EP0944028A2 - Method for a franking and address printing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The sequence includes invitation (101) to input recipient address and generation (105) of the address field print image. Address printing is initiated (106), processing signals concerning print head motion. Information processes are controlled to generate a security marking, concurrently with print head movement.

Description

The invention relates to a method for a franking and addressing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 or Claim 7. The method is suitable for a closed system, especially for users of franking machines.

Franking and addressing have so far mostly been handled by separate Machines running. The franking imprint, which is usually on the to fill the filled envelope requires a special one Printing technology, which in turn is not suitable for address printing. For Applications in which envelopes are both machine franked and to be addressed is the use of two working separately Outbox processing machines are a significant investment. Also two machines take up appropriate floor space, as well double maintenance.

Newer franking machines use digital printing units. For example, the franking machines T1000 or JetMail des Worldwide for the first time ever Inkjet printer. In principle, it is possible to use one filled letter also to print addresses, but only in the area of Franking stamp. Most countries' postal regulations close namely, that the address information in the amount of the franking imprint can be done. A print in the address area of the envelope for the Mail recipient address is not possible with such machines, because the print width of the print head is not sufficient.

Another obstacle to the execution of franking imprints and Address printing with the same printing unit has so far existed through Postal authorities call for a special color for the Franking imprint (usually orange) often paired with the requirement for Fluorescence. Franking imprints with such a color were previously on conventional color copiers cannot be copied true to the original. In this So far there has been some protection against copying Franking marks. Due to the progress made in the meantime Color copiers and color printers cannot do this are considered more and more serious obstacles, fake unpaid ones To make impressions.

On the other hand, there is automatic mail distribution systems the demand for a high contrast color especially for the Address printing that can be scanned automatically and with high security should. On the basis of the scanned address data, the letter is processed by the Mail sorting system controlled by the mail distribution centers. The printing devices conventional franking machines print their impressions only with the color post orange. The requirement of machine readability in Combination with high processing speed is best met by the color black.

Digital franking machines of the type described above are not absolute for sure. So future color copiers will be able to Reproduce franking imprint that is no longer visually by one Original print is distinguishable. The US Post therefore has one Catalog of requirements with requirements for the construction of future ones Franking machines provided (Information based Indicia Program IBIP) and published on June 13th, 1996. It proposes certain dates encrypted cryptographically and in the form of a digital signature to print on the letter. Each print differs from other. Scanning this information and decrypting it enables the postal authority to recognize counterfeit franking imprints. These requirements are differentiated according to the type of franking device. For standalone machines, an impression is proposed in which a certain set of franking data is included in the encryption. On the mail side, it would need to be done after Deciphering the footprint a comparison with all in one Database recorded previous impressions. At the U.S. Postal Service arises from estimated fraud annual damage of approximately $ 200 million. Will be an identical If there is an imprint, there is a forgery. The effort for one complete archiving of all prints and the execution of a Comparisons under real-time conditions would be enormous.

Traditional franking machines, which usually only one Franking stamps printed in red are also called "closed systems" referred to and need differently than with so-called "open systems" (PC franking) the corresponding letter address is not in the Include encryption. For "closed systems" is however a security module with advanced crypto technology and secured housing, in which data the Data center can be saved.

A franking device is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,200,903 (EP 298 775), that prints both the franking stamp and the address. For little ones Mail volume is the effort for letter transport relative to that stationary print head disadvantageous. Another shortcoming is that the printing of both images in only one Movement phase of the letter should be carried out. That requires a printhead that is as wide as the width of the two images Franking stamp and address field and the distance in between corresponds. That is 10 cm for a standard letter, for others Letter formats up to 20 cm. A correspondingly wide thermal print head is Although it can be produced in principle, it would be disproportionately more expensive than one Standard head of approx. 3-6 cm. Such widths are used as ink jet print heads in the foreseeable future for manufacturing reasons (yield) not executable. It is also not recognizable, like that for an ink jet print head required constant distance to uneven letter surfaces should be guaranteed.

