EP1457931A2 - Device for an automatic input of a product code in a mail processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Product code entries are specific to different countries and regions and the microprocessor [7] based system provides automatic selection. The system uses codes stored in an EEPROM memory [2] and are selected using a program in EPROM memory [4]. Data entered into the work store [5] is compared with the table data.

Description

The invention relates to a device for automatic product code entry in a mail processing device according to the preamble of Claim 1. The invention is for use in franking machines, Postage computer scales, for use in by a personal computer (PC) supported mailing systems or PC frankers and others Postal processing equipment provided for data acquisition for a Post class statistics is trained accordingly.

A franking machine is already known from EP 493 948 B1 the type of dispatch as a separate election stamp to the franking stamp or integrated with can print and with a plurality on registers in a secure module for storing accounting data is equipped, which is based on the use of the franking machine for franking objects.

A first set of registers refers to a special first Service and a second set of registers refer to a special one second service, the special services via the input means are selectable and the accounting data of the selected one Service will be updated. But there are only certain services recorded for billing. These accounts give that Carrier does not have sufficient information about customer behavior.

Now some postal authorities / mail carriers are required or through Discounts favored that the user prints over in the Franking machine saved operational processes, for mail stacks / freight accompanying documents / consignment note or in a time period, i.e. Invoices or statistics or receipts for a successful Reload to top up the credit. The customer behavior it would also be interesting for future mail carriers which new services will be offered for the postal transport, which then must be billed separately. According to EP 285 956 B1 there is one Franking machine with a special operating sequence memory and with a connection for an external printer. From the user is requested from the stored periodic collection of all data select and print only certain ones. For this the user has to not just provide a separate printer but if necessary also a lot of time to find out and that Reserve printing of dates.

The applicant's newer franking machines use digital ones Printing units. For example, the franking machines have T1000 or JetMail from the applicant Francotyp Postalia AG & Co.KG worldwide for the first time a thermal transfer printer or an inkjet printer. This makes it possible in principle to refer to a filled letter in the area of Franking stamp also to print addresses and other information, which in a corresponding context with a service stand.

Among other things, also election prints printed on the franking to the To indicate the type of shipment or form. The form of storage can meet the needs of a variety of users the same Franking machine to be adapted. So in some machines one Class formation in the form of cost centers, the individual User groups are assigned.

To print out corresponding reports without a separate one external printer is a method and in DE 42 24 955 A1 Arrangement for internal cost center printing proposed. The for Printouts that can be generated for each cost center are included after election prints divisible lists of postage used by the franking machine. The Saving the additional printer is advantageous for the users. For but it is unreasonable for the users, at the request of the mail carrier or data center always lists with data about the use printed out on the franking machine. Because while printing of lists of cost center data using the internal franking machine The print head can of course not be franked.

FR 2 665 003 B1 describes a device for tracking the Mail use of an electronic franking system known that with a central office communicates what electronic messages change. In addition to the bytes, the message format includes Information on identification, register status and credit status as well as a number of additional bytes for the statistical order. The bytes for the statistical order contain a breakdown by Postage values, by weights or by destination of the franked Mailings. Part of the statistical order instructions can be modified during communication with the control center. The Modification of an instruction must be done in advance, before an statistical collection is started. Communication takes place via Telephone line or via electronic module, which physically connects to the communication partner must be transported.

EP 717 376 A2 discloses a franking machine with a statistical program known that the transfer of statistical data to the Data center via modem and changing parameters in the Franking machine for statistical data acquisition by downloading of new parameters from the data center to define the Carries out class boundaries. The ways to do one However, statistics are limited to postage value classes.

Due to the variety of services it is not always clear for which of the services the provider capacity will be expanded would. In some cases, outdated telecommunications systems do not allow high data throughput. EP 892368 therefore proposed that selectable linking instructions for class formation in the data center to generate and in the form of new statistical instruction data for Franking machine to transfer. The formation of a new statistics mode takes place in the franking machine based on the new statistical instruction data and before the use of functions and services and their statistical acquisition in the memory of the franking machine. One advantage is the pre-compression of the data by the Linking and that a transmission of pre-compressed data for Data center does not interfere with the process, since it takes little time to transmit them takes.

