WO1993005482A1

WO1993005482A1 - Franking machine

Info

Publication number: WO1993005482A1
Application number: PCT/EP1992/001901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helmut Lembens
Original assignee: Helmut Lembens
Priority date: 1991-09-03
Filing date: 1992-08-20
Publication date: 1993-03-18
Also published as: EP0604464A1; DE4129302A1

Abstract

A franking machine has a control circuit that comprises a postal charges memory (21) and a digital electronic circuit (12), in particular designed as a microcomputer or microprocessor, that accesses the postal charges memory (21) in function of a weight information supplied by scales (13) concerning the mailing to be franked, that reads out the corresponding postal charge, and that controls depending on this information a printing station and/or a display device (5).

Description

00001 franking machine

00002

00003 The invention relates to a franking machine.

00004

00005 Conventional franking machines are often put together

00006 used with an external postage scale, which depends on

00007 speed of the weight of the item to be franked and the

00008 shipping method or the corresponding distance zone

00009 Postage charge value calculated and displayed. The displayed one

00010 postage fee value is then manually in, for example

00011 entered the franking machine and a franking process

00012 carried out according to the entered amount. at

Such franking machines is therefore the use of a

00014 postage scale, i.e. a scale that is next to the weighing radio

00015 tion also display the associated postage fees

00016 can, indispensable. Such postage scales are, however,

00017 relatively expensive and maintenance-intensive. Also exists

00018 the possibility of incorrect entry of postage,

00019 if this is read by reading the displayed postage

00020 value and manually typing it into the franking

00021 machine is done. 00022

In contrast, the invention is based,

00024 to create a franking machine that is

00025 ßig simple structure a reliable, accurate and

00026 enables trouble-free operation. 00027

This object is achieved with that mentioned in claim 1

Features resolved. Advantageous refinements of the inventions

00030 fertilizer are specified in the subclaims. 00031

In the control circuit according to the invention is thus the

00033 franking machine itself with its own postage

00034 memory provided so that only the weight

00035 formation and other postal information such as

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00036 type, distance zones and the like. Are needed to

00037 automatically, via the microprocessor, the correct one

To calculate 00038 postage value and, preferably after

00039 Enter an appropriate confirmation command, the

00040 printing station of the franking machine for a corresponding

00041 to control the value pressure. The franking machine can

00042 thus work largely independently and is no longer

00043 relies on externally supplied postage values. This

00044 has several advantages: First, there is no postage scale

00045 more needed. A scale with simple, simple

00046 proportionally more accurate weighing function, which as an external

00047 balance can be connected via a cable. In advance

00048 design, however, the scale is considered to be in the French

00049 kiermaschine integrated scale designed so that the

00050 weight information immediately internally in the franking machine

00051 ne is available. Furthermore, transmission

00052 and input error due to incorrect reading of the

00053 weight information or the like is switched off. Great

Meaning is the advantage that the microprocessor or

00055 computer targeted for the postage value determination

00056 can access the postage store through this

00057 the necessary information access however

00058 is loaded only to a very small extent, so that it

00059 diverse other information such as the control

00060 of the display device, the drive motors, the pressure

00061 station and / or the ribbon drive

00062 can. The microprocessor can be used to control these tasks.

00063 sor also decentralized from several microprocessor units

00064 exist, which then a total of a microprocessor or

Form 00065 computer in the sense of the present application. The

Control circuit 00066 consequently has very simple yet

00067 functionally reliable construction with high working speeds

00068 digkeit, so that the associated

00069 franking value is immediately available. The sales

00070 wiring is correspondingly simple. 00071 Through this automatic postage determination within the

00072 franking machine according to the invention can be an external

00073 postage scale with corresponding savings in system components

00074 are advantageously omitted. 00075

00076 In a preferred embodiment, the postal fee storage

00077 rather than replaceable and / or programmable memory

00078 rather trained. The postal fee storage can in particular

00079 be an EPROM that can be easily programmed

Is 00080 bar. A holder is particularly suitable

00081 such EPROMs in an adapted plug-in base of the French

00082 kiermaschine, so that the exchange is particularly easy

00083 designed. If postage values change,

00084 changes in distance zones or the like.

00085 thus by simple exchange or re-program

00086 the postage storage is updated to the current one

00087 fee status will be brought. 00088

To the user of the franking machine according to the invention

To give 00090 an effective control option is

00091 preferably the determined postage value

00092 of the display device is displayed and only after input

00093 of a confirmation command, i.e. a confirmation of values

00094 on the part of the user, the print station a print command

00095 supplied so that the postage displayed

00096 the enclosed letter or a. Franking strips or

00097 like. Because with such a fee expression

00098 a corresponding postage value is consumed, the

00099 microprocessor preferably substantially simultaneously

00100 with the control of the initiation of pressure also one

00101 Deduction of the postage value from a residual value memory. in the

00102 Residual value memory is still for the franking machine

00103 available fee credit saved. The

00104 residual value memory can be used, for example, as a portable value

00105 card, comparable to a telephone card for use

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00106 of a public telephone set

00107, which is then with each franking process

00108 a corresponding to the printed franking value

00109 fee value is downgraded. However requires

00110 this requires a prior check for each franking process.

