GB2289153A - Forming a dispatch unit from a letter and chip card - Google Patents

Description

2289153 1 Title: Process for forming a dispatch unit from a letter and

chin-card, and apparatus for carrying out the process The invention relates to a process for forming a dispatch unit from at least one letter and at least one chip card, in which the letter includes at least a part of the data from the chip card or vice-versa.

The letter may be an accompanying letter which is related to the appended chip card(s), and which, for this reason forms a dispatch unit for the addressee. Such chip cards are held by, for example, the members of a health fund or similar institution, and each contains all the important data associated with this as well as data relating to the card holder which is not subject to data protection. This data is at least partially stored on the chip, and can be read by the doctor providing treatment, using an appropriate reader device, and, if required, can also be printed out and/or stored in a memory. If, for example, a family is insured with a health insurance fund, each family member would need such a chip card, because the data items for the different family members are different.

When dispatching the chip card(s) and accompanying letters, it must be ensured without fail that the data on both media concur; ie that a dispatch unit basically always contains the letter which belongs to the corresponding chip card or vice-versa.

It can be seen immediately that, with the large number of chip cards to be sent, a comparison of letter and chip card can in f act only be carried out in a rational manner by means of an equipment-controlled process. This requires, on the one hand, a suitable process for forming the dispatch units, and, on the other, an appropriate device which will carry out this process without any problems.

According to the process known hitherto, for the formation of such dispatch units, an individual chip card is allocated to each letter and vice-versa. This means, f or example, that a sixperson f amily receives six dispatch units. As a result, the amount of time invested, as well as the financial expenditure, such as postage and dispatch costs, are considerable.

As a result, the task arises of creating a process of the type referred to above, which provides the opportunity of reducing this financial expenditure, attaining time savings, and, at the same time, ensures that correct dispatch units are compiled in each case.

According to the invention, there is provided a process for the formation of a dispatch unit consisting of at least one letter and at least one chip card, with at least part of the data from the chip card being located on the letter or vice-versa, the process comprising the following process stages:

a) at least one finished chip card or a composite group of chip cards are introduced into at least one dispatch envelope suitable for at least one chip card, b) before, during, or after the introduction of the at least one finished chip card into the at least one dispatch envelope, the latter is/are provided with an identification code which, if possible, is identical for all the dispatch envelopes of the dispatch unit in question, c) the at least one letter which pertains to this at least one chip card is provided with an identification code which is identical to that of the at least one dispatch envelope, d) the identification codes of the at least one dispatch envelope and of the at least one letter are machine read and compared with one another, e) if the identification codes which are read are identical, all the dispatch envelopes and letters provided with this code are brought together to form one dispatch unit and this is introduced into a common larger envelope or the like.

The use of dispatch envelopes makes it possible for one or more chip cards to be enclosed in them, for example the chip cards for 11 3 an entire f amily. An individual person would of course likewise receive his or her chip card in the dispatch envelope, in which context the envelope can be identical f or one or more chip cards, for ease of handling.

If several dispatch envelopes are appended to a letter, they have the same identification code as the letter. In view of the fact that. when the letters of a series are printed, the same sequence is maintained as for the creation of the chip cards, it can be guaranteed that the sequence will be maintained when applying the identification code to the letter and to the dispatch envelope (s). If the letter and the dispatch envelope (s) are then collated to form one dispatch unit, both will fall into the correct sequence of a series at the corresponding station. However, before the two are collated, the identification codes on the letter and on the dispatch envelope(s) are checked. These parts of the dispatch unit are only finally combined if the codes match.

In view of the f act that, in the case of several dispatch envelopes per dispatch unit, the first of them feature the same code, provision must be made in a suitable manner for ensuring that all the dispatch envelope (s) with this code are appended to a letter with a specific code. This will accordingly ensure that the dispatch envelope (s) will be conducted to the next f ollowing letter which do in fact belong to that letter.

