Interchangeable postage computer module and method for data transmission

The invention relates to an exchangeable postage calculator module according to the type specified in claim 1 and a corresponding method for data transmission between postage calculator module and base unit, according to the in The preamble of claim 10 specified kind.

Application of such a postage calculator module are especially postage scales and franking machines or similar or discounting base units.

Several methods are already known, postage calculation tables interchangeable postage-scales or to make rechargeable. Thus, in US 4,506,330 one in a PROM on a removable circuit board stored postage table with switches to Addressing switchover described.

In US 3,635,297 is a similar one in ROM's stored, interchangeable Porto memory table described. These Table is located on a parallel bus to the quick to allow access of a processor to these.

The US 4,325,440 describes a method of franking of mail pieces and a multiprocessor system, the a system processor for calculating postage and contains additional subsystem processors, a processor subsystem with a balance, wherein one subsystem processor with a user interface and being a for a postage printing subsystem processor with certain is connected to a postage meter. The multiprocessor system is not flexible to other devices usable.

The US 4,718,506 describes a postage calculator for a postal scale. The postage calculator is a equipped removable storage and postage also not flexible in combination with other or used on other devices.

The US 5,262,939 describes a postage scale with Multicarrier function. But here is the postage calculator integral part of a complete Weighing and computing system and not flexible in Combination with other or to other devices usable.

From US 5,117,364 is a Postbefördererverwaltungssystem with a balance for outgoing packets, a connected computers and input devices known said computer a removable memory for Storing a database of tariff tables of each contains mail carriers with postage fee data. Of the Procedure for determining the most cost-effective carrier interrupted only by operator inputs. However, the system may the new entrants postage calculation structures some mail carriers not flexible react.

The EP 0099666 B1 also describes a system the solid with a processor and replaceable Fee table Saving works.

Such solutions with conventional Porto structure only flexible in the table size. In case of Tariff extensions or alterations is simply the Only memory with the postage rate table against a such replaced with more storage capacity. From Disadvantage is that such replaceable Only memory of the Prozesser in the base unit to evaluated a permanently stored program. Hence, such solutions conventionally Porto structural elements limited the program and over new Porto structural elements inflexible. Another Disadvantage when accessing the read-only memory with an extensive postage rate table is that an adequate speed when accessing the requires use of an expensive interface which must have a large number of PINs.

From a medium to high number of about Shipping letters or other mail pieces are in customary manner franking machines to frank the Post used goods. A franking machine is equipped with a Control unit, storage means, input means, a modem or other data receiving means, a Input / output control means, a display means and a equipped printer, wherein in the storage means stored permanently a prepaid credit value present. In general, the control unit is responsible CPU also the management of monetary data and the Franking machine with suitable safety means provided. After deduction of the determined postage value from aforementioned credit value prints a fixed Printhead columns the franking with simultaneous Letter transport. Here is a print width reaches approximately 1 inch.

The US 4,802,218 describes methods for primary smartcard-based billing of a franking system, However, the proposal also includes a further chip card, on the gepeichert the current postage rate table is. This postal rate table is the program of Mailing used to determine the postage value. As bottleneck for data transmission proves Here too the serial interface to the smart card with the postage rate table.

To avoid this disadvantage, methods suitable that not only directly during the Postage calculation on the external read-only memory access, but advance the current postage rate table copy or download it to an internal memory area. A charging connector for such a method is known from EP 0560717 A2 for a franking machine become, which includes an internal postage calculator. The built-in internal postage calculator Collective memory can subsequently by the user be updated by outside a charging plug with the new postage table is infected, its contents after actuation of command input means in the computer internal memory is copied. The user must itself for charging, ie for the timeliness of internally stored table data care. flexibility against future changes is only in the extent relating to the table size given extent previously internal memory has been scheduled for it.

The postage fee tables are from time to time by Mail carrier updated. As a rule, this tariffs for certain transport services increased. By charging plug or exchange of read-only memories to consider all possible future changes, will in the future increasingly difficult, because there is no flexibility in terms of new Postage calculation structures.

