Pitney Bowes Inc.

John H Soderberg

Alton B Eckert, Jr

Edward C Duwel

Robert B McFiggans

Howell A Jones, Jr

Easwaran C Nambudiri

Raymond R Crowley

Leonard M Penque

Edward E Duwel

An electronic postage meter is disclosed which includes one or more nonvolatile memories (NVM) for storing a hierarchy of secure data including the meter's unique serial number, accounting information, and various parameters which define its operating characteristics. The portion or portions of NVM containing the serial number and the aforementioned information and parameters may be totally or partially 'locked' by firmware that causes one or more 'lock bits' to be set. The setting of the lock bits is designed to prevent unauthorized access to a program which can alter the contents of predetermined portions of NVM. The disclosed postage meter is further operable to enable authorized personnel to 'unlock' said program in order to initialize, modify and/or reconfigure the meter both during the manufacturing process and after the meter has been placed in the field. Once authorized changes have been specified the meter is operative to verify that proper values have actually been placed in NVM and then relock the memory. The disclosed methods and apparatus eliminate the need to physically remove NVM in order to accomplish initialization, modification and/or reconfiguration by providing controlled access to all or part of the memory storing the hierarchy of secure data.

Nonvolatile memory unlock for an electronic postage meter

A method and associated apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, a resident memory containing firmware variables, a communication means in the stored program which allows external data to be entered in the program to change the firmware variable in accordance with the external data.

Modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter

A method and associated apparatus for controlling firmware branch points in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, providing at least one data bit external to the stored program, each such data bit corresponding to a particular branch point in the program, and selecting a branch of the program for use in operation of the meter in accordance with the data bit so that the program may be readily reconfigured based on the presence of a data bit.

Controlling firmware branch points in an electronic postage meter

In a postal meter adapted to be connected to a source of supply of power for energization, and having structures for printing postage values and a selected data, for displaying a plurality of segments, and for entering data, and having a computer electrically connected to each of the aforesaid structures and programmed for processing data for controlling the operation thereof, and wherein the postal meter includes structure for selecting one of a plurality of dates; there is provided an improvement for reminding an operator of the postal meter to check the selected date. The improvement includes the computer being programmed for causing the display to start displaying at least one unique segment in response to energization of the postal meter, the data entering structure including a depressable key for entering data into the computer, and the computer being programmed for causing the display to stop displaying the at least one segment in response to the depression of the key. In addition, the postal meter preferably includes the computer being programmed for disabling the printing structure in response to the energization of the postal meter, for causing the display to start displaying a postage setting in response to energization of the postal meter, for causing the display to start intermittently flashing the postage setting on display in response to energization of the postal meter, and for causing the display to stop intermittently flashing the postage setting on display in response to the depression of the key.

Postal meter with date check reminder means

In a postage meter having structures for entering data, for displaying numerical values and other data, and for printing postage, and having a computer electrically connected to each of the aforesaid structures and programmed for processing data for controlling their operation, wherein the data entering structure includes a keyboard having a plurality of depressable numeric keys, and wherein the computer means includes means for storing data and calculating amounts pertaining to the operation of said postage meter; there is provided apparatus and a method of displaying data pertaining to the operation of the postage meter. The method includes the steps of providing the keyboard with a depressable special purpose key, depressing selected numeric keys for causing the display of a predetermined numerical value, depressing the special purpose key when said numerical value on display, and programming the computer for causing the displaying structure to display data pertaining to the operation of the postage meter in response to the depression of the special purpose key. Preferably, the step of causing the display of a predetermined value includes the step of utilizing a predetermined value which includes at least one numeral and does not include a decimal.

