EP1249795A2 - Electronic device with position-specific configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic device, in particular franking machine, with a central processing unit (2), at least one first memory (3) connected to the central processing unit (2), in which at least one position-specific program unit is stored, on which the processing unit (2) can be configured or configured Operation of the processing unit (2) or a functional unit (5, 6, 7) connected to the processing unit (2), and a position determining unit (4) connected to the processing unit, wherein a number of position-specific program units are stored in the first memory (3) and the processing unit (2) is designed such that it accesses the position-specific program unit in the first memory (3) corresponding to the position depending on the position of the device determined by the position determination unit (4). Corresponding method for operating or configuring an electronic device. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device, in particular a Franking machine, with a central processing unit, at least a first memory connected to the central processing unit, in which at least one program unit is stored, on which the processing unit to configure or operate the processing unit or accesses a functional unit connected to the processing unit, and a position determining unit connected to the processing unit. It also relates to a method for operating or configuring of an electronic device.

Electronic devices, such as franking machines, have to be used frequently configured differently when used in different countries become. This applies, for example, to the configuration of the operating program as well as for the configuration of the software, on the special functional units of the device. In the case of a franking machine, this counts for example the data transmission device in the form of a modem or the like, a scale or the accounting module.

The country-specific configuration is usually done with known devices before delivery to the end customer. However, this is disadvantageous since the manufacturer himself or an appropriately authorized dealer does this in usually take a more or less time-consuming procedure must what drives up the manufacturing or operating costs.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of a device or to provide a method mentioned at the beginning, which at least partially remedies this disadvantage and in particular a simple one and inexpensive position-specific configuration of such Device.

The present invention achieves this object on the basis of an electronic one Device according to the preamble of claim 1 by the in the characterizing Part of claim 1 specified features. It solves them Task continues based on a method according to the generic term of claim 9 by those specified in the characterizing part of claim 9 Characteristics.

The present invention is based on the technical teaching that a particularly simple and inexpensive position-specific configuration of such a device is possible if a number in the first memory is stored by position-specific program units and the processing unit as a function of the position determination unit determined position of the device on the program unit corresponding to the position accesses in the first memory. The software configuration of the device can then take place automatically at the installation site without that once again a separate intervention by an appropriately authorized Person would be needed.

All devices that are identical despite being used in different countries Hardware can therefore have no special configuration for the Country of assignment delivered directly or indirectly to the respective end customer be, which on the one hand also increases the effort for the production the effort for logistics is reduced because there are no different device versions have to be handled.

The position-specific program unit can be either a act for an executable, completed program. But it can also act as a subroutine to which a higher-level Program is accessed from. The position-specific Program unit several such programs or subroutines included in any combination. It is also possible that the Program unit not an immediately executable program or subroutine just values for one or more configuration parameters contains which is accessed by a configuration program and which are used for serve position-specific configuration. It goes without saying that the position-specific program unit also programs, subroutines and can contain parameter values in any combination.

The position-specific program unit can be configured once serve one or more functional units of the device. With preferred The position-specific program unit forms at least variants a part of the operating program for the processing unit. This is it is possible to make the device with a simple and quick, for everyone Deliver the same minimum configuration and the actual, more complex Operating configuration also with regard to the operating program only to be carried out automatically at the installation site.

In other preferred variants of the device according to the invention Processing unit for configuring one with the processing unit connected functional unit and the position-specific program unit contains at least some of the configuration parameters of the Functional unit. The position-specific program unit can be in the All or part of the operating program of the functional unit included, provided that this includes its own processing unit. The Functional unit can also be designed so that its full function only available in conjunction with the central processing unit stands. In other words, the actual control of the functional unit done entirely or partially by the central processing unit, so that the functional unit in a way also the central processing unit includes.

The named functional unit can be any device act that provide a specific function of the device. As Examples of such functional units can be found in connection with Franking machines, in particular data transmission units, such as modems or the like, since these usually depend on the special circumstances of telecommunications facilities in the respective country Need to become. In other preferred variants of an inventive Franking machine, the functional unit comprises a postage calculation unit, which are used to calculate the franking value to be printed serves.

In further preferred developments of the invention, the functional unit a billing unit, as is the case with franking machines Application. Here the automatic configuration is dependent from the installation site is particularly advantageous, since such a billing unit usually an area of the device to which high security requirements must be met. By eliminating the position-specific Configuration, often by an authorized person immediate production must be reduced the possibilities of fraud or manipulation in connection with a such billing module, which provides additional security.

