Method and arrangement for generating and checking a security imprint

US5953426A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Francotyp-Postalia GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Harald Windel · Berlin, DE
• Wolfgang Thiel · Köngen, DE
• Andreas Wagner · Eppelheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 11, 1997
• Grant date: Sep 14, 1999
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07B2017/00774
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit. A communication link can be established between the meter and the data center to evaluate mark data in a computerized manner.