertising messages can then be used become. Another disadvantage is that the change is not can be done without interruption.
  • the squeeze is electronically and mechanically complex. The usage on the one hand from printing drums or on the other hand from Dot matrix printers also leads to an undesirable one Noise pollution.
  • An electronic franking machine is known from US 4,580,144 known with two thermal printing devices, with the first the fixed part of the printed image (postal code and picture frame) and with the second one variable print image part (postage and date) one after the other to be printed.
  • the treatment of variable and constant data can Print speed can be increased.
  • An automatic transmission system is known from EP 294 397 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 a value processing section, Programming means for card microprocessor and a processing section microprocessor for execution of a programmed handling procedure on, with a graphic from the card memory by Terminal is loaded into the printer memory.
  • With new advertising clichés here Security itself cannot be increased. Such one can be easily generated electronically. On the other hand would change a cliché on manipulation Clues. To evaluate such, but is through the postal authority has not yet envisaged here.
  • DE 38 23 719 is a security system for use with a character printing authorization device known.
  • a computer of the franking machine is a memory for the data to be loaded Graphic change and the date of the associated date.
  • an external dialing device via a connecting device (Modem) accessed a selection of one too character pattern. It is intended that the printed character pattern to check security the authorization of the franking machine becomes. But here is all of that printed printed image from the Post office evaluate what is only with a high Effort is possible.
  • Another security system uses imprints in Form of a diagram (US 5 075 862) within the Franking machine stamp imprint. If pressure elements failed, the dots are missing in the printed image, which leads to signal an alleged forgery can. Such markings in diagram form within the Franking machine stamp imprints are therefore not so for sure. Even if the impression is correct, the machine evaluation is difficult because the whole Print image is to be evaluated.
  • DE 40 03 006 A1 describes a method for Labeling of postal items to enable identification been proposed by franking machines, including a multi-digit crypto number the date, the machine parameters, the postal value and of the advertising cliché and cached separately becomes.
  • a printer media setting Printer control becomes the crypto number when printing additionally inserted in the print pattern. So can a counterfeit or any imitation using the crypto number of the franking machine stamp by an unpaid one Postage imprint can be recognized.
  • the user can easily find out who manipulated the post value. However this is not a fully electronic one generated print image for an impact-less printer.
  • the fully electronic generated advertising cliché belongs in this solution as well as the constant data of the franking image, such as the frame arrangement of the value and day stamp with Location and, if applicable, the postcode.
  • the advertising slogan but can not partially in that franking machine be changed.
  • a franking device for which, on the one hand, a machine-readable as well as manually readable and decodable form of the identification, which can be visibly applied to the mail piece or the franking strip together with the franking imprint, and for which, on the other hand, a solution for combining constant and of quickly changeable editable data as well as for printing control for a column-wise printing of a franking image was developed.
  • the cliché should be changed via the actuating elements in the new franking machine, without this requiring prior approval from a data center or through the post office, and without this affecting the security of the billing and without such franking Postgut is sorted out as a forgery at the post office. At the same time, the security against counterfeiting should also be increased.
  • This marking is preferably in the form of a Barcodes and / or a series of symbols in one Field of the franking machine image at the same time this is printed by the only printer module.
  • the symbolism becomes mechanical as well a visual evaluation by a trained Examiner checking the shape and conceptual content of the symbols evaluates, made possible in the post office.
  • the shape of the symbols, with orthogonal edges, made possible by an integral Measurement of the degree of blackening is a particularly simple one and fast machine readability. Opposite the bar code becomes a higher information density with the row of symbols reached and thus space in the franking machine print image saved or can be saved using the graphic Symbols more information can be printed coded.
  • a control device that does the billing and Sequence control takes over, creates, is therefore provided that a print control signal after a print request is formed by converting it into binary pixel data converted marker data during the column by column Printing in the course of a special printing routine column by column into the currently printed column at a predetermined one Position.
  • the invention assumes that after switching on automatically the post value in the value print accordingly the last entry before the franking machine was switched off and the date in the day stamp corresponding to the current date can be specified for the reprint the variable data into the fixed data for the frame and for all related data that remain unchanged be electronically embedded.
  • This variable data the window contents are briefly referred to as Window data and all fixed data for the value stamp, the daily stamp and the advertising slogan stamp as Framework data referred to.
  • the framework data is one first memory area of a non-volatile working memory removable.
  • the window data is one second memory area for the purpose of assembly can be seen from an overall representation of a franking image.
  • the data from both Memory areas according to a freely selectable Assignment to a pixel print image before printing composed and into a column during printing of the entire franking machine print image has been completed.
  • Those variable data, which during the Pressure embedded in the print column include at least the marking data. The time spent on the previous assembly of the entire pixel image with the rest of the data, is reduced accordingly.
  • the previous assembly is similar to that of Date in the postmark and as with the postage value in the value print, the variable information in the intended Windows added and modified afterwards can be. It is assumed that a Embedding a variable part of the text in a frame for an advertising cliché can be done in the same way, as with the other window data and that for that Window within the overall presentation of the advertising cliché is defined. To save time, be only the parts of a graphic representation of one Resaved change that actually changed become.
  • the procedure goes in preparation for a change of the cliché text part for franking machines assume that a loading of agreed cliché types via MODEM or Chipcard and a selection of a cliché type in on can be done in a known manner.
  • According to the invention becomes an optional editing one in the franking machine stored cliché text part and a composition and the display of an overall presentation and if necessary, saving the edited text part additionally guaranteed before printing.
  • the arrangement for changing the cliché text part for franking machines shows according to the invention in a variant a pixel memory and a non-volatile memory with separate memory areas.
  • the first memory area for the corresponding Framework data the fixed data of the different Cliché types are assigned to a selection, the second storage area for window data, e.g. for a number of cliché parts that can be assigned, intended.
  • the non-volatile memory is there with a facility that the data in this second Storage area automatically in a predetermined manner can change in connection.
  • a message is said to be in an agreed upon Window of a field for an advertising cliché in franking imprint are transmitted, with the message in Plain text addresses the addressee directly.
  • the embassy can be one not agreed with the post office be an alphanumeric part of the text, any one Information, e.g. Notes on company holidays, trade fairs, Contains meetings and / or public events.
  • the invention is therefore further based on the consideration with the post office an approval process for to agree on cliché types that can be supplemented by the customer, to in the franking machine using their keyboard the function for changing alphanumeric text parts within the advertising cliché. This eliminates the need for new advertising clichés every time from the franking machine manufacturer or dealer or to request its data center and thus the associated complex security procedure is also eliminated including the transmission of coded Signals for cliché data using a modem.
