EP1073018A1 - Pre-payment and post-payment franking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The postal franking machine is based around a microprocessor (46) that is coupled to a keyboard (45), memory and interface elements (41-55). A printer module is also connected to the system. The keyboard facility is used to access the system and to allow a cost calculation mode to be called with values displayed for use for franking. The machine is controlled by a microprocessor programmed for different types of cost calculation e.g. cost calculation before franking, recording of use of machine, no cost calculation with recording of use of machine for data collection. User interface provides input of type of cost calculation from chip card. Keyboard is used to change from one calculation mode to other.

Description

The invention relates to a franking and franking machine according to of the preamble of claims 1 and 15. A multi-purpose postage meter has different billing modes, is regarding the Reversible print job can also be used as a franking machine and allows greater flexibility in payment.

pay before" genannt. Als weiterer Nachteil des pay before"-Prinzips kommt hinzu, daß der Vorgang des Nachladens selbst Aufwand und/oder Kosten verursacht. Beispielsweise wird für die Nachladung per Modem, welche im Patent US 5.699.415 unter dem Titel: METHOD FOR MATCHING THE DATABASE BETWEEN AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER MACHINE AND DATA CENTER, näher beschrieben ist, vom Serviceprovider oder Hersteller der Frankiermaschine eine Gebühr erhoben. Daher ist ein häufiges Nachladen unwirtschaftlich. Das führt aber dazu, daß die jeweils geladenen Beträge relativ hoch sind und dann eine längere Zeit in der FM als totes Kapital gebunden sind.Franking machines have been known since the 1920s and are still being perfected today. Their principle is based on the fact that a monetary amount, the so-called default amount, is managed in the franking machine. With each franking, this default amount is reduced by the franking amount printed on the package. If the default amount has been used up, the franking machine is reloaded with a new default amount. The default amounts are usually debited from a customer account, so that they are to be regarded as dead capital for the duration of the stay in the franking machine, since no interest gain can be achieved with them or a loan has even been taken out for these amounts. This payment principle is analogous to the payment cards

pay before ". Another disadvantage of the pay before "principle is added that the process of reloading itself causes effort and / or costs. For example, for reloading by modem, which is described in US Pat. No. 5,699,415 under the title: METHOD FOR MATCHING THE DATABASE BETWEEN AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER MACHINE AND DATA CENTER, described in more detail, is charged by the service provider or the manufacturer of the franking machine, which makes frequent reloading uneconomical, but this leads to the fact that the amounts loaded are relatively high and then spend a long time in the FM as dead capital are bound.

As an alternative, a pay later "proposed payment principle in connection with franking machines. In US 5,729,460, which bears the title: METHOD FOR PAYMENT OF THE RECREDITING OF AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER AND ARRANGEMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF A DATA CENTRAL, there was already a franking machine for the possibility suggested both payment principles pay before "and to use pay later ", whereby a credit card institute immediately grants a loan until payment, which also improves the process from the customer's point of view. Billing is done separately, but in the same way as before in the franking machine. Payment is made by a credit card institute , so that the customer only has to pay later.

A solution is also known from US 5,025,386, the payment mode (Coins or card) individually depending on customer requirements switch. The solutions described so far are different payment methods for the same mail carrier, keeping the usual billing process.

A franking machine is already known from EP 493 948 B1, which is equipped with a plurality of registers in a secure module for storing accounting data relating to the use of the franking machine for franking objects. A first set of registers relates to a special first service and a second set of registers relates to a special second service, the special services being selectable via the input means and the accounting data of the respectively selected service being updated. Was previously with the payment principle pay before "for each of the services (mail classes) of a single mail carrier only one descending register is required for joint settlement, is now proposed, with the payment principle pay before "to use a descending register for each of the services or mail carriers for separate billing. Of course, a third set of registers can be provided for the total billing, which relates to both register sets, namely the first and second register set. However, the solution described above applies only the use of the same billing and payment procedure for different mail carriers or services, for example, a service relates to a specific mail class or type of dispatch, which is usually shown as information from the stamp imprint in the usual way and which is now debited in a separate register set A first or second franking imprint is generated in each case associated with the first and second register sets, and the postal class / type of mailing can thus be integrated with the franking stamp or printed as a separate optional printing stamp.