The position determination unit can be any of these act appropriate facility. In preferred, because simple and inexpensive The position determination unit comprises variants to be realized a GPS module. With these GPS modules, which are now in the form of Standard modules are available, the position of the device can be in easily determine very precisely. In addition, these GPS modules can be used provided exact location information for further applications of the device where this location information is required.

In a further preferred embodiment, the position determination unit also via a data transmission device of the device be implemented, which then works according to one or more mobile radio standards and the position determination in a known manner via the detection the positioning of the data transmission device with respect to one or allows multiple cells of a cellular network.

In other variants of the device according to the invention, the processing unit is connected to a data transmission unit. For training a program module is also provided to the position determination unit, which in a second connected to the processing unit Memory is stored and a number of position-specific dial-in numbers to establish a connection with position-specific assigned Contains data centers. The processing unit and the program module are then designed such that the processing unit is under Access to the program module sequentially establishing the connection to the tried position-specific data centers and the successful connection establishment serves to determine the position.

This variant is based on the consideration that for the one described above country-specific configuration on the one hand the information is sufficient in which country the device is located in and the data centers dial-in numbers for the respective countries via the telecommunications network, for example a fixed telephone network or a mobile network, of the respective country. A connection is established with a certain dial-in number, this ensures that the device is located in the country assigned to the dial-in number.

This does not necessarily mean successful data exchange come between the device and the relevant data center, it may be sufficient for the data transmission device to be a the corresponding dial tone is recorded by the other party. This is particularly so the case when the dial-in numbers are dialed so that the Dial-in numbers for the data centers of the other countries in the relevant country No remote sites are assigned to the country of installation.

It goes without saying that the data transmission device in variants, in which the position determination for the configuration of the data transmission device is used, configured for each country operated which is assigned to the dial-in number just selected. in this connection is then of course also sequentially to the corresponding position-specific Program units for configuring the data transmission device accessed.

This configuration is tailored to the dial-in number to be dialed the data transmission device can, however, be omitted if the configuration the data transmission device merely an optimization of the Ensures data transfer during a minimal configuration of the data transfer device exists with which initially worked in all countries can be used to determine the position in the manner mentioned realize. This can be the case, for example, if the data transmission device according to a mobile radio standard common in all countries is working.

The present invention further relates to a corresponding method for operating or configuring an electronic device, in particular a franking machine, depending on the geographic position, where a position-specific program unit as part of the operating program a central processing unit is selected or is used to configure a functional unit of the device. According to the position of the installation location of the device is detected and the position-specific program unit depending on the captured Position of the installation site selected. Hereby are the same already described above in connection with the device according to the invention Benefits attainable.

In preferred variants of the method according to the invention, the position of the installation site using a GPS module or a mobile radio device certainly. In other variants of the method according to the invention the position of the installation site is determined by sequentially trying a Establishing a connection via a data transmission device of the device with position-specific data centers with at least each a dial-in number assigned to the respective data center.

Figur 1

ein Blockschaltbild einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Gerätes;

Figur 2

ein Blockschaltbild einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Gerätes;

Figur 3

ein Blockschaltbild einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Gerätes;

Figur 4

ein Ablaufdiagramm der mit dem Gerät aus Figur 3 durchgeführten Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims or the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments, which refers to the attached drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2

a block diagram of another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 3

a block diagram of another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Figure 4

a flow chart of the variant of the method according to the invention carried out with the device from FIG. 3;

FIG. 1 shows an electronic device in the form of a franking machine 1 a central processing unit 2, which with a first memory 3, a Position determination unit 4 and several units 5 to 7 connected is assigned to different functional units. With these Units are a data transmission device in the form a modem 5, a weighing device 6 and a billing module 7.

The operation of such a franking machine 1 can be briefly as follows outline. Depending on the weight and possibly a number of others A parameter is a piece of mail, for example a letter, with a specific one Frank the amount of money to be carried by a carrier guarantee.

Accordingly, the weight of the letter is first measured using the weighing device 6 determines that belongs to a postage calculation unit. in this connection is the measurement signal supplied by the weighing device 6 in so-called Postage tables assigned to stored weight ranges, which in turn possibly depending on other parameters - such as type of transport, Degree of pre-sorting of letters etc. - certain, also in the Postage tables are assigned to stored postage values.

The letter is then connected to a processing unit 2 - Not shown - introduced pressure device to him with a so-called Franking imprint to print. Depending on the required, printed Here, franking values become registers in the accounting unit 7 decreased by the corresponding value.

