EP1132868A1 - Machine à affranchir avec une tête d'impression sécurisé - Google Patents

Machine à affranchir avec une tête d'impression sécurisé Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1132868A1
EP1132868A1 EP01103146A EP01103146A EP1132868A1 EP 1132868 A1 EP1132868 A1 EP 1132868A1 EP 01103146 A EP01103146 A EP 01103146A EP 01103146 A EP01103146 A EP 01103146A EP 1132868 A1 EP1132868 A1 EP 1132868A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
print head
unit
code
franking machine
franking
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Withdrawn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
EP01103146A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
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
Priority claimed from DE10011192A external-priority patent/DE10011192A1/de
Application filed by Francotyp Postalia GmbH filed Critical Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Priority to EP01103146A priority Critical patent/EP1132868A1/fr
Publication of EP1132868A1 publication Critical patent/EP1132868A1/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Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • G07B17/00314—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
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00524—Printheads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00524—Printheads
    • G07B2017/00532—Inkjet

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a franking machine for franking mail according to the preamble of claim 1, a print head for a franking machine according to the preamble of claim 12 and a method for authenticating a print head according to the preamble of claim 13.
  • a franking machine with an exchangeable print head is known from EP 0 875 862 A2.
  • the print head there has a memory element in which an identification code of the print head is stored. Using appropriate reading means, the franking machine can read out this identification code and check whether the print head is authorized for this franking machine.
  • Print heads for franking machines are usually as disposable print heads designed and have an ink reservoir, control electronics and ink nozzles from which the ink is applied to the letter. Especially around Such printheads must largely rule out manipulation possibilities meet a number of postal requirements. So is supposed to prevent be an unapproved printhead or an approved printhead is used with unapproved ink. Further, in particular, should be prevented that a customer has his own printhead with an unapproved one Ink filled or that a professional printhead recycler collects printheads and fill it with unapproved ink and sell it. Moreover measures to counter the so-called replay attack when franking with the help copied several franking machines, and against the use of postal-approved print heads can be provided in normal printers.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of a franking machine or a printhead for a franking machine to provide measures to prevent abuses described. In addition, there should be an authentication procedure of a printhead.
  • the franking machine does not have to know which identification codes allow authorization of the print head, but the franking machine generates one itself using a general encryption algorithm Security code, which with a security code stored on the storage unit is compared.
  • Security code which with a security code stored on the storage unit is compared.
  • the Franking machine a first identification code attached to the printhead and a second identification code stored in the storage unit of the printhead read out.
  • This generated security code is then also in the Memory unit of the printhead stored security code compared, and at The print head is thus authenticated and the print unit is matched Approved.
  • the security code stored in the memory unit of the print head is included for example at the manufacturer of the printhead or franking machine generated the same encryption algorithm and the same key code and been stored in the storage unit.
  • the postage meter machine does not have to be in the solution according to the invention know which code allows authentication of the printhead, but it is read from data read from the printhead and the memory unit the security code is generated and stored with one in the storage unit Security code compared.
  • the fact that to generate the security code two identification codes are required, these in separate places are housed, namely on the printhead and in the storage unit, it is also cannot use the storage device for another printhead.
  • the storage unit can be fixedly attached to the print head as well can be entered into the franking machine separately from the print head.
  • a storage unit is, however, only ever assigned to a single printhead.
  • the storage unit is particularly simple in the form of a chip card. This also acts as a mechanical obstacle to use of the printhead in conventional printers.
  • the security code before first use e.g. B. generated in the manufacture of the printhead and in the Storage unit is stored and that the key code to the manufacturer of the Print head and / or the code assigned to the franking machine. So it is requires that both the printhead manufacturer and the manufacturer of the Franking machine the same encryption algorithm and the same key code use so that the same security code can be generated.
  • the key code is kept secret, a generally known and accessible encryption algorithm can be used. It can also It should also be provided that the key code is specific to both the manufacturer of franking machines as well as for the manufacturers of the print heads.
  • the development according to claim 8 provides a simple solution for the choice of Identification codes.
  • the choice of serial number and the choice of any preferably remains with the manufacturer of the Left printhead. Any number, e.g. an 8 bit number, and generates a serial number, from which the security code is then generated that will eventually be stored in the storage unit along with the serial number is saved. The number, serial number and security code belong to it thus together and can only authenticate a printhead together cause.
  • connection unit connects the contacts of the print control unit with contacts of the print head, has a permutation of the connections that occur when the Pressure signal must be taken into account by the pressure control unit. This means that the contacts correspond to one stored on the storage unit Permutation code are interchanged. This is to prevent it from entering the franking machine unauthorized printheads are used and therefore frankings can be generated. Because each printhead has an individual permutation, this also prevents the so-called replay attack, i.e. only one Postage meter machine can sensibly generate frankings with this printhead become.
