EP1779333B1 - Method and device arrangement for digitally franking postal articles - Google Patents

Method and device arrangement for digitally franking postal articles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1779333B1
EP1779333B1 EP05772449A EP05772449A EP1779333B1 EP 1779333 B1 EP1779333 B1 EP 1779333B1 EP 05772449 A EP05772449 A EP 05772449A EP 05772449 A EP05772449 A EP 05772449A EP 1779333 B1 EP1779333 B1 EP 1779333B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
computer means
mailpiece
customer
specific data
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EP05772449A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1779333A1 (en
Inventor
Ingo Schubert
Guido Kienast
Carsten Vullriede
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Deutsche Post AG
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Deutsche Post AG
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    • 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
    • G07B17/00435—Details specific to central, non-customer apparatus, e.g. servers at post office or vendor
    • 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
    • G07B17/00435—Details specific to central, non-customer apparatus, e.g. servers at post office or vendor
    • G07B2017/00443—Verification of mailpieces, e.g. by checking databases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for the digital franking of mailpieces, in which a digital franking mark is generated by a computer means and applied to a mailpiece.
  • the invention further relates to a device arrangement for the digital franking of mailpieces, which has a computer means in which a digital postage indicium can be generated and which has a processing means which is designed such that it applies a digital franking mark to a mailpiece.
  • the postage indicia typically comprise encrypted information which, as far as possible, individualises the franking mark for a payment assurance.
  • the encrypted information can be applied for example in the form of a bar code or a matrix code.
  • Another area of computerized packaging is provided by application programs that are installed on a customer's computer.
  • the customer can use the computer to import program-specific data from various sources into the application program and to generate digital franking marks, which are printed directly on a program.
  • the franking can be printed, for example, on an address label or directly in the address field of a letterhead.
  • the application programs used for this type of computer-aided design typically have various additional functions, such as postage optimization, the creation and evaluation of mailing lists and / or the administration of address lists.
  • the billing of the printed franking marks at a delivery service such as a postal company, can be done in advance or after the delivery of prepaid shipments to the delivery service.
  • the international patent application WO 98/57302 A1 describes, for example, a system for generating postage indicia for mailpieces, wherein the postage indicia may be requested from a plurality of local PCs at a central data center.
  • the connection of the PCs with the data center can for example be made via the Internet and it is thus a kind of online franking machine.
  • a customer identifies himself via a local PC at the data center and transmits postal information about one or more shipments to the data center.
  • the data center generates encrypted data for postage indicia and transmits it to the customer at his local PC.
  • the franking mark itself is generated on the customer's PC and can be printed from there on a connected printer. Each data set belonging to a franking mark and thus to a consignment is deposited in the data center and can be used for a fee verification.
  • the international patent application WO 99/39278 A1 further discloses a system for producing postage indicia that is particularly suitable for use in private households or very small businesses.
  • a set-top box is used for a television or an interface for Internet television.
  • the respective component comprises a printer with which a franking mark can be printed on a label.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a method for the digital franking of mail items, which enable a more flexible handling by the customer with respect to the known embodiment of the franking via an installed application program at a customer. Furthermore, the procedure should facilitate a fee review.
  • the first computer means is connected to the second computer means via the Internet.
  • postage optimization is preferably carried out in the processing of the mailing-specific data in the second computer means.
  • a sorting of the data can be carried out according to determinable sorting criteria. The sorting can take place via postal codes or via lead regions or lead zones.
  • the invention further comprises a device arrangement for the digital franking of mailpieces, which has a computer means in which a digital postage indicium can be generated and which has a processing means which is designed such that it applies a digital franking mark to a mailpiece.
  • the device arrangement in this case comprises a first computer means at a customer for generating transmission-specific data for one or more mailpieces to be generated and Means for communicating the data from the first computer means to a remote second computer means at a service provider.
  • the arrangement furthermore has means for access control of the first computer means to the second computer means, wherein the second computer means is designed for processing of shipment-specific data, in which data for a digital postage indicium are generated for each mailpiece.
  • the billing of services rendered in the field of digital franking and various additional functions at the customer is done via a billing component.
  • means are further provided for transmitting processed data with information for a digital indicium for a respective mail item from the second computer means to the first computer means and processing means in connection with the first computer means for printing and enveloping the printed mailpieces.
  • the means for transmitting transmission-specific data between the computer means is the Internet.
  • the second computer means preferably comprises an Internet application.
  • the method according to the invention and the associated alignment arrangement bring various advantages in the digital franking of mailpieces. Firstly, it is no longer necessary for a customer to install an application program on his computer system. but the necessary functions are available to him without special adaptation of his system. This includes, in particular, the fact that the effort to be paid by a customer is very low and that, for example, he does not need any updates.
  • the system has the advantage for the customer of being highly flexible in choosing a location for generating and processing shipment data. So he does not have to install and maintain an application program at all sites, but with the inventive arrangement of each site from access to the Internet application of the new DV-franking.
  • a delivery service such as a postal company
  • a delivery service can offer a service in connection with various other additional functions through the implementation of the DV franking according to the invention.
  • This also includes a shift of computerized franking into the area of a delivery service, which may lead to a simplification of the billing and payment assurance processes.
  • FIG. 1 shows Fig. 1 a particularly preferred embodiment of the device arrangement according to the invention with a schematic representation of the data streams.
  • the associated system includes first Computer means 10, which are located in the area of a customer system in which content for mailpieces 30 are generated and sent.
  • the customers are preferably users who regularly generate a large number of mailpieces. This is the case, for example, for companies that regularly send invoices, information letters or advertising material.
  • shipment-specific data 50 are generated for one or more mailpieces.
  • the mail items are generated with information from various sources such as databases for addresses, text documents and financial data.
  • a processing means 60 for printing data and inserting printed documents in envelopes.
  • the printing of data can be done via conventional printer systems, which are preferably adapted to a high print volume.
  • Known inserter systems perform the folding and placing of documents in envelopes.
  • the first computer means 10 comprises means for the digital franking of mailpieces and for immediate printing in a processing means 60.
  • An essential feature of the method according to the invention for the digital franking of mailpieces is that the process of generating digital postage indicia in connection with other functions in one remote from the first computer means arranged second computer means 20 takes place. Unprocessed broadcast-specific data 50 are thus transmitted to the second computer means and processed therein.
  • the second computer means is located in the area of a service provider, which offers digital franking with various additional functions.
  • the second computer means 20 is preferably connected to the first computer means 10 via the Internet and the data is provided to the second computer means from the various customer systems in XML format.
  • various methods can be used.
  • the data can be integrated via a method encapsulation and reused directly. So the business logic of the customer system can be adopted.
  • the integration takes place via a common database.
  • this case has specific disadvantages as the business logic of the customer has to be redeveloped.
  • Fig. 1 the integration of the customer data in the second computer means 20 via an adapter 11, which can also be referred to as a wrapper.
  • An existing business logic of the customer can thus be integrated with the help of the adapter, which is able to adapt a technically non-compliant interface to the new requirements of the second computer means 20.
  • the access of the first computer means to the functions of the second computer means is carried out in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention via an Internet application, which the customer can call.
  • the customer is preferably registered in the system of the second computer means and stored together with specific data.
  • the registration involves the allocation of an authorization which is expediently a password.
  • a contract is a contract between the service provider for digital franking (DV franking) and a customer. According to the contract, the invoicing of the carried out DP franking takes place with the customer.
  • a contract preferably receives a contract number and a subscription number for a consignment center for the shipments under this contract.
  • the delivery center can be defined, for example, via a postal code or an indication of the lead region. For example, a 2-digit number for specifying a lead region may specify a particular delivery center.
  • a contract can be supplemented by further information such as a defined pick-up trip at the customer of a depot.
  • a login screen of the application is presented to the user.
  • the user can enter his username and password.
  • a multi-digit customer ID can be specified.
  • an authentication is over Registration medium (i..dR a database) performed.
  • the user arrives at a personal start page of the application with a personalized menu composed, for example, according to the user's rights of the customer.
  • the customer can call different profiles under which he wants to act in the application.
  • the profiles named "Clients" in this description can be created, changed and selected by the customer.
  • the advantage of using different client profiles is that a company can create different profiles for different locations or company groups.
  • the access to the second computer means of a service provider can be done from the various locations, each site can generate different mailings, for example, each with its own sender address and process.
  • the customer For acting within the Internet application, the customer preferably also specifies the contract according to which data supplied is to be processed. Thereby, the processed data is associated with at least one subscription number of a delivery center 80 in which shipments under this contract are accepted. Processing data generated during processing may be communicated to the respective delivery center to reconcile the data.
  • the access to the data storage of the customer is realized with the help of a class.
  • This interpreter controls the database functions to be called with an XML description and handles the management of the database connection.
  • the architecture of the Internet application can be realized in various ways. For example, a 2-tier architecture with a Tomcat web and application server comes into question. Furthermore, a 3-tier architecture can be used with an enterprise web and application server such as Bea Weblogic.
  • the 2-tier variant can combine frontend, business logic and data access modules of the application on one machine.
  • the data management is preferably realized with proprietary JDBC accesses to an Oracle database or can occasionally be encapsulated in stored procedures.
  • a clustering of the application can be realized with the aid of a hardware load balancer and an upstream Apache web server.
  • frontend and business logic components can be installed on two separate machines. Access to the database and transaction management are governed by the application server and are preferably done using Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs). Clustering can be done for both web components and application components, enabling higher overall performance compared to the 2-tier variant.
  • the 2-tier variant can be connected to the DV-franking backend where all shipment files are processed.
  • the 3-tier architecture is included on each application server IT franking backend, so that shipment files can be processed in the sense of load distribution by different computers. Both variants are expediently secured by the WorldwideWeb with a firewall. In the case of the 3-tier variant, if required, the application layer could also be secured with a firewall.
  • the structure of the second computer means 20 can be subdivided in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention into three different horizontal layers. These arise primarily due to their different tasks or responsibilities and are preferably determined only secondarily by differentiable physical components.
  • the first layer which is referred to below as the Presentation Layer (Web Layer) , contains all components necessary for the representation and interaction control of the application. First and foremost, this is a controller servlet that initiates a business process. This business process can be spread over several technically related individual actions, which in turn are mapped in JSP pages . So that the business object (eg the transaction semantics, the sequence of the individual actions, etc.) remains consistent at all times, the individual business steps are connected by means of the controller servlet.
  • Web Layer Presentation Layer
  • a session tracking is used. This is part of the session management that both cookies and alternatively (eg if the user does not accept cookies and has disabled them on the client or web browser) use URL rewriting as mechanisms for recognition.
  • validations and plausibility checks are integrated into the web layer based on the JFormular form framework. Each user-initiated action related to business logic is mapped using event components that simultaneously represent the interface to the business logic layer.
  • a second layer Business Logic Layer contains all application components that directly execute business processes or work with business objects. They are preferably supplemented or controlled by another component that deals with the functionality of authorizing and authenticating users and application areas.
  • the emphasis of the processing of the broadcast specific data in the second computer means 20 is the generation of a digital indicium for several broadcasts of a customer.
  • These are preferably encrypted information which can be displayed graphically.
  • bar codes or matrix codes can be used as the representation.
  • the content of the encrypted information may include various levels, as is known for conventional encryption methods in digital franking.
  • the encryption may process random numbers, fixed or variable keys, dates, and / or sender or recipient data.
  • the information generated by the encryption for a franking mark are each assigned to a shipment and transmitted to the first computer means.
  • the information for franking marks can be supplemented by further information such as customer-specific advertising imprints or data of the service provider.
  • the first computer means 10 may store the processed data upon receipt and, if appropriate, process it further or pass it directly to a processing means 60 which prints out the mailpieces together with the digital franking marks. This can be done in a known manner by printing a digital franking mark in the address field of a mailing. If the consignment is placed in an envelope, the franking mark is visible and detectable through the transparent foil of the address field. In a further embodiment of the invention, the franking mark is printed on a label which can be applied to a mailpiece.
  • the franked shipments 30 are transported to a defined by the associated contract Ein Austinstechnik 80 and passed in this to a delivery service. It has proved to be expedient that the operator of the delivery service for an information exchange in connection with the service provider for digital franking.
  • processing data is transmitted from the second computer means 20 to a delivery center 80 in order to be able to carry out a comparison with recorded and stored data.
  • various stages of a payment assurance can be carried out. For example, a random comparison of delivered shipments with shipment information such as lists can be made.
  • shipment information such as lists
  • the franking mark of each delivered mail item can be recorded and its validity can be checked on the basis of the encrypted information.
  • the processing of broadcast-specific data in second computer means 20 may include, in addition to the generation of digital indicia 40 for each broadcast, additional features.
  • the delivered data can be sorted according to specifiable criteria.
  • the sorting of the data using an associated postal code has proven to be particularly advantageous. With this sorting, the customer has the option of sorting out and inserting the data processed by the service provider. This results in bundles of franked and already sorted mail items, which can be delivered to a delivery center, for example, in containers.
  • a discount for inputs is granted only when the items are sorted according to further criteria such as a lead region or a lead zone.
  • the customer can choose what degree of sorting he would like to have used in sorting.
  • the billing of the services of the second computer means via a billing component in connection with the computer means may also allow conventional additional functions such as the storage of payroll or mailing lists.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)