EP 805 419 A2 describes a method for data processing in a mail processing system with a franking machine and a Arrangement proposed that the same booking in the franking machine allows payment according to very different procedures. Even if you use a prepaid card that is debited in an internal register separately from the franking machine To increase security, billing in a billing unit at the same time the franking machine. The one described above The solution therefore concerns the application of the same accounting procedure and with different payment methods for different ones Post carrier or services.

Some private mail order companies offer their customers invoicing that only takes place after the parcels have been posted or picked up. State postal companies, too, have to face competition for customer favor thanks to the gradual liberalization of the market. For example, Deutsche Post AG offers for their Infopost "the optional franking with a franking impression by conventional FM or the so-called DV franking (see Infopost ", leaflet of Deutsche Post AG as of 1.1.96). With the IT franking procedure, a franking note is printed on the package. These franked items are paid for when they are delivered to the post office or when they are picked up by the mail order company in the case of larger quantities of mail. By agreement, the fee can even be debited from the customer's checking account, which means that the customer no longer needs to make an advance payment pay now "introduced.

In the practice of operational or official outgoing mail, the problem arises more and more that normal daily mail arises, which can be processed most rationally with the conventional franking method, as well as special mail, for example Infopost ", which can be processed most cost-effectively with the DV franking. The exploitation of the advantages of both methods requires the acquisition and maintenance of several shipping facilities, each specializing in one method. It would also be necessary to separate the outgoing mail to be processed, which may require additional would involve manual work steps.

The object of the invention is to provide a franking and franking machine to create with which either a franking or the Postage is cleared. A multi-purpose franking machine is supposed to use different accounting procedures for the same mail carrier or for different mail carriers or allow services optionally. Security against fraudulent Manipulation is to be guaranteed in all accounting procedures become. It should offer greater flexibility in payment and Process unsorted packages with regard to the method of payment can. Another job is to match the machine accordingly train to make modifications to the accounting process and / or the Facilitate tariff structure.

The task comes with the characteristics of the arrangement according to the Claims 1 and 15 solved. The applicant's newer franking machines use digital ones

Printing modules, such as inkjet printers for the first time worldwide in the franking machines of the type JetMail® or thermal transfer printer in the T1000 franking machines. In principle it is possible on a filled letter in the area of the franking stamp other Print information or any other way, which in one corresponding connection with a service of a postal carrier stand. So it is easily possible between private ones Mail carriers and your services. The Franking stamp imprint therefore advantageously contains a reference to the carrier and / or the one used or still planned Service.

The franking or franking machine has input means (chip card, user interface) for entering the accounting type and is controlled by a microcomputer system which is programmed in such a way that it can optionally be switched to various alternative accounting modes. Billing always takes place before franking. In addition to franking, the use of the machine is recorded. An alternative mode is a non-billing mode, the recording of the use of the machine not being used for debiting, but only for data collection. A payment method can be assigned to the respective mode, which is agreed with the respective carrier. While billing always takes place before franking or not at all in the franking machine, freedom in terms of payment is guaranteed. The payment principles pay before ", pay now "and pay later "are agreed with the respective mail carrier or can be used optionally.

Figur 1,

Perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine vom Typ JetMail® von hinten,

Figur 2,

Perspektivische Ansicht eines Postverarbeitungssystems mit der Frankiermaschine vom Typ JetMail® von vorn,

Figur 3,

Perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine vom Typ T1000 von vorn,

Figur 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d,

diverse Freimachungsvermerke,

Figur 5,

Blockschaltbild einer Frankiermaschine nach Variante 1,

Figur 6,

Blockschaltbild einer Frankiermaschine nach Variante 2.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are shown in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1,

Perspective view of a franking machine of the type JetMail® from behind,

Figure 2,

Perspective view of a mail processing system with the JetMail® franking machine from the front,

