Patent Application
20050137988
The invention disclosed herein relates generally to mailing systems, and more particularly to a mailing system that utilizes a removable storage medium to store data.
Mailing systems, such as, for example, a mailing machine, often include different modules that automate the processes of producing articles, such as, for example, mail pieces. Mail pieces can include, for example, envelopes, post cards, flats, and the like. The typical mailing machine includes a variety of different modules or sub-systems each of which performs a different task on the mail piece. The mail piece is conveyed downstream utilizing a transport mechanism, such as rollers or a belt, to each of the modules. Such modules could include, for example, a separating module, i.e., separating a stack of mail pieces such that the mail pieces are conveyed one at a time along the transport path, a moistening/sealing module, i.e., wetting and closing the glued flap of an envelope, a weighing module, and a metering/printing module, i.e., applying evidence of postage to the mail piece. The exact configuration of the mailing machine is, of course, particular to the needs of the user.
A control panel device, hereinafter referred to as a User Interface Controller (UIC), performs user interface and controller functions for the mailing machine. Specifically, the UIC provides all user interfaces, executes control of the mailing machine and print operations, calculates postage for debit based upon rate tables, provides the conduit for a Postal Security Device (PSD) to transfer postage indicia to the printer, operates with peripherals for accounting, printing and weighing, and conducts communications with a data center for postage funds refill, software download, rates download, and market-oriented data capture. The UIC, in conjunction with an embedded PSD, constitutes the system meter that satisfies U.S. information-based indicia postage (IBIP) meter requirements and other international postal regulations regarding closed system meters.
It is generally desirable to provide a single UIC platform for all customers, thereby eliminating the need to manufacture and maintain multiple versions of the UIC. The UIC may be provided with one or more input/output ports, such as, for example, a USB port, through which peripheral devices can be attached as required. For example, some customers may desire to have enhanced accounting capability to track the usage of postage generated by the UIC. Such enhanced accounting capability requires additional storage, e.g., memory, for the accounting data generated by the UIC. To prevent additional, unused memory from being provided in every UIC, thereby increasing the cost of the UIC, additional memory is provided to only those customers that desire the additional enhanced accounting capability through a USB port on the UIC.
There are problems, however, when the additional memory is external to the UIC. For example, if the UIC fails for some reason and must be replaced, it is still desirable to maintain any accounting data related to the failed UIC and provide a coherent accounting picture for both the old UIC and the new UIC. Thus, provisions must be made within the additional memory to track and protect data from more than one UIC. Additionally, the UIC could be operated without the additional memory attached, thereby resulting in discrepancies between the actual usage of the UIC to provide postage and the accounting data as stored in the additional memory. In addition, the risk of a power failure during update of the data stored in the external memory can result in discrepancies between the actual usage of the UIC and the accounting data as stored in the additional external memory. The external memory can also be utilized for data other than accounting data, which could also be subject to the same problems as specified above.
Thus, there exists a need for a system and method to protect and track data from multiple postage meters on an external memory.
The present invention alleviates the problems associated with the prior art and provides a system and method for allowing multiple postage meters to utilize removable storage media to accurately track and protect data generated during use.
In accordance with the present invention, a unique identifier is provided for each removable storage medium, and the removable storage medium is associated with a single meter. A catalog of additional meters authorized for use with the storage medium is maintained on each medium. When the storage medium is attached to a meter, the meter determines if the storage medium has been authorized for use with the meter or, if allowable, establishes a new entry in the catalog for the meter. Thus, data for a plurality of meters can be maintained on the same storage medium. Any discrepancies that exist between the data stored in the meter and the storage medium can be reconciled by the user, thereby allowing accurate maintenance of the data.
Therefore, it should now be apparent that the invention substantially achieves all the above aspects and advantages. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Moreover, the aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
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.
In describing the present invention, reference is made to the drawings, wherein there is seen in
Mailing machine 10 further includes one or more cover members 26 that are pivotally mounted on the base 14 so as to move from the closed position shown in
The UIC 20 provides all user interfaces, executes control of the mailing machine 10 and print operations, calculates postage for debit based upon rate tables, provides the conduit for an embedded Postal Security Device (PSD) to transfer postage indicia to a printer within the mailing machine 10, operates with peripherals for accounting, printing and weighing, and conducts communications with a data center for postage funds refill, software download, rates download, and market-oriented data capture. The UIC 20, in conjunction with the embedded PSD, constitutes the system meter that satisfies U.S. information-based indicia postage (IBIP) meter requirements and other international postal regulations regarding closed system meters. The UIC 20 is typically provided with a fixed amount of data storage capability in the form of memory sufficient to operate the UIC 20 during standard operating modes. For those customers that wish to utilize enhanced capabilities of the UIC 20 that requires more memory capacity than the UIC 20 is provided with, additional external memory capacity can be provided. For example, with enhanced accounting capabilities, additional data with respect to each transaction performed by the UIC 20 can be stored. The additional data can include, for example, information with respect to batch mail processing, including the class of mail, carrier, account number for internal accounting purposes, number of pieces in the batch, weight of each piece, as well as summary records for each batch that can be utilized by the customer. Since the UIC 20 is not provided with memory sufficient to store all of the desired additional data, additional memory capacity can be implemented, for example, as a memory card 40 coupled to the UIC 20. Memory card 40 could be, for example, implemented as a flash memory. The memory card 40 can be coupled to the UIC 20 via a data bus 42 as illustrated, or could also be coupled to the UIC 20 via an integral card reader in the UIC 20 that has a slot for the insertion of memory card 40. The data bus 42 can be coupled to the UIC 20 via a USB port on the UIC 20. Alternatively, the memory card 40 could be coupled to the UIC 20 through a USB port on the base 14. Thus, any data generated by the UIC 20 can be passed to the memory card 40 for storage. Additionally, the UIC 20 can access the memory card 40 to retrieve stored data. Such retrieval could be, for example, to allow the UIC 20 to prepare reports for display or printing.