00111 verifying the correctness of the prepaid card and a corresponding

00112 write operation to reduce the on the card

00113 still existing fee credit. This is expensive

00114 and also security-technically ^' problematic, since at

00115 every access an unauthorized check of the command

00116 exchange between prepaid card and franking machine not

00117 can be excluded, so that - with knowledge of

00118 Command exchange or protocol - the danger of

00119 manipulations exist. 00120

00121 The residual value memory is therefore preferably directly in

00122 of the franking machine according to the invention. 00123

00124 For the fee credit available in the residual value memory

00125 can be increased again, several preferred possibilities

00126 options available. One of them is that

00127 a value card is available in addition to the residual value memory

00128, which can be constructed according to a telephone card

00129 and data for one _. corresponding fee value specification

00130 carries. Such a prepaid card is preferably a chip

00131 card formed, i.e. has its own intelligence.

00132 This form of credit replenishment is particularly

00133 fold, because the prepaid card is extremely handy and

00134 bought for example at the post office counter or on order

00135 can be sent. The design as a chip card

00136 brings high security against manipulation. The security

00137 against unauthorized command decoding - with the

00138 Risk of subsequent manipulations - is thereby

00139 ter significantly reduced that on the prepaid card

00140 existing fee amount at once in the residual value storage 00141 can be read rather. It is therefore carried out after

00142 only the card authorization and correctness

00143 a single read access to the prepaid card in order to

00144 worth reading, after which only a total delete command

00145 must be returned to the prepaid card. Because of the

00146 reduced data exchange is the security against

00147 over an unauthorized command decryption very much

00148 high. On the part of the franking machine in this case

00149 only needs a reading station, for example

00150 can be designed as a serial interface and

00151 a storage compartment for the prepaid card with corresponding

00152 preferably has electrical scanning connections.

00153 The reading process can be done by the microprocessor

00154 controlled and carried out. After reading the

00155 The value card can then be immediately withdrawn

00156 can be removed from the storage compartment. The one from the prepaid card

00157 charge value specification is added to the in the residual value

00158 memory added amount still present, so that

00159 this increases by a corresponding fee value.

00160 This additive amount storage in the residual value memory

00161 is performed by the microprocessor. This kind

00162 the increase of the fee credit in the residual value storage

00163 rather is very simple, since only a portable value

00164 card is required and the fee increase without

00165 Need to transport the franking machine too

00166 an authorization agency or the like. 00167

00168 Alternatively, or in addition, the franking machine is like this

00169 designed that an increase in fee credit also

00170 is permitted directly via the franking machine keyboard.

00171 To exclude an unauthorized credit increase

00172 is an authorization in the franking machine

00173 delivery code saved. First you have to go through the

00174 keyboard corresponding code data that with the intern

00175 stored authorization code match, entered 00176 ben, then at one by the microprocessor

00177 detected code match using the keyboard

00178 desired fee value is entered, which by the

00179 Microprocessor additionally stored in the residual value memory

00180 will .. This option of entering fees can be

00181 can be made directly at the post office counter,

00182 where the postal officer passes the postage to the relevant franking

00183 machine belonging authorization code on the keyboard

Type 00184 and then increase the desired credit

00185 input amount. This can then, for example

00186 directly at the post office counter in cash from the franking machine owner

00187 to be paid. This eliminates the need for a

00188 on the franking machine trained card reading station. 00189

00190 A very cheap way of hearing the postage

00191 have in the residual value memory also exists via remote value

00192 would exist (TEMEX). The microprocessor communicates here

00193 of the franking machine directly with a

00194 provided computers (via a dedicated data line or the

00195 telephone line with the interposition of a corresponding

00196 modems), whereby if necessary and / or user-side

00197 eng specification in the residual value memory a corresponding credit

00198 ben increase amount saved and at the same time the credit

00199 ben of the franking machine owner, for example that

00200 existing credit on the Postgiro account with one

00201 corresponding amount is debited. 00202

00203 To the franking machine against unauthorized fees

To be able to protect manipulation of rene credit is 00204

00205 franking machine preferably with housing-side detection

00206 gates, via which an opening process is

00207 bar. The franking machine is designed so that at

00208 response of the detectors, which are preferred, particularly

00209 simple design are designed as a switch, the

00210 Deleted residual value in the residual value memory 00211 will. This has the advantage that when the housing is open