As long as franking machines only for settling with a Carrier (formerly the National Postal Agency) provided are, is the decline of old postage fee tables and the need of reloading a new box for the producer and the customer still to be looking process, particularly when the Porto structures are retained. Then can also a data center, the transmission of a current Table induce as 28 03 982. from DE has become. The postage calculation devices of all customers but need a modem or comparable its transfer agent and equipped for the transmission updating data constantly listening being held. Structural changes in the Calculation can not be considered. On Such a method also can not individually for each Customer a specific set of appropriate carriers Load in his postage calculation device.

Another method is disclosed in US 5,490,077 for a Franking been described in detail, which automatically for the timeliness of the internally stored Table data each time the franking machine by loading them from an external memory in a transfer agent ensures. It requires each Transmission means specific receipt or input means. In a mobile variant, wireless receiving / transmitting means, at a ISDN variant a modem and a chip card variant, a chip card reading unit required.

In all these load or copy process is indeed no speed data access during the Laden longer necessary, but such solutions are always still too inflexible with respect to a change in rates, which significantly increased rate table for has a consequence and do not allow adaptation to a new Postage calculation structure.

One of the remaining improvements of franking machines lies in the provision of flexibility with regard to the settlement of accounts with different Carriers. It is a cost effective service different from current valid tariff structures select carrier. But if the franking machine Billing to a variety set of different carrier, must also specific solution to be created so always for the selected carrier valid postage fee table is available. requirement of it is the scheduling of sufficient space for the different carrier-related tariffs. Now is but conceivable that emerging market regions, nationally or internationally operating private carriers completely from the previous different structures Porto have, representing not so in Tables blank that the unchanged old interpretation program thereof could determine the postage value. Basically new postage calculation of structures Tariffs could national postal agencies and private Set carrier. When updating so would also the interpretation program to be replaced, what but especially in franking machines to safety concerns encounters because one of Frankiermaschinenrechner executed program code must always looking for special Safety criteria with respect to the Data Manipulation Security the data stored in the franking machine monetary data are formed. The fed Program parts may for the purposes the data tampering not decrease. From the perspective of Carrier is any possibility of the user external reload program code in the meter an unacceptable security risk because can not be ruled out that in this way targeted software for the purpose of manipulating the introduced monetary data with fraudulent intent becomes. Even if, however, the abovementioned process notwithstanding, a service technician the new program parts (installer) to install, arising out the cost also fundamental difficulties for a Such installation process. The future for imaging Postage calculation structures required is storage space in the internal memory area namely hard to plan ahead, whereby the above-mentioned Installation procedures may also can fail.

The invention is based on the object of the disadvantages to eliminate the prior art and using an interface and to be transferred at a low Amount of data in one arrangement, the postage fee to determine.

The solution is a slight modification to the beförderer- and / or country-specific Porto structure allow, without opening the basic machine or a to have to hire a service technician. Especially should that may assist you later novel Postage calculation structures Portoberechnungsart easily be changeable or extendable.

In addition, a more flexible method for data transmission for processing for postage calculation as to develop that equipment, such as Porto scales and franking optionally in Conjunction with scales, to future services various private mail carriers are extensible so that the postage value to currently valid tariffs can be calculated.

These objects are achieved with the features of claim 1 and 10, respectively.

A common cause of the above-mentioned disadvantages is the fact that the problem of possible subsequent postal rate changes previously through the exchange or recharging a fee schedule was dissolved. The actual Billing is done by the existing program the in the corresponding base unit (franking machine or postage scale) integrated Postage computer by evaluating the recharged or externally infected postage table. Since the evaluating Program and the computer can not be changed from the outside are, as far as a predetermined class of postage rate changes rechargeable. If the structure unforeseen manner fundamentally changes, can also the replacement of the fixed interpretation program are required, so that a technician use in is all installed systems required. in this connection are sometimes extensive changes necessary because the hardware equipment of the existing computer for all time the reloadability the postage tables is limited, especially with respect the space for receiving the fee table or the addressability and the computational speed. It would be easy conceivable that future postage tables due to their complexity these reasons not adequately addressed by the old computer can be. This applies to a heightened extent when future tariffs more entering the market considered carrier in the postage calculation to be. A dimensioning of the hardware a franking machine or a postage scale on a sufficiently future-safe level would, however, a represent compromise which already at the time Equipment production costs money, but only a few will users or possibly never needed.