Postage meter with keyboard keys for causing display of data pertaining

A postage meter, adapted to be connected to a source of supply of power for energization, is provided. The postage meter includes improved structure for entering data. The data entering structure includes a keyboard having a plurality of numeric keys, a postage setting key, at least one special purpose key and a plurality of display keys. In addition, the postage meter includes devices for displaying numerical values and other data, for selecting one of a plurality of dates, and for printing postage values and the selected date. Further, the postage meter includes a computer which is electrically connected to each of the aforesaid entering and displaying and printing devices and is programmed for processing data for controlling the operation of the same. Preferably the computer is also programmed for storing data and for performing calculations utilizing the stored data, for causing the displaying device to display respective numerical values in response to the depression of selected numeric keys, and for causing the displaying device to display the other data in response to the depression of selected keys. Preferably the postage meter features one or more additional methods or apparatus, including those for changing a postage unused amount stored in the postage meter, for causing various meter operations to be performed, for changing various operating constants, for displaying predetermined data pertaining to meter operations or for reminding the operator to check the date of the date setting device.

Postage meter with keyboard keys for commanding and requesting

In a postage meter having structures for entering data, for displaying numerical values and other data, and for printing postage, and having a computer electrically connected to each of the aforesaid structures and programmed for processing data for controlling their operation, wherein the data entering structure includes a keyboard having a plurality of depressable numeric keys, and wherein the computer means includes means for storing data and calculating amounts pertaining to the operation of said postage meter; there is provided apparatus and a method of operation of the postage meter. The method includes the steps of providing the keyboard with a depressable special purpose key, depressing selected numeric keys for causing the display of a predetermined numerical value, depressing the special purpose key when said numerical value on display, and programming the computer for causing a particular operation of the postage meter to be performed in response to the depression of the special purpose key. Preferably, the step of causing the display of a predetermined value includes the step of utilizing a predetermined value which includes at least one numeral and does not include a decimal.

Postage meter with keyboard keys for causing meter operations to be

An electronic postage meter includes electronic circuitry for providing an accounting of the number of mailpieces imprinted with postage, and the amount of postage imprinted on such mailpieces. An electro-optic sensor connects with a mechanical drive of a printing drum of the meter to sense successive rotations of the printing drum, one rotation occurring for each imprinting of postage. A comparison circuit compares the one-bit signal provided by the electro-optic sensor with the least significant bit of a count of the mailpieces, which count is provided electronically by the accounting function. Any discrepancy between the least significant bit of the mechanical count and the least significant bit of the electronic count serves as a warning of a malfunction, or of tampering, of the postage unit. An error-signal circuit connected to the comparison circuit terminates operation of the meter upon the occurrence of a discrepancy between the mechanical and electrical counts.

Electronic postage meter having interlock between mechanical and

In a postage meter having structure for printing postage, for displaying numerical values and for entering data, and which includes a computer electrically connected to the printing, displaying and data entering structure, and wherein the computer is programmed for processing data for controlling the operation of the respective printing and displaying and data entering structures, and wherein the data entering structure includes a keyboard having a first plurality of depressable keys, and wherein the computer includes memory for storing a first amount corresponding to all postage then available for printing; there is provided apparatus and a method for changing the first amount to a new first amount. The method includes the steps of sequentially depressing a second plurality of keys of the keyboard, for entering a second amount into said computer, sequentially depressing a third plurality of keys of the keyboard, for entering a combination into the computer, and automatically processing the second amount and combination for adding the second amount to the first amount. Preferably, the step for entering the second amount includes the step of displaying a numerical value corresponding to said second amount, and the step for entering said combination includes the step of displaying a numerical value corresponding to said combination.

Postage meter with keyboard keys for changing postage unused amount

Interface apparatus allows a serial communicating device to communicate with an echoplex communicating device. A first microprocessor coupled to the serial device converts serial data to a parallel format. The parallel formatted data is transferred to a second microprocessor which is coupled to the echoplex device. The second microprocessor converts the parallel data from the first microprocessor into echoplex data for transmission to the echoplex device. When data is to be transferred from the echoplex device to the first device, the second microprocessor converts the echoplex data to a parallel format. The parallel formatted data is transferred to the first microprocessor, for conversion into a serial form and transmission to the serial device. If both the serial and echoplex devices wish to transmit at the same time, priority is awarded to the echoplex device. The interface operates asynchronously on real time basis, and is transparent.

