EP0944027A2 - Machine à affranchir et un procédé pour générer des données valables pour affranchir - Google Patents

Machine à affranchir et un procédé pour générer des données valables pour affranchir Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0944027A2
EP0944027A2 EP99250071A EP99250071A EP0944027A2 EP 0944027 A2 EP0944027 A2 EP 0944027A2 EP 99250071 A EP99250071 A EP 99250071A EP 99250071 A EP99250071 A EP 99250071A EP 0944027 A2 EP0944027 A2 EP 0944027A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
computer
signature
franking
data center
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
EP99250071A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0944027B1 (fr
EP0944027A3 (fr
Inventor
Dieter Dr. Pauschinger
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 EP0944027A2 publication Critical patent/EP0944027A2/fr
Publication of EP0944027A3 publication Critical patent/EP0944027A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0944027B1 publication Critical patent/EP0944027B1/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
    • G07B17/00185—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
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
    • 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
    • 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
    • G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
    • G07B2017/00145—Communication details outside or between apparatus via the Internet
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00338—Error detection or handling
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00451—Address hygiene, i.e. checking and correcting addresses to be printed on mail pieces using address 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
    • G07B2017/00572—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
    • G07B2017/00596—Printing of address
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00758—Asymmetric, public-key algorithms, e.g. RSA, Elgamal
    • G07B2017/00766—Digital signature, e.g. DSA, DSS, ECDSA, ESIGN