The invention is based on the idea not only to make postage tables by the customer replaceable, but here also the postage calculator by the customer equal to allow exchange with.

The formation of the Portogebühren- and calculation module is carried out according to the invention as a standard interface to a clip-on or in the interior of a usable base unit to a customer accessible location interchangeable device for postage calculation, which subsequently exchangeable postage calculator module is called. This exchangeable postage calculator module contains essential parts of a complete postage calculator, in particular a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory for information and Porto a housing.

It is appropriate, the postage calculator module in a Housing to accommodate the manner of a dongle.

The interface is serial as standardized Interface running. It is envisaged that the Postage calculator module via the interface connector with at least one operating voltage supply.

In case of a postage calculation structure may change such a postage calculator module, like a dongle, as all be replaced by the user. As Base unit suitable meter or Portoaage.

The postage calculator module provides data of at least one Carrier for display change in the base unit due of entries concerning Asked Service Requirements to a carrier and for processing the data provided in the base unit.

The postage calculator module receives from the computer of the meter and / or the postage scale via the interface Information about weight and additional information provided by the User for shipping, in particular pressed Buttons. From this information, calculates the exchangeable postage calculator sends the postage value and these in conjunction with other data on a Interface to the requesting computer in the base unit back.

The exchangeable postage calculator module can be used as single-chip computer or as a processing unit CPU separate storage elements to be executed.

An advantage is that the program for determining Porto based on postage tables of the conventional type may, but is not limited to when the in Porto computing module located program by the customer also is having exchanged. This is Porto structural elements, the difficulties in Porto mappable tables are, in a simple manner by the program functions predictable, whereby advantages in terms of Memory requirements and processing speed arise. This is particularly advantageous when a offer new carrier service for which Fees for a different or another way Manner to be determined. Furthermore, this is in the case of complex postage calculation changes the ancestral Mail carrier advantageous. Benefits also arise in the production of country versions. The operating program in the base machine must not be touched, if another country-specific calculation structure it is asked for.

The protocol is suitably arranged so that the Use of the interchangeable postage calculator described equally as an accessory to a scale and is possible as an accessory to a postage meter. This a whole family of devices can be optional equip with the postage calculation function.

It is envisaged that some of the received values back to forward. These values ​​can in individual cases be changed from the postage calculator module to the requesting Device, and thus to signal the user that the originally selected dispatching form for reasons the tariff structure is prohibited or impractical. It is possible to the user at the same time an expedient to signal possible dispatch form.

It is provided in the protocol some other commands to agree, for example, to query the Version number of the exchangeable postage calculator module or to the exchangeable postage calculator module information to be transmitted via the requesting system, so that different programs are controlled may, if the exchangeable postage calculator module different systems should be operated.

It is a variant provided, wherein the housing the postage calculator module equipped with two interfaces is to the computer in the serial cable connection between franking machine and the To add weight investigating Libra. in this connection Various embodiments for the signal flow possible: The signal can through the second with the Balance coupled interface are designed to that the postage calculator module the balance information directly is used for postage determination. With the first Interface with which the postage calculator module to the The franking machine is connected, is only the transmitted determined postage value. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the information first via the balance Interfaces to the postage calculator module to the meter is passed, and from there to a another time as a block with the indication of the User input for calculating postage back to the Postage calculator module goes. Thirdly, it is conceivable that the Postage calculator by an additional hardware otherwise continuous connection between franking machine and balance interrupts when he made the Data stream will recognize that the current information block for him is determined, or interrupts, if by the postage calculator even information on the meter is to be sent.

It is conceivable that the postage computer one on the Interface read information flow of the balance and then converted to the franking machine retransmits. This results in the special Advantage, subsequently balances with other protocol to connect existing systems without the to intervene meter, about to the exchange scales communication program.

It is expedient that the meter automatically the presence of the exchangeable postage calculator recognizes to according to the customer the calculation function offer or the desired postage value from query customers.

