Method for improving the security of postage meter machines in the transfer of credit

US6587843B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Francotyp-Postalia GmbH · DE

Inventors

• George G. Gelfer · Glen Ellyn, US
• Enno Bischoff · Berlin, DE
• Wolfgang Thiel · Köngen, DE
• Andreas Wagner · Eppelheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 21, 1997
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 21, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07B2017/00935
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In a method for improving the security of postage meter machines in credit transfers, having at least two modes, the presence of a security flag is necessary for operation of the machine. The security flag is erased in a step of the system routine if an unauthorized action occurs in an attempt to operate the postage meter machine, and the postage meter machine is switched into a first mode in order to effectively shut it down. Otherwise, a special mode for negative remote crediting is entered by setting a special flag when a predetermined operating action for lateral entry into the special mode is undertaken upon machine turn-on. The communication with the data center sequences under time and status (flag) monitoring by the control unit of the postage meter machine until the transaction is completed. The data center monitors the behavior of the postage meter machine user on the basis of data communicated during the transaction.