Patent Application
20070005518
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a user interface for a value printing device and more particularly in certain embodiments to a system and method for providing a locally printed replaceable control panel label for a postage printing device using a collocated processor.
Mailing machines including postage metering systems are known in the art including the DM SERIES of mailing machines available from Pitney Bowes Inc. of Stamford, Conn. Additionally, Internet based postage delivery systems and data center services are also available from Pitney Bowes Inc. A postage metering system applies evidence of postage, commonly referred to as postal indicia, to an envelope or other mailpiece (directly or on a label to be applied thereto) and accounts for the value of the postage dispensed. Postage metering systems are often categorized as closed system meters or open system meters. In a closed system, the system functionality is typically dedicated to postage metering activity and often includes a dedicated printer securely coupled to a Postal Security Device PSD postage vault. In an open system, the printer is typically not dedicated to the metering activity and is often connected to a remote Postal Security Device PSD postage vault or virtual PSD. In the open system defined by the United States Postal Service (USPS) Information Based Indicia Program (IBIP), indicia printed by the non-dedicated printer are made secure by including elements of addressee information in the encrypted evidence of postage printed on the mailpiece for subsequent verification.
A method and system for dispensing virtual stamps is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2003/0074325 A1 entitled Method and System for dispensing Virtual Stamps by Ryan that was published on Apr. 17, 2003 (the Ryan '325 Application) and that is incorporated herein by reference. A Virtual Stamp Dispensing Metering VSDM system is described wherein indicia of varying values are calculated at a remote data center and downloaded to a mailing machine. The VSDM system stores the indicia and dispenses the indicia as needed. The system includes a secure storage unit and a state indicator that is used to prevent fraudulent reuse of the virtual stamps. A status field for each indicium record, i.e., Issued or Unused, is maintained to indicate whether an indicium has been issued (printed) or not. Traditional mailing machines and postage meters include a robust user interface with a comprehensive LCD or LED information display and keypad that may be relatively complex and costly. It may not be desirable to utilize a virtual stamp postage printing device with an embedded complex user interface.
In different fields of art, certain devices have been described for providing templates for keypads such as one key dial directories used with facsimile machines. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,619 to Kong, a method of automatically printing out rapid key labels for a facsimile machine is described, wherein a directory is printed on specialized paper having a zone with multiple removable key labels. Furthermore, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,063 to Erickson, et al., a system for automatically generating telephone directory labels for facsimile devices using a separate printer for printing the directory labels is described. It may not be desirable to utilize specialized stock or a separate printer for printing template labels. Such systems print only a single list of facsimile numbers and do provide for building objects from components or managing inventories.
Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods for providing a postage printing device with an economical user interface using a locally printed control panel label. The postage printing device uses a collocated processor wherein the collocated processor controls the device in a connected mode and stores a set of custom images for use with virtual stamps and provides a robust user interface for managing and printing virtual stamps, with or without custom images, and wherein the collocated processor can assign a subset of custom images and virtual stamp denomination to postage printing device buttons and print a corresponding control panel label for the device for use in a standalone mode. Additionally, there is a need for systems and methods for providing a locally printed control panel label for a postage printing device using the postage printing device to print the control panel label on a single label using the same virtual stamp label stock used to print virtual stamps. Furthermore, there is a need for systems and methods for providing a locally printed control panel label for a postage printing device wherein a collocated processor is utilized to print the control panel label. Additionally, there is a need for systems and methods for providing a locally printed control panel label for a postage printing device wherein a combination of button strokes cause a virtual stamp value token and associated custom image to be selected and printed as a virtual stamp while another set of key strokes cause a virtual stamp token inventory label to be printed.
The present application describes illustrative embodiments of an invention relating to a system for providing a user interface for a value printing device and in certain embodiments to a system and method for providing a locally printed replaceable control panel label for a postage printing device using a collocated processor (PC). In an illustrative embodiment, a remote data center provides Units of Information of Value UIVs of distinct denominations, such as postage indicia to a Virtual Stamp Dispensing Metering VSDM printer. Custom graphic images are also processed for use and stored at the collocated processor for selective transfer to the VSDM. Using the collocated PC, the user selects certain denominations to be assigned to denomination buttons on the VSDM. Similarly, the user selects certain custom images to be associated with custom image buttons on the VSDM. The system then prints a replaceable control panel button label using the VSDM printer having zones associated with each button for printing thumbnails of the custom images and denomination icons for the selected virtual stamp denominations. The user then inserts the replaceable custom control panel label in the VSDM control panel recess under the hinged control panel window.