If it is assumed that every dispatch envelope may accommodate several chip cards, eg three, and that several dispatch envelopes, eg two, can be accommodated in one dispatch unit, then several chip cards can be sent together with one single letter in one dispatch unit; in the example given, at least four to six. In the maximum case, in the embodiment described below, the number of dispatch envelopes and accompanying letters can be reduced to one sixth. At the same time, this also achieves a reduction in transport charges.

4 It is possible to print out on the letter of such a group of chip cards, to be sent, f or example, to a single f amily, all the relevant data provided f or this purpose in a readily-visible manner. For the address, one person can be selected, such as the first person listed.

In a further embodiment of the process, it is proposed that at least a part of the data f rom the chip of each chip card be applied to the latter in plain writing. This is already known per se; it does however make it possible to conduct the usual inspections of the dispatch units, and in principle even random sample inspection, though this is not essential.

Similarly, at least a part of the data from the chip can also be applied in plain writing on the letter, f or example on its reverse side. Because this information is printed out under fully automatic control, no deviations can arise, and the recipient of the dispatch unit can rapidly carry out an inspection of the printed data on the chip card and letter. Should an error be identified in the process, the recipient can quickly contact the sender in order to request a possible replacement. The merging of the letter with the dispatch envelope(s) is put into effect, however, in order to make this clear not on the basis of printed plain writing but on the applied, and in particular printed, identification codes.

A further embodiment of the process makes provision for the fact that the chip cards are checked for completeness of their data sets prior to the application of the identification code to the dispatch envelope, or before the card is placed in the envelope.

In this context, provision is conveniently made for all the chip cards and letters to be printed in the specified and identical sequence, and, in the event of it being established that the data set of a chip card is incomplete, that this card is replaced by a new, correct card, which, in terms of the sequence, replaces that card which is to be removed. In the case of a process which runs automatically, in other words, all chip cards are subject to inspection following laser processing and inscription in plain writing. If it transpires that the laser processing was incomplete, incorrect, or did not take place at all, this chip card will be singled out and removed. However, because it is located at a quite specific place in a sequence, a sequence in which the letters also f ollow one another, the new and usable chip card must be inserted precisely at the position of the card which has been removed.

Accordingly, then, it is of particular advantage that, in the case of automatically-controlled process sequences, during the production and insertion of a new chip card as a replacement for a defective unit, that the procedural cycle be stopped for the cards which f ollow the def ective chip card. Only when the procedural cycle for the new chip cards which have been inserted has been carried out as far as their inspection can the defective stages or the stages which have not yet been undertaken be carried out for the chip cards which follow. In any event, the sequence of chip cards and letters of a specific series will in this way once again concur.

In the case of a process which runs automatically, it is basically not desirable to carry out certain process stages by hand, not even the removal of a defective chip card and the introduction of a new one at the same place within the series. Accordingly, it is proposed, in a further embodiment of the process, that any defective chip card will be automatically screened out, in which case an inspection device for the chip card will actuate a control element. The latter can, for example, actuate an input device in such a way that this will move the replacement chip card into the gap which has been created by the removal of the defective chop card. In order to guarantee at least approximately the synchronous creation of chip cards (laser processing and printing) and the 'Letters pertaining to them, provision is made for the data for the chip cards and the letters are conducted simultaneously to a printer for the

6 letters and to an encoding device f or the chips of the chip cards, and to a printer f or printing of the chip cards with plain writing, in a series in an identical sequence. This results in a swift and fullyautomatic process sequence, and avoids errors almost one hundred percent.

In addition to this, a further embodiment of the process is proposed in which an endless dispatch envelope is subdivided into equal sections or segments, which for preference feature several pockets for a predetermined maximum number of chip cards, and a segment, at least partially filled, is conducted to a dispatch unit, all the segments of a dispatch unit being provided with the same identification code. The endless dispatch envelope corresponds to the usual f ormation of endless print-outs; ie, the envelope can be transported, like a usual endless print-out, by means of an appropriate device, such as with the aid of a perforation. In addition to this, provision can also be made for a transverse perforation arrangement, and, if necessary, further markings, which will allow for the subdivision of the endless dispatch envelopes into largely equal sections or segments, or at least facilitates this. For reasons of easy handling, it is to greater advantage if, even for cases in which such a segment accommodates only one single chip card, the segment should not be made smaller than, for example, a dispatch envelope for three chip cards. Apart from this, such a dispatch envelope may consist of two strip sections, connected to one another, and, in particular, especially adhesively bonded, in which case paper is used for preference for the tape section which is to be printed, while the other strip section can be made, for example, of transparent paper or a similar material, so that the chip card can be viewed and inspected without it having to be removed from the dispatch envelope.