Abstract

Method for digitally franking postal articles during which a digital postage paid impression is generated by a computer and applied to a postal article. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles to be created are generated in a first computer at a customer, and the access to a remote second computer at a service provider is granted. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles are transmitted to the second computer. The postal article-specific data are processed in the second computer, and data for a digital postage paid impression are generated for each postal article. Afterwards, processing data are transmitted to accounting component, and a deduction of the franking is carried out at the customer. The postal-article specific data are transmitted with a digital postage paid impression for each postal article to be created to the first computer, and the data are recorded in the first computer. The postal article-specific data are then sent to a processor, and the data are printed for each respective postal article, whereupon the printed postal articles are placed in envelopes in the processor.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur digitalen Freimachung von Postsendungen, bei dem ein digitaler Freimachungsvermerk durch ein Computermittel erzeugt und auf eine Postsendung aufgebracht wird.The invention relates to a method for the digital franking of mailpieces, in which a digital franking mark is generated by a computer means and applied to a mailpiece.

Die Erfindung betrifft ferner eine Vorrichtungsanordnung zur digitalen Freimachung von Postsendungen, die ein Computermittel aufweist, in welchem ein digitaler Freimachungsvermerk erzeugbar ist und die ein Verarbeitungsmittel aufweist, das so ausgebildet ist, dass es einen digitalen Freimachungsvermerk auf eine Postsendung aufbringt.The invention further relates to a device arrangement for the digital franking of mailpieces, which has a computer means in which a digital postage indicium can be generated and which has a processing means which is designed such that it applies a digital franking mark to a mailpiece.

Im Bereich der Freimachung von Postsendungen sind verschiedene Verfahren und Vorrichtungen bekannt, die insbesondere den Versand von großen Mengen an Postsendungen rationalisieren. Dabei wird die herkömmliche Art der Freimachung durch Briefmarken durch die Freimachung mittels Frankiermaschinen ergänzt, welche von einem Kunden erworben werden können, um Freimachungsvermerke in großen Mengen direkt auf Sendungen aufzudrucken. Derartige Vorrichtungen sehen üblicherweise das Laden von Portobeträgen auf eine Maschine vor. Die Freimachungsvermerke weisen typischerweise verschlüsselte Informationen auf, welche den Freimachungsvermerk für eine Entgeltsicherung möglichst individualisieren. Die verschlüsselten Informationen können beispielsweise in Form eines Barcodes oder eines Matrixcodes aufgebracht werden.In the field of postage clearance, various methods and devices are known which, in particular, streamline the shipping of large quantities of mailpieces. Here, the conventional way of franking is supplemented by stamps through the franking by franking machines, which can be purchased by a customer to print franking marks in large quantities directly on shipments. Such devices typically provide loading of postage amounts to a machine. The postage indicia typically comprise encrypted information which, as far as possible, individualises the franking mark for a payment assurance. The encrypted information can be applied for example in the form of a bar code or a matrix code.

