EP1569173A1 - Frankiervorrichtung mit gesichertem externen Druckmodus - Google Patents

Frankiervorrichtung mit gesichertem externen Druckmodus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1569173A1
EP1569173A1 EP05290144A EP05290144A EP1569173A1 EP 1569173 A1 EP1569173 A1 EP 1569173A1 EP 05290144 A EP05290144 A EP 05290144A EP 05290144 A EP05290144 A EP 05290144A EP 1569173 A1 EP1569173 A1 EP 1569173A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
postal
printing
labels
dispenser
data
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP05290144A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1569173B1 (de
Inventor
Romuald Auberger
Damien Hasse
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.)
Quadient Technologies France SA
Original Assignee
Neopost Technologies SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Neopost Technologies SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP1569173A1 publication Critical patent/EP1569173A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1569173B1 publication Critical patent/EP1569173B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • G07B17/00733—Cryptography or similar special procedures in a franking system
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates exclusively to the field of mail processing and it relates more particularly to a method and a mail franking system that allows the printing of a Postage stamp in two print modes.
  • a postage meter often has a label dispenser integrated in the module of its printing which thus can affix a postal imprint, either directly on an envelope or on a pre-cut label from this dispenser.
  • a label dispenser integrated in the module of its printing which thus can affix a postal imprint, either directly on an envelope or on a pre-cut label from this dispenser.
  • it weighs it upstream of the franking machine (as of the rest it would do for an envelope), but it is downstream of this machine that he has to go and get the label stamped and then stick it on the package.
  • these integrated distributors generally use gummed labels to be moistened or self-adhesive labels silicone release film, the cutting length of which is predetermined (the label is often precut according to two dimensions only: small or large).
  • the subject of the present invention is therefore a method of printing a postal imprint by an external distributor of stamped labels connected by a communication link to a franking machine mail items, which guarantees that identity between postage counted and impressions made.
  • it comprises the following steps: during an initialization step of the communication link, label dispatcher authentication franked by the franking machine by exchange of a code authentication and secure transmission of the franking machine to the label dispenser freed from a set of image data predetermined and signed with a secret key elaborated during said initialization step from said authentication code and then to each printing cycle, calculation at the level of the franking machine postal data relating to the mail item to be franked, transmission secure to the postage-paid label dispenser thus calculated and signed with said secret key, conversion of said postal data into complementary image data, and printing of the postal impression incorporating said image data complementary and said predetermined image data on a continuous strip of labels issued by the label dispenser postage.
  • said predetermined image data comprises at least less standard stamp funds.
  • said exchanged postal data can be compressed according to a predetermined compression algorithm.
  • said step of printing the postal imprints successive steps on said continuous strip of labels is carried out in staggered.
  • the present invention also relates to any system postage stamp comprising at least one machine for franking connected by a communication link to a distributor external label of franked, characterized in that said machine franking includes first transmission means for, during a step of initializing the communication link, transmit secured to the stamped label dispenser a set of predetermined image data, and first processing means, each print cycle, generate a secret key from a code authentication certificate issued by the postage paid distributor and calculate at postage meter level postal data relating to the article of mail to be franked, the first means of then transmitting securely during each print cycle successively, the postal data thus calculated towards the distributor postage-paid labels, and in that said label dispenser stamped means includes second processing means for converting said postal data in complementary image data and printing means for printing on a continuous strip of labels issued by the postage stamp distributor a postage stamp integrating said complementary image data and said data predetermined images.
  • the first processing means further comprise, compression means for compressing postal data transmitted to the postage paid distributor, and means of signature to sign the postal data compressed from said secret key.
  • a mail franking system typically consists of less than a franking machine 10 incorporating a printing module a postal imprint and a weighing module 12 disposed upstream of this machine to which it is connected and intended to weigh the articles of mail, envelopes or parcels, to be franked by the overcome.
  • the franking machine which comprises, as is known, secure means of accounting frequently includes a distributor labels to allow franking of thick envelopes or packages that can not be processed directly by the franking machine (typically a postage meter is limited to printing envelopes less than 16mm thick).
  • the franking machine proper does not have an integrated label dispenser but the mail franking system is provided with a dispenser of franked labels 14 externally disposed to the machine frank 10, in the immediate vicinity of the weighing module 12.
  • This module autonomous of the type described in patent application FR 2 829 269 in the name of the plaintiff, provides greater flexibility mail franking system of the invention because, by its integrated cutting device, it can deliver length tags wanted (and not only predetermined) cut into a band continuous and it avoids the operator to go get the labels in output of the franking machine while the package to be franked is available upstream of this machine on the weighing module.
  • the distributor postage-paid labels is incorporated into a modular system of mail processing and is therefore provided with means of communication wireless to link this distributor to a computer terminal of control also providing control of a franking machine then devoid of individual orders.