It is contemplated that through the serial interface exchangeable postage calculator module if necessary program or to load data.

Advantageous developments of the invention are in the are in dependent claims and below together with the description of the preferred embodiments the invention based on the figures in more detail. Show it:<dl tsize="9"><dt>Figure 1,</dt><dd>View of the pluggable postage calculating module,</dd><dt>Figure 2,</dt><dd>Interior view of the pluggable postage calculator module to a first variant,</dd><dt>Figure 3,</dt><dd>Interior view of the pluggable postage calculator module according to a second variant,</dd><dt>Figure 4,</dt><dd>pluggable postage calculating module for a postage scale,</dd><dt>Figure 5,</dt><dd>pluggable postage calculating module for a franking machine, after a first Interface Multiplexer circuit variant,</dd><dt>Figure 6,</dt><dd>pluggable postage calculating module for a franking machine, after a second Interface Multiplexer circuit variant,</dd><dt>Figure 7a,</dt><dd>Flow chart for the data exchange of a pluggable postage calculating module for determining the postage value for a postal scale or a franking machine, </dd><dt>Figure 7b,</dt><dd>Flow chart for the data exchange of a pluggable postage calculator module according to a subvariant,</dd><dt>Figure 8,</dt><dd>Record for the flow of information from the Postage meter for exchangeable postage calculator module</dd><dt>Figure 9,</dt><dd>Record for the flow of information from the external Postage calculator module to the franking machine,</dd><dt>Figure 10,</dt><dd>additional data for the flow of information of the franking machine for replaceably Postage calculator module</dd><dt>Figure 11,</dt><dd>additional data for the flow of information the exchangeable postage calculator module the franking machine.</dd></dl>

1 shows a view of the plug Portogebühren- and calculation module 50 with a Safety housing shown 51 that a serial interface, such as a V24 interface 52 exhibits.

The Interior shown in Figure 2 provides, An impression of a cost-effective structure with a single-chip computer 53 on a board 56th In addition, the single-chip computer 53 can with a Additional module 55 to be connected to the clock generation.

To prevent unauthorized reproduction, can the Postage calculator of the exchangeable postage calculator module an OTP processor (one time programmable) be formed. Such OTP processor has a internal volatile memory and internal iRAM non-volatile memory or Irom iEPROM, where the latter during the production or following is programmed it to the customer accordingly.

All critical parts of the program are in the internal Program memory Irom stored. After programming the OTP, the program, including the Interface program, no longer be read.

As OTP example, a 8051-processor a 16 KB on-chip EPROM as internal program memory be used.

Another OTP type has an additional writable internal non-volatile memory E²PROM, in translated to the interface befördererspezifische data (Eg tariff tables) can be loaded.

In contrast, the interior view shown in Figure 3 a little in producing complex variant with Processing unit (CPU) 54, nonvolatile memory 57 and an additional module 55. The latter may include a Include clock generator module and possibly further include assemblies for operation of the serial Interface (V24) are required.

As non-volatile memory 57, a PROM, EPROM, e²PROM, FLASH MEMORY or battery-backed CMOS RAM be used.

The internal processing unit CPU of the replaceable Postage calculator module is by a non-volatile Memory stored calculation program programmed to:<ul><li>Supplying data from at least one carrier exchangeable postage calculator module for display change Affected in the base unit due to user input asked service requests to a carrier and to process the data supplied in Base unit,</li><li>Receiving weight data and shipment data for a mailpiece,</li><li>Postage value calculation based on the postage rate table data and calculation structure of the desired carrier the exchangeable postage calculator module and</li><li>Providing the postage value inclusive data at least one carrier from exchangeable Postage calculator module for carrier-processing the data provided in the base unit.</li></ul>

4 shows a sectional Multiplexer circuit pluggable Portogebühren- and calculation module for a Porto balance that with their serial interface 61 with a serial port 41 of the franking machine 40 is connected. A known intelligent Postage scale 60i is already on Porto Calculate for a single public mail carrier (postal authority) provided. Under the title: Method for Data entry into a scale, is not a prepublished European application 95250313.4 already an extension to a set of carriers been proposed, from the preceding sentence the desired carrier may be selected. Every Carrier is as an identifier a Carrier Identification Number assigned (CIN). The calculated Porto and the CIN for the postage scale Franking received. includes the postage scale an electrically programmable non-volatile Memory for the rate schedule data. franking machine and postage scales are for the same location and the same set initialized to carriers. Of the Postage scale will check data to the postage meter transmitted, for review in the meter, whether the tariff tables are up to date. Otherwise, an automatic update be performed.