00212 se no franking process is released because the

00213 microprocessor when querying the residual value memory

00214 determines the lack of a residual value credit and thus

00215 blocks any intended franking process. The data

00216 flow between the microprocessor and the residual value

00217 rather is thereby extremely reduced, since no fee

00218 codes are transmitted more. Hence it is for one

00219 Unauthorized persons are no longer able to use the storage organization

00220 tion and the command code structure of the data communication

00221 between residual value memory and microprocessor

Code and imitate 00222. In addition, the automatic

00223 see deletion of the remaining credit balance

00224 an additional psychological lock against unauthorized

00225 tem opening of the franking machine housing. 00226

00227 A particularly simple deletion of the fee credit

00228 in the residual value memory results from the series connection of

00229 detectors designed as switches in the power supply

00230 range for the residual value memory. When opening the

00231 housing also open the switches, so that - even at

00232 switching off the external power supply for the franking

00233 machine still in operation - internal power supply

00234 supply of the residual value memory is interrupted automatically

00235 and this thus uses the data stored in it

00236 liert. The residual value memory is consequently as

00237 designed non-volatile memory that the in it

00238 stored data but only if the

00239 can maintain internal power supply. 00240

00241 The detectors can not only as switches, but

00242, for example, also as photoelectric light barriers

00243 or the like. The design as a scarf

00244 ter is preferred, however, because it is particularly easy to

00245 can be installed and serviced and not your own

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00246 Justify electricity consumption. The switches can be

00247 different locations of the housing can be arranged, so

00248 that even with unauthorized opening of only one housing

00249 partly an automatic residual value deletion results. 00250

00251 In an alternative embodiment, the detectors can also

00252 be connected to the microprocessor and run their

00253 output signals indicating a possible opening

00254 se too. When receiving such opening signals, the

00255 microprocessor then the deletion of the residual value memory

00256 effect. 00257

00258 In a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor

00259 further designed so that it with different

00260 clock frequencies can work. The normal work cycle

00261 is e.g. 2 MHz, so that a very fast data

00262 processing can be achieved. But also slower

00263 components to control a command data rate

00264 of 2 MHz, the micropro-

00265 processor then on reduced clock rate, for example 32

00266 kHz, can be switched over and then returns with this

00267 clock rate the output data. This conception

00268 also allows a relatively slow working

00269 display device or the upstream display device

00270 device interface with adapted clock frequency

00271 to be able to control without an intermediate

00272 frequency conversion element or the like. Would be required.

00273 The circuitry structure remains very

00274 times and still allows components with different

00275 licher maximum processing frequency to be able to control. 00276

In an advantageous embodiment, the between the

00278 microprocessor and the display device available

00279 Interface only when transferring display data to

00280 activated the display device. This brings 00281 part that the interface in the remaining time segments

00282 ten is kept inactive. This allows malfunctions

00283 gen avoid, otherwise when the

00284 active interface with data unsuitable

00285 high clock frequency could be generated. In addition,

00286 also achieved a corresponding power saving because the

00287 interface is only switched on when required. In

00288 of a preferred embodiment is the postage fee store

00289 also via a controlled .Data buffer with the data

00290 manifold connected. This has the advantage that the

00291 Data flow to the postal fee store released as required

00292 ben or can be suppressed. The data decoupling

00293 postage storage brings increased security

00294 against unauthorized attempted analysis of the

00295 control memory contained control program. Even at

00296 access to the address connections of the postal fee

00297 chers at which the via the common address collector

00298 address data supplied for the control program storage

00299 are more likely to be

00300 grams of memory read out and via the data collection

00301 device did not transport the associated data up to the

00302 data connections of the postal fee store, if

00303 the data buffer is not switched through. So that is

00304 over the data connections of the postal fee storage none

00305 Analysis of the control data associated with the address data

00306 program memory possible, so that an attempted control

00307 program analysis is no longer possible. The connections

00308 of the postage fee storage can therefore also be external

00309 be designed accessible, what the exchange or the

00310 reprogramming of the postal fee storage with postal

00311 fee changes significantly simplified. For example

00312, the postal fee storage can be stored in a separate,

00313 taken up easily from outside accessible compartment and e.g.

