EP0566225A2 - Method for data input in a franking machine, assembly for franking mail and for producing a mail image respectively related to the mailing office - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for data input in a franking machine before triggering a selected printing function, an arrangement for franking mail and for generating a franking image in each case allocated to a cost point. The method comprises the following steps: - automatic changing of the last status of stored data contents in a franking machine for adjusting it within a time window after switching on by means of a first transmission means (10) and/or - automatic input of an accounting number for the cost point of the user and/or a printing function or the number of a printing function in a memory area of the memory means (3) of the franking machine, by means of a further transmission means (13). During a dialog, data for the chipcard number card #, for the cost point number KST # and for the block number AD # are read out of the unprotected memory area or, after automatic password input via the franking machine, from the protected memory area of the chipcard and used in the franking machine for setting the cost point and the associated advertising block. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method for entering data into a franking machine, an arrangement for franking mail and for generating a franking image assigned to a cost center in accordance with the type specified in the preamble of the claims.

A franking machine is used for franking mail and is equipped with at least one input means, in particular with a chip card read / write unit, an input / output control means and an output means.

Chip cards are already known which have a plurality of non-volatile memories or separately accessible memory areas and a microprocessor in order to transmit data representing different information into the franking machine and to read data from the franking machine.

A postage billing system known from DE 39 03 718 A1 has a read / write unit for chip cards, which is connected to a franking machine via a control unit. A franking machine usage information is written into the chip card, which is later read out with a personal computer for billing.

DE 40 33 164 has already proposed a franking strip dispenser system with a chip card read / write unit in the common housing. There are 2 memory areas in the non-volatile data memory of the chip card, the first memory area containing the current postage credit data and the second memory area containing the data for an individual advertising slogan. The chip card assigned to a user can also be used in a known manner for charging or crediting the franking machine and has a transport and billing function for the exchange of data for billing as well as a reloading function for an advertising slogan. The second storage area for the individual advertising cliché can be controlled separately in the chip card from the 1st storage area for postage credit and is only read if there is a need.

Here too, billing data (date, number and value of the imprints) are to be additionally stored in the chip card in order to be able to carry out subsequent billing using a personal computer. However, the memory space of the chip card is completely booked out by the additional image data, so that no further data can be stored.

This solution is also time-consuming, since after entering an identification code for each user, an individual advertising slogan is loaded from the chip card into the processor system (post meter) via the serial interface, and the old, saved individual advertising cliché is exchanged for a new individual advertising cliché in the processor system. The data exchange process via a serial interface already takes longer than the data exchange via a parallel interface. The advertising cliché cannot be reloaded for every print. This solution is therefore ineffective if the user changes frequently or frequently.

Due to the limited storage space available on a chip card, several chip cards inserted simultaneously into several read / write units would have to be used again for further data to be entered, which further increases the time required for reading out data associated with each printing process.

In the solutions mentioned above, the franking machines remain blocked for use until the chip card is inserted into a corresponding read / write unit, whereby the authorization of the user is initiated.

DE OS 41 29 302 describes a solution variant for increasing the fee credit in the residual value memory of the franking machines by means of a reload credit carrying chip card proposed, which can then be deleted again deleted. In another variant, the credit stored in the chip card is debited step by step. However, no further data can be called up from the chip card. For the postage (postage fee table) a pluggable EPROM is used in a device-fixed socket.

It is customary for the customer to install the new postage charges by means of a non-volatile memory module. In addition to the considerable service expenditure, this means above all a postage fee table that does not take effect in time due to the subsequent replacement in practice.

From US-PS 36 35 297 a mail handling device with automatic fee calculation is known. An exchangeable memory (ROM) contains a postage fee table, from which the postage amount may be calculated when entering the weight of a postal item. A disadvantage is the effort that arises if, due to the entry into force of a new tariff, the fee values in the table of the memory have to be changed. There is no guarantee that the user of the device will have the memory replaced for updating in good time.

When a new tariff comes into force, a remote value specification has therefore already been proposed for updating the postage fee table stored in franking machines (DE 28 03 982). The new tariff is remotely transmitted to several franking machines from a central data station. However, an update with the new tariff presupposes that the franking machines are switched on at these times and are constantly accessible.

For security against fraudulent manipulation, it is already known from DE 38 23 719 to print out a representative character pattern from a certain date. When checking the post, the date of printing and the sign are compared in the post office with the sample that is authorized for this date. An authorization device, which has a storage device for storing a number of character pattern and date data, is used for printing. The data, which assign the representative character pattern to a defined date, are updated via a remote value specification by means of an external selection device when the users of the franking machines ask for a credit. However, this security system is limited to fixed networks and cannot be used for portable franking machines that are carried from one place to another (mobile office).

So far it has not been possible to use the portable, i.e. to update the franking machines that are not permanently installed via a telephone network and to protect them against fraudulent manipulation.

From US 45 06 330 a removable circuit board with DIP switches at the address input of a PROM for the selective addressing of a memory sector has already been known. Postal differences within special service classes can be economically calculated. Although the memory requirement for customer data storage of post-zone tables is significantly reduced, the DIP switches must be set manually.

In contrast, the franking machine known from US 41 38 735 has a rate PROM which can be equipped with a current postage fee table by radio or telephone. The possibility for a non-simultaneous transfer of a postage fee table results from a single addressing of each franking machine. However, it is costly to ensure that the connection on the part of the head office is successful. Another disadvantage is that it cannot be avoided that the memories of the postage meter machine are filled with a lot of data that is not required.

Today, not as much data can be stored in a single chip card as it might be desirable. However, with increased data processing effort, it would be possible to store only such data, reduced to the necessary amount of data, in a chip card.

Another way of circumventing the limited storage space available on a chip card would be to use several chip cards inserted simultaneously in read / write units.

From US 4 802 218 an automatic transmission system with several slots for chip cards is known that in addition to a chip card for credit recharge and billing, with the postage value to be printed being subtracted from the credit, another chip card for a postage fee table is also used simultaneously, with the help of the chip card this aforementioned postage fee value is determined. With several read / write units, the device becomes too large and too expensive.

On the other hand, accounting data is already stored in the postage meter machine, but previously had to be additionally stored in a chip card in order to transport this accounting data to a personal computer equipped with a chip card reader and to print out a accounting protocol via a printer connected to it. With an electronic printer in franking machines, however, variable print images can be generated.

It has already been proposed (P 42 24 955.4) to also print lists, for example internal accounting reports, about the consumption of the credit stored in the franking machine by the individual cost centers using electronic printing processes, for example using a thermal transfer printing process. However, with the increased possibilities, the operation of the franking machine via the keyboard can easily become so complicated that an unqualified user cannot do this.

Conventional franking machines have input options to set values or specifications or to enter commands. Either many keys are used or a few keys have to be used several times and pressed sequentially.

In a known T1000 franking machine from the applicant, each advertising cliché electronically stored in the machine is assigned a number. After calling up the selected number by pressing a key, a function key for the function cliché setting is pressed in order to change the advertising cliché according to the selected number.