DE 196 05 015 describes a device for printing on described an edge of the standing print carrier, in which in a Guide plate two recesses are included, one for the Franking and one for address printing. The printhead can between the two recesses. Even if that Adjustment of the print head is initiated immediately after that first print image was generated, it takes a certain time until the Printhead has taken its second position. Moved during this time but the letter continues, so that for the second reprint only one very limited letter length is available. In the vertical direction Overlapping print images are generally excluded from this solution.

In US 4,868,757 is also a solution for printing Franking stamp and address field with a printing unit revealed. The letter is automatically drawn into the printing station. After taking his Print position, the print head is automatically on the letter surface lowered until physical contact is made. The printhead is movably arranged in one direction around the entire pressure field to be able to achieve. A disadvantage compared to the inventive solution the effort for automatic mail collection. The stake is also an ink jet printhead because it is almost a constant distance of the print head nozzles to the letter surface is required, even if the latter has significant bumps. In addition is the franking imprint is not tamper-proof.

In US 5,025,386 there is not only one envelope in one direction transported, but a printhead in the same direction and opposite moves back and forth to a line within a Window to print. To print another line, the Pressure device can be adjusted orthogonally.

An orthogonal adjustment possibility of a printhead without one constant back and forth movement of the print head for line printing is already described in US 5,467,709. To the Printing itself the print head remains in a first print position, while the envelope is being transported by means of a transport mechanism becomes. However, a second print position only becomes an alternative Controlled printing on franking strips. A printing of franking and Addressing data on a letter envelope is with one Postage meter not provided. The disadvantage of the adjustment mechanism additionally required letter transport mechanism, without which would be impossible to print.

In US 5,611,630, those used in commercially available inkjet printers usual techniques, especially the shuttle principle for the round trip Duckkopf moving in the X direction with a franking machine united without letter transport mechanism. About an eccentric Positionable carrier bar can have a small stroke in the Y direction the printhead can be exerted with an offset of half Dot distance to print a second print field. This technique is on the one hand time-consuming when printing and on the other hand not suitable, to additionally in a second printing position further away from the first, For example, to print a postal address.

DE 40 18 166 C2 has already been used for such users with little Postage volume 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. By using the Franking module can bill the franking and print the franking stamp image cannot be manipulated externally. The Address data is managed by a personal computer Read the memory and the internal information network Franking module supplied. Such a franking module is only in connection Can be operated with the personal computer, but as a standalone machine not suitable. In addition, only standard curve fits in the feed slot. The printing mechanism itself has not been disclosed there. At a digital printing process, it is not certain to determine whether that printed franking stamp image is not just an unpaid copy of an earlier impression and with a desired other address was combined.

The object of the invention is an inexpensive standalone machine for smaller volumes of mail so that the functions Franking and addressing of outgoing mail combined in one machine and enables the use of a cheap ink jet print head. Both Imprints should be made directly on the surface of the letter. The solution should be a consistently good one even for filled letters with an uneven surface Ensure print quality. The way the machine works should be like this can be controlled so that the processing time is minimized.

The security of the franking imprint against fraudulent manipulation should meet the future strict requirements of postal companies and at the same time a low-effort verification of authenticity enable every imprint.

The object is achieved with the features of claims 1 and 7.

According to the invention there is a request to enter a Shipping destination address, generation of the print image for the address field, starting printing of the address and controlling the Information processes for generating a security imprint parallel to certain movements of the print head. The Movements of the print head close the processes during Print out the address and / or the processes when positioning before the Printing one. The information processes relate in particular to one Generation of a digital signature. The latter is before printing the Franking stamp image parallel to the first task of printing the address and corresponding movements of a print head carried out, so that overall a time-optimal process when printing the address and franking stamp image is achieved.

It is envisaged that during the period from start to Complete printing the shipping destination address of one Microprocessor time-interleaved further functions or JOBs be processed, which is the printing of the franking stamp image to prepare.

Fig. 1a und b, Flußplan für eine zeitoptimale Steuerung,

Fig. 2, Frontansicht der Frankiermaschinendruckmechanik,

Fig. 3, Beispiel für einen Abdruck auf einem Poststück.

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

1a and b, flow chart for a time-optimal control,

2, front view of the franking machine printing mechanism,

Fig. 3, example of an impression on a mail piece.