Universal real time transparent asynchronous serial/echoplex converter

A method and associated apparatus for customizing the firmware of an electronic postage meter after assembly, comprising the steps of storing a configuration program within the electronic postage meter which program is capable of configuring the meter in response to configuration input messages, inputting configuration messages into the electronic postage meter to select desired meter functions and provide input data for use with operating programs stored in the meter, storing the configuration input data in the assembled meter under control of the meter configuration program for subsequent interaction with the operating programs of the meter to provide predetermined meter functions, and denying further access to the configuration program prior to placing the meter in service.

Customizing the firmware after assembly of an electronic postage meter

In order to allow manufacturing complete freedom in testing and to insure that a customer receives an electronic postage meter or electronic parcel register preset to known values, the meter is operable to preset the internal registers in the accounting module when a serial number is locked in the unit. The dollar values in the ascending and descending registers, and the unit piece count may be preset to any pre-determined value only once during the life of the nonvolatile memory device associated with the accounting module in an electronic postage meter or electronic register. The serial number lock is modified to enable the internal register modification to be provided. To minimize any unauthorized abuse, by an external stimulus or by an internal failure, the serial number lock is stored before each register value is preset. The serial number lock is set after the preset to bar unauthorized entry into this sensitive routine. If a set lock is detected during any of the tests, a non-recoverable fatal error is set in meter/register. Operation of the unit is prevented if this fatal error condition is detected during the power-on sequence of the meter or register.

Electronic postage meter having a one time actuable operating program to

An electronic postal meter has a control unit, an accounting unit and a printing unit, each incorporating a CPU having a separate crystal controlled clock. Communication between the units is serial character asynchronous, bit synchronous, in message form, with the bits of the messages being timed in accordance with a given schedule for synchronous control. The messages themselves, upon receipt by a receiver, are returned bit by bit to the transmitter, for checking, whereupon the transmitter sends a no-error pulse upon successful comparison of the transmitted message and the message received from the receiver. All control and data signals utilize the same pair of conductors in each direction with precisely defined timing for control.

Electronic postage meter having plural computing system

In a postage meter having structures for printing postage, for displaying numerical values and for entering data, and a computer, electrically connected to the printing, displaying and data entering structures, wherein the computer is programmed (a) for causing the postage meter to enter a service mode of operation in response to data entered from the data entering structure, and (b) for processing data for controlling the operation of the respective printing, displaying and data entering structures, and wherein the data entering structure includes a keyboard having a first plurality of depressable keys, and the computer includes memory for storing a first amount corresponding to a constant value for controlling operation of the postage meter; there is provided apparatus and a method for changing the first amount to a new first amount when the postage meter is in the service mode of operation. The method includes the steps of sequentially depressing a second plurality of keys of the keyboard for entering a second amount into the computer, sequentially depressing a third plurality of keys of the keyboard for entering a combination into the computer, and automatically processing the second amount and said combination for replacing the first amount with the second amount.

Postage meter with keyboard keys used for changing operating constants

A serial number lock is provided for inclusion in a non-volatile memory of an electronic postage meter. The non-volatile memory is arranged to provide a field to accommodate a postage meter serial number. The serial number is entered into the meter at the end of the manufacturing process. The postage meter includes a routine programmed into a read only memory which is used only once during the life of the meter's non-volatile memory. The routine requires the check of a non-volatile memory lock bit location which has been set once the routine has been successfully completed. The setting of this memory location prevents reentry into the one time program. The bit is set by a true comparison of the data included in a received message with the value of the data contained in non-volatile memory. The serial number message format includes an operation binary coded decimal digit as an operational indicator. If the serial number has been entered and the operational indicator set to zero, the serial number will be changed to the value contained in the data message. If the operational indicator is a one, the firmware will examine the serial number presently contained in non-volatile memory, and compare it with the value contained in the serial number message. If the result is favorable or true, the program will set the non-volatile memory lock bit thus preventing further access to this program.

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Stratford, CT, United States of America

John H Soderberg