The separation of the individual dispatch envelopes need not necessarily take place immediately after filling with at least one chip card; rather, the entire endless dispatch envelope, with its cards, can be laid out initially in a zig-zag pattern, and f 7 only then separated into the individual segments, if it is intended that the latter should be allocated to its letter. The letters can, of course, also be printed on endless paper; however, it is just as feasible for provision to be made for a stack of paper, from which one sheet is taken for printing at a time.

Provision is also made, in a very pertinent manner, for at least one pocket of each segment to be equipped with a ready-finished chip card, code-controlled by means of a transfer or acceptance device. In this context, it is to advantage if the aperture of each pocket is allocated to the lateral longitudinal edge of the segment, in particular opposite the transport hole strip. Each card is, as a result, inserted transversely to the feed device of the endless dispatch envelope into the pocket of the envelope.

One particularly preferred variant of the process is characterised by the fact that at least one additional code is allocated to the identification code of the dispatch envelope, and at least one second additional code is added to the identification code of the letter. These additional codes can be used in a wide variety of ways, but, in particular, to improve the process sequence and achieve its full automation.

As a result, provision is made in a highly advantageous manner for the number of segments per dispatch unit to be controlled by means of the first additional code. By means of this f irst additional code, for example, it is possible to control two different events, in which context the first actuates when reading out a change of group; ie it signals that only one individual dispatch envelope or one individual segment pertains to one specific letter, while a first additional code which differs from this can signal that at least two such segments are being collected, and should then be appended together to a letter. Thus, the process sequence can be very effectively improved with regard to this important point; ie, the number of segments scheduled for each letter can be enclosed with it fully 8 automatically.

The complete code of each letter and each dispatch envelope, is very conveniently a so-called bar code.

In a further embodiment of the process, it is proposed that the second additional code pertains to a control logic element, by means of which a selected number of features of an automaticallyoperating system can be controlled in a scheduled sequence. This second additional code can be assembled in accordance with the specified control concept in any desired manner, in such a way that the overall device will operate in the planned manner and sequence of the work processes. This include, f or example, work sequences such as the grouping of the documents, the calling up of an inf eed station, the calling up of a cutting device, the page sequence, etc.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for carrying out a process as described above, the apparatus comprising a central unit f or the acceptance of a specified number of chip cards, to which central unit are allocated at least one card f eed device, a chip encoding device, a chip card printing device, a chip inspection device, a sorting and screening device for defective chip cards, and a transf er or acceptance device for usable chip cards, the maximum number of chip cards to be accommodated by the central unit being determined by the number of its card mounts.

A currently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents in a highly schematic manner an interrupted plan view of the device, in the area of the endless dispatch envelope; Figure 2 represents an enlarged section from Figure 1; and h 9 Figure 3 represents a variant on the continuation of the device according to Figure 1.

The core of the device for implementing the process is a central unit 1, which f or preference is designed in the f orm of a carousel, capable of rotation in the direction of the arrow 2. In the embodiment shown, twenty stations are provided on this central unit; however, any other number can also be selected, provide it retains the size within limits and is rational from the point of view of implementation of the process.