EP 992947 describes an arrangement and method for storing Data on the use of a terminal proposed, the Storage of data in a terminal and its communication was designed with a remote data center so that the in kind and Way subject to different country-specific requirements Statistics can be subsequently created in a remote data center can. The terminal should not be blocked by keeping statistics become. Unaffected by the storage and transfer of Usage data is intended to be used in a service mode Terminal for services are made possible.

Postal authorities in some countries are calling for future mail processing equipment a product code entry (PCE). The current PCE requirements are graded differently depending on the country. In Germany there are 561 ProductCode Categories, in the Netherlands are 11 or 25 or 151 ProductCode Categories and in Canada 16 or 48 or 72 ProductCode Categories are required. The however requires additional operator input. The of The product categories specified in Swiss Post are to be entered manually recognized by the mail processing device and as part of the data acquisition for a class of mail statistics CoM (Class of Mail) are saved. The So-called Product Code Entry (PCE) requires corresponding changes with the user interface and with regard to the operator guidance of a mail processing device. The postal authorities of some countries are making additional demands a weight class entry, which is also an advantage for the operator additional operating effort required.

The invention has for its object the product code entry to automate as much as possible. An additional task is automate a weight class entry.

The object is achieved with the features of patent claim 1.

The operator of a mail processing device already inputs shipping information via a keyboard, which is required on the one hand for the postage value calculation and on the other hand for the generation of election prints. On the basis of these manual entries, a device now automatically determines the product code and stores the latter in a memory of the mail processing device. The device can be operated similarly in order to automatically enter a weight class code. The device advantageously uses the microprocessor, working memory, program memory and receiving means already present in the mail processing device for loading and storing current table values and data that are related to the input, as well as a display and a keyboard with operating elements. The device is part of a postage computer scale, for example, to which a franking machine is connected via an interface. The automatically determined product code and, if applicable, weight class code is temporarily stored in the working memory of the postage computer scale and then transferred via the interface to the franking machine and stored there in a non-volatile manner until it is queried by a remote data center.
In another embodiment, the device can be part of a franking machine with integrated postage calculator or a similar mail processing device.
According to the invention, a programmable memory for tables, a working memory for the data values of the shipping parameters of a mail item and means for setting a PCE operating mode for automatic product code entry are also provided, and the microprocessor is programmed to switch to the operating mode by a program stored in the program memory. Either the PCE operating mode is set via the interface or via an operating element, for example when starting up or after switching on the device or system, in that the microprocessor responds appropriately to the signals output to the device via the interface or via an operating element.
In particular, a starting address is stored non-volatilely in a programmable memory of at least one first table, which consists of several columns, wherein the columns can contain data values as well as pointers to further tables.
The program contains corresponding instructions and the microprocessor is programmed to generate screen images, at least for inputting shipping parameters, for displaying the input options on the display and for volatile storage of data values of the inputs in the working memory. Such data values, for example weight values, can be supplied via the interface or entered manually. Additional tables are accessed via the aforementioned first table if, when evaluating the data values, the valid row of the table is determined whose data values correspond to the data values stored in the working memory. Just as or in connection with the determination of the product code, a weight class code can also be determined and stored in a non-volatile manner in a storage area for usage data in the programmable memory. The latter can be connected to the receiving means which are equipped for loading tables into the programmable memory.
This is at least a first table to which or associated further tables, such as weight table, product code table, weight class table, can be assigned.

Figur 1, Blockschaltbild der Einrichtung im Postgerät,

Figur 2, Flußdiagramm zum Betrieb der Einrichtung.

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 figure:

FIG. 1, block diagram of the device in the postal device,

Figure 2, flow chart for the operation of the device.