  • hexadecimal Framework data, window data and assignment data in the each separate memory areas of an additional transfer non-volatile memory and there to save the print image before printing to display and to edit the cliché parts can. It is then transferred to the volatile pixel memory and a classification of the Window data according to the assignment data in the Framework data.
  • this is due to the invention possible to work time-optimized, so that the Printing speed becomes high.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the franking machine according to the invention with a printer module 1 for a fully electronically generated franking image, which contains an advertising slogan and / or a marking for a security imprint, with at least one input means 2 having actuating elements, and with a display unit 3, both of which have a An input / output control module 4 are coupled, a non-volatile memory 5 for at least the constant parts of the franking image and a control device 6.
  • a character memory 9 supplies the necessary print data for the volatile working memory 7.
  • the control device 6 has a microprocessor ⁇ P, which with the input / output control module 4, with the character memory 9, with the volatile working 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, possibly with a strip trigger 12, one Enc or (coding disk) 13 and a clock / date module 8 is connected.
  • the character memory 9 contains all alphanumeric characters or symbols are stored pixel by pixel as binary data. Data for alphanumeric characters or symbols are in the non-volatile memory 5 compressed in the form a hexadecimal number. According to the Position report delivered by encoder 13 via the Feeding the postal items or paper strips in relation the compressed data is sent to the printer module 1 the memory 5 read and with the help of the character memory 9 into a binary pixel data Print image converted, which decompressed in such Form stored in volatile memory 7 becomes. To explain the invention are below RAM 7a, 7b and pixel memory 7c used, although this is preferably physically preferred is a single memory chip.
  • the working memory 7b and the pixel memory 7c stand with the printer module 1 via a print register (DR) 15 and a printer controller having output logic 14 in connection.
  • the pixel memory 7c is on the output side to a first input of the printer controller 14 switched, at the other control inputs output signals the microprocessor control device 6.
  • points in the non-volatile Main memory 5 has a first memory area A (e.g. for the data of the constant parts of the Franking picture etc. the advertising cliché frame, with a assigned index i identifies the respective frame), and a pixel storage area I in the volatile Pixel memory 7c.
  • a memory area A e.g. for the data of the constant parts of the Franking picture etc. the advertising cliché frame, with a assigned index i identifies the respective frame
  • a pixel storage area I in the volatile Pixel memory 7c For a quick change of Window data, especially for a quick change of the cliché text part there is 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 data of the variable parts of the franking image.
  • a saved block of cliché text is still by an assigned name or indication j denotes.
  • the data for a first assignment of the names of the Cliché text parts for the names of the cliché frames are in a third memory area C of the non-volatile RAM 5 before. Through this assignment the data records in the memory areas A and B addressed and automatically called accordingly become.
  • the memory areas A to T in the non-volatile working memory 5 can contain a large number of sub-memory areas, under which the respective data are stored in data records.
  • the strings of numbers (sTrings) which are entered for the generation of the input data with a keyboard 2 or via an electronic balance - not shown in FIG. 1 - connected to the input / output device 4 and calculating the postal value are automatically stored in the memory area T of the non-volatile memory 5 stored. This ensures that the last input values are retained even when the franking machine is switched off, so that after switching on the postage value in the value print is automatically specified in accordance with the last entry before the franking machine was switched off and the date in the day stamp in accordance with the current date.
  • records of the sub memory areas for example A i , Bj, C etc., are also retained. In each data record of a sub memory area A i , Bj or B k control code and run length-coded frame or window data are alternately contained one after the other.
  • the corresponding temporary assignment of window to Frame data is switched on according to the current or the specified future date of the control device having a microprocessor 6 hit.
  • the non-volatile memory 5 Before printing, the non-volatile memory 5 the respective selected Framework data for the advertising slogan stamp, for the postmark and for the postage in the Register 100, 110, 120, ..., of a volatile RAM 7a taken over, during the Transfer tax code decoded and in a separate Memory area of the working memory 7b stored become.
  • the respective selected one Window data loaded in registers 200, 210, 220, ....
  • the registers are preferably of sub memory areas in the memory area of the working memory 7a educated. In another variant, these are aforementioned register part of the microprocessor control 6.
  • the run-length encoded are decompressed hexadecimal data into corresponding binary pixel data transferred.
  • the decompressed binary Pixel data that remains unchanged over a long period of time remain in a first pixel memory area I and the binary pixel data that changes frequently in adopted a second pixel memory area II.
  • 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 in the first pixel storage area I and the selection of editable window data with subsequent Decompress and save them as binary pixel data in the second pixel storage area II there is still no print request.
  • the number of letters printed with each o.g. The advertising cliché is set in the Franking machine for later evaluation registered.
  • the window data concern among others the current postage value (postage) and franking machine specific data (serial number) in Franking stamp, the date or additional suitable Data (absolute time or quantity) in the postmark, editable cliché text part data in the cliché stamp. Composing the frame and window pixel data takes place again - as with the first variant - during the execution of a special printing routine.
  • Figure 2 shows a second variant of the invention Solution. It can also be specially created encrypted and in a sixth memory area F stored marking data used for marking become.
  • the arrangement for changing the cliché text part for Franking machines now have three separate ones in the pixel memory Storage areas.
  • the first Storage area I for the data of the cliché type (Frame) the post value and the current date and the second memory area II for assignable multiple Cliché text part data becomes a third storage area III provided for the marking data.
  • the Establishment that the data in this first, second and can change third memory area is the the same microprocessor of the control device 6, the also the billing routine and the printing routine executes.
  • the data from the three memory areas are determined according to a predetermined (in certain limits freely selectable) assignment during the Print for an overall presentation of an advertising slogan composed.
  • a marking of mail based on a crypto number generated marker for Enabling the identification of franking machines can be made without difficulty if not including the multi-digit crypto number 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 other data, such as the machine parameter of the value setting and the date formed and cached becomes.
  • the associated data of the columnar regional Image information selected from the data set to at least a number of data (hexadecimal numbers) remove.
  • Machine parameter data serial number, monotonous changeable size, time data, inspection data, such as for example the number of prints in the last one Inspection
  • Storage in the third memory area III can for a high security standard, for example DES algorithm (Data Encryption Standard) for Encryption and also a conversion into one special graphic character set can be used.
  • DES algorithm Data Encryption Standard
  • a barcode is claimed in the franking machine print image depending on the amount of information encoded possibly considerable space or compels to Enlargement of the franking machine imprint or it cannot have all the information in the bar code imprint reproduced.
  • License plate can be in front, behind, under u./o. over one Field within the actual franking stamp imprint to be printed. This is it according to the invention to a human, as well machine-readable marking.
  • a letter envelope transported under the printer module 1 17 comes with a franking machine stamp image printed.
  • the check box is located in an advantageous manner for an evaluation in one Line below the fields for the value stamp for which Daily stamp, for the advertising cliché and possibly in the field for the optional print addition of the franking machine stamp image.