Figure 3,

Perspective view of a T1000 franking machine from the front,

4a, 4b, 4c, 4d,

various postage indicia,

Figure 5,

Block diagram of a franking machine according to variant 1,

Figure 6,

Block diagram of a franking machine according to variant 2.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a franking machine of type JetMail® shown from behind. The franking machine exists from a meter 1 and a base 2. The actuating elements 88 one Keyboard and display elements 89 in the screen image of a display unit of the Meters 1 form a user interface, which is used to enter the accounting type is trained. Another input device for the accounting type can be used with a chip card can be realized. Base 2 has a chip card read / write unit 70 equipped behind the guide plate 20 arranged and accessible from the upper housing edge 22. After this Switching on the franking machine by means of the switch 71 is a Chip card 10 inserted into the slot 72 from top to bottom. A fed letter 3 standing on the edge, with his to printing surface rests on the guide plate, is then printed with a franking stamp 31 in accordance with the input data. The letter feed opening is through a transparent plate 21 and Guide plate 20 laterally limited. At the interfaces 98a and 99a additional stations or devices can be connected to the Franking machine in communication connection. The postage value will be shown in the above Finally register on that relevant package - here letter 3 - printed.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a mail processing system with the JetMail® franking machine from the front. This system allows true mixed mail processing and has been described in European patent applications EP 875 864 A2 and EP 901 108 A2. In front of the postage meter, consisting of a meter 1 and a base 2, a dynamic scale 4 and an automatic feed station 5 are arranged upstream. Part 5.1 of this feed station can house an arrangement for dimension determination. A suitable feed device 5, 5.1 is described in detail in German patent DE 196 05 017 C2 and in unpublished German patent application 19912807.3, under the title: Arrangement for determining the dimensions of pressure carriers ". Further details on the design of a suitable dynamic scale can be found in the unpublished German patent application P 198 33 767.1-53. The control can be carried out, for example, as already described under the title: Method and arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale "was proposed in the unpublished German patent applications P 198 60 296.0 and 198 60 295.2. The weight measurement in a dynamic scale is preferably carried out according to the unpublished German patent application P 198 60 294.4, which bears the title : Method and arrangement for determining a weight with a dynamic balance ". A postage device 6 is arranged downstream of the franking machine. Since the postage values differ depending on the weight, format, or shipping method, the postage value changes automatically, particularly in the case of so-called mixed mail processing. The digitally controllable printing station contains an ink jet print head for digital printing A thermal transfer printer is a suitable alternative for digital printing A scanner 5.2 in the automatic feed station allows a marking on the envelope to be scanned for the purpose of data input It is also possible to install a scanner 5.2 in the scale 4 or the franking machine base 2 on the letter transport route to the printing station Further data entry is possible via chip card via chip card read / write unit 70.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a franking machine of the T1000 type from the front. Meter 1 is equipped with a chip card read / write unit - not visible - and with the secured housing that encloses all components of the franking machine. Among them are a control device and the printing station, which preferably contains a thermal transfer print head. The control device has a storage device for variable and fixed information, which is designed to store all the information that is printed on an envelope. A digital printing station was first described in the applicant's patent specification DD 233 101 B5. The generation of the corresponding print control signals for different print images is, for example, from the German patent DE 42 24 955 C2 with the title: Arrangement and method for internal cost center printing "and from European patent application EP 576 113 A2 with the title: Method and arrangement for the rapid generation of a security imprint ". A chip card 10 can be inserted from above into a slot (not shown). The chip card can be designed as a carrier-related value card with a memory which contains at least one descending register, each of which Postage value to be franked Digital printing processes are advantageous to ensure a quick change of the postage values to be printed out and the advertising slogan as well as the type of dispatch, if applicable.

Figure 4a shows an example of digital printing, showing the possibilities for the diversity of the prints. A stamp image 31 consists of fixed pixel data and variable data for postage value 32 and can flow smoothly into the city stamp image 33 consisting of fixed pixel data and variable data for the City names 35 or place of dispatch and for the date data 34. The latter can further - not shown - data, such as time data, lock in. To the left of the value and city stamp image 31 to 35 can further fixed and variable pixel data can be printed. In the example are a fixed image part 37 and a variable text part 36 are shown, which are nested within each other. But that should not rule out that the latter is not also printed one below the other or standing side by side can be. Another - not shown - can be added Image part, for example a marking for cryptographic Securing the printed data, and / or a stamp image, for example for election printing types (endorsment) corresponding to one selected shipping method or form.

