System for automatically determining a product description for display by a franking machine.

The invention relates to a device for automatically determining a Information displayed by means of a mail processing apparatus 1. according to the preamble of claim, the invention is to Use in franking machines, postage calculating scales, for use in by a personal computer (PC) based mailing systems or PC Frankierern and other mail processing devices provided.

Already from the EP 493 948 B1 is a postage meter machine, the the shipping mode as a separate endorsement stamp for franking or integrated with the can and with a plurality abgedrucken of registers in a secure module for storing accounting data features relating to the use of the franking machine refer for franking items.

A first set of registers relates to a special first Service and a second set of registers relates to a special second service, wherein via the input means, the special services selectable and the accounting data of the selected Service will be updated. But there are only certain services for settlement detected. These statements give the Carrier sufficient information about customer behavior.

Now is required by some postal authorities / mail carriers or by Discounts favors that the user prints on the Meter stored operations, for batch mail / freight accompanying documents / Frachbrief or invest in a period of time, ie Accounting or statistics or receipts a done Reloading draws to credit increase. Customer behavior Predictably, would be interesting for future postal carrier, what new services will offer for the carriage of mail, which then must be settled separately. According to EP 285 956 B1 is a Franking machine with a special operation storage and a connection for an external printer equipped. by the user is required, from the stored periodic acquisition of all data only certain search out and print. For this, the user must not only already put a separate printer but possibly even a lot of time for search out and the Print reserve data.

Newer franking the Applicant set digitally operating Printing a. For example, the franking machine T1000 or JetMail the applicant Francotyp Postalia AG & Co.KG worldwide the first time a thermal transfer printer or an inkjet printer on. Thus it is possible in principle, on a filled letter in the range of Franking stamp printing also addresses and other information, which in a corresponding relationship with a service to stand.

So among other things, selective imprints are printed during franking to the Forwar-type or form to be marked. The shape of the storage can be connected to the needs of a plurality of users one and the same Meter be adapted. Thus, in some machines of a Class education in the form of cost centers assumed that individual User groups are assigned.

For expression of relevant reports without a separate external printer is described in DE 42 24 955 A1 a method and proposed arrangement for an internal cost center printing. The for each account can be generated printouts contain choice Print divisible Listings of Post use the meter. The Saving the additional printer is advantageous for the user. For the user, it is unacceptable, at the request of mail carrier or data center repeatedly lists with data on the use of print the franking machine. Because during printing lists of the account information by means of the postage meter machine Printhead can not of course be franked.

The postal authorities in some countries are calling for future mail processing equipment a product code entry PCE (Product Code Entry). The current PCE requirements are graded different country-specific. In Germany 561 Product Code Categories, in the Netherlands 11 or 25 or 151 Product Code Categories and Canada are prescribed 16 or 48 or 72 Product Code Categories. The however, requires an additional input by the operator. The of the post defined product categories are by manual entry the mail processing apparatus and recognized as part of the data acquisition be stored for a postal category statistics CoM (Class of mail). Of the called Product Code Entry (PCE) requires corresponding changes the user interface and in terms of user interface of a mail processing unit. The postal authorities of some countries require in addition a weight class entry, which also one for the operator requires additional operating expenses.

The invention has for its object, the product code input largely automate and thereby at least one text line to generate a product description in the impression.

The problem is solved with the features of claim 1.

