The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 01, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 21, 1997
George G. Gelfer, Glen Ellyn, IL (US);
Enno Bischoff, Berlin, DE;
Wolfgang Thiel, Berlin, DE;
Andreas Wagner, Berlin, DE;
Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co., Birkenwerder, DE;
Abstract
In a method for improving the security of postage meter machines in credit transfers, having at least two modes, the presence of a security flag is necessary for operation of the machine. The security flag is erased in a step of the system routine if an unauthorized action occurs in an attempt to operate the postage meter machine, and the postage meter machine is switched into a first mode in order to effectively shut it down. Otherwise, a special mode for negative remote crediting is entered by setting a special flag when a predetermined operating action for lateral entry into the special mode is undertaken upon machine turn-on. The communication with the data center sequences under time and status (flag) monitoring by the control unit of the postage meter machine until the transaction is completed. The data center monitors the behavior of the postage meter machine user on the basis of data communicated during the transaction.