With the aid of a card feeder device 3, "raw,, chip cards, ie cards which may already contain a chip but do not yet contain any data, are moved to the central unit 1 - The chip cards are located in at least one magazine 26, for preference magazine carriages, and are transferred to the central unit 1 in such a way that, in each case, the topmost is removed. The transfer can be effected in a conventional manner by means of a slide device, suction device, or similar. In order for this device to find the cards always at the same level, the stack is raised, for example with the aid of a lift, by one card thickness as soon as the chip card on the top has been transf erred to or taken over by the central unit. In the case of several magazines, after one has been emptied, the next one following will be brought or pushed into a position suitable for the handover of the cards.

The central unit 1 contains, as stated. for example, twenty card reception stations. These are allocated one after another to the card feeder device 3. In other words, if, according to the drawing, the card receiver No. 1 is allocated to the card reception device 3, then the card feeder device passes over to this card reception device No. 1, on the basis of an appropriate control command, a "raw" chip card provided with a chip. The central unit 1 is then rotated by one unit. When the card reaches the station '1211, then, in accordance with an appropriate command, the chip encoder device 5 goes into action. With this, the chips of each chip card transferred to the central unit will be programmed one after another. In order, in this context, to be able to adapt to the relatively fast cycle of the card feeder device 3, provision is pref erably made for the programming of each chip to be carried out in two stages, f or example. In station "2", the first part programming takes place, and the second, or remaining, programming is carried out in a following station, eg at station "3". Programming in this instance means, as usual, the electronic storage of data which belongs to this chip card. In a further stage, for example in station I'C', or in a station which is not reached until after further stages, the labelling of the chip card is effected by means of a laser 37, so that at least one part of the contents of the chip can be taken off the card by means of readable script. Naturally, other data can also be provided on the chip card which is not programmed in the chip.

In a station which is reached subsequent to this, for example a station "V or 11911, the chips are examined; ie the programmed chip content is compared with the corresponding data for its programming. If, in this situation, no deviations are encountered, then the card is usable and can be dispatched. However, if a discrepancy is detected between the programmed chip contents and the data provided for this, then this chip card is unusable, and must be taken out of the remainder of the process. In the embodiment shown, this is effected at the station f913@1, where a screening-out device 4 is located, indicated only in schematic form.

The chip card component fitting device 7 can be combined with the chip encoding device 5. Subject to the precondition that no unusable chip cards are present, the programmed and laser processed 'finished, chip cards 13 are taken over by means of a transfer and reception device 8 from the central unit 1, and conducted to the remaining process sequence. The transfer or reception device 8 can be combined with a card insertion device 9, or can be a component of this.

1 11 An endless dispatch envelope 11 is introduced to the card insertion device 9, for example in the direction of the arrow 10. This is divided into individual pockets 14, which in Figure 1 are open to the top, in other words to the station designated "11". Any finished chip card 13 can be pushed from the inside to the outside into the pocket 14 of the dispatch envelope 11 allocated to it. The endless dispatch envelope 11 is, of course, also moved forward in a pulsed or cyclic manner, discussed in greater detail below.

By means of a printer 12, indicated in schematic form, a code 15, in particular a bar code, is printed onto the dispatch envelope 11, already fitted with a chip card 13, by means of a printer 12 indicated in schematic form. This renders the envelope, with the chip card 13 located inside it - there may be several cards, as explained in greater detail below - perfectly identifiable by means of this code 15 or bar code.

The code 15 (referred to hereafter simply as the "bar code")#, is applied to the dispatch envelope in the same sequence as that in which it is also printed on an accompanying letter 16 which pertains to the envelope (Figure 3). If a chip card 13 now becomes unusable, and, as a result, is taken out with the aid of the screening-out device 6, before reaching the transfer or reception device 8 of the central unit 1, then this printing sequence would be disturbed by the bar code. As a result, it is necessary for the station which has become empty (eg "13") to be occupied again by a new, "raw" chip card, and subsequently programmed, labelled, and tested. During the insertion of this "replacement card", with the aid of the card feeder device 3, all the process stages for the other chip cards must be suppressed until the replacement chip card has been completed, tested, and approved. In this context, the card must be in the correct sequence between the usable front and rear cards, and must feature the data which the chip card which was removed would have contained had it been correct. The other cards, already passed over before or handed over afterwards when the "replacement" chip 12 card is introduced into the central unit 1, whether these are cards which are being introduced for the first time or whether they are also replacement cards, are in each case fed into the ongoing process in each case in such a way that only usable cards are handed over at the card insertion device 9, and these are handed over in the absolutely correct allocation to their previous and following cards; ie the devices etc. which were shut down prior to this must be put back in action again in good time, as soon as the replacement card has been input and has been correctly allocated to the cycle or the procedural sequence.