Since the effort for the control elements should not increase anymore, an inexpensive, faster operating option with a simple user interface is required. It is also to be prevented that an unauthorized user of the T 1000 has the possibility to call up the data of other cost centers at the push of a button.

The object of the invention is to make the setting of a franking machine in a straightforward manner for a number of users.

There should be a procedure for data entry and supply of franking machines with any amount of current data can be developed at low cost, which is based on the widespread use of chip cards for a franking machine having electronic printing equipment.

Another requirement was to create a suitable interface for the large number of other users, on the one hand the use of the franking machine being traceably registered and on the other hand preventing an unauthorized user from reading the data from the other cost centers.

The invention is based on the further object of providing security against fraudulent manipulation of any kind and franking according to valid postal tariffs depending on the weight and format of the mail item that can be entered in an arrangement for franking mail, preferably a portable franking machine of the type mentioned that can be operated independently of location guarantee.

Another task is to set up an advertising cliché on a franking machine for a number of users in order to print an individual advertising cliché depending on the user.

Another requirement was to create a suitable interface for the large number of other users, on the one hand the use of the franking machine being traceably registered and on the other hand preventing an unauthorized user from reading the data from the other cost centers.

These objects are achieved with the characterizing features of claims 1 to 23.

The invention is based on considering one sentence to provide the user with different data cards and to use them for a sequential cost center-dependent setting of the franking machine via a single chip card read / write unit.

The physical possession of a chip card gives the user a key feeling. Compared to obtaining access authorization to functions of the franking machine without a chip card only by means of a password, spying out the password is useless with a chip card and operating errors are avoided, such as forgetting to log out after using the franking machine.

Based on the fact that the user can use several special chip cards for the respective intended thermal transfer printing or franking machine function, a method is proposed according to the invention, the chip card which loads these operations not being carried out in order to carry out operations which do not reduce the credit Machine must remain.

The invention is further based on the consideration that the operating system of the franking machine in connection with a communication and operating system of the card is able to access the memory of the chip card and read its content when one of the users of the franking machine enters his personal chip card the chip card read / write unit is inserted.

The invention is based on the fact that the timely transmission of the new tariff to all, in particular to the portable franking machines that have not been switched on or are not operational in the meantime, has to be buffered in a transmission medium and automatically taken over current tariff required by the franking machines during switching on.

The invention is further based on the consideration of planning the early preparation of postage fee tables with the intention of changing the tariff of the postage fee values, so that these are made available to all postal customers well before their entry into force. It is important to provide the majority of the participants with a current postage fee table in good time instead of at the same time as before.

A table with additional functions for security or for checking errors and fraudulent manipulations and for increasing ease of use is also loaded in good time when the franking machine is started up or switched on.

The invention is based on the consideration of using a personal chip card of the user for a cost center-dependent setting of an advertising slogan. This advantageously eliminates the otherwise required user-relevant settings of the cost center and the advertising slogan via the keyboard of the franking machine.

The invention is based on the assumption that no advertising slogan is loaded from the chip card and that the input of an identification code to be entered by the user is not a prerequisite for reading data from the chip card that selects the advertising slogan. One advantage of this is that a user who is not legitimized by having a chip card no longer has the option on the T 1000 to call up data from other cost centers at the push of a button.

Another advantage of the solution according to the invention is that all modules, except for the weighing module, in one housing can be arranged.

The franking machine is equipped with a non-volatile memory for a number of advertising clichés assigned to the cost center of the user and with a chip card read / write unit and enables frequent card changes for a large number of users. An existing franking machine, for example T1000 from Francotyp-Postalia, can be equipped with a known chip card read / write unit.

The interface board of the chip card read / write unit is connected to the serial interface of the franking machine. The contacting device has at least 6 contacts and the data exchange between the unprotected and / or the protected card storage area and a non-volatile memory of the program storage means of the franking machine is carried out automatically as part of a communication protocol as soon as the chip card has been inserted into the insertion slot.

In a preferred variant, the chip card is used primarily for entering data depending on the cost center and possibly also for billing data.

• automatisches Verändern des letzten Standes an gespeicherten Dateninhalten in einer Frankiermaschine zu deren Einstellung mittels Daten und/oder Flags, wenn mindestens innerhalb eines Zeitfensters nach dem Einschalten ein erstes Übertragungsmittel (10) bereit-gestellt wird, um die das Verändern bewirkende Daten und/oder Flags aus einem Speicher des Übertragungsmittels (10) in einen Speicherbereich des Speichermittels (3) der Frankiermaschine zu laden, und/oder
• automatische Eingabe einer Abrechnungsnummer für die Kostenstelle des Benutzers und/oder einer Druckfunktion oder der Nummer einer Druckfunktion in einen Speicherbereich des Speichermittels (3) der Frankiermaschine, durch weitere im Speicher eines weiteren Übertragungsmittels (13) gespeicherte Daten und/oder Flags vor dem Betrieb der Frankiermaschine.

The further invention relates to a method for entering data into a franking machine before triggering a selected printing function, comprising the steps:

• automatic change of the latest status of stored data contents in a franking machine for their adjustment by means of data and / or flags, if at least within a time window after switching on a first transmission means (10) is made available around the data causing the change and / or to load flags from a memory of the transmission means (10) into a memory area of the storage means (3) of the franking machine, and / or
• automatic entry of a billing number for the user's cost center and / or a printing function or the number of a printing function in a memory area of the storage means (3) of the franking machine, by further data and / or flags stored in the memory of a further transmission means (13) before the operation of the Franking machine.

Figur 1,

Blockschaltbild einer mit einer Chipkarten-Schreib-Leseeinheit ausgerüsteten Frankiermaschine

Figur 2,

Flußdiagramm einer Dateneingabe

Figur 3,

Flußdiagramm mit Benutzeridentifikation

Figur 4,

Flußdiagramm zur Druckausführung

Figur 5,

Kommunikationsprotokoll

Figur 6,

Zusatzfunktionstabellenspeicherbereiche

Figur 7,

Ansicht der Frankiermaschine T 1000 mit Chipkarte

Figur 8,

Flußdiagramm zur Druckausführung

Figur 9,

Variante einer Frankiermaschine

Figur 10,

vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild einer Frankiermaschine

Figur 11,

Portogebührentabellenspeicherbereiche

Figur 12, 13,

Zusatzfunktionstabellenspeicherbereiche

Figur 14,

Kommunikationsvariante GSM

Figur 15

Informationsfeld

In der Figur 1 wird anhand eines Blockschaltbildes der prinzipielle Aufbau einer Frankiermaschine, zum Beispiel der T 1000, welcher das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren durchzuführen gestattet, erläutert.Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are shown below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1,

Block diagram of a franking machine equipped with a chip card read / write unit

Figure 2,

Flow chart of data entry

Figure 3,

Flow chart with user identification

Figure 4,

Flow chart for printing execution

Figure 5,

Communication protocol

Figure 6,

Additional function table memory areas

Figure 7,

View of the T 1000 franking machine with chip card

Figure 8,

Flow chart for printing execution

Figure 9,

Variant of a franking machine

Figure 10,

simplified block diagram of a franking machine

Figure 11,

Postage fee table storage areas

Figures 12, 13,

Additional function table memory areas

Figure 14,

Communication variant GSM

Figure 15

Information field

In FIG. 1, the basic structure of a franking machine, for example the T 1000, which allows the method according to the invention to be carried out, is explained on the basis of a block diagram.

