Apparatus for obtaining recharge codes for postage meters

Description

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus for obtaining recharge codes for postage meters. More particularly, it relates to apparatus for automatically obtaining a recharge code for each meter selected from a plurality of postage meters. The invention further relates to embodiments which retransmit recharge codes to such selected meters so that they are automatically recharged.

[0002] Postage meters are devices which have found wide application in many businesses. Such meters are used to frank parcels and mail by printing indicia which are equivalent to postage stamps. Clearly, it is therefore essential that postage meters include a secure mechanism to assure that the meter prints only postage for which the postal service has been paid. Equally clearly, the secure mechanism must allow the postage meter to be recharged (or reset) with additional funds. That is, a mechanism must be provided which will allow the postage meter to print additional postage if and only if an equivalent amount has been paid to the postal service.

[0003] (Those skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of value, e.g. tax stamps, may be dispensed by postage meter-like devices. As used herein the term "postage meter" contemplates such devices which include a secure, rechargeable mechanism for controlled dispensing of value.)

[0004] Various schemes have been devised and implemented to obtain the desired remote recharging based on information from a remote data processing center. Typical systems are shown in U.S. Patent No.: 3,792,446, in the name of McFiggans et al, entitled REMOTE POSTAGE METER RESETTING METHOD: and in U.S. Patent No.: 4,097,923, in the name of Eckert, Jr. et al, entitled POSTAGE METER CHARGING SYSTEM USING AN ADVANCED MICROCOMPUTERIZED POSTAGE METER. These patents teach a data processing center which is equipped with a programmed digital computer and a voice answer-back unit to process telephone calls from users of postage meters equipped with either a combination lock such that the lock prohibits recharging of the associated meter until it is unlocked; or in the case of U.S. Patent No.: 4,097,923, having a working memory which contains a seed number for generating postage funding combinations to unlock the meter. The remote system of the latter Patent includes the capability of adding variable amounts of postage to the meter. U.S. Patent No.: 3,792,446, relates only to the addition of fixed increments to the meter. Each of these systems is based on transmission by a postage meter user of information including, or derived from, the contents of the meter ascending and descending registers, the meter serial number, and account number to be debited for the amount of funds to be recharged, and in the case of a variable recharge system, the amount by which the meter is to be recharged. If the data processing center includes a voice answer-back system the operator may transmit the information as DTMF tones over the telephone system or the operator may simply speak to a second operator at the data processing center to transmit the information. In either case the data processing center then provides an encrypted number which may be used to recharge the meter, as is described in the above referenced Patents.

[0005] As is well known to those skilled in the art the ascending register of a postage meter is a large capacity register which is incremented by the postage amount each time the meter prints an indicia, and thus contains the total amount of postage printed by the meter over its lifetime. The descending register is decremented by the amount of postage each time an indicia is printed and incremented by the amount of funds each time the meter is recharged. The meter, of course, cannot print postage in excess of the amount of funds in the descending register. The total of the ascending and the descending register is equal to the total amount of funds with which the meter has been charged in its lifetime. (Sometimes herein referred to as the control sum.) Since the recharge code is generated using a secure algorithm and is based on information which includes the control sum and the serial number of the meter, it is apparent that each recharge of the meter will require a secure, unique recharge code.

[0006] Such recharging systems are marketed by the applicants, Pitney Bowes Inc, under the Trademark "Postage-by-Phone", and are described more fully in the above referenced Patents.

[0007] In the systems described above the recharge code is entered into a postage meter, such as the Pitney Bowes model 6900 Electronic Meter, manually through a keypad by an operator. Alternatively, the information may be entered into the Model 6900 Meter through a communications port which is normally used for communication with a postal scale using a proprietary Pitney Bowes communications protocol described in U.S. Patent No.: 4,498,187 in the name of Soderborg et al.

[0008] U.S. Patent No.: 3,255,439 in the name of Simjian discloses a system in which the meter communicates directly to a central accounting station for accounting for each and all of the meter operations, either on a real time basis or in batches. A similar system is disclosed in West German Patent Application No.: DE 2,636,852, published February 23, 1978; in which a data transmitting unit is employed to recharge the postage meter over telephone or telegraph lines. British Patent Application No.: 2,147,853, published May 22, 1985, discloses a telephone integrated with a mail franking device, which operates either as a telephone or as a postage meter. The telephone keypad may be used to recharge funds and accounting may be done either locally at the device or in a central accounting unit.

[0009] Each of the above described devices requires a complex sequence of operations to recharge a postage meter. U.S. Patent No.: 4,812,992, to Storace et al, issued March 14, 1989, discloses a system which attempts to simplify the recharging process. In Patent No.: 4,812,992, a novel postage meter which includes a dedicated communications port, which is is preferably a DTMF transmitter/receiver for telephone communications, is connected over the telephone network to a remote data processing center, such as a Pitney Bowes "Postage-by Phone" center. Each meter has the capability to initiate and complete a recharging transaction with the data processing center whenever its funds (i.e.,the contents of its descending register) fall below a preset limit.

[0010] While effective, the system of Patent No. 4,812,992 requires the design and implementation of a new meter and the approval of that meter by the Postal Service in the country where the meter is being used.

[0011] GB-A-2,080,203 discloses a central data center which supplies a recharge code to a postage meter.