The operator of a mail processing device are a keyboard already shipping information, on the one hand for the postage calculation and on the other hand needed to produce election Print will. Based on these manual entries found a Device now automatically the product code and stores the latter in a memory of the mail processing unit. The device can be operated according to the invention, a generation at least a text line for a product description in print automatically make. A postage table was according to the national POST requests extended so that one using the product codes also can determine product specifications, which, according to postal requirements must be included in the impression. There are additional tables provided to determine from the product code an index. This Index is used again in a second table to the necessary find text description of the product. By means of a further table can use the set shipping parameters and text strings be found, which must also appear in print. The device uses advantageously in the mail processing apparatus existing microprocessor, memory, program memory and receiving means for loading and saving of current table values and data associated with the input, and a display and a keyboard with controls. The Means, for example, part of a postage computer scale, to which is connected via an interface to a franking machine. The automatically determined product code and possibly weight class code is cached in memory of the postage computer scale and then transmitted via the interface to the franking-machine and there until to search a remote data center stored permanently. The device may in another embodiment, part of a Meter with integierten postage computer or a similar its mail processing equipment. According to the invention also have a programmable memory for Tables, a memory for the data values ​​of the shipping parameters a mail piece and means for setting a mode of operation PCE provided for automatic product code input and the microprocessor is programmed by a program stored in program memory, switch to operating mode. Either on the Interface or via a control element setting the PCE operating mode, For example, during commissioning or after made switching on the device or system by the microprocessor on the one on the device via interface or via Operating element signals emitted reacts accordingly. In particular, a non-volatile storing a start address is in a programmable memory of at least a first table, which consists of several columns, the columns of data values ​​as also contain pointers to other tables. The program includes appropriate instructions, and the microprocessor is to generate screen images at least for inputs from Shipping parameters for displaying the input options on the Display and for permanent storage of data values ​​of the entries in the memory programmed. Such data values, for example Weight values, both supplied via the interface, and be entered manually. is via the aforementioned first table accessed more tables when in evaluating the data values that a valid row of the table is determined, the data values stored in the memory data values ​​corresponds. As well may like or in connection with the determination of product codes determines a weight class code and a storage area for Using data in the programmable memory stored permanently will. The latter is connected to the receiving means, for the loading are equipped by tables in the programmable memory. This is at least a first table of or related other tables, such as weight table Product Code Table, Tables with descriptive text and text strings and are weight class table can be assigned.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are in the dependent claims be in or below, together with the Description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the illustrated figure closer:<dl tsize="8"><dt>Figure 1,</dt><dd>Block diagram of the device in the mail device,</dd><dt>Figure 2,</dt><dd>Flow chart for operation of the device,</dd><dt>Figure 3,</dt><dd>franking stamp imprint,</dd><dt>Figure 4,</dt><dd>Sub-flow diagram for automatically detecting Product Description and text strings.</dd><dt>Figure 5,</dt><dd>List of the block 103 of the sub-flowchart of FIG. 4</dd><dt>Figure 6,</dt><dd>List of the block 104 of the sub-flowchart of FIG. 4</dd><dt>Figure 7,</dt><dd>List of the block 105 of the sub-flowchart of FIG. 4</dd></dl>

1 shows a block diagram of the device in the postal unit. The Post device has a programmable memory 2 (EEPROM), the operation, with a receiving means 3 (MODEM) on the one hand and with a program memory 4 (EPROM), a working memory 5 (RAM), with an operating element 6 (KEYBOARD) and a microprocessor 7 (uP) on the other hand can be connected. The receiving means 3, the memory 5 (RAM), the operating member 6 and the microprocessor 7 (UP) can recordable as part of a franking machine, a electronic postal scale or a PC-based mailing system be. Such machines are usually with a display unit 8 (DISPLAY) and an interface 9 (INTERFACE) equipped. The aforementioned Means are interconnected for example through a bus 10 connected. In the programmable memory 2 is at least one table stored for automatic product code input and the microprocessor 7 is through a corresponding associated application program programmed:<ul><li>to the line to line, the first and second columns of the at least a first table and call of program instructions,</li><li>for comparing the data values ​​with the data values ​​of the Entries, which are stored in the main memory 5, corresponding to the requirements for valid shipping parameters, the first in the and second column at least one of the first table in the form of stored records are available,</li><li>for evaluating the instructions in the remaining columns of at least one first table, wherein evaluating for valid Shipping parameters in only those line of at least one first table is, where the data values ​​in memory 5 correspond.</li></ul>The receiving means 3 can in a - not shown - other variant also be connected directly via the interface. 9 on the one hand via the interface 9 - in a manner not shown - a scale for a franking machine or a PC-based mailing system be connected for automatic weight entry. On the other hand, a weight input manually by controls be made. 6 The receiving means 3 can in a - not shown - another variant also indirectly via the interface 9 connected. For example, the shared use of a modem by the meter a balance possible to the postage fee tables in the memory to load postage calculating scale. The details of the interconnection will become apparent from the EP 724 141 B1.

