JPS6392458A - Postage total system - Google Patents

Abstract

A postal meter system includes a matrix printer for printing postage data on an envelope or label. The print elements of the matrix print are formed at their imprint impart end in a non-dot geometric shape so that the discrete imprint formed on the envelope or label may be recognized and to provide a secure postage indicia imprint. An alternative print system using curvilinear arrays of print elements is also provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an impact matrix printing system for use in postage meters for printing postage indicia with anti-counterfeiting properties.

[Conventional technology]

A postage meter or postage needle is a device used to print instead of stamps. Postage stamps are securities and are subject to counterfeiting. A postage meter is a device that prints a replacement for postage stamps directly on envelopes or labels. Toll meters must be certified by the authorities before they can be used for printing tolls.

Since rate meters are actually security printing devices, these devices are required by authorities to be secure for accounting functions, i.e. to track and accurately report the amount of postage issued and to print on envelopes, tapes or labels. There is a need to be secure about printed indicia representing printed charges.

In most cases, postage meters are rented outside the post office. Typically, the person using the device prepays for the amount of the fee it will print or issue. A scheduled amount is set in the device by the authority and the device issues this amount in the desired increments. Addition and subtraction registers within this device store the current amount of issued charges (addition register) and the remaining amount relative to the due amount (subtraction register).

These registers use various techniques and are extremely secure against modifications and alterations.

Previously, postage meters used mechanical devices to set and print postage values and to perform accounting.

Various accounting functions were maintained by mechanical registers, and different mechanical interlocks were used to protect against charges being printed by the meter without changing the values in the registers. .

The actual printing of charges on so-called envelopes, such as envelopes, tapes, or labels, was accomplished by a printing drum that was rotated as the envelope passed through the printing stage of the charge meter. This drum was die-shaped, had extremely complex markings that were extremely difficult and time-consuming to reproduce, and was therefore highly deterrent to counterfeiting. The stamp on the drum is for identification of the particular postage meter that uses the drum, and identifies the post office that will process mail from that postage meter. By identifying this drum as a rate printing part, the postal meter using the drum can be identified, and thus the person to whom the device was transferred can be identified. By identifying the office that processes mail from the postal meter, this limits the use of the postal meter to a particular area and makes the particular postal meter operational within the area limits of the actual identified station. The drum also prints the date and printed charges. These are variable data set by the postal meter user.

Characteristics of mechanical postage meters have been their ruggedness, reliability, and safety, along with the ability to be repaired quickly and relatively easily when they are not functioning properly so as to minimize downtime.

Recently, electronic postage meters have been used. An example is shown in US Pat. No. 4,251,874. Current electronic postal accounts use electronic memory banks or elements to maintain accounting functions traditionally performed by mechanical registers.

The electronic unit is computerized using a central processing unit, which is a microprocessor or other type of computer, to provide computing functionality and program fidelity.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

One problem with such electronic postage meters is that the devices themselves cannot be fully computerized because they use mechanical printing devices to print the rate stamps. The electronic control system and mechanical The operating speed of the mechanical device with which it interfaces with the printing device slows down the electronic postal needle, ie, the cycle of motion.

A fully electronic postal meter is filed under U.S. Patent Application Section 515.07
No. 6 (application filed July 1983, 18F1). However, in this device the indicium is printed with a matrix printer and secured by dropping or shifting elements within the indicia as a function of the information being printed.

Most matrix printers, whether dot matrix or inkjet, are readily available and easily programmable to perform any desired printing, and the programs themselves are very easily modifiable and replicable. Programmability and the possibility of ease of modifying or copying the program itself creates security problems that postal authorities seek to avoid.

[Failure to solve the problem]

The present invention provides a fully integrated electronic postal needle and high performance high speed invacuum I-mail having a computer-controlled calculation and control system and an electronic memory bank to maintain the required accounting functions.
-z Provides a trix printing device.

[For production]

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an impact matrix printing device for use as a printing element in a mailbox for printing rate stamps on envelopes, forming characters or designs according to a programmed matrix character pattern. The printing element used for printing has a predetermined shape at its impact point or edge. Such predefined shapes may be squares or other shapes such as rectangles, triangles or stars, letters, numbers, etc. that are different from the predetermined non-dot pattern or conventional dot matrix printers. This non-standard shape of the impact point of the printing element is referred to as a non-dot shape.

By changing the shape of the impact point of such a printing element, the security guarantee in the printing function of the postal meter is improved since potential counterfeiters face the difficulty of changing the respective printing element of the matrix printer. Security in the printing function of Postal = 1 with such modified printing elements is that each printing element is actuated individually and is part of a pattern forming a character that is unique for printing on standard matrix printers. You are not at risk because you create some individual imprint. If one looks carefully, this unique character or imprint is easily discernible and counterfeit toll indicia without such can be readily detected.