[0012] EP-A-0,298,776 discloses a franking machine system in which a central computer supplies a recharge code to a local controller which then stores the corresponding amount of funds in its descending register. A plurality of franking machines are connected to the local controller. Each franking machine can ask the local controller to supply a recharge code in order to transfer funds from the descending register of the local controller to the descending register of the franking machine.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for obtaining a recharge code for any selected one of a plurality of postage meters from a data processing center arranged to transmit said recharge code in response to a message from said apparatus, said apparatus comprising:

(a) input means for input of data;

(b) first communication means for communication between said apparatus and said data processing center;

(c) a memory for storing a data base of recharge information relating to said plurality of postage meters; and

(d) control means arranged to:

(d1) respond to data input through said input means to identify one of said plurality of postage meters as said selected postage meter;

(d2) access said memory to obtain recharge information for said selected postage meter;

(d3) receive meter information relating to said selected postage meter;

(d4) form said message, said message including said meter information and said recharge information for said selected postage meter;

(d5) control said first communication means to transmit said message to said data processing center;

(d6) receive said recharge code from said data processing center through said first communication means; and

(d7) output said recharge code for said selected postage meter.

[0014] It is an advantage of preferred embodiments of the invention that they provide recharge apparatus which is compatible with existing postage meters without the necessity of pbtaining approval from a postal service.

[0015] The apparatus preferably includes a display. The control means may control the display to display names for each of the plurality of meters.

[0016] Preferably the recharge information for the selected postage meter includes a unique identification code for the selected postage meter.

[0017] Preferably the recharge information for the selected postage meter includes an account number for an account against which the amount by which the selected postage meter is recharged is debited.

[0018] The selected postage meter may be connected to the apparatus via second communication means and the control means may be arranged to automatically transmit the recharge code to the selected meter.

[0019] The apparatus may optionally obtain the meter information from the selected postage meter through said second communication means.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for obtaining a recharge code for any selected one of a plurality of postage meters from a data processing center arranged to transmit said recharge code in response to a message, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in apparatus a data base of recharge information for said plurality of postage meters;

(b) inputting data to said apparatus to identify one of said plurality of postage meters as said selected postage meter;

(c) accessing said data base to obtain recharge information for said selected postage meter;

(d) inputting to said apparatus meter information relating to said selected postage meter;

(e) combining said recharge information for said selected postage meter with said meter information to form said message;

(f) transmitting said message from said apparatus to said data processing center;

(g) receiving at said apparatus said recharge code; and

(h) outputting said recharge code for said selected postage meter from said apparatus.

[0021] There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the subject invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the subject invention wherein a plurality of postage meters are connected to a system in accordance with the subject invention.

Figures 3a-3n show a flow chart of the operation of the systems of Figures 1 and 2.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of apparatus, in the form of system 10, in accordance with the invention. System 10 includes microcomputer 12, which is preferably an IBM PC/XT/AT, or other equivalent compatible commercially available microcomputer, having at least 256K bytes of random access memory (RAM). Conventional keyboard 14 is provided for input of data by a system user and a conventional CRT display 16 is provided for display of data to a system user. System 10 also includes two conventional 360K floppy diskette drives 20 for input and storage of system software and data bases, as will be described below. System 10 also includes a modem 22 for communications with remote data processing center 30. Typically, modem 22 communicates with data processing center 30 over the switched public telephone network, but communication over leased lines is also within the contemplation of the subject invention. Modem 22 will operate at 300, 1200, or 2400 baud, and preferably will be a commercially available modem manufactured by the Hayes Corporation, or other commercially available compatible equivalent.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the subject invention wherein a plurality of commercially available electronic postage meters 40a, 40b, such as the the Model 6900 Electronic Meter, marketed by the applicants, are attached to system 10a through a corresponding plurality of network interfaces, including interfaces 42a and 42b, and network controller 44 to microcomputer 12 of system 10a. Network controller 44 may be selected to support any of numerous commercially available local area networks, but preferably will support a wireless communications network such as a spread spectrum RF wireless local area network operating in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC regulations in the 902-928 Mhz. band. A suitable network controller is available from O'Neill Communications Inc of Princeton, New Jersey, and design of network interfaces 42a and 42b is a routine task easily accomplished once the network is specified by any digital systems designer of more than minimal competence. Further details of the network are not believed necessary for an understanding of the invention.

[0024] Figure 3a shows a flow chart representation of the initial operation of system 10 or 10a, shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. At 100 the system displays a start up screen requesting that the user input an identification code and password. (In other embodiments of the subject invention the password or both the password and identification code may be optional.) At 102 the system requests the user to input an identification code and at 104 requests input of a password. At 106 the system tests the identification code and password to determine if the user is recognized as an authorized system user. If either the identification code or the password are not recognized then at 108 the system displays an error message prompting the user to try again and waits for the user response. At 110 the system tests the user response and if the user wishes to retry loops through 102. If the user does not wish to retry, the system exits. Preferably the system will allow only a limited, predetermined number of attempts.

[0025] Assuming that both the identification code and the password are recognized, than at 112 the system displays the Main Menu and waits for user input. The Main Menu identifies three functions which the user may access: Set Up System, Obtain Account Balance, and Reset Meters. At 116 the system tests to determine if the user has requested the Set Up routine. If so the system, at 118, goes to the Set Up routine as will be described further below. Otherwise, at 120 the system tests to determine if the user has requested the Balance, and if so, at 124, goes to the Balance routine, as will be described further below. Otherwise, at 126 the system tests to determine if the user has requested the Reset routine, and if so at 128, goes to the Reset Meters routine, as will be described further below. If none of the listed functions has been requested at 130 the system tests to determine if the user wishes to quit the session, and if so exits. Otherwise, the system returns to 112 to wait for a further, appropriate response from the user.

