EP1058213A2 - Device for loading postal rate tables - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement has a switch component group (20') arranged between a franking machine meter (10) and a modem (23') on one side and weighing scales (22) and postage calculator (22') on the other. A control conductor (245) links the switch group (20) so that the postage calculator can be linked directly to the modem and the postage tariff update table.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for loading tariff tables according to the Preamble of claim 1. The arrangement is for use in franking machines trained and for shared use for postage computer scales intended. The invention aims to load new ones faster Postage fee tables in a postage-calculating balance, which for future use in a postage calculator from a changeover date are provided.

From DE 38 23 719 C2 and US 41 38 735 it is known that reloading a tariff table for postage fees from a remote data center at certain times. If the data exchange from Server of the data center is initiated, the franking machine must constantly remain switched on, which is of course disadvantageous.

Alternatively, it was proposed in US 5,490,077 and US 5,606,508, initiate data loading from the franking machine on demand, whereby after switching on the franking machine, the database in Depending on conditions (such as name, date) is updated. To timely the majority of postal customers with a tariff table equip the latter in a memory well before it comes into force a means of transmission (chip card or cell of a GSM network) saved separately from the franking machine. When you turn on the Franking machine becomes the date of the calendar block of the Franking machine used or with other entered Conditions linked to select the table that is at Commissioning of the franking machine is loaded into its memory. When loading from a memory of the transmission medium into the memory The franking machine updates the previous table.

From US 5,710,706 (EP 724 141 A1) is a data entry in a Scales known, which interface with a franking machine is connected to update rate table data with data. The The data is loaded from a remote data center using a modem to the franking machine. The loading and updating takes place immediately successively. If there is information that tariff table data are to be updated, they are loaded and, if necessary, under Buffering tariff table data in the franking machine and a sector-by-sector deletion of the old postage table in the non-volatile Memory of the balance before the new tariff table data is transferred from the buffer of the franking machine to the scale and the Write the new tariff table data in the non-volatile memory the scales. Several tables can be stored in the scale. However, each table refers to a separate mail carrier (Carrier), which can be selected via the keyboard. The Minimum validity date for a carrier identification number CIN assigned tariff table is saved and is from the Postage meter machine evaluated to request data if necessary form for loading new tariff table data or for updating in the memory of the scale according to the CIN. However, it is The minimum validity date is also the changeover date from an old one to a new tariff table, then there is a traffic jam in the communication with the data center if the franking machines are mostly with of this data center want to communicate on the same day.

US 5,448,641 is a postal fee system with a validity check known in the terminal on the user side. The postage rate table is transmitted from the data center to the terminal. Also one for Postage rate table associated code is from the data center to Transfer terminal. The latter generates a comparison code from a Information based on the postage rate table received. Based on the Comparison of the received code with the generated comparison code can the validity of the received postage rate table in the terminal be checked. The terminal can thus use the transmitted Verify postage rate table. To reduce congestion in the Communication with the data center when the franking machines the majority communicate with this data center on the same day would have to use a very large number of modems, what increases the effort in a data center. The traffic jam results Communication problems. The latter leads to a number of devices Extension of the conversion process to a new postage fee table. During this time, the user can view the affected devices do not operate for mail processing.

In the aforementioned US 5,710,706, the scale uses the modem of the Franking machine for loading tariff tables. The time of loading will determined by the postage meter which the date data evaluates. In a unpublished German application 198 43 252.6-53, the charging is triggered by the device that the Postage calculator contains. If a postage-bearing balance is connected to a Franking machine is connected, which contains a modem the loading data by the I / O controller of the franking machine smuggled through. The charging rate is therefore only low.

The invention has for its object an arrangement develop the speed of data transmission to postage computer scales essential when reloading postage rate tables can increase. On the part of the data center, the process of supply all postage calculators with a new postage fee table shorten, but without increasing the effort in the data center increase. The postage rate table of any carrier should be on Request can be loaded into the corresponding memory of the scale.

The task is performed with the features of the arrangement according to the claim 1 solved.

This solution is based on the arrangement of a controlled one Switch external or within a franking machine, which an interface to at least one modem and possibly to a postage computer scale has, a postage calculator of a scale the switch controls, so that the modem and the postage computer purpose Tariff table shops are functionally linked directly.