In a common housing, input and output means 4, 8, 20, 22, 23 are connected via an input / output control means 6, 61 to a processor system 3, 5, 9, 14, 100, 101 having a post-technical security area, directly or via a bus . The processor system consists of at least one memory means 3, a control means 5 having a pressure controller (DS) 14 and a processing unit (CPU), a special circuit 100, 101 or program means and a clock / date module 9. The special circuit and / or program means 100, 101 are preferably part of a battery-backed memory (CMOS-RAM) in the clock / date module 9 and / or a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) in the memory means 3.

The base of the franking machine consists of a printer module 7 and a power electronics / actuator sensor module 11, which contains a power supply and control for the drives (paper transport, printer, tape, strip dispenser). Can on the processor system also other peripheral input / output means 21 - not shown in detail - can be connected. These are coupled to the processor system 3, 5, 9, 14, 100, 101 directly and / or via the input / output control means 6.

The storage means 3 consists in the usual way of several permanent and temporary non-volatile memories. Part of the memory, together with the CPU 5, forms a protected postal area within the processor system in a known manner. A permanent memory of the storage means 3 of the franking machine 1 has programs for communication via interfaces 20, 21, 22, 23 with the external input means. The input means establish the connection to transmission means 10, 13.

It is provided that the first transmission means 10 is used for a country-specific provision of additional functions and current information for a permanent and / or temporary configuration of at least one franking machine and that the second transmission means 13 is used for user-specific setting of the franking machine.

In a variant it is provided that a communication network is used as the first transmission means 10, which contains a memory with the data and / or flags that can be called up for reloading additional functions and information into the franking machine.

The control center transfers the data to a decentralized memory of the transmission means and is called up from there by each franking machine at different times. The connection is established decentrally from each franking machine to the memory in the transmission medium. The franking machine has second means in its control module that come from the central one Select an offer. The advantage of this solution is that there is no call to a franking machine and its addressing from the control center or a transmitter.

In this case, an external MODEM is connected to the predetermined interface 23, which establishes the connection to the memory in the communication network.

• 1. Einstecken einer integrierten Chipkarte ICCA zur automatischen Nachladung von Daten und/oder Flags innerhalb eines Zeitfensters nach dem Einschalten, damit die zuletzt gespeicherte Einstellung der Frankiermaschine 1 verändert werden kann.
• 2. Nach der Anzeige des erfolgten Nachladevorganges von Daten der Chipkarte ICCA zur Konfigurierung der Frankiermaschine, wird die Chipkarte ICCA freigegeben und kann gezogen werden.
• 3. Einstecken einer integrierten Chipkarte für Benutzer ICCB mit der Kostenstellen-Information und der ausgewählten Druckfunktion.
• 4. Auslösen einer ausgewählten Druckfunktion.

A transmission means is preferably a chip card which is brought into contact with the chip card read / write unit 20 for chip cards serving as input means 20.
In the variant shown in FIG. 1, the first and second transmission means (10) and (13) are an integrated chip card ICCA and ICCB, each of which has a memory with the data and / or flags that can be called up to reload additional functions and information have the franking machine or to adjust it. The process is characterized by the following steps:

• 1. Insert an integrated chip card ICCA for automatic reloading of data and / or flags within a time window after switching on, so that the last saved setting of the franking machine 1 can be changed.
• 2. After displaying the reloading process of data from the ICCA chip card for configuring the franking machine, the ICCA chip card is released and can be removed.
• 3. Insert an integrated chip card for user ICCB with the cost center information and the selected printing function.
• 4. Trigger a selected print function.

• a1 Adaption eines externen Modems
• a2 Adaption eines ISDN-Anschlusses
• a3 Adaption einer externen Waage
• a4 Portogebührentabellen
• a5 Postamt-Informationen, aktuelle Postleitzahlen
• a6 aktuelle Telefonnummer für Service-Dienst
• a7 Druckbild, Posthörnchen
• a8 Anzeigetexte für LCD
• a9 Deaktivieren defekter Funktionen
• a10 Aktivieren ungenutzter Funktionen
• a11 Einstellen der Schriftart
• a12 Neuladen von Softkey-Funktionen
• a13 Kalendarische Informationen z. Auswahl temporärer Botschaften
• a14 Umstellungsdaten für Sommer/Winterzeit

In einer zweiten Anzahl Benutzerchipkarten ICCB1 bis ICCB9 können eine zweite Anzahl folgenden Dateninhalte b1 bis b9 abrufbar enthalten sein.

• b1 Schalten auf den Druckmodus ""Frankieren", wahlweise
  mit KST-abhängige Klischeeauswahl,
  mit KST-abhängiger "Hoher Frankierwert" und mit KST-abhängige "Maximale Frankiersumme"
• b2 Zugangsberechtigung zum Druck von Abrechnungsberichten alle Kostenstellen und Einstellen eines vorbestimmten Formates des Abrechnungsberichtes
• b3 Druck des Abrechnungsberichtes einer ausgewählten Anzahl von Kostenstellen (KST) auf Papier
• b4 Druck des Abrechnungsberichtes der eigenen KST auf Papier
• b5 Druck des Abrechnungsberichtes der eigenen KST auf Label
• b6 Umschalten auf den Druckmodus "Adressendruck auf Label"
• b7 Umschalten auf den Druckmodus "Druck Posteingangsstempel"
• b8 Umschalten auf den Druckmodus "Druck des Firmen-Logos"
• b9 Umschalten auf den Druckmodus "Druck eines Bar-Codes"

Die oben genannten Dateninhalte a1 bis a14 können entweder in einer entsprechend gleich großen oder aber in Kombination miteinander in einer geringeren Anzahl von Konfigurierchipkarten ICCA1 bis ICCAi abrufbar enthalten sein.A first number of data contents a1 to a14 of a first number of country-specific configuration chip cards ICCA1 to ICCA14, which is automatically read in depending on existing conditions, comprises:

• a1 Adaptation of an external modem
• a2 Adaptation of an ISDN connection
• a3 Adaptation of an external balance
• a4 postage fee tables
• a5 Post office information, current postcodes
• a6 current telephone number for service
• a7 printed image, squirrel
• a8 LCD display texts
• a9 Deactivating defective functions
• a10 Activate unused functions
• a11 Setting the font
• a12 Reload softkey functions
• a13 Calendar information e.g. Selection of temporary messages
• a14 Changeover dates for summer / winter time

A second number of following data contents b1 to b9 can be retrievably contained in a second number of user chip cards ICCB1 to ICCB9.

