EP1073018A1 - Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine - Google Patents
Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1073018A1 EP1073018A1 EP00115844A EP00115844A EP1073018A1 EP 1073018 A1 EP1073018 A1 EP 1073018A1 EP 00115844 A EP00115844 A EP 00115844A EP 00115844 A EP00115844 A EP 00115844A EP 1073018 A1 EP1073018 A1 EP 1073018A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- franking
- accounting
- franking machine
- microprocessor
- billing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 18
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
- G07B17/00314—Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
- G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
- G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
- G07B2017/00153—Communication details outside or between apparatus for sending information
- G07B2017/00177—Communication details outside or between apparatus for sending information from a portable device, e.g. a card or a PCMCIA
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
- G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
- G07B2017/00241—Modular design
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
- G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
- G07B2017/00258—Electronic hardware aspects, e.g. type of circuits used
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
- G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
- G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
- G07B17/00314—Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
- G07B2017/00322—Communication between components/modules/parts, e.g. printer, printhead, keyboard, conveyor or central unit
Definitions
- the invention relates to a franking and franking machine according to of the preamble of claims 1 and 15.
- a multi-purpose postage meter has different billing modes, is regarding the Reversible print job can also be used as a franking machine and allows greater flexibility in payment.
- a franking machine is already known from EP 493 948 B1, which is equipped with a plurality of registers in a secure module for storing accounting data relating to the use of the franking machine for franking objects.
- a first set of registers relates to a special first service and a second set of registers relates to a special second service, the special services being selectable via the input means and the accounting data of the respectively selected service being updated.
- a third set of registers can be provided for the total billing, which relates to both register sets, namely the first and second register set.
- a service relates to a specific mail class or type of dispatch, which is usually shown as information from the stamp imprint in the usual way and which is now debited in a separate register set
- a first or second franking imprint is generated in each case associated with the first and second register sets, and the postal class / type of mailing can thus be integrated with the franking stamp or printed as a separate optional printing stamp.
- EP 805 419 A2 describes a method for data processing in a mail processing system with a franking machine and a Arrangement proposed that the same booking in the franking machine allows payment according to very different procedures. Even if you use a prepaid card that is debited in an internal register separately from the franking machine To increase security, billing in a billing unit at the same time the franking machine. The one described above The solution therefore concerns the application of the same accounting procedure and with different payment methods for different ones Post carrier or services.
- the object of the invention is to provide a franking and franking machine to create with which either a franking or the Postage is cleared.
- a multi-purpose franking machine is supposed to use different accounting procedures for the same mail carrier or for different mail carriers or allow services optionally. Security against fraudulent Manipulation is to be guaranteed in all accounting procedures become. It should offer greater flexibility in payment and Process unsorted packages with regard to the method of payment can.
- Another job is to match the machine accordingly train to make modifications to the accounting process and / or the Facilitate tariff structure.
- Printing modules such as inkjet printers for the first time worldwide in the franking machines of the type JetMail® or thermal transfer printer in the T1000 franking machines.
- the Franking stamp imprint therefore advantageously contains a reference to the carrier and / or the one used or still planned Service.
- the franking or franking machine has input means (chip card, user interface) for entering the accounting type and is controlled by a microcomputer system which is programmed in such a way that it can optionally be switched to various alternative accounting modes.
- Billing always takes place before franking.
- An alternative mode is a non-billing mode, the recording of the use of the machine not being used for debiting, but only for data collection.
- a payment method can be assigned to the respective mode, which is agreed with the respective carrier. While billing always takes place before franking or not at all in the franking machine, freedom in terms of payment is guaranteed.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a franking machine of type JetMail® shown from behind.
- the franking machine exists from a meter 1 and a base 2.
- the actuating elements 88 one Keyboard and display elements 89 in the screen image of a display unit of the Meters 1 form a user interface, which is used to enter the accounting type is trained.
- Another input device for the accounting type can be used with a chip card can be realized.
- Base 2 has a chip card read / write unit 70 equipped behind the guide plate 20 arranged and accessible from the upper housing edge 22. After this Switching on the franking machine by means of the switch 71 is a Chip card 10 inserted into the slot 72 from top to bottom.
