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:
Sep. 30, 2003
Filed:
Jul. 30, 1999
Wesley A. Kirschner, Hamden, CT (US);
Louis J. Loglisci, Stamford, CT (US);
George T. Monroe, Seymour, CT (US);
Richard A Rudolph, Newington, CT (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A method providing for programming reprogramming at least some software into flash memory of a postage machine or other mailing apparatus. The method calls for providing the software to be programmed into the flash memory in at least two builds, with one build providing kernel software that includes the functionality needed for programming/reprogramming (including functionality for linking to a personal computer by which the software to be programmed may be provided), and the other build providing non-kernel software, usually routines providing application-oriented functionality, and not essential to programming the flash memory. The first build, of the at least two builds, is written into sectors of the flash memory that are then locked. The system provides, in some applications, for writing the non-kernel software using a paging algorithm that writes several sectors worth of non-kernel software at a time. Once the programming of the kernel software is completed, at least part of the flash memory, the part hosting the non-kernel software, can be programmed or reprogrammed using the functionality provided by the kernel software. In some applications, three builds are provided, with a bare minimum of kernel software, including only a subset of flash programming utilities and routines providing for a basic serial I/O link for linking to a personal computer. In such an application, all of the operating system software, i.e. the software providing for system-level functionality of the mailing machine, is provided as a second, non-protected build, and a third build is provided including application software.