[0026] Figures 3b and 3c show a flow chart representation of the operation of system 10a in executing the Reset Meter function.

[0027] At 134 system l0a displays a list of meters included in the system data base, and waits for a user response. At 136 the response is tested to determine if a Get Funds command has been entered. If that command has been entered, then at 138 system 10a tests to determine if a meter or meters has been selected. If no meter has been selected system 10a returns to 134 to await appropriate input. If at least one meter has been selected then at 139 system l0a goes to the Get Funds routine, as shown in Figure 3c, which will be described further below. Otherwise, at 140, system 10a tests the user response to determine if the user wishes to quit, and if so returns at 142 to display the main menu at 112 in Figure 3a. Otherwise, at 144 system 10a tests the user response to determine if the user wishes to select a meter. If the user response is not a meter selection system 10a returns to 134 to await appropriate input.

[0028] If a meter has been selected, at 148 system 10a determines if the selected meter is connected through network controller 44. If the selected meter is not connected then at 150 system 10a displays a request for manual input of the access code and waits for input. If the meter is connected then at 152 system 10a communicates with the selected meter through network controller 44 to obtain the access code directly from the selected meter. Once the access code is obtained it is entered at 154 and at 156 a request for the recharge amount is displayed and system 10a waits.

[0029] The amount input is then tested at 158 to determine if the amount is less than the maximum amount as stored in the corresponding record in the system data base. If the amount is greater than the maximum then at 160 an error message is displayed and the system returns to 156. Otherwise, at 162 system 10a enters the amount. Then, at 164, system 10a requests confirmation of the meter selection. At 166 the user response is tested, and if selection is confirmed, then at 168 system 10a records the selection of that meter for recharging. Otherwise, the meter is deselected; that is, the selection of the meter is cancelled. In either event system 10a returns to 134 to wait for further appropriate input.

[0030] Returning to 139, if at least one meter is selected and the user enters a Get Funds command, then at 172 system 10a sets up modem 22 and establishes connection with remote data processing center 30. At 174 system 10a performs a conventional test to assure that the connection is properly established. If there is an error then at 176 an error message is displayed, and at 178 system 10a returns to display the meter lists (134 in Figure 3b). Once satisfactory connection is established then at 180 system 10a accesses the meter database to obtain a unique identification code for a selected meter, and an account number for an account against which the recharge amount for that meter is to be debited. This recharge information is combined with the access code and the recharge amount for that meter to form a message, and the message is sent to remote data processing center 30. Data processing center 30 responds to the message to generate a unique recharge code as a secure function of the access code, meter identification, and recharge amount, and debits the recharge amount to the identified account. Thus, a secure recharge code is generated for that meter. (The operation of data center 30 in generating a recharge code is generally known, and further description is not believed necessary to an understanding of the subject invention.)

[0031] Then, at 182, system 10a transmits the message formed to data center 30 and waits for a response. At 184 system 10a tests for a communications error, e.g., a transmission error or failure to respond, and if a correct response is received saves the response at 186. Then, at 188 system 10a tests to determine if there are messages to be formed for other selected meters. If so, system 10a returns to 180 to form a message for the next selected meter.

[0032] Returning to 184, if a communications error is detected, then at 190 system 10a tests to determine if predetermined retry count is exceeded, and if not, returns to 182 to retransmit the message to data center 30. If the retry count is exceeded then at 192 system 10a determines if there have been any previous successful communications with data center 30 such that recharge codes have been received. If no recharge codes have been received then at 194 an error message is displayed and, at 196 system 10a returns to display the meter list (134 in Figure 3b).

[0033] If the test at 188 shows that there has been a correct response to the last message, or the test at 192 shows that recharge codes have been received, then at 198 system 10a goes to the Reset Session Complete function, shown in Figure 3d. Then at 200 system 10a tests to determine if meters are connected. If meters are connected then, at 202 system 10a establishes communications with a selected meter and resets that meter. Then, at 204 system l0a tests to determine if the reset is successful. If there is an error then at 206 an error message is displayed and the reset results are updated. Then, or if the reset test at 204 is passed, at 208 system 10a tests to determine if other selected meters remain to be reset, and if so returns to 202 to reset the next meter. After the last connected meter is reset, or if no meters are connected, system 10a goes to 210 and tests to determine if a flag has been set indicating that the reset information is to be saved, and if so at 211 saves this information to a disk on disk drive 20. Then, or if the flag is not set, at 212 system 10a displays the reset results and waits for a user response. At 214 system 10a tests the user response to determine if the user wishes a receipt printed. If so, at 216 system 10a prints a reset receipt and returns to 212. If the user response tested at 214 is not a request for a receipt then at 218 the response is tested to determine if the user wishes to quit. If not, system 10a returns to 212 to wait for appropriate input. If the user wishes to quit then at 220 system l0a tests to determine if a reset receipt has been printed. If no receipt has been printed system 10a displays a print receipt prompt, at 222, and waits for user input. Then at 224 the user response is tested to determine if a receipt is requested, and if so system 10a goes to 216 and continues as described above. If the test at 220 shows that a receipt has been printed, or the test at 224 shows that no receipt is requested the reset session is completed and, at 226 system 10a returns to display the main menu (112 in Figure 3a).

[0034] System 10, shown in Figure 1 operates in substantially the same manner to execute the Reset Meter function, except, of course, that it need not be programmed to attempt direct communication with a meter. Instead, in system 10 the system user obtains the access code (or codes) from the selected meter (or meters) and inputs that code to system 10; then obtains the corresponding recharge code for each selected meter and enters that code through the meter keyboard.