• b1 Switch to the "Franking" print mode, optionally
  with KST-dependent plate selection,
  with KST-dependent "high franking value" and with KST-dependent "maximum franking amount"
• b2 Access authorization to print billing reports for all cost centers and set a predetermined format for the billing report
• b3 Print the accounting report of a selected number of cost centers (KST) on paper
• b4 Print the accounting report of your own KST paper
• b5 Print the accounting report of your own KST on the label
• b6 Switching to the print mode "Address printing on label"
• b7 Switching to the "Inbox stamp" print mode
• b8 Switching to the print mode "printing the company logo"
• b9 Switching to the printing mode "printing a bar code"

The above-mentioned data contents a1 to a14 can either be contained in a correspondingly the same size or in combination with one another in a smaller number of configuration chip cards ICCA1 to ICCAi.

In a first variant — shown in FIG. 2 — after a first configuration using a selected special configuration chip card A, the franking machine is set using a selected special user chip card B.

A number of such chip cards ICCA1 to ICCAi can be used for a special configuration of the franking machine. The desired setting is made with a selected special ICCAi chip card within a certain time window, ie while it is being put into operation. This includes all setting options to influence the way the franking machine works. In one variant, these are a special circuit 100, 101 for a time and sequence control and in another variant, program means, ie special control types for the processing unit and / or flags, the state of which activate or deactivate program parts. These work together with the pressure control DS 14. At the same time as the machine functions that can be configured by such programs and / or flags, current information is also transferred to the franking machine. The machine functions and / or information are preferably stored in tabular form in the chip card.

These chip cards can be inserted one after the other into the read / write unit in a manner not shown in FIG. 2 in order to load their data content sequentially into the franking machine. The setting of the franking machine that can be achieved in this way is indicated on the chip card surface in an easily understandable form and is displayed by its display unit after loading into the franking machines. The configuration achieved is made clear to the user in a clear representation and / or by means of symbols before the old chip card is removed and the next chip card is inserted into the slot.

The last temporary configuration remains stored in the franking machine only until it is switched off. In contrast, the current information and permanent configurations remain stored until the next overwriting of data (UPDATING) by transmission means 10, 13 and are available again when the device is switched on again.

In a first exemplary embodiment, an external balance is to be connected to the franking machine and franking is to be carried out with a franking value determined in the franking machine on the basis of weighing and on the basis of a current postage fee table.

It has already been proposed to store additional functions and tables, in particular a postage fee table, in a chip card (P 42 13 278.9). Such Chip card is inserted into the associated insertion slot 26 of the franking machine. After switching on, their data contents a3 and a4 are loaded into the memory module 3 of the franking machine within a time window. In response to the "CARD A ISSUE" prompt readable on display 4, the ICCAi chip card is removed. Now the readable prompt "CARD B INPUT" appears in display 4.

A user chip card ICCBj containing one of the above-mentioned data contents b1 to b9 is selected by the user and inserted into the associated slot of the franking machine so that the printer of the franking machine performs the desired printing function.

Only this one special user chip card, which is inserted last, can be kept plugged in for the execution of printing functions. It has already been proposed (P 43 02 097.6) to enter the cost center number in the franking machine using a user-specific chip card.

The cost center number is required for billing and especially for the "Franking" print function for the selection of the advertising slogan.

This advantageously eliminates the otherwise required user-relevant settings of the cost center and the advertising slogan via the keyboard of the franking machine.

In a second exemplary embodiment, an external modem is to be connected to the interface 23 of the franking machine in order to have the remote value specification of a credit made automatically in the future.

The special configuration chip card ICCA1 is inserted into the read / write unit and the franking machine switched on. As a result, automatic post-loading with data for the adaptation of the franking machine is carried out and the last set KST number is deleted. The franking machine can now be set to a corresponding “franking” printing function.

A special ICCB1 user chip card is inserted to reload the KST number and can be removed when the KST number and the number of the selected print function have been displayed.

In a further variant — shown in FIG. 3 — only one user chip card ICCB1 is used per user. In addition, automatic and manual entries of password, PIN CODE or name for calling up the second data content are made in accordance with b2 to b9.

In a further exemplary embodiment, additional functions and / or information are to be loaded into the franking machine by means of a transmission means 10, preferably by means of a user chip card ICCBj. Standard work is often carried out, for example only standard letters should be franked, so that one or more extensive data contents do not have to be reloaded. Then no ICCA chip card is inserted within the time window.

A part of the above-mentioned first data contents a4 to a14 can also be stored in table form in the user chip card ICCBj, as shown in FIG. 6, which are automatically entered into the storage means 3 of the franking machine 1 under predetermined conditions. It may also be necessary to manually enter the PIN code or password as an additional condition.

For loading country-specific and temporarily available functions F1 ... Fn or such Additional information, such as timetables, opening times, etc., the entry of the country and the date and a defined key figure are required as a further condition for a transmission of table data from the transmission means 10.

In the table areas labeled "Field", the type of functions is selected using an inputable key figure. The functions are available after the associated data has been loaded.

For the loading of country-specific and temporarily provided telephone numbers, the entry of the country and the date and a defined key figure are required as a further condition for a transfer of table data from the transmission medium. This key figure can be an openly accessible or a secret PIN CODE or a password.

In a preferred variant of the invention, a password can change daily so that individual functions or additional information can be rented to the customer temporarily against a fee to be paid in advance. The machine only takes the tables from the memory to which a correctly entered password is assigned. A large number of invalid passwords at the time of the respective date prevents a targeted search for the correct password by unauthorized users. Above a certain number of unsuccessful attempts automatically block the loading of additional information or functions.

It is also possible that some passwords are open to get to know new functions and remain valid for a certain period of time.

An advantageous option is to load one partly other keyboard layout adapted to the individual countries. This is particularly possible if softkeys are used, since these can easily be assigned a function name shown in an advertisement.

Provided that the sending country for which the franking machine is approved and the advertising slogans that are assigned to the cost center are specified and stored in the franking machine, only the user name is required in order to have access authorization for a specific cost center and thus also for the assigned advertising cliché. Such an additional function can also be additionally stored in the chip card 10 as a temporary additional function. Another temporary additional function, whereby there is no need to switch to a service mode and only a name needs to be entered, especially since the date is automatically specified by the franking machine, is the authorization to print out all cost center-related accounting data. Another advantageous possibility is the selection of different forms of cost center-related billing reports to be created with the printer of the franking machine by entering a name and / or password.

An alternative to the franking function is an additional possible printing function, for example printing an entry stamp, by entering a name and / or password.

The franking machine is advantageously used several times: entry stamp function, accounting reports on the use of the franking machine for each cost center, advertising slogan prints and business cards. Here a country-specific font or presentation is selected and transmitted when the password valid at the time is entered.

The chip card 10 thus contains more information than is usually required. At least two conditions (name and country, name and date or country and date) must be met to access this information. With the help of temporarily valid passwords, which can be communicated to the user on request when payment is guaranteed, additional, special functions or information can be used. By changing the chip card, the additional functions can be updated or information can be brought up to date without the programs in the franking machine having to be changed.

With the ink ribbon inserted or with a different color, the franking machine can also be used advantageously to generate further print images that are not used for franking.

ETR and other thermal transfer printing processes have long been used as high-quality, non-impact printing processes for a wide variety of applications on the market. The ribbons used here enable printing on plain paper, for example to print a cost center accounting report or to print addresses, postmark, company logos or barcodes on envelopes or self-adhesive franking strips (labels).