In this case, each print is preceded by a first accounting mode. The first accounting mode is used in conventional franking machines with the pay before "- payment principle firmly coupled. Compared to the usual franking machines, however, freedom of choice can be programmed in the program memory of the franking and franking machine both for another billing mode and for another payment principle, as will be explained in more detail in principle below.

A register set is reserved in a non-volatile memory for the first accounting mode. It comprises a descending register R1 for the remaining credit balance, an ascending register R2, a total resetting register R3, a first piece count register R4 for all valid franking imprints and a second piece count register R8 for all prints, ie also for prints with the value In the first billing mode, the postage amount calculated or set for the package is debited from the descending register R1 and added to an ascending register R2. The sum of the two registers R1 + R2 corresponds to the sum of all the default amounts that were previously used for reloading into the Postage meter machine has been loaded and is stored in a register R3. If the remaining credit balance in the descending register R1 has been used up, it is topped up by a reloading process, which is preferably carried out by remote value presetting for reloading by modem. This reloading process can be triggered automatically if the amount falls below a certain minimum amount In a special embodiment, the reloading process can be carried out fully automatically by means of remote data transmission between a modem connected to the machine and a remote data center a charge to the customer account is triggered in the course of this remote loading in the same amount of the reload amount. Such a reloading process has been described in more detail in the applicant's US Pat. No. 5,699,415 under the title: METHOD FOR MATCHING THE DATABASE BETWEEN AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE METER MACHINE AND DATA CENTER.

FIG. 4b shows an example of a digital print, the franking imprint differing only greatly in appearance from that shown in FIG. 4a. Very different print images can be generated with one and the same machine, however, the logo and / or the name of the mail carrier, here for POSTE ITALIANE "and the postage value can be found on the stamp image.
The printing is preceded by a booking in a second mode, which counts the number of items and adds up the postage value. This enables ongoing billing or periodically as required. In this known second billing method, the postage value calculated or set for the package is added to an Ascending Register R2. Settlement is preferably carried out in a predetermined currency unit, for example in A descending register R1 or a total resetting register R3 are then not required. In addition to the ascending register R2, there is at least one piece count register (preferably a piece count register R4 for all valid franking imprints and piece count register R8 for all) The print with a postage value Zero "corresponds to that of FIG. 4b. Then, in the second piece number register R8, the counting is continued by incrementing the counter reading by the counting value one".

After an agreed deadline or after a predetermined limit in the form of a value that is stored in a sixth register R6, for example in the amount of 5000 EUR, is exceeded, the content of Ascending Register R2 is read out and the amount of the debt accrued there is charged to the customer posed. This reading out of the debt amount can be carried out by a person authorized by the carrier, or with the above-mentioned technical means by remote data transmission. This payment procedure is consequently called pay later "because the invoice is always issued later than the shipping service provided by the carrier. Figure 4b shows a franking stamp imprint for the country of Italy for a postage value in the currency unit EURO. The second settlement procedure is also known as the current account procedure. known and used for example in the Netherlands and France.

FIGS. 4c and 4d provide an example for digital prints, with the printout being able to be assigned a billing according to a third billing mode. In a third alternative billing procedure, the billing of the packages to be dispatched is initiated at the point in time at which the packages are handed over to the carrier. This Pay Now principle is advantageous where several packages are to be dispatched at special times (promotional items). For example, Deutsche Post AG offers the shipment type Infopost ". It is a particularly inexpensive mail service, whereby the items must always have the same content. The items must be the same in number and nature of the documents and inserts. They can differ in terms of title, address, coding and tax symbols As a further condition, the packages have to be arranged by zip code. The discounts granted for such packages go up to 60%. Such packages are paid for when they are posted or picked up. Cash or check can be used as a means of payment 4c or 4d In addition, it may be necessary to print a posting list or a posting slip for the entire consignment, in this billing mode it is not necessary to store monetary data for billing purposes, but only a suitable identification the packages from which the billing procedure can be seen. For statistical purposes, an optional booking of a serial number can be made for more precise identification.