• zum zeilenweisen Durchsuchen der ersten und zweiten Spalten der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle und Aufruf von Programmanweisungen,
• zum Vergleichen der Datenwerte mit den Datenwerten der Eingaben, die im Arbeitsspeicher 5 gespeichert sind, entsprechend den Vorgaben für gültige Versandparameter, die in den ersten und zweiten Spalten der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle in Form von Datensätzen gespeichert vorliegen,
• zum Auswerten der Anweisungen in den übrigen Spalten der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle, wobei das Auswerten für gültige Versandparameter in nur derjenigen Zeile der mindestens einen ersten Tabelle erfolgt, denen die Datenwerte im Arbeitsspeicher 5 entsprechen.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the device in the postal device. The postal device has a programmable memory 2 (EEPROM), which operates on the one hand with a receiving means 3 (MODEM) and with a program memory 4 (EPROM), a working memory 5 (RAM), with an operating element 6 (KEYBOARD) and a microprocessor 7 (µP ) on the other hand is connectable. The receiving means 3, the working memory 5 (RAM), the operating element 6 and the microprocessor 7 (μP) can be part of a franking machine, an electronic postage balance or a PC-based mailing system, for example. Such machines are usually equipped with a display unit 8 (DISPLAY) and an interface 9 (INTERFACE). The aforementioned means are connected to one another, for example via a bus 10. At least one table for automatic product code entry is stored in the programmable memory 2 and the microprocessor 7 is programmed by a corresponding application program:

• for searching the first and second columns of the at least one first table line by line and calling up program instructions,
• for comparing the data values with the data values of the inputs which are stored in the working memory 5, in accordance with the specifications for valid shipping parameters which are stored in the first and second columns of the at least one first table in the form of data records,
• for evaluating the instructions in the remaining columns of the at least one first table, the evaluation for valid shipping parameters taking place in only that row of the at least one first table to which the data values in the working memory 5 correspond.

a) zum Speichern einer Startadresse in einem programmierbaren Speicher 2 von mindestens einer ersten Tabelle, welche aus mehreren Spalten besteht, wobei die Spalten Datenwerte als auch Zeiger auf weitere Tabellen enthalten können,

b) zum Generieren von Schirmbildern mindestens für Eingaben von Versandparametern zur Darstellung der Eingabemöglichkeiten auf dem Display 8,

c) zur flüchtigen Speicherung von Datenwerten der Eingaben in dem Arbeitsspeicher 5,

d) zum Zugriff auf den programmierbaren Speicher 2 der mindestens die vorgenannte erste Tabelle in einem ersten Speicherbereich und weitere Tabellen in weiteren Speicherbereichen enthält, wobei die weiteren Tabellen mindestens einschließen:

• die Gewichtstabelle für die Ermittlung eines Tabellenindex, der einem eingegeben oder gemessenen Gewicht zugeordnet ist,
• die Produktcodetabelle für die Ermittlung eines Produktcodes, der dem Tabellenindex zugeordnet ist,

e) zum Auswerten der Datenwerte, wobei diejenige gültige Zeile der Tabelle hinsichtlich der Ermittlung eines Zeigers auf Teilabschnitte der Produktcodetabelle ausgewertet wird, deren Datenwerte den im Arbeitsspeicher 5 gespeicherten Datenwerten entsprechen,

f) zum Speichern des Produktcodes den der vorgenannte Zeiger und der Tabellenindex aus der Produktcodetabelle auswählen.