Such a modification of the tip of the printing element provides security in the printing function, limiting the intended design to a specific postal area or post office printing indicia.

It improves because it gets wet. This further limits and reduces printing problems regarding security and its limitations in such areas.

Matrix printheads, which are generally rectangular and hold a plurality of printing elements used to force ink onto a recording medium, such as paper, to form printed indicia, are also used when printing characters or other indicia. The printing elements in curvilinear relationship can be curved so that they are actuated relative to the inked medium to give the paper a unique shape.

This new printhead provides a printed rate indicia with a unique curved design incorporated into the printed indicia for direct recognition when used in a printer in a postage needle.

High speed matrix printing devices, such as the Invac I dot matrix printer, are well known. Impact dot matrix printers provide a printhead that supports a plurality of printing elements, typically wires or bins arranged in a column or rows or rows. These elements are individually and selectively actuated as a group in well known manner to print characters as the head and paper move relative to each other. The individual elements have respective indicia which form individual imprints on paper or other media when actuated against an ink medium such as an ink ribbon, and these imprints are combined with others to form the desired character. Form.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,800,386 shows one configuration of a printhead that holds printing elements in multiple rows. U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,631 shows another printing element with a drive element. U.S. Patent No. 4.167.342 relates to a technique for increasing the printing speed of dot matrix printers;
Nos. 246,948 and 4,268,180 show other forms of printing elements with regard to printing element failure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,508□463 relates to the print quality of dot matrix printers.

By configuring the print head so that at least two parallel interior portions of the head are parallel and curved, the print elements carried by the head are in a curved relationship to each other. When a row of printing elements is held in the head, the row of elements has parallel inner portions that are curved. When multi-row elements are retained in the head, they have a curvilinear relationship in one direction, ie, a straight relationship in one direction and a curve in the other direction. Moreover, the opposing inner parts have a parallel curved relationship. This structure holds multi-row elements in a bidirectional curvilinear relationship.

When the printing elements are arranged in such a relationship to the head, the imprint imparted to the paper or the like during the printing process forms characters with inherent curves, as opposed to characters made with straight lines.

This curvilinear configuration of the head, which holds the elements in such a curvilinear relationship, is difficult to duplicate and acts as a deterrent to potential counterfeiters.

Essentially, the present invention contemplates a fully integrated electronic postage system that provides a matrix printer for printing postal indicia using a non-standard matrix. Such non-standard matrices are matrices of non-dot-shaped individual imprints or curved matrices.

〔Example〕

The electronic postage system shown in Figure 1 has the form of a dual housing supported by a common mount.

The control unit 10 incorporates computerized electronics including a central processing unit and memory bank for postal accounting and storage of critical accounting data. Unit 10 has programmable devices and interface connections for data transmission and reception. Internal interlocks are also provided to ensure reliability and safety.

Meter unit 11 includes a printer 12, such as a matrix printer, mounted within the housing and controlled by unit 10. Connections between the control unit and the meter unit pass through the mount 14, which provides support and protection for such interconnect circuitry. An envelope 13 is shown in the printing stage and as it passes through the printing slot a postal indicia is printed in its upper front corner indicating the charge, date, meter registration number, station name, and other indicia.

Unit 10 and meter unit 11 are secured to a mount 14 which supports and protects from unauthorized entry and/or modification the interconnect circuitry (not shown) between the control unit and meter unit. Locking mechanisms and interlocks may be provided to prevent removal or modification of the control unit 10 and/or meter unit 11 from the mount 14 to ensure the safety of the postal meter and/or its computer. In other designs, the control unit and the metering unit, including the matrix printer, are fixed in one housing, which housing is protected against unauthorized entry, dismantling and/or modification.

If the control unit 10 and meter unit 11 are housed as separate units but not mounted on a mount that acts as a conduit for the interconnect circuit, this interconnect circuit may be sealed and armored against modification. Additionally, it is desirable to make the printing mechanism electronically secure. This means that once the matrix printer itself is removed, the printer will function only with non-standard electronic interlocks, safety codes and or other protocols required to operate the particular printer as a single unit. This can be done by using non-standard electronic interlocks, safety codes and/or other protocols built into the drive.

The control unit 10 includes a keyboard for the entry of data including, for example, the setting of the price and date to be printed. Other data that can be entered using this keyboard are calls to the combicoater, such as the prepaid amount, how much of the prepaid amount has been used, and how much is left of the prepaid amount, and this meter. There are calls for other functions provided by

A digital reader 16 is provided on the top of the keyboard.