Figures 1a and b show a flow chart for a time-optimal Control of a franking machine printing mechanism, which is shown in FIG was basically shown as a front view. Into a feed slot 1 a letter on the edge - not shown - can be written into a Holding device 2 are inserted. The holding device 2 is in the Angle α inclined to the vertical and at an angle β to the horizontal. As An example of an impression on a piece of mail was shown in FIG Top view of the printed side of an envelope. This letter shows a franking imprint in a franking field and one Shipping address imprint in an address field. For addressing and Franking is rotated by 180 ° in the aforementioned Feed position inserted into the aforementioned feed slot 1. Through the Inclination 2 by the angle α is also the guide plate 3 Holding device 2 inclined by the angle α to the vertical. Thus lies the Print side on the guide plate 3 when the letter with its edge comes to a stop at the bottom of the holding device 2. Through the Inclination of the holding device 2 or the bottom of the holding device 2 at an angle β to the horizontal slips due to the force of gravity Letter with its original upper right edge in a predetermined Corner of the holding device 2, the corner having a coordinate origin corresponds to an imaginary X / Y coordinate cross and the X / Y coordinate cross is parallel to the guide plate 3.

Inside the holding device 2 with the letter slot are sensors, e.g. Photoelectric switches, arranged to indicate the presence of a letter detect. In the guide plate 3 are windows 4, 5 for on the Fields to be printed on the envelope (address field, Frankierfeld) incorporated. One sliding on a guide rod 8 Ink jet print head 6 is connected to a belt 7. The strap 7 runs over a drive roller 12 and a deflection roller 13. With the a drive motor 11 driven drive roller 12 can thus Inkjet printhead 6 in a known manner in the X direction and be moved in the opposite direction. A holding plate 9, which on a second guide rod 14 runs with a second drive 10 connected. The details have not been shown since the second Drive 10 can be designed in a manner known per se. The latter includes, for example, an engine with a gearbox and with a Gear, which is formed in the teeth of a rack Guide rod 14 engages. So that's a second mechanism created which including the first mechanism Ink jet print head 6 in the Y direction and opposite to it in one alternative printing position can move. The first print position and the alternative print position may overlap in the X direction. An overlap in the Y direction is not provided, as this is due to the applicable postal regulations is excluded.

The one that can be moved by means of the aforementioned franking machine printing mechanism Inkjet printhead 6 is approximately in the example shown moved in a meandering manner in order to carry out the printing in an optimized manner. First the address field is run against the X direction, before an offset of the ink jet print head 6 against the Y direction is required to subsequently move the address field in the X direction run through. In both phases of movement against the X direction and printing in the X direction. After another offset of the Inkjet printhead 6 against the Y direction, the franking field again run against the X direction and printed. At the a further offset can also be a movement against the X direction be carried out to a starting position in window 5 to be controlled before going through the franking field.

Alternatively, an ink jet print head 6 with a larger print width the address field is first run through against the X direction, before an offset of the ink jet print head 6 against the Y direction is required to subsequently close the franking field in the X direction run through.

The control of the franking machine printing mechanism and the inkjet print head 6 is carried out using electronics known per se Microprocessor control. The microprocessor is corresponding programmed that starting from a starting position in which the Inkjet printhead 6 is positionable to with a - not shown - Cleaning and sealing device to engage, a time-optimized Movement sequence is made.

The flow chart for a time-optimal control according to Fig. 1a shows the Process while printing a shipping address. The flow plan for a time-optimal control according to Fig. 1b shows the sequence during the Printing a franking imprint. This will be time consuming Data processing operations time-interleaved by the microprocessor certain movement phases of the print head. On corresponding control program according to which the microprocessor is programmed, is stored in a read-only memory. The The microprocessor is programmed by the control program so that the information processes for generating a security imprint parallel to certain movements of the print head 6 be processed.

After a first step 100, in which the creation of a Letter has been detected, follow steps 101, 102, 103, to enter an address (step 101) with automatic call of the associated ZIP codes or a comparable transport destination code (Step 102) and for entering the franking value (step 103). The request steps and the automatically determined ZIP code can be displayed on a display device, not shown. The microprocessor is with the read-only memory, the display device and an input device and determines in step 104 whether the entries have been confirmed using the input device.