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a franking device and a method for Creation of valid data for franking imprints according to the generic term of claim 1 and claim 4.
  • the franking device is particularly suitable for home use and for users, who send only a few mail pieces.
  • a franking module for a personal computer proposed the franking module in the slot of a drive module is arranged, which both the franking and the Envelopes allowed.
  • Such a franking module is surrounded by a secured housing and has circuitry the same structure as a franking machine, in which the Letter transport device is saved. It goes without saying that a franking module equipped in this way can be offered cheaper, as a franking machine.
  • the billing of the Franking and the printing of the franking stamp image are not external be manipulated.
  • the address data is from one of the personal computer managed memory read and over the internal information network fed to the franking module.
  • incorrect address data ultimately lead to that the mail carrier has difficulty in delivering the item or not at all Can deliver mail recipients.
  • a communication system is known from EP 373 971 B1, with a transfer of address data from a local to one central database in a data center, an update of the stored address data in a central database of Data center based on the transmitted address data and a Modify the address data of the local ones in the system Databases based on the updated data from the data center.
  • a transfer of address data from a local to one central database in a data center an update of the stored address data in a central database of Data center based on the transmitted address data and a Modify the address data of the local ones in the system Databases based on the updated data from the data center.
  • an unsecured Connecting line can not be prevented that a incorrect address in the central database of the data center saved and from there to the respective local database of the others User is transferred.
  • a security code is generated from the data identifying the terminal by the central processing unit of the terminal and printed together with the franking value.
  • the long arithmetic work that the central processing unit has to carry out is disadvantageous, on the one hand when image data is decrypted using the RSA method and on the other hand when the security code is generated.
  • the task is to create a low-end franking device with a local one Create database, being in the local database of Franking device valid addresses are stored. Furthermore, a Method for generating valid data for franking imprints specified so that the result is valid franking values with valid addresses can be printed on the item of mail together with a signature.
  • the service provided by the data center is also advantageous a correction of an incorrectly entered mail recipient address. In this way, incorrect postage can be avoided. In a variant can postage calculation as an additional service from the data center according to the valid tariff.
  • a data center 20 with franking devices 10 and 30 and with a check point 50, for example in the post office, of the mail carrier is communicatively connected via a communication network 40.
  • the franking device 10 is designed as a digital printer 17 which is controlled by a first computer 11 and which can print at least envelopes of one format.
  • a personal computer PC 1 is connected on the one hand to the printer 17 via an unsecured cable 16 and, on the other hand, can establish a communication connection with the data center 20 online via modem 15 and communication network 40.
  • a hard disk memory 13 for a local database, a keyboard 14 and a display unit 12 are connected to the first computer 11.
  • Corresponding inputs can be made and made visible or the further program execution can be monitored by the latter input / output means 12 and 14.
  • the database of the local database is reconciled and the transmitted data is saved.
  • the generation of prints based on the transmitted stored data can take place at a later point in time.
  • the data center 20 consists of a second computer 21, preferably a personal computer PC 2 with connected Input / output means 22 and 24, a hard disk 23 and at least one Modem 25.
  • the hard disk 23 stores special service programs and booking or billing data for services, which are provided for a customer.
  • a corresponding application program is loaded onto the hard disk 13 of the first personal computer PC 1 and is tailored to the needs of the users for soho (smal office & home office) markets.
  • soho simple office & home office
  • the number of franked letters per unit of time is not important, but only a small outlay at moderate costs.
  • a mere message could be sent via email.
  • unique originals of pictures, photos, books, fabrics etc. should also be sent in an envelope.
  • the invention therefore assumes that the basic system consisting of a computer and printer is already available to the user. Additional and expensive hardware components, for example a security module, can only be dispensed with in the terminal if the franking system is designed in accordance with the invention.
  • the computer must be equipped with a fast, modern processor and sufficient storage space for processing modern crypto technologies.
  • the invention further presupposes that communication connections via the network 40, for example those via the Internet, WWW (Word Wide Web) or ISDN, can be produced inexpensively in the future.
  • the invention is that the data center based on a Hard disk 23 created central database the validity of a Checked the recipient's mailing address and, if necessary, produces that the franking device before being stored in the local database verifies the authenticity of a transmitted mail recipient address.
  • a public key is used, which is preferred together with the valid mail recipient address and with the signature is transmitted from the correct data center. None other than that correct data center can generate the authentic signature.
  • At least the one to be printed Mail recipient address (address) first to the aforementioned data center transmitted.
  • a wrong way of writing the address can automatically corrected using the postcode or a similar destination code if there is a corresponding file in the central Database exists.
  • the reverse also applies.
  • it is automatic Correction not possible, the user will be informed and asked to enter the address correctly.
  • a postage value corresponding to the valid tariff and the valid, possibly previously corrected address and postcode returned to the franking device the returned data using a signature are linked together.
  • a message generated from the data to be transmitted by a special mathematical Function is used, which is the one to be encrypted Data volume reduced.
  • the signature is encrypted by the Message with a secret private key after a known one generated asymmetrical encryption algorithm.
  • a suitable known asymmetric encryption algorithm is, for example, the digital signature algorithm (DSA), an elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) or the ELGamal Algorithm (ELGA).
  • DSA digital signature algorithm
  • EDSA elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm
  • ELGA ELGamal Algorithm
  • the hard drive 23 of the second computer 21 has the Data center 20 specially secured storage areas for storage of the private key, so that the latter is not read out externally can be.
  • a separate memory for example a Semiconductor memory, for the secure storage of the private key be used, the memory integrated in the computer and against unauthorized reading is secured.
  • the validity of data is checked by the second computer in the data center and, if necessary, that the signature is generated by the second computer in the data center from the requested data. This ensures that the valid data received from the terminal, which has to be partially returned, have been linked to one another by the second computer in the data center using the signature.
  • the first computer receives valid data according to the request via modem. It is further provided that a comparison is made by the first computer on the basis of data from the information group transmitted to the data center and data from a received information group, the signature being used to carry out an authenticity check with respect to the received information group, a public key being used in the authenticity check, which is stored in the central or a local database.
  • the database in the local database is only updated if the received data are considered authentic.
  • the first computer then generates a print image from the received data at an arbitrary later point in time and initiates printing accordingly.
  • Authenticity check is based on the signature in the database Personal computer PC 1 ahead.
  • a public key used by the central or one local database is available.
  • the public key can be in one unsecured storage area along with an associated date be saved for validity.
  • the signature in a post office 50 or in a post office or a private institution Postal requester are checked with the authenticity check at the same time, whether billing has taken place in the data center.
  • enters the signature a monotonously variable, which open at the same time in plain text on the mail piece but at least is machine-readable.
  • Such a size are, for example the time data at the time the signature is retrieved from the central Database or the number of pieces.
  • the printed time data or number of pieces or another size in the Data center the accounting data can be retrieved and thus the Payment of the service can be checked in detail.
  • the post office 50 or commissioned institute can do this via the data center Call the communication connection to see the data stored in their database Query data.
  • FIG. 2 An example of an impression on a piece of mail is shown in FIG. 2 explained.
  • the address field is arranged centrally.
  • the Postempftuleradersse is in plain text and an associated ZIP code is printed as a barcode.
  • the franking imprint is in the periphery arranged at the top right.
  • a sender information in the periphery on the left arranged at the top is optional.
  • For the USPS it is about 1 inch wider Franking imprint generated with a machine-readable area.
  • Certain clear data and the signature are e.g. into a PDF 417 symbolism implemented and printed. The latter is from Symbol Technologies, inc. have been described in more detail in EP 439 682 B1.
  • the machine-readable area is the visually (human) readable area and an area for the FIM code in accordance with U.S. Postal Regulations arranged. To the left of this is another print area, which preferably used for printing an advertising slogan can. Because of the FIM code for an approx. 1 inch wide Franking imprint an approximately 11 to 14 mm wide visually (human) readable Area. Thus, the remaining width for the machine readable Range can be used.
  • the request data transmitted to the data center can be in one preferred first embodiment additionally the post value, others Mailing data and a monotonously continuously variable size lock in.
  • the post value and other mailing data are on the keyboard 14 of the Personal computer PC 1 entered by the user for each letter.
  • the Hard disk 23 contains storage areas provided for booking, according to the agreed billing type and type of service. At least one exists to increase security against data loss further - not shown - hard drive 23 'in the data center, in which all data is saved redundantly.
  • a billing type for the aforementioned mail transport service is a cumulative settlement at the end of the month, with the cumulative Amount from a customer account with a bank or a comparable one Credit institution is debited according to the direct debit procedure. It can also use a different billing method, for example instant payment or prepayment. With the customer can have a corresponding agreement on different types of billing for different services.
  • the request data which together with the Address data and further dispatch data to the data center are transmitted, also include identification data ID.
  • Identification data ID should be an identification number of the customer or the mail sender or the machine serial number, or the Sender address can be understood. To rule out fraud, where another sender is faked, it is still intended that such identification data is also included in the signature.
  • the data center generates a signature from the transmitted Request data, such as mail recipient address and identification data, as well as a generated monotonously continuously variable size and the Postage value using a private key and an asymmetric Encryption algorithm.
  • the received partially returned data one in the Data center calculated postage value, a recipient address, Identification data, data center a monotonously continuously changeable Include size and signature, where the data center is the monotonously continuously variable size generated and from the transmitted Request data such as mail recipient address and identification data as well as the postage value from other transmitted shipping data determined a valid tariff.
  • the Request data generated for several letters that the user sent to has created his personal computer PC 1, which is also a component the franking device. Then according to the number of letters also assigned a number of different signatures to the Address and franking data generated. Leave the returned data assign themselves to the different letters via the address data.
  • the number and the format and weight of the individual letter pages per letter transmitted become.
  • the letter weight can be determined from this in the data center, without a mail scale to the local user Franking device must be connected. Possibly opened the data center during the communication a user dialog via the Display 12 with the user to complete the data which are required for postage calculation.
  • a signature for the following is used Information postal recipient address, post value, identification data, Quantity value requested.
  • the quantity value is one by one Numerator generated unencrypted piece number print. Through a Numerateur is already providing adequate protection against copies of the Impression reached. When the collected mail is picked up by a Mail carrier employees could already use the sender identification information and the count reached by the numerator with the printed values are compared.
  • the probability is also low that at the same time Send a mail item of the same size and weight to the is sent to the same mail recipient.
  • the probability can go further can be reduced by requiring that the time data be additional be printed on the mail piece.
  • the time data can alternatively by an exact clock - not shown - from the data center to be provided.
  • all of the mail piece data to be printed are previously stored centrally.
  • the post office can deliver the delivered mail centrally stored data are checked whether copies of a Imprint can be used with the intention of forgery.
  • To every one posted Mailpiece can have an entry in the central database in one special area. A double entry in the The database then indicates a forged imprint.
  • each key pair consisting of a private key and a public key in time is valid for a limited time and suddenly at a specific date and time can be changed from the data center.
  • the time intervals of the change result in accordance with the currently achieved Advances in modern analytical methods, such as the differential cryptanalysis, and are sized to attack the security of the system is likely to fail.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Storage Device Security (AREA)
  • Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)
EP99250071A 1998-03-18 1999-03-09 Machine à affranchir et un procédé pour générer des données valables pour affranchir Expired - Lifetime EP0944027B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19812903A DE19812903A1 (de) 1998-03-18 1998-03-18 Frankiereinrichtung und ein Verfahren zur Erzeugung gültiger Daten für Frankierabdrucke
DE19812903 1998-03-18