Ein weiterer Bereich der DV-Freimachung ist durch Anwendungsprogramme gegeben, welche auf dem Computer eines Kunden installiert werden. Der Kunde kann über den Computer sendungsspezifische Daten aus verschiedenen Quellen in das Anwendungsprogramm einlesen und digitale Freimachungsvermerke erzeugen, welche direkt auf eine Sendung aufgedruckt werden. Dabei kann die Freimachung beispielsweise auf ein Adresslabel oder direkt in das Adressfeld eines Briefbogens gedruckt werden. Die für diese Art der DV-Freimachung eingesetzten Anwendungsprogramme weisen typischerweise verschiedene Zusatzfunktionen wie eine Portooptimierung, die Erstellung und Auswertung von Sendungslisten und/oder die Verwaltung von Adresslisten auf. Die Abrechnung der gedruckten Freimachungsvermerke bei einem Zustelldienst wie einem Postunternehmen kann im Voraus oder nach der Ablieferung von frankierten Sendungen bei dem Zustelldienst erfolgen.Another area of computerized packaging is provided by application programs that are installed on a customer's computer. The customer can use the computer to import program-specific data from various sources into the application program and to generate digital franking marks, which are printed directly on a program. The franking can be printed, for example, on an address label or directly in the address field of a letterhead. The application programs used for this type of computer-aided design typically have various additional functions, such as postage optimization, the creation and evaluation of mailing lists and / or the administration of address lists. The billing of the printed franking marks at a delivery service, such as a postal company, can be done in advance or after the delivery of prepaid shipments to the delivery service.

Die internationale Patentanmeldung WO 98/57302 A1 beschreibt beispielsweise ein System zur Erzeugung von Freimachungsvermerken für Postsendungen, wobei die Freimachungsvermerke von mehreren lokalen PCs bei einem zentralen Datenzentrum angefordert werden können. Die Verbindung der PCs mit dem Datenzentrum kann beispielsweise über das Internet erfolgen und es handelt sich somit um eine Art Online-Frankiermaschine. Eine Kunde identifiziert sich über einen lokalen PC am Datenzentrum und übermittelt postalische Informationen zu einer oder mehreren Sendungen an das Datenzentrum. Das Datenzentrum erzeugt daraus verschlüsselte Daten für Freimachungsvermerke und übermittelt diese dem Kunden an seinen lokalen PC. Der Freimachungsvermerk selbst wird am PC des Kunden erzeugt und kann von dort auf einem angeschlossenen Drucker ausgedruckt werden. Jeder zu einem Freimachungsvermerk und damit zu einer Sendung gehörende Datensatz wird im Datenzentrum hinterlegt und kann für eine Entgeltüberprüfung genutzt werden.The international patent application WO 98/57302 A1 describes, for example, a system for generating postage indicia for mailpieces, wherein the postage indicia may be requested from a plurality of local PCs at a central data center. The connection of the PCs with the data center can for example be made via the Internet and it is thus a kind of online franking machine. A customer identifies himself via a local PC at the data center and transmits postal information about one or more shipments to the data center. The data center generates encrypted data for postage indicia and transmits it to the customer at his local PC. The franking mark itself is generated on the customer's PC and can be printed from there on a connected printer. Each data set belonging to a franking mark and thus to a consignment is deposited in the data center and can be used for a fee verification.

Aus der Patentschrift US 6,249,777 B1 ist ebenfalls ein System zur Erzeugung von Freimachungsvermerken für Postsendungen bekannt, wobei die Freimachungsvermerke von mehreren lokalen PCs bei einem zentralen Datenzentrum angefordert werden können. Die Freimachungsvermerke können dabei vom zentralen Datenzentrum oder vom Kundensystem erzeugt werden, wobei das Datenzentrum lediglich die dazu erforderlichen verschlüsselten Informationen bereitstellt.From the patent US 6,249,777 B1 Also, there is a system for generating postage indicia for postal mail, wherein the postage indicia may be requested from a plurality of local PCs at a central data center. The franking marks can be generated by the central data center or the customer system, the data center merely providing the necessary encrypted information.

Die internationale Patentanmeldung WO 99/39278 A1 offenbart ferner ein System zur Erzeugung von Freimachungsvermerken für Postsendungen, das sich insbesondere für die Anwendung in privaten Haushalten oder sehr kleinen Unternehmen eignet. Dazu wird eine Set-Top-Box für einen Fernseher oder eine Schnittstelle für Internet-Fernsehen genutzt. Die jeweilige Komponente umfasst einen Drucker, mit dem ein Freimachungsvermerk auf ein Label gedruckt werden kann.The international patent application WO 99/39278 A1 further discloses a system for producing postage indicia that is particularly suitable for use in private households or very small businesses. A set-top box is used for a television or an interface for Internet television. The respective component comprises a printer with which a franking mark can be printed on a label.

Aus der europäischen Patentanmeldung EP 0 927 963 A2 ist ferner ein geschlossenes System zur Erzeugung von Freimachungsvermerken bekannt, bei dem ein digitaler Drucker eine Anforderung für einen oder mehrere Freimachungsvermerke an ein zentrales Datenzentrum schickt. Der Drucker identifiziert sich beispielsweise über eine Internetverbindung mit seiner Seriennummer am Datenzentrum und fordert eine bestimmte Anzahl von Freimachungsvermerken eines Portobetrages an.From the European patent application EP 0 927 963 A2 Further, there is known a closed system for producing indicia, wherein a digital printer sends a request for one or more indicia to a central data center. The printer identifies itself, for example, via an Internet connection with its serial number at the data center and requests a certain number of postage indicia of a postage amount.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren zur digitalen Freimachung von Postsendungen bereitzustellen, welche gegenüber der bekannten Ausführungsform der Freimachung über ein installiertes Anwendungsprogramm bei einem Kunden eine flexiblere Handhabung durch den Kunden ermöglichen. Ferner soll das Verfahren eine Entgeltüberprüfung erleichtern.The object of the invention is to provide a method for the digital franking of mail items, which enable a more flexible handling by the customer with respect to the known embodiment of the franking via an installed application program at a customer. Furthermore, the procedure should facilitate a fee review.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen des Verfahrens ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen 2-7.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the method will become apparent from the dependent claims 2-7.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zur digitalen Freimachung von Postsendungen, bei dem ein digitaler Freimachungsvermerk durch ein Computermittel erzeugt und auf eine Postsendung aufgebracht wird, umfasst folgende Merkmale:

  • Erzeugung von sendungsspezifischen Daten für eine oder mehrere zu erzeugende Postsendungen in einem ersten Computermittel bei einem Kunden;
  • Freischaltung des Zugangs zu einem entfernten zweiten Computermittel bei einem Dienstleister;
  • Übermittlung der sendungsspezifischen Daten für eine oder mehrere Postsendungen zum zweiten Computermittel;
  • Verarbeitung der sendungsspezifischen Daten im zweiten Computermittel, wobei für jede Postsendung Daten für einen digitalen Freimachungsvermerk erzeugt werden,
  • Übermittlung von Verarbeitungsdaten an eine Abrechnungskomponente und Abrechnung der Freimachungsleistung beim Kunden;
  • Übermittlung der sendungsspezifischen Daten mit einem digitalen Freimachungsvermerk für jede zu erzeugende Postsendung an das erste Computermittel und Erfassung der Daten im ersten Computermittel;
  • Übermittlung der sendungsspezifischen Daten an ein Verarbeitungsmittel in Verbindung mit dem ersten Computermittel; und
  • Ausdruck der sendungsspezifischen Daten für jeweils eine Postsendung und Kuvertierung der ausgedruckten Postsendungen im Verarbeitungsmittel.
The method according to the invention for the digital franking of mailpieces, in which a digital franking mark is generated by a computer means and applied to a mailpiece, comprises the following features:
  • Generating mailing-specific data for one or more mailpieces to be generated in a first computer means at a customer;
  • Activation of access to a remote second computer means by a service provider;
  • Transmission of the shipment-specific data for one or more mail items to the second computer means;
  • Processing of the shipment-specific data in the second computer means, wherein data for a digital postage indicium are generated for each mail item,
  • Transmission of processing data to a billing component and billing of the franking service at the customer;
  • Transmission of the shipment-specific data with a digital franking mark for each mail item to be generated to the first computer means and acquisition of the data in the first computer means;
  • Transmission of the broadcast-specific data to a processing means in connection with the first computer means; and
  • Printout of the mailing-specific data for each mailing and enveloping of the printed mailpieces in the processing means.

In einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung werden während des Verarbeitungsprozesses im zweiten Computermittel erzeugte Verarbeitungsdaten an eine Annahmestelle für Postsendungen übermittelt, und bei der Einlieferung von Postsendungen in einer Annahmestelle für Postsendungen erfolgt eine Erfassung von sendungsspezifischen Daten und ein Abgleich der erfassten Daten mit in der Annahmestelle hinterlegten Verarbeitungsdaten. Bei dem Abgleich kann zweckmäßigerweise eine Entgeltsicherung erfolgen.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention during the processing process in second computer means generated processing data to a collection point for mailings, and in the delivery of mail in a collection point for mail is a collection of broadcast-specific data and a comparison of the collected data stored in the receiving station processing data. In the balance may be conveniently carried out a remuneration.

In einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist das erste Computermittel über das Internet mit dem zweiten Computermittel verbunden. Neben der Erzeugung von digitalen Freimachungsvermerken wird bei der Verarbeitung der sendungsspezifischen Daten im zweiten Computermittel vorzugsweise eine Portooptimierung durchgeführt. Ferner kann bei der Verarbeitung der sendungsspezifischen Daten im zweiten Computermittel eine Sortierung der Daten nach bestimmbaren Sortierkriterien durchgeführt werden. Die Sortierung kann über Postleitzahlen oder anhand von Leitregionen oder Leitzonen erfolgen.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first computer means is connected to the second computer means via the Internet. In addition to the generation of digital franking marks, postage optimization is preferably carried out in the processing of the mailing-specific data in the second computer means. Furthermore, in the processing of the shipment-specific data in the second computer means, a sorting of the data can be carried out according to determinable sorting criteria. The sorting can take place via postal codes or via lead regions or lead zones.

Die Erfindung umfasst ferner eine Vorrichtungsanordnung zur digitalen Freimachung von Postsendungen, die ein Computermittel aufweist, in welchem ein digitaler Freimachungsvermerk erzeugbar ist und die ein Verarbeitungsmittel aufweist, das so ausgebildet ist, dass es einen digitalen Freimachungsvermerk auf eine Postsendung aufbringt. Die Vorrichtungsanordnung umfasst dabei ein erstes Computermittel bei einem Kunden zur Erzeugung von sendungsspezifischen Daten für eine oder mehrere zu erzeugende Postsendungen und
Mittel zur Übermittlung der Daten von dem ersten Computermittel zu einem entfernten zweiten Computermittel bei einem Dienstleister.The invention further comprises a device arrangement for the digital franking of mailpieces, which has a computer means in which a digital postage indicium can be generated and which has a processing means which is designed such that it applies a digital franking mark to a mailpiece. The device arrangement in this case comprises a first computer means at a customer for generating transmission-specific data for one or more mailpieces to be generated and
Means for communicating the data from the first computer means to a remote second computer means at a service provider.

Die Anordnung weist ferner Mittel zur Zugriffskontrolle des ersten Computermittels auf das zweite Computermittel auf, wobei das zweite Computermittel zur Verarbeitung von sendungsspezifischen Daten ausgestaltet ist, bei der für jede Postsendung Daten für einen digitalen Freimachungsvermerk erzeugt werden. Die Abrechnung von erbrachten Leistungen im Bereich der digitalen Freimachung und verschiedener Zusatzfunktionen beim Kunden erfolgt über eine Abrechnungskomponente.The arrangement furthermore has means for access control of the first computer means to the second computer means, wherein the second computer means is designed for processing of shipment-specific data, in which data for a digital postage indicium are generated for each mailpiece. The billing of services rendered in the field of digital franking and various additional functions at the customer is done via a billing component.

Innerhalb der Anordnung sind ferner Mittel zur Übermittlung von verarbeiteten Daten mit Informationen für einen digitalen Freimachungsvermerk für jeweils eine Postsendung vom zweiten Computermittel zu dem ersten Computermittel und Verarbeitungsmittel in Verbindung mit dem ersten Computermittel zum Ausdruck und zur Kuvertierung der ausgedruckten Postsendungen vorgesehen.Within the arrangement, means are further provided for transmitting processed data with information for a digital indicium for a respective mail item from the second computer means to the first computer means and processing means in connection with the first computer means for printing and enveloping the printed mailpieces.

In einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist das Mittel zur Übertragung von sendungsspezifischen Daten zwischen den Computermitteln das Internet. Das zweite Computermittel umfasst dabei vorzugsweise eine Internet-Applikation.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for transmitting transmission-specific data between the computer means is the Internet. The second computer means preferably comprises an Internet application.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren und die zugehörige Verrichtungsanordnung bringen bei der digitalen Freimachung von Postsendungen verschiedene Vorteile mit sich. Zum Einen ist es für einen Kunden nicht mehr erforderlich, ein Anwendungsprogramm auf seinem Computersystem zu installieren, sondern die erforderlichen Funktionen stehen ihm ohne spezielle Anpassung seines Systems zur Verfügung. Dies beinhaltet insbesondere, dass der von einem Kunden zu leistende Wärtungsaufwand sehr gering ist und er beispielsweise keine Updates benötigt.The method according to the invention and the associated alignment arrangement bring various advantages in the digital franking of mailpieces. Firstly, it is no longer necessary for a customer to install an application program on his computer system. but the necessary functions are available to him without special adaptation of his system. This includes, in particular, the fact that the effort to be paid by a customer is very low and that, for example, he does not need any updates.

Ferner hat das System für den Kunden den Vorteil, dass er zu einem hohen Grad flexibel in der Wahl eines Standorts zur Erzeugung und Verarbeitung von Sendungsdaten ist. So muss er nicht an allen Standorten ein Anwendungsprogramm installieren und warten, sondern hat mit der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung von jedem Standort aus Zugriff auf die Internet-Applikation der neuen DV-Freimachung.Further, the system has the advantage for the customer of being highly flexible in choosing a location for generating and processing shipment data. So he does not have to install and maintain an application program at all sites, but with the inventive arrangement of each site from access to the Internet application of the new DV-franking.

Zum Anderen kann ein Zustelldienst wie ein Postunternehmen durch die erfindungsgemäße Durchführung der DV-Freimachung eine Leistung in Verbindung mit verschiedenen anderen Zusatzfunktionen anbieten. Dies beinhaltet ferner eine Verlagerung der DV-Freimachung in den Bereich eines Zustelldienstes, was zu einer Vereinfachung der Abrechnungsund Entgeltsicherungsprozesse führen kann.On the other hand, a delivery service, such as a postal company, can offer a service in connection with various other additional functions through the implementation of the DV franking according to the invention. This also includes a shift of computerized franking into the area of a delivery service, which may lead to a simplification of the billing and payment assurance processes.

Weitere Vorteile, Besonderheiten und zweckmäßige Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen und der nachfolgenden Darstellung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele anhand der Fig. 1. Dabei zeigt Fig. 1 ein besonders bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtungsanordnung mit einer schematischen Darstellung der Datenströme.Further advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to Fig. 1 , It shows Fig. 1 a particularly preferred embodiment of the device arrangement according to the invention with a schematic representation of the data streams.

In der Fig. 1 sind die erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensabläufe innerhalb einer Anordnung zur digitalen Freimachung schematisch dargestellt. Das zugehörige System umfasst erste Computermittel 10, welche sich im Bereich eines Kundensystems befinden, in welchem Inhalte für Postsendungen 30 erzeugt und versendet werden. Bei den Kunden handelt es sich vorzugsweise um Anwender, welche regelmäßig eine große Anzahl von Postsendungen erzeugen. Dies ist beispielsweise für Unternehmen der Fall, die regelmäßig Rechnungen, Infoschreiben oder Werbematerial versenden. Innerhalb des Kundensystems 10 werden für eine oder mehrere Postsendungen sendungsspezifische Daten 50 generiert. Die Postsendungen werden dabei mit Informationen aus verschiedenen Quellen wie Datenbanken für Adressen, Textdokumente und Finanzdaten erzeugt.In the Fig. 1 the process sequences according to the invention are shown schematically within an arrangement for digital franking. The associated system includes first Computer means 10, which are located in the area of a customer system in which content for mailpieces 30 are generated and sent. The customers are preferably users who regularly generate a large number of mailpieces. This is the case, for example, for companies that regularly send invoices, information letters or advertising material. Within the customer system 10, shipment-specific data 50 are generated for one or more mailpieces. The mail items are generated with information from various sources such as databases for addresses, text documents and financial data.