In another variant (not shown), the receiving means 3 can also be connected directly via the interface 9.
Via the interface 9, on the one hand, in a manner not shown, a scale can be connected to a franking machine or a PC-based mailing system for automatic weight entry. On the other hand, weight can be entered manually using control elements 6.
In a further variant (not shown), the receiving means 3 can also be connected indirectly via the interface 9. For example, the use of a modem of the franking machine by a scale is possible in order to load postage fee tables into the memory of the postage computer scale. The details of the interconnection can be found in EP 724 141 B1.
The programmable memory 2 (EEPROM) can be operatively connected to an external memory 1 via the receiving means 3 for loading tables. The receiving means 3 is preferably an analog or digital modem. Alternatively, the receiving means can be a drive and the external memory 1 can be a CD or DVD. In a further alternative, the receiving means can be a chip card reader and the external memory can be a chip card. It is also possible that a receiver is a memory stick interface and the external memory is a memory stick. The decisive factor is that a suitable data carrier and associated means of reception are available.
The data carrier (memory 1) has an application program for automatic product code input and for generating screen images in one of the memory areas, which is suitable at least for inputting shipping parameters for displaying the input options on the display 8. At least the first table is stored in the first memory area I and further tables in further memory areas II, III, ..., VI, to which access is made possible via the application program, the at least one first table having at least columns for data values corresponding to valid shipping parameters and for pointers to a weight table, for pointers to a product code table.
The application program can alternatively already be stored in the program memory 4.
The microprocessor 7 is programmed by a program:

a) for storing a start address in a programmable memory 2 of at least one first table which consists of several columns, the columns being able to contain data values as well as pointers to further tables,

b) for generating screen images at least for entering shipping parameters to show the input options on the display 8,

c) for the volatile storage of data values of the inputs in the working memory 5,

d) for accessing the programmable memory 2, which contains at least the aforementioned first table in a first memory area and further tables in further memory areas, the further tables at least including:

• the weight table for determining a table index which is assigned to an entered or measured weight,
• the product code table for determining a product code that is assigned to the table index,

e) for evaluating the data values, the valid row of the table being evaluated with regard to the determination of a pointer to subsections of the product code table, the data values of which correspond to the data values stored in the working memory 5,

f) To save the product code, select the aforementioned pointer and the table index from the product code table.

aa) zum Speichern einer Startadresse in einen programmierbaren Speicher 2 von mindestens einer ersten Tabelle, welche mindestens Spalten für Datenwerte entsprechend gültiger Versandparameter sowie für Zeiger auf eine Gewichtstabelle, für Zeiger auf eine Produktcodetabelle und für Zeiger auf eine Gewichtsklassentabelle enthält,

bb) zum Generieren von Schirmbildern mindestens für Eingaben von Versandparametern zur Darstellung der Eingabemöglichkeiten auf dem Display 8,

cc) zur flüchtigen Speicherung von Datenwerten der Eingaben in den Arbeitsspeicher 5,

dd) zum Zugriff auf den programmierbaren Speicher 2 der mindestens die vorgenannte erste Tabelle in einem ersten Speicherbereich und weitere Tabellen in weiteren Speicherbereichen enthält, wobei die weiteren Tabellen einschließen:

• die Gewichtstabelle für die Ermittlung eines Index, in der zum gemessenen oder eingegebenen Gewicht ein Index zugeordnet ist,
• die Produktcodetabelle für die Ermittlung eines Produktcodes, der dem Index zugeordnet ist,
• die Gewichtsklassentabelle für die Ermittlung eines Gewichtsklassencodes, der dem Index zugeordnet ist,

ee) zum Auswerten der Datenwerte, wobei diejenige gültige Zeile der Tabelle hinsichtlich der Ermittlung eines Zeigers auf Teilabschnitte der Produktcodetabelle und der Ermittlung eines Zeigers auf die Gewichtsklassentabelle ausgewertet wird, deren Datenwerte den im Arbeitsspeicher 5 gespeicherten Datenwerten entsprechen,

ff) zum Speichern des Produktcodes und des Gewichtsklassencodes den der vorgenannte Zeiger und der Tabellenindex aus der Produktcodetabelle sowie der Tabellenindex aus der Gewichtsklassencodetabelle auswählen.