- the letter feed opening is through a transparent plate 21 and Guide plate 20 laterally limited.
- additional stations or devices can be connected to the Franking machine in communication connection.
- the postage value will be shown in the above Finally register on that relevant package - here letter 3 - printed.
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a mail processing system with the JetMail® franking machine from the front.
- This system allows true mixed mail processing and has been described in European patent applications EP 875 864 A2 and EP 901 108 A2.
- a dynamic scale 4 and an automatic feed station 5 are arranged upstream.
- Part 5.1 of this feed station can house an arrangement for dimension determination.
- a suitable feed device 5, 5.1 is described in detail in German patent DE 196 05 017 C2 and in unpublished German patent application 19912807.3, under the title: Arrangement for determining the dimensions of pressure carriers ". Further details on the design of a suitable dynamic scale can be found in the unpublished German patent application P 198 33 767.1-53.
- the control can be carried out, for example, as already described under the title: Method and arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale "was proposed in the unpublished German patent applications P 198 60 296.0 and 198 60 295.2.
- the weight measurement in a dynamic scale is preferably carried out according to the unpublished German patent application P 198 60 294.4, which bears the title : Method and arrangement for determining a weight with a dynamic balance ".
- a postage device 6 is arranged downstream of the franking machine. Since the postage values differ depending on the weight, format, or shipping method, the postage value changes automatically, particularly in the case of so-called mixed mail processing.
- the digitally controllable printing station contains an ink jet print head for digital printing
- a thermal transfer printer is a suitable alternative for digital printing
- a scanner 5.2 in the automatic feed station allows a marking on the envelope to be scanned for the purpose of data input It is also possible to install a scanner 5.2 in the scale 4 or the franking machine base 2 on the letter transport route to the printing station Further data entry is possible via chip card via chip card read / write unit 70.
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a franking machine of the T1000 type from the front.
- Meter 1 is equipped with a chip card read / write unit - not visible - and with the secured housing that encloses all components of the franking machine.
- a control device and the printing station which preferably contains a thermal transfer print head.
- the control device has a storage device for variable and fixed information, which is designed to store all the information that is printed on an envelope.
- a digital printing station was first described in the applicant's patent specification DD 233 101 B5.
- a chip card 10 can be inserted from above into a slot (not shown).
- the chip card can be designed as a carrier-related value card with a memory which contains at least one descending register, each of which Postage value to be franked Digital printing processes are advantageous to ensure a quick change of the postage values to be printed out and the advertising slogan as well as the type of dispatch, if applicable.
- Figure 4a shows an example of digital printing, showing the possibilities for the diversity of the prints.
- a stamp image 31 consists of fixed pixel data and variable data for postage value 32 and can flow smoothly into the city stamp image 33 consisting of fixed pixel data and variable data for the City names 35 or place of dispatch and for the date data 34.
- the latter can further - not shown - data, such as time data, lock in.
- To the left of the value and city stamp image 31 to 35 can further fixed and variable pixel data can be printed.
- a fixed image part 37 and a variable text part 36 are shown, which are nested within each other. But that should not rule out that the latter is not also printed one below the other or standing side by side can be.
- Another - not shown - can be added Image part, for example a marking for cryptographic Securing the printed data, and / or a stamp image, for example for election printing types (endorsment) corresponding to one selected shipping method or form.
- each print is preceded by a first accounting mode.
- the first accounting mode is used in conventional franking machines with the pay before "- payment principle firmly coupled. Compared to the usual franking machines, however, freedom of choice can be programmed in the program memory of the franking and franking machine both for another billing mode and for another payment principle, as will be explained in more detail in principle below.
- a register set is reserved in a non-volatile memory for the first accounting mode. It comprises a descending register R1 for the remaining credit balance, an ascending register R2, a total resetting register R3, a first piece count register R4 for all valid franking imprints and a second piece count register R8 for all prints, ie also for prints with the value
- the postage amount calculated or set for the package is debited from the descending register R1 and added to an ascending register R2.
