EP1037170A1 - Machine à affranchir avec un module de logiciel de tarif postal stocké séparément - Google Patents

Machine à affranchir avec un module de logiciel de tarif postal stocké séparément Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1037170A1
EP1037170A1 EP99105478A EP99105478A EP1037170A1 EP 1037170 A1 EP1037170 A1 EP 1037170A1 EP 99105478 A EP99105478 A EP 99105478A EP 99105478 A EP99105478 A EP 99105478A EP 1037170 A1 EP1037170 A1 EP 1037170A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
module
data
postage
franking machine
eeprom
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99105478A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Hasbi Kabacaolgu
Ralf MÜLLER
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
Priority to EP99105478A priority Critical patent/EP1037170A1/fr
Priority to US09/526,623 priority patent/US6629084B1/en
Publication of EP1037170A1 publication Critical patent/EP1037170A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • G07B17/00314—Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00241—Modular design
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00258—Electronic hardware aspects, e.g. type of circuits used
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00314—Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
    • G07B2017/00322—Communication between components/modules/parts, e.g. printer, printhead, keyboard, conveyor or central unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00314—Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
    • G07B2017/0033—Communication with software component, e.g. dll or object
    • 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
    • G07B2017/00419—Software organization, e.g. separation into objects

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a franking machine with a microprocessor, the commands of a control program containing several software modules for implementation processes the operating functions of the franking machine, the control program a software postage module that includes postage data and commands and / or data for designing a postage user interface to be shown on a display contains.
  • Such a franking machine is from EP-A-0 718 801 by the same applicant known.
  • This document describes a user interface for a franking machine , where a user uses ads on a Display is led to receive information and to enter data are required to operate the franking machine.
  • the franking machine contains a microprocessor that processes commands from a control program.
  • the control program contains several software modules, each of which generates menu images and partially prompt the user to enter data.
  • An important software module is the postage module, which postage data and commands and / or data for Contains the design of the postage user interface to be shown on the display.
  • the postage data includes the franking fees, which are dependent from the delivery country, e.g.
  • the postage user interface which contains at least one menu image
  • the user is informed about the different shipping options and supported in the selection of the various parameters.
  • the Users can use the softkeys or scroll keys to send messages on the Activate the display and select a suitable parameter.
  • the postage module contains commands and data to design the postage user interface.
  • a franking machine with a microprocessor the commands of a control program containing several software modules to implement the operational functions of the franking machine, whereby the control program comprises a postage module which contains postage data and commands and / or data for designing a postage user interface to be shown on a display contains, the postage module separately from other modules of the Control program is stored in a memory block, the content of which can be changed is, and wherein the postage module at a data interface data for provides further software modules of the control program.
  • the postage module is separated from other software modules of the control program stored in a memory block, its content is changeable. If now postage data and commands and / or data for design a postage user interface to be shown on the display should only have access to this memory chip and its Content to be changed. In this way, the determination of the postage for software commands be expanded with which it is possible to change the postage calculation to realize. Every change to the postage module is therefore one Modification of the memory area in the memory chip reduced. An amendment the other software modules are not required. The changes can both the postage data, i.e. the fees for the individual postal parameters, as also affect the type of graphic representation on the display.
  • the postage module has one standardized data interface for data. If the postage module is changed, this way, the structure of this data interface remains the same. Then it is guaranteed that even with a changed postage module, the data given by this can be easily processed.
  • the data interface can e.g. one have such a structure that they designate memory areas of the postage module, in which the relevant data for access is stored.
  • a further development of the invention is characterized in that the control program a display module that includes data and commands to control the Contains displays, and that the display module also based on data of the standardized Accesses data interface.
  • the display module controls the hardware of the display.
  • Another development of the invention provides that the further software modules the control program with the exception of the postage module in a permanent memory, are preferably stored in an EPROM module.
  • These software modules form the so-called firmware, which is relatively tight on hardware components the franking machine is matched. Accordingly, these software modules Not changed often during the life of a franking machine hardware components of the postage meter machine are changed relatively rarely become. The corresponding software modules are therefore in one inexpensive memory.
  • the microprocessor preferably uses a changeable content memory module programmable EEPROM module provided.
  • This EEPROM block then contains the data and commands of the postage module. If there is a change or renewal of the entire postage module, the programming of the EEPROM module via the microprocessor itself.
  • changing the content of the programmable Memory chips take place in that data and commands over a modem or any other device interface from a center to the franking machine transmitted, i.e. there is a remote controlled reloading of the Memory module.
  • Another way to add the contents of the programmable memory chip change is the data and commands for the postage module on a memory card, e.g. a chip card.
  • the data will then become Reloading the programmable memory chip with microprocessor support read and transferred to this.
  • Another variant provides that the programmable memory chip as replaceable component is used. To change the postage module the Memory module exchanged for another. This measure requires a hardware intervention in the franking machine. With a favorable arrangement of the memory chip, however, are the requirements for the specialist knowledge of the operating personnel is relatively low.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that programming data regarding the postage user interface separated from postage data be loaded in the programmable memory chip.
  • Postage data can change relatively frequently as a result of regulations from the responsible post office.