Because the memory card 40 is removable from the UIC 20, it can be utilized with meters other than UIC 20. For example, if the UIC 20 fails for some reason and must be replaced by a new UIC, it is still desirable to maintain the data from the failed UIC 20 along with the new UIC. As such, the memory card 40 must be able to track and protect data from multiple meters. In addition, the UIC 20 can be operated without the memory card 40 attached. There is also the risk of interruption of updates to data stored on the memory card 40, thereby rendering such update incomplete, such as, for example, if the power to the UIC 20 is removed before the update has been completed. Each of these situations can lead to discrepancies between the data stored on the memory card 40 and the actual usage of the UIC 20. It is important to ensure the accuracy of the data stored in the memory card 40, since reports prepared by the UIC 20 may be based on the data stored in the memory card 40. Thus, if the data stored in the memory card 40 is inaccurate, it will not be possible to generate accurate reports, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
The present invention solves the problems created when an external removable medium, such as memory card 40, is used to store data generated by the UIC 20. Referring now to
If in step 52, it is determined that the memory card 40 is already formatted, e.g., it has a stored serial number therein, then in step 58 the UIC 20 determines if the memory card 40 is assigned to the UIC 20. This is performed by comparing the serial number stored in the memory card 40 with the serial number of the UIC 20. As described below with respect to
If in step 58 it is determined that the memory card 40 is not assigned to the UIC 20, i.e., the memory card 40 was originally formatted by and assigned to a different UIC, then in step 62 the UIC 20 will display a message to the user indicating that the memory card 40 is not assigned to the UIC 20 and confirmation will be requested from the user that the user desires to use the memory card 40 with the UIC 20. In step 64 it is determined if confirmation to proceed has been received from the user. Such confirmation could be provided, for example, from the keyboard 22 of the UIC 20. In some embodiments, confirmation can only be provided by a service technician, thereby preventing a user from authorizing use of the memory card 40 with the UIC 20. If the user does not wish to use, or cannot authorize use of, the memory card 40 with the UIC 20, then in step 66 the processing will end, the memory card 40 will not be enabled for use with the UIC 20, and the user will be unable to perform the enhanced activities that require the additional memory capacity of the memory card 40. The user can then attach a different memory card and the processing can be repeated for the different memory card. It should be noted that steps 62 and 64 are optional, and need not be performed, and the processing can proceed from step 58 directly to step 68. If the user does wish to proceed, i.e., confirmation is received in step 64, or if steps 62 and 64 are not performed, then in step 68 the UIC 20 can determine if the UIC 20 already has allocated space for use in the memory card 40. The memory card 40 maintains a catalog of UICs with which it has previously been used to store data. Thus, while the memory card 40 may be assigned to a particular UIC, the memory card 40 can still be used with more than one UIC. If the UIC 20 is already in the catalog maintained by the memory card 40, i.e., the memory card 40 has been previously been used to stored data generated by the UIC 20, then the memory card 40 is ready for use with the UIC 20 and the mailing system 10 is enabled for operation utilizing the enhanced capabilities that require the memory card 40 in step 78. It should be noted that step 68 may be optional, and the processing can pass from step 64 (or step 58 if steps 62 and 64 are not performed) directly to step 70.
If in step 68 it is determined that the UIC 20 is not in the catalog maintained by the memory card 40, or if step 68 is not performed, then in step 70 the UIC 20 will compare one or more operational parameters of the UIC 20 with that as specified for the memory card 40 to determine if they are compatible for use with each other. For example, when the memory card 40 was first formatted, several operational parameters were established for the memory card 40. One such parameter includes set-up data including, for example, the enhanced accounting capabilities with which the memory card 40 can be used. For example, the memory card 40 may be formatted for a certain number of accounts, such as, for example, one thousand different accounts, for internal accounting purposes. The UIC 20 is configured to provide only those services paid for by the user, and may be configured for use with a different number of accounts then the memory card 40. For example, the UIC 20 may be configured for only three hundred different accounts. In the situation in which the UIC 20 is configured for use with less accounts than for which the memory card 40 has been formatted, the memory card 40 will not be compatible with the UIC 20 as it may allow the user to utilize features for which payment has not been made, e.g., additional accounts. As another example, when the memory card 40 was formatted, parameters for global account data were specified for the memory card 40. The global account data parameters include, for example, the monetary unit and the weight unit that will be used. The monetary unit could be, for example, dollars, pounds, francs, etc. The weight unit could be an avoirdupois system or metric system. To be compatible, the memory card 40 and the UIC 20 must both be configured to utilize the same units.