- the sum of the two registers R1 + R2 corresponds to the sum of all the default amounts that were previously used for reloading into the Postage meter machine has been loaded and is stored in a register R3.
- a reloading process which is preferably carried out by remote value presetting for reloading by modem.
- This reloading process can be triggered automatically if the amount falls below a certain minimum amount
- the reloading process can be carried out fully automatically by means of remote data transmission between a modem connected to the machine and a remote data center a charge to the customer account is triggered in the course of this remote loading in the same amount of the reload amount.
- Such a reloading process has been described in more detail in the applicant's US Pat. No. 5,699,415 under the title: METHOD FOR MATCHING THE DATABASE BETWEEN AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER MACHINE AND DATA CENTER.
- FIG. 4b shows an example of a digital print, the franking imprint differing only greatly in appearance from that shown in FIG. 4a.
- Very different print images can be generated with one and the same machine, however, the logo and / or the name of the mail carrier, here for POSTE ITALIANE "and the postage value can be found on the stamp image.
- the printing is preceded by a booking in a second mode, which counts the number of items and adds up the postage value. This enables ongoing billing or periodically as required.
- the postage value calculated or set for the package is added to an Ascending Register R2. Settlement is preferably carried out in a predetermined currency unit, for example in A descending register R1 or a total resetting register R3 are then not required.
- FIGS. 4c and 4d provide an example for digital prints, with the printout being able to be assigned a billing according to a third billing mode.
- the billing of the packages to be dispatched is initiated at the point in time at which the packages are handed over to the carrier.
- This Pay Now principle is advantageous where several packages are to be dispatched at special times (promotional items).
- Government items For example, Deutsche Post AG offers the shipment type Infopost ". It is a particularly inexpensive mail service, whereby the items must always have the same content. The items must be the same in number and nature of the documents and inserts. They can differ in terms of title, address, coding and tax symbols As a further condition, the packages have to be arranged by zip code. The discounts granted for such packages go up to 60%.
- Such packages are paid for when they are posted or picked up.
- Cash or check can be used as a means of payment 4c or 4d
- the franking machine has a microprocessor ⁇ P 46 which has a non-volatile memory 41, 42, 51, 52 for at least the booking data, the keyboard 45, a pixel memory 47, a clock / date module 48, a cliché memory 49.
- a program memory 50, interface modules 44 , 54, 55, 58, 70 is connected.
- One of the interface modules is the chip card read / write unit 70 for the value card 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- An external scale 4 and a modem 53 can be connected to the interface module.
- the interface modules 55 and 58 can be omitted, since the security housing encloses all modules and the module 59 with motors, microswitches, including sensors and the printer controller 56 for the print head 57 are connected directly to the control board can be.
- the interface modules 55 and 58 are used for electrical isolation from the base.
- the safety housing only encloses all assemblies of the meter.
- FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a franking machine according to such a further variant.
- the assembly 59 with motors, microswitches, sensors and others, as well as the printer controller 56 for the print head 57 are part of the base and are controlled by the microprocessor of the meter.
- the franking and franking machine contains several memory areas 41, 42, 51, 52, in which redundant Billing data are stored, the storage areas for the data from alternative accounting methods can be addressed separately are.
- Input means 10, 88 of the keyboard 45 are also provided on the operation of which corresponds to the selected accounting method Subroutine is called.
- Each assigned to a billing procedure Subroutine addresses said allocated memory area for writing and reading accounting data.
- the non-volatile Memory contains flags or pointers in the memory area cause each of those associated with a billing process Subroutines continue to a special memory area with print data accesses.
- a print routine stored in program memory 50 causes these special memory areas and the Imprint of a print image assigned to the accounting process.
- the memory areas thus assigned to the accounting methods are physically separated first memory components 41, 42 or second memory components 51, 52.
- These memory components preferably comprise a RAM 41 and an E 2 PROM 42, the latter being the Data content is automatically adopted in the event of a system power failure. This ensures adequate data security. If required and in accordance with the regulations by the postal authority, a redundant memory area or third memory with a second technology can also be used (not shown). If the second memory components 51, 52 are assigned to a second billing method for the same mail carrier, then an alternative billing method is still available in the event of a component failure for mail delivery.
