Electronic postal meter system
US4471441A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 1981 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00427
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electronic postal meter system is separated into a meter unit and an input/output control unit. The two units are linked by a communications link which preferably uses light transmitting fibers to transmit data and instructions. The meter unit is used to process and store only that data which pertains to the critical accounting functions of the meter or to the control of the printer driven by the electronics control within the meter unit. Less critical functions, such as zip-to-zone conversions, are restricted to the less secure control unit. By restricting the meter unit to highly critical data and by enclosing only the meter unit in a secure housing, the overall security of the meter system is enhanced. Novel failure detect circuitry for a printer setting detector array and a novel event-indicating signal generator circuit are disclosed. The significant routines employed in the operation of the meter system are described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.