The franking machine is, for example, of the T1000C type and the postage computer scale is for example of the type MS 3000. An interface of the Postage meter to the modem serves to top up the credit and is for this purpose over four lines with the controlled changeover switch connected. It is possible that a relay with an appropriate number on changeover contacts or a number of relays for changeover be used. If the number for a commercially available relay type more relays are used on changeover contacts. It is advantageous if the relays by means of field effect transistors or other electronic switches can be realized. The arrangement of the Switch module increases the charging rate for the postage computer. The advantage of the solution is based on the fact that the reload data is no longer have to run through a (control) circuit of the franking machine, which turns out to be a bottleneck, but now by switching the Switch directly to the postage computer scale, what the speed the data transmission to the scale when reloading postage rate tables significantly increased. This does not make the data center blocked unnecessarily long by the participant (postage calculator / scales).

As an alternative to the version as an internal modem switch, there is one Execution as an external modem switch module possible. A External modem switch module can also be used with a Postage calculator can be combined.

Loading takes place on demand and separately from the update of the Tariff table data in the postage calculator. The transfer and storage of a new postage fee table in the postage calculator can be on demand or carried out automatically at a first point in time become. Updating rate table data becomes a second Time automatically carried out. The postage calculator is in the balance of the mail processing system. The scale contains one Keyboard with a release button for loading and a memory for Storage of postage rate tables.

Figur 1a,

Blockschaltbild einer Frankiermaschine mit Anschluß zu einer Portorechner-Waage,

Figur 1b,

Blockschaltbild einer Portorechner-Waage,

Figur 2,

Blockschaltbilddetail mit einer internen Modem-Umschalter-Baugruppe für den Einsatz in einer Frankiermaschine,

Figur 3,

Blockschaltbild mit externer Umschalter-Baugruppe,

Figur 4,

Blockschaltbild mit externer Modem-Umschalter-Baugruppe,

Figur 5a,

Blockschaltbild mit externer Porto-PC- & Umschalter-Baugruppe im Schaltzustand Tariftabellenladen,

Figur 5b,

Blockschaltbild mit externer Porto-PC- & Umschalter-Baugruppe im Schaltzustand Portoguthabennachladen.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are shown in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1a,

Block diagram of a franking machine with connection to a postage computer scale,

Figure 1b,

Block diagram of a postage calculator scale,

Figure 2,

Block diagram detail with an internal modem switch module for use in a franking machine,

Figure 3,

Block diagram with external changeover module,

Figure 4,

Block diagram with external modem switch module,

Figure 5a,

Block diagram with external postage PC & switch module in the switching state loading tariff tables,

Figure 5b,

Reload block diagram with external postage PC & switch module in the switching state postage credit.

FIG. 1 a shows a block diagram of a franking machine with a connection to a postage computer scale 3 and with the changeover switch module 20 according to the invention. The latter has connections to an external postage computer scale 22 and to a MODEM 23 which establishes communication with a data center. The input / display means 2, 3 and the assembly 20 are coupled via an input / output control module 4 to a control device 6 which is connected to a volatile working memory 7 and non-volatile memories 5a, 5b and 8, 9, 18 and 11, respectively. They are intended for the storage of postal register data and other data, which include the variable or the constant parts of the franking image, and / or programs for data processing in connection with the postal transport or service which the carrier has to provide. A character memory 9 supplies the necessary print data for the variable parts of the franking image to the volatile working memory 7. The aforementioned means 2 to 9, 11 and 18 form the actual meter 10, which can be removed from a base with its own housing in the JetMail® franking machine is trained. The base or franking machine can have the modem 23 and, as further input means 21, a chip card reading unit. Newer franking machines use digital printers 17, such as inkjet printers for the first time in the JetMail® franking machines or thermal transfer printers in the T1000 franking machines. In principle, this makes it possible to print other information, or any other way, on a filled letter in the area of the franking stamp, which is related to a service provided by a carrier. It is therefore easy to switch between private mail carriers and your services. The franking stamp imprint therefore advantageously contains a reference to the carrier and / or the service used or still being planned. The control device 6 has a microprocessor μP, which with the input / output control module 4, with the character memory 9, with the volatile working memory 7 and with the non-volatile working memories 5a, 5b, with a non-volatile working memory 18 and program memory 11, with the motor a transport or feed device, possibly with a strip release 12, an encoder 13 and a battery-supported clock / date module 8. The memories 5a, 8 and 9, 11, 18 can be realized in the form of a single or a plurality of separate components (battery-based CMOS-RAM's or EPROM). The memory module which comprises the non-volatile working memory 5b can be, for example, an EEPROM which is secured against removal by at least one additional measure, for example gluing on the printed circuit board, sealing or potting with epoxy resin. German patent application DE 195 34 530 A1 provides more detailed explanations of individual functions of the agents. The latter bears the title: Process for securing data and program code of an electronic franking machine.
In addition to a microprocessor µP, the control device 6 can optionally also have a user-specific circuit ASIC for communication with sensors and actuators of the machine base (EP 716 398 A2), a security module SiMo (EP 789 333 A2) and other means, if necessary for improving data security ( DE 196 50 993 A1).
The data center has modems 33 which are connected to a server 32 which accesses a database 31 when a corresponding request is received. When a key 45 on the keyboard 42 of the balance 22 is actuated as required, the assembly 20 is switched over the control line 245 and the loading of the postage rate table data from the data center is triggered. The scale 22 can now use the modem 23 of the franking machine directly for communication with the data center if the modem 23 is connected to the scale 22 via the modem switch module 20 via cable 24, which is shown in FIG. 1a.