If no new entries according to at least one of steps 101 to 103 are required, stored values can be used, which are to be confirmed. If confirmation is not given, a On hold branches. Otherwise, step 104 changes to one Step 105 for generating the print image for the address field branches. Then, in step 106, the printing of the Address field. Printing out the address field is a first task JOB1. According to the invention, further time-consuming tasks JOB2, JOB3, ... JOBx processed nested for the first task. Such further tasks JOB2, JOB3, JOB4, JOB5 show the steps 107, 108, 109, 110. Step 107 relates to the application of a hash algorithm, for example a SHA (Security Hash Algorithm), to which Data elements or a reduction of the data set according to a comparable one mathematical function. The data set includes those with the Postal carriers generally agreed data elements. This record is reduced in the reduction such that the individual data elements are not reproducible. But only to the extent that Always distinguish changed data records from different letters. in the In step 108, a secret key is called, which follows "private key" is called. The latter is in a security module Franking and addressing device stored unreadable. in the Security module is also a well-known asymmetrical Encryption algorithm saved. The encryption is in the Step 109 executed.

A suitable known asymmetric encryption algorithm is, for example, the Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA), one of the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithms (ECDSA) or the ELGamal Algorithm (ELGA). These signature algorithms are a key pair together, which is a private and a public key includes. The private key is a secret, not external readable write key. And the public key acts as Reading key for the signature and is accessible to everyone.

A program-based processing of such an asymmetrical Encryption algorithm, for example the DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm), is still very good even with a modern processor time consuming. However, it must have the signature printed in the franking field done beforehand. According to the invention with the calculation started when all the necessary data is available. The execution is time-nested with printing in the address field, which comes first is printed and for which no processing of encryption algorithms is required. An alternative way is to use the Processing during the adjustment of the inkjet printhead 6 perform against the Y direction when the franking machine printing mechanism works relatively slowly. However, preferably started with this processing before this adjustment.

For reasons of cost, mail carriers will have machine readability of the printed data. This can be done by accordingly designed impressions and OCR readers at the mail carrier alphanumeric characters. Optionally, in step 110 also a conversion into a special machine-readable symbolism, such as Barcode, 2-D barcode or PDF 417 symbols. The latter is from from Symbol Technologies, inc. described in more detail in EP 439 682 B1 been. Such two-dimensional barcodes are relatively space-saving compared to one-dimensional barcodes and continue to reduce the Printing time.

Subsequent to the optional step 110, a branch is made to the query step 111 shown in FIG. 1b. You will be asked whether the address field has been printed completely. Between the steps 110 and 111 there can be further query steps in which the completion of the other tasks (JOBs) is queried. The timing of the print head movement for address printing is generally such that all JOBs are processed at the latest until the mechanics for moving the ink jet print head in the direction of the franking field are activated.
In step 112, the start of a repositioning is triggered in order to control the ink jet print head into the position for the franking imprint. The next JOB, ie step 113, is processed according to the invention in a time-interleaved manner with the aforementioned positioning. In step 113, the franking value is debited from the credit which is stored in the postal registers of the security module.
Then, in the next step 114, the graphical standard elements of the franking imprint are called up and in a further step 115 the data elements are made available for the franking imprint. In the following query step 116, an inquiry is made as to whether the franking position has been reached. If this is not yet the case, the system branches into a waiting loop. Otherwise, in step 117, the machine-readable symbols and the visually readable data are printed, and the graphic standard elements are printed. In the final step 118, the end of the processing is signaled via a display unit or beeper and the removal of the fully addressed and franked envelope is requested.

