External interface unit having message routing and protocol conversion
US5666292A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00322
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interface apparatus is provided with a number of communication ports for providing a communication interface between a postage meter and a plurality of external devices, such as, a scale and a modem. A principal communications port connectable to the postage meter. A secure communication port is provided for receiving messages on a secure scale using encrypted protocol signals. The interface unit includes an additional number of unsecured ports for communication with unsecured devices such as a modem or an unsecured scale utilizing conventional protocol signals. The interface further includes a programmable microcontroller in bus communication with a random access memory, a non-volatile memory and a program memory, a first communication bus connecting the principal port to the microcontroller and a second communication bus connecting one or more of the second communication ports to the microcontroller. The microcontroller of the interface unit is programmed to establish a communication link between one of the second communication ports and the principal port pursuant to a communication request signal from the principal port identifying which of the second communication ports for…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.