Ribbon and operating costs depend on the type and number of uses. This means that the cost center number in the last chip card to be inserted is the basis for billing for the consumption of ribbon and / or label.

The entry of an identification code of on the part of the user, no requirement for reading such data from the chip card. Even the owner is entitled to have his advertising slogan automatically selected. In the postage meter machine, software measures have been taken by means of the program means 100 which allow the user access to the data relating to his cost center and which at the same time prevent the user from accessing the data relating to the other cost centers.

The program stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage means 3 for communication via the chip card device with the chip card can, however, be formed in a further variant by a software means 101 which has an addressable table with at least one password in order to automatically exchange data between a protected card storage area and the non-volatile memory of the storage means 3 serially in the context of a communication protocol as soon as the chip card 10 has been inserted into the insertion slot 26. For example, the card allows three attempts to enter a password. In contrast to the manual entry of a password, the automatic entry of the passwords stored in the table can be assumed to be error-free. This means that input attempts are unnecessary and a maximum of 3 passwords can be assigned to the different user groups. The three user groups form the user group.

The franking machine program now determines which user group the owner of the inserted chip card belongs to and releases corresponding functions or blocks functions for unauthorized users. The franking machine is blocked by inserting a chip card that does not belong to the user group.

A corresponding flow chart is shown in FIG. After the start and the usual initialization routine of the franking machine, the chip card information is first queried, as shown in FIGS. 2 or 3, before the system administration routine begins.

After switching on and initializing, the configuration chip card Ai can still be inserted into the insertion slot 26 within a time window. However, if the end of this period has been reached without a configuration chip card Ai being inserted, the old configuration of the franking machine remains set and the prompt "CARD B INPUT" appears on the display.

As long as no chip card was inserted, the franking machine cannot be used, i.e. the feed motor for a sheet of paper, a letter or similar does not start.

After inserting a suitable card, data is read from the chip card. A valid card is identified, a cost center is selected and the functions are set.

Through the special circuit 100, 101, which are part of the pressure control unit (DS) 14 and / or software means, a command sequence is called, which begins with the commands RESYNCHRONIZATION, SELECT APPLICATION, POWER ON, SELECT ICC-APPLICATION shown in FIG. 5 and further commands, among others for switching to the security mode of the chip card and for entering passwords. Only then can the data be called up to automatically set the user cost center and the associated other functions mentioned above.

If there is no error, the display "CARD B INPUT" goes out and the corresponding numbers of the cost center and the functions are displayed.

As has been shown in FIG. 4, the franking machine enters its normal operating mode via the system administration routine.

A print function is now possible with the set date and date, with the printout taking place as if the print function had been set using the keyboard. The cost center functions are also carried out as if they had been set using the keyboard. The buttons previously used for setting have no function. Among other things, also prevents the erroneous or deliberately incorrect setting of an external cost center.

In one variant, the print control unit (DS) 14 is equipped with a means 15 for electronic orthogonal pixel memory field rotation in order to carry out internal cost center printing in accordance with a specific format.

Further information on this can be found in application P 42 24 955.4.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the T 1000 franking machine. The franking machine T1000 has on the front a compartment 40 provided with a cover 45 for the ink ribbon cassette and the electronic printer 7 and a keyboard 8 and an LCD display unit 4. An operator key 12, a mains connection 61 and a connection 22 for a further input means, in particular a balance, are arranged on the back of the T 1000.

An interface board 24 and contacting device 25 having chip card read / write unit 20 installed in the T1000 in such a way that there is an easily accessible opening for the insertion slot 26 of the contacting device 25 on the rear of the franking machine above the connection for the serial interface of the scale 22. The good accessibility results from the position of the opening in the upper third on the back of the franking machine opposite the LCD display unit 3. A special visual monitoring when inserting the chip card 13 is not necessary since the chip card 13 is inserted from above and is at the same height as the LCD display unit when inserted.

A corresponding flowchart is shown in FIG. 8 when a user chip card ICCB is to be used. After the start and the usual initialization routine of the postage meter machine, the chip card information is queried again before the system administration routine begins.

The basic structure of a franking machine, for example T 1000, which contains the arrangement according to the invention, is explained in FIG. 9 on the basis of a block diagram.

In a common housing, input and output means 4 to 8 are connected via an input / output control means 6 to a processor system 111, which has a post-technical security area, directly or via a BUS, on which at least one memory means 3 and a processing unit (CPU) 5 and a clock / date module 9 are connected. The base of the franking machine consists of a printer module 7 and power electronics 11, which contains a power supply and control for the drives (paper transport, printer, tape, strip dispenser). Further peripheral input / output means 2 (not shown in more detail) can also be connected to the processor system 111. These are coupled to the processor system 111 directly and / or via the input / output control means 6.

The storage means 3 consists in the usual way of several permanent, temporary and non-volatile memories. A part of the memory, together with the CPU 8, forms a protected postal area within the processor system 111 in a known manner. A permanent memory of the memory means 3 of the postage meter machine has programs for communication with the input means 20. The programs for a user interface and addressable tables with addressable data are also stored in the permanent memory of the postage meter machine, each table being callable in association with a specific function. These programs form software means 100 which, after inserting a chip card 10, 13 into an opening provided in the franking machine, automatically carry out the setting of the user cost center and the associated advertising clichés and prevent the retrieval of external cost center data.

The first input means 8 comprising a keyboard and the first output means 4 containing an LCD are connected to the input / output control means 6, which has an LCD controller and a parallel interface 51. The output means 4 is used to display a user interface and the first input means 8 to select functions and / or to set the parameters which are required to carry out franking.

The franking machine is equipped in a known manner with at least one further input means 2 and with at least one second output means, namely the printer module 7 of the T 1000 franking machine. Both means 20 and 7 are each connected to the input / output control means 6 via a serial interface.

The port outputs of the microprocessor 5 of the processor system 111 are coupled to the corresponding serial interfaces of the input / output control means 6 via a demultiplexer which is contained in the input / output control means 6 and which is not shown in FIG. 9 and has gate circuits.

In a further variant — not shown in FIG. 9 — some port outputs of the microprocessor 5 of the processor system 111 are coupled to a bus or directly to the corresponding input or output means.

The input means is a chip card read / write unit 20 and, in addition to a connection 22 for an external balance arranged in a known manner on the rear of the housing of the franking machine, can also have a modem connection 23 for an external modem and / or others - in FIG. 9 - not shown - include connections for input means, each of which is coupled to a connection on the associated serial interface of the input / output control means 6.

In a variant with an internal modem (not shown in FIG. 9), a communication connection to the telephone network is provided in addition to the connection for the external balance. A function key M of the keyboard 1 can be used as a modem function key.

In FIG. 9, a contacting device 25 is connected via a first connection ST1 to an interface board 24 of the chip card read / write unit 20. A second connection ST2 of the interface board 24 is with the power supply circuit of the T1000 and a third connection ST3 with the associated serial Interface 54 coupled.

The CARD READER ENHANCED ADAPTER MODULE (CREAM) from ORGA can be used as the chip card read / write unit 20, for example.