[0035] Other functions, described below, are substantially identical in systems 10 and 10a, and are described with respect to system 10.

[0036] At 230 in Figure 3e system 10 displays a list of accounts and requests the user to select the account or accounts for which a balance is requested, and waits for input. Then at 232 system 10 tests the user input to determine if a Get Balance has been requested. If it has at 234 system 10 tests to determine if at least one account has been selected, and if not returns to 230 to await appropriate input. If one or more accounts have been selected then at 236 system 10 goes to the Get Balance function, shown in Figure 3f, as will be described below.

[0037] If the user has not requested a Get Balance function then at 238 the response is tested to determine if the user wishes to quit, and if so, at 240 system 10 goes to display the main menu (112 in Figure 3a). If the user does not wish to quit then at 242 system 10 tests the response to determine if an account has been selected, and if not returns to 230.

[0038] If the user has selected an account, at 244 system 10 request confirmation, and at 246 tests the user response. If the account selection is confirmed system 10 records the selection, otherwise the account is deselected. In either event system 10 then returns to 230 to await further input.

[0039] Returning to 236 if the user has requested a Get Balance function and at least one account has been selected system 10 goes to the Get Balance function shown in Figure 3f, and at 252 sets up modem 22 and establishes connection with data processing center 30. Then at 254 system 10 tests to determine if the connection with data processing center 30 is ok. If there is an error then at 256 an error message is displayed and at 258 system 10 goes to display the account list (230 in Figure 3e).

[0040] If connection is satisfactorily established then at 260 system 10 accesses the data base and forms a message requesting a balance for a selected account, and at 262 transmits the message to data processing center 30 and waits for a reply; at 264 system 10 tests for a communications error, e.g., a transmission error or failure to reply. If a satisfactory reply is received then at 266 the reply is saved, and at 268 system 10 test to determine if this is tne last message. If not system 10 returns to 260 to form a message relating to the next selected account.

[0041] Returning to 264 if a communications error is detected then at 270 system 10 tests to determine if a predetermined retry count is exceeded. If not it returns to 262 to retransmit the message to data processing center 30. If the retry count is exceeded then at 272 system 10 tests to determine if any account balances have been successfully received for other selected accounts. If no balances have been received then at 274 an error message is displayed, and at 276 system 10 goes to display the account list (230 in Figure 3e).

[0042] If the test at 268 shows that there has been a successful reply to the last message, or if the test at 272 shows that account balances have been received at 278 system 10 goes to the Balance Session Complete function, shown in Figure 3g.

[0043] Turning to Figure 3g, at 280 the balance results are displayed, and system 10 waits for user input. At 282 the user response is tested to determine if a balance receipt is requested and, if so at 284 a receipt is printed and system 10 returns to 280. Otherwise, at 286 system 10 tests to determine if the user wishes to quit and if not returns to 280 to wait for appropriate input. Otherwise, at 288 system 10 tests to determine if a balance receipt has been printed, and if not at 290 displays a prompt asking if the user wishes a balance receipt. At 292 the user response is tested and if a receipt is requested the system 10 goes to 284 and continues as above.

[0044] If the test at 288 shows that a balance receipt has been printed, or the test at 292 shows the user does not wish a receipt, at 294 the Obtain Account Balance function is complete and system 10 goes to display the main menu (112 in Figure 3a).

[0045] Figure 3h is a flow chart representation of the operation of system 10 in executing the Set Up System function. At 300 system 10 displays a menu of set up options and waits for input. Then at 302 system 10 tests the input to determine if the user has selected the Maintain Meter List function, and if so at 304 goes to that function. Otherwise, at 306 system 10 tests to determine if the Assign Operator function has been selected, and if so goes to that function at 308. Otherwise, at 310 system 10 tests to determine if the Set Program Parameters function has been selected, and if so at 312 goes to that function. Otherwise system 10 tests at 314 to determine if the Change Supervisor Password function has been selected, and if so, at 316 goes to that function. If no function has been selected at 318 system 10 tests to see if the user wishes to quit, and if not, returns to 300 for further, appropriate input. Otherwise, system 10 goes to display the main menu (112 in Figure 3a).

[0046] Figure 3i shows a flow chart representation of the operation of system 10 in executing the Maintain Meter List function, which allows the system user to modify the data base of recharge information for the plurality of meters associated with the system. This data base will contain a record for each meter associated with the system, and each record will typically contain: an account number identifying the account against which the recharge amount is to be debited, a unique (for data center 30) meter identification number, a meter name or number (not necessarily unique) by which the meter is identified to the system user, the maximum permitted recharge amount, and a default recharge amount to be used if no amount is entered by the user.

[0047] At 330 system 10 displays options for meter list maintenance and waits for user input.

[0048] At 332 system 10 tests to determine if the user has requested a View/Modify Meter function, which allows the user to modify an existing record. If so, at 334 system 10 goes to this function. Otherwise, at 336 system 10 tests to determine if the user has requested an Add Meter function, which allows a user to add a new meter to the data base, and if so goes to this function at 338. Otherwise at 340 system 10 tests to determine if the user has requested a Delete Meter function, which allows a user to delete a meter from the data base. If so system 10 goes to this function at 342. If none of the above functions have been selected, at 346 system 10 tests to determine if the user wishes to quit. If the user does not, system 10 returns to 330 for further, appropriate input. Otherwise system 10 returns to display the system set up menu (300 in Figure 3h).