  • this wireless configuration is not justified (although it remains possible) because the franking machine 10 is here autonomous (without external terminal of control) and the franked label dispenser 14, of which shows a longitudinal section, can therefore more simply be connected directly to the franking machine via a communication link wired 16 conventional.
  • This dispenser comprises an idler roll 20 on which is wound a continuous strip 22 of labels to cut, at least one roller 24 to drive this strip along a path of transport 26 from this dispenser from this roll to an exit of stamped labels 28, a thermal printing module 30 (or the inkjet type) to print a postal imprint on a portion of this band, and a cutting module 32 placed on it transport path, advantageously at the output of the printing module.
  • the capstan-type drive roller 24 which ensures the unfolding of the label tape, by acting on the print module against of a spring 34, is actuated by a control micro-motor 36 to through a kinematics 38 with toothed wheels.
  • the print module and the capstan micro-motor that is operated in synchronism with the printing and cutting module, are fed to from means 40 of training, feeding and control of heating elements of the thermal module (or nozzles of the jet module ink) managed from processing means 42 (advantageously to microprocessor).
  • processing means integrate means software needed to receive and process print orders from postal imprints from the franking machine.
  • a end of band detector 46 is also provided to allow a control precise sequence of continuous tape and avoid partial printing the last postage stamp.
  • a first step 50 at the verification at the level of the dispenser of labels stamped with different status data like the presence of paper, the non-shutter ejection nozzles, control of the supply voltage, the temperature, and closing the lid.
  • a authentication code of the stamped label dispenser previously recorded during its manufacture is transmitted (by via first transmission means) to the machine franking for authentication of the dispenser by the franking machine.
  • the franking machine then generates (by first means of processing), in a next step 54, from this code and a key master developed during its manufacture a secret key which will then be used to sign all the communications between the distributor and the overcome.
  • the generation algorithm is advantageously of the known type triple DES.
  • This secret key is then sent to the distributor, in a step 56, for comparison with an internal secret key of the latter developed during its manufacture. In the absence of identity between the two keys the process is complete, and only test impressions can be made to the distributor but in no case to the postprints.
  • it is proceeded in a new step 58 to the secure transmission of the franking machine to the distributor labels stamped (always by the first means of emission) a set of predetermined image data.
  • This image data include images relating to stamp backgrounds standards, different according to the country concerned, but also to slogans and other information in general of the non-postal type (mini-die by example in Germany or Canada).
  • the print phase ( Figure 4) is repeated for each print cycle. It starts in a step 70 by a request for postage at level of the franking machine which is retransmitted to the distributor, in a next step 72, this printing request being signed at means of the aforementioned secret key.
  • the machine to frank then waits for an answer also signed to proceed, in a step 76, to the calculation of postal data relating to the article of mail to be franked (by the first means of treatment) and to the dispatch postal data thus calculated to the label dispenser franked (by the first means of emission), this consignment being, as previous communications, secured by signing data sent using the secret key elaborated during the step initialization from the authentication code.
  • the transmitted postal data advantageously in a form compressed (using a standard compression algorithm) differ from one country to another, but they include at least one franking value, a postage date and a number of contract.
  • these minimal data can also be releases: a franking machine number, a postal code, a matrix authentication code, a verification code, a category of object, a value of up or down counters, a time clock, etc.
  • the distributor in possession of this data can then, in a step 78, convert them to complementary image data (by second processing means), and then in a subsequent step 80, print (by printing means) on a tape continuous label issued by the postage paid distributor, the postal fingerprint integrating the complementary image data resulting from the conversion and the image data transmitted during the initializing.
  • a step 82 it send the franking machine a signed record and position in a step 84 waiting for a new print.
  • the impressions will succeed one after the other, these impressions of successive postal impressions on the continuous strip labels of the postage-paid label dispenser being advantageously performed in staggered rows to allow use of all heating elements (or all ejection nozzles according to the retained technology) of the print head of this dispenser.
  • the transfer of the data necessary to print a print by the distributor takes place in two distinct phases, so that completely secure.
  • an initialization phase that is to say each power-up of the franking system, it is process the only secure transfer of the different stamp funds available (which are thus erased with each power off) and image data what is the slogan or other non-postal information of the imprint PO.
  • the printing phase launched by the operator to the franking machine, it is the turn of the postal data proper (franking value, postage date, contract number, etc.) accompanied by the precise distribution of the different parts constituting the type of stamp chosen for the postage the generation of complementary image data by the distributor postage-paid labels.
  • This specific organization allows for a reduced response time and optimized between the start of the print cycle initiated by the operator to the franking machine and the actual printing to the distributor postage-paid labels, particularly because the bulk of the data transferred during the initialization phase and that certain operations calculation are done in masked time.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
EP05290144.4A 2004-01-30 2005-01-24 Frankiervorrichtung mit gesichertem externen Druckmodus Active EP1569173B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0400899A FR2865830B1 (fr) 2004-01-30 2004-01-30 Systeme d'affranchissement de courrier a mode d'impression externe securise
FR0400899 2004-01-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1569173A1 true EP1569173A1 (de) 2005-08-31
EP1569173B1 EP1569173B1 (de) 2022-06-08