The CREAM consists of an interface board 24 and a contacting device 25 for ISO chip cards based on the push / pull principle. The contacting device is manufactured by Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH in Heilbronn (order no .: C 702 10 M 008 0xx3). The same manufacturer sells the interface under the order no. C 705 10 M 008 0011. The interface has its own processor (80C31) and memory in order to be able to run standard software for all common chip cards. The interface is accessed via a serial standard interface (V.24 with TTL level), which is connected to the serial interface of the T1000. The interface board is connected to the 5 volt power supply and to a V24 driver of the T1000. The V24 driver has a level converter from + 5V to ± 12V in the T1000.

The contacting device 25 of the chip card read / write unit 20 is equipped with 8 electrical contacts defined in the ISO standard (ISO 7816) and enables a frequent change of cards for a large number of other users.

The chip card 10, 13 used contains a corresponding contact set of 8 contacts, a processor and a memory. The communication and operating system of the card enables the implementation of communication protocols and the DES algorithm. The communication protocol controls access to the card's memory.

The operating system of the T1000 is therefore able to access the memory of the chip card and read and write its contents. When the chip card is not inserted, the software means 100 contained in the franking machine carry out a corresponding signaling or message in the LCD display 4 and block franking with the franking machine until the chip card 10, 13 for setting the user cost center and the associated advertising clichés is inserted.

The following simplified functional sequence now advantageously results for the user of the franking machine.

When the T1000 is switched on, "CArd" appears on the display, prompting the user to enter a chip card. As long as no chip card is inserted, the T1000 cannot be franked, i.e. the feed motor for a letter does not start.

After inserting a suitable card, data is read from the chip card. This enables the identification of a valid card, the selection of a cost center and the setting of an advertising slogan. If there are no errors, the "CArd" display goes out and the corresponding numbers for the cost center and the advertising slogan are displayed.

A franking is now with the set data, i.e. Postage value and date possible, whereby the printing of the advertising cliché takes place as if it had been set via the keyboard. The cost center functions are also carried out as if they had been set using the keyboard.

The buttons previously used to set the advertising slogan and the cost center have no function. This prevents the erroneous or deliberately incorrect setting of an external cost center. A user who is not legitimized by having a chip card no longer has the option of accessing third-party cost center data at the push of a button.

This releases the M key, which was previously used to change the cost center, for further functions, for example for a modem for automatic remote value specification of a credit. As an alternative to the modem, the "Teleporto" credit reloading service is still freely available in a known manner.

The dialog - shown in FIG. 5 - between the operating system of the T1000 and the chip card interface takes place according to a master / slave principle. The T1000 issues commands as a master and receives responses from the chip card interface as a slave. The dialog routine is always executed in the background. It consists of five commands.

Resynchronization is performed first. The T 1000 sends a first data record D1 containing 4 bytes. This puts the chip card in a defined state. This data record D1 contains an address in the first byte, a byte (control byte) for a control word with a counter reading for each protocol unit (PDU), a byte for the data length and a check byte. The data length is initially 00. The check byte is used to save errors in the transmission.

The response of the chip card device is a data record D2 containing 4 bytes, with the mirrored address in the first byte, the control byte, the byte for the data length and the check byte.

After receiving a positive response, the master transmits a select application sequence with a third data record D3, with the address in the first byte, the counter reading or Control byte, the byte for the data length. The data length 02 indicates the following of two bytes of data content. The first byte is the SELECT APPLICATION command code. The data content of the second byte is 00. The check byte again forms the end.

In the error-free case, a return code is returned by the chip card unit, from which it can be seen that the chip card is inserted. The data record D4 for the return code again has the mirrored address in the first byte. A subsequent control byte is counted again in the upper nibble (nibble). A third byte for the data length indicates the data length 01. This is followed by a fourth byte, which forms the actual return code for the inserted but voltage-free chip card. Finally, the check byte follows again.

The third command POWER ON switches on the voltage on the card. Data record D5 has 5 bytes and has the same structure as data record D4, with the address in the first byte, the control byte, the byte for the data length, the fourth byte and the check byte. The fourth byte contains the information that the voltage is switched on.

The response of the chip card unit is expected to be the "Answer to Reset" defined according to the T = 14 specification, which comprises a data record D6 with 24 bytes, the last byte again being the check byte.

The fourth command SELECT ICC-APPLICATION contains an identifier of the card manufacturer for the ICC (Integrated Chip Card). Data set D7 contains several nested layers. The first layer comprises the address in the first byte, the control byte, the byte for the data length, followed by a further 20 bytes, which begin with a control byte to which an address byte is attached, connect a control byte and a byte for the data length in the second layer, with the check byte and another byte then a third layer begins with a command byte F1 and a byte 0B for the data length of 11 bytes that follow, which is the above-mentioned identifier of the card manufacturer contained in the form of ASCII-encoded data. The said 11 bytes stand for the following identifier: 9280ICC-3/3. It ends with two check bytes.

In response to the chip card unit, a 21-byte data record D8 is expected.

The fifth command READ TOKEN requests the chip card to output data from an unprotected area. The first and second layers of the 13-byte data record D9 are structured analogously to the fourth command, the eighth to eleventh bytes containing the actual command for READ TOKEN and two check bytes from the end.

In response to the chip card unit, a 64-byte data record D10 is expected with the mirrored address in the first byte, the control byte, the byte for the data length, etc. and the check byte at the end. The twelfth byte contains the data for the chip card number card #, the thirteenth byte contains the data for the cost center number KST # and the fourteenth byte contains the data for the plate number AD #.

The user is not required to enter an identification code to read such data from the chip card. Even the owner is entitled to have his advertising slogan automatically selected. In the postage meter machine, software measures have been taken by means of the program means 100 to prevent the user from accessing the data, that affect his cost center and that at the same time prevent the user from accessing the data that affect the other cost centers.

In a further variant, not shown, after inserting a chip card 13 into an opening provided in the postage meter machine, the unsecured memory area of the chip card is first queried, and then the data from the secured memory area is transferred to the memory of the postage meter machine. This data can modify the function of the franking machine and / or reload a current postage fee table, as was already described in the application. Data is stored in addressable tables, each table being assigned to a specific function and can be called up and transferred to the memory of the franking machine. There are 2 to 7 Kbytes available in the secure memory area of the chip card, while only 32 bytes can be called up in the unsecured memory area of the chip card.

In particular, a current chip card 10, which has an additional postage fee table applicable to the future tariff, as is already known for the value specification of fee values, is used as the transmission means. FIG. 10 shows a simplified block diagram of the franking machine 1 according to the invention with a chip card read / write unit 2. A storage means 3 is connected to a display means 4 and via a BUS to a control module 5, as well as to an input / output means 6, to which a printer module 7, an input means 8 and the chip card disk-reading unit 2 are connected. Furthermore, a connection of a weighing module 14 via the BUS directly or via the input / output means 6, not shown in FIG. 1, is provided.