[0049] Figure 3j shows a flow chart representation of the operation of system 10 in executing the View/Modify Meter List function. At 350 system 10 displays a list of meters and waits for user input. At 352 the user input is tested to determine if the user wishes to quit, and if so system 10 goes to display the maintain meter menu (330 in Figure 3i). Otherwise, at 356 system 10 tests to determine if a meter has been selected, and if not returns to 350 to wait for appropriate input. If a meter is selected, then at 358 system 10 displays the selected meter record and opens the first field and waits for user input. The user may then input data to modify the open field, e.g., change the maximum recharge amount allowed for the selected meter. At 360 system 10 tests to see if the user wishes to cancel any changes which may have been made and if so returns to 350 to wait for appropriate input. Otherwise, at 362 system 10 tests to determine if the last field has been opened, and if not returns to 358 to open the next field for modification. If the last field has been opened then at 364 system 10 saves the selected record as modified and returns to 350 to wait for further input.

[0050] Figure 3k shows a flow chart representation of the operation of system 10 in executing the Add Meter function. This function substantially parallels the View/Modify Meter List function described above to add a new meter to the existing list. At 370 system 10 displays a list of meters and waits for user input. At 372 system 10 determines if the meter list is full, that is if system 10 is capable of handling additional meters. If so, at 376 an error message is displayed, and at 378 system 10 goes to display the maintain meter menu ( 330 in Figure 3i). Otherwise, at 380 system 10 tests the user input to determine if the user wishes to quit, and if so goes to 378 to return to display the maintain meter list. If the user does not wish to quit at 382 system 10 tests to determine if the user has selected the position in the list where a meter is to be added. If not system 10 returns to 370 to wait for appropriate input. Otherwise, at 384 an empty meter record is displayed and the first field is opened and system 10 waits for user input to complete the record field. Then at 386 system 10 tests to determine if the user wishes to cancel the addition of a new meter and if so returns to 370 to wait for further input. Otherwise, at 387 system 10 tests to determine if the last field has been completed and if not returns to 384 to open the next field and wait for further user input. Once the test at 387 determines that the last field has been completed, then at 388 system 10 saves the new record and returns to 370 to wait for further appropriate input.

[0051] Figure 31 shows a flow chart of the operation of system 10 in executing the Delete Meter function. At 390 system 10 displays a list of meters and waits for further input. At 392 system 10 test to determine if the meter list is empty and if so, at 394 displays an error message and at 396 goes to display the maintain meter menu (330 in Figure 3i). Otherwise, at 398 the user input is tested to determine if the user wishes to quit, and if so system 10 goes to 396. Otherwise, at 400 the user input tests to determine if a meter record has been selected for deletion, and if not system 10 returns to 390 to wait for appropriate input. If a record has been selected at 402 the record is displayed and system 10 waits for user input. Then at 406 the input is tested to see if the user wishes to cancel the deletion and if so system 10 returns to 390 to wait for appropriate input. Then at 408 the input is tested further to see if the user confirms the deletion of the selected record and if not system 10 returns to 390. If the user confirms that deletion then at 410 the selected record is deleted from the meter list and system 10 returns to 490.

[0052] (Preferably a meter record is selected for a modification or deletion by highlighting it with a cursor in a known conventional manner, and meter records are added immediately before or after a highlighted record.)

[0053] Returning to Figure 3h, if the Assign Operators function is selected system 10 enters a routine which functions in a manner substantially identical to the Maintain Meter List function described above, the significant difference being that the data base of system operators comprises records associated with each operator, and the records include an identification code field, and a password field. As described above the system user may View/Modify Operators, Add Operators, or Delete Operators. Further description of the Assign Operators function is not believed necessary for an understanding of the subject invention.

[0054] Figure 3m shows a flow chart representation of the operation of system 10 in executing the Set Program Parameters function. System 10 displays a list of program parameters which the user may select or modify. Preferably the list will include a flag which indicates whether or not accounting information is to be saved, definition of the communications port to be used, and the remote data center telephone number. In other embodiments of the subject invention program parameters may also identify whether a printed record of recharge transactions and/or balance request is always to be printed, never to be printed, or printed at the user's option definition of an internal or external modem or other parameters.

[0055] At 420 system 10 displays a list of program parameters and waits for user input. At 422 system 10 determines if the user has elected to Quit, and if so at 424 goes to display the set up menu (300 in Figure 3h).

[0056] Otherwise, at 428 system 10 determines if the user has selected the Save Accounting Information parameter. If the user has selected this parameter at 430 system 10 opens the save accounting information flag field, displays a prompt and waits for further input. At 432 system 10 tests the user input to determine if the user has chosen to save accounting information. If the user has, at 436 the flag is set, otherwise at 438 the flag is reset, and system 10 returns to 420 to wait for further input.

[0057] If the user has not selected the Save Accounting Information parameter, then at 442 system 10 tests to determine if the Communications Port parameter is selected. If it is, at 444 system 10 opens the communications port selection field, displays a prompt and waits for further input. Then at 446 the user input is tested to determine if communications port COM1 or COM2 has been selected, sets COM1 or COM2 at 448 or 450 respectively, and then returns to 420.

[0058] If the Communication Port parameter is not selected system 10 tests at 454 to determine if the data center phone number has been selected, and if not returns to 420. If it has then at 456 system 10 opens the field for the Data Center Phone Number parameter and waits for further input, and at 458 it enters the input into the open field, then returns to 420.