These registers were previously loaded in one go set to a certain value. The loading process takes place via the Modem 5, by means of which via a data network 8, for example a conventional one Telecommunications network, a data connection to a data center 9 was produced.

Both the operating program of the central processing unit 2 and the configuration of the individual functional units is therefore dependent on the installation site the franking machine 1, depending on the country or State in which the franking machine 1 is installed, different requirements be put.

The position-specific configuration corresponding to the installation location the operating program of the processing unit 2 and the individual Function units 5 to 7 are to be implemented in the position determination unit 4 designed as a GPS module that with the satellites 10.1 and 10.2 Interacting satellite system 10 for position determination and to the Processing unit 2 a corresponding to the determined geographic position Position signal delivers.

Depending on this position signal, the processing unit 2 intervenes, controlled by one stored in a first area 3.1 of the first memory Basic operating program, on one or more in a second Area 3.2 of the first memory 3 stored position, i.e. country-specific Program units in the form of subroutines and operating parameters which the basic program for a position, i.e. country-specific Supplement operating program for processing unit 2.

While the basic operating program initially only at least the process the configuration and, if necessary, others until it is reached Ensuring the configuration phase of the required basic functions is inferior this configuration with the corresponding country-specific operating program the full country-specific functionality is available. This then also includes, for example, certain country-specific ones Menus or menu levels in the operating program, for example Parameters such as type of transport, degree of pre-sorting of the letters etc., can be set.

The complete operating program then contains so-called configuration sequences, when processing the individual functional units i.e. can be configured country-specifically in this example. It goes without saying that these configuration sequences are quite complete or may be included in part in the basic operating program.

In the example shown, the modem 5 is first configured in a position-specific manner, by the processing unit 2 depending on the Position determination unit 4 delivered position signal to a third Memory area 3.5 of the first memory 3 accesses. In this are again several position-specific program units in the form of program sequences and stored operating parameters that are necessary for the operation of the Modems 5 are required. These are then sent to a modem control unit (not shown) of the modem 5 passed on to configure this. The modem 5 then forms a complete functional unit.

However, it is understood that in other variants, the control of the modem can also be taken over by the central processing unit can, so that the modem together with the central processing unit forms the complete functional unit.

This is done, for example, with regard to the configuration of the postage calculation unit, to which the weighing unit 6 belongs. So the central loads Processing unit 2 as a function of that of the position determination unit 4 delivered position signal for configuration of the postage calculation unit the position, i.e. here country-specific postage tables, with which the franking values in the manner described above by the central processing unit 2 are calculated. The postage calculation unit in other words not only includes the weighing unit 6, but also also the associated processing unit 2, which is the actual Carries out postage calculation.

The accounting unit 7 is configured similarly to the modem 5 by the central processing unit 2 as a function of the position signal the position determination unit 4 to a fourth memory area 3.6 of the accesses first memory 3. This in turn contains several position-specific ones Program units in the form of program sequences and operating parameters filed, which is required for the operation of the accounting unit 7 are. These are then sent to an accounting control unit (not shown) passed on to the accounting unit 7 in order to configure it. The accounting unit 7 forms an independent functional unit.

It goes without saying that the configuration of the accounting unit for others Variants also only the position signal of the position determination unit passed on to the accounting control unit of the accounting unit which can then be used for position-specific configuration without Interposition of the central processing unit to one with the accounting control unit accesses connected memory in which the position-specific Program units are stored. In particular, this can then be necessary if, as usual, particularly high requirements to the security of the accounting unit, in particular in a separate, self-contained, not accessible by unauthorized persons Housing is arranged. The accounting unit then forms together with the position determination unit an electronic device in the Sense of the invention.

It goes without saying that the postage meter machine also has other functional units can include or with the franking machine further peripheral devices can be connected, as is usually the case in a mail processing system find their application. These functional units or Peripherals can optionally be in the manner described above using the position signal of the position determining unit can be configured.

Figure 2 shows a further variant of the device according to the invention, which the basic structure of that of Figure 1 is the same, so that only the differences should be dealt with.

The difference is that the position determination unit is a Cellular unit 11 comprises a data connection to transmitting / receiving stations 12 of a cellular network can produce. The sending / receiving stations 12 of the mobile radio network are connected to a mobile radio center 13. In this mobile radio center 13, on request by the mobile radio unit 11 determines the position of the mobile radio unit 11 in a known manner. In the simplest case, this is done by determining which ones Transceiver station 12, the mobile radio unit 11 with the mobile radio center 13 communicates. A more precise localization is in a known manner possible if the signals of the mobile radio unit 11 from several transmitting / receiving stations 12 are detected and based on the intensity of the signals the location of the mobile radio unit 11 can be determined more precisely.