In addition, the presence of a programmable battery-based clock module 9 in each franking machine is assumed, the accuracy and programming of which is such that the correct date data are generated in order to load the storage means 3 of the franking machine with the current and future specific date data for the postage fee tables associated with its entry into force. The programming relates in particular to the time to be taken into account in different locations, the time zones of the earth which essentially depend on the longitude, and the date limit to be taken into account.

It is advantageous for a franking arrangement that is only operated in a stationary manner, and in particular for a portable franking machine that can be transported from place to place, that the franking arrangement contains a programmable clock module 9, which supplies the respective local time or franking time including date based on a defined actual or future location information. For a given accuracy, which can only be checked after a very large time interval, a one-time factory setting of the clock is sufficient if the local time can be set by entering the location. For this purpose, a memory area is provided for the clock module, which contains the relevant locations with the associated local time shift for setting the clock. The local time difference is added to Greenwich Mean Time.

The franking machine 1 in the control module 5 has means which, when the franking machine 1 is started up, load at least one postage fee table for the franking machine 1 from the chip card 10 via the receiving means 2 and 6 into a predetermined memory space of the storage means 3 and contains further means in the control module 5, via means 3, 4, 8, 9 and 2 based on the country or place of dispatch entered and of the date, select the current postage fee table in force, which will be used to determine the respective postage fee. These means are manufactured in hardware and / or software as a fixed or freely programmable logic module or program of a microprocessor control.

The chip card 10 is intended for use as a debit card with a national or international validity, but this should in no way preclude other billing methods for monetary data. It is preferably implemented in the European Community. A service center for the national postal authorities, for example, pays and bills the fees.

Advantageously, further functions are stored in the chip card 10 so that they can be called up by the current date supplied by the clock module 9. The information for the further functions to be loaded into the franking machine is linked to a condition (date, time, location).

In particular, the security against fraudulent manipulations can be increased by the fact that during the update a number of functions assigned to the update date can be loaded into the franking machine 1 and the further triggerable functions to be loaded are specified in a variety of ways and not selectable. To protect against fraudulent manipulation, the national postal authority to which the respective sending location belongs can provide a printout that can only be machine-read by the respective national postal authority. This printout can be, for example, the transaction number for an authorization check in a barcode representation or another agreed character which is used on a defined one using the same or a further printer Place is printed on the mail.

In addition, the input means 8 can be used to enter the place of dispatch, the location of the mailbox or the responsible post office and / or the respective postal authority, etc. therefore be provided in order to make a further selection from among the functions loaded into the franking machine.

FIG. 11 shows a memory area with a memory section assigned to an update date for the current and for the future postage fee table. Depending on the storage area assigned to a sending country, at least one postage fee table is available. This enables the charges to be set correctly for each machine using the information stored in the transmission medium. Each postage fee table applicable to a national postal authority is divided into zones for the mailing of mail from the place of dispatch, ie the post office to which the mailbox to be franked with postage is assigned to the place of receipt. The zones assigned to the distances and / or domestic or foreign countries or the distance from the sending location to the receiving location can be stored as an additional function in a further memory area A, B, C, ..., not shown, for each country and can be called up by the control means corresponding zone of the current table is addressed. Once the correct zone has been determined, the postal customer can choose from among the services of the type of delivery (letter, reply postcard, printed matter, letterhead, parcel ...) agreed by the franking machine manufacturer with the respective national post offices, the type of delivery (value, registered mail, personal delivery, return receipt , Cash on delivery, express delivery, airmail, fast delivery, post-warehousing, ...), and additional services (advance order) or similar imprints (Cliché, advertising ...). After entering a weight amount and the type of shipment and the form of dispatch of the mail, the postage fee corresponding to the zones can be taken out automatically. Further future postage fee tables for further, preferably for each of the national postal authorities, which are valid from the current further update date and are not shown in FIG. 2, are stored in memory areas. For each of the tables, the control means must compare the date to be entered of the date stamp appearing on the postal item with the update date for the entry into force of the table.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show the additional function tables which are stored in the further memory areas and are assigned to a sending country A, B or location and / or a current date. By entering the sending country A, B for each area, a first selection is made manually or automatically from among the functions to be loaded into the franking machine and is loaded into its storage means when the franking machine is started up. The additional functions F1 (payment for express delivery from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), F2 (payment for express delivery from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), F3 (payment for express delivery), Fn (...) etc. are valid for an agreed time of day or a limited period of time determined by the respective national postal authority (Figure 12).

FIG. 6 relates to a table for a number of additional functions to be transmitted to the franking machine and then freely selectable thereafter. As a rule, mail is picked up when a franking machine is in stationary operation. It can also be arranged with the post office to attach an in-house stationary mailbox. For the mobile use of a franking machine there are other services of the postal authorities (assignment of postcode and numbers of post offices to place names). The data for continuously open mailboxes serving as receiving points for mail in public places, ports, airports, train stations, traffic stations, etc., nodes listed in another updatable directory, not shown, are suitable for calling up stored information or making functions available after in In a field, this data for open acceptance points and the date are entered manually. A further memory area is provided for this. If a number of functions cannot be selected due to the location, another sending location that enables these functions can be determined.

It can also be agreed between the customer and the manufacturer to print certain additional information elsewhere on the mail, in particular calendar information and temporary advertising messages. For example, an organizer can use it to advertise a trade fair. This information to be printed appears automatically in the print image according to the previous programming. A further memory area can also be provided for this.

FIG. 13 relates to a table for the additional functions that have been agreed upon to be transferred to the franking machine on the basis of a condition. The additional functions that provide additional labeling serve, for example, to ensure the detection of a pre-dating in future mail, i.e. Post that is prepaid in advance. Such functions have been agreed by the franking machine manufacturer with the postal authority and are defined by the time the post is delivered to the place of dispatch.

By entering a field for the task location, location of the mailbox, in particular the postcode (zip code) or for the number of the responsible post office, a further selection is automatically made from the functions to be loaded into the franking machine and loaded into its storage means when the franking machine is started up (FIG. 6) or (FIG. 13).

In a further variant of the solution according to the invention, shown in FIG. 14, cellular communication networks, in particular Groupe Speciale Mobile networks (GSM networks), are used as transmission means. Such GSM networks have a radio switching system (SSS) with transitions on the one hand to other radio or fixed networks (NETZ), in particular (PSTN, ISDN, PDN), and on the other hand to the mobile subscribers (FM) via a radio base station system (BSS) . In the BSS, a transcoder unit (TCE) is connected to several BSS control devices (BCE), to which the respective transceiver stations (BTS) are connected. Operating and maintenance centers of the radio switching system (OMC / SSS) or such operating and maintenance centers (OMC / BSS) of the base station radio system (BSS) or the associated control device (BCE) are equipped with a storage means 300, 301 or 302, which memory sections for the retrievable published postage fee and non-secret additional function tables and for further service and additional information.

The entry of the sending country or place and the country or local time can preferably be done automatically for portable franking machines when mobile radio (D network) is used.

An information field - shown in FIG. 15 - for the date, place of dispatch, weight, format, postage fee and other usual information as well as for the additional functions permitted by the respective national postal authority can be shown in the display means 4 or 400 of the respective Franking machine 1 and 100 are shown to make a selection of the functions. The information that can only be called up by means of a password, such as device number, transaction number, piece counting, registration amount, postage and billing list, is not shown.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, since it is evident that further other arrangements or designs of the transmission means and the receiving means can be developed or used, which are based on the same basic idea of the invention and are covered by the appended claims.