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0944027A2 true EP0944027A2 (fr) 1999-09-22
EP0944027A3 EP0944027A3 (fr) 2000-12-13
EP0944027B1 EP0944027B1 (fr) 2006-07-12

Family

ID=7862123

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99250071A Expired - Lifetime EP0944027B1 (fr) 1998-03-18 1999-03-09 Machine à affranchir et un procédé pour générer des données valables pour affranchir

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US6523014B1 (fr)
EP (1) EP0944027B1 (fr)
DE (2) DE19812903A1 (fr)

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WO2001029780A1 (fr) * 1999-10-19 2001-04-26 Stamps.Com Systeme et procede de mise en correspondance d'adresses
EP1139297A1 (fr) * 2000-03-23 2001-10-04 Eastman Kodak Company Procédé et dispositif d'impression et de vérification de timbres à édition limitée
WO2002033663A1 (fr) * 2000-10-18 2002-04-25 Deutsche Post Ag Procede de verification de mentions d'affranchissement appliquees sur des objets postaux
US6671813B2 (en) 1995-06-07 2003-12-30 Stamps.Com, Inc. Secure on-line PC postage metering system
US7236970B1 (en) 1999-10-19 2007-06-26 Stamps.Com Address matching system and method
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EP2071521A1 (fr) * 2007-12-07 2009-06-17 Deutsche Post AG Procédé destiné à appliquer sur un envoi postal un code lisible par machine, dispositif destiné à l'exécution du procédé et procédé destiné à saisir le code appliqué sur l'envoi postal
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DE19812903A1 (de) 1999-09-23
EP0944027B1 (fr) 2006-07-12
EP0944027A3 (fr) 2000-12-13
DE59913654D1 (de) 2006-08-24

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