An example of an impression on a piece of mail is shown in FIG. 3 explained. In the case of a letter, the address field is arranged centrally. The Postempfängeradersse is in plain text and an associated ZIP code is printed as an unencrypted barcode. The franking imprint is arranged in the upper right corner. A sender information in the Periphery located at the top left is optional. For the USPS, an approx. 1 Inch wide franking imprint with a machine readable area generated. Certain clear data and the signature are e.g. into a PDF 417 symbols implemented and printed. Above the machine readable Area is the visually (human) readable area and an area for the FIM code arranged according to US postal regulations. Because of the FIM code for an approx. 1 inch wide franking imprint there is an approx. 11 up to 14 mm wide visually (human) readable area. Thus, the remaining width can be used for the machine-readable area.

The invention is not limited to a franking machine printing mechanism according to FIG. 2. Versions are also suitable in which a lying piece of mail is provided with an address and franking imprint.
An alternative embodiment of the machine according to the invention has a letter feeder. This consists of a slot that is as wide as the widest letter to be processed and has an opening width that corresponds to the maximum letter thickness to be processed. In the interior of the holding device 2 with the letter slot there are again sensors, for example light barriers, which detect the presence of a letter. Beyond this opening is a receiving plate for receiving the letter, which can be raised in the vertical direction by means of a motor drive. A rigid plate with two recesses or recesses is arranged above the letter receiving plate. The size of these cutouts corresponds at least to the franking imprint or the addressing imprint and are arranged within the plate in such a way that it corresponds to the arrangement of the two printing fields on the letter to be processed. The print head is located directly above the plate.
The motor-driven movement of the printhead is measured, for example by means of an inductive travel meter. Other path measurements in the drive motor or in the transmission, which measure the rotation, can also be used. The measured path signals are fed to control electronics which synchronize these signals with the print control signals which are sent to the print head.

The print head is a single color system with preferably black color executed. A particularly favorable one in terms of consumption costs Solution is achieved by using an ink jet print head according to the Patent of the applicant US 5, 592.203 achieved.

• Hersteller Identifikationdaten(Vendor ID)
• Geräte Identifikationdaten (Device ID)
• Postbestimmungscode (Orig. ZIP)
• Datum (Date)
• Frankierwert (Postage Amount)
• Stückzahl (Piece Count)
• Prüfzahl (Check Digits)
• Versandzieladresse (destination adress)

The counterfeit security of the franking imprint is achieved by cryptographic encryption of certain data instead of using special color. This encryption generates a digital signature that is printed in addition to the data set from which it was generated. Both components are printed on the envelope in a machine-readable form. The following set of data should preferably be used:

• Manufacturer identification data (Vendor ID)
• Device identification data (Device ID)
• Postal code (Orig. ZIP)
• Date)
• Postage Amount
• Piece Count
• Check digits
• Destination address

a) Der Manipulateur benutzt einen autorisierten Originalfrankierabdruck eines Briefes mit den im Frankierabdruck entsprechend kryptifizierten Daten und kopiert diesen Abdruck. Er benutzt im Adreßfeld jene Zieladressen, an die er Briefe zu senden beabsichtigt. Diese Zieladressen entsprechen aber nicht der im Frankierabdruck enthaltenen kryptografisch verschlüsselten Zieladresse des Originalabdruckes. Dieser Widerspruch ist durch Gegenüberstellung dieser beiden auf dem Briefumschlag enthaltenen Informationen seitens der prüfenden Postbehörde feststellbar.

b) Der Manipulateur benutzt ebenso wie bei a) einen autorisierten Originalabdruck und kopiert diesen. Im Unterschied zu a) verwendet er im Adreßfeld aber auch die gleiche Adresse wie auf dem Originalbrief. Diese Kopie ist aus dem Vergleich der auf den Brief gedruckten Daten nicht mehr verifizierbar. Allerdings ist sie wirtschaftlich wertlos, denn die Kopie würde automatisch dem gleichen Empfänger zugestellt wie das Original. Fälschungen mit kommerziellem Hintergrund, etwa bei der Versendung von Werbeinformationen sind somit wirkungsvoll ausgeschlossen.