FIG. 2 shows one form of postal indicia printed on the upper right corner of envelope 20. This indicia includes the charge 21 given to the envelope. In reality, this fee represents the exact amount subtracted from the prepaid fee within the postal needle bearing this indicia. This postal revision is also confirmed by the meter number 23 with a seal. Further, the post office that processes a particular mail item from a particular postal service is indicated by 24, and 1] with 25 is imprinted thereon.

This station's area code is also included. In addition to the data printed within the seal, an eagle symbol and stars are used to further complicate the seal.

With the appropriate program, this postal stamp is printed by a matrix printer. The matrix printer is placed in the meter unit 1 shown in FIG. Once the fare is set on the meter via the keyboard and the date is entered,
Both variables of this indicia are produced and a metered charge indicia is printed on the envelope as it passes through the printing slot of the meter unit 11.

As is well known, according to a program, the printing elements are individually actuated in a pattern to create a desired character, text or information by means of a plurality of imprints on the envelope.

Since these elements are operated independently and individually, 1
The imprints created by this operation are individual and can be confirmed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic postage meter including the impact matrix printer 11. The control unit 10 is the power supply 3
], including a keyboard 1-5 and a display 16.

The keyboard interfaces at 32 to the combicoater CPU 33.

The CPU may be a microprocessor or other computer. The CPU has computing functions 7 and generally monitors the electronic system. The CPU receives instructions from the keyboard, sets the display accordingly, and provides information. Non-volatile memory stores prepayment amount, addition,
Store-1 functions such as subtraction and other record keeping functions provided to this system. ROM 35 is permanently programmed with system functions. RAM36
is a portion of memory that is variable via the keyboard and provides the code for the amount and date to be printed.

The RAM provides a trip control that ensures that charges are printed only according to the values set therein. The print logic 37 is connected to the print element 4 in the head 39.
0 for pattern printing to enable the drive of a particular printing element in a particular pattern to print the desired character or indicia. The print station drive drives the envelope out of the station to create relative motion between the head and the envelope 13.

In the preferred embodiment, each printing element, such as 40 in FIG. 4, includes a non-dot shaped ink ribbon strike head 41, such as a modified diamond shape. When the printing element 40 is actuated by the drive toward an ink ribbon (not shown) in the direction of arrow 38 to strike the ribbon and place an imprint on the envelope, this imprint becomes individual and other The printing element is located within a printing element retainer 42 and is actuated by driving an actuator from an actuating head 43 through the support.

Figure 4a shows examples of different non-dot shapes in a-. Obviously these shapes are not representative of all shapes of printing elements. The shape of the ribbon strike head can be made by extrusion, molding, forging, etc.

The printing element 40 may have the shape over its entire length, or it may have the shape only in the strike head portion 41, as shown in phantom in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows one form of recording head 50 that supports an array of print element retainers 53. FIG. The printhead is defined by a frame with straight sides 56,57 and curved ends 51,52.

This shape includes several apertures defined at the sides and ends, each supporting a plurality of print element retainers 53;
The printing element is then inserted into the hole 54 in the retainer.

The retainer 53 in FIG. 5 is generally rectangular, but the retainer 53 in FIG.
It may be cylindrical as shown in 2.

The recording head 50 has a curved line in one direction (horizontal direction) and a straight line in the other direction (longitudinal direction), but the longitudinal sides of the opening are arranged so that the printing elements in the same array have a curved relationship in both directions. It may also be a curved line.

Although FIG. 5 shows head 50 holding the retainer array as multiple rows, heads supporting one row or one column of elements may be used in impact matrix printers. In that case, the longitudinally parallel inner portions of the head would be parallel and curved to support the element rows in a curved relationship.

Also, the printing elements, whether linear rectangular arrays or rows, unidirectional curvilinear arrays or rows, or bidirectional curvilinear arrays, have the same non-dot shaped pre-shaped strike head. Combinations of these can also be used if desired.

FIG. 6a shows the case where the number 2 is printed by an impact matrix printer using a printing element array having a triangular strike head in a unidirectional curved relationship. The triangular imprint 60 together with the background line 62 forms a character.

Figure 6b shows the letter W printed with a triangular strike head in a unidirectional curved array, but the background line is omitted.

Figure 7a shows the number 2 printed on an impact matrix printer using an array of printing elements held in a recording head in bi-directional curvilinear relationship. In this case the individual imprints are dots as shown at 70.

FIG. 7b shows the letter W printed as a bidirectional curve.