  • the check box is in one within the franking machine print image under the Daily stamp arranged windows FE 6.
  • Der den Post value in a first window FE 1 the Machine serial number in a second and third Windows containing FE 2 and FE 3 stamps if necessary, a reference field in a window FE 7 and one if applicable, the number of the advertising cliché in one Window FE 9 open.
  • the reference field is used for pre-synchronization for reading the graphic string and to obtain a reference value for the Light / dark threshold in a machine evaluation.
  • a pre-synchronization for reading the graphic String is also linked by and / or with the frame, in particular the postage stamp or Value stamp reached.
  • the fourth window FE 4 in the day stamp contains that current or entered in special cases predated date.
  • 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 imprint other imprint is equal, thereby counterfeiting Copying the impression senseless with a copier becomes.
  • a fifth window FE 5 is in the advertising cliché for one editable advertising cliché text part provided.
  • FIG. 3b shows a security imprint with a checkbox in the columns between the value stamp and the day stamp can be seen, the upstream vertical part of the Pre-synchronization stamp and may serve as a reference field. This eliminates one separate window FE7.
  • the marking data can be in this variant with a vertical arrangement of the Symbol series in a shorter time almost simultaneously be recorded.
  • Example of the security imprint is in addition to the variant shown in Figure 3b another Marking field in the postmark under the window FE 1 arranged for the postage value. More can be found here Information, for example about the number of the chosen advertising clichés, unencrypted but in one machine-readable form.
  • FIG. 3d a fourth example of the security imprint, two more check boxes in the postmark below and above the window FE 1 for the Postage value arranged.
  • FIG. 3e in a fifth example for the security imprint, two more check boxes in the postmark below and above the window FE 1 for the Postage value arranged.
  • the check box indicates which in the postmark above the window FE 1 for the Postage value is arranged on a barcode.
  • the Number of the selected advertising cliché unencrypted but communicated in a machine-readable form.
  • the form of marking is free with any postal authority compatible. Every general change of the marking picture or the arrangement of the marking field easy because of the electronic printing principle possible.
  • a third memory area C is provided in the non-volatile working memory, in which data are available for a first assignment of the names of the variable parts to the names of the constant parts.
  • the data for the constant parts of the franking image which relate to at least the frame of an advertising slogan, are stored in a first memory area A i , an assigned name identifying the cliché frame, and the data for the variable parts of the franking image are in a second memory area B.
  • j or for marking data is stored in a memory area B k , an assigned name identifying the variable part.
  • 3f shows a representation of a sentence Icons for a check box are shown, with the Symbols are suitably shaped so that both a mechanical as well as a visual evaluation made possible by trained staff in the postal authority becomes.
  • a sentence is added to increase the security against counterfeiting Used symbols that are not in the standard character set of common pressure equipment is included.
  • the check box is in the preferred variant at least under or in a field of the franking machine stamp image arranged and a line of such symbols below the franking stamp imprint and printed with it at the same time.
  • the Character store 9 becomes a conversion of a Crypto number in a symbolic marking performed.
  • one is replaced by another physical size, advantageously by the Post value, selected list that the individual Maps crypto numbers to graphic symbols used.
  • the encrypted hexadecimal data decompressed by means of the character memory to the from the symbols to be printed to press. This is also a too machine-readable marking.
  • the machine identification of the symbols in the The license plate can be made in two variants: a) via the integrally measured degree of darkness of each symbol or b) via edge detection for symbols.
  • a reader is suitable for this purpose focused photo detectors arranged.
  • the one created for each serial number or user preferably in data center databases for all Franking machines saved existing lists contain data values for each variable Verification of the authenticity of a franking be used.
  • the assignment of the Symbols for listed weights and on the other hand another - not shown in FIG. 3f - Set of symbols assigning meaning and Degree of blackening different for different users be determined.
  • a corresponding one - shown in FIG. 4 - Evaluation device 23 for manual identification has a computer 26 with a suitable program Memory 28, input and output devices 25 and 27 on.
  • the one used by the respective postal authority Evaluation device 23 is provided with a - in FIG. 4 not shown - data center 21 in connection.
  • the Input device 25 by the trained examiner manually or automatically by means of a suitable reading device 24 the graphic symbols entered in order to the marking printed on the postal matter (letter) in convert back at least a first crypto number KRZ1.
  • the actuators, in particular Keyboard, the input device with the symbols to be marked for manual entry facilitate.
  • the Franking machine stamp image removable openly printed Sizes, especially G0 for the serial number SN of the franking machine, G1 for the advertising cliché (frame) number WRN, G2 for the date DAT and G3 for the Post value PW, G4 for non-repeating time data TIME and at least one only from the franking machine manufacturer and / or the data center known and size G5 INS notified to the postal authority at least partially used to at least one To form comparison crypto number VKRZ1.
  • the review is carried out in a third step Comparison of the crypto numbers KRZ1 with VKRZ1 in the computer 26 the evaluation device 23, wherein a signal for Equality or non-justification with negative comparison result (inequality) is delivered.
  • a second evaluation variant consists of the printed mark to recover the individual information and with the open ones on the mail piece compare printed information.
  • the starting number is one Combination number KOZ and contains the number combination at least two sizes, one size by the upper digits of the combination number KOZ and the other size represented by the lower digits of the KOZ becomes. That part of the number combination, which is to be evaluated - for example, the post value - is separated and displayed. This eliminates the second and third step of the first evaluation variant.
  • the evaluation device by the operator manually or automatically Sizes G0, G2, G3 and G4 entered to match the same key and encryption algorithm as it is used in the franking machine, a crypto number to derive. A mark created from it will displayed and by the operator with the on the mail (Envelope) printed marking compared. The comes the symbolism of the output unit 27 shown and printed on the mail Markings against.
  • the first size G1 is the advertising slogan frame number WRN, which the inspector recognizes from the franking stamp image. In addition to the user, this first size is also known to the franking machine manufacturer and / or data center and is communicated to the postal authority. In a variant, preferably with a data connection to the data center, the advertising slogan frames WR n belonging to the serial number SN of the respective franking machine with assigned numbers WRN n are displayed on a screen of the data output device 27. The comparison with the advertising slogan frame WR b used on the letter is made by the examiner, who enters the number WRN n determined in this way.
  • Those transferred from the data center to the memory 28 stored lists contain the one hand current allocation of the parts of the advertising slogan frame WRNT to a second size G2 (e.g. the Date DAT) and on the other hand the assignment of symbol lists to a third size G3 (e.g. the Post value PW). Additionally, a list of through the first size G1, especially the advertising cliché (frame) number WRN, selected parts SNT of the serial number SN to be available.