The first table may contain pointers to a weight class code table to perform the additional task. It is further provided that the programmable memory 2 additionally contains a weight class table for determining a weight class code stored in a further memory area and that the microprocessor 7 is programmed by a program:

aa) for storing a start address in a programmable memory 2 of at least one first table which contains at least columns for data values corresponding to valid shipping parameters and for pointers to a weight table, for pointers to a product code table and for pointers to a weight class table,

bb) for generating screen images at least for entering shipping parameters to show the input options on the display 8,

cc) for the volatile storage of data values of the inputs into the working memory 5,

dd) for accessing the programmable memory 2 which contains at least the aforementioned first table in a first memory area and further tables in further memory areas, the further tables including:

• the weight table for determining an index in which an index is assigned to the measured or entered weight,
• the product code table for determining a product code that is assigned to the index,
• the weight class table for determining a weight class code that is assigned to the index,

ee) for evaluating the data values, the valid row of the table being evaluated with regard to the determination of a pointer to subsections of the product code table and the determination of a pointer to the weight class table, the data values of which correspond to the data values stored in the working memory 5,

ff) To save the product code and the weight class code, select the aforementioned pointer and the table index from the product code table and the table index from the weight class code table.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for the operation of the device, which automatically determines a valid product code and a corresponding weight class code from the shipping parameters set by the operator. The operating mode only has to be set once after the start 80 (step 81), and there is a choice whether a table with all categories (product code) or with a limited number of categories (product code) is used. The advantage is that an additional manual input of product code and weight class code for the respective mail item by the operator is unnecessary. In step 82, the mail machine determines the setting according to the selection. For example, in step 82 it is determined that all categories should or should not be used, then in step 83 or in step 85 a branch is made to a corresponding program which takes access to a first table 1 or second table 2 (in the Step 84 or 86).
Automation requires that the operator - as usual - sets the mailpiece-related shipping parameters in step 87, however further manual entries are unnecessary and the determination of the product code and weight class code runs automatically in the background (from step 88). The determined quantities of mail item-related product code and weight class code are automatically transmitted to the data center for evaluation at intervals. Without additional input, the operator can take advantage of the advantages of the postal services that are offered to him, for example, if he is participating in the NetSet project in the Netherlands and statistical data is being transmitted to the data center.

The operator sets his shipping parameters on a postage computer scale or on a franking machine. The shipping parameters are a combination of shipping destination, shipping type, shipping format if applicable and any additional services that may have been set. The product code and the weight class code are determined from a valid combination of shipping parameters.
With postage computer scales, the operator first selects one of the destinations in the usual way. In the Netherlands, for example, "Roodpost", "Postzegelpost", "Europa" and "Buiten Europa" can be entered or selected in step 87, among others. The type of shipment - for example "Brieven", "Drukwerk" and others - is then selected in a known manner from a second menu. Since the tariffs for the mail items to be sent abroad differ in "Standard" and "Priority", a third level was added to the menu selection for an additional entry as a third menu. Depending on the type of shipment, you can select "Standard", "Priority", "Standard Europese Unie", "Priority Europese Unie", "Standard Overig Europa" and "Priority Overig Europa" as well as "Economy". Then the mailing form - for example "Aantekenen" or "Verzekeren" - is selected from a fourth menu in a known manner. The above menus can be shown on the screen of the user interface on the display.
While the operator is setting the shipping parameters, it is automatically checked whether the set shipping parameters are valid, ie are permitted by post. The weight of the shipment is determined using the postage computer scale. It is also possible to enter the weight using the keyboard if the weight range of the type of shipment is larger than the weighing range of the scale. If, for example, a 5 kg scale is available, but the weight range of the type of shipment allows a weight of up to 20 kg, the operator has the option of entering the weight of his shipment using the keyboard (e.g. 15 kg). In the case of additional services which, for example, require the entry of a value (for example a letter of value), the operator is asked when selecting such an additional service to enter the value of the consignment using the keyboard.
The set shipping parameters, the value that may be entered and the weight of the shipment form the input parameters for determining the product code and weight class. The operating software of the postage balance or franking machine or postal device is stored in the program memory. The program memory is preferably pluggable. This makes it easy to replace and adapt to the different poster requirements in different countries.
The operating software provides instructions for a function of the microprocessor in order to use the input parameters (shipping parameters, weight, value input) to search a separately stored table and to determine the product code and, if applicable, the weight class code.
Alternatively, a data carrier for programming the device contains an application program for automatic product code entry in one of its memory areas and the application program can be loaded into a memory area of the programmable memory 2 and stored in a non-volatile manner. The programming is specifically geared towards the mail carrier's products or services in order to form a specific combination of shipping parameters that are stored in the working memory and to compare them with one of the possible products or services of the mail carrier. A separately stored table is also searched and product code and, if applicable, weight class code are determined from it.
Such a separate table, which stores the valid product code for every possible combination of shipping parameters, is accommodated in the separate memory, for example in memory area II. A separate memory can be a data carrier or an external storage medium 1 with a large number of storage areas I to VI. The aforementioned table is loaded into a memory (for example EEPROM 2) present in the postage computer scale or franking machine. The table can also be stored in its program memory (EPROM 4) during the manufacture of the postage computer scale or franking machine. The operating software or the application program knows the storage location and the start address of the table and can thus access them.