[0059] Figure 3n shows a flow chart representation of the operation of system 10 in executing the Change Supervisor Password function. At 460 system 10 requests the user to input the current supervisor password, and at 462 system 10 tests the input to determine if the password is correct. If it is not correct, then at 464 the system displays an error message prompting the user to try again and waits for the user response. At 468, the system tests the user response and, if the user wishes to retry, loops to 460. If the user does not wish to retry, the system exits to the main menu (112 in Figure 3a). If the password is correct then at 470 the user is prompted to enter the new password and the system waits for input. Then at 474 the user is prompted to re-enter the new password and the system again waits for input. At 476 the first and second entries are compared and if they do not match an error message is displayed at 478 and system 10 returns to 470. If the entries match then at 480 the supervisor password is updated, and at 482 system 10 goes to display the main menu.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in the event of a fatal error condition (e.g. failure of communications with data processing center 30) well known conventional escape, reset or time out functions are preferably provided to prevent system 10 from permanently "locking-up".

[0061] The above detailed description and the attached drawings have been provided by way of illustration only, and other embodiments of the subject invention can be devised.

Claims

1. Apparatus for obtaining a recharge code for any selected one of a plurality of postage meters (40) from a data processing center (30) arranged to transmit said recharge code in response to a message from said apparatus, said apparatus comprising:

(a) input means (14) for input of data;

(b) first communication means (22) for communication between said apparatus and said data processing center (30);

(c) a memory (20) for storing a data base of recharge information relating to said plurality of postage meters; and

(d) control means (12) arranged to:

(d1) respond to data input through said input means (14) to identify one of said plurality of postage meters (40) as said selected postage meter;

(d2) access said memory (20) to obtain recharge information for said selected postage meter;

(d3) receive meter information relating to said selected postage meter;

(d4) form said message, said message including said meter information and said recharge information for said selected postage meter;

(d5) control said first communication means (22) to transmit said message to said data processing center (30);

(d6) receive said recharge code from said data processing center (30) through said first communication means (22); and

(d7) output said recharge code for said selected postage meter.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recharge information for said selected postage meter (40) includes an identification code which uniquely identifies said selected postage meter to said data processing center (30).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said recharge information for said selected postage meter (40) includes an account number for an account to be debited at said data processing center (30).

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said meter information includes information derived from ascending and descending registers of said selected postage meter (40).

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said meter information specifies an amount by which said selected postage meter (40) is to be recharged.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said data base further includes information specifying a maximum recharge amount for each of said plurality of meters (40), said control means (12) being arranged to compare said amount by which said selected postage meter is to be recharged with said maximum recharge amount for said selected postage meter and to enter an error routine if said amount by which said selected postage meter is to be recharged is greater than said maximum recharge amount for said selected postage meter.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising second communication means (44) for communication between said apparatus and at least one of said plurality of postage meters (40).

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said control means (12) is arranged to communicate with said selected postage meter (40) to receive at least a part of said meter information through said second communication means (44).

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said control means (12) is arranged to communicate with said selected postage meter (40) through said second communication means (44) to transmit to said selected postage meter said recharge code for said selected postage meter, whereby said selected postage meter is recharged.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a display, said control means (12) being arranged to control said display to display a list of said plurality of postage meters and to use said data to identify said selected postage meter from said list.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said control means (12) is operable to obtain from said data processing center (30) the balance of an account for any selected one of said plurality of postage meters (40).

12. A method for obtaining a recharge code for any selected one of a plurality of postage meters (40) from a data processing center (30) arranged to transmit said recharge code in response to a message, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) storing in apparatus a data base of recharge information for said plurality of postage meters (40);

(b) inputting data to said apparatus to identify one of said plurality of postage meters (40) as said selected postage meter;

(c) accessing said data base to obtain recharge information for said selected postage meter;

(d) inputting to said apparatus meter information relating to said selected postage meter;

(e) combining said recharge information for said selected postage meter with said meter information to form said message;

(f) transmitting said message from said apparatus ta said data processing center (30);

(g) receiving at said apparatus said recharge code; and

(h) outputting said recharge code for said selected postage meter from said apparatus.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein said recharge information for said selected postage meter includes an identification code which uniquely identifes said selected postage meter to said data processing center (30).

14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said recharge information for said selected postage meter includes an account number for an account to be debited at said data processing center (30).

15. A method according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein said meter information includes information derived from ascending and descending registers of said selected postage meter (40).

16. A method according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein said meter information specifies an amount by which said selected postage meter (40) is to be recharged.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein said data base further includes information specifying a maximum recharge amount for each of said meters, the method including the steps of:

comparing said amount by which said selected postage meter is to be recharged with said maximum recharge amount for said selected postage meter; and

if said amount by which said selected postage meter is to be recharged is greater than said maximum recharge amount for said selected postage meter, aborting transmission of said message.