  • User-specific information such as for example, the advertising slogan frame number WRN can be used for random manual evaluation of the marking can be used by decoding lists based on the user-specific information can be selected, the contain corresponding data records. With the size G2 (DAT) then becomes the byte from the data record determines what happens when generating the combination number is used.
  • a monotony test used for testing the uniqueness of the impression.
  • the examiner takes the serial number SN the windows FE2 and FE3 of the impression and represents the Franker machine users fixed. This can additionally the ad cliché number will be used as it is in are assigned to certain cost centers as a rule, if the same machine from different Users.
  • In the above Lists are data from last test also data from the last one Inspection entered. Such data are for example the number of pieces if the machine is over has an absolute piece count, or the absolute Time data if the machine has an absolute Counts.
  • the correctness of the printed postage value according to the valid Post office regulations checked. So that in subsequent fraudulent intent Manipulations on the imprint are found. in the second test step is then the monotony of the data, especially the one checked in window FE8. So that can Copies of a franking imprint are found. Manipulation for counterfeiting is therefore not promising, since this data in the form of a crypted row of symbols additionally in at least be marked in a checkbox.
  • the information can be through a predetermined window FE9 must be specified.
  • the associated window data are type 1, i.e. they are changed less often than Window data of type 2, 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 printed, but are only used for encryption used. That is why they are missing compared to FIG. 3a shown windows FE8 and FE9 in the - in the figures 3b to 3e shown - franking machine print images, to illustrate these variants.
  • the temporarily variable sizes 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 each from the corresponding field of the franking machine stamp image detected and read.
  • Temporary variable sizes are only available to the franking machine manufacturer and / or data center known and will be communicated to the postal authority. For example, serves the one defined during the last inspection Number of frankings, as a fifth size G5.
  • the size G5 forms, for example, the key for the encryption, which is changed at predetermined time intervals, ie after each inspection of the franking machine. These time intervals are dimensioned such that even when using modern analysis methods, for example differential cryptanalysis, it is certainly not possible to reconstruct the original information from the markings in the marking field in order to subsequently produce counterfeit stamp images.
  • size G1 corresponds to an advertising cliché (frame) number.
  • T i , T j of the working memory 5 of the franking machine there are corresponding number strings (sTrings) for window or Frame input data saved.
  • the sizes G0, G2 and G3 correspond, for example, to the window data stored in the sub-memory areas T j of the working memory 5 of the postage meter machine, the size G0 in the windows FE2 and FE3 from the sub-memory areas T 2 and T 3 , and the size G2 in the window FE4 from the Sub memory area T 4 and the size G3 in window FE1 originate from sub memory area T 1 .
  • steps a) to c) have already been carried out beforehand saved cliché frames with the cliché text parts used immediately be displayed and selected to switch to Cliché or the combination of a cliché with the selected part of the cliché text without interrupting printing to effect.
  • a number of names of the cliché frames or a clear representation for the selection of the cliché frames with an associated cliché or standard text part takes place from a pixel memory.
  • at least one of the variable text parts for FE5 is assigned to the respective cliché frame.
  • the selected cliché text part can be edited by means of the actuating elements while the plain text is shown on the display.
  • the edited text part is automatically saved before franking, with 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 saved.
  • the windows within the overall display of the advertising cliché are defined in such a way that only those parts of a graphic display that are actually changed are stored in a separate sub-storage area B 5 in the event of a change.
  • the data of the window contents can be extracted from the storage area B for the purpose of composing them into an overall representation of a franking image.
  • a run length coding of graphic data was provided in at least one area of the non-volatile working memory 5, 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 the start of windows of the respective windows (types 1 or 2), Column end, picture end in hexadecimal notation are present.
  • the cliché frame data and the data for the variable cliché text parts are taken from the memory areas A i and B 5 as required, the assignment being taken into account.
  • a plurality of data records for the cliché text parts are preferably stored in the sub-memory areas B 5 .
  • the user enters his cost center, whereby a predetermined cliché frame data set is selected from the storage area A i . Since the selectable cliché frames are each assigned to a cost center KST and / or there is a second assignment of the cliché type number to cost centers stored in a fourth memory area D, the predetermined arrangement of the print image data can be carried out by the control device 6.
  • the names of the cliché frames stored in a first storage area A are composed of the number KN of the cost center K and a type number TN, that the names of the cliché text parts that are stored in a second sub-storage area B 5 , by the 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 name of the cliché frame containing the cost center number KN and the type number TN, as well as the date DAT and possibly a name of the cliché text part containing a time UZ are determined.
  • an assignment is found in the memory area D and a predetermined data set for the cliché frame is selected from A i .
  • the associated cliché text part can be addressed in the memory area B 5 on the basis of the assignment given in the memory area C and then automatically transferred to the memory area 7 a of the volatile working memory 7 intended for this purpose.
  • the names of parts of the cliché text are displayed in the window provided for that field the display unit 3, in which also the clear representation of the cliché frame is visible.
  • the defined period is in a preferred variant through the selectable time data in the data of the Allocation of cliché parts, especially those Time data such as the month and / or the year in relation to the current from a clock / date block 8 delivered date given automatically.
  • the stored window data for an advertising slogan text part, a marking field and possibly for a reference field are available. It should be noted that in some of the sub-memory areas of the main memory 5 of the postage meter machine identified as B k , the window data are written and / or read out more often than in other sub-memory areas.
  • the non-volatile working memory is an EEPROM, a special storage method can be used to ensure that it remains safely below the limit number of storage cycles that is permissible for it.
  • a battery-backed RAM can also be used for the non-volatile working memory 5.
  • window data which is less changeable in time hereinafter referred to as type 1 window data.
  • window data of type 2 below referred to the constantly changing window data.
  • FIG. 5 - compared to that in FIG. 2 shown second variant - now a third variant represented the solution according to the invention, which Procedure for the presence of - in Figure 1 - shown two pixel storage areas based.
  • decoded binary frame and window data in two pixel memory areas saved before printing According to the frequency of changing data, decoded binary frame and window data in two pixel memory areas saved before printing.
  • the type 1 window data that is not to be changed continuously like date, serial number of the franking machine and that cliché text part selected for several prints before printing together with the framework data in Binary data decompressed and one in the pixel storage area I put together the stored pixel image become.
  • Window data of type 2 are too Printing postal and postage dependent postage value and / or the constantly changing marking. After a Print requests are made during a print routine during printing for each column of the printed image binary pixel data from the pixel memory areas I and II composed to a pressure column control signal.
  • step 40 After the start in step 40 takes place due to the Enter the cost center in step 41 an automatic Enter the last window currently saved and frame data and a corresponding one in step 42 Display.
  • a Cliché text part that corresponds to a certain advertising cliché assigned is automatically specified.
