EP1037170A1 - Franking machine with separately stored software postage module - Google Patents

Abstract

The franking machine has a microprocessor (10) for executing the commands of a control program with a number of software modules (14-22) for controlling the different functions of the franking machine. The control program includes a postage module (14) which is stored separately from the other software modules in an electronically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM-1) and which is coupled to a data interface (32) for communication of data with the other software modules.

Description

The invention relates to a franking machine with a microprocessor, the commands of a control program containing several software modules for implementation processes the operating functions of the franking machine, the control program a software postage module that includes postage data and commands and / or data for designing a postage user interface to be shown on a display contains.

Such a franking machine is from EP-A-0 718 801 by the same applicant known. This document describes a user interface for a franking machine , where a user uses ads on a Display is led to receive information and to enter data are required to operate the franking machine. The franking machine contains a microprocessor that processes commands from a control program. The control program contains several software modules, each of which generates menu images and partially prompt the user to enter data. An important software module is the postage module, which postage data and commands and / or data for Contains the design of the postage user interface to be shown on the display. As is well known, the postage data includes the franking fees, which are dependent from the delivery country, e.g. Germany, Europe, America, from the type of post, like letter, Postcard, parcel, and of the type of dispatch, such as Registered mail, express letter etc. Using the postage user interface, which contains at least one menu image, the user is informed about the different shipping options and supported in the selection of the various parameters. For example, the Users can use the softkeys or scroll keys to send messages on the Activate the display and select a suitable parameter. Still exists the possibility of further menu images arranged in the manner of a tree structure are to branch. As a result, the postage module contains commands and data to design the postage user interface. The state of the art the various software modules of the control program are closely interlinked. If, as a result of modernization, data or commands from the postage module need to be changed, so conventionally, in the whole Control program can be intervened; in addition to changing the data commands of the Postage modules must also adapt data and commands from the other software modules become. In practice, this means that the entire control program has to undergo a complex review, approval procedures for this new control program will run and software quality monitoring as well as function tests for software modules. This procedure is cumbersome and requires considerable development effort.

It is an object of the invention to provide a franking machine in which one Modification of the control program in a simple manner with little effort and is made possible with high operational reliability.

This task is solved by a franking machine with a microprocessor, the commands of a control program containing several software modules to implement the operational functions of the franking machine, whereby the control program comprises a postage module which contains postage data and commands and / or data for designing a postage user interface to be shown on a display contains, the postage module separately from other modules of the Control program is stored in a memory block, the content of which can be changed is, and wherein the postage module at a data interface data for provides further software modules of the control program.

According to the invention, the postage module is separated from other software modules of the control program stored in a memory block, its content is changeable. If now postage data and commands and / or data for design a postage user interface to be shown on the display should only have access to this memory chip and its Content to be changed. In this way, the determination of the postage for software commands be expanded with which it is possible to change the postage calculation to realize. Every change to the postage module is therefore one Modification of the memory area in the memory chip reduced. An amendment the other software modules are not required. The changes can both the postage data, i.e. the fees for the individual postal parameters, as also affect the type of graphic representation on the display. So that the others Software modules as part of the execution of the entire control program the postage module has one standardized data interface for data. If the postage module is changed, this way, the structure of this data interface remains the same. Then it is guaranteed that even with a changed postage module, the data given by this can be easily processed. The data interface can e.g. one have such a structure that they designate memory areas of the postage module, in which the relevant data for access is stored.

A further development of the invention is characterized in that the control program a display module that includes data and commands to control the Contains displays, and that the display module also based on data of the standardized Accesses data interface. The display module controls the hardware of the display. By accessing the standardized data interface of the postage module it is possible that the postage module does not contain any hardware-relevant data and commands for the display must contain, and has accordingly reduced scope. Yet Even if the postage module is changed, the display is guaranteed is properly controlled.

Another development of the invention provides that the further software modules the control program with the exception of the postage module in a permanent memory, are preferably stored in an EPROM module. These software modules form the so-called firmware, which is relatively tight on hardware components the franking machine is matched. Accordingly, these software modules Not changed often during the life of a franking machine hardware components of the postage meter machine are changed relatively rarely become. The corresponding software modules are therefore in one inexpensive memory.

The microprocessor preferably uses a changeable content memory module programmable EEPROM module provided. This EEPROM block then contains the data and commands of the postage module. If there is a change or renewal of the entire postage module, the programming of the EEPROM module via the microprocessor itself.

In a variant of the invention, changing the content of the programmable Memory chips take place in that data and commands over a modem or any other device interface from a center to the franking machine transmitted, i.e. there is a remote controlled reloading of the Memory module. These measures allow the user of the Postage meter itself has minimal effort if the postage module is changed shall be.