00314 be held in a jack, so that it without

00315 any difficulty is interchangeable. The post-

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00316 fee memory can be designed in particular as an EPROM

00317, which can be found in a device-fixed socket

00318 is taken. 00319

00320 The data buffer is preferably controlled

00321 such that it ^" only switched through when required

00322, in particular if the microprocessor for

00323 Reading a respective postage value from the

00324 postal fee store accesses this. The one from the

00325 postage memory data read then flow

00326 via the data buffer for data collection. A through

00327 The data buffer can also be switched when

00328 Data from the data bus via the data buffer to external

00329 components, for example the display interface

00330 are or are supplied by these. 00331

00332 To the item to be franked (letter, card, etc.)

00333 correctly to and through the printing station

00334 transport, are in a preferred embodiment

00335 stepper motors available, which is a particularly simple

00336 enable transport control, because due to the

00337 ten driver pulses the associated amount of rotation

00338 stepper motors is defined. Controlled

00339 gearbox or the use of a motor feedback

00340 to ensure a suitable transport amount

00341 can thus advantageously be omitted. To capture the

00342 existence and the position of the to be franked

00343 Object in the area of the leading to the printing station

00344 Transporthlitzes are preferably light barriers in the

00345 Transport path of the object currently franking arranged

00346 net. Depending on their control signals, the micropro-

00347 processor the printing process of the printing station and / or the

00348 Step otore for the transport of the franking

00349 control item. 00350

TT The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments

00352 play with reference to the drawings

00353 wrote. Show it:

00354

00355 Figure 1 is an external view of an embodiment

00356 of the franking machine according to the invention,

00357

00358 Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment

00359 the control circuit of the invention

00360 franking machine,

00361

00362 FIG. 3 details of the control circuit according to FIG. 2,

00363

00364 Figure 4 shows a modified embodiment of an Ab¬

00365 section of the control circuit according to the figures

00366 2 or 3 and

00367

00368 Figure 5 shows a section of the control circuit according to

00369 Figure 2.

00370

00371 The embodiment shown in Figure 1

00372 franking machine 1 according to the invention comprises a housing

00373 2, which consists of several parts and preferably

00374 is secured against unauthorized opening, for example

00375 se by sealing the device parts to each other

00376 connecting screws. In the front part of the housing 2

00377 there is a lower section in which the

00378 control panel with a keyboard 3, the numeric keys

00379 and selector buttons, LEDs 4 for display

00380 of the selected ent zone, a display device 5

00381 to display the calculated postage and an on / off

00382 switch 6 is arranged.

00383

00384 runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of the housing 2 in

00385 the rear half of which is open vertically upwards

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00386 ner transport slot 7, which almost to the bottom of the

00387 housing 2 is sufficient. An item to be franked like

00388 a letter is inserted into the transport slot 7

00389 and after determining and confirming the correct

00390 value through the transport slot 7 by means of suitable

00391 ter transported organs, preferably through

00392 a stepper motor, not shown, can be driven

00393 den. In the half of the left of Figure 1

00394 transport slot 7 is a printing station for application

00395 gene of the franking imprint, which is preferably made

00396 consists of two printing units. One printing unit

00397 brings over a pressure roller and a mechanical Kli

00398 schee the unchangeable parts of the franking imprint

00399, while the further printing device changes the

00400 values, in particular the franking value, and

00401 is preferably designed as a thermal printer. 00402

00403 On the back of the right half of the trans-

00404 portSchlitzes 7 is an abutment plate 8, the

00405 Part of an integrated in the franking machine 1

00406 is Libra and at right angles on its underside

00407 bends at the front, so that an open letter with his

00408 weight fully rests on the contact plate 8. The weight

00409 of the item to be franked is marked by

00410 suitable weighing components, not shown, measured

00411 and the corresponding weight information to the control

00412 circuit of the franking machine 1 issued. After investigation

00413 processing and confirmation of the associated franking value

00414 the item to be franked then automatically from

00415 area of the integrated scale through the transport

00416 slot 7 to the left to the printing station and on

00417 transported through this to the left-hand edition. 00418

00419 To also weigh larger objects such as small packages

00420 can, the contact plate 8 is formed in two parts 00421 and comprises a plate 9 standing vertically upwards

00422 εv-like a plate 10, which via a hinge 11 on the

00423 plate 9 is pivoted. The plate 10 is

00424 between the shown, essentially vertical

00425 position in which the weighing and franking of flat

00426 mail such as letters is possible, and one

00427 swiveled forward horizontal position

00428 bar, in which you can weigh a contact surface for larger

00429 en forms objects such as small packages. In the horizon

00430 tal position is the plate 10 by a stop

00431, preferably by placing their lower narrow

00432 side on the upright front of the plate 9.

00433 The integrated scale is designed so that the

00434 weighing process regardless of the focus of each

00435 weighing object and thus independent

00436 whether the plate 10 is upright or forward

00437 is folded, always carry out a correct weight measurement

00438 leads. In the transport slot 7 are not shown

00439 light barriers provided that the insertion of a

00440 franking object and its position

00441 and depending on this a weighing process or a trans

00442 Trigger and control port process. 00443

00444 FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the inventive

00445 control circuit for the franking

00446 machine 1 shown. A central electronic

00447 circuit 12, in particular in the form of a microcomputer

00448 or microprocessor controls the operation of the franking machine

00449 schine 1. The circuit 12 can be made of suitable digital

00450 electronic circuits exist. In the execution

00451 game an 8-bit microcomputer in CMOS technology is

00452 sets. The microcomputer 12 receives from

00453 franking machine 1 integrated scale 13, the weighing

00454 plate shown in Figure 1, the weight information

00455 regarding the item to be franked. The built-in

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00456 te scale 13 only has to provide the weight information