The mobile radio center 13 then sends via the transceiver station 12 a message with the corresponding position information to the mobile radio unit 11, which in turn sends this to the central processing unit 2 'passes on. The position-specific configuration of the operating program the processing unit 2 'and the position-specific configuration of the the functional units of the franking machine comprising the units 6 'and 7' 1 'then takes place again in the manner described above for FIG. 1.

It goes without saying that with other variants, the position determination too not in the mobile radio center but by the mobile radio unit or the central processing unit connected to it can take place. This is enough it that when communication between the cellular unit and the Transmitting / receiving station of the mobile radio network a the transmitting / receiving station pass uniquely identifying identifier to the mobile radio unit on the basis of which the position of the mobile radio unit and thus the Franking machine can be determined with sufficient accuracy. Prefers this identifier already contains corresponding position information regarding the geographical location of the sending / receiving station.

In the example shown, the mobile radio unit 11 is designed such that it in the cellular networks that are intended for use of the franking machine Can dial countries. Because these mobile networks may use are operated in different frequency bands, is the mobile radio unit trained to operate with multiple frequency bands can. This ensures that there is a connection in every country of installation can be established to at least one mobile network.

The mobile radio unit 11 first tries to position itself in dial in a cellular network with a first frequency band. If this succeeds does not, the mobile radio unit 11 changes the frequency band and starts again an attempt to dial in. This happens until a connection is successful to a cellular network. Depending on that The mobile radio unit 11 then tries the selected frequency band under sequential Processing the corresponding dial-in numbers to establish the connection to a mobile radio center 13, via which the position determination then can be done in the manner described above.

In the example shown, the mobile radio unit 11 is not only used for determining the position. It also forms the data transmission device, via which the franking machine 1 'with a remote data center 9' in the Data described above or for the purposes described above can exchange.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a franking machine according to the invention. This franking machine 1 "differs in its basic Structure not of the structure of the variant described for FIG. 1 so that only the differences are dealt with here should.

The difference is that for the formation of the position determination unit a program module stored in a second memory 14 is provided, which is accessed by the central processing unit 2 ″ this program module is a number of position-specific dial-in numbers for establishing a connection with position-specific assignments Data centers 9 "filed.

The processing unit 2 "tries with the dial-in numbers of the program module by means of the data transmission device 5 "sequentially via the telephone network 8 "the connection to the data center 9". The the Dial-in numbers assigned to data centers are in the program module stored without country codes, so that the connection establishment only to the data center 9 "succeeds, which is actually assigned to the country of installation. Here, the data center 9 "does not actually have to be in the corresponding one Country. It is sufficient that you have a dial-in node in the concerned Country is assigned, which in this country has the corresponding dial-in number is achieved. The successful establishment of a connection to a data center 9 "then serves to determine the position insofar as it has been established in which country the franking machine 1 "can be installed what is sufficient for the country-specific configuration described.

It is understood that it is not necessarily a successful one Data exchange between the franking machine 1 "and the relevant one Data center 9 "must come. It may be sufficient that the data transmission device a corresponding dial tone on the other side detected. This is especially the case if the dial-in numbers are chosen so that the dial-in numbers for the data centers of the other countries in the respective country of installation, no counterparts are assigned, so a connection attempt remains unsuccessful.

In the example shown, the position determination is also used for configuration the data transmission device 5 ". The data transmission device 5" is therefore configured for the country each time an attempt is made to connect operated, which is assigned to the currently selected dial-in number. Here, of course, is then also sequentially described in the above for FIG. 1 Way in the corresponding position-specific program units to configure the data transmission device 5 ". If the connection is established successfully, this configuration will then be the Data transmission device 5 "permanently maintained.

It goes without saying that the dial-in number to be dialed is the one to be dialed Configuration of the data transmission device can be omitted, if the configuration of the data transmission device is only an optimization ensures data transfer while a minimal configuration the data transmission facility exists with that in all countries initially can be worked to determine the position in the above Way to realize. This can be the case, for example, if the Data transmission device according to a mobile radio standard common in all countries works with a certain frequency band.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the franking machine from FIG. 3 performed inventive method for configuring the franking machine.