The first 7 data elements of the data set make each corresponding franking imprint unique. However, this requires a comparison with data from previous franking imprints stored in databases. Since these can only be carried out on a random basis for cost reasons, there remains a high probability that a forgery will not be discovered. By including the last data element, the destination address, in the cryptographic encryption, it is possible to detect a copy as a forgery without using historical data simply by checking the information printed on the letter. In the USA, an address is largely expressed by a number code, the so-called ZIP code. In its expanded form as ZIP + 4, it consists of 11 digits, which in many cases allow the addressee to be completely determined, or at least the building or its immediate surroundings. The 11 digits are printed on the envelope in machine-readable form as a barcode for mail distribution systems. The franking and addressing machine according to the invention not only prints this barcode in the address field, but also includes the address represented by the corresponding digits in the encryption of the franking imprint. There are two cases with regard to manipulation by copying:

a) The manipulator uses an authorized original franking imprint of a letter with the data crypted in the franking imprint and copies this imprint. In the address field, he uses the destination addresses to which he intends to send letters. However, these destination addresses do not correspond to the cryptographically encrypted destination address of the original print contained in the franking imprint. This contradiction can be determined by comparing the two information contained on the envelope on the part of the checking postal authority.

b) As with a), the manipulator uses an authorized original copy and copies it. In contrast to a), he also uses the same address in the address field as in the original letter. This copy can no longer be verified from the comparison of the data printed on the letter. However, it is economically worthless because the copy would automatically be sent to the same recipient as the original. Counterfeiting with a commercial background, for example when sending advertising information, is therefore effectively excluded.

Most postal authorities don't yet have one that is so fine Address code on like the US Post. For example, in Germany, DPAG currently uses a code with only 5 digits. such a fuzzy code would leave enough room for commercial counterfeits, e.g. when sending advertising material to different households with the same 5-digit postcode. To also for such conditions to be able to use the device according to the invention, the following is conceivable: The specification is expanded by Including parts of the recipient's address.

In a first variant, the name of the recipient or parts used the same. The name is in the form of alphabetical characters shown. For the cryptographic encryption these are in Numbers changed. For example, the first letter of the Recipient (personal name or company name) filtered out and given it a number corresponding to the position of the Assigned to the letter in the Latin alphabet. The far too widespread ASCII code can be used for this. That number will now appended to the address code (5-digit postcode) and expanded this by two digits. To increase security, others can also Letters of the name can be converted and included. With everybody additional letters, the address code is extended by two digits.

In a second variant, the recipient name does not become an extension of the address code, but the street name. A special form would be the use of the house number because in this case the conversion can be omitted into a numeric character.

With the present invention, both the future Security standard of the US Post Office (IBIP) is met as well inexpensive combination of franking and addressing possible.

There are for the mechanical design of the solution according to the invention another variant. Again, it is assumed that the print head is narrower than the field to be printed. This makes it necessary to split the printing process into several phases. Only one stripe of the entire printed image is printed in each phase. The procedure corresponds in principle to the first variant. Between the phases, the print head is one by the respective width Printing strip shifted. For this purpose, there is a second on the letter level first movement device orthogonally arranged movement device intended. In order to cover the free space between Frankierfeld and Adreßfeld will save time switched both movement devices in a special mode. At the second movement device is continuously activated until the Print position for the address field is reached. The first movement device is stopped for as long. In order even with larger letter formats to be able to place the address imprint in the usual place is Duration of the special mode to the letter format chosen by the customer knotted. Automatic recording of the letter format by means of Optical sensors are provided in a sub-variant. Any format in this case is a certain width of the free median assigned what is stored in a memory of the machine. The Special mode is then saved using this format-specific Values controlled.

If the last print position in the first field (address field) does not match the first printing position in the second field (franking field) is aligned, i.e. the existence x-offset exists, is a combined movement against the X / Y direction particularly time-saving. The two independent drives are done according to known trigonometric relationships from Microprocessor controlled.

The printing phase can be used to further accelerate the printing process be divided into two sub-phases. In the first In the lower phase, the print head moves along the letter and prints the letter upper half of the strip to be printed. At the end of this sub-phase the print head is orthogonally cut by half the width of the Printstrip shifted and the direction of movement of the print head along the letter is rotated by 180 °. During this second The lower part of the printing strip is printed in the lower phase.