In Verbindung mit dem ersten Computermittel 10 steht ein Verarbeitungsmittel 60 zum Ausdruck von Daten und zum Kuvertieren von ausgedruckten Dokumenten in Umschläge. Der Ausdruck von Daten kann über herkömmliche Druckersysteme erfolgen, welche vorzugsweise an ein hohes Druckvolumen angepasst sind. Bekannte Kuvertiersysteme führen die Faltung und Einbringung von Dokumenten in Umschläge durch.In connection with the first computer means 10 is a processing means 60 for printing data and inserting printed documents in envelopes. The printing of data can be done via conventional printer systems, which are preferably adapted to a high print volume. Known inserter systems perform the folding and placing of documents in envelopes.

Üblicherweise umfasst das erste Computermittel 10 Mittel zur digitalen Frankierung von Postsendungen und zum unmittelbaren Ausdruck in einem Verarbeitungsmittel 60. Ein wesentliches Merkmal des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur digitalen Freimachung von Postsendungen besteht darin, dass der Vorgang der Erzeugung von digitalen Freimachungsvermerken im Zusammenhang mit weiteren Funktionen in einem entfernt von dem ersten Computermittel angeordneten zweiten Computermittel 20 erfolgt. Unverarbeitete sendungsspezifische Daten 50 werden somit dem zweiten Computermittel übermittelt und in diesem verarbeitet. Das zweite Computermittel befindet sich im Bereich eines Dienstleisters, welcher die digitale Freimachung mit verschiedenen Zusatzfunktionen anbietet.Usually, the first computer means 10 comprises means for the digital franking of mailpieces and for immediate printing in a processing means 60. An essential feature of the method according to the invention for the digital franking of mailpieces is that the process of generating digital postage indicia in connection with other functions in one remote from the first computer means arranged second computer means 20 takes place. Unprocessed broadcast-specific data 50 are thus transmitted to the second computer means and processed therein. The second computer means is located in the area of a service provider, which offers digital franking with various additional functions.

Das zweite Computermittel 20 ist vorzugsweise über das Internet mit dem ersten Computermittel 10 verbunden und die Daten werden dem zweiten Computermittel aus den diversen Kundensystemen im XML-Format bereitgestellt. Bei der Portierung der Daten aus den Kundensystemen können verschiedene Methoden zur Anwendung kommen. Beispielsweise können die Daten über eine Methodenkapselung integriert und direkt weiterverwendet werden. So kann die Businesslogik des Kundensystems übernommen werden. In einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel erfolgt die Integration über eine gemeinsame Datenbasis. Dieser Fall hat jedoch spezifische Nachteile, da die Businesslogik des Kunden neu entwickelt werden muss.The second computer means 20 is preferably connected to the first computer means 10 via the Internet and the data is provided to the second computer means from the various customer systems in XML format. When porting the data from the customer systems, various methods can be used. For example, the data can be integrated via a method encapsulation and reused directly. So the business logic of the customer system can be adopted. In a further embodiment, the integration takes place via a common database. However, this case has specific disadvantages as the business logic of the customer has to be redeveloped.

In einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, welches in Fig. 1 dargestellt ist, erfolgt die Integration der Kundendaten in das zweite Computermittel 20 über einen Adapter 11, der auch als Wrapper bezeichnet werden kann. Eine bestehende Businesslogik des Kunden kann so mit Hilfe des Adapters, der in der Lage ist, eine fachlich nicht konforme Schnittstelle an die neuen Anforderungen des zweiten Computermittels anzupassen 20, integriert werden.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which in Fig. 1 is shown, the integration of the customer data in the second computer means 20 via an adapter 11, which can also be referred to as a wrapper. An existing business logic of the customer can thus be integrated with the help of the adapter, which is able to adapt a technically non-compliant interface to the new requirements of the second computer means 20.

Der Zugriff des ersten Computermittels auf die Funktionen des zweiten Computermittels erfolgt in einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung über eine Internet-Applikation, welche der Kunde aufrufen kann. Der Kunde ist vorzugsweise im System des zweiten Computermittels registriert und zusammen mit spezifischen Daten gespeichert. Die Registrierung umfasst die Vergabe eines Autorisierungsmittels, wobei es sich zweckmäßigerweise um ein Passwort handelt. Bei der Registrierung eines Kunden bei einem Dienstleister wird wenigstens ein Kontrakt angelegt. Ein Kontrakt ist ein Vertrag zwischen dem Dienstleister für die digitale Freimachung (DV-Freimachung) und einem Kunden. Gemäß dem Kontrakt erfolgt die Abrechnung der durchgeführten DV-Freimachung mit demm Kunden. Ein Kontrakt erhält vorzugsweise eine Kontraktnummer und eine Teilnahmenummer für ein Einlieferungszentrum für die Sendungen unter diesem Kontrakt. Das Einlieferungszentrum kann dabei beispielsweise über eine Postleitzahl oder eine Angabe der Leitregion definiert werden. Beispielsweise kann eine 2-stellige Nummer für die Angabe einer Leitregion ein bestimmtes Einlieferungszentrum festlegen. Zusätzlich zu der Angabe eines Einlieferungszentrums kann ein Kontrakt durch weitere Informationen wie einer definierten Abholfahrt beim Kunden der einem Depot ergänzt werden.The access of the first computer means to the functions of the second computer means is carried out in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention via an Internet application, which the customer can call. The customer is preferably registered in the system of the second computer means and stored together with specific data. The registration involves the allocation of an authorization which is expediently a password. When registering a customer with a service provider, at least one contract is created. A contract is a contract between the service provider for digital franking (DV franking) and a customer. According to the contract, the invoicing of the carried out DP franking takes place with the customer. A contract preferably receives a contract number and a subscription number for a consignment center for the shipments under this contract. The delivery center can be defined, for example, via a postal code or an indication of the lead region. For example, a 2-digit number for specifying a lead region may specify a particular delivery center. In addition to specifying a posting center, a contract can be supplemented by further information such as a defined pick-up trip at the customer of a depot.

Es hat sich als zweckmäßig erwiesen, dass ein Kunde mehrere Kontrakte mit dem Dienstleister abschließen kann, welche insbesondere unterschiedliche Einlieferungszentren oder unterschiedliche Sendungskategorien vorsehen können. Beispielsweise ist es zweckmäßig, für Sendungen als Infopost und normale Briefpostsendungen verschiedene Kontrakte anzulegen, da diese Sendungskategorien unterschiedlich abgerechnet werden.It has proven to be expedient for a customer to be able to conclude several contracts with the service provider, which may in particular provide for different delivery centers or different shipment categories. For example, it is expedient to create different contracts for items as Infopost and normal letter items, since these items are billed differently.

Beim Betreten der Startseite der Internet-Anwendung wird dem Benutzer beispielsweise eine Anmeldemaske der Anwendung präsentiert. Der Benutzer kann darin seinen Benutzernamen und sein Passwort eingeben. Darüber hinaus kann eine mehrstellige Kunden-ID angegeben werden. Auf Basis dieser Anmeldeinformationen wird eine Authentifizierung über ein Anmeldemedium (i..d.R. eine Datenbank) durchgeführt. Bei erfolgreicher Authentifizierung gelangt der Benutzer in einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung zu einer persönlichen Startseite der Anwendung mit einem personalisierten Menü, das sich beispielsweise entsprechend der Benutzerrechte des Kunden zusammensetzt.Upon entering the start page of the Internet application, for example, a login screen of the application is presented to the user. The user can enter his username and password. In addition, a multi-digit customer ID can be specified. Based on these credentials, an authentication is over Registration medium (i..dR a database) performed. Upon successful authentication, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the user arrives at a personal start page of the application with a personalized menu composed, for example, according to the user's rights of the customer.

In einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung kann der Kunde verschiedene Profile aufrufen, unter denen er in der Anwendung agieren möchte. Die in dieser Beschreibung "Mandanten" genannten Profile lassen sich vom Kunden anlegen, verändern und auswählen. Die Verwendung von verschiedenen Mandanten-Profilen hat unter anderem den Vorteil, dass ein Unternehmen für verschiedene Standorte oder Unternehmensgruppen unterschiedliche Profile anlegen kann. Der Zugriff auf das zweite Computermittel eines Dienstleisters kann so von den verschiedenen Standorten aus erfolgen, wobei jeder Standort unterschiedliche Postsendungen beispielsweise mit jeweils eigener Absenderadresse erzeugen und verarbeiten lassen kann. Ferner ist es möglich, von einem zentralen Standort verschiedene Profile aufzurufen und an diesem Standort entsprechend personalisierte Postsendungen für mehrere Standorte zu erzeugen.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the customer can call different profiles under which he wants to act in the application. The profiles named "Clients" in this description can be created, changed and selected by the customer. The advantage of using different client profiles is that a company can create different profiles for different locations or company groups. The access to the second computer means of a service provider can be done from the various locations, each site can generate different mailings, for example, each with its own sender address and process. Furthermore, it is possible to call up different profiles from a central location and to generate correspondingly personalized mailpieces for several locations at this location.

Der Kunde gibt zum Agieren innerhalb der Internet-Anwendung ferner vorzugsweise den Kontrakt an, nach dem eingelieferte Daten verarbeitet werden sollen. Dadurch werden die verarbeiteten Daten wenigstens einer Teilnahmenummer eines Einlieferungszentrums 80 zugeordnet, in dem Sendungen unter diesem Kontrakt angenommen werden. Während der Verarbeitung erzeugte Verarbeitungsdaten können dem jeweiligen Einlieferungszentrum zum Abgleich der Daten übermittelt werden.For acting within the Internet application, the customer preferably also specifies the contract according to which data supplied is to be processed. Thereby, the processed data is associated with at least one subscription number of a delivery center 80 in which shipments under this contract are accepted. Processing data generated during processing may be communicated to the respective delivery center to reconcile the data.

Der Zugriff auf die Datenhaltung des Kunden wird unter Zuhilfenahme einer Klasse realisiert. Dieser Interpreter steuert mit einer XML-Beschreibung die aufzurufenden Datenbank-Funktionen und übernimmt das Management der Datenbankverbindung. Die Architektur der Internet-Anwendung kann auf verschiedene Arten realisiert werden. Beispielsweise kommt eine 2-Tier-Architektur mit einem Tomcat Web- und Applikationsserver in Frage. Ferner kann eine 3-Tier-Architektur mit einem Enterprise Web- und Applikationsserver wie Bea Weblogic eingesetzt werden.The access to the data storage of the customer is realized with the help of a class. This interpreter controls the database functions to be called with an XML description and handles the management of the database connection. The architecture of the Internet application can be realized in various ways. For example, a 2-tier architecture with a Tomcat web and application server comes into question. Furthermore, a 3-tier architecture can be used with an enterprise web and application server such as Bea Weblogic.

Die 2-Tier-Variante kann Frontend-, Businesslogik- und Datenzugriffs-Module der Anwendung auf einer Maschine vereinen. Die Datenhaltung wird vorzugsweise mit proprietären JDBC-Zugriffen auf eine Oracle-Datenbank realisiert oder kann vereinzelt in Stored Procedures gekapselt werden. Ein Clustering der Anwendung ist mit Hilfe eines Hardware-Loadbalancers und vorgeschaltetem Apache-Webserver realisierbar.The 2-tier variant can combine frontend, business logic and data access modules of the application on one machine. The data management is preferably realized with proprietary JDBC accesses to an Oracle database or can occasionally be encapsulated in stored procedures. A clustering of the application can be realized with the aid of a hardware load balancer and an upstream Apache web server.

Bei der 3-Tier-Architektur können Frontend- und Businesslogik-Komponenten auf zwei getrennten Maschinen installiert werden. Der Zugriff auf die Datenbank und das Transaktionsmanagement werden vom Applikationsserver geregelt und geschehen vorzugsweise unter Verwendung von Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs). Ein Clustering kann sowohl für Webkomponenten, als auch für Anwendungskomponenten erfolgen und ermöglicht so eine höhere Gesamtperformance im Vergleich zur 2-Tier-Variante. Die 2-Tier Variante kann mit dem DV-Freimachungs-Backend verbunden werden, in dem alle Sendungsdateien verarbeitet werden. Bei der 3-Tier-Architektur befindet sich auf jedem Applikationsserver ein DV-Freimachungs-Backend, so dass Sendungsdateien im Sinne einer Lastverteilung von unterschiedlichen Rechnern bearbeitet werden können. Beide Varianten werden vom WorldwideWeb zweckmäßigerweise mit einer Firewall abgesichert. Bei der 3-Tier-Variante könnte bei Bedarf auch die Applikationsschicht mit einer Firewall gesichert werden.In 3-tier architecture, frontend and business logic components can be installed on two separate machines. Access to the database and transaction management are governed by the application server and are preferably done using Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs). Clustering can be done for both web components and application components, enabling higher overall performance compared to the 2-tier variant. The 2-tier variant can be connected to the DV-franking backend where all shipment files are processed. The 3-tier architecture is included on each application server IT franking backend, so that shipment files can be processed in the sense of load distribution by different computers. Both variants are expediently secured by the WorldwideWeb with a firewall. In the case of the 3-tier variant, if required, the application layer could also be secured with a firewall.

Die Struktur des zweiten Computermittels 20 lässt sich in einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in drei verschiedene horizontale Schichten (Layer) unterteilen. Diese ergeben sich in erster Linie aufgrund ihrer unterschiedlichen Aufgaben bzw. Zuständigkeiten und werden vorzugsweise nur sekundär durch differenzierbare physikalische Komponenten bestimmt.The structure of the second computer means 20 can be subdivided in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention into three different horizontal layers. These arise primarily due to their different tasks or responsibilities and are preferably determined only secondarily by differentiable physical components.

Die erste Schicht, welche im Folgenden als Presentation Layer (Web Layer) bezeichnet wird, enthält alle zur Darstellung und Interaktionssteuerung der Anwendung notwendigen Komponenten. In erster Linie ist dies ein Controller-Servlet, das einen Geschäftsprozess anstößt. Dieser Geschäftsprozess kann sich über mehrere fachlich zusammengehörige Einzelaktionen, die wiederum in JSP-Seiten abgebildet werden, erstrecken. Damit der Geschäftsgegenstand (z.B. die Transaktionssemantik, die Reihenfolge der Einzelaktionen, etc.) zu jedem Zeitpunkt konsistent bleibt, werden die einzelnen Geschäftsschritte mit Hilfe des Controller-Servlets verbunden.The first layer, which is referred to below as the Presentation Layer (Web Layer) , contains all components necessary for the representation and interaction control of the application. First and foremost, this is a controller servlet that initiates a business process. This business process can be spread over several technically related individual actions, which in turn are mapped in JSP pages . So that the business object (eg the transaction semantics, the sequence of the individual actions, etc.) remains consistent at all times, the individual business steps are connected by means of the controller servlet.

Zur Steuerung der Geschäftsprozesse im Hinblick auf die eindeutige Identifikation des Benutzers wird ein Session-Tracking verwendet. Dieses ist Bestandteil des Session-Managements, dass sowohl Cookies, als auch alternativ (z.B. wenn der Benutzer keine Cookies akzeptiert und am Client bzw. Webbrowser deaktiviert hat) URL-Rewriting als Mechanismen zur Wiedererkennung einsetzt. Um die Konsistenz der Formulardaten und -verarbeitung sicherzustellen, werden Validierungen und Plausibilitätskontrollen im Web-Layer integriert, die auf dem Formularframework JFormular basieren. Jede vom Benutzer initiierte Aktion mit Bezug zur Geschäftslogik wird mit Hilfe von Event-Komponenten abgebildet, welche gleichzeitig die Schnittstelle zum Businesslogic-Layer darstellen.To control the business processes with regard to the unique identification of the user, a session tracking is used. This is part of the session management that both cookies and alternatively (eg if the user does not accept cookies and has disabled them on the client or web browser) use URL rewriting as mechanisms for recognition. To the consistency of the form data and processing, validations and plausibility checks are integrated into the web layer based on the JFormular form framework. Each user-initiated action related to business logic is mapped using event components that simultaneously represent the interface to the business logic layer.

