Method, apparatus, and code for maintaining secure postage data
US6591251B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00967
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A postage metering system configurable to execute a security routine that inhibits certain transactions but maintains secure postage data. The system includes a security module coupled to a postage meter. The security module executes a set of transactions with the meter, and includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a security routine upon occurrence of one or more defined events. The memory stores secure postage data. When the security routine is executed, selected ones of transactions between the meter and security module are inhibited, but the secure postage data stored within the memory is retained. The memory can also store security data (e.g., encryption keys) that are erased when the security routine is executed. The security routine can be initiated upon: (1) failure to receive an authorization signal by the security module within a particular time-out period, (2) detection of tampering with the security module, (3) receipt of a command from the meter, or other events.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.