- an accounting module includes the memory components 41, 42 or 51, 52. At least those memory components are not permanently soldered to the control board and are operatively connected to the microprocessor 46, which have billing data and credits stored in the first billing mode, which according to the Pay Before "principle are already prepaid.
- the first Memory components 41, 42 or second memory components 51, 52 also be capped.
- a plugged memory component can be inserted from the base be removed. This makes it possible to view the content of a Memory that, for example, with the current account procedure Pay later principle works by an authorized person with the help of a Read out memory reader.
- a chip card in particular a prepaid card
- the prepaid card can be recharged at a bank terminal and acts as an electronic wallet.
- the second memory devices 51, 52 can then be omitted since the chip card already has one Memory with corresponding ascending register for those still available Contains money data (remaining credit). Reading the in the Chip card saved remaining credit can be with a commercial Chip card reader.
- the chip card can be compared with comparable ones Functional assemblies, such as on the board of a meter are arranged.
- the microprocessor the date and all other accounting data in the chip card a historical order stored in the memory of the chip card 10. Interfering with data transfer for fraudulent manipulation of the This effectively prevents billing.
- a future one Modification of one of the accounting systems is through the exchange of corresponding chip card much easier.
- Can be advantageous through inserting the chip card 10 into a chip card read / write unit 70 the billing procedure is preselected. When you press The accounting method can be one of the other input means (88, 5.2) be changed again.
- FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a franking machine according to a another variant.
- the autonomy of the individual accounting modules are further reinforced by the fact that in addition to the special memory modules, each billing procedure has its own Processor system is assigned with its own program routines.
- One of the security module 60 developed by the applicant serves as the first Accounting module and has a hardware accounting unit 63 and one battery-supported non-volatile memory 61, in which by modem 53 a credit can be loaded.
- An OTP (One Time Programmable) processor 66 carries out security routines for both credit reloading, as well as to secure the register data with a MAC (Message Authentication Code).
- OTP One Time Programmable
- the advantage of the security module is that the reliability check and approval of the Franking and franking machine according to the invention by the Post carrier takes place, then only for the processor system concerned 60 and the connected printer module 55-57 is required.
- the chip card 10 forms a second accounting module in connection with the smart card read / write unit 70.
- the microprocessor 46 and the first memory components 41, 42 then form a third accounting module etc.
- An input for is made via the actuating elements 88 of the keyboard 45 appropriate reversal of the franking machine.
- the first memory components 41, 42 can make bookings for the same mail carrier as the security module or the chip card, but with billing according to the current account procedure and payment, for example by direct debit, according to Pay later "principle takes place. In this case, the reloading also eliminates the need for additional security. Switching to another billing and payment type requires a security module 60 or a chip card writing / reading unit 70 with prepaid card 10, the booking being made within the latter.
- the said input means for calling corresponding subroutines can be implemented in very different ways. It can be in the keyboard corresponding special keys are arranged on the machine Actuation calls the corresponding subroutines. Is also the input certain key combinations to call the subroutines another possible variant. An entry to the corresponding The postage meter can already be reversed by simply inserting one corresponding value card 10 into the chip card read / write unit 70 to be triggered.
- Another particularly advantageous entry is automatic Reading and recognizing corresponding information.
- the majority of the letters are created today on the PC. You can already make a decision there whether a letter becomes part of a promotion and therefore as Infopost marked and billed using the Pay Now principle, or whether it is a standard letter from the default amount after the pay Before principle is billed. This determination can be made as Additional information printed on the package that has not yet been invoiced become.
- Printing in machine-readable is particularly useful Shape e.g. through a barcode. On the way to the print head this impression is scanned on the machine and the information about the selected accounting procedure leads to the call of the corresponding Subroutines in the franking / franking machine.
- the system of Figure 2 can be used, with one - not illustrated - scanner 5.2 in the automatic feed station 5 or in the dynamic scale 4 is installed. The scanner is electrical over that Interface 54 connected to the franking machine.