  • step 43 frame data are stored in registers 100, 110, 120, ..., of the volatile working memory 7a and thereby detected control code and in volatile Main memory 7b saved.
  • the rest of the framework data are decompressed and stored in volatile pixel memory 7c saved as binary pixel data.
  • FIG. 9a shows the decoding of the control code, Decompression and loading of the fixed frame data as well as the formation and storage of the window parameters and in Figure 9b the embedding of decompressed current window data of type 1 into the decompressed frame data after the start of the Postage meter or after editing Framework data shown in detail.
  • step 44 there are either the decompressed ones Type I frame and window data as binary Pixel data stored in the Pichel storage area I before and can be processed in step 45 or there is a new entry of frame and / or Window data. In the latter case, step 51 branches.
  • step 51 the microprocessor determines whether an input has been made via the input means 2 in order to Window data, for example for the post value to replace a new one or to replace window data, for example for a line of cliché text or edit. If such an entry has been made, the necessary sub-steps for the entries have been made, i.e. it will be a finished one another data set selected (cliché parts) and / or a new data record is generated which contains the data for the individual characters (digits and / or letters) of the Includes input size.
  • step 53 corresponding data records for a Called up to check the input data and for the subsequent step 54 for reloading the Pixel storage area I with the window data of type 1 provided.
  • FIG. 9c shows step 54 for embedding decompressed variable window data of type 1 in the decompressed frame data after a new entry or after editing this type 1 window data detailed.
  • the data from according to the Called records are evaluated to Control code for a "color change” or a Detect "column end", which for embedding of the newly entered window data are required. Then those data that do not have a tax code are decompressed into binary window pixel data and into embedded the pixel memory area I in columns.
  • step 51 it was determined in step 51 that none Window data should be selected or edited, the program then branches to step 55.
  • step 55 leads to the possibility of changing the used fixed advertising cliché or framework data on one Step 56 to enter the currently selected one Frame records along with the window records perform. Otherwise, step 44 branches.
  • step 44 If a new entry of selected special sizes a flag is set in step 44 and in the subsequent step 45 for formation of Data for a new series of marker symbols considered, if here for a second variant a step 45b is to be processed.
  • step 45 the new encoded is formed Type 2 window data 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 Barcode and / or symbol chain provided.
  • Figure 10 Based on Figure 10 is the formation of new in two variants Type 2 encoded window data for a marker image explained.
  • a step 45a a monotonically variable variable processed, so that ultimately by the printed Marking symbol row each imprint distinctive becomes.
  • step 45b processed other sizes before step 45a.
  • the correspondingly formed data record for the marking data is then loaded into an area F and / or at least in a sub-memory area B 6 of the non-volatile working memory 5 and overwrites the previously saved data record for which window characteristic values have already been determined or are predetermined and are only now in the volatile working memory 7b are stored.
  • the sub-storage area B 10 is preferably provided for a data record which leads to the printing of a second row of marking symbols, as is shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d. In addition, double rows of symbols can also be printed side by side - in a manner not shown in FIG. 3b.
  • the area F is preferably provided for a data record which leads to the printing of a bar code, as is shown in FIG. 3e.
  • step 46 the data of the data set is transferred byte by byte for the marking in registers in the volatile working memory 7a and the control characters "color change" and "end of column” are detected, in order then to decode the remaining data of the data set and to decode the decoded binary window pixel data of the type 2 to load into the pixel memory area II of the volatile working memory 7c.
  • FIG. 11 shows the decoding of control code and conversion into decompressed binary window data of type 2 in detail.
  • Such type 2 window data are identified in particular by the index k and relate to the data for the window FE6, possibly FE10 for marking data and possibly FE8 for the TIME data of the absolute time count.
  • the time data in particular represents a monotonously changeable, since the time-dependent, increasing size.
  • BCD-packed time data supplied from the clock / date module 8 are, if appropriate, converted into a suitable data record containing time-length-coded hexadecimal data. Now they can also be stored in a memory area B 8 for window data FE8 of type 2 and / or loaded immediately in step 46 into register 200 of the working memory 7a or into the print register 15 in columns.
  • step 47 there is a print request to steps 48 and in the case of a print request not yet made in waiting for the print request.
  • the queue is - in the Figures 5 and 6 shown way - at the beginning of Step 47 returned directly.
  • the embodiment is on hold - in one in the Figures 5 and 6 not shown ways - at the beginning of step 44 or 45.
  • the print routine - shown in detail in FIG. 12 - carried out in step 48 for the compilation of print column data from the pixel memory areas I and II takes place while the print register (DR) 15 is being loaded.
  • the printer controller (DS) 14 effects this immediately after loading the Print register (DR) 15 a print of the loaded print column. It is then checked in step 50 whether all columns for a franking machine printed image are printed by comparing the current address Z with the stored end address Z end . If the printing routine has been carried out for a piece of mail, a branch is made to step 57. Otherwise, the process branches back to step 48 in order to generate and print the next print column until the print routine has ended.
  • step 57 checked whether additional mail items are to be franked. Is that is the case, then in step 60 the franking completed. Otherwise, the end of printing is not yet reached and the program branches back to step 51.
  • FIG. 6 shows a fourth variant of the solution according to the invention, differing from that Block diagram according to Figure 1 only a pixel memory area I is used.
  • pixel memory area I become decoded binary Frame data and window data of type 1 before printing assembled and saved.
  • the steps are up to step 46, which is shown here in this variant is saved according to FIG. 6, and step 48, which is replaced here by step 49, identical. Up to step 46 results in Essentially the same sequence in the process.
  • FIG. 13 shows the printing routine for composing from a pixel memory area I and Data taken from memory areas received.
  • the constantly changing window data of type 2 are in the Step 49 while printing each column decompressed and along with the columns printing binary pixel data from the pixel storage area I composed to a pressure column control signal.
  • Window data of type 2 are, for example mail and transport-dependent to be printed Postage value and / or the constantly changing marking.
  • a letter envelope 17 is moved under the printing module 1 of an electronic franking machine at the speed v in the direction of the arrow and is thereby printed in columns s 1 starting in a grid-like manner with the postage stamp image shown.
  • the printer module 1 has, for example, a print bar 16 with a number of print elements d1 to d240.
  • Ink-jet or a thermal transfer printing principle for example the ETR printing principle (Electroresistive Thermal Transfer Ribbon), can be used for printing.
  • a column s f to be printed has a printing pattern 30 to be printed, which consists of colored printing dots and non-colored printing dots.
  • a colored printing dot is printed by a printing element.
  • the non-colored print dots are not printed.
  • the first two printing dots in the printing column s f are colored in order to print the frame 18 of the postage stamp image 30.