Another way to add the contents of the programmable memory chip change, is the data and commands for the postage module on a memory card, e.g. a chip card. The data will then become Reloading the programmable memory chip with microprocessor support read and transferred to this.

Another variant provides that the programmable memory chip as replaceable component is used. To change the postage module the Memory module exchanged for another. This measure requires a hardware intervention in the franking machine. With a favorable arrangement of the memory chip, however, are the requirements for the specialist knowledge of the operating personnel is relatively low.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that programming data regarding the postage user interface separated from postage data be loaded in the programmable memory chip. Postage data can change relatively frequently as a result of regulations from the responsible post office. A separate reloading of postage data and programming data for the postage user interface has the advantage that the programming effort to generate such data is reduced. The development effort is therefore reduced accordingly when changing the postage module.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control program can generally generally contain a menu module that commands and / or data for design contains a user interface to be shown on a display. The Features of this aspect of the invention are defined in claim 10. This menu module can e.g. be a service module that, in addition to data and commands for Design of a service user interface also contains test data with which Function tests of the franking machine can be carried out. If the menu module must be changed, it is sufficient to change the contents of the memory block change. Further changes to the firmware or other software modules not necessary. The other software modules of the control program access data via the data interface. As long as this data interface Even if the menu module is changed, it remains correct Function of the franking machine ensured.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to Figure 1. In FIG. 1, the part that is essential for the present invention is a Postage meter shown. For more details, see the already referenced EP-A-0 718 801, which is hereby incorporated by reference is to be attributed to the disclosure content of the present patent application.

A microprocessor 10 executes the commands of a control program in order to Realize operational functions of the franking machine. About this control program belong to software modules which are combined to form firmware 12, as well as a postage module 14 and a service module 16. The firmware 12 contains as Software modules, for example a display module 18 for controlling a display 24, a printer module 20 for controlling a postage stamp printer 26, a keyboard module 22 for controlling data input via a keyboard (not shown), as well as other software modules that are not specified. The software modules 18, 20, 22 of firmware 12 are stored in an EPROM module.

The postage module 14 contains a storage area 28 for postage data and one Storage area 30 for a postage user interface. This latter Memory area 30 contains commands and / or data for designing one on the Display 24 postage user interface to be displayed. This postage user interface informs the user of the franking machine about possible postage parameters and guides the user in the selection of necessary parameters. The Memory areas 28 and 30 are available with a standardized data interface 32 in communication connection. This data interface 32 remains essentially unchanged if the content of the memory areas 28, 30 changes. The standardized data interface 32 is in turn connected to the software modules firmware 12, e.g. the display module 18, and exchange with these Data from. The data and commands of the postage module 14 are in one EEPROM block EEPROM-1 saved. This block EEPROM-1 can with the help of the microprocessor 10 via the data interface 32 with new data for the memory areas 28 and 30 are loaded.

The service module 16 contains a file 32 for a service user interface and a file 34 for test data. The files 32, 34 are standardized Data interface 34 connected, the data with software modules, e.g. the printer module 20, which exchanges firmware 12. With the help of the service module 16, hardware tests of the franking machine can be carried out. For example the service function of the printer 26 checked. Furthermore, the scale can be calibrated to determine the weight of mail or other hardware tests. During these checks the user, for example a service technician, is displayed using Information on the display 24 informs and when selecting possible parameters.

The microprocessor 10 controls the display 24 via an input / output module, the printer 26, a modem 38 and a chip card reader 40.

The operation of the illustrated embodiment is explained below. With the help of the postage module 14, the postage fee for the item to be franked Postage determined. This postage fee depends on the location of the mail is sent, of what kind the mail is, for example letter, postcard, Printed matter, consignment, package, parcel, etc., and of the franking type, for example Standard letter, registered letter, registered letter with return receipt, express letter, etc. On one or more menu images of the postage user interface available information to the user; using user guidance the user can set the necessary postage parameters. If now change the postage over the lifetime of the franking machine or if the formula for determining postage changes, the corresponding data is and change commands in the postage module 14. Due to the chosen structure A separation between firmware 12 and postage module 14 is guaranteed because the Data and commands of the postage module in a separate memory, the programmable Memory module EEPROM-1 are saved. The new postage data or the commands and data for designing the postage user interface e.g. be stored on a chip card. The operator now causes that The data are read in via the chip card reader 40 and sent to the module EEPROM-1 can be transferred. The microprocessor controls this 10. The operator must of course be authorized to help Identify known identification procedures. Another option is there therein, the changed data for the postage module 14 via the modem 38 from one to read in the remote control center. This type of data transmission is also in itself known and need not be explained further. The changes in the postage module 14 can also affect the design of the entire postage user interface. For example, the display of the postage user interface can be changed or changed the meaning of a softkey to select postage parameters become.