- the Postal customer who e.g. a larger mail order plans to deal with the Carrier connects and a special non-public Awarded tariff.
- the franking / franking machine of the Postal customers is at a data center for remote transmission of accounting data shot and received a special carrier rate educated.
- the carrier puts the special tariff above that of him or a data center operated by a service provider to the franking and Franking machine of the relevant postal customer.
- the machine identifies the post to be sent according to these conditions information, e.g. a code transmitted by the data center.
- the Microprocessor 46 is programmed to provide information on the packages to be printed in order to be sent according to the carrier conditions Flag mail. The agreed settlement can also be made after otherwise pay later principle not granted by this carrier.
- this machine is equipped with a digital printing process.
- Such printing processes in the form of thermal transfer and inkjet printers are already used in modern franking machines.
- print data which represent image parts common to all print images can be stored in a memory area which is always read out, while specific image data, such as the text to be printed vertically, for example Payed ", the special accounting procedure, in this case assigned to the Pay Before principle.
- Payed the special accounting procedure
- the same text is printed horizontally as normal text to be read.
- the common parts of the image can contain graphic elements, such as straight lines for frames or print patterns for digits and other characters.
- the franking / franking machine according to the invention is designed in a particularly advantageous variant in such a way that billing of packages with different carriers is possible.
- Most state-owned postal companies work on the pay-before principle, for example the largest postal company in the world, the USPS.
- the customer-friendly pay later principle is used, for example, by the French state postal agency.
- private postal companies which are increasingly pushing the market, will also make such offers to your customers in the future.
- the majority of private transport companies currently operating in parcel shipping offer this to their customers Pay Now "principle.
- the optional billing by one or the other procedure by a company is offered, for example the billing of Infopost "by Deutsche Post AG, where billing is preferably made after Pay Now "principle and the settlement of ordinary letter post by franking based on a prepaid amount of money ( Pay Before ").
- the postal customer of the future has the choice between different carriers and different accounting methods.
- the solution according to the invention is implemented in such a way that separate storage areas are provided for each billing method and each carrier. For example, with five different carriers, each offering two different accounting methods, there are ten differently addressable storage areas. Input means are provided which allow both the choice of the carrier and the selection of the accounting method.
- microprocessor 46 is programmed to preselect a billing mode in combination with calling a query routine for carrier selection and vice versa.
- the pre-selection of a carrier leads to the call of a corresponding query routine according to the billing procedures offered by this carrier.
- the preselection of a billing procedure leads to the calling of a query routine for the selection of the carriers who offer this preselected billing procedure.
- the selections made use the special print data to control the printing of a distinctive note on the package.
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- Figur 1,
- Perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine vom Typ JetMail® von hinten,
- Figur 2,
- Perspektivische Ansicht eines Postverarbeitungssystems mit der Frankiermaschine vom Typ JetMail® von vorn,
- Figur 3,
- Perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine vom Typ T1000 von vorn,
- Figur 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d,
- diverse Freimachungsvermerke,
- Figur 5,
- Blockschaltbild einer Frankiermaschine nach Variante 1,
- Figur 6,
- Blockschaltbild einer Frankiermaschine nach Variante 2.
Dem Druck geht eine Buchnung in einem zweiten Modus voraus, der die Stückzahl zählt und den Portowert summiert. Damit ist eine laufende Abrechnung oder beliebig periodisch möglich. In diesem bekannten zweiten Abrechnungsverfahren wird der für das Versandstück errechnete oder eingestellte Portowert einem Ascending Register R2 hinzuaddiert. Die Abrechnung erfolgt vorzugsweise in einer vorbestimmten Währungseinheit zum Beispiel in
Die Frankiermaschine hat einen Mikroprozessor µP 46 der mit einem nichtflüchtigen Speicher 41, 42, 51, 52 für mindestens die Buchungsdaten, mit der Tastatur 45, mit einem Pixelspeicher 47, einem Uhren/Datumsbaustein 48, einem Klischeespeicher 49. Einem Programmspeicher 50, Interfacebaugruppen 44, 54, 55, 58, 70 verbunden ist. Eine der Interfacebaugruppen ist die Chipkarten-Schreib/Leseeinheit 70 für die in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigte Wertkarte 10. Eine externe Waage 4 und ein Modem 53 sind an die Interfacebaugruppe anschließbar. Bei einer Frankiermaschine ohne Base, beispielsweise vom Typ T1000 können die Interface-Baugruppen 55 und 58 entfallen, da das Sicherheitsgehäuse alle Baugruppen umschließt und die Baugruppe 59 mit Motoren, Mikroschalter, u.a. Sensoren sowie die Druckersteuerung 56 für den Druckkopf 57 direkt an die Steuerungsplatine angeschlossen werden können.