Eine zweite Schicht Business Logic Layer enthält alle Anwendungskomponenten, die direkt Geschäftsprozesse durchführen oder mit Geschäftsobjekten arbeiten. Sie werden vorzugsweise von einer weiteren Komponente, die sich mit der Funktionalität der Authorisierung und Authentifizierung von Benutzern und Anwendungsbereichen befasst, ergänzt bzw. gesteuert.A second layer Business Logic Layer contains all application components that directly execute business processes or work with business objects. They are preferably supplemented or controlled by another component that deals with the functionality of authorizing and authenticating users and application areas.

Die Anwendungskomponenten implementieren in einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel folgende Funktionalitäten:

  • Ein Admin-Interface beinhaltet Benutzer-, Rollen- und Zugriffsrechteverwaltung des Systems. Außerdem können hier Mandanten angelegt und deren Kundenstammdaten gepflegt werden.
  • Ein Management-Modul ermöglicht die Pflege von Kontrakten, Produkten/Preisen und Infopost-Fertigungsmustern.
  • In einem Statistic-Module wird die Anwendungslogik zur Generierung und Bereitstellung von Statistiken wie Monats-und Tagesauswertungen implementiert.
  • Eine Report-Komponente gewährleistet einen Zugriff auf die von einem DV-Freimachungs-Server generierten Reports, bereitet sie für die Darstellung auf oder generiert gegebenenfalls zusätzlich notwendige Metainformationen.
  • Ein Auditing-Module beinhaltet die Funktionalität zur Rechnungsprüfung, d.h. zum Abgleich, Anzeigen und Stornieren von Rechnungen.
  • Ein Upload/Download-Interface ermöglicht einem Mandanten seine aus dem ERP-System exportierten Sendungsdaten (XML-Dateien) für eine Bearbeitung im DV-Freimachungs-Backend hochzuladen. Die vom DV-Freimachungs-Backend generierten optimierten Sendungsdateien werden im Anschluss zum Download angeboten.
  • Ein Backend-Connector repräsentiert die Schnittstelle zum DV-Freimachungs-Backend. Er ermöglicht den Zugriff auf gegebenenfalls notwendige Backend-Funktionalitäten wie beispielsweise die Übermittlung von Verarbeitungsstati im Bezug auf eingelieferte Sendungsdateien. Möglich ist ferner die Statuskontrolle des DV-Freimachungs-Servers als weitere Backend-Funktion.
The application components implement the following functionalities in a preferred embodiment:
  • An admin interface includes user, role and access rights management of the system. In addition, clients can be created here and their customer master data maintained.
  • A management module enables the maintenance of contracts, products / prices and Infopost manufacturing patterns.
  • A statistic module implements the application logic for generating and providing statistics such as monthly and daily evaluations.
  • A report component ensures access to the reports generated by a computerized franking server, prepares them for display or, if necessary, additionally generates necessary meta-information.
  • An auditing module contains the functionality for invoice verification, that is to compare, display and cancel invoices.
  • An upload / download interface enables a client to upload its shipment data (XML files) exported from the ERP system for processing in the DP franking backend. The optimized shipment files generated by the DV franking backend are then offered for download.
  • A backend connector represents the interface to the DP franking backend. It enables access to any back-end functionalities that may be required, such as the transmission of processing statuses with regard to delivered shipment files. It is also possible to check the status of the DP franking server as an additional backend function.

In einer dritten Schicht Persistence Layer werden alle notwendigen Geschäftsprozessdaten gespeichert. Bestandteil dieser Ebene ist in einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mindestens eine Oracle Datenbank. Alle im Business Logic Layer vorhandenen Geschäftsobjekte können über definierte Funktionen ihre Zustände und Datensätze persistent abbilden. Hierzu zählen insbesondere:

  • • Benutzer-, Rollen- und Rechteinformationen,
  • • Kundenstammdaten,
  • • Adressdaten,
  • • Daten zu Fertigungsmustern,
  • • Kontraktdaten,
  • • Preis- und Produktdaten,
  • • Entgeltabrechnungsdaten (Kostenstellen, Produktsummen, Ermäßigungen),
  • • Monitoringdaten von Bearbeitungsprozessen.
In a third layer Persistence Layer all necessary business process data are stored. Part of this level is in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention at least one Oracle database. All business objects existing in the Business Logic Layer can persistently map their states and data records via defined functions. These include in particular:
  • • user, role and rights information,
  • • customer master data,
  • • address data,
  • • data on production patterns,
  • • Contract data,
  • • price and product data,
  • • payroll accounting data (cost centers, product totals, reductions),
  • • Monitoring data of machining processes.

Der Schwerpunkt der Verarbeitung der sendungsspezifischen Daten im zweiten Computermittel 20 liegt in der Erzeugung eines digitalen Freimachungsvermerks für mehrere Sendungen eines Kunden. Dabei handelt es sich vorzugsweise um verschlüsselten Informationen, welche graphisch darstellbar sind. Als Darstellung können beispielsweise Barcodes oder Matrixcodes verwendet werden. Der Inhalt der verschlüsselten Informationen kann verschiedene Stufen umfassen, wie es für übliche Verschlüsselungsverfahren bei der digitalen Freimachung bekannt ist. Beispielsweise kann die Verschlüsselung Zufallszahlen, feste öder veränderliche Schlüssel, Datumsangaben und/oder Sender- oder Empfängerdaten verarbeiten.The emphasis of the processing of the broadcast specific data in the second computer means 20 is the generation of a digital indicium for several broadcasts of a customer. These are preferably encrypted information which can be displayed graphically. For example, bar codes or matrix codes can be used as the representation. The content of the encrypted information may include various levels, as is known for conventional encryption methods in digital franking. For example, the encryption may process random numbers, fixed or variable keys, dates, and / or sender or recipient data.

Die durch die Verschlüsselung erzeugten Informationen für einen Freimachungsvermerk werden jeweils einer Sendung zugeordnet und dem ersten Computermittel übermittelt. Die Informationen für Freimachungsvermerke können durch weitere Informationen wie kundenspezifische Werbeaufdrucke oder Daten des Dienstleisters ergänzt werden. Das erste Computermittel 10 kann die verarbeiteten Daten nach dem Erhalt speichern und gegebenenfalls weiterverarbeiten oder direkt einem Verarbeitungsmittel 60 übergeben, welches die Postsendungen zusammen mit den digitalen Freimachungsvermerken ausdruckt. Dies kann in bekannter Weise dadurch erfolgen, dass ein digitaler Freimachungsvermerk in das Adressfeld einer Sendung gedruckt wird. Wird die Sendung in einen Briefumschlag eingebracht, ist der Freimachungsvermerk durch die transparente Folie des Adressfelds sicht- und erfassbar. In einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird der Freimachungsvermerk auf ein Label gedruckt, welches auf eine Sendung aufbringbar ist.The information generated by the encryption for a franking mark are each assigned to a shipment and transmitted to the first computer means. The information for franking marks can be supplemented by further information such as customer-specific advertising imprints or data of the service provider. The first computer means 10 may store the processed data upon receipt and, if appropriate, process it further or pass it directly to a processing means 60 which prints out the mailpieces together with the digital franking marks. This can be done in a known manner by printing a digital franking mark in the address field of a mailing. If the consignment is placed in an envelope, the franking mark is visible and detectable through the transparent foil of the address field. In a further embodiment of the invention, the franking mark is printed on a label which can be applied to a mailpiece.