If in step 72 it is determined that the memory card 40 is not compatible for use with the UIC 20, due to one or more different operational parameters, then in step 74 a message will be displayed to the user indicating that the memory card 40 can not be used with the UIC 20. In step 66 the processing will end, the memory card 40 will not be enabled for use with the UIC 20, and the user will be unable to perform the enhanced activities that require the additional memory capacity of the memory card 40. If in step 72 it is determined that the memory card 40 is compatible for use with the UIC 20, then in step 76 a new entry will be made in the catalog maintained by the memory card 40 for the UIC 20, and a location in the memory card 40 will be configured to store data generated by the UIC 20. The location in the memory card 40 for the UIC 20 can be identified, for example, by the serial number of the UIC 20. Thus, every UIC with which the memory card 40 has been enabled for use will have a different location within the memory card 40 assigned to it and identified by the serial number of each UIC. Note, however, that the unique identifier of the memory card 40 will not change. The entry of the UIC 20 into the catalog of the memory card 40 in step 76 need not be automatic. In some embodiments, it may require approval by the user, and may also require a user password, thereby allowing only supervisors or the like to allow the memory card 40 to be used with the UIC 20. Once the UIC 20 has been entered into the catalog of the memory card 40, the memory card 40 is ready for use with the UIC 20 and the mailing system 10 is enabled for operation utilizing the enhanced capabilities that require the memory card 40 in step 78. It should be noted that the enabling of operation in step 78 may or may not be identical to enabling the operation in step 56. For example, in step 78, the memory card 40 was formatted and assigned to a different UIC other than UIC 20. Thus, according to some embodiments, it is preferable that the UIC 20 not be authorized to make any changes to the operational parameters of the memory card 40. To make changes to the operational parameters of the memory card 40, it may be required to have the memory card 40 coupled to the UIC with which it is assigned. Alternatively, of course, the UIC 20 could be authorized to make changes to the operational parameters of the memory card 40 if desired, even though the memory card 40 is not assigned to the UIC 20. In addition, if the memory card 40 is not assigned to the UIC 20, then UIC 20 will preferably store the serial number of the memory card in non-volatile memory for use in a power recovery mode as described further below.
Referring now to
In step 94 the memory card 40 is initialized with user preferences based on user preferences from the UIC 20. Such user preferences could include, for example, the use of passwords to access accounts, the amount of any budgets for each account set by the user, etc. In step 96, the memory card 40 is initialized with the global account data parameters from the UIC 20. As previously described, the global account data parameters include, for example, the monetary unit and the weight unit that will be used. In step 98, the memory card 40 is initialized with current usage data from the UIC 20. The usage data is stored in a location associated with the serial number of the UIC 20, thereby allowing the memory card 40 to store data for more than one UIC. The usage data can include, for example, the ascending register value of the UIC 20, i.e., the total amount of funds expended by the UIC 20 to date, the total number of pieces that have been processed by the UIC 20 to date, the total amount of postage expended by the UIC 20 to date, and the total amount of any surcharges expended by the UIC 20 to date.
Thus, the memory card 40 will be formatted by the UIC 20 and initialized to the same operational parameters, including user preferences, global account data, and current usage data, as the UIC 20. Additional memory space is allocated for the UIC 20 to store additional data related to transactions processed by the UIC 20. The memory card 40 is then ready for use with the UIC 20 and the mailing system 10 will be enabled for operation utilizing the enhanced capabilities that require the memory card 40 (step 56 of
Referring now to
Referring now to
In step 130, the UIC 20 beings a power recovery mode. In step 132, the UIC 20 determines if the serial number of the memory card 40 currently coupled to the UIC 20 matches the serial number of the memory card, stored in the memory of the UIC 20, that was coupled to the UIC 20 before the power was interrupted. Thus, if the user has switched memory cards, the serial number will not match and in step 134 the user will be notified that the memory card is different than the one attached before the power interruption. A request will be made to install the proper memory card 40 and the processing will begin again in step 130. Once the serial numbers match, indicating that the same memory card 40 is coupled to the UIC 20, then in step 136 the UIC 20 will determine the portion of the data set that was not received and stored by the memory card 40 before the power was interrupted. Preferably, markers are inserted into the data such that it can be determined from the markers which portions of the data have already been stored in the memory card 40. Thus, by examining the markers within the data, the UIC 20 can determine which portions of the data have and have not been successfully stored in the memory card 40. In step 138, those portions found not to have been written to the memory card 40 in step 136 are rewritten to the memory card 40, thereby providing a complete data download for the batch of mail. Thus, the UIC 20 will proceed with the power fail recovery only when the proper memory card 40 is attached, thereby ensuring the accuracy and proper tracking of data.
Thus, according to the present invention, a system and method for allowing multiple postage meters to utilize removable storage media to accurately track and protect data generated during use is provided. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that they 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. 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.