  • 15 non-colored (ie not active) and 3 colored (ie active) printing dots alternate until a first window FE1 is reached, in which the postage value (postage) is to be inserted. This is followed by a range from 104 non-colored pressure dots to the end of the column.
  • Such run length coding is implemented in the data set using hexadecimal numbers. The space requirement is minimized by having all the data in such a compressed form.
  • control code "00" for color changes theoretically omitted, since with a single Hexadecimal number "F0" an entire print column of 240 Dots with the same coloring completely can be defined. Nevertheless, with only imperceptible Additional memory requirement, with several windows in a color change may also make sense in a column.
  • a data record for the pressure column s f results in the form shown in sections: ... "2", “0D”, “02”, “4F”, “F1”, “68”, “FE”, ..., ...
  • control characters are detected from hexadecimal numbers “QQ” and evaluated in the course of a step 43.
  • window characteristic values Z j , T j , Y j or Z k , T k , Y k are also generated and together with defined values for the start address Z 0 , end address Z end and the total run length R, ie the number of each printing column required binary data, stored in volatile memory RAM 7b.
  • a maximum of 13 windows could be called for the 13 control characters "F1" to "FD” and the start addresses determined.
  • a start address Z 6 can be determined and saved as a window characteristic value.
  • FIG. 8 shows the window characteristic values relating to a pixel memory image and stored separately therefrom for a first window FE1.
  • FIG. 9a shows the decoding of the control code, decompression and loading of the fixed frame data as well as the formation and storage of the window characteristic values.
  • a control code "color change" was taken into account when considering the creation of very high-resolution prints.
  • the source address H i for frame data is incremented and a color change is carried out so that the initial data byte is evaluated as colored, for example, 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, which is automatically selected by the cost center KST, into a register 100 of the volatile memory 7a. Control characters are detected and a run length variable X is reset to zero.
  • sub-step 4314 a control character "00" for detected a color change, what after branching back on the sub-step 4312 leads to a color change, i.e. the next run length coded hexadecimal number an inactivation of the printing elements according to the Barrel length. Otherwise, in sub-step 4315 determines whether a control character "FF" for image end is present. If such is recognized, point d reached according to Figures 5 or 6 and the Step 43 processed.
  • sub-step 4316 a check is made in sub-step 4316 as to whether there is a control character "FE" for an end of column. If one is recognized, the color flip-flop 1 is reset in sub-step 4319 and a branch is made to sub-step 4312, in order then to load the byte for the next printing column in sub-step 4313. If there is no end of column, it is determined in sub-step 4317 whether there is a control character for a window of type 2. If one has been recognized, then a branch 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, a point c 1 is reached at which a step 43b - shown in FIG. 9b - is carried out.
  • No control character for is in sub-step 4318 Window data of type 1 recognized, then lie in the called bytes the run length coded frame data which decodes in sub-step 4320 and into binary Frame pixel data implemented in the pixel storage area I of the pixel memory 7c at the set address Z get saved.
  • sub-step 4321 is the according to the number of bits converted Column run length variable X is determined and then the Destination address for the pixel memory area I around this Variable X increased. A point b is thus reached and to call a new byte, the Sub-step 4312 branches back.
  • sub-step 4322 if there is a control character for window data of type 2, the storage of window characteristic values T k is carried out . If a window characteristic, in this case the window column run 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 working memory 7b. Otherwise, a branch is made to a sub-step 4324. Sub-step 4323 is also followed by sub-step 4324, in which the window characteristic of the window column variable T k is incremented. In the subsequent sub-step 4325, the previous window column variable T k stored in the volatile main memory 7b is overwritten with the current value, and the point b is reached.
  • 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 editing frame data. Provided that a control character for windows of type 1 was recognized in sub-step 4318, point c 1 and thus the beginning of step 43b are reached.
  • step 4330 the storage of window parameters T j is carried out . If a window characteristic, in this case the window column run 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 working memory 7b. Otherwise, a branch is made to a sub-step 4332. Sub-step 4331 is also followed by sub-step 4332, in which the window characteristic of the window column run length Y j and the window column run length variable W j to an initial value of zero, and the window source address U j to the initial value U oj -1 and the second color flip-flop for windows "do not print in color".
  • the previous window source address U j is incremented and a color change is carried out, so that any window bytes that are loaded in the subsequent sub-step 4334 are evaluated as colored, which subsequently leads to activated printing elements during printing.
  • sub-step 4334 a 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 and is thereby detected 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 changes. If one has been recognized, the process 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 help of the character memory 9 and the binary window pixel data corresponding to this 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 thus available for a new byte of the data record to be converted and the process branches back to sub-step 4333, in which the new source address for a byte of the data record is also generated for window FEj.
  • sub-step 4340 If a control character "FE" for a column end was recognized in sub-step 4337, a branch is made to sub-step 4340, in which the window column variable T j is incremented and the volatile working memory 7b stored window column variable T j and the window column run length Y j are overwritten with the current value. A color change is then carried out in sub-step 4341 and point b has been reached.
  • step 43b This completes step 43b and new ones Framework data could be implemented in step 43a, if a next window is not recognized or the Point d has been reached.
  • FIG. 9c shows the embedding of decompressed variable window data of type 1 in the decompressed frame data after editing this window data of type 1.
  • pixel memory data and window characteristics have already been stored before the start of step 54.
  • the sub-step 5440 begins with the determination of the number n 'of windows for which the data has been changed and a determination of the associated window start address Z j and window column variable T j for each window FEj.
  • a window counter variable q is also set to zero.
  • the source address U j is set to an initial value U oj -1
  • the target address Z j is used to address the pixel memory area I
  • a window column counter P j and the second color flip-flop are reset to the initial value zero.
  • sub-step 5443 the source address is incremented and a color change is carried out before the sub-step 5444 is reached.
  • sub-step 5444 a byte of the changed data record is called up in the non-volatile memory and transferred to the register 200 of the volatile memory 7a, control characters being detected. If a control character "00" for color change is branched back to sub-step 5443 in sub-step 5445. Otherwise, branch to sub-step 5446 to look for control characters "FE" for the end of a column. However, if such a control character is not present, the content of the register 200 can be decoded in the subsequent sub-step 5447 with the cooperation of the character memory 9 and converted into binary pixel data for the window to be changed.
  • sub-step 5446 if a control character "FE" for the end of the column is recognized in sub-step 5446, a branch is made to sub-step 5449, in which the window column counter P j is incremented.
  • sub-step 5450 it is examined whether the window column counter P j has reached the window characteristic value for the associated window column variable T j . Then, for a first changed window, all change data would be loaded into the pixel memory area I and the process branches back to the sub-step 5453 and from there to the sub-step 5441 in order to transfer change data into the pixel memory area I for a possibly second window. For this purpose, the window counter variable q is incremented in sub-step 5453 and the subsequent window start address Z j + 1 and the subsequent window column variable T j + 1 are determined.
