Method for improving the security of postage meter machines

US5671146A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Francotyp-Postalia GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Harald Windel · Berlin, DE
• Frank Reisinger · Oranienburg, DE
• Claus Freytag · Berlin, DE
• Ralf Kubatzki · Berlin, DE
• Enno Bischoff · Berlin, DE
• Andreas Wagner · Eppelheim, DE
• Peter Rieckhoff · Berlin, DE
• Marcus Hansel · Berlin, DE
• Stephan Gunther · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 30, 1994
• Grant date: Sep 23, 1997
• Expiry date: Nov 30, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07B2017/00951
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In a method for improving the security of postage meter machines, the intent to conduct an authorized opening of the machine, such as for inspection or maintenance purposes, is first reported to a central data station, after the postage meter machine to be opened has established communication between the machine and the central data station. The postage meter machine has a code word stored therein, the presence of this code word being necessary for authorized operation of the machine. Following the request to open, the central data station transmits a new code word to the postage meter machine, which is also stored therein. Upon any opening of the postage meter machine, the current code word is automatically erased. If the opening is authorized, and thus a new code word is stored in the machine, this new code word is automatically substituted for the erased code word, so that operation of the machine can proceed in a normal fashion. If the opening is unauthorized, and thus there is no new code word to replace the erased code word, the machine is automatically placed in a first mode, which prevents operation of the machine.