A product code table is explained in more detail using a table intended for the country Netherlands. row Column 1 Column 2 Column3 column 4 column 5 Column 6 Column 7 1 Z0 /
A1 /
F1 / F3 / F4 VZ_M /
VA_M /
VF_M max ∑ (UNIT16 *) Weight2 (INT32 *) Prodcode3 (UCHAR *) wclass2 (STRING) NULL 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... n ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

1. Spalte: enthält die gültige Versandparameterkombination z.B.: Z0 (= Versandziel) / A1 (= Versandart) / F1 / F3 / F4 (= Zusatzfunktion), die eingestellt sein muss, um diese Zeile der Tabelle auszuwählen. Dabei steht das Zeichen / für eine beliebige Art einer logischen Verknüpfung.

2. Spalte: enthält eine Maske von Versandparametern z.B.: VZ_M (= Versandzielmaske) / VA_M (= Versandartmaske) / VF_M (= Versandformmaske), um ggf. diese Zeile als Treffer auszuschließen.

3. Spalte: enthält den Maximalwert max ∑ einer Versicherungssumme bzw. des Wertes des Versandstückes. Dieser Wert ist Null, wenn ein Wert für die Versandauswahl nicht notwendig ist.

4. Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger z.B.: (UNIT16*)Weight2 auf eine Gewichtstabelle. Diese Gewichtstabelle enthält alle Gewichtsabstufungen für die eingestellten Versandparameter.

5. Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger z.B.: (INT32*)Prodcode3 auf die Produktcodetabelle.

6. Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger auf die Gewichtsklassentabelle z.B.: (UCHAR*) wclass2.

7. Spalte: enthält einen Zeiger z.B.: (STRING)NULL auf eine Spezialfunktion, die ggf. noch ausgeführt werden soll. Der Wert kann auch NULL sein.

The table consists of 7 columns:

1st column: contains the valid shipping parameter combination, for example: Z0 (= shipping destination) / A1 (= shipping method) / F1 / F3 / F4 (= additional function), which must be set to select this line in the table. The symbol / stands for any type of logical link.

2nd column: contains a mask of shipping parameters, for example: VZ_M (= shipping destination mask) / VA_M (= shipping type mask) / VF_M (= shipping form mask) to exclude this line as a hit if necessary.

3rd column: contains the maximum value max ∑ an insurance sum or the value of the package. This value is zero if a value for the shipping selection is not necessary.

4th column: contains a pointer, for example: (UNIT16 *) Weight2 to a weight table. This weight table contains all weight gradations for the set shipping parameters.

5th column: contains a pointer, for example: (INT32 *) Prodcode3 on the product code table.

6th column: contains a pointer to the weight class table, for example: (UCHAR *) wclass2.

7th column: contains a pointer, for example: (STRING) NULL to a special function that may still be executed. The value can also be NULL.

