Ascom Autelca Ag

Ascom Autelca Ltd.

Philippe Wicht

Vital Perrey

Armin Kohler

Tony Aebi

Toni Aebi

A computerized system is of the type that responds to imminent loss of power by storing crucial data to a safe storage area. In the system, lockup caused by the system entering a tight loop awaiting power loss, is avoided by a combination of stored program and hardware. A test performed in the tight loop checks repeatedly to see whether the power-failure signal comes no longer to be present, and if that condition occurs the stored program causes the meter to return to normal function. As a consequence momentary power losses and other brief interruptions, whether due to user manipulation of the power switch or otherwise, are much less likely to result in undesired lockup of the system.

Power-fail return loop

In an electronic postage meter and external servicing system, a method and apparatus are disclosed for loading data in a universal format from the external servicing device to the postage meter. Data packets sent from the external servicing device to the postage meter contain an address in the memory address space of the processor as well as data to be loaded to that address. Optionally the data packet may include a data length value and a repetition value, the repetition value indicating how many times the data are to be copied into the memory of the processor. The system overcomes limitations of the prior art in which data packets may only be sent to the meter for loading to a limited set of selectable destinations.

System for testing if destination address transmitted with data packet

In a postage meter which has a meter section powered by house current in normal operation, but which requires auxiliary power source batteries while in transit, a circuit is provided which, in connection with a stored program, tests the auxiliary power source prior to the period away from the house current power, thus providing a warning if the auxiliary power is unlikely to sustain the device for the duration of the period away from house current power. The test circuit applies a test load approximating the load of the meter section to be powered. A loop in the program of a CPU determines the period of time during which the test load is applied to the batteries and then a voltage comparator assures that the battery output voltage is sufficiently high in the range of usable voltage therefrom to assure successful operation of the postage meter section during resetting at the post office. A post office switch for use by a postal worker can be closed only when a postal worker unlocks an associated lock. This delivers auxiliary power from the batteries to the meter electronics including the CPU. A routine detects this and causes the CPU to provide a output to a switching transistor that continues to supply the auxiliary power for the brief interval necessary for resetting.

Enhanced reliability in portable rechargeable devices

A computer system, typically a postage member system, has a processor, a memory, an address decoder, and a window circuit. The window circuit selectively couples the write strobe output of the processor with the write strobe input of the memory in response to the processor's setting and clearing of a latched signal. A counter resets the processor if the latched signal is set and not cleared within a predetermined time period.

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Rue St. Joseph, Switzerland

Philippe Wicht