As already indicated, sections must be separated from the endless dispatch envelope 11 which are suitable for dispatch, and which contain at least one finished and error-free chip card.

Due to the fact that the completed chip cards 13, in the card format usually used, are smaller than an envelope 17 for the accompanying letter 16, it is of course possible for dispatch envelope sections or segments 18 which contain more than one chip card 13 to be introduced into this envelope. In the embodiment shown, provision is made for such segments 18 - in Figure 1, for the sake of easy appreciation, only one such segment 18 is shown, although one connects directly to the next one following - to feature three pockets 14, and they could therefore also contain a maximum of three finished cards 13. This means that a family of fourt who should receive four chip cards, must receive two segments 18 with their accompanying letter 16. In this context, there could be three chip cards in the first segment, and the fourth in the second. Whether one segment or more, for example two. need to be introduced to an accompanying letter 16, can be programmed in the bar code of the segment 18, and controlled by means of this. In the same way, it is possible to achieve the situation by means of the control arrangement whereby one, two, or three cards 13 enter into one segment. If it is intended, f or example, that only one single chip card 13 should be introduced into a segment 18, then the transport arrangement for the endless dispatch envelope 11 should be controlled accordingly. It is 13 possible, for example, to move the next segment to f ollow, which has not yet been separated, or the endless dispatch envelope 11, forwards by two steps, so that the chip card 13 which follows next comes into the middle pocket 14 of the next segment. If the central unit 1 is then rotated further by one unit, then the endless dispatch envelope must be moved forward by at least two steps. If it is also intended that only one single card should be introduced at that location, a rotary step of the central unit, combined with a further movement of the endless dispatch envelope by three advance steps is necessary.

At the appropriate moment, ie if, as a departure from Figure 2, no provision is made for interim storage of the fitted endless envelope, a cutting device 19 separates the individual segments 18 from the endless dispatch envelope 11. This need not necessarily take place after leaving the card insertion device 9; rather, the segments can first be laid down, connected to each other, in an intermediate storage arrangement in zigzag fashion (Figure 2), and separation of the individual segments does not then take place until later, or at a different location. These segments are then combined in each case with the letter or accompanying letter 16 which pertains to them, this featuring the same bar code 15 as is featured by at least one segment 18.

An inspection device 20 inspects the identity of the bar code 15 on the segment 18, and the accompanying letter 16, and does not merge them both together until it is established that there is no difference between them. In this context, it can also be checked and confirmed whether a segment 18 or two segments 18 should be appended to the accompanying letter 16.

As a result, it can be ensured that the correct segment(s) 18 is or are allocated to each letter 16, and that the correct chip cards 13, in the correct number, are also located in the segment(s) 18.

The advantage of this process lies in the fact that the chip 14 cards 13 can be sent to the correct addressee without error, and the addressee will also receive all the chip cards 13. It is therefore sufficient to use one accompanying letter 16 for all card recipients of this consignment, which is addressed, for example, to the head of the family. It is also possible, however, controlled in turn by the bar code 15, for the data f or all family members to be printed out, to the extent that this is provided for and is permissible in law.

It f ollows f rom. this that the f inished chip cards 13, af ter being programmed and laser processed, do not lie around either in stacks or individually in the dispatch department, and, as a result, are not accessible and cannot be mixed up. From manufacture to dispatch, they are constantly being monitored, and this also guarantees the hundred percent correct correspondence of the chip card 13 and accompanying letter 16 with the shortest processing sequence. It is also important that the chip does not need to be read out in order for a comparison to be made between the card 13 and the letter 16; ie the corresponding establishment of contact is avoided, which could lead to sources of error.