The input parameters for the calculation and the corresponding country or carrier-specific calculation function are called in step 88. And a line counter is reset to zero (k = 0).
Based on the checking of column 1 and column 2, a line k with a valid hit is searched for in the table in step 90. A 32-bit data record is stored in each column. The line that delivers the first valid hit is used for further evaluation. If no Teffer is determined in query step 91, line counter status is changed in step 92 (incremented, for example) and the process branches back to step 90. On the other hand, the row counter status remains unchanged when a hit is made and a column 3 is evaluated. It is checked whether the insurance sum entered or the value of the package is less than or equal to the maximum value specified in column 3. If this is not the case, the following lines are examined for the next hit. The line counter reading is changed further.
Otherwise there is a hit and a pointer in column 4 of the row which delivers the valid hit points to a specific at least one weight table. The latter is stored in a separate memory area B of the non-volatile memory 2 (EEPROM). A branch is now made to step 93 in order to search the weight table and to determine a table index.
The weight table pointed to by the pointer in column 4 is searched until the weight value in the table is found that comes closest to the weight determined by the scale or the weight value entered via the keyboard, ie the next higher Weight value in this table is valid. The weight table stores the weight levels for which different product codes or weight classes apply. The weight gradations can look like this:
Weight table = 0.20,100,250,500,750,1000,1500,2000,5000
It is examined in which gradation of the weight table the determined weight value fits. If an entry was found, the corresponding table index is determined from it, which indicates at which point in the table the suitable entry was found.
Then in step 94 that at least one product code table to which the pointer in column 5 points is examined. With the help of the table index found in the weight table, the corresponding product code is determined in the product code table.
The table index already determined may also be used in step 95 to determine the corresponding weight class in the weight class table to which the pointer points in column 6.
Column 7 is currently reserved for possible future applications.
The product code and the weight class code are returned to the calling function as parameters and stored in step 96. If no hit is found in the table, which results from the dispatch destination, dispatch type, dispatch form and additional services, then a default product code is passed back to the calling function. This default product code is defined depending on the postal specification (e.g. in the Netherlands NLD = 9999).
The product code table therefore only contains an entry for the shipping parameters for which a product code must also be determined according to the postal regulation. There are also shipping parameters that should generate a product code that is assigned to the "Other" category. There are no separate entries in the table for these shipping parameters. At the end of the table there is an entry that is read if no match was previously found. This entry then refers to the product code table with the product code for "Other".

This solution was implemented especially for the Netherlands. The table may look different for other country variants. Then it could be that an error code has to be generated if no suitable hit for the set shipping parameters was found in the table.
A postage computer scale, eg of the type FIexiScale®, determines a postage value and the associated product code and the corresponding weight class code from the set shipping parameters, such as destination, type, format and form, if applicable. The product code and the weight class code are transmitted in addition to the postage value to a franking machine of the type T1000 or Optimail and stored there until the data is queried from a remote data center.
A static scale and its postage calculator function was integrated into a common housing for the Jetmail®, Mymail® and Ultimail® franking machines. Within the framework of the Frankit requirements of Deutsche Post AG, a product code is also to be processed, which is made possible for the franking machine Germany for franking machines of the type mentioned above. However, this does not differ fundamentally from a product code prescribed by the postal authority in the Netherlands, so that the sequence of procedural steps explained with reference to FIG. 2 is in principle also retained for Germany. This also applies to other countries whose postal authorities or private mail carriers will require the use of a product code in the future.

Claims (15)