The accompanying drawings illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts.
The illustrative embodiments of the present application describe systems and methods for providing a user interface for a value printing device and in certain embodiments to a system and method for providing a locally printed replaceable control panel label for a postage printing device using a collocated processor. A representative embodiment provides a reduced cost user interface for a postage printing device using the printer of the postage printing device and a more robust user interface of a collocated Personal Computer (PC).
In an illustrative embodiment, the VSDM printer is a stand alone thermal label printer capable of printing custom virtual stamps, including IBI indicia and images in variable denominations with user defined custom graphic images that are associated with the individual virtual stamps at the time of printing. The illustrative VSDM user interface includes five selection buttons lit with LEDs surrounding a control panel window and recess that receives a control panel label.
The user interface also includes a print/power button and LED indicator. The control panel label is printed by the VSDM printer under control of a program running on a collocated Personal Computer (PC) connected to the VSDM printer by a USB connection. The control panel label is printed on the same label stock that is used by the VSDM to print virtual stamps. The control panel label has five zones corresponding to the five selection buttons. When the control panel label is fitted into the control panel recess under the hinged control panel window, each of the zones is in close proximity to its corresponding button. The selection buttons and control panel icons permit selection of virtual stamp denominations and optionally associated custom images to be printed along side the virtual stamp indicia. The user may use the PC application to change the button association and then to print a new control panel label.
The illustrative embodiments describe a postage evidencing system for printing virtual stamp indicia and custom images and may incorporate the methods and systems for dispensing virtual stamps described in the Ryan '325 application. Similarly, the embodiments described herein may be utilized with various value printing devices such as mailing machines and postage meters available from Pitney Bowes Inc. of Stamford Conn. Additionally, commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/142,618 entitled System and Method for Reliable Transfer of Virtual Stamps filed May 31, 1005 by Obrea, et al. describes systems that may be utilized, and is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/142,619 entitled Method to control the Use of Custom Images filed May 31, 1005 by Obrea, et al. describes systems that may also be utilized, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to
The VSDM printer 110 includes a lower clamshell printer assembly 112 and an upper clamshell assembly 120. The upper clamshell assembly 120 includes a control panel portion 121. The clamshell portions close on a thermal media printer output port and serrated label cutting edge 118. The lower assembly 112 includes a clamshell release button assembly 114 and a translucent thermal media bay window 116. The control panel portion 121 includes a hinged translucent control panel label cover window 140 that includes several control panel markers 142. The control panel portion 121 includes six buttons/LED indicators including a row of denomination selection buttons/LED indicators 136, 137, 138 and a row of custom graphic selection buttons/LED indicators 132, 134. Additionally, the control panel portion 121 includes a print/power button/LED indicator 130.
The postage denomination selection push buttons 136, 137, 138 allow the selection of one of up to three available postage values. The custom graphic selection push buttons allow the selection of either of the installed graphic files. The user has the option to not select a custom graphic for the virtual stamp. The VSSM 110 includes a single Print button (printer state/power indicator) lit by a bi-color (Red/Green) LED to indicate the printer state. Each of the three postage denomination selection buttons (postage file state) includes a bi-color LED to indicate the quantity of that particular denomination of postage indicia files remaining. Each of the custom graphic selection push buttons includes an associated single color LED to indicate the graphic file state.
The printer state and file state indicators are used as follows in the VSDM user interface:
The values for X and Y are set as factory defaults and may be updated by the user. For example, initial values of X=5 and Y=5 may be utilized. The push button selections are assigned using a collocated PC and user interface application. When the user chooses new printer button assignments, the printer prints another control panel label to replace the previous control panel label. Only one of each type of selection button is illuminated and selected (with state indicator display) at a time. Either one or none of the graphic selection indicators may be selected. Pressing the other graphic button will select the other button and deselect the prior button. Pressing the selected button again will deselect it. If no graphic file is selected, the printer will print an indicium portion only virtual stamp. On printer power up, the left most selection buttons are selected as a default.
As described more fully below, in operation in a tethered or connected mode, a collocated processor is utilized to provide a robust user interface for the selection of virtual stamp denominations and optional custom graphic images to create and print virtual stamps using the VSDM printer 110.
As described more fully below, in operation in an un-tethered or standalone mode, the user selects a virtual stamp denomination using denomination selection buttons 136, 137, 138.