A block diagram of a franking machine is explained with reference to FIG.
The franking machine has a microprocessor μP 46 which has a non-volatile memory 41, 42, 51, 52 for at least the booking data, the keyboard 45, a pixel memory 47, a clock / date module 48, a cliché memory 49. A program memory 50, interface modules 44 , 54, 55, 58, 70 is connected. One of the interface modules is the chip card read / write unit 70 for the value card 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. An external scale 4 and a modem 53 can be connected to the interface module. In the case of a franking machine without a base, for example of the T1000 type, the interface modules 55 and 58 can be omitted, since the security housing encloses all modules and the module 59 with motors, microswitches, including sensors and the printer controller 56 for the print head 57 are connected directly to the control board can be.
In the case of a franking machine with base and meter, for example of the JetMail® type, the interface modules 55 and 58 are used for electrical isolation from the base. The safety housing only encloses all assemblies of the meter. FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a franking machine according to such a further variant. The assembly 59 with motors, microswitches, sensors and others, as well as the printer controller 56 for the print head 57 are part of the base and are controlled by the microprocessor of the meter.

According to the franking and franking machine contains several memory areas 41, 42, 51, 52, in which redundant Billing data are stored, the storage areas for the data from alternative accounting methods can be addressed separately are.

Input means 10, 88 of the keyboard 45 are also provided on the operation of which corresponds to the selected accounting method Subroutine is called. Each assigned to a billing procedure Subroutine addresses said allocated memory area for writing and reading accounting data. The non-volatile Memory contains flags or pointers in the memory area cause each of those associated with a billing process Subroutines continue to a special memory area with print data accesses. A print routine stored in program memory 50 causes these special memory areas and the Imprint of a print image assigned to the accounting process.

In the one specific embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the memory areas thus assigned to the accounting methods are physically separated first memory components 41, 42 or second memory components 51, 52. These memory components preferably comprise a RAM 41 and an E ² PROM 42, the latter being the Data content is automatically adopted in the event of a system power failure. This ensures adequate data security. If required and in accordance with the regulations by the postal authority, a redundant memory area or third memory with a second technology can also be used (not shown). If the second memory components 51, 52 are assigned to a second billing method for the same mail carrier, then an alternative billing method is still available in the event of a component failure for mail delivery. In principle, it is possible for the first storage components 41, 42 to be assigned to a first mail carrier and for the second storage components 51, 52 to be assigned to a second mail carrier, each having its own accounting method, where a respective booking is made accordingly differently. It is provided that an accounting module includes the memory components 41, 42 or 51, 52. At least those memory components are not permanently soldered to the control board and are operatively connected to the microprocessor 46, which have billing data and credits stored in the first billing mode, which according to the Pay Before "principle are already prepaid.

In a known manner - not shown - the first Memory components 41, 42 or second memory components 51, 52 also be capped. A plugged memory component can be inserted from the base be removed. This makes it possible to view the content of a Memory that, for example, with the current account procedure Pay later principle works by an authorized person with the help of a Read out memory reader.

It is envisaged that different accounting modules in one machine will be realized.

Alternatively, a chip card, in particular a prepaid card, can be used become. The prepaid card can be recharged at a bank terminal and acts as an electronic wallet. The second memory devices 51, 52 can then be omitted since the chip card already has one Memory with corresponding ascending register for those still available Contains money data (remaining credit). Reading the in the Chip card saved remaining credit can be with a commercial Chip card reader.

Through the use of special chip cards on which the complete billing is particularly advantageous Execution possible. In principle, the chip card can be compared with comparable ones Functional assemblies, such as on the board of a meter are arranged. In the case of a complete settlement, the microprocessor the date and all other accounting data in the chip card a historical order stored in the memory of the chip card 10. Interfering with data transfer for fraudulent manipulation of the This effectively prevents billing. A future one Modification of one of the accounting systems is through the exchange of corresponding chip card much easier. Can be advantageous through inserting the chip card 10 into a chip card read / write unit 70 the billing procedure is preselected. When you press The accounting method can be one of the other input means (88, 5.2) be changed again.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a franking machine according to a another variant. In this further variant, the autonomy of the individual accounting modules are further reinforced by the fact that in addition to the special memory modules, each billing procedure has its own Processor system is assigned with its own program routines. One of the security module 60 developed by the applicant serves as the first Accounting module and has a hardware accounting unit 63 and one battery-supported non-volatile memory 61, in which by modem 53 a credit can be loaded. An OTP (One Time Programmable) processor 66 carries out security routines for both credit reloading, as well as to secure the register data with a MAC (Message Authentication Code). The advantage of the security module is that the reliability check and approval of the Franking and franking machine according to the invention by the Post carrier takes place, then only for the processor system concerned 60 and the connected printer module 55-57 is required. The chip card 10 forms a second accounting module in connection with the smart card read / write unit 70. The microprocessor 46 and the first memory components 41, 42 then form a third accounting module etc. Thus, the user of the franking machine can be in front of it Choose use for one or the other method. An input for is made via the actuating elements 88 of the keyboard 45 appropriate reversal of the franking machine.