The programmable memory 2 (EEPROM) is for loading tables operatively through the receiving means 3 to an external memory 1 connectable. The receiving means 3 is preferably an analog or digital modem. Alternatively, the receiving means and a drive the external memory 1 may be a CD or DVD. In another Alternatively, the receiving means, a chip card reader and the external Memory be a chip card. It is also possible that a receiving means a Memory Stick Interface and the external memory, a Memory Stick is. What matters is that a suitable media and related are receiving means available. The media (memory 1) has a in one of the storage areas Application for automatic product code input and Generate on Screens, at least for inputs from Shipping parameters for displaying the input options on the Display is 8 suited. At least the first table in the first Storage area I and other tables in other memory regions II, III, ..., VI stored on the on the application program access is made possible, wherein the at least a first table at least Columns of data values ​​corresponding to valid shipping parameters and for Pointer to a weight table for a link to a product code table contains. The application program in an alternative variant already factory stored in the program memory 4 are present. The memory the program memory 4 forms a permanent and programmable Memory forms a semi-permanent memory. For automatic generation of a product description by a Mail processing apparatus is provided that in the program memory 4 or programmable memory 2:<ul><li>a storage area D with a program to evaluate stored in memory 5 post estate-related Data values ​​to their permanent or semi-permanent Storage is provided,</li><li>a storage area E for permanent or semi-permanent Storing at least a first additional table indexes which are assigned to respective product code, in this Table product code ascending or continuously in a Column and in parallel in a second column, the indexes for the Product descriptions are stored,</li><li>a storage area F for permanent or semi-permanent Storing a second extra table for product is provided, the respective one of the first table the associated determined indexes.</li></ul><sl><li>The microprocessor 7 is the program for evaluating the in RAM 5 stored post piece-related data values, by means of a table stored in the programmable memory 2 programmed to a product code and for the service product relevant product description from a memory in 2, 4 stored table with product using the to determine product codes automatically and necessary to the Text description of the product for generating impressions output.</li></sl>

The microprocessor 7 is for example, a program memory 4 stored program programmed from the to determine an index for product code and order via the index in the second table the text necessary description of the product to find. In addition, a T memory for permanent or semi-permanent Storing at least a third additional table Text strings are provided which are associated with the respective indexes. Of the Microprocessor 7 is programmed by a program on the basis of set shipping parameters from the table, the text strings to Calculate and output for placing a printing device.

2 shows a flow chart for operation of the device, consisting of the operator set shipping parameters a valid product code and a corresponding weight class code automatically determined. The operating mode must only once after starting 80 are set (step 81), wherein a selection is made whether a Table with all categories (Product Code) or with a restricted Number of categories (Product Code) is used. The advantage is that an additional manual entry of product code and weight class code for each mailpiece by the operator is unnecessary. The mailing machine, in step 82 the adjustment according to the established selection. For example, it is determined at step 82, which uses all categories should or should not be used, then at step 83 and at step 85 on a program entspechendes branches, which have access to a first Table 1 or Table 2 second accepts (at step 84 and 86). Automation requires that the operator - as usual - the post estate-related shipping parameters in step 87 is reached, but are further manual input unnecessary and the determination of product codes and weight class code runs automatically in the background (from step 88). The amounts calculated on post piece related product code and Weight class code are automatically at the time intervals in Data center received for evaluation. Without additional inputs can take advantage of the postal services, which it is the operator bid if he, for example, on NetSet project in the Netherlands participates and statistical data are transmitted to the data center. The operator sets its delivery settings of a postage calculator Scale or at a one meter. The shipping parameters are a Combination of dispatch destination, shipment type, possibly sending format and may set additional services. From a valid Combination of shipping parameters, the product code and the Weight class code determined. While the operator adjusts the delivery parameter is automatically checks whether the set shipping parameters are valid, ie, are post allowed. Using the postage computer scale is the weight the program determined. There is also the possibility of the weight enter from the keyboard when the weight portion of the shipping mode is greater than the weighing range of the balance. For example, if a 5-kg scale No, the weight range of the shipping mode allows However, a weight up to 20 kg, then the operator has the option of enter weight of his mission on the keyboard (eg 15 kg). at Additional services that require, for example, entering a value (Eg value letter) is the operator in the selection of such additional service prompted the value of the shipment from the keyboard. The set shipping parameters, the value possibly entered and the Weight of the shipment form the input parameters for determining Product code and weight class. In the program memory is the operating software the postal scale or postage meter or mailing machine stored. The program memory is preferably pluggable. This is an easy exchangeability and thus adapt to the in different countries where different postal requirements. The operating software provides instructions for a function of the microprocessor, by using the input parameters (delivery parameters, Weight, value entry) to search a separately stored table and to determine the product code and possibly weight class code. Alternatively, containing a data carrier for the programming of the device an application program for automatic product code input in one of its storage areas and the application program can in Loading a memory area of ​​the programmable memory 2 and be stored permanently. Programming is done specifically to aligned the products or services of the mail carrier to a particular combination of shipping parameters in memory stored are to be formed, and with one of the possible products or Services of the mail carrier to compare. Here also is a screened separately stored table and it product code and possibly determined weight class code. Such a separate table for each possible combination of the Shipping parameters stores the valid product code is in separate memory housed for example in the memory area II. A separate memory may be a disk or an external be storage medium 1 having a plurality of memory regions I to VI.