  • An advantageous embodiment is specified in claim 11, according to which Print head consumption of ink is measured and stored. If the Ink is completely used up, a corresponding identifier is on the Storage unit saved, which is another print with this printhead itself then prevented when refilling ink in the printhead. For example in this case, the security code stored on the storage unit be deleted or changed, resulting in further use of the printhead inevitably prevented.
  • the storage of the current consumption of ink and the "used" identifier can also be carried out in the franking machine.
  • a print head designed according to the invention for a franking machine, in particular for a franking machine of the type described is in claim 12 specified; a method for authenticating such a printhead is in Claim 13 specified. Both the printhead and the process can designed accordingly as the franking machine and as described above his. The method according to claim 14 is preferred before each printing process or every time the franking machine is started up.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a franking machine 1 according to the invention the main electrical functional units.
  • a central processing unit 10 controls the printing of the printed image by means of a printer 2.
  • the computing unit 10 is with a control bus 3, which contains address, data and control lines the security module 4 and connected to the printer 2. That is further Computing unit 10 via the control bus 3 with a non-volatile memory 5 and a working memory 6, in which a central control program and Templates for compiling the print image are saved.
  • the processes in the franking machine are shown on a display 8.
  • To an input / output unit 9 Drive elements and sensors, not shown, connected to the state monitor the franking machine.
  • the transport system is there Connected to transport the mail.
  • a print head 11 according to the invention for the printer 2 is shown in FIG. This is designed as a disposable print head and works according to the inkjet process.
  • the chip card 12 is mechanical in this way attached that the printhead 11 is not used in conventional ink jet printers can be used. Instead of the chip card, only the memory chip 13 can also be used be attached to the print head 11, which carries contacts on its surface.
  • the print head is provided with a corresponding nose 20.
  • printhead 11 can be placed in the lower end of a commercially available disposable ink cartridge be integrated. Further details of the invention Design of the print head 11 are explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4 become.
  • FIG. 3 shows the process steps involved in the construction of a printhead 11 done.
  • a first identification code is sent to the print head 11 itself ID1 (e.g. an 8 bit number) attached in block 111.
  • a second identification code ID2 (e.g., a unique serial number) is in storage location 121 of the storage device 12 saved (or saved there).
  • the first Identification code ID1 becomes the second identification code ID2 of an encryption unit 141 supplied in a computing unit 14 from the printhead manufacturer.
  • MAC message authentication code
  • the decryption unit 101 in the computing unit 10 of the franking machine receives the first identification code ID1 read by the printhead 11, which comes from the memory cell 121 of the memory device 12 read second identification code ID2 and the key code PK from an input unit 102 (or a memory unit of the franking machine).
  • the decryption unit 101 uses this same algorithm to calculate a security code MAC * based on the same algorithm used by the manufacturer of the print head.
  • This generated security code MAC * and the security code MAC read out from the memory cell 122 are then fed to a comparison unit 103, which only releases the printing unit 2 if they match and otherwise blocks them to prevent misuse.
  • Printing is therefore not possible in the franking machine according to the invention if printhead 11 and storage unit 12 do not match, for example because the storage unit 12 is removed from the original printhead and attached to another printhead or when using a printhead to which no storage unit is attached at all.
  • a consumption meter provided that sends a signal to the computing unit when the ink of the Printhead is used up.
  • Security code MAC * always set to zero, so never a match occurs with the stored security code MAC and the printing unit always remains locked. Only when a new printhead is used will it be used Blocked again.
  • the storage unit 12 is separate from the printhead 1 1 can be entered into the franking machine.
  • the method according to the invention works then analog, the correct one if the storage unit is entered incorrectly Storage unit is requested.
  • the unique combination of the two Identification codes and the security code can be held in the storage unit a fill level memory for the printhead are guided to the computing unit.
  • FIG 5 An alternative embodiment of a printhead according to the invention is shown in FIG 5 shown.
  • this has a connection unit 16 on.
  • this connection unit 16 contacts 15 of the Printhead 11 connected to contacts 19 of the print control unit 18.
  • To the connecting unit 16 has contacts 17 which are connected to the contacts 19 Introducing the print head 11 into the print control unit 18 come into contact.
  • the contacts 15 are not in a straight sequence with the contacts 17 connected, but by means of on the connection unit 16 Connection lines 21, the contacts 15 arbitrarily according to a permutation code permuted connected to the contacts 17.
  • This permutation code can be different for each connection unit 16 and thus for each print head 11 fail. This permutation must be used when sending the pressure signals from the Pressure control unit 18 are taken into account and compensated.
  • This is the Permutation code is also preferably stored on the storage unit 12 and can be read out by the print control unit 18 before printing.
  • the nose 20 away from the memory chip 13, namely on the outside at the bottom End of the print head 11, which is also of a different design than that in FIG. 2 has shown printhead.
  • the nose 20 again serves as a mechanical Obstacle to using the printhead in conventional ink jet printers.
  • the permutation code on the connection unit 16 or attached to the print head 11 and as the first identification code serves which is then used both in the construction of the print head and in the Verification of the print head is used to generate the security codes.
  • the permutation code is set to zero when the ink in the printhead is used up, so the printhead is then no longer usable.
  • the invention is not restricted to the configurations shown. Either with regard to the mechanical design as well as the choice, the storage and the generation of the different codes, multiple variations are conceivable.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
EP01103146A 2000-03-08 2001-02-10 Machine à affranchir avec une tête d'impression sécurisé Withdrawn EP1132868A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01103146A EP1132868A1 (fr) 2000-03-08 2001-02-10 Machine à affranchir avec une tête d'impression sécurisé