Bei einer Frankiermaschine mit Base und Meter, beispielsweise vom Typ JetMail® dienen die Interface-Baugruppen 55 und 58 zur galvanischen Trennung von der Base. Das Sicherheitsgehäuse umschließt nur alle Baugruppen des Meters. Die Figur 6 zeigt ein Blockschaltbild einer Frankiermaschine nach einer solchen weiteren Variante. Die Baugruppe 59 mit Motoren, Mikroschalter, Sensoren u.a. sowie die Druckersteuerung 56 für den Druckkopf 57 sind Bestandteil der Base und werden vom Mikroprozessor des Meters gesteuert.
Alternativ kann die Information über das gewählte Abrechnungsverfahren auch auf elektronischem Wege vom PC, auf dem der Brief erstellt wurde zur Frankier/Freimachungsmaschine übertragen werden, das setzt allerdings voraus, daß die der Maschine zugeführten Versandstücke sich in ihrer Reihung nicht mehr verändern.
Der Postkunde der Zukunft hat also die Wahl zwischen verschiedenen Beförderern und verschiedenen Abrechnungsverfahren. Die Realisierung der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung sieht in diesem Fall so aus, daß separate Speicherbereiche für jedes Abrechnungsverfahren und jeden Beförderer vorgesehen sind. Beispielsweise ergeben sich bei fünf verschiedenen Beförderern, die jeweils zwei verschiedene Abrechnungsverfahren anbieten, zehn unterschiedlich adressierbare Speicherbereiche. Es sind Eingabemittel vorgesehen, die sowohl die Wahl des Beförderers als auch die Auswahl des Abrechnungsverfahrens gestatten. Es ist vorgesehen, daß der Mikroprozessor 46 programmiert ist, die Vorauswahl eines Abrechnungsmodus in Kombination mit dem Aufruf einer Abfrageroutine für die Auswahl der Beförderers und umgekehrt durchzuführen. Dabei führt die Vorauswahl eines Beförderers zum Aufruf einer entsprechenden Abfrageroutine nach den von diesem Beförderer angebotenen Abrechnungsverfahren. Im Umkehrfall führt die Vorauswahl eines Abrechnungsverfahrens zum Aufruf einer Abfrageroutine für die Auswahl der Beförderer, die dieses vorausgewählte Abrechnungsverfahren anbieten. Die getroffenen Auswahlen steuern mit den speziellen Druckdaten den Abdruck eines kennzeichnenden Vermerkes auf dem Versandstück.
Claims (16)
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, mit einem Mikroprozessor (46), welcher mit einer Anzeigeeinheit (43) und einer Tastatur (45), Speicher- und Interfacebauelementen (41, 42, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54. 55) verbunden ist, und einen Druckermodul (56, 57) digital ansteuert, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Eingabe-Mittel (5.2, 10, 45, 88) der Frankiermaschine (1, 2) zur Eingabe des Abrechnungsmodus ausgebildet sind und daß der Mikroprozessor (46) programmiert ist, beim Einsatz der vorgenannten Eingabe-Mittel, bei deren Betätigung, Freigabe oder Auslösung den Abrechnungsmodus zu wechseln.