00457 distant, i.e. does not have to be used as a letter scale (with integrated

00458 franking value calculation). This combines

00459 folds the structure and enables the use of a

00460 larger variety of suitable scales. 00461

00462 Alternatively or preferably in addition to the built-in

00463 scale 13 is the microcomputer 12 with an interface

00464 le 14 coupled via the. Franking machine 1 with

00465 an external scale can be coupled. Via the external

00466 scales can, for example, mail items, their weight

00467 exceeds the permissible weight of the built-in scale 13, is weighed and the corresponding weight

00469 information about the interface 14 to the microcomputer

00470 12 can be transmitted. 00471

00472 With the microcomputer 12 there is also an interface

00473 le 15 connected for a TEMEX connection. "TEMEX" represents

00474 represents a well-known service of the Bundespost and enables

00475 enables communication with a central computer of the

00476 Bundespost. In the present case, the TEMEX

00477 closing a credit amount from the post office giro account of the franking

00478 machine user debited and into a subsequent

00479 stored residual value memory 23 described in more detail

00480 by counting down with each franking process

00481 th fee credit is saved. Alternatively, you can

00482 for a franking process via the TEMEX connection too

00483 directly a corresponding debit on the post giro account

00484 to the franking machine user. In terms of

00485 further details is made to DE 38 40 041 AI

00486 sen. 00487

00488 The microcomputer 12 is with another interface

00489 place 16 via a data bus 17

00490 and, if applicable, an address bus (address

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00491 bus) 18 in connection. Be through the interface 16

00492 entered data and values entered via the keyboard 3

00493 and driver commands for the LEDs 4 issued.

00494 With the address bus 18 is a control program

00495 memory 19 connected, which is designed as an EPROM and

00496 contains the control program. The from the control program

00497 memory 19 read control commands are via the

00498 data collection line 17 or another data line

00499 the microcomputer 12; The data collection line 17

00500 is still with a controlled data buffer 20 and

00501 via this with a postal fee store 21, preferably

00502 in the form of an EPROM, and which as a liquid crystal

00503 display designed display device 5 connected. The

00504 address manifold 18 is directly with the postage

00505 memory 21 and optionally also with the

00506 display device 5 coupled. This will follow

00507 explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 5. 00508

00509 The sum of the franked values is in a counter 22

00510 stored, which has an EEPROM and by the micro

00511 computer 12 is controlled. With every franking process

00512, the counter reading of counter 22 is changed by a corresponding

00513 increases the value so that the counter 22 as a total counter

00514 saves the total of all franked values. Age-

00515 natively or additionally, the counter 22 can also be used as a time

00516 empire counter designed to be the sum total of all

00517 franking processes within a certain period

00518 added up. 00519

00520 The residual value memory 23 becomes parallel to the counter 22

00521 controlled by the microcomputer 12 and counts for each

00522 franking process by a corresponding amount. in the

00523 residual value memory 23 is still available

00524 standing franking credit saved. The residual value storage

00525 rather 23 is provided with an additional clock function and

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00526 contains a 32 kHz quartz oscillator. This is in the

00527 Figures 3 and 4 explained in more detail below

00528 shown larger details. 00529

00530 The residual value memory 23 is provided by a battery 24

00531 supplies voltage so that it also maintains its value

00532 Switching on / off switch 6 or if the

00533 Mains voltage supply can maintain. The battery 24

00534 generates a voltage of 3.6 V or another

00535 suitable voltage. 00536

00537 is for the temporary admission of a chip card

00538 serial interface 25 in the form of a connector

00539 den, which is coupled to the microcomputer 12. The

00540 microcomputer 12 detects the insertion of a chip card

00541 via corresponding hold contacts of interface 25,

00542 checks their coding μnd reads the if accepted

00543 fee credit contained on the chip card (value cards)

00544 amount. The read fee credit amount is in the

00545 added value memory 23, so that there still

00546 existing franking credit for a corresponding one

00547 fee amount is increased. At the same time, the microcomp

00548 ter a corresponding delete command to the chip card,

00549 whereby this is canceled. Alternatively it is

00550 possible to leave the chip card permanently inserted

00551 and with each franking process the credit contained there

00552 amount by a value corresponding to the franking value

00553 to reduce. In this case, the residual value memory 23

00554 even dropped. However, reading the

00555 total amount from the chip card and its

00556 tion in the residual value memory 23 devaluing the

00557 chip card preferred, because only one time

00558 The chip card is accessed and thus an external

00559 ne analysis of the data flow to and from the chip card

00560 transducer connections with appropriate manipulation 00561 driving is hardly possible. Alternatively or additionally