Die frankierten Sendungen 30 werden zu einem durch den zugehörigen Kontrakt definierten Einlieferungszentrum 80 transportiert und in diesem an einen Zustelldienst übergeben. Es hat sich als zweckmäßig erwiesen, dass der Betreiber des Zustelldiensts für einen Informationsaustausch in Verbindung mit dem Dienstleister für die digitale Freimachung steht. Insbesondere erfolgt eine Übermittlung von Verarbeitungsdaten von dem zweiten Computermittel 20 an ein Einlieferungszentrum 80, um einen Abgleich mit erfassten und hinterlegten Daten durchführen zu können. Dadurch können verschiedene Stufen einer Entgeltsicherung durchgeführt werden. Beispielsweise kann ein stichprobenhafter Abgleich von eingelieferten Sendungen mit Sendungsinformationen wie Listen erfolgen. In einer höheren Sicherheitsstufe der Entgeltsicherung kann der Freimachungsvermerk jeder eingelieferten Postsendung erfasst und seine Gültigkeit aufgrund der verschlüsselten Informationen überprüft werden.The franked shipments 30 are transported to a defined by the associated contract Einlieferungszentrum 80 and passed in this to a delivery service. It has proved to be expedient that the operator of the delivery service for an information exchange in connection with the service provider for digital franking. In particular, processing data is transmitted from the second computer means 20 to a delivery center 80 in order to be able to carry out a comparison with recorded and stored data. As a result, various stages of a payment assurance can be carried out. For example, a random comparison of delivered shipments with shipment information such as lists can be made. In a higher security level of the payment assurance, the franking mark of each delivered mail item can be recorded and its validity can be checked on the basis of the encrypted information.

Die Verarbeitung von sendungsspezifischen Daten im zweiten Computermittel 20 kann neben der Erzeugung von.digitalen Freimachungsvermerken 40 für jede Sendung weitere Zusatzfunktionen umfassen. Beispielsweise können die eingelieferten Daten nach vorgebbaren Kriterien sortiert werden. Besonders vorteilhaft hat sich die Sortierung der Daten anhand einer zugehörigen Postleitzahl erwiesen. Bei dieser Sortierung hat der Kunde die Möglichkeit, die vom Dienstleister verarbeiteten Daten sortiert auszudrucken und zu kuvertieren. So entstehen Bündel von frankierten und bereits sortierten Postsendungen, welche bei einem Einlieferungszentrum beispielsweise in Behältern eingeliefert werden können.The processing of broadcast-specific data in second computer means 20 may include, in addition to the generation of digital indicia 40 for each broadcast, additional features. For example, the delivered data can be sorted according to specifiable criteria. The sorting of the data using an associated postal code has proven to be particularly advantageous. With this sorting, the customer has the option of sorting out and inserting the data processed by the service provider. This results in bundles of franked and already sorted mail items, which can be delivered to a delivery center, for example, in containers.

Dabei besteht die Möglichkeit, dass ein Kunde durch die Sortierung eine Ermäßigung auf das Sendungsentgelt erhält. In einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird eine Ermäßigung für Vorleistungen erst erteilt, wenn die Sendungen nach weiteren Kriterien wie einer Leitregion oder einer Leitzone sortiert sind. Vorzugsweise kann der Kunde wählen, welchen Grad der Sortierung er bei der Sortierung angewendet haben möchte.There is the possibility that a customer receives a discount on the shipment fee by sorting. In another embodiment of the invention, a discount for inputs is granted only when the items are sorted according to further criteria such as a lead region or a lead zone. Preferably, the customer can choose what degree of sorting he would like to have used in sorting.

Die Abrechnung der Leistungen des zweiten Computermittels erfolgt über eine Abrechnungskomponente in Verbindung mit dem Computermittel. Die Internet-Applikation des zweiten Computermittels kann ferner übliche Zusatzfunktionen wie die Speicherung von Entgeltabrechnungen oder Sendungslisten ermöglichen.The billing of the services of the second computer means via a billing component in connection with the computer means. The Internet application of the second computer means may also allow conventional additional functions such as the storage of payroll or mailing lists.

Bezugszeichenliste:

10
Erstes Computermittel; Benutzer
20
Zweites Computermittel; Dienstleister
30
Postsendung
40
Freimachungsvermerk
50
Sendungsspezifische Daten; unverarbeitet
51
Sendungsspezifische Daten; verarbeitet
60
Verarbeitungsmittel
70
Abrechnungskomponente
80
Postzustelldienst
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
10
First computer means; user
20
Second computer means; service provider
30
mailing
40
indicia
50
Shipment specific data; unprocessed
51
Shipment specific data; processed
60
processing means
70
billing component
80
Post delivery

Claims (7)

  1. Method for digitally franking mailpieces, in which a digital postage indicium is generated by a computer means and is applied onto a mailpiece, characterized by the following features:
    • registration of a customer, whereby at least one agreement is drawn up that contains an unambiguous contract number and a participation number of a posting center;
    • generation of mailpiece-specific data (50) for one or more mailpieces (30) to be generated in a first computer means (10) at the premises of the customer;
    • granting access to a remote second computer means (20) at a service provider;
    • authorization of the customer and selection of an agreement of a customer;
    • transmission of the mailpiece-specific data for one or more mailpieces to the second computer means (20);
    • processing the mailpiece-specific data in the second computer means (20), whereby data for a digital postage indicium (40) is generated for each mailpiece;
    • transmission of processing data to an invoicing component (70) and invoicing the customer for the franking service;
    • transmission to the first computer means (10) of the mailpiece-specific data with a digital postage indicium (40) for each mailpiece to be generated, and acquisition of the data in the first computer means (10);
    • transmission of the mailpiece-specific data (51) to a processing means (60) in conjunction with the first computer means (10);
    • printout of the mailpiece-specific data for each mailpiece and enveloping the printed mailpieces in the processing means (60);
    • association of the processed mailpiece-specific data with the participation number of the posting center of the selected agreement of the customer and determination of the posting center, whereby the processing data generated in the second computer means (20) during the processing is transmitted to the determined posting center for mailpieces (80) and, when mailpieces (30) are posted at the posting center for mailpieces (80), the mailpiece-specific data is acquired and the acquired data is compared to the processing data stored in the posting center (80).
  2. The method according to Claim 1, characterized in that a payment assurance procedure is carried out by means of a comparison in the posting center.
  3. The method according to one or both of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first computer means (10) is connected to the second computer means (20) via the Internet.
  4. The method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, during the processing of the mailpiece-specific data (50) in the second computer means (20), postage optimization is carried out.
  5. The method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, during the processing of the mailpiece-specific data (50) in the second computer means (20), the data is sorted according to sorting criteria that can be selected by the customer.
  6. The method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the sorting is carried out on the basis of postal codes.
  7. The method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the sorting is carried out on the basis of routing regions or routing zones.
EP05772449A 2004-08-02 2005-07-06 Method and device arrangement for digitally franking postal articles Active EP1779333B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102004037695A DE102004037695A1 (en) 2004-08-02 2004-08-02 Method and device arrangement for the digital franking of mailpieces
PCT/EP2005/007296 WO2006015671A1 (en) 2004-08-02 2005-07-06 Method and device arrangement for digitally franking postal articles

Publications (2)

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EP1779333A1 EP1779333A1 (en) 2007-05-02
EP1779333B1 true EP1779333B1 (en) 2008-10-29

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US (1) US20080288421A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1779333B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2008508624A (en)
CN (1) CN1993713A (en)
AT (1) ATE412951T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2005270489B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0513661A (en)
CA (1) CA2575881A1 (en)
DE (2) DE102004037695A1 (en)
HK (1) HK1097332A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2007001318A (en)
NZ (1) NZ552655A (en)
WO (1) WO2006015671A1 (en)

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US20120143713A1 (en) * 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Campaigngrid, Llc Electronic and network-based franking

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US7243842B1 (en) * 2004-07-27 2007-07-17 Stamps.Com Inc. Computer-based value-bearing item customization security

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AU2005270489A1 (en) 2006-02-16
BRPI0513661A (en) 2008-05-13
JP2008508624A (en) 2008-03-21
EP1779333A1 (en) 2007-05-02
ATE412951T1 (en) 2008-11-15
CA2575881A1 (en) 2006-02-16
WO2006015671A1 (en) 2006-02-16
US20080288421A1 (en) 2008-11-20
NZ552655A (en) 2009-05-31
DE102004037695A1 (en) 2006-02-23
CN1993713A (en) 2007-07-04
AU2005270489B2 (en) 2011-05-12
HK1097332A1 (en) 2007-06-22
MX2007001318A (en) 2007-04-02
DE502005005823D1 (en) 2008-12-11

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