  • a separate reloading of postage data and programming data for the postage user interface has the advantage that the programming effort to generate such data is reduced. The development effort is therefore reduced accordingly when changing the postage module.
  • the control program can generally generally contain a menu module that commands and / or data for design contains a user interface to be shown on a display.
  • This menu module can e.g. be a service module that, in addition to data and commands for Design of a service user interface also contains test data with which Function tests of the franking machine can be carried out. If the menu module must be changed, it is sufficient to change the contents of the memory block change. Further changes to the firmware or other software modules not necessary. The other software modules of the control program access data via the data interface. As long as this data interface Even if the menu module is changed, it remains correct Function of the franking machine ensured.
  • FIG. 1 the part that is essential for the present invention is a Postage meter shown.
  • EP-A-0 718 801 which is hereby incorporated by reference is to be attributed to the disclosure content of the present patent application.
  • a microprocessor 10 executes the commands of a control program in order to Realize operational functions of the franking machine.
  • This control program belong to software modules which are combined to form firmware 12, as well as a postage module 14 and a service module 16.
  • the firmware 12 contains as Software modules, for example a display module 18 for controlling a display 24, a printer module 20 for controlling a postage stamp printer 26, a keyboard module 22 for controlling data input via a keyboard (not shown), as well as other software modules that are not specified.
  • the software modules 18, 20, 22 of firmware 12 are stored in an EPROM module.
  • the postage module 14 contains a storage area 28 for postage data and one Storage area 30 for a postage user interface.
  • This latter Memory area 30 contains commands and / or data for designing one on the Display 24 postage user interface to be displayed.
  • This postage user interface informs the user of the franking machine about possible postage parameters and guides the user in the selection of necessary parameters.
  • the Memory areas 28 and 30 are available with a standardized data interface 32 in communication connection. This data interface 32 remains essentially unchanged if the content of the memory areas 28, 30 changes.
  • the standardized data interface 32 is in turn connected to the software modules firmware 12, e.g. the display module 18, and exchange with these Data from.
  • the data and commands of the postage module 14 are in one EEPROM block EEPROM-1 saved. This block EEPROM-1 can with the help of the microprocessor 10 via the data interface 32 with new data for the memory areas 28 and 30 are loaded.
  • the service module 16 contains a file 32 for a service user interface and a file 34 for test data.
  • the files 32, 34 are standardized Data interface 34 connected, the data with software modules, e.g. the printer module 20, which exchanges firmware 12.
  • software modules e.g. the printer module 20, which exchanges firmware 12.
  • hardware tests of the franking machine can be carried out. For example the service function of the printer 26 checked.
  • the scale can be calibrated to determine the weight of mail or other hardware tests. During these checks the user, for example a service technician, is displayed using Information on the display 24 informs and when selecting possible parameters.
  • the microprocessor 10 controls the display 24 via an input / output module, the printer 26, a modem 38 and a chip card reader 40.
  • the postage fee for the item to be franked Postage determined.
  • This postage fee depends on the location of the mail is sent, of what kind the mail is, for example letter, postcard, Printed matter, consignment, package, parcel, etc., and of the franking type, for example Standard letter, registered letter, registered letter with return receipt, express letter, etc.
  • the postage user interface available information to the user; using user guidance the user can set the necessary postage parameters. If now change the postage over the lifetime of the franking machine or if the formula for determining postage changes, the corresponding data is and change commands in the postage module 14.
  • firmware 12 and postage module 14 Due to the chosen structure A separation between firmware 12 and postage module 14 is guaranteed because the Data and commands of the postage module in a separate memory, the programmable Memory module EEPROM-1 are saved.
  • the new postage data or the commands and data for designing the postage user interface e.g. be stored on a chip card.
  • the operator now causes that The data are read in via the chip card reader 40 and sent to the module EEPROM-1 can be transferred.
  • the microprocessor controls this 10. The operator must of course be authorized to help Identify known identification procedures.
  • Another option is there therein, the changed data for the postage module 14 via the modem 38 from one to read in the remote control center. This type of data transmission is also in itself known and need not be explained further.
  • the changes in the postage module 14 can also affect the design of the entire postage user interface. For example, the display of the postage user interface can be changed or changed the meaning of a softkey to select postage parameters become.
  • the postage module 14 does not have to be changed in the Firmware 12 are intervened, which are stored in an EPROM block are. No software development work is required for the software modules belonging to the firmware be performed. The development effort for a change of the tax program in the postage determination section therefore remains small.
  • the postage data or the commands and data for the postage user interface in the Postage module 14 can be changed separately or together by reloading become.
  • the procedure is similar to that for Postage module 14.
  • the data and commands stored in the EEPROM-2 module can be modified separately from firmware 12.
  • test data is separated from the service module 16 EEPROM block to save. If this test data is changed, then only the content of this EEPROM block can be changed. It is also possible, the commands and data of the service user interface 32 in the memory chip Save EEPROM-1 with; the test data alone are then in the module EEPROM-2 saved. Its memory size can then be correspondingly smaller be selected, i.e. its size is then also reduced.
  • Such a Module that contains only the test data is preferably on the same board arranged like the printer 26. As a result, the test data is this printer 26 physically assigned. When replacing the printer 26 will also be Test data exchanged.
  • the display module 18 routines and data contains the calculation of the postage and the display of the calculated Postage concern.
  • the routines then access the via the data interface 32 Postage data 28 and possibly to data of the postage user interface 30.
  • These routines can also be combined into a separate software module be assigned to firmware 12.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
EP99105478A 1999-03-17 1999-03-17 Machine à affranchir avec un module de logiciel de tarif postal stocké séparément Withdrawn EP1037170A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP99105478A EP1037170A1 (fr) 1999-03-17 1999-03-17 Machine à affranchir avec un module de logiciel de tarif postal stocké séparément
US09/526,623 US6629084B1 (en) 1999-03-17 2000-03-16 Postage meter machine with separately stored software postage module