The aforementioned table or in a in the postage calculator Scale Franking existing memory (eg EEPROM 2) loaded. The Table can also during manufacture of the postage calculator balance or stored postage meter in its program memory (EPROM 4) will. The operating software or the application program knows the Location and the start address of the table and can so this access.

A product code table is based on a for the Netherlands specific table erläuert closer. The table consists of 7 columns:<dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>1.</dt><dd>Column: contains the valid shipping parameter combination, the must be set to select that row in the table</dd><dt>. 2</dt><dd>Column: contains a mask of shipping parameters to possibly this Line ruled a hit.</dd><dt>. 3</dt><dd>Column: contains the maximum value of the sum insured or the Value of the package. This value is zero if a value for the shipping selection is not necessary.</dd><dt>. 4</dt><dd>Column: contains a pointer to a weight table. These Weight table contains all the weight categories for the set Shipping parameters.</dd><dt>. 5</dt><dd>Column: contains a pointer to the product code table.</dd><dt>. 6</dt><dd>Column: contains a pointer to the weight class table.</dd><dt>. 7</dt><dd>Column: contains a pointer to a special function, which can be left should be executed. The value can be NULL.</dd></dl>

The input parameters for the calculation and the corresponding national or carrier specific Berechungsfunktion werdem in step 88 called. And A line counter is reset to zero (k = 0). Based on the review of Column 1 and Column 2, in step 90 a row k wanted within the table with a valid hit. In each column is a record of 32 bits stored. Those line the provides the first valid hit, will zoom for further evaluation drawn. Determined not Teffer in interrogation step 91, then in Step 92 rows count changes (eg, incremented) and zurückverweigt to step 90th On the other hand remains the row count when hit unchanged and there is a column 3 evaluated. It is checked whether the entered sum insured or value of the package less than or equal the in column 3 specified maximum value is. If this is not the case, then the Subsequent lines examined for the next hit. The row count is further changed. Otherwise there is a hit in front and a pointer in column 4 of those Line, which provides the valid hit, displays at least in a certain a weight table. The latter is in a separate storage area B of the nonvolatile memory 2 (EEPROM). Now, on a step 93 branches to browse the weight table and to determine a table index. Those weight table, on which the pointer in column 4 is, long searched until the weight value is found in the table, of the determined by the balance weight or the weight value has been entered via the keyboard, comes closest to that of next higher weight value in this table is valid. The Gewichts'tabelle stores the weight gradations for different Product codes or weights apply. The weight steps can look like this: Weight Table = 0,20,100,250,500,750,1000,1500,2000,5000 It examines, in which gradation of the weight table of determined Weight value fits. If an entry is found, it is the determined associated table index that indicates where in the Table of appropriate match. Subsequently, in step 94 that at least a product code table, to which the pointer indicates at column 5, examined. With the help of the Weight table found table index is in the product code table the corresponding product code determined. The already established table index is also used, if necessary, in step 95 to, in the weight table, on which the pointer in column 6 to calculate the weight class. Column 7 is currently reserved for possible future applications.