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10011192 2000-03-08
DE10011192A DE10011192A1 (de) 2000-03-08 2000-03-08 Frankiermaschine mit abgesichertem Druckkopf
EP00127753 2000-12-19
EP00127753 2000-12-19
EP01103146A EP1132868A1 (fr) 2000-03-08 2001-02-10 Machine à affranchir avec une tête d'impression sécurisé

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1132868A1 true EP1132868A1 (fr) 2001-09-12

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EP01103146A Withdrawn EP1132868A1 (fr) 2000-03-08 2001-02-10 Machine à affranchir avec une tête d'impression sécurisé

Country Status (1)

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EP (1) EP1132868A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6733194B2 (en) 2002-07-04 2004-05-11 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Arrangement for controlling printing in a mail-processing device
US6739245B2 (en) 2002-07-04 2004-05-25 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Method for controlling printing in a mail-processing device
US6776544B2 (en) 2002-10-31 2004-08-17 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Arrangement for printing a print image having regions with different print image resolution
GB2410461A (en) * 2004-01-30 2005-08-03 Neopost Ind Sa Method and apparatus for printing addresses in a franking system
EP1696390A2 (fr) 2005-02-15 2006-08-30 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Procédé et dispositif de controller l'impression d'une imprimante à transfert thermique
DE102011012874A1 (de) 2010-12-29 2012-07-05 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Verfahren und Anordnung zum Freigeben der Nutzung einer Verbrauchseinheit
EP3588450A1 (fr) 2018-06-28 2020-01-01 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Procédé et système de commande de l'utilisation d'une unité de cartouche

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0522809A2 (fr) * 1991-07-08 1993-01-13 Neopost Limited Machine à affranchir avec imprimante numérique
EP0775984A2 (fr) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Système digitale de machines à affranchir ayant une unité d'impression rempaçable avec mise-à-niveau du logiciel de système
EP0875862A2 (fr) 1997-05-02 1998-11-04 Neopost Limited Machine à affranchir ayant une tête d'impression amovible
FR2774494A1 (fr) * 1998-01-30 1999-08-06 Neopost Ind Systeme d'affranchissement postal securise

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0522809A2 (fr) * 1991-07-08 1993-01-13 Neopost Limited Machine à affranchir avec imprimante numérique
EP0775984A2 (fr) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Système digitale de machines à affranchir ayant une unité d'impression rempaçable avec mise-à-niveau du logiciel de système
EP0875862A2 (fr) 1997-05-02 1998-11-04 Neopost Limited Machine à affranchir ayant une tête d'impression amovible
FR2774494A1 (fr) * 1998-01-30 1999-08-06 Neopost Ind Systeme d'affranchissement postal securise

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6733194B2 (en) 2002-07-04 2004-05-11 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Arrangement for controlling printing in a mail-processing device
US6739245B2 (en) 2002-07-04 2004-05-25 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Method for controlling printing in a mail-processing device
US6776544B2 (en) 2002-10-31 2004-08-17 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Arrangement for printing a print image having regions with different print image resolution
GB2410461A (en) * 2004-01-30 2005-08-03 Neopost Ind Sa Method and apparatus for printing addresses in a franking system
EP1696390A2 (fr) 2005-02-15 2006-08-30 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Procédé et dispositif de controller l'impression d'une imprimante à transfert thermique
DE102005007220B4 (de) * 2005-02-15 2007-08-16 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Verfahren und Anordnung zum Steuern des Druckens eines Thermotransferdruckgeräts
DE102011012874A1 (de) 2010-12-29 2012-07-05 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Verfahren und Anordnung zum Freigeben der Nutzung einer Verbrauchseinheit
EP3588450A1 (fr) 2018-06-28 2020-01-01 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Procédé et système de commande de l'utilisation d'une unité de cartouche
DE102018115555A1 (de) 2018-06-28 2020-01-02 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Verfahren und system zum steuern der nutzung einer kartuscheneinheit
US11604582B2 (en) 2018-06-28 2023-03-14 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Method and system for controlling the use of a cartridge

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