An inventively enhanced postal scale 60i is provided with two serial ports 61 and 62 and with fitted to an internal processor which is programmed is the weight data enclosing data to the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 for postage calculation to be transmitted. Such data are particularly via the keyboard, the intelligent postage scale 60i entered shipping mode, such as Letter, package, printed matter, consignment, Büchersendung and other and / or the entered type of shipment, such as express, registered mail, return receipt requested, Airmail and others, and / or data to determine zone Domestic, foreign, zip code, ZIP TO ZONE and optionally mailpiece thickness mailpiece format and choice prints, such as writing and other data. Such intelligent postage scale 60i also has a corresponding display. For example can also the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 delivered mark or texts are displayed. The to the serial port 62 of the postal scale 60i plugged with its serial interface 52 exchangeable postage calculator module 50 permits under Circumstances a choice between further shipping data, which at the only public mail carrier (Postal authority) are not provided. The processor of the Postage scale 60i is programmed, the replaceable Postage calculator module according to such - as the basis of the Figure 10 will be explained - another shipping data query to this upon actuation of a suitable to bring the actuating means for displaying, for example, by using the keyboard of the postage scale a selection to enable. The calculated value is then Porto the postal scale 60i to the franking machine 40 transmits. Such a variant with intelligent postage scale 60i preferably used for the expansion of the postage calculation at least one new mail carrier or Adapting to a new calculation of the structure by means exchangeable postage calculator module 50th

After an Interface Multiplexer circuit according to Figure 5 , a pluggable Portogebühren- and Billing Module on a free interface 42 a franking machine be plugged. In this first variant, is a scale 60 on a second interface of the Meter 40 inserted to weight data to transfer. The advantage lies in a cheaper Scale 60 opposite a postal scale 60i, because these Libra 60 need not internally for calculating postage and against appropriate not to enter and display to be formed (all) shipping data.

Alternatively, it is also in a - not shown - Variant with a mechanical scale and - In contrast to the circuit of Figure 5 - without interfacing connection of the scale to Postage meter provided that the weight and Shipping data of one and the same device, namely the Meter to the exchangeable postage calculator module are received 50th The of the mechanical Libra read weight should be on the Frankiermaschinentastatur manually into the franking machine be entered.

6 shows a how a dongle plugged trained, postage calculator module for a franking machine, according to a second variant, the franking machine not enough free interfaces features. This second variant of the Interface Multiplexer circuit for a franking machine and for at least one dual port 52 and 58 provided postage calculator module 50, is the interface expansion advantageous if, for example, A franking machine 40 with only a single serial Interface 42 is fitted. It is contemplated that the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 with its serial interface 52 to the serial interface 42 of the franking machine 40 is plugged. The exchangeable postage calculator module 50 has inventively here a second interface 58 preferably for the postal scale 60i and a corresponding adapter Function with on protocol conversion.

The display of the shipping data possibilities, either via the display unit of the scale or the Postage meter implemented.

In the event that the postal scale 60i the base unit forms (Figure 4), the shipping data options displayed on the display unit of the postal scale 60i. To adapt to new postage calculating structures or other carrier is a the type of balance associated modified manual and a new associated Scale keyboard sheet supplied by the manufacturer. Instead of the scale keyboard membrane are sorted by type of balance also individual labels for special function keys Scale provided. Scale keyboard foil or stickers may be omitted if the keys on the scale keyboard are in neutral, the indicator in the operating instructions listed and explained. The adjustment of the display may vary depending on type display different kind done.

