Method for verifying the expected postage security device in a host system

(19)

(11)

EP 0 845 760 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	26.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/30

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	03.06.1998 Bulletin 1998/23

(21)	Application number: 97120456.5

(22)	Date of filing: 21.11.1997

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: G07B 17/00

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30)

Priority:

21.11.1996 US 754570

(71)	Applicant: PITNEY BOWES INC.
	Stamford Connecticut 06926-0700 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Ryan, Frederick W., Jr. Oxford, Connect. 06478 (US) Cordery, Robert A. Danburry, Connect. 06811 (US)

(74)	Representative: Avery, Stephen John et al
	Hoffmann Eitle, Patent- und Rechtsanwälte, Arabellastrasse 4 81925 München 81925 München (DE)

(54)	Method for verifying the expected postage security device in a host system

(57) A method to verify in a host system that the expected PSD is coupled to the host. The host system generates a message, such as a random number and sends to the PSD. In one embodiment, the random number is signed in the PSD. The signed number is transmitted to the host where the signature is verified. In an alternate embodiment, the PSD encrypts the number and transmits it to the host system. The host system decrypts the encrypted number and ensures it corresponds with the number originally generated and transmitted to the PSD. Methods for verifying in a PSD that the expected host is coupled to the PSD mirrors the two embodiments for verifying the expected PSD. The generated message may include data indicating status of the PSD based, for example a checksum of PSD transaction records stored in the host system.

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