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP99105478A EP1037170A1 (fr) 1999-03-17 1999-03-17 Machine à affranchir avec un module de logiciel de tarif postal stocké séparément

Publications (1)

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EP1037170A1 true EP1037170A1 (fr) 2000-09-20

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EP99105478A Withdrawn EP1037170A1 (fr) 1999-03-17 1999-03-17 Machine à affranchir avec un module de logiciel de tarif postal stocké séparément

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US (1) US6629084B1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1037170A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1257933A4 (fr) * 2000-02-16 2004-07-28 Ascom Hasler Mailing Sys Inc Source de fonds adaptable et sure
CN1855920A (zh) * 2005-04-28 2006-11-01 西门子（中国）有限公司 磁共振系统多点总线上的通信方法

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0492439A2 (fr) * 1990-12-19 1992-07-01 Pitney Bowes Inc. Interface d'utilisateur pour un système de traitement de courrier
EP0718801A1 (fr) 1994-12-21 1996-06-26 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Interface utelisateur pour une machine à affranchir
EP0809215A2 (fr) * 1996-05-21 1997-11-26 Francotyp-Postalia Aktiengesellschaft & Co. Module calculateur d'affranchissement interchangeable et procédé pour transmission de données
EP0825561A2 (fr) * 1996-08-23 1998-02-25 Pitney Bowes Inc. Système de machine à affranchir électronique avec système de comptabilisation interne et système de comptabilisation externe amovible
EP0892367A2 (fr) * 1997-07-14 1999-01-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Méthode et système pour la mise à jour des données postales par téléphone

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4122532A (en) * 1977-01-31 1978-10-24 Pitney-Bowes, Inc. System for updating postal rate information utilized by remote mail processing apparatus
US4138735A (en) * 1977-01-31 1979-02-06 Pitney-Bowes, Inc. System for remotely resetting postage rate memories
US4528644A (en) * 1983-07-18 1985-07-09 Pitney Bowes Inc. Customizing the firmware after assembly of an electronic postage meter
US4837714A (en) * 1986-04-18 1989-06-06 Pitney Bowes, Inc. Methods and apparatus for customizing and testing fully assembled postage meters
US4802218A (en) * 1986-11-26 1989-01-31 Wright Technologies, L.P. Automated transaction system
CA1301334C (fr) * 1988-02-08 1992-05-19 Pitney Bowes Inc. Systeme de comptabilisation des droits postaux
US5359730A (en) * 1992-12-04 1994-10-25 International Business Machines Corporation Method of operating a data processing system having a dynamic software update facility
US6434617B1 (en) * 1999-02-22 2002-08-13 Hewlett-Packard Co. Extensible, object-oriented network interface
US6266055B1 (en) * 1999-07-30 2001-07-24 Pitney Bowes Inc. Customizable user interface for a mailing apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0492439A2 (fr) * 1990-12-19 1992-07-01 Pitney Bowes Inc. Interface d'utilisateur pour un système de traitement de courrier
EP0718801A1 (fr) 1994-12-21 1996-06-26 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Interface utelisateur pour une machine à affranchir
EP0809215A2 (fr) * 1996-05-21 1997-11-26 Francotyp-Postalia Aktiengesellschaft & Co. Module calculateur d'affranchissement interchangeable et procédé pour transmission de données
EP0825561A2 (fr) * 1996-08-23 1998-02-25 Pitney Bowes Inc. Système de machine à affranchir électronique avec système de comptabilisation interne et système de comptabilisation externe amovible
EP0892367A2 (fr) * 1997-07-14 1999-01-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Méthode et système pour la mise à jour des données postales par téléphone

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Publication number Publication date
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