The magazine 26 can, for example, accommodate three hundred or more "raw" cards, ie cards which contain an unprogrammed chip. The transfer to the central unit 1 can, as indicated, be ef f ected for example by means of an appropriate suction device. The bar code 15 can, for example, be printed out by means of an inkjet printer on the letter 16 and segment 18.

An order can be subdivided into several batches, which are sequentially numbered. Based on this, the bar code of the accompanying letter 16 can be made up from several different part codes, such as one part code f or the batch number, and a part code following that for the serial number inside the batch. With this identification code, both the letters 16 as well as the segments 18 can be inspected with no trouble at all, and merged together to form one dispatch unit 23. In a further embodiment, however, provision is made for at least one

additional code 21 to be added to the identification code 15 of the dispatch envelope or the segment 18. By means of this, it is possible to control whether one segment 18 or several segments should be appended to a letter 16. The first additional code 21 may contain, for example, the statement that only one segment 18 belongs to a specific letter 16. An initial additional code 21, which differs from this, issues the command for the segments 18 to be collected which belong to one and the same accompanying letter 16. If it is intended that a maximum of two segments 18 should be added to an accompanying letter 16, then two initial additional codes 21, differing from one another, will be sufficient for the accompanying letter 16.

At least one second additional code 22 can be added to the letter 16 itself. In the illustrated exampler this is used to accommodate at least one, but for preference several, control commands for a control logic element. This element ensures that.. of the equipment units pertaining to the device according to the invention, and similar equipment, it is always those which are selected by means of this control logic element, at the planned moment and in the correct cycle sequence, which will ensure that the further steps, such as cutting off the segments 18, the merging of the latter with the letter 16, the sealing of the envelope, etc. will be carried out correctly. This accordingly guarantees a fully- automatic sequence with one hundred percent security and reliability with respect to the content of the letter.

If it is determined in the examination device 20 that an accompanying letter 16 and a segment 18 do not belong together, they can be separated in the direction of the arrow 24. The accompanying letters 16 are printed by means of a printer 25, with at least the code 15, 22, but for preference also with the data specified and to be notified from the chip card 13. The accompanying letters, for preference already printed with the same general text in each case, are drawn from a magazine 26, and 16 conducted to the process in the direction of the arrow 27.

W In Figures 1 and 2, a laser control cabinet 29, with a monitor 30 and a keyboard 31 can be seen, as well as an additional keyboard for printing the dispatch envelope 11 and a display 33, with a signal light at the text application laser 27. In addition to this, Figure 2 shows an empty pocket container 34 and the transport path 35 to the intermediate storage point 28. From there, the onward transport route is shown in schematic form, as per Figure 3. The keyboard 36 belongs to the bar code printer 12. A bar code reader is designated as 37. An additional or alternative card insertion device 38 is indicated in Figures 1 and 2. Personalisation is effected in the system section 39.

17

Claims (25)

Claims

1. A process for the formation of a dispatch unit consisting of at least one letter and at least one chip card, with at least part of the data from the chip card being located on the letter or vice-versa, the process comprising the following process stages:

a) at least one finished chip card or a composite group of chip cards are introduced into at least one dispatch envelope suitable for at least one chip card, b) before, during. or after the introduction of the at least one finished chip card into the at least one dispatch envelope, the latter is /are provided with an identif ication code which, if possible, is identical f or all the dispatch envelopes of the dispatch unit in question, c) the at least one letter which pertains to this at least one chip card is provided with an identification code which is identical to that of the at least one dispatch envelope, d) the identification codes of the at least one dispatch envelope and of the at least one letter are machine read and compared with one another, e) if the identification codes which are read are identical, all the dispatch envelopes and letters provided with this code are brought together to f orm one dispatch unit and this is introduced into a common larger envelope or the like.

2. A process according to Claim 1, wherein at least part of the data f rom the chip of each chip card is applied to the chip card in plain writing.