00562 to top up the credit amount in the residual value memory

00563 23 via the chip card or the TEMEX connection (cut -

00564 digit 15) the microcomputer can also be programmed in this way

00565 that when entering a specific, only authorized

00566 th persons such as codes known to a postal official

00567 on the keyboard 3 detected its correctness and one

00568 subsequently entered numerical value as credit amount

00569 evaluates and adds this in the residual value memory 23

00570 dated. With this possibility you can without need

00571 an additional interface for TEMEX connection or

00572 a card reading point a refresh of the fee

00573 credit in the residual value memory. 00574

00575 The microcomputer 12 is also equipped with two drivers 26,

00576 27 connected which is a stepper motor for transportation

00577 of the item to be franked (letter, postcard,

00578 franking strips or the like) through the transport slot 7

00579 or a stepper motor for driving a pressure current

00580 drive the printing station. In the transport slot 7

00581, as already stated, there are light barriers,

00582 which with the microcomputer 12 via corresponding interfaces

00583 or contacts 28, 29 are connected and this

Apply appropriate signals to 00584. Over one of the light

00585 barriers in the area of the internal

00586 on the inserted letter or the like.

00587 be checked whether this is not too far over the weighing platform

00588 te protrudes, which is due to a possible tilt

00589 could lead to an incorrect weight determination,

00590 while over the other light barrier that is at the inlet

00591 or arranged in the initial area of the printing station

00592 can be, the front edge of the letter can be detected and

00593 thus timely control of the printing process

00594 Achievement of a positionally accurate pressure initiated

00595 can be.

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00596 For printing the franking imprint variables, the

00597 printing station, as stated, in addition to the cliché

00598 printing drum a printing device, in particular in the form

00599 of a thermal printhead that is connected to the

00600 computer 12 controlled head driver 30 is controlled.

00601 The head driver 30 also controls via an interface

00602 31 a winding motor for transport or rewinding

00603 development of the thermal transfer ribbon. 00604

00605 In order to detect unauthorized attempts to open the housing 2

00606 sen, detectors 32 are available, which with the

00607 battery 24 and the microcomputer 12 are connected. The

00608 detectors 32 can be configured as light barriers or the like.

00609 forms, but are preferably designed as switches

00610 tet, since no separate power requirement is required for this

00611 is. This is explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. 00612

00613 FIG. 3 shows a detailed representation of an

00614 cut from the control circuit shown in Figure 2.

00615 The residual value memory 23 with a clock function comprises one

00616 module 33, which acts as a clock module and direct access

00617 rather serves RAM and with a fixed supply voltage of 5

00618 V is fed. With the block 33 is a quartz

00619 lator 34 connected with associated capacitive circuit

00620 den, which has a stabilized oscillation frequency of 32 kHz

00621 owns. The 32 tapped by the quartz oscillator 34

00622 kHz vibration is applied to the microcomputer 12.

00623 The microcomputer 12 also has its own

00624 NEN clock with a crystal oscillator 35, the one

00625 duty cycle of 2 MHz generated. This work cycle from 2

00626 MHz is also on the microcomputer or microprocess

00627 sor 12. 00628

00629 Eight output lines of the microcomputer 12 are as

00630, connected to the 8-bit data bus 17 00631 via which the outputs output by the microcomputer 12

00632 output data are applied to the 8-bit data buffer 20.

00633 The data buffer 20 is switched through when it is over

00634 an AND gate 36 supplied a corresponding selection command

00635 will. At the input of the AND gate 36 there is a module

00636 Dial signal (Chipselect-Signal) CSO to that when selected

00637 of the display device 5 or an associated interface

00638 switch 37 to the appropriate level (e.g. "0")

00639 tet and is delivered by the microcomputer 12. When through

00640 switched data buffer 20 run on the data collection

00641 line 17 led data to data collection line 17 '

00642 and are created via this at the interface 37. 00643

00644 The block selection signal CSO is via an inverter 38

00645 applied to AND gates 39, 40, 41, so that at

00646 Selection of the control of the display interface 37

Switch 00647 through simultaneously with data buffer 20 and on

00648 their other inputs, from the microcomputer

00649 12 to suitably generated signals to correspond

00650 forward the connections of the display interface 37

00651 ten. If the block selection signal CSO is not selected

00652, the AND gates 39, 40, 41 are via the inverter

00653 38 or its output signal blocked. This will

00654 the forwarding of at the other inputs of the AND

00655 links 39, 40, 41 occurring signals for display

00656 Interface 37 blocked, which prevents interference

00657 and a corresponding electricity saving

00658 is aimed. The same applies to those with

00659 data collection line 17 'connected data connections of the

00660 display interface 37 data-free, as long as the data

00661 buffer 20 is locked, so that also in this area

00662 interference can be avoided. The display interface 37

00663 is therefore only activated if it is actually

00664 display data are to be transferred. This will make it more stable

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00665 and reliable operation of the display device 5