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zum Erhalten eines Aufladungscodes für eine ausgewählte unter mehreren Frankiermaschinen (40) von einem Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30), welches zur Übertragung des Aufladungscodes in Reaktion auf eine Nachricht von der Vorrichtung ausgebildet ist, wobei die Vorrichtung aufweist:

(a) eine Eingabevorrichtung (14) zur Eingabe von Daten;

(b) eine erste Kommunikationsvorrichtung (22) zur Kommunikation zwischen der Vorrichtung und dem Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30);

(c) einen Speicher (20) zum Speichern einer Datenbank von Aufladungsinformation, welche die mehreren Frankiermaschinen betrifft; und

(d) eine Steuervorrichtung (12), welche dazu ausgebildet ist,

(d1) auf Daten zu reagieren, die durch die Eingabevorrichtung (14) eingegeben werden, um eine der mehreren Frankiermaschinen (40) als die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine zu identifizieren;

(d2) auf den Speicher (20) zuzugreifen, um Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine zu erhalten;

(d3) Frankiermaschineninformation in bezug auf die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine zu erhalten;

(d4) die Nachricht zu erzeugen, wobei die Nachricht die Maschineninformation und die Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine enthält;

(d5) die erste Kommunikationsvorrichtung (22) so zu steuern, daß die Nachricht an das Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30) übertragen wird;

(d6) den Aufladungscode von dem Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30) über die erste Kommunikationsvorrichtung (22) zu erhalten; und

(d7) den Aufladungscode für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine auszugeben.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, bei welcher die Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine (40) einen Identifizierungscode umfaßt, der eindeutig die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine für das Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30) identifiziert.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei welcher die Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine (40) eine Kontonummer für ein Konto enthält, welches in dem Datenbearbeitungszentrum (30) belastet werden soll.

4. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, bei welcher die Maschineninformation Information enthält, die aus aufsteigenden und absteigenden Registern der ausgewählten Frankiermaschine (40) stammt.

5. Vorrichtung nach einem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, bei welcher die Maschineninformation eine Betrag festlegt, um welchen die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine (40) wieder aufgeladen werden soll.

6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, bei welcher die Datenbank weiterhin Information enthält, welche eine maximalen Aufladungsbetrag für jede der mehreren Maschinen (40) festlegt, wobei die Steuervorrichtung (12) so ausgebildet ist, daß sie den Betrag, mit welchem die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine aufgeladen werden soll, mit dem maximalen Aufladungsbetrag für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine vergleicht, und zu einer Fehlerroutine übergeht, wenn der Betrag, mit welchem die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine aufgeladen werden soll, größer ist als der maximale Aufladungsbetrag für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine.

7. Vorrichtung nach einem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, bei welcher weiterhin eine zweite Kommunikationsvorrichtung (44) zur Kommunikation zwischen der Vorrichtung und zumindest einer der mehreren Frankiermaschinen (40) vorgesehen ist.

8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, bei welcher die Steuervorrichtung (12) so ausgebildet ist, daß sie mit der ausgewählten Frankiermaschine (40) so kommuniziert, daß sie zumindest einen Teil der Maschineninformation über die zweite Kommunikationsvorrichtung (44) empfängt.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, bei welcher die Steuervorrichtung (12) so ausgebildet ist, daß sie mit der ausgewählten Frankiermaschine (40) durch die zweite Kommunikationsvorrichtung (44) kommuniziert, um an die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine den Aufladecode für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine zu übertragen, wodurch die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine aufgeladen wird.

10. Vorrichtung nach einem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, bei welcher weiterhin eine Anzeige vorgesehen ist, wobei die Steuervorrichtung (12) dazu ausgebildet ist, die Anzeige so zu steuern, daß eine Liste der mehreren Frankiermaschinen angezeigt wird, und die Daten zum Identifizieren der ausgewählten Frankiermaschine aus dieser Liste verwendet werden.

11. Vorrichtung nach einem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, bei welcher die Steuervorrichtung (12) so betreibbar ist, daß sie von dem Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30) den Kontostand eines Kontos für eine unter den mehreren Frankiermaschinen ausgewählte Frankiermaschine (40) erhält.

12. Verfahren zum Erhalten eines Aufladungscodes für eine ausgewählte unter mehreren Frankiermaschinen (40) von einem Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30), welches dazu ausgebildet ist, den Aufladungscode in Reaktion auf eine Nachricht zu übertragen, mit folgenden Schritten:

(a) Speichern in einer Vorrichtung einer Datenbank von Aufladungsinformation für die mehreren Frankiermaschinen (40);

(b) Eingabe der Daten in die Vorrichtung zum Identifizieren einer der mehreren Frankiermaschinen (40) als die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine;

(c) Zugreifen auf die Datenbank, um Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine zu erhalten;

(d) Eingabe von Maschineninformation in die Vorrichtung in bezug auf die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine;

(e) Kombinieren der Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine mit der Maschineninformation zur Ausbildung der Nachricht;

(f) Übertragen der Nachricht von der Vorrichtung an das Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30);

(g) Empfangen des Aufladungscodes an der Vorrichtung; und

(h) Ausgabe des Aufladungscodes für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine von der Vorrichtung.

13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, bei welchem die Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine einen Identifizierungscode enthält, der eindeutig die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine für das Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30) identifiziert.

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, bei welchem die Aufladungsinformation für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine eine Kontonummer für ein Konto enthält, welches an dem Datenverarbeitungszentrum (30) belastet werden soll.

15. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 14, bei welchem die Maschineninformation Information enthält, die von aufsteigenden und absteigenden Registern der ausgewählten Frankiermaschine (40) stammt.

16. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 15, bei welchem die Maschineninformation einen Betrag festlegt, um welchen die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine (40) aufgeladen werden soll.

17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 16, bei welchem die Datenbank weiterhin Information enthält, welche einen maximalen Aufladungsbetrag für jede der Maschine festlegt, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte umfaßt:

Vergleichen des Betrages, um welchen die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine aufgeladen werden soll, mit dem maximalen Aufladungsbetrag für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine; und

wenn der Betrag, mit welchem die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine aufgeladen werden soll, größer ist als der maximale Aufladungsbetrag für die ausgewählte Frankiermaschine, Abbruch der Übertragung der Nachricht.