3. A process according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein at least part of the data f rom the chip is applied in plain writing to the letter.

4. A process according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the chip cards are checked for completeness of their data sets before the application of the identification code to the 18 dispatch envelope concerned, or prior to insertion into this.

5. A process according to Claim 4, wherein all the chip cards and letters are printed in a specified and identical sequencef and, in the event of any incompleteness being determined in the data set of a chip card, this card is replaced by a new, correct chip card, which is inserted in respect of the sequence in place of the card which is to be screened out or has been screened out

6. A process according to any preceding claim, wherein, in an automatically-controlled operating sequence. during the production and sorting of a new chip card as a replacement card f or a defective card, the process sequence f or the chip cards following the defective chip card is stopped.

7. A process according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein all defective chip cards are automatically screened out, an inspection device for the chip cards controlling a control device.

8. A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the data for the chip cards and the letters are conducted simultaneously to a printer for the letters and to an encoding device for the chip of the chip card, and to a printer for the printing of the chip card with plain writing, in a series and in the same sequence.

9. A process according to any preceding claim, wherein an endless dispatch envelope is divided into equal sections or segments, which for preference feature several pockets for a predetermined maximum number of chip cards, and a segment, at least partially filled, is conducted to a dispatch unit, all the segments of a dispatch unit being provided with the same identification code.

10. A process according to Claim 9, wherein at least one pocket of each segment is fitted with a finished chip card, code- 19 controlled by means of a transfer or reception device.

11. A process according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one first additional code is added to the identification code of the dispatch envelope, and at least one second additional code is added to the identification code of the letter.

12. A process according to Claim 11, wherein the total code of each letter and of each dispatch envelope or each segment is a bar code.

13. A process according to Claim 12, wherein the number of segments per dispatch unit is controlled by means of the first additional code.

14. A process according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the second additional code belongs to a control logic elementr by means of which all the features of an automatically-operating device can be controlled in a preselected number and sequence.

15. Apparatus for carrying out the process according to at least one of Claims 1 to 14, comprising a central unit f or the acceptance of a specified number of chip cards, to which central unit are allocated at least one card f eed device, a chip encoding device, a chip card printing device, a chip inspection device, a sorting and screening device for defective chip cards, and a transfer or acceptance device for usable chip cards, the maximum number of chip cards to be accommodated by the central unit being determined by the number of its card mounts.

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the central unit is designed in the form of a carousel.

17. Apparatus according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the card feed device comprises at least one magazine with a raisable base and a transfer device for the topmost chip card.

18. Apparatus according to Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the central unit or the carousel unit are rotatable in stages, and feature a specified number of defined rotational positions, whereby, in an initial rotational position a chip card can be handed over into a card mounting element which is allocated to the card feed device, and, in a subsequent rotational position, for example the second defined rotational position, this card is allocated to the chip encoding device.

19. Apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein, in further defined positions of the central unit, each chip card is allocated to the other devices of Claim 15 one after another, until finally, one after another, each usable chip card is located in the transfer or acceptance device.

20. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 15 to 19, wherein a card insertion device is allocated to the transfer or acceptance device, or is a constituent part of it, the card insertion device being equipped with a controllable, cyclicallyoperating feed device for the endless dispatch envelope.

21. Apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the card insertion device is connected to a printer, preferably an ink jet printer, for the identification code of the dispatch envelopes or segments, or is allocated to this.

22. Apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein there is provided a second printer for the application of an identification code to the letters, the letters and envelope segments which belong together having the same identification code.

23. Apparatus according to Claim 22, wherein there is provided an inspection device for the inspection of the identification code of a dispatch unit consisting of a letter and at least one segment with at least one finished chip card, which forwards the dispatch unit to a postal dispatch device only if the identification codes match.

i 21

24. A process for the formation of a dispatch unit consisting of at least one letter and at least one chip card, substantially as hereinbefore described.

25. Apparatus for the formation of a dispatch unit consisting of at least one letter and at least one chip card, substantially as hereinbef ore described and as illustrated in the accompanying Figures.