This process is started in a step 20. The start can be made when switching on the franking machine automatically or by a special Input of the operator can be initiated.

First, a dial-in number is selected in a step 21 with which Establishing a connection to the data center via the data transmission unit 5 " 9 "should be attempted. Processing unit 2" to the first dial-in number that is in the program module in the second Memory 14 is stored.

In step 22, this previously selected dial-in number is sent to the data transmission unit 5 "and the attempt of Establishing a connection to the data center 9 "using this dial-in number. The data transmission device 5 "is on every connection attempt each configured for the country operated, which of the currently selected dial-in number. This configuration is done before attempting to establish a connection, also in step 22. To do this the central processing unit 2 "sequentially accesses FIG. 1 in the above described in the corresponding position-specific program units to configure the data transmission device 5 ".

In step 23 it is checked whether a successful connection establishment with the last selected dial-in number came about. This is not the case, there is a jump back to step 21, in which then the next dial-in number is selected from the program module. Then in proceed as described.

If a successful connection establishment is determined in step 23, in Step 24 a corresponding configuration of the operating software of the processing unit 2 "and the functional units of the franking machine 1". The procedure then ends at point 25.

Although the device according to the invention is based exclusively on Postage meter has been described, it is understood that the invention also in connection with any other electronic devices Can be used where a position-specific configuration the operating software or individual functional units is required.

Furthermore, it is understood that the term positioning, as is already results from the exemplary embodiments described above, in the sense of the invention not merely as a determination of the exact geographical Position should be understood. Rather, depending on the application a more or less imprecise determination of the position is sufficient, to meet the requirements for accuracy within the meaning of the invention fulfill. So it may be sufficient to determine in which country the device is located located.

Claims (12)

Electronic device, in particular a franking machine, with a central processing unit (2; 2 '; 2 "), at least one first memory (3; 3';3") connected to the central processing unit (2; 2 '; 2 "), in which at least one position-specific program unit is stored, on which the processing unit (2; 2 '; 2 ") for configuration or operation of the processing unit (2; 2';2") or one with the processing unit (2; 2 '; 2 ") connected functional unit ((5, 6, 7; 5 ', 6', 7 '; 5 ", 6", 7 "), and a position determining unit (4; 11; 14) connected to the processing unit, characterized in that in a number of position-specific program units are stored in the first memory (3; 3 '; 3 ") and the processing unit (2; 2';2") is designed such that it is dependent on the position determination unit (4; 11; 14 ) determined position of the device to the position-specific corresponding to the position he program unit in the first memory (3; 3 '; 3 ") accesses. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position-specific program unit forms at least part of the operating program for the processing unit (2; 2 '; 2 "). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the processing unit (2; 2 '; 2 ") for configuring a functional unit (5, 6, 7; 5', 6) connected to the processing unit (2; 2 ';2")',7'; 5 ", 6", 7 ") and the position-specific program unit at least some of the configuration parameters of the functional unit (5, 6, 7; 5 ', 6', 7 ';5", 6 ", 7 ") contains. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the functional unit comprises a data transmission unit (5; 5 '; 5 "), in particular a modem. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it is designed as a franking machine and the functional unit comprises a postage calculation unit (6; 6 '; 6 "). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it is designed as a franking machine and the functional unit comprises an accounting unit (7; 7 '; 7 "). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position determination unit comprises a GPS module (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position determination unit comprises a mobile radio device (11). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit is connected to a data transmission unit (5 ") and a program module is provided for forming the position determining unit, which is stored in a second memory (14) connected to the processing unit (2") and contains a number of position-specific dial-in numbers for establishing a connection with position-specific assigned data centers (9 "), the processing unit (2") and the program module being designed such that the processing unit (2 ") sequentially connects to the position-specific ones while accessing the program module Data centers (9 ") tried and the successful connection is used to determine the position. Method for operating or configuring an electronic device, in particular a franking machine, depending on the geographic position, in which a position-specific program unit is selected as part of the operating program of a central processing unit (2; 2 '; 2 ") or for configuring a functional unit (5 , 6, 7; 5 ', 6' 7 '; 5 ", 6", 7 ") of the device, characterized in that the position of the installation location of the device is detected and the position-specific program unit as a function of the detected position of the Installation site is selected. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the position of the installation site is determined by means of a GPS module (4) or a mobile radio device (11). Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the position of the installation site is determined by sequentially trying to establish a connection via a data transmission device (5 ") of the device with position-specifically assigned data centers (9") with at least one dial-in number assigned to the respective data center (9 ") ,

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