An adaptation of the user interface is the expenditure side basically realized by:<sl><li>a) displaying listed or individual Command Code in conjunction with explanatory plain texts in the owner's manual, or</li><li>b) display of texts, interchangeable from the be delivered postage computer module 50 (data in FIG. 11).</li></sl>

The variant a) allows for simple Display units, such as a ten-digit Siebensegmentanz EIGE communication with the User. The over the ten-digit seven-segment display displayed characters as command code based on the above modified user manual identified by the user and can be prepared by be changed or acknowledged key operation.

But if the meter the base unit, the Display of shipping options data on the display unit the franking machine as in the abovementioned Way be realized.

An improvement in the user interface with suitable for text display alphanumeric Display unit or with a graphics-capable display achieved. Following up on an existing menu structure there may be special from the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 delivered dinner part are shown, wherein data records over the communication link between the exchangeable postage calculator module and Franking machine to be replaced, which on the basis of Figures 10 and 11 are explained in more detail. processor the franking machine 40 is programmed, such bring further shipping data for display, by more than the keyboard of the franking machine 40 a selection enable.

The selection of shipping data to removable Postage calculator module 50 transmitted. The calculated postage value then the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 communicated to the postage meter 40th The balance 60 provides this only as measured by the mailpiece Weight data.

If the postal scale 60i or scale 60 in Figures 4 is removed to 6, resulting more alternative Variants. In such an - in Figures 4 to 6 is not shown - variant is also provided that the weight and shipping data by one and the same device on the exchangeable postage calculator module are received 50th For example, inputted weight data manually or may in a device such as personal computer 70 or Franking machine 40, are calculated, which then Postage scale 60i or scale 60 is unnecessary. To enter the however, weight data may also be other peripheral his device provided.

Advantageously, an automatically working meter be connected to a personal computer, be made on all the inputs. to Input of weight data by the personal computer 70 be the weight data based on the deposit number, the average deposit weight, type of packaging and the packaging material weight calculated. On suitable system, but without the invention interchangeable postage calculating module is under the Title: Method for determining the best carrier and post-processing system with Personal Computer and a method for processing data, in the non-prepublished German Patent Application 196 17 557.7 has been explained in detail.

In another advantageous variant, the meter with a comfortable user interface (User Interface) for the input and display equipped. A suitable system, but without the inventive interchangeable postage calculating module, Under the title: Method and apparatus for Data processing in a mail processing system with a franking machine in the non-prepublished German Application 196 17 476.7 closer explained. In the latter case, there is at Application of the invention, that is, according to the invention with the interchangeable postage calculating module an Interface Multiplexer circuit as the principle in the present invention shown Interface Multiplexer circuit of Figure 5 has been, but without the postage scale. Instead of scales is a remote personal computer 70 to the serial connected interface.

In the figure 7a is a flowchart for the Data exchange of a pluggable and Portogebühren- Calculation module with other devices, preferably for determining the postage value for a postal scale or a franking machine shown. Various interrelated effect relationship devices such Postage meter 40, weighing 60 or personal computer 70 conceivable that perform the following steps:<ul><li>Step 600, selecting the serial interface the exchangeable postage calculator module 50,</li><li>Step 610, enclosing transmitting weight data Data to the exchangeable postage calculator module 50, of a Portogebühren- and Billing Module and contains at any of the aforementioned devices or connected between two of the aforementioned devices is,</li><li>Step 620, delivery of shipping data to the exchangeable postage calculator module 50, the Shipping data of shipping and shipping form may include and include more data,</li><li>Step 630, postage calculation in replaceable Postage calculator module 50 according to the current tariff and</li><li>Step 640, sending postage value, shipping data and Additional data to the meter 40th</li></ul>

The connection of the various devices 40, 60 and / or 70 to the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 is generally based on one of the in the figures 4, 5 or 6 variant shown. It is in a executed variant that weight and Shipping data of different devices 40, 60 and / or 70 to the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 are received. For the second step 620, the above said method steps are then appropriate Subverfahrensschritte for transmission of dispatch data of different devices to the exchangeable postage calculator module 50 provide.