Family

ID=34746331

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05290144.4A Active EP1569173B1 (de) 2004-01-30 2005-01-24 Frankiervorrichtung mit gesichertem externen Druckmodus

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US7917453B2 (de)
EP (1) EP1569173B1 (de)
CA (1) CA2494409C (de)
FR (1) FR2865830B1 (de)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0202269D0 (en) * 2002-01-31 2002-03-20 Neopost Ltd Postage meter security
US11893089B1 (en) 2004-07-27 2024-02-06 Auctane, Inc. Systems and methods for protecting content when using a general purpose user interface application
US9728107B1 (en) 2008-04-15 2017-08-08 Stamps.Com Inc. Systems and methods for protecting content when using a general purpose user interface application
JP5531942B2 (ja) * 2010-12-20 2014-06-25 コニカミノルタ株式会社 画像形成装置
GB2508584B (en) 2012-10-15 2020-02-26 Sanford Lp Printing apparatus
JP6120070B2 (ja) * 2013-06-24 2017-04-26 ブラザー工業株式会社 印刷装置

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0718803A2 (de) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Identifizieren einer spezifischen Kombination von Gebührenabrechnungstresor und digitalem Drucker
EP0772162A2 (de) * 1995-11-06 1997-05-07 Pitney Bowes Inc. Postbearbeitungsvorrichtung und Verfahren zum spaltenweisen Drucken eines Bildes in Echtzeit
EP0775984A2 (de) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Digitales Frankiermaschinensystem mit einer auswechselbaren Druckeinheit mit Systemsoftware-Aktualisierung
EP0811955A2 (de) * 1996-06-06 1997-12-10 Pitney Bowes Inc. Sicheres Gerät und Verfahren zum Drucken von Werten mit einem Wertedrucker
FR2768534A1 (fr) * 1997-09-18 1999-03-19 Neopost Ind Procede et dispositif de securisation de donnees postales
US20030061177A1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-27 Neopost Industrie Universal modular mail handling system

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5729461A (en) * 1995-11-06 1998-03-17 Pitney Bowes Inc. Postage metering system including means for controlling the resolution of printing a portion of a postage indicia
US5988897A (en) * 1997-09-03 1999-11-23 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method for preventing fraudulent printing of a postage indicium displayed on a personal computer
DE19740396A1 (de) * 1997-09-05 1999-03-11 Francotyp Postalia Gmbh Druckeinrichtung und Verfahren für den Druck auf einen Druckträger
US6424954B1 (en) * 1998-02-17 2002-07-23 Neopost Inc. Postage metering system
WO2001020559A1 (en) * 1999-09-14 2001-03-22 Neopost Inc. Method and apparatus for user-sealing of secured postage printing equipment
DE10230678A1 (de) * 2002-07-04 2004-03-25 Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg Anordnung zum Steuern des Druckens in einem Postbearbeitungsgerät
DE102004003004B4 (de) * 2004-01-20 2006-10-12 Deutsche Post Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Frankierung von Postsendungen
EP2768534A4 (de) 2011-10-20 2015-04-01 Neostem Oncology Llc Apc-impfstoff gegen krebs

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0718803A2 (de) * 1994-12-22 1996-06-26 Pitney Bowes Inc. Identifizieren einer spezifischen Kombination von Gebührenabrechnungstresor und digitalem Drucker
EP0772162A2 (de) * 1995-11-06 1997-05-07 Pitney Bowes Inc. Postbearbeitungsvorrichtung und Verfahren zum spaltenweisen Drucken eines Bildes in Echtzeit
EP0775984A2 (de) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Digitales Frankiermaschinensystem mit einer auswechselbaren Druckeinheit mit Systemsoftware-Aktualisierung
EP0811955A2 (de) * 1996-06-06 1997-12-10 Pitney Bowes Inc. Sicheres Gerät und Verfahren zum Drucken von Werten mit einem Wertedrucker
FR2768534A1 (fr) * 1997-09-18 1999-03-19 Neopost Ind Procede et dispositif de securisation de donnees postales
US20030061177A1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-27 Neopost Industrie Universal modular mail handling system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2865830A1 (fr) 2005-08-05
CA2494409C (fr) 2015-11-10
US7917453B2 (en) 2011-03-29
EP1569173B1 (de) 2022-06-08
CA2494409A1 (fr) 2005-07-30
US20050192910A1 (en) 2005-09-01
FR2865830B1 (fr) 2006-05-19

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