Claims (23)

Method for entering data into a franking machine before a selected printing function is triggered,
characterized by the steps - Automatic change of the latest status of stored data contents in a franking machine for their setting by means of data and / or flags, if a first transmission means (10) is provided at least within a time window after switching on, around which the data and / or flags causing the change to load a memory of the transmission means (10) into a memory area of the storage means (3) of the franking machine, and / or - Automatic entry of a billing number for the user's cost center and / or a printing function or the number of a printing function in a memory area of the storage means (3) of the franking machine, by further data and / or flags stored in the memory of a further transmission means (13) before operation the franking machine. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first transmission means (10) for a country-specific provision of additional functions and current information for a permanent and / or temporary configuration of at least one franking machine and that the second transmission means (13) for user-specific setting of the franking machine becomes. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a communication network which contains a memory with the data and / or flags which can be called up for reloading additional functions and information into the franking machine is used as the first transmission means (10). Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first and second transmission means (10) and (13) are an integrated chip card ICCA and ICCB, each having a memory with the data and / or flags that can be called up for reloading additional functions Have information in the franking machine or to set it. Arrangement for franking mail with a franking machine, which has first means for loading at least one table from a transmission means via receiving means into a predetermined memory space of a storage means of the franking machine,
characterized, - That the first means at the time of commissioning the franking machine (1) according to the conditions entered in the franking machine, but at least two conditions (sending country and Date, name and country of dispatch or name and date) accordingly, load the table data or information stored in tables in the transmission means (10) and which can also be called up under these conditions, into the predetermined storage space of the storage means (3), - That the franking machine (1) has second means in the control module (5), the current table and / or information available for the function of the franking machine (1), based on the other conditions (time, password and / or other identifiers), whereby the further conditions can be entered via third means - And that the third means include storage, display and input means (3, 4, 8) and a clock module (9) and a bus. Arrangement according to Claim 5, characterized in that at least one postage fee table is available in the transmission means (10), that the franking machine (1) in the control module (5) has means which, when the franking machine (1) is started up, has at least one postage fee table for the franking machine from the Load transmission means (10) via the receiving means (2, 6) into a predetermined memory space of the storage means (3) and that the franking machine has further means in the control module (5) which are transmitted via the means (3, 4, 8, 9, 11 ) select the current postage fee table in force based on the entered country or place of dispatch and the date, on the basis of which the respective postage fee is determined. Arrangement according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the transmission means is a chip card (10) and which has in its storage means (12) at least one callable area (A) for each defined update date data for the entry into force of the respectively assigned postage fee table and that each area (A, B, ...) is designed for at least one postage fee table . Arrangement according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the transmission means is a cellular communication network (GSM) and that storage means (300) of the cellular communication network are equipped with memory sections and that the input of the sending country or sending place and the country or local time assigned information about receiving means (200) is preferably carried out automatically in the memory space of the franking arrangement when the mobile radio is switched on. Arrangement according to claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the storage means (12, 300) of the transmission means is equipped with storage sections for the retrievable postage fee and additional function tables and for further additional information which can be loaded into the franking arrangement via the receiving means (2, 200) and that the sending country or sending location and the country or local time is entered with the device switched on via the input means (8). Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the means (9) is a battery-supported clock module for supplying the franking machine (1) via a bus with time and date data. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the means (3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11) are assigned means (22, 8) for entering a weight and entering the type of shipment and the form of shipment for each Zone of the postage fee table which can be loaded into the franking arrangement and that these means enable an input via the input means (8) and / or a partially or fully automatic entry via the means (22) in order to be able to determine the postage fee. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 11, characterized in that such additional functions are stored in the transmission means (10) which are valid for a limited period of time and / or for a specific country or location from a predetermined date and into which Franking arrangement can be loaded, a part of the loaded number of additional functions being freely selectable by the input means (8), while another non-manipulable part is provided for security purposes. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the franking arrangement is a portable franking machine. Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the franking arrangement contains a programmable clock module (9) which delivers the respective local time on the basis of a defined actual or future location specification. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the means (3, 4, 5, 8, 22) one Scale, preferably a weighing module integrated in the franking machine, is assigned. Arrangement for generating a franking image, each associated with a cost center, for a franking machine that can be used for franking mail and with at least one first and second input means (8) and (2), an input / output control means (6) Output means (4), an electronic printer (7), power electronics (11) and a processor system (111) is equipped,
characterized,
that as a second input means (2) a chip card read / write unit (20), which is connected to a serial interface of the franking machine and is known per se, is arranged in the franking machine in order to store data from the memory area of a chip card (10; 13) within the framework of a Read out dialogs for the chip card number card #, for the cost center number KST # and for the plate number AD # and
that means (100, 101) are provided in a non-volatile memory of storage means (7) in the processor system (11) of the franking machine, which, after inserting a chip card (10; 13), automatically make the setting of the user cost center and the associated advertising clichés and prevent the retrieval of external cost center data. Arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that in the context of a dialog from the unprotected memory area of the chip card (10; 13) and / or after automatic specification of at least one password by the franking machine The data for the chip card number card #, for the cost center number KST # and for the plate number AD # are read out from the protected memory area of the chip card (10; 13) and are available in the franking machine for setting the cost center and the associated advertising clichés. Arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that in the context of a dialog, the data for the chip card number card #, for the cost center number KST # and for the plate number AD # are read out from the unprotected memory area of the chip card (10; 13) and set in the franking machine the cost center and the associated advertising clichés are available and, after the franking machine has automatically specified at least one password, further data are read from the protected memory area of the chip card (10; 13) in order to reload or modify the franking machine function. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, characterized in that a table with passwords is stored in a non-volatile memory of the postage meter machine and is processed to check the authorization of the user of the postage meter machine by successively storing the passwords with those stored in the user's chip card Password can be compared. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, characterized in that an opening for the supply of the chip card (10; 13) for reading out user-specific data on the The back of the franking machine is provided, it being possible for the franking machine to be franked without a chip card (13) inserted and for the absence of the chip card to be signaled after the franking machine has been switched on. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the opening for the insertion slot (26) of the contacting device (25) connected to an interface board (24) on the back of the franking machine in the upper third vi-sá-vis of the LCD display unit located on the front (3) is arranged and is located above the connection for the serial interface of the scale (22). Arrangement according to claim 21, characterized in that the interface board (24) is connected to the serial interface (54) of the franking machine and the contacting device (25) has at least 6 contacts and the data exchange between the unprotected card storage area and a non-volatile memory of the storage means (3 ) is carried out automatically as part of a communication protocol as soon as the chip card (13) has been inserted into the insertion slot (26). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 22, characterized in that the chip card read / write unit (20) is used in the franking machine T 1000 and the absence of an inserted chip card is signaled with the LCD display unit, for which purpose in a non-volatile Memory of Storage means (3) there is a corresponding program modifying the display.

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