With appropriate programming, it is also possible to print the indicia in a curvilinear relationship using a linear rectangular array of printing elements. Therefore, while a recording head supporting a curved element array provides considerable security guarantees for postal indicia printing, the use of preformed non-dot shaped or deformed motif strike heads is not suitable for impact dot matrix printing systems. This technology provides a high level of safety assurance that has not been achieved to date.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, the possibility of alteration or forgery of a postal meter is extremely reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic postal needle system suitable for use in the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a portion of an envelope on which a postal stamp is printed, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic mailing needle using an impact matrix printer. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a non-dot type strike head, Figure 4a is a diagram showing another example of a non-dot type strike head, and Figure 5 is a print having a curved parallel end and a straight parallel side. Figure 6a showing an example of a head
Figures 6a and 6b show two characters with a unidirectional curve supported printing element, and Figures 7a and 7b show two characters with a standard dot printing element supported in a bidirectional curve. be. 10... Control unit, 11... Meter unit,
12...Printer, 13.20...Envelope, 14...
・Mount, 15... Keyboard, 16... Reading device, 31... Power supply, 32... Interface, 33
...CPU, 35...ROM, 36...RAM. 39...Print head, 40...Print element, 4
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Strike head, 42... Printing element retainer, 43... Operating head, 50... Recording head. Applicant's representative Mr. Sato FIG, 6b FIG, 7b

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. At least one piece of postage stamp data to be printed
a system controller including operable devices for setting a copy and processing and storing postal accounting data; and a controller for temporarily storing said at least one copy for purposes other than postal accounting; a postal indicia printer responsive to said controller for printing a toll indicia comprising said at least one on an envelope or label, said postal indicia printer having at least a first side and a second end connected thereto; a print head having a second side connected to the section and a first end connected to the second side and the first side defining an aperture for holding at least one column of print elements in a predetermined array; a printing element drive provided for each of said printing elements for actuating one printing element in the associated printing element field; and said envelope for printing a toll indicia characterized by a non-standard matrix; or a toll indicia printer including a marking logic device for selectively energizing said drive in a predetermined pattern to actuate selected printing elements for individual printing on a label; A postage meter system characterized by printing a safety rate stamp on the rate meter. 2. The patent characterized in that the opening is rectangular, each of the printing elements includes at least a striking end and an actuating end, and the striking end of at least some of the printing elements does not have a dot shape. A postage meter system according to claim 1. 3. The opening is rectangular, each of the printing elements includes a striking end and an actuating end, and the striking end of each printing element does not have a dot shape. Postage meter system as described in section. 4. The postage meter system of claim 1, wherein the first and second sides of the print head are curved and parallel to each other. 5. The first and second sides of the printhead are curved and parallel to each other, and the first and second sides are curved and parallel to each other.
A postage meter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the ends are curved and parallel to each other. 6. The postage meter system of claim 1, wherein the apertures support the array in columns and columns and the printing elements of at least one column are curved. 7. A metering control device comprising an operable device for at least setting the amount and date of postage to be printed as part of said rate stamp and for processing and storing postal accounting information; a temporary storage device for trip control of a printer that stores the charge amount and data in accordance with the operation and prints the charge stamp; a control device for a programmable print element drive device; a print element drive device; a print head; , comprising a plurality of printing elements, the plurality of printing elements being arranged in at least one column within the printhead, each printing element being associated with a respective one of the printing element drives, and controlling the programmable printing element drive. The apparatus energizes selected print element drives to cause actuation of said print elements to create a discrete print pattern on an envelope or label to form a toll indicia characterized by a non-standard matrix. a permanent programming device and said operable device to set up said printing elements to produce another discrete printing pattern on said envelope or label to form a non-standard matrix representing said charge amount and date; a matrix printer responsive to said temporary storage device, the matrix printer being responsive to said temporary storage device, said matrix printer including a temporary programming device for activating and energizing selected print element drives; A postage meter characterized by printing a postage stamp. 8. The charge according to claim 7, wherein each of the printing elements includes a striking head for printing on the envelope or label, at least some of which are non-dot shaped. Total. 9. The charge meter according to claim 8, wherein each of said printing elements has a striking head for printing on said envelope or label, and each of said heads has a non-dot shape. 10. The charge meter according to claim 9, wherein the striking heads are non-dot, some of which are different from others. 11. A charge meter according to claim 8, characterized in that at least some of the striking heads of the printing element are non-dot-shaped and some of them are different from others. 12. The charge meter according to claim 7, wherein the printing elements in at least one column are curved. 13. The charge meter according to claim 7, further comprising an ink carrier device disposed between the envelope or label and the printing element, and wherein the matrix printer is an impact matrix printer. 14. A device for inputting a selected fee amount; a device responsive to the input device for accounting for said amount; and a non-standard matrix selected from the group for representing accounting for said amount in response to said accounting device. A postage meter characterized by comprising: a device for printing an indicia consisting of individual printing patterns. 15. The postage meter according to claim 14, wherein the individual printing consists of non-dot-shaped individual printing. 16. The postage meter according to claim 14, wherein the non-standard matrix is a curved matrix.