After the loading has ended, a switchover takes place and the scale 22 is with its serial interface RS 232 via a connecting means 24 - in a manner not shown - with the modem switch assembly 20 with a serial interface (not shown in FIG. 1a) of the RS 232 Input / output control module 4 connected. The tariff memory 16 and the Processor 27 are part of the postage calculator of postage-calculating Scales 22, which now determine a weight of a piece of mail and can calculate a valid postage value.

At the same time, the modem 23 is via the modem switch module 20 connected to the input / output control module 4. If necessary Pressing a key on the keyboard of the franking machine can now do that Reload a credit from the data center. The microprocessor µP of the respective end device can therefore do the respective Request data via modem 23 via a communication network Transmit modem 33 of the data center DZ. Alternatively, you can Radio transmitters / receivers used and request data transmitted by radio or a digital communication network accordingly to be used.

If, in the following, simplify only from postage tariff tables is spoken, other service data is not from the store locked out. The communication of the data center via modem directly with the processing module in the Terminal. Are service data required, especially one changed postage rate table in an electronic postage calculator, can a method for the secure transmission of service data to a terminal with process steps that are not already used in the Pre-published German application 198 30 055.7 in detail has been described. After providing new service data in the data center for future processing based on the Service data, request data for service data is formed from the terminal before the terminal communicates with a Data center. The communication includes sending the request data, to request the new service data from the data center, and receiving and buffering the requested service data.

The actuated trigger button on the scale can trigger a preloading of the table that will apply in the future without updating the existing second table of the same mail carrier. A date for the entry into force of the table must be saved for each table version. The check as to whether the table is to be put into effect is still carried out with the aid of a clock / date module 48, which the scale 22 also contains.
In contrast to the mail processing system according to EP 724 141 A1, a long communication with a remote server and a conversion process taking place during the communication must not be expected each time the machine is switched on. Rather, the actuated trigger button of the balance can now trigger an on-demand loading of the table that will apply in the future at a first time in advance of a second time for the update / changeover process. The changeover process itself remains unnoticed by the user, because it is offset in time and decoupled from the on-demand store and automatically on the changeover day, and is relatively quick.
FIG. 1b shows a block diagram of a postage computer balance which is connected to the franking machine via a serial interface. An input / output port 26 is connected to the RS-232 interface 25 of the scale 22 and is connected to the processor 27 of the scale 22 by the internal BUS 43. Such a BUS includes data, address and control lines.

The scale comprises input and output means 42 and 41, which over a I / O port 40 are connected to the processor 27, as well as via the internal bus 43 memory means 28 connected to processor 27 for storing the operating software of the scale, storage means 29 for Storage of application data (e.g. election print numbers) and storage means 16 for storing the loaded service data (e.g. the postage tables). A weighing cell 50 is used to determine the weight connected to the processor 27 via an A / D converter 51 and direct connections are also used for resetting or Tare of the weighing cell 50 by the processor 27. Further Versions of US 5,710,706 (EP 724 141 A1) be removed. A battery-supported calendar module is optional 48 be integrated into the scale 22. It is on the internal BUS 43 connected. All necessary entries are made via the keyboard 42 performed. Such important are on the display 41 Output information such as the weight of the mail and the postage determined using the postage fee table.

If a changed postage rate table is required in an electronic postage calculator, it can be loaded on demand. For this purpose, the button 45 is actuated to trigger the charging process and a corresponding display appears on the display 41. The driver 203 of the modem switch module 20 is designed to respond to a signal on the control line Modem enable 245 in order to respond Changeover. If the scale 22 is switched to the loading mode, various service data and in particular the postage fee table which are to be changed in whole or in part can be loaded. In contrast to the known solution of EP 724 141 A1 mentioned above, there is no coupling of the charging process with an update and the button 45 does not yet trigger an update mode.
In normal operation it is provided that the scale processor accesses a second area 16-02 of the memory of the postage computer with the valid tariff tables.
It is further provided that the loading of new rate table data into a first area 16-01 of the postage calculator memory and the loading of an associated changeover date into a third area 16-03 of the postage calculator memory and optionally loading of information into a fourth area 16 -04 takes place, the information being related to a service provided by the carrier or the data center. The scale contains a clock / date or calendar module 48 and automatically transmits the currently valid day's date to the postage calculator at least once, for example when it is switched on for the first time at the beginning of the day. The transmitted date is compared in the postage calculator with the aforementioned changeover date. Automatic updating does not take place if the current date is earlier than the changeover date. The automatic update is carried out if the current date is later than or equal to the changeover date.