00666 is enough. 00667

00668 Shortly before the occurrence of control commands, the one

00669 Transfer of display data to the display interface 37

00670 command, the ^{* is} normally operated in 2 MHz cycle

00671 ne microcomputer 12 by internal program instructions

00672 switched the reduced clock rate of 32 kHz and

00673 thus works with significantly reduced speed

00674 speed. As a result, the display data with

00675 correspondingly reduced speed to the display

00676 ge interface 37 are given so that they ver-

00677 can be casually taken up by this, even if

00678 the working speed of the display interface 37

00679 and / or the display device 5 less than the 2-

00680 MHz clock rate should be. After completion of the handover

00681 of the display data to the display interface 37 switches

00682 the microcomputer 12 due to internal program instructions

00683 back to high working speed of 2 MHz, so that

00684 the subsequent data processing again with usual

00685 speed is running. 00686

00687 In FIG. 4, the residual value store 23 is associated with it

00688 wiring and the sabotage provided according to the invention

00689 fuse shown in more detail. The block 33 is over

00690 two lines 42, 43 connected to the microcomputer 12

00691, supplied via the data and a clock signal and

00692 can be replaced. An inter-

00693 a clock from module 33 to microcomputer 12

00694 ben. The power supply of the module 33 takes place

00695 normally via a 5 V connection 45, which via a

00696 diode 46 with the voltage connection of module 33

00697 and, in parallel, with the quartz oscillator 34 together

00698 associated capacitive circuit is connected. at

00699 failure of the supply voltage at connection 45,

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00700 for example due to the device being switched off or

00701 of a mains voltage failure, the battery 24 takes over

00702 via a diode 47 the power supply of the module

00703 33. For voltage stabilization and derivation of higher fre

00704 quenter interference is between the cathodes of the diodes

00705 46, 47 and the ground connection a capacitor 48 switched

00706 tet. 00707

00708 The negative pole of battery 24 is not directly connected to the

00709 ground connection connected, but opens into a

00710 master connector 49 with two connections. The two

00711 short of the connector 49 are with the detectors

00712 32 connected in series to open the

00713 device to lower the voltage supply of module 33

00714 break. Due to the voltage drop, this loses

00715 its data content, so that the one still stored in it

00716 fee credit remainder is automatically deleted. The

00717 detectors 32 are in this embodiment

00718 switches formed, which at several points of the housing

00719 ses are arranged and when opening the housing parts from

00720 closed to open state. All

00721 switches are connected in series so that when properly

00722 measured the franking machine housing the two

00723 Connections of the connector plug directly connected

00724 are bound and consequently between the voltage supply

00725 connection and ground connection of module 33 in accordance with

00726 current flow is possible. When opening an or

00727 more of the switches (tamper contacts) will

00728 circuit broken, so that neither of the normal

00729 Power supply at connection 45, which is connected via a resistor

00730 stood 50 and a line 51 with the negative pole of the battery

00731 rie 24 is still connected from the battery 24 current

00732 the block 33 can be fed so that this

00733 loses its data content. This residual value solution

00734 is achieved that subsequently with the open

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00735 Housing due to the lack of charge credit

00736 franking process can be initiated so that the

00737 command data flow is reduced accordingly and a

00738 unauthorized program analysis no longer possible or

00739 is at least considerably more difficult. 00740

00741 In FIG. 5, the interconnection between the microcompu

00742 ter 12, the control program memory 19, the data buffer

00743 20, the postal fee store 21 and the display editing

00744 position 37 shown in detail. As can be seen in FIG.