This forms the basis of FIG 7a explained flowchart one hand, a solution for the - in the Figure 4 and 5 shown - variants and on the other hand this is Flowchart for an exchangeable postage calculator module a first solution - shown in Figure 6 - second variant for a franking machine with pluggable Portogebühren- and Billing Module to a serial interface. Thus, it is possible that the Libra 60 only transmits the weight value and the exchangeable postage calculator module calculating postage takes place. The other selected shipping data and the Identifier CIN for the selected postal carrier be the postage meter for exchangeable postage calculator module transmitted.

In the Figure 7b is a subvariant of a flow chart for data exchange of a pluggable Portogebühren- and calculation module shown. These Subvariant applies specifically to the Interface Multiplexer circuit according to the variant shown in Figure 6 to. It is again a step 600 for selecting the Interface is provided, but not shown.

In the first sub-step 611, the scale provides the 60i current weight to the exchangeable postage calculator module 50, analogous to the above-mentioned step 610 to Transmission of the weight data to the replaceable Postage calculator module 50. According to this first sub-step 611 with a signal flow of the scale 60 to exchangeable postage calculator module 50 will if necessary the weight information converted and then in the second Sub-step 612 is transmitted to the franking machine. Subsequent to that transmission of the weight data to the Franking done a third sub-step 613 Collecting the data in the franking machine. The franking machine stores the weight data initially between the user to the shipping mode, form among others data, for example, CIN has entered. The Meter represents a - in the figure 8 shown - record with the addition of shipping data and other data together. The second step 620 is so specified to sub-step 621, that of the meter 40 to the interchangeable Postage calculator module 50 of the aforementioned record Gets transferred. In the third step 630 is performed again postage calculation by the replaceable Postage calculator module located Portogebühren- and Calculation module. Then, step 640 performed with the exchangeable postage calculator module 50, a data record to the franking machine 40 is transmitted, which with reference to the figure 9 will be explained.

In the figure, 8 is a record for the flow of information of the franking machine for replaceably Postage calculator to show how he, for example, in Step 621 is transmitted. According to the invention in Record an identifier CIN for the selected Mail carrier received. The data set includes at least the mail piece weight and selected shipping parameters on. The number of shipping parameters variable. To tell this number will advance a Information on the length of the parameter list of the Record received. Where appropriate, additional Data such as dimensions of the mail piece transmitted. contribute to the success of the transmission Another record ingredients in. The data record is opened with a start sequence and a End sequence completed. Purpose data security includes the data a checksum (Checksum) of significant data of the data set.

In the figure 9 is a record for the flow of information the exchangeable postage calculator to Franking machine shown. According to the invention in Record an identifier CIN for the selected Mail carrier and an identifier for the type of list or Type of Portogebühren- and calculation module transmitted. The data set includes at least the determined postage value and possibly the site for the decimal point. The record is a opened boot sequence and with an end sequence completed. Purpose data security includes the Record again a checksum (checksum) of significant data in the record and a Information on the length of the parameter list of the Record. The data set contains as an additional Record constituent information about the Error Status. Here, for example, a "0" no Mistakes, but "1" an error by amended Dispatching form mean. The error "2" is Appears when a calculation is not possible. On selected by an incorrectly transmitted CIN unknown carrier is error "10" informed, etc.

In the figure, 10 is an additional record for the Of information from the franking machine to the exchangeable postage calculator indicated that the Preparing a selection of CIN, transit data and other data expires. According to the invention a Command COMMAND "KLARTEXT DISTRIBUTION FORM" and a Parameters CODE VOLUMINOUS and an identifier CIN for the carrier "CARRIER" transmitted. The Code VOLUMINOUS allows the anforderndem Base unit (postage scale, franking) a its display means adapted record (mark to transmit or text). In an auxiliary mode can detailed explanations are retrieved. According to the invention is an automatic adjustment to a different user interfaces for hardware the different basic units provided.