  • step 5443 the target address for the data in the pixel memory area I is incremented by the frame total column length R in sub-step 5451.
  • the target address V j is thus set to the next column for binary pixel data of the window in the pixel memory area I.
  • sub-step 5452 the color flip-flop is reset to zero, so that the conversion begins with pixel data that is rated as color. If no further new entry is determined in step 44, new coded window data of type 2 can now be formed in step 45 for a marking image, in particular according to a first variant with step 45a.
  • Step 45 comprises further sub-steps, shown in FIG. 10, for forming new coded window data of type 2 for a marking image. While there is already decompressed binary pixel data in the pixel memory area I, after step 44 in step 45 the output data for the data records containing the compressed data for the windows FEj and possibly for the frame data are required again in order to generate new coded window data of type 2 for one To form a series of marking symbols.
  • the individual output data (or input data) are stored in the memory areas T w as a BCD-packed number in accordance with the respective sizes G w .
  • the data for a data record for window FEk of type 2 are now compiled in several steps and stored non-volatile in a sub-memory area B k .
  • a row of marking symbols is generated in a step 45a. Due to the amount of information by the sizes G0 to G5, which are only to be partially printed in the franking machine stamp image in an unencrypted, open manner, at least some of the sizes are preferably used in the postage meter machine to form a single number combination (sub-step 451), which includes a single crypto number is encrypted (sub-step 452) and then converted into a marking to be printed on the postal matter (sub-step 453).
  • the data record to be generated for the marking in a window FE6 can be stored in a final sub-step 454. Then point c 3 is reached.
  • This first variant, executed in partial step 45a can save the time that would otherwise be required in the franking machine for generating further crypto numbers.
  • the constantly monotonically variable variable G W is at least one ascending or descending machine parameter, in particular a time count or its complement during the 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 monotonously falling size G4b or the respective Complements of size G4a and G4b included.
  • the second steadily monotonically falling variable G4b the complement the number of pieces or a steadily monotonously falling time-dependent size.
  • the constantly monotonously decreasing size a numerical value according to the next inspection date (INS) and is a constantly monotonically falling time-dependent variable.
  • the combination number KOZ1 is a part of the user of the Franking machine characterizing size G0, G1 from the control device 6 is made available.
  • the combination number KOZ1 for the time data (size G4), and the lower 4 digits of the postal value (size G3).
  • a maximum of 8 bytes, ie 16 digits can be encrypted at once.
  • the combination number KOZ1 can be supplemented by a further size in the direction of the least significant digits.
  • the supplementary part can be part of the serial number SN or the number WRN of the advertising slogan frame or the byte which is selected from the data record of the advertising slogan frame depending on a further size.
  • This combination number KOZ1 can be found in sub-step 452 approx. 210 ms encrypted in a crypto number KRZ1 be, here a number of others per se known steps. After that is in the sub-step 453 the crypto number KRZ1 based on a predetermined in the memory areas M of the non-volatile working memory 5 saved marking list in one to convert the corresponding row of symbols. This can especially the one that is so advantageous for later printing, increased information density can be achieved.
  • Windows FE6 and FE10 each have a row together 20 symbols shown, with which, for example a total of 8 bytes, i.e. 16 digit, the crypto number KRZ1 and further information, if necessary, unencrypted or on otherwise encrypted.
  • a second variant with an additional step 45b to step 45a differs from the first variant by others that have to be considered equally Output or input variables.
  • step 45b is carried out analogously to step 45a.
  • step 45 checked is whether a flag has been set to carry out of sub-steps 45b and / or 45a, that in substep 45b one at least the other Part of the characterizing the user of the franking machine Second combination number having sizes G0, G1 KOZ2 formed, then to a second crypto number KRZ2 encrypted and then in at least one second marker symbol row MSR2 based on a second SSY2 set of symbols is implemented.
  • sub-step 455 is compared to sub-step 451 a combination number KOZ2 formed, in particular here the sizes for other parts of the serial number, for advertising cliché (frame) number, including Size can.
  • a combination number KOZ2 formed, in particular here the sizes for other parts of the serial number, for advertising cliché (frame) number, including Size can.
  • sub-step 456 as in sub-step 452 a crypto number KOZ2 is formed.
  • sub-step 457 then the transformation into a Marking symbol row, which in sub-step 458 is temporarily stored non-volatile.
  • Sub-step 45a which comprises sub-steps 451 to 453, then takes place. If necessary, this can be connected by a sub-step 454. Then point c 3 is reached.
  • a is entered in sub-step 456 different encryption algorithm than the DES for Time savings used.
  • a transformation to the second variant is in Sub-step 453 of the first variant or in the sub-step 457 a transformation to the second variant additional increase in the information density of the Marking symbol row opposite the crypto number KRZ1 or KRZ2.
  • the row of marking symbols shown there is to double. That can be done using a the marking symbol row shown in FIG. 3b further row of marking symbols lying in parallel happen.
  • a series of marking symbols - as shown in FIG. 3a has been shown - is designed for 10 digits and can map a crypto number KRZ1 if the symbol set 40 symbols.
  • - is designed for 10 digits and can map a crypto number KRZ1 if the symbol set 40 symbols.
  • Here is a fully automated one Input and evaluation - if only subjective errors of the To avoid the inspector from recognizing the symbols, sensible.
  • step 45 the data of a record for that Marker symbol row after decompression in the remaining pixel data is embedded.
  • FIG. 11 explains step 46 in FIG. 5 in particular.
  • window parameters 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 to zero.
  • a sub-step 4661 it is evaluated whether the window count variable q is equal to the window change number p '. Then point d 3 and thus the next step 47 would already have been reached. However, this path is not regularly followed at the beginning, since the monotonously increasing size constantly creates new marker symbol rows for each print.
  • a new source address for the data of the data record of the window FEk just processed is generated in order to load a byte of the coded window data of type 2 from the memory area B k into registers of the non-volatile memory 7 a and to detect control characters in the next sub-step 4664 .
  • 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 here. Then a check is carried out for control characters for color changes (sub-step 4666) and, if necessary, branching back to sub-step 4663 or a search for control characters for the end of the column (sub-step 4667). If successful, branch is made to sub-step 4669 and the window column counter P k is increased. Otherwise, the next sub-step 4668 is to decode the control code and convert the called byte into decompressed binary window pixel data of type 2.
  • Sub-step 4670 then checks whether all of the window's columns have been processed. If this is the case, a branch is made to sub-step 4671 and the column run length Y k of the window FEk is stored in memory 7b and branched back to sub-step 4673. If it is recognized in sub-step 4670 that all the columns have not yet been processed, the sub-step 4672 branches back to sub-step 4663, with the window characteristic value Y k and the color flip-flop being reset to zero. 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 must then be carried out again.
