US 6,615,196 B1 · Method for data input into a postage computer and arrangement for the implementation of the method

Abstract

In a method and apparatus for data input into a postage computer loading and updating of rate table data in the postage computer, take place with two operations being separated from one another in time. The transmission and storage of a new postage fee schedule table in a postage computer can be implemented on demand or automatically pre-programmed at a first point in time. The actual updating of rate table data is automatically implemented at a second point in time. The method and apparatus are suitable for postage meter machines as well as for scales containing postage computers or similar devices. The apparatus contains a postage computer and a memory for service data with memory areas for data related to rate tables. The postage computer is programmed for detecting the input and for storing a load requirement, for checking the load requirement and for loading given the presence of the load requirement, for input of a conversion requirement during loading, as well as for checking the conversion requirement and conversion to the current, new rate table or transition into the operating mode.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for data input into a postage computer, comprising the steps of:

providing a postage computer and a memory accessible by said postage computer;
loading new rate table data, and an associated conversion date on which the new rate table data become effective, into said memory at a user-defined, first point in time;
and
automatically updating said memory at a second point in time, defined dependent on said conversion date, and independent of said first point in time, to allow said postage computer to hereafter make use only of said new rate table for calculating postage.

1 more element

An arrangement for data input, comprising:

a postage computer;
a memory accessible by said postage computer said memory containing currently valid rate table data for use by said postage computer;
an input unit for entering and storing a load requirement into said computer;
said computer detecting a presence of a stored load requirement and automatically causing new rate table data to be entered into said memory upon detecting said stored load requirement and for simultaneously entering a conversion requirement when loading said new rate table data;
and
said computer periodically checking said conversion requirement and if and when said conversion requirement satisfies a predetermined condition, automatically updating said memory to thereafter employ only said new rate table data in place of said currently valid rate table data, and said postage computer otherwise operating using said currently valid rate table data, said postage computer updating said memory at a time which is independent of and separated in time from loading of said new rate table data.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for data input into a postage computer and arrangement for the implementation of the method

Life of this patent

Method for data input into a postage computer and arrangement for the implementation of the method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15