The processor 27 is programmed to check the changeover date stored in the franking machine on the basis of the current date and to continue working with the old tariff table data if the changeover date falls short of the changeover date and to transmit an instruction to the postage computer to update the tariff table data in the event of equality or in the event of an excess the changeover date with the current date. The postage computer writes data to update the tariff table data in the memory provided for this purpose.
The invention provides that the postage computer in the balance carries out a selective deletion of memory areas in the balance before loading compressed new tariff table data. The postage computer then carries out an update of the tariff table data at a second point in time, possibly in connection with a decompression of the loaded new tariff table data and with a write-in of the decompressed data, wherein tariff table data is decompressed from the first storage area and into the second storage area 16-02 of the balance be saved. This makes it possible for the automatic updating to take place at an arbitrarily later changeover date independently of and separate from the aforementioned store.

It is provided in a variant that an automatic request data for loading at a first time defined by the user then to update the loaded port tariff table data, if the second time defined by the mail carrier for new postage rate table data is approached to access current tables can. This automatic works depending on the set mail carrier (Carrier ID), the version or order number or loading code and the date supplied by the clock / date module 48. The automatic is operationally connected to a microprocessor and the keyboard can in the postage calculator itself and / or in the memory cells of the Clocks / date block 48 can be realized.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram detail with an internal modem switch assembly 20 for use in an FM franking machine, to which a scale - not shown - is coupled with postage calculator can be. A cable 24 for connecting the franking machine to the The balance is connected to the modem switch module using an HD20 connector 20 connected. The latter is preferably within the Postage meter arranged. A microcomputer starboard 10 Postage meter is with a modem interface 401 that includes appropriate drivers, and with a scale interface 402, the appropriate driver includes, equips and assigns the Microprocessor 6, whose transmitter / receiver port with an input a multiplexer 403 of the input / output control module 4 is connected.

In normal operation, the multiplexer 403 is switched so that the driver of the Balance interface 402 via the modem switch module 20 with the RS-232 interface of the scale 22 are connected. When a Reloading a credit is required by the microprocessor Multiplexer 403 on the drivers of the modem interface 401 switched, which then via the modem switch module 20th are connected to the modem 23. When downloading one Postage fee table is required by the microprocessor 27 of the Scale 22 toggled the modem switch assembly 20 like this in principle has already been shown with reference to FIG. 1a. The Microprocessor 27 of the scale 22 has an I / O port 26 from which the RS-232 interface 25 of the scale a control line modem enable 245 to a driver 203 of the modem switch assembly 20 for the purpose their switching leads. After the switchover leads via the cable 24 communication with a transfer of the balance / modem data the lines 246. The latter comprise a TXD transmission line, an RXD reception line, a DTR ready line and a DSR ready line. Via the contact group 201 or 202 of the Relay 204 and via four lines 231 is the modem directly to the RS-232 interface 25 of the balance 22 having a postage computer connected.

It goes without saying that the drivers 401, 402 and the Multiplexers 403 are correspondingly designed so that one Group with the aforementioned four lines on the one hand via the drivers 401 via lines 214 and on the other hand via drivers 402 via Lines 224 to the respective contact group 201 or 202 of the relay 204 the modem switch assembly 20 are connected and that the contact group 201 or 202 to the interface of a postage computer is switched. When loading tariff tables are the aforementioned circuit parts uncoupled by switching the switch assembly 20.

In a basic variant shown in FIG. 3 with an external one The franking machine 1 has a modem switch assembly 20 ' internal modem 23. The modem switch assembly 20 'has two HD20 connector. One of them is - in a manner not shown - with one Connector of the RS-232 interface 25 of the postage computer balance connected and the other is over the franking machine's HD20 connector connected to lines 214, 224 and 231. In the block diagram with the internal franking machine modem 23 and external switch module 20 ', the designations are chosen according to Figure 2. Only the MC control board of FIG. 2 is referred to here as the meter.