  • the printing routine shown in FIG. 12 for the Compose data from the pixel storage areas I and II expires if one in step 47 Print request is recognized and data in one - in of FIG. 5, not shown - sub-step 471 loaded have been.
  • the pressure column has N pressure elements.
  • a sub-step 481 the register 15 of the printer controller 14 is loaded serially bit by bit from the area I of the pixel memory 7c with binary print column data which are called up 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 outputs window numbers k one after the other, 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, a branch is made to sub-step 489, which in turn consists of sub-steps 4891 to 4895. Otherwise, branch to sub-step 484.
  • sub-step 4891 a first bit from the area II of the pixel memory 7c for the window FE k, the binary window pixel data is loaded into the register 15, the address Z and the bit count variable 1 being incremented in sub-step 4892 and the window bit count length X k being decremented.
  • a sub-step 4893 if not all bits corresponding to the window column run length Y k have been loaded yet, further bits from area II are loaded. Otherwise, a branch is made to sub-step 4894, the window start address Z k for addressing the next window column being increased accordingly by the total length R and the window column counter P k being decremented. At the same time, the original window bit count length X k is restored in accordance with the window column run length Y k .
  • Sub-step 4895 then checks whether all window columns have been processed. If this is the case, then the start address Z k for the corresponding window FE k is set to zero or an address which lies outside the pixel memory area I. Otherwise and after sub-step 4896, a branch is made to point e 1 .
  • step 484 it is checked whether all window start addresses have been queried. Once that's done, then the program branches to sub-step 485 to determine the current Increment address Z. Hasn't that happened yet? the system branches back to sub-step 481 by which Continue decrementing 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 column s k to be printed are loaded in register 15. If this is not yet the case, the bit count variable 1 is incremented in sub-step 488 to return to point e 1 and then (in sub-step 481) to load the next bit addressed with the address Z from the pixel memory area into register 15.
  • 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 to say the item of mail has been franked completely. If this is the case, then point f 1 is reached. Otherwise, a branch is made to sub-step 501 and the bit count variable 1 is reset to zero, in order to then branch back to point e 1 . Now the next print column can be created.
  • Step 49 which is already beginning in FIG. 6, comprises the sub-steps 491 to 497 and the sub-steps 4990 to 4999.
  • the sub-steps 491 to 497 run with the same result in the same order as the sub-steps 481 to 487 have already been explained in connection with FIG.
  • sub-step 4990 a color change already explained - in connection with FIG. 7 - when evaluating the type 2 window pixel data to be converted, so that the first hexadecimal data of the called data set are, for example, evaluated as colored.
  • the source address is incremented.
  • the compressed window data for the type 2 windows FE k are then loaded from the predetermined data record (stored in the corresponding sub-memory areas B j ) into the registers 200 of the volatile main memory 7a in sub-step 4992.
  • a hexadecimal number "QQ" corresponds to one byte.
  • control code is also detected here. If a window column is to be printed which begins with non-colored, ie not to be printed, pixels, the control code "color change" would be in the first place in the data record. Thus, in sub-step 4993, there is a return to sub-step 4991 in order to carry out the color change. Otherwise, branch to sub-step 4994. In sub-step 4994, it is determined whether there is a "column end" control code. If this is not yet the case, the register content must be decoded and thus decompressed.
  • sub-step 4996 the address is then incremented and a corresponding next hexadecimal number is selected in the data record, which is stored in the non-volatile main memory 5 in sub-area B 5 , and the bits converted during decoding of the run-length coding are determined in order to form a window column run-length variable W j , with which the destination address is incremented.
  • the new destination address for reading is thus generated. and branching back to sub-step 4991.
  • sub-steps 4997 to 4999 follow in order to then branch back to point e 2 .
  • the sub-steps 4998 and 4999 run similarly to the sub-steps 4895 and 4894 shown in FIG.
  • sub-step 497 the fully loaded one is loaded Print column printed.
  • Sub-steps 491 to 497 run similar to that - shown in Figure 12 - Sub-steps 481 to 487.
  • step 47 when a print request has been made to steps 48 and in the case of a print request not yet made in waiting in a queue for the print request, by - in the manner shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively the beginning of step 47 is decreased directly,
  • this has another temporal Advantage, because the DES algorithm is not constantly new is generated. The next recordable time after a generation of the marking symbol series can already trigger the pressure. Nevertheless, as mentioned, other branches are also possible.
  • step 45 be placed between steps 53 and 54.
  • Step 45 following step 54 will then be the Data of a data set for the marking symbol series after decompression into the remaining pixel data of the pixel storage area I embedded. Another Pixel storage area is then not required.
  • Another opposite variant stores in Pixel storage area only the frame pixel data and embeds all window pixel data in the in the Print register 15 read corresponding columns without a pixel memory for Window data is needed.
  • the memory area A i can be dispensed with.
  • the unchangeable image information is stored in an ONLY read memory, for example in the program memory (ROM) 11.
  • ROM program memory
  • the invention is not based on 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)
EP98250404A 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour la vérification des impressions de sécurité Expired - Lifetime EP0907150B1 (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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EP0907150A2 true EP0907150A2 (fr) 1999-04-07
EP0907150A3 EP0907150A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
EP0907150B1 EP0907150B1 (fr) 2005-08-31

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EP98250403A Withdrawn EP0907149A3 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour évaluer des impressions de sécurité
EP98250404A Expired - Lifetime EP0907150B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour la vérification des impressions de sécurité
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
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

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EP98250403A Withdrawn EP0907149A3 (fr) 1992-06-26 1993-06-21 Méthode pour évaluer 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
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

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EP (5) EP0907149A3 (fr)
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DE59309965D1 (de) 2000-04-13
CA2099206C (fr) 1998-10-27
DE4221270A1 (de) 1994-01-05
EP0576113B1 (fr) 2000-03-08
DE59310377D1 (de) 2005-10-06
EP0902400A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
EP0907149A2 (fr) 1999-04-07
EP0576113A3 (fr) 1994-12-07
DE59310376D1 (de) 2005-09-15
EP0902400B1 (fr) 2005-08-10
EP0907149A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
EP0576113A2 (fr) 1993-12-29
EP0578042B1 (fr) 1999-05-19
EP0907150B1 (fr) 2005-08-31
US5471925A (en) 1995-12-05
EP0578042A3 (fr) 1994-12-07
CA2099206A1 (fr) 1993-12-27
EP0578042A2 (fr) 1994-01-12
EP0907150A3 (fr) 2000-09-13
DE59309587D1 (de) 1999-06-24
EP0902400A2 (fr) 1999-03-17
US5894792A (en) 1999-04-20

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