As can be seen, the postage module 14 does not have to be changed in the Firmware 12 are intervened, which are stored in an EPROM block are. No software development work is required for the software modules belonging to the firmware be performed. The development effort for a change of the tax program in the postage determination section therefore remains small. The postage data or the commands and data for the postage user interface in the Postage module 14 can be changed separately or together by reloading become.

If the service module 16 is modified, the procedure is similar to that for Postage module 14. The data and commands stored in the EEPROM-2 module can be modified separately from firmware 12. Here too you can use the modem 38 or the chip card reader 40. In this way the operating function of the service module can be modernized and revised, without intervening in the numerous software modules of firmware 12 must become.

Numerous modifications are possible to the example shown in FIG. 1. It is therefore advantageous to separate the test data from the service module 16 EEPROM block to save. If this test data is changed, then only the content of this EEPROM block can be changed. It is also possible, the commands and data of the service user interface 32 in the memory chip Save EEPROM-1 with; the test data alone are then in the module EEPROM-2 saved. Its memory size can then be correspondingly smaller be selected, i.e. its size is then also reduced. Such a Module that contains only the test data is preferably on the same board arranged like the printer 26. As a result, the test data is this printer 26 physically assigned. When replacing the printer 26 will also be Test data exchanged.

Another variant provides that the display module 18 routines and data contains the calculation of the postage and the display of the calculated Postage concern. The routines then access the via the data interface 32 Postage data 28 and possibly to data of the postage user interface 30. These routines can also be combined into a separate software module be assigned to firmware 12.

Claims (19)

Franking machine with a microprocessor (10), executes the commands of a control program containing a plurality of software modules (14-22) to implement the operating functions of the franking machine, The control program comprises a postage module (14) which contains postage data and commands and / or data for designing a postage user interface to be shown on a display (24), the postage module (14) is stored separately from other software modules (18, 20, 22) of the control program in a memory module (EEPROM-1), the content of which can be changed, and wherein the postage module (14) provides data for the further software modules (18, 20, 22) of the control program at a data interface (32). Franking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control program comprises a display module (18) which contains data and commands for controlling the display (24), and that the display module (18) also on data of the postage module (14) via the data interface ( 32) accesses. Franking machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that further software modules (18, 20, 22) of the control program, with the exception of the postage module (14), are stored in a fixed memory, preferably in an EPROM module. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a memory module programmable by the microprocessor (10), preferably an EEPROM module (EEPROM-1, EEPROM-2), is provided as the memory module with changeable content. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the postage data are arranged in the form of a postage table. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for reloading the programmable memory chip (EEPROM-1), data, preferably via a modem (38), is transmitted from a center to the franking machine. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data for the postage module (14) are stored on a memory card, and that these data are transferred to the programmable memory module for reloading. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that programming data relating to the postage user interface (30) is reloaded separately from postage data (28) in the programmable memory module (EEPROM-1). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to change the content of the memory module, this memory module is exchanged for another. Franking machine with a microprocessor (10), executes the commands of a control program containing a plurality of software modules (14-22) to implement the operating functions of the franking machine, The control program comprises at least one menu module (14, 16) which contains commands and / or data for designing a user interface to be shown on a display, the menu module (14, 16) is stored separately from other modules (18, 20, 22) of the control program in a memory module (EEPROM-1, EEPROM-2), the content of which can be changed, and wherein the menu module (14, 16) provides data for the further modules (18, 20, 22) of the control program at a standardized data interface (32, 36). Franking machine according to Claim 10, characterized in that the further software modules (18, 20, 22) of the control program, with the exception of the menu module or the menu modules (14, 16), are stored in a fixed memory, preferably in an EPROM module. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the memory module is a memory programmable by the microprocessor (10), preferably an EEPROM module (EEPROM-1, EEPROM-2). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, for reloading the programmable memory module (EEPROM-1, EEPROM-2), data is transmitted from a central station to the franking machine via a modem (38). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data for the menu module (14, 16) are stored on a card and that these data are transmitted to the programmable memory module (EEPROM-1, EEPROM-2) for reloading. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to change the content of the memory module, this memory module is exchanged for another. Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the menu module is a service module (16) which, in addition to data and commands for designing a service user interface, also contains test data with the aid of which function tests of the franking machine can be carried out. Franking machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the test data are contained in a separate programmable memory, the content of which can be changed. Postage meter according to claim 17, characterized in that the separate memory is physically connected to the printer (26) and is interchangeable with this printer (26). Franking machine according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the structure of the data interface (32, 36) remains the same when the content of the memory module is changed.

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