An external switch module 20 'can also be connected to an external one Modem 10 'can be combined, as can be seen in principle from FIG. 4. For example, for the removable meter 10 of the franking machine JetMail® a docking station with the external modem 23 ' and the switch assembly 20 '. Optional can then use a postage calculator 22 or a meter 10 with the docking station be coupled to tariff table data in the postage calculator or Load credit data into meter 10. The postage calculator is in this Example of a component of the scale 22.

However, it should not be ruled out that a postage computer 22 'is implemented in the system separately from the franking machine and / or scale and is connected to the latter in terms of interface. Such an application has already been proposed in German published patent application DE 196 22 304 A1 under the title: Exchangeable postage computer module and method for data transmission. Such an external postage computer module 22 'can advantageously be combined with an external modem switch module 20'.
An external postage PC and changeover switch module 20 ', 22' in the switching state loading tariff tables is shown in the block diagram according to FIG. 5a. In the latter case, the modem 23 'is connected to a postage PC 22'. The postage PC 22 'can switch the changeover switch assembly 20' into the aforementioned switching state, load tariff tables or into the other switching state, reload postage credits.

Figure 5b shows a block diagram with external postage PC and Reload the switch module in the switching state of postage credit. In in this case, the modem 23 'is connected to the meter 10 in order to Allow postage credits to be reloaded if necessary. Besides, that is Meter 10 connected to the postage PC 22 ', which in turn a - not shown - has interface to a scale. With such a The system can have one postage calculator (postage PC) at a time Mail carrier must be assigned.

The components of the switch (20, 20 ') can be used as electromechanical Relay or fully electronic as a multiplexer.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiment. Rather, a number of variations are within the scope of the claims conceivable. So obviously other other versions of the Invention are developed or used by the same Basic ideas of the invention, starting from the attached Claims are included.

Claims (13)

Arrangement for loading tariff tables, with a switch assembly (20, 20 '), on the one hand, between one meter (10) of a franking machine and a modem (23, 23 ') and on the other hand between one Postage calculator (22 ') of an external balance (22) and the modem (23, 23') is connected as well as with a control line (245) to the changeover switch assembly (20, 20 ') to control, so that the modem and the Postage calculator functionally directly with each other for the purpose of tariff table loading are connected. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the modem switch assembly (20) is arranged within the franking machine (1). Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the changeover switch assembly (20) on the one hand between a modem interface (401) and balance interface (402) of an input / output control module (4) of a franking machine and on the other hand between the interface of a Postage computer of the scales (22) is switched, the modem switch assembly (20) having means (201, 202, 203) for switching over controlled by the scales (22) to a separate mode for loading tariff tables, and wherein the postage calculator and the modem (23) are functionally directly connected to each other during the tariff table loading. Arrangement, according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a group of four lines on the one hand via the drivers of the modem interface (401) via lines (214) and on the other hand via the drivers of the scale interface 402 of the input / output Control module (4) of the franking machine are connected via lines (224) to the respective contact group (201) or (202) of a changeover switch (204) of the modem changeover switch assembly (20, 20 ') and that the contact group (201) or (202) is connected to the interface of a postage computer. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the control line Modem enable (245) with a driver (203) of the modem switch module (20) for the purpose of switching it over the RS-232 interface (25) of the scale (22) connects, wherein after switching over the cable (24) communication is carried out with a transmission of the balance / modem data on the lines (246). Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the lines (246) comprise a TXD transmission line, an RXD reception line, a DTR reception standby line and a DSR transmission standby line. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the driver (203) is designed to respond to a signal on the modem enable control line (245) in order to cause the postage computer to load new tariff table data at a user-defined first time. if a key (45) of the scale (22) has been actuated, the new postage rate calculator automatically updating new tariff table data at a second point in time defined by the respective mail carrier. Arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized in that storage space for new tariff table data to be loaded is provided in a first area (16-01) of the memory of the postage calculator, and storage space for the current tariff table data is provided in a second area (16-02) of the memory of the postage calculator and that storage space is provided for loading an associated changeover date into a third area (16-03) of the memory of the postage computer and the optional storage space for loading information into a fourth area (16-04), the information being related with a service of the carrier or the data center. Arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the postage computer is programmed to automatically request the currently valid date from a calendar module (48) in order to update the new tariff table data at the second point in time. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the modem switch assembly (20 ') is arranged externally of the franking machine (1). Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the modem switch module (20 ') is connected between an external postage computer module (22') or scale (22) and a meter (10) of the franking machine (1). Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the changeover switch assembly (20 ') is combined with an external modem (23') to form a docking station. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the modem switch assembly (20 ') and a postage computer (22') are combined with one another and are arranged in the system separately from the franking machine (1) or scale (22) and are connected to the latter in terms of interfaces is.

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