Device for automatic product code entry in a mail processing device, with a programmable memory (2), a program memory (4), a working memory (5), a keyboard with operating elements (6) and a microprocessor (7), characterized in that the programmable memory ( 2), the working memory (5) and the microprocessor (7) are designed to be programmable for setting an operating mode for automatic product code input and that the microprocessor (7) is evaluated by a program for evaluating the mail piece-related data values stored in the working memory (5) by means of a the table stored in the programmable memory (2) is programmed. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor (7) is programmed: for searching the first and second columns of the at least one first table line by line and calling up program instructions, for comparing the data values with the data values of the inputs which are stored in the main memory (5), in accordance with the specifications for valid shipping parameters which are stored in the first and second columns of the at least one first table in the form of data records, for evaluating the instructions in the remaining columns of the at least one first table, the valid shipping parameters being evaluated in only that row of the at least one first table to which the data values in the main memory (5) correspond. Device according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the microprocessor (7) is programmed by a program: a) for storing a start address in a programmable memory (2) of at least one first table which consists of several columns, the columns being able to contain data values as well as pointers to further tables, b) for generating screen images at least for entering shipping parameters to show the input options on the display (8), c) for the volatile storage of data values of the inputs in the working memory (5) d) for accessing the programmable memory (2) which contains at least the aforementioned first table in a first memory area and further tables in further memory areas, the further tables at least including: the weight table for determining a table index which is assigned to an entered or measured weight, the product code table for determining a product code that is assigned to the table index, e) for evaluating the data values, the valid row of the table being evaluated with regard to the determination of a pointer to subsections of the product code table, the data values of which correspond to the data values stored in the main memory (5), f) To save the product code, select the aforementioned pointer and the table index from the product code table. Device according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the programmable memory (2) additionally contains a weight class table for determining a weight class code stored in a further memory area and in that the microprocessor (7) is programmed by a program: aa) for storing a start address in a programmable memory (2) of at least one first table which contains at least columns for data values corresponding to valid shipping parameters and for pointers to a weight table, for pointers to a product code table and for pointers to a weight class table, bb) for generating screen images at least for entering shipping parameters to show the input options on the display (8), cc) for the volatile storage of data values of the inputs into the main memory (5), dd) for accessing the programmable memory (2) which contains at least the aforementioned first table in a first memory area and further tables in further memory areas, the further tables including: the weight table for determining an index in which an index is assigned to the measured or entered weight, the product code table for determining a product code that is assigned to the index, the weight class table for determining a weight class code that is assigned to the index, ee) for evaluating the data values, the valid row of the table being evaluated with regard to the determination of a pointer to subsections of the product code table and the determination of a pointer to the weight class table, the data values of which correspond to the data values stored in the working memory (5), ff) To save the product code and the weight class code, select the aforementioned pointer and the table index from the product code table and the table index from the weight class code table. Device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that receiving means (3) for loading and storing table values and data related to the input, and that the programmable memory (2) for non-volatile storage of at least one of at least one first table, the weight table, product code table, weight class table or associated with other tables. Device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the working memory (5) is designed for volatile storage of the weight class code and / or the product code in memory areas and the microprocessor (7) is programmed to send the weight class code and / or product code to one of the Interface (9) connected franking machine can be transmitted. Device according to claims 1 to 5 or 6, characterized in that the programmable memory (2) can be operatively connected to the receiving means (3) on the one hand and to the main memory (5), the operating element (6) and the microprocessor (7) on the other is that the programmable memory (2) is designed for storing the weight class code and / or the product code in memory areas for usage data, the programmable memory (2), receiving means (3), program memory (4), working memory (5), operating element ( 6) and microprocessor (7) are part of a franking machine, an electronic postage meter or a PC-based mailing system. Device according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an interface (9) or an operating element (6) is part of the means for setting a PCE operating mode for automatic product code entry. Device according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the programmable memory (2) can be operatively connected via the receiving means (3) to an external memory (1) for loading a table. Device according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an analog or digital modem is receiving means (3). Device according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a receiving means (3) is a drive and the external memory is a CD or DVD. Device according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a receiving means (3) is a chip card reader and the external memory is a chip card. Device according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a receiving means (3) is a memory stick interface and the external memory is a memory stick. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mail processing device is a scale which is connected to a franking machine via an interface (9), that an error code is transmitted from the scale to the franking machine if there are no valid product codes in order to prevent a postage value from being franked for which there are no valid product codes. Data carrier for a device according to claim 5, characterized in that in one of the memory areas (I to VI) an application program for automatic product code entry and for generating screen images is stored at least for input of shipping parameters to show the input options on the display, at least one the first table is stored in a first memory area and further tables are stored in further memory areas (II to VI) to which access is made possible by the application program, the at least one first table having at least columns for data values corresponding to valid shipping parameters and for pointers to a weight table, for pointers to a product code table and for pointers to a weight class table.

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