In an alternative, if the two custom graphic buttons 132, 134 are pressed simultaneously, the custom postage printer 110 prints a virtual stamp inventory listing the available denominations and the number of indicia available for each denomination. Similarly, if two of the denomination buttons are pressed simultaneously, a replacement control panel label is printed even if the printer is not connected to the companion PC. In another alternative, an ink jet printing system or other printing system such as laser printing may be utilized. In yet another alternative, the VSDM does not select the left selection buttons by default.
Referring to
The system 200 includes an information of value processing device such as a Virtual Stamp Dispensing Metering VSDM system (meter) that includes a VSDM 210 and an associated co-located co-processor personal computer 220 that communicates with a Vendor Data Center 240 via network 230 and communication links 228, 232. The communication link 228, 232 comprise an Ethernet connection to the Internet, but could alternatively utilize a telephone connection via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or a local network connection via a Local Area Network (LAN). PC 220 is connected to a display 222, keyboard 224 and a mouse 226. The VSDM 210 is connected to the PC 220 using USB serial connection 212.
VSDM 210 could be either a stand-alone postage meter, or alternatively integrated into a larger piece of equipment such as, for example, a mailing machine. In the system shown, the VSDM 210 is attached to a personal computer 220 via communications channel 212 that is a USB connection. Alternative communications channels such as a wireless channel may be used and in an alternative configuration, the VSDM 210 could communicate directly with data center 240. The VSDM 210 or the client application executing on PC 220 is used to originate requests for UIVs to be fulfilled by a data center.
Data center 240 includes a suitable processing system having a computing device such as a server computer and one or more memory components for data storage. The data center 240 also includes a Virtual Indicia system including a cryptographic subsystem and a virtual PSD record storage system that are in operative communications with the server. In an alternative embodiment, the local UIV processing system includes a personal computer with an interface to a secure smart card having a NVM state table used for processing other UIVs such as music files, video files, multimedia content UIVs or event tickets. In another alternative, the collocated processor PC 220 communicates with a remote server 240 and the collocated processor applications are hosted on server 240 and accessed using a thin client such as a browser running on PC 220.
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Here, two custom image zones 153, 154 are provided that are associated with the two custom graphics selection buttons. The zones 153, 154 include thumbnail representations of the selected custom images, but alternatively a file name, icon or other indicator could be utilized to reference the associated custom image. In another alternative, pre-printed and/or laminated replaceable control panel labels may be provided by the data center operator or other third party. Furthermore, an ink jet printing system may be utilized and/or a media without adhesive backing may be used.
Referring to
Additionally, the user interface 300 provides the facility to manage the VSDM 210 user interface for use in standalone mode. Using the control panel button map section 360, the user prepares the VSDM 210 for standalone use. The user may change the three available denominations using the upper row of buttons associated with denominations. Similarly, the user may select from a library of images stored on the collocated PC 220 to both associate the two images with the lower row of buttons and to download the images to the local storage of the VSDM 210 SO that they may be used in standalone mode.
In operation, a user sends a request to purchase postage from the meter 210 or the co-located personal computer 220 to the data center 240. Many types of requests are possible, including predefined menu choices such as the equivalent of a 20 stamp booklet or a 100 stamp roll. In response, the data center 150 generates an appropriate number of virtual stamp postage data records (one for each requested indicium) and securely transmits them (e.g., using an SSL connection) to the VSDM meter 210 or intermediary processor 220.
Referring to
As described above, postage evidencing system 200 enables a user to print virtual stamp indicia images (that may also include the user's custom images), on a mailpiece or a label to be applied to a mailpiece. The following figures describe processes for using the system. Referring to
In step 425, the user selects up to two images from the pc image library and associates them with the two image selection buttons. The images are relatively large so that the image library is stored on the PC and only the selected images are downloaded to the VSDM for use in standalone mode. In the connected mode using the robust user interface through the PC, the user may select any image from the library for use. In step 430, the user creates a new control panel label using the VSDM printer and then installs the new label into the control panel label recess of the VSDM. Accordingly, the VSDM is then ready for standalone virtual stamp printing and may be disconnected from the PC.
Referring to
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention as claimed may be implemented in a number of different mail processing systems, including various known open and closed systems. In addition, the concepts of the present invention are not limited to application in the area of postal indicia printing, but may also be used in connection with the reliable transfer of any type of indication of value in systems, such as, for example, ticketing and digital content delivery rights management. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