The machine according to the invention is used in the following way. The too franking letter is manually inserted into the slot provided up to one Stop introduced. The said sensors detect this Presence. The machine is switched to a first mode. This can be the franking mode, but also the address mode (hereinafter the address mode is assumed). The customer is asked the Enter address. This address can be entered using a keyboard that can device according to the invention is equipped, entered, or via one connected to the device via a serial interface PC. After completing this entry, the customer will be asked to Enter franking value. The machine is also in a comfort variant able to postage from other data such as weight, size and Calculate shipping method in a known manner. The address data will be together with other security-relevant data, such as franking value, Date, machine number cryptographically encrypted and for printing processed in the franking field.

After the value to be franked has been settled, printing is released given. First, the receiving plate with the one lying on it Letter raised and the letter pressed against said plate. By this pressure of the surface to be printed against a rigid plane Letters are filled with the usual bumps to a large extent compensated. The print head standing above the recesses is thus preserved an almost constant distance to the one to be printed Letter surface regardless of the thickness and shape of the contents of the Letter. This enables the use of an inexpensive ink jet print head. In another variant, the letter can also be sent immediately brought into the printing position after feeding and before entering data become. After the letter has taken up the printing position, the actual printing process triggered. The printhead can do so first print the franking field or the address field first. To When the printing is finished, the receiving plate is lowered and the Letter can be removed manually.

The advantage of a device with the features according to the invention lies compared to the classic solution with separate devices for Franking and address labeling in less effort. Future so-called PC frankers are also used in the mail processing market are used, e.g. are described in US 5,625,694. It These are systems in which both the franking imprint as well as the address printing with a standard office printer however, only applied to unfilled envelopes. Across from The solution according to the invention has a decisive advantage for these devices Advantage on: Both information can be printed on the already filled envelope. This filled envelope can be made beforehand weighed and in this way precisely determined the postage required become. The latter is particularly an advantage if the filling of the Letters with different inserts are made and an estimate of the Weight, as is necessary with PC frankers, is too imprecise.

The method steps and their time-optimized control already for a certain order of individual JOBs explained. Another alternative is of course another Order possible. The printhead is in the starting position for printing the address field. A letter is created by the Sensors reported. The operator is asked to enter the destination address of the To enter the letter. The entered address is shown on the display displayed. The operator validates the entry by pressing confirmed with an ENTER key. After this confirmation the Processor to automatically search an address file. This file can, for example, in a chip card inserted into the machine be saved. The entered address is entered using this file Address code e.g. Zip code or zip code assigned. Independent of of this action taking place in the background, the user is asked to enter the franking value. In a comfort version, the Franking value determined automatically. The operator must do this Specify data determining the franking value, such as letter format, letter weight and shipping method if applicable. The franking value entered or determined is is displayed and confirmed by the operator with the ENTER key. Without No further processing takes place to confirm the entries.

The print image for the address print is generated next. The The print image is prepared according to the wysiwyg principle, i.e. the Print corresponds to the address entry shown on the display. The start command for immediately follows the print image generation the expression. The print will match one of the height of the address field accordingly wide printhead is carried out for reprint only a movement phase is required. The time required for this is from Print speed of the print head and the length of the address field dependent. This time is at a printing speed of 100 mm / s and an address field length of 80 mm at about 1 second. While During this time, the franking value is debited from the credit of the Carried out by the user and updated accordingly Registers ascending, descending and accont performed. Right away this is followed by the generation of the visually evaluable part of the Franking imprint. These include the standard graphic elements like the DPAG Posthorn and dates like the date and the Franking value. If these procedural steps have been carried out, the message appears waited for the end of the address print.

When the address printing is finished, the print head opens immediately afterwards controlled the position for the franking imprint. Around the time for this To minimize movement, the address pressure on the left side of the Address field started and thus ended on the right side. Out At this position, the print head is now on the right side of the printing franking field moved. Including franking imprint the printhead performs a movement that mirror-inverted Z corresponds. The angle of the diagonal is included depending on the length of the address field to be printed and the Length of the franking field to be printed, as well as the selected one Letter format. At any rate, at this point the machine has everyone Information about simple trigonometric functions Printhead away and thus optimally in time to its second print position Taxes.