- Anordnung, nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Anzeigeeinheit (43) Anzeigeelemente (98) zur Anzeige oder Auswahl des Abrechnungsmodus und die Tastatur (45) Betätigungselemente (88) aufweist, um den Abrechnungsmodus bei Bedarf zu wechseln.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Mikroprozessor (46) programmiert ist, bei Betätigung bzw. Auslösung der vorgenannten Eingabe-Mittel den Abrechnungsmodus und den Postbeförderer zu wechseln, so daß in einem der anderen Abrechnungsmodi die Buchungen mindestens für einen anderen Postbeförderer erfolgen.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Mikroprozessor (46) programmiert ist, bei Betätigung bzw. Auslösung der vorgenannten Eingabe-Mittel den Abrechnungsmodus zu wechseln, so daß in einem der anderen Abrechnungsmodi die Buchungen für denselben Postbeförderer erfolgen.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens ein erster mit dem Mikroprozessor (46) verbundener Abrechnenmodul gebildet wird, der zur Buchung ausgebildet ist.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß erste Speicherbauelemente (41, 42) mit dem Mikroprozessor (46) verbunden sind und einen Abrechenmodul bilden, daß bei Buchungen in den ersten Speicherbauelementen (41, 42) eine Abrechnung nach dem Kontokorrent-Verfahren und eine Bezahlung per Lastschrift, nach dem Pay later"-Prinzip erfolgt.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zweite Speicherbauelemente (51, 52) mit dem Mikroprozessor (46) verbunden sind und einen Abrechenmodul bilden, der für eine Abrechnung mit einem ersten Postbeförderer nach einem Verfahren mit Vorausbezahlung ausgebildet ist, wobei zur Vorausbezahlung eine Guthabennachladung vorgesehen ist.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zweite Speicherbauelemente (51, 52) für eine Abrechnung mit einem zweiten Postbeförderer nach einem zweiten Verfahren mit zugehörigem Bezahlungsverfahren vorhanden sind.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, gekennzeichnet, durch die Anordnung von unterschiedlichen Abrechenmodulen.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Abrechenmodul eine Chipkarte (10) ist, welche in Abgängigkeit von ihrem Einstecken in eine Chipkarten-Schreib/Leseeinheit (70) den Mikroprozessor (46) veranlaßt, den Abrechnungsmodus zu wechseln.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Abrechenmodul ein Sicherheitsmodul (60) ist.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Abrechenmodul Speicherbauelemente (41, 42) oder (51, 52) einschließt.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Eingabemittel ein Scanner (5.2) ist, der im Poststrom stromaufwärts vor der Frankiermaschine angeordnet ist und daß der Mikroprozessor (46) programmiert ist, bei Auslösung eines Briefsensors das Scannersignal (5.2) auszuwerten und in Abgängigkeit davon den Abrechnungsmodus zu wechseln.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Mikroprozessor (46) programmiert ist, die Vorauswahl eines Abrechnungsmodus in Kombination mit dem Aufruf einer Abfrageroutine für die Auswahl der Beförderers und umgekehrt durchzuführen.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, welche an eine Datenzentrale zur Fernübertragung von Abrechnungsdaten angeschossen und zum Empfang eines Beförderer-Sondertarif ausgebildet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Mikroprozessor (46) programmiert ist, Informationen auf die Versandstücke aufzudrucken, um die nach den Beförderer-Konditionen zu versendende Post zu kennzeichnen.
- Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine, nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß einen vom Datenzentrum übertragener Code auf die Versandstücke gedruckt wird.
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DE29913639U DE29913639U1 (de) | 1999-07-30 | 1999-07-30 | Frankier- und Freimachungsmaschine |
DE29913639U | 1999-07-30 |
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US20070078778A1 (en) * | 2005-10-04 | 2007-04-05 | Mark Ferraro | Cellular connectivity for a franking machine |
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US7963437B1 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2011-06-21 | Stamps.Com Inc. | Systems and methods for distributed printing of personalized postage indicia |
US9911246B1 (en) | 2008-12-24 | 2018-03-06 | Stamps.Com Inc. | Systems and methods utilizing gravity feed for postage metering |
US20110238553A1 (en) * | 2010-03-26 | 2011-09-29 | Ashwin Raj | Electronic account-to-account funds transfer |
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DE29913639U1 (de) | 2000-01-13 |
US6853990B1 (en) | 2005-02-08 |
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