The product code and weight class code are calling on the returned function as parameters and stored in step 96th If within the table no results found, results from: Dispatch destination, shipment type, possibly sending the form and Amenities results, then a default product code to the passed calling function. This default product code is depending on the postal specification defined (eg in the Netherlands NLD = 9999). This contains the product code table only for the shipping parameters an entry for the determined after post procedure, a product code must become. There are still shipping parameters, the product code a to produce, which is the "other" category assigned. For this Shipping Parameters There are no separate entries in the table. At the End of the table there is an entry that is read each time previously no result found. This entry then referred to Product code table with the product code for "other".

These aforementioned solution was implemented specifically for the Netherlands. For other country versions, the table may look different. Then it could be that an error code has to be generated when no Matching results for the set shipping parameters in the table was found. A postage-calculating scale, eg type Flexi Scale, determined from the set shipping parameters, such as target, type, format and possibly form a postage value and the product's code and the corresponding Weight class code. The product code and weight class code be transferred to the meter next to the postage value and there stored until the data from a remote Data center can be queried. A static balance and the postage calculator function was at the Franking type Jetmail®, Mymail® and Ultimail® with in a integrated common housing. Under the Frankit requirements Deutsche Post AG is also to process a product code, which in the country version Germany for franking machines of the above -mentioned type is made possible. This does not differ principle of one in the Netherlands prescribed by the postal authority Product code so that the explained with reference to Figure 2 maintaining flow of method steps in principle for Germany becomes. This also applies to other countries whose postal authorities or private Mail carrier in the future require the use of a product code.

3 shows a franking stamp imprint 20, the at least one Line 21 to the product or text strings for the shipping parameters contains. In the illustrated example is in the appropriate line "AIR MAIL", the automatically generated and during printing along with the rest Frankierstem-peldaten on a mailpiece is printed.

After Figure 2 is in a penultimate step 96 the product code and the weight saved. Davor more extistieren to be traversed Steps 80-95, including the steps for evaluating the in RAM 5 stored data related to the post-values, means a stored in the programmable memory 2 table to the to determine product code. A further sub-routine 100 to determine the Product Code Description, which based on the sub-flowchart (Figure 4) is explained in detail, expires before the end of the 110th

4 shows a sub-flow chart for automatically determining product description or text strings. In a first sub-step 101, the microprocessor 7 is the program Set Index1 = 0 programmed and then a sub-step 103 is reached, to determine whether a certain Index1 the data stored in the penultimate step Product code matches. The table lists the product codes are ascending associated with a corresponding ascending value of Index1 or continuously in a column and in parallel in a second column, Indices for the product descriptions stored. Via a further Sub-step 102 is long branches back to sub-step 103, to has been detected in sub-step 103 of the searched index. In the further Sub-step 102 is to, for example, by incrementing the next Index1 determined.

5 shows a suitable for Germany List of Subschritts 103 the sub-flowchart of Figure 4. At the determined product code (For example, Product Code = 15), of less than or equal to the registered Product code (for example, Product Code = 20) in the table, a associated - not shown - Index1 determined. For example, a result determined product code = 15 in the list of Figure 5 the Index1 = 3

6 shows a suitable for Germany List of fourth Subschritts 104 of the sub-flowchart of Figure 4. With the above Index1 said determined (for example: Index1 = 3) by means of the List of Figure 6, the next index value (namely, index = 2) automatically determined. In the fourth sub-step 104, the determined index stored. The two lists according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 are as column a first additional table to understand that in the storage area E is stored.

7 shows a suitable for Germany List of Subschritts 105 the sub-flow chart is shown in FIG 4. For example, index = 2 means been identified in the table of Figure 6 and, after entering into the List of Figure 7 the corresponding string for the additional mail services (BZL), for example: An index = 2 thus leads to display text = Kompaktbrief \ r amenity. Here the character is \ r Newline. Determined as Index1 the value zero, then no BZL-text string printed. A permanent or semi-permanent storage of such second extra table for product is in a Storage area F provided. Corresponding text strings are the assigned each determined from the first table indexes. The for the service product applicable product description from an in Memory 2, 4 stored table with product based the product code will be automatically in a fifth sub-step 105 determined and displayed on a display. The required text for the Product description for generating impressions are in the same or produces a similar manner and then inserted into the rest of the print image. On T memory for permanent or semi-permanent storage at least a third additional table is of such text strings provided issued for placing a printing device will.