Are the same drive elements for this movement as for the If the print movement is used yourself, the print head requires one Standard letter approx. 1 second until the new printing position is taken up. During this time, the calculation of the machine-readable part of the Franking imprint are carried out. First, the digital Signature determined. In accordance with the Information Based US Post's Indicia program will be extended to the above Secure record Hash algorithm applied. This algorithm, described in FIPS PUB 180-1, generates 160 bit information. Next everyone will Machine own private key called. With its help, the DSA Operation applied to the 160 bit information. This algorithm, described in FIPS PUB 186, generates two 160 bit information. This Information is printed in two 20-byte fields arranged. Instead of the DSA algorithm, one can in principle other crypto-algorithms occur, e.g. RSA.

The digital signature is shared with the one that generates it Data record converted into a machine-readable code. Because the place for such an imprint, the common with the visually evaluable Information to be printed is limited, preferably comes 2-dimensional barcode for use. Such a code is for example PDF 417, described in Technical Report Monograph 8, Symbol Technologies, April 1992. The printhead has its second When the print position is reached, the printout of the franking field begins. are due to the limited width of the printhead Movement phases of the printhead required to cover the entire Frankierfeld to print with the in the lower half arranged 2-dimensional bar code started. That follows the printout of the visually evaluable part of the franking field. Is the entire franking field is printed, the letter is free for removal given and the operator receives the request to the letter remove.

Through the multiple nesting of information processes and Movement processes an overall time-optimal sequence is achieved. in the The achievable is compared to a purely linear working method Acceleration around a factor of two. If you still calculate the time for the one-time creation and removal of the letter is added obvious that the franking and addressing machine compared to two separately working special machines not only in the purchase is cheaper, but above all it works much more time-saving. A Standalone franking machine without the ability to also address print which should meet future security requirements, but would have to scan the addresses already printed on the letters, because a secure franking imprint is processing this address information required.

The two parts of the key pair, the private key and the public keys, are provided by the manufacturer of the franking and Addressing machine generated. The private key that is used for education the digital signature used for each franking imprint is in a secure memory, preferably in the security module Machine kept. The public key, which is used for the verification of the digital signature by a testing facility of the mail carrier in one Evaluation point is used, is stored in a database. This can operated by the manufacturer and the test facility loads itself Need the public key down there. Alternatively, the Manufacturer the public key directly to a database, which under administration of the test facility. The assignment of the matching key of the key pair can for example via a machine serial number or device identification data (Device ID).

It is provided for an evaluation in an evaluation point that all data printed on the mail piece are stored centrally. In The post can be delivered to the post office with the participation of the central 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. Through the Linking the postal recipient address with the post value and number of items about the signature, it is impossible to separate one of the both postal address or post value for manipulation purposes copy.

It is further contemplated that 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.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, since obviously other arrangements or designs of the Invention can be developed or used by the same Basic ideas of the invention, starting from the attached Claims are included.

Claims (7)

Method for a franking and addressing machine, comprising request steps for entering the franking value, steps for generating an associated print image and for starting and completing printing, characterized by Request (101) to enter a shipping destination address, Generation (105) of the print image for the address field, Starting (106) printing of the address, Processing signals of the relative movement between printhead and letter as well Control of the information processes for generating a security print parallel to certain movements of the print head (6). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the movements of the print head (6) include the processes during printing. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the movements of the print head (6) include the processes during positioning before printing. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the information processes include the generation (109) of a digital signature. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the generation (109) of the digital signature before the franking stamp image (117) is printed is carried out in parallel with the first task of printing out the address and corresponding movement sequences of a print head (6), so that overall an optimal time Process when printing the address and franking stamp image is achieved. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that an asymmetrical encryption method and a private key are used when generating (109) the digital signature, the signature being able to be verified with an associated public key. Method for a franking and addressing machine, comprising request steps for entering the franking value, steps for generating an associated print image using a microprocessor and for starting and completing printing,
characterized by that the request steps include entering at least one shipping destination address, that during the period from the start to the completion of printing the shipping destination address, further functions or JOBs are processed by a microprocessor, which prepare the printing of the franking stamp image.

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