11 shows an additional record for the Information flow from the exchangeable postage calculator to Franking machine. According to texts are received, to a setting or display of shipping parameters and / or other transport specific to allow data. Besides the already mentioned Record constituents and the identifier of the list type and the identification of the carrier are the following Information received:<ul><li>Number of texts,</li><li>Length of the text with the number 1 </li><li>ASCII characters for the text to number 1</li><li>Text end identifier,</li><li>Length of the text with the number 2</li><li>ASCII characters for the text to point 2</li><li>Text end identifier, etc.</li></ul>

Thus, on the display unit of the base unit, For example, the meter, also a Representation occur, which according to the menu loaded correctly, a choice between additional adjustment or additional parameters allows. Prerequisite is an adaptable tree the menu branches of a flexible User Interface, which, for example, under the title: Method and apparatus for data input into a A franking machine in the non-prepublished German application was 195 49 305.2 proposes.

Communication with those in Figures 10 and 11 shown in principle records can be several times place one after another and is always advantageous if the base unit has a comfortable user interface with a suitable for text display multiline or crystal display features.

In an advantageous variant, be provided that modified befördererspezifische Print image parts in the memory of the exchangeable postage calculator module non-volatile store and when needed to load into the franking machine. For protection against manipulation is an encrypted checksum on the data of the print image befördererspezifischen parts provided. On franking or print image then, for example, in a Postverteilstelle be recognized, with which carrier the mailpiece to be transported. For such an embodiment is of course a non-mechanical printing process for any programmable imprints particularly suitable.

In a further embodiment, a Franking machine, which a serial interface and a suitable interface communication program has subsequently for automatic postage calculation for several carriers to upgrade one or. Even a basic machine, which is not volatile in the Save default the country-specific carrier, especially public mail carrier, as For example, the German Post AG has loaded, can still be upgraded. additional carrier can now using the invention attachable and exchangeable exchangeable postage calculator module be selected in addition to the mailpiece According to the invention optionally by another carrier to leave, when more favorable transport.

An essential advantage is the absence of any Restriction for the postage calculation while regarded retrofit by the customer. The postage calculation can therefore also be carried out, when by completely new or different points of view is carried out, which the carrier in the Future sets.

With the increasing liberalization of mail delivery be interesting for the customer mail processing systems, with which it is possible for him between the offers various competing carrier for the it optimal to choose. This requires that the data center and service facility of Postage meter machine manufacturer or the carrier the Customer information for this selection available can provide. To settle the franking machine with the same set of desired carriers equipped as the exchangeable postage calculator module.

On the one hand takes place during initialization of the Base system or the meter a preselection a group of carriers, such as those in interchangeable postage calculating module is loaded and from which the desired carrier then can be selected. Each carrier is a assigned unique identifier CIN. An inventive Routine in the meter provides the other hand automatically for a match with another carrier-current data, which in the Base machine, for example, the meter, the CIN is stored assigned. Such additional Data for example, generate a befördererspezifisches Printed image and provide country-specific Settlement in the meter. Any mismatch is displayed as an error message.

In development of the invention is an automatic Update routine for stored tariff tables performed in the franking machine, wherein appropriate means are provided so that the A franking machine as needed with a data center in Can Kick communication link. Possibly Tariff table data are reloaded and then to Postage module exchangeable postage calculator module 50 transmitted. The exchangeable postage calculator module 50 is only exchanged in this embodiment, if at least one of the set of carriers the future is now a postage value to another can calculate basic calculation structure.

A site-specific initialization of the franking machine takes place after every switch automatically or manually. The latter possibility is to input turning in a sub-step for Initialization in by entering the zip code ZIP the franking machine.

The ability to provide a postage value for a particular to determine carrier, is basically the purpose a postage meter determines Versendungsgut or Mailpieces for this one selected carrier to free. If the appropriate tariff or requested service not in the postage computer module 50 is available for some of the carrier a automatic postage can not be determined. If the Appropriate product or the desired service in the postage computer module 50 is unavailable, responds the postage computer module 50 with an error message.

Soft reversed the desired on the part of Postage calculator module 50 possible service of the Determination of the base device from or is the Meter for certain types of franking or pressure not suitable on a mail piece, may This well established and displayed or be signaled, in particular in response to a appropriate input by an input means of the User interface hardware (keyboard).

The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, limited because obviously more Other arrangements or embodiments of the method can be developed and used by the same principles of the invention starting from the appended claims are covered.