00745 is correct, the address connections of the control

00746 gram memory 19 (2 x 8 connections) on the common

00747 address bus 18 with the address inputs of the postal

00748 charge memory 21 and with corresponding outputs

00749 of the microcomputer 12 connected. The control program

00750 memory 19 output program or command data

00751 are on the data bus 17 to the microcomputer

00 752 12 out. Because the data buffer 20 is normally locked

00753, the control program memory 19

00754 data not at the data outputs of the postage

00755 memory 21 on. This makes external analysis

00756 of the control program via the connections of the postage

00757 memory 21 made impossible, even if this for

00758 Purposes of easy interchangeability of postage

00759 memory 21 should be accessible from the outside. Self

00760 when querying the control program memory 19

00761 th address data (via the address inputs of the postage

00762 memory 21) are those of the control program memory 19

00763 then command data given to third parties from outside

00764 not accessible because it is about the locked data buffer

00765 20 not on the data connections of the postal fee storage

00766 chers 21 occur. If the data buffer 20 were not present

00767 den, on the other hand would over the post fee store 21

00768 the common bus lines both the address data

00769 of the control program memory as well as the

HE 00770 towards the data collection line to the

00771 connections of the postal fee store occur and

00772 would thus be analyzable. 00773

00774 The data buffer 20 is only via the AND gate 36

00775 activated when one of the block selection signals CSO

00776 or CS4 is selected by the microcomputer 12, i.e. either

00777 the the display interface 37 or the postage

00778 memory 21 are to be controlled. When accessing the

00779 postal fee storage can thus be used by this

00780 output data output corresponding to address access

00781 via the data buffer 20 to the data bus 17 and

00782 to go to the microcomputer 12. You can also

00783 the data when selecting the display interface via the

00784 data buffer 20 for data collection line 17 'and via this

00785 to the display interface 37. That from

00786 microcomputer 12 output "write enable" signal

00787 simultaneously the data buffer 20 and the AND gate 39

00788 fed. 00789

REPLACEMENT LEAF

Claims

00790 claims 00791

00792 1. Franking machine with a control circuit, the one

00793 postal fee storage (21) and a digital electronic

00794 see circuit (12), in particular in the form of a microcom

00795 puters or microprocessor, which depending on

00796 keit of a weight information by a scale

00797 for the consignment to be franked, on the

00798 accesses postal fee storage (21) and a corresponding

00799 reads out the postage value and depending on it

00800 a printing station and / or a display device (5)

00801 controls. 00802

00803 2. Franking machine, in particular according to claim 1,

00804 characterized in that the postage storage (21)

00805 as removable and / or programmable memory

00806 is formed. 00807

00808 3. Franking machine, in particular according to claim 1 or

00809 2, characterized in that the microcomputer (12)

00810 in the case of an input keyboard (3)

00811 value confirmation of the printing station a print command

00812 feeds and at the same time the fee value in a preferred

00813 in the franking machine (1) arranged residual value

00814 memory (23) by a value corresponding to the printed postage

00815 reduced amount. 00816

00817 4. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00818 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00819 net that a reading station (25) for reading a particular

00820, which is designed as a chip card, data for a fee

00821 ren-value-carrying card is present, and

00822 that the microcomputer (12) that in the residual value memory (23)

00823 stored fee value by one of the value card

REPLACEMENT 00824 te amount corresponding to the fee value read

00825 increased. 00826

00827 5. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00828 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00829 net that the microcomputer (12) is designed so that it

00830 after receipt of input via an input keyboard (3)

00831 and with an internally stored code

00832 then send code data via the input keyboard

00833 (3) entered data as fee value specification

00834 level and the residual value memory (23)

00835 increased a corresponding amount. 00836

00837 6. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00838 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00839 net that the load stored in the residual value memory (23)

00840 can be increased via remote value specification (TEMEX). 00841

00842 7. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00843 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00844 net that on the housing (2) of the franking machine (1)

00845 ren (32), in particular in the form of switches, for detecting

00846 solution of an opening process are arranged at the

00847 Addressing those still in the residual value memory (23)

00848 credit value is deleted. 00849

00850 8. Postage meter machine, especially after one or more

00851 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00852 net that the switches in series in the power supply

00853 circuit for the residual value memory (23) are connected. 00854

00855 9. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00856 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00857 net that the output signals of the detectors (32) the

REPLACEMENT LEAF 00858 microcomputer (12) can be supplied, which when received

00859 catch clears the residual value memory (23). 00860

00861 10. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00862 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00863 net that the microcomputer (12) with different

00864 clock frequencies can be operated. 00865

00866 11. Franking machine, in particular after one or more

00867 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00868 net that the microcomputer (12) before transfer of display

00869 data to the display device (5) on lower clock

00870 frequency switches. 00871

00872 12. Franking machine, in particular after one or more

00873 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00874 net that between the microcomputer (12) and the display

00875 device (5) a display interface (37) switched

00876 tet, the only when ^' transfer of display data to

00877 the display device (5) is activated. 00878

00879 13. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00880 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00881 net that the postal fee store (21) and a tax program

00882 gram memory (19) together with a data collection

00883 device (17) and an address bus (18) connected

00884 and between the data bus (17) and the

00885 postal fee memory (21) a controlled data buffer

00886 (20) is switched. 00887

00888 14. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00889 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00890 net that the data buffer (20) only when the

00891 microcomputers (12) to the postage storage (21) or

00892 on other components (37) that pass through data

ER T 00893 of the data buffer (20) received by the microcomputer (12)

00894 or send to this, is switched through. 00895

00896 15. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00897 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00898 net that to transport the item to be franked

00899 the stepper motors or by the printing station available

00900 are. 00901

00902 16. Postage meter machine, in particular after one or more

00903 ren of the preceding claims, characterized

00904 net that in the transport path of the item to be franked

00905 light barriers are arranged.

REPLACEMENT LEAF