If necessary, the first memory components 41, 42 can make bookings for the same mail carrier as the security module or the chip card, but with billing according to the current account procedure and payment, for example by direct debit, according to Pay later "principle takes place. In this case, the reloading also eliminates the need for additional security. Switching to another billing and payment type requires a security module 60 or a chip card writing / reading unit 70 with prepaid card 10, the booking being made within the latter.

Of course, one of the above can be arranged multiple times Accounting modules a number of other variants can be generated.

The integration of all specific memory areas into one memory module leads to another particularly cost-effective variant. In the memory areas are assigned to this memory area the billing procedure only via the internal address areas. This block is redundant for data security reasons to execute.

The said input means for calling corresponding subroutines can be implemented in very different ways. It can be in the keyboard corresponding special keys are arranged on the machine Actuation calls the corresponding subroutines. Is also the input certain key combinations to call the subroutines another possible variant. An entry to the corresponding The postage meter can already be reversed by simply inserting one corresponding value card 10 into the chip card read / write unit 70 to be triggered.

Another particularly advantageous entry is automatic Reading and recognizing corresponding information. The majority of the letters are created today on the PC. You can already make a decision there whether a letter becomes part of a promotion and therefore as Infopost marked and billed using the Pay Now principle, or whether it is a standard letter from the default amount after the pay Before principle is billed. This determination can be made as Additional information printed on the package that has not yet been invoiced become. Printing in machine-readable is particularly useful Shape e.g. through a barcode. On the way to the print head this impression is scanned on the machine and the information about the selected accounting procedure leads to the call of the corresponding Subroutines in the franking / franking machine. In principle, can the system of Figure 2 can be used, with one - not illustrated - scanner 5.2 in the automatic feed station 5 or in the dynamic scale 4 is installed. The scanner is electrical over that Interface 54 connected to the franking machine.

Another suitable system is in European patent application EP 805 419 A2 under the title: Methods for data processing in a mail processing system with a franking machine and arrangement "have already been proposed for setting the franking machine to different mail carriers. According to the invention, a corresponding freedom of choice for different accounting methods can now be realized in such a system.
Alternatively, the information about the selected billing procedure can also be transmitted electronically from the PC on which the letter was created to the franking / franking machine, but this presupposes that the order of the mailpieces fed to the machine no longer changes.

Another variant of the information input is that the Postal customer who e.g. a larger mail order plans to deal with the Carrier connects and a special non-public Awarded tariff. The franking / franking machine of the Postal customers is at a data center for remote transmission of accounting data shot and received a special carrier rate educated. The carrier puts the special tariff above that of him or a data center operated by a service provider to the franking and Franking machine of the relevant postal customer. The machine identifies the post to be sent according to these conditions information, e.g. a code transmitted by the data center. The Microprocessor 46 is programmed to provide information on the packages to be printed in order to be sent according to the carrier conditions Flag mail. The agreed settlement can also be made after otherwise pay later principle not granted by this carrier.

In order to be able to use the franking / franking machine to print the special notes for the respective accounting process, this machine is equipped with a digital printing process. Such printing processes in the form of thermal transfer and inkjet printers are already used in modern franking machines. In this case, print data which represent image parts common to all print images can be stored in a memory area which is always read out, while specific image data, such as the text to be printed vertically, for example Payed ", the special accounting procedure, in this case assigned to the Pay Before principle. In the case of the Pay Now procedure, the same text is printed horizontally as normal text to be read. The common parts of the image can contain graphic elements, such as straight lines for frames or print patterns for digits and other characters.