Revendications

1. Dispositif pour obtenir un code de recharge pour une machine à affranchir sélectionnée quelconque parmi plusieurs machines à affranchir (40), à partir d'un centre de traitement de données (30), agencé pour émettre ledit code de recharge en réponse à un message provenant dudit dispositif, ledit dispositif comprenant:

(a) des moyens d'entrée (14), pour l'entrée de données;

(b) des premiers moyens de communication (22), pour la communication entre ledit dispositif et ledit centre de traitement de données (30) ;

(c) une mémoire (20), pour stocker une base de données d'informations de recharge concernant lesdites plusieurs machines à affranchir; et

(d) des moyens de commande (12), agencés pour:

(d1) répondre à l'entrée de données par lesdits moyens d'entrée (14), pour identifier l'une desdites plusieurs machines à affranchir (40), en tant que dite machine à affranchir sélectionnée;

(d2) accéder à ladite mémoire (20), pour obtenir des informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée;

(d3) recevoir des informations de machine concernant ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée;

(d4) former ledit message, ledit message comportant lesdites informations de machine, et lesdites informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée;

(d5) commander lesdits premiers moyens de communication (22), pour émettre ledit message vers ledit centre de traitement de données (30) ;

(d6) recevoir ledit code de recharge depuis ledit centre de traitement de données (30), par lesdits premiers moyens de communication (22); et

(d7) délivrer en sortie ledit code de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée.

2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdites informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40), comportent un code d'identification qui identifie de manière unique ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée pour ledit centre de traitement de données (30).

3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel lesdites informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40), comportent un numéro de compte pour un compte destiné à être débité audit centre de traitement de données (30).

4. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel lesdites informations de machine comportent des informations déduites de registres ascendants et descendants de ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40).

5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdites informations de machine spécifient une valeur de laquelle ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40) doit être rechargée.

6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ladite base de données comporte en outre, des informations spécifiant une valeur de recharge maximale pour chacune desdites plusieurs machines (40), lesdits moyens de commande (12) étant agencés pour comparer ladite valeur de laquelle ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée doit être rechargée à ladite valeur de recharge maximale pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée, et pour entrer dans un sous-programme d'erreur si ladite valeur de laquelle ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée doit être rechargée est supérieure à ladite valeur de recharge maximale pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée.

7. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre des deuxièmes moyens de communication (44), pour la communication entre ledit dispositif et l'une au moins desdites plusieurs machines à affranchir (40).

8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, dans lequel lesdits moyens de commande (12) sont agencés pour communiquer avec ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40), pour recevoir au moins une partie desdites informations de machine par lesdits deuxièmes moyens de communication (44).

9. Dispositif selon la revendication 7 ou la revendication 8, dans lequel lesdits moyens de commande (12) sont agencés pour communiquer avec ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40) par lesdits deuxièmes moyens de communication (44), pour émettre vers ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée, ledit code de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée, de façon que ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée soit rechargée.

10. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un dispositif d'affichage, lesdits moyens de commande (12) étant agencés pour ordonner audit dispositif d'affichage d'afficher une liste desdites plusieurs machines à affranchir, et utiliser lesdites données pour identifier ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée à partir de ladite liste.

11. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits moyens de commande (12) peuvent être mis en fonctionnement pour obtenir depuis ledit centre de traitement de données (30) la balance d'un compte pour une machine à affranchir sélectionnée quelconque parmi lesdites plusieurs machines à affranchir (40).

12. Procédé pour obtenir un code de recharge pour une machine à affranchir sélectionnée quelconque parmi plusieurs machines à affranchir (40) à partir d'un centre de traitement de données (30), agencé pour émettre ledit code de recharge en réponse à un message, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes de:

(a) stockage dans un dispositif d'une base de données d'informations de recharge pour lesdites plusieurs machines à affranchir (40);

(b) entrée de données vers ledit dispositif pour identifier l'une desdites plusieurs machines à affranchir (40), en tant que dite machine à affranchir sélectionnée;

(c) accès à ladite base de données, pour obtenir des informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée;

(d) entrée vers ledit dispositif d'informations de machine concernant ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée;

(e) association desdites informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée, et desdites informations de machine pour former ledit message;

(f) émission dudit message depuis ledit dispositif vers ledit centre de traitement de données (30);

(g) réception audit dispositif dudit code de recharge; et

(h) sortie dudit code de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée depuis ledit dispositif.

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel lesdites informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée comportent un code d'identification qui identifie de manière unique ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée pour ledit centre de traitement de données (30).

14. Procédé selon la revendication 12 ou la revendication 13, dans lequel lesdites informations de recharge pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée, comportent un numéro de compte pour un compte destiné à être débité audit centre de traitement de données (30).

15. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 14, dans lequel lesdites informations de machine comportent des informations déduites de registres ascendants et descendants de ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40).

16. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 15, dans lequel lesdites informations de machine spécifient une valeur de laquelle ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée (40) doit être rechargée.

17. Procédé selon la revendication 16, dans lequel ladite base de données comporte en outre, des informations spécifiant une valeur de recharge maximale pour chacune desdites différentes machines, le procédé comportant les étapes de:

comparaison de ladite valeur de laquelle ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée doit être rechargée à ladite valeur de recharge maximale pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée; et

si ladite valeur de laquelle ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée doit être rechargée est supérieure à ladite valeur de recharge maximale pour ladite machine à affranchir sélectionnée, interruption de l'émission dudit message.

Drawing