The franking / franking machine according to the invention is designed in a particularly advantageous variant in such a way that billing of packages with different carriers is possible. Most state-owned postal companies work on the pay-before principle, for example the largest postal company in the world, the USPS. The customer-friendly pay later principle is used, for example, by the French state postal agency. Although seen internationally as the exception today, it can be foreseen that private postal companies, which are increasingly pushing the market, will also make such offers to your customers in the future. The majority of private transport companies currently operating in parcel shipping offer this to their customers Pay Now "principle. But also the optional billing by one or the other procedure by a company is offered, for example the billing of Infopost "by Deutsche Post AG, where billing is preferably made after Pay Now "principle and the settlement of ordinary letter post by franking based on a prepaid amount of money ( Pay Before ").
The postal customer of the future has the choice between different carriers and different accounting methods. In this case, the solution according to the invention is implemented in such a way that separate storage areas are provided for each billing method and each carrier. For example, with five different carriers, each offering two different accounting methods, there are ten differently addressable storage areas. Input means are provided which allow both the choice of the carrier and the selection of the accounting method. It is contemplated that microprocessor 46 is programmed to preselect a billing mode in combination with calling a query routine for carrier selection and vice versa. The pre-selection of a carrier leads to the call of a corresponding query routine according to the billing procedures offered by this carrier. Conversely, the preselection of a billing procedure leads to the calling of a query routine for the selection of the carriers who offer this preselected billing procedure. The selections made use the special print data to control the printing of a distinctive note on the package.

Claims (16)

Franking and franking machine, with a microprocessor (46), which with a display unit (43) and a keyboard (45), memory and interface components (41, 42, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54. 55 ), and digitally controls a printer module (56, 57), characterized in that input means (5.2, 10, 45, 88) of the franking machine (1, 2) are designed to enter the accounting mode and that the microprocessor (46 ) is programmed to change the accounting mode when using the aforementioned input means, when they are activated, released or triggered. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a display unit (43) has display elements (98) for displaying or selecting the accounting mode and the keyboard (45) actuating elements (88) in order to change the accounting mode if necessary. Franking and franking machine according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the microprocessor (46) is programmed to change the accounting mode and the mail carrier when the aforementioned input means are actuated or triggered, so that in one of the other accounting modes the Bookings are made for at least one other postal carrier. Franking and franking machine according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the microprocessor (46) is programmed to change the accounting mode when the aforementioned input means are actuated or triggered, so that the bookings for the same are made in one of the other accounting modes Post carrier done. Franking and franking machine according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least one first accounting module connected to the microprocessor (46) is formed, which is designed for posting. Franking and franking machine according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that first memory components (41, 42) are connected to the microprocessor (46) and form an accounting module, that when making bookings in the first memory components (41, 42) a settlement according to the current account procedure and a payment by direct debit, according to the

Pay later "principle takes place. Franking and franking machine according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that second memory components (51, 52) are connected to the microprocessor (46) and form a billing module which is designed for billing with a first mail carrier according to a method with prepayment is, a credit reload is provided for prepayment. Franking and franking machine according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that second memory components (51, 52) are provided for billing with a second mail carrier according to a second method with an associated payment method. Franking and franking machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the arrangement of different accounting modules. Franking and franking machine according to claim 9, characterized in that a billing module is a chip card (10) which, depending on its insertion into a chip card read / write unit (70), causes the microprocessor (46) to change the billing mode. Franking and franking machine according to claim 9, characterized in that an accounting module is a security module (60). Franking and franking machine according to claim 9, characterized in that an accounting module includes memory components (41, 42) or (51, 52). Franking and franking machine according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that an input means is a scanner (5.2) which is arranged upstream of the postage meter in the mail stream and that the microprocessor (46) is programmed when a letter sensor is triggered Evaluate scanner signal (5.2) and change the billing mode depending on it. Franking and franking machine according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the microprocessor (46) is programmed to carry out the preselection of a billing mode in combination with the call of a query routine for the selection of the carrier and vice versa. Franking and franking machine, which is connected to a data center for the remote transmission of accounting data and is designed to receive a special carrier tariff, characterized in that a microprocessor (46) is programmed to print information on the mail items in order to obtain them according to the conditions of the carrier to label sending mail. Franking and franking machine according to claim 14, characterized in that a code transmitted from the data center is printed on the packages.

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