Abstract: A user interface for a postage meter machine has a number of menu images which are available for display on a single display unit, the menu images containing internally generated and externally entered information, the menu images containing fields in which the information is contained and displayed, these fields being spatially allocated to input elements of the input unit. The setting of the fields in the menu images is variable, i.e., the limits or boundaries of the individual fields can be varied from menu image to menu image, so that the field size can be flexibly matched to the information to be displayed.

Abstract: A method for securing data and program code of an electronic postage meter machine against manipulation, having a microprocessor in a control unit of the postage meter machine for implementing steps for a start and initialization routine and following system routine with a possibility of entering into a communication mode with a remote data central, as well as further input steps in order to enter into a franking mode from which a branch is made back into the system routine after the implementation of an accounting and printing routine, includes conducting a start security check within the framework of a start and initialization routine which runs before a secure printing data call routine and the following system routine for determining the validity of a program code and/or of data in the predetermined memory location and of an appertaining MAC (message authentification code) that is present in the same storage medium.

Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for entering data into a scale via a serial interface from the postage meter machine in order to load updating data into the scale via a connecting cable, a reception unit (modem) or a chip card read/write unit of the postage meter machine can be accessed in order to call data from external memory means. Automatic checking of the most recent status of data contents stored in the scale is undertaken on the basis of check data in the postage meter machine using previously stored information about the modification to be made in the future and about the associated validity effective date. Updating in then undertaken, whereby updating data are transmitted via the postage meter machine to the scale after the activation thereof or after a modification takes effect, the data being communicated from an external memory or a chip card or via a communication network from a remote data center.

Abstract: In a method for improving the security of postage meter machines, the intent to conduct an authorized opening of the machine, such as for inspection or maintenance purposes, is first reported to a central data station, after the postage meter machine to be opened has established communication between the machine and the central data station. The postage meter machine has a code word stored therein, the presence of this code word being necessary for authorized operation of the machine. Following the request to open, the central data station transmits a new code word to the postage meter machine, which is also stored therein. Upon any opening of the postage meter machine, the current code word is automatically erased. If the opening is authorized, and thus a new code word is stored in the machine, this new code word is automatically substituted for the erased code word, so that operation of the machine can proceed in a normal fashion.

Abstract: A method for data entry into a postage meter machine before the initiation of a selected printer function, an arrangement for franking postal matter and for producing a franking image respectively allocated to a cost center include automatic modification of the most recent status of stored data contents in a postage meter machine for the setting thereof within a time window following the switch-on on the basis of a first data carrier and/or automatic entry of an accounting number for the cost center of the user and/or of a printer function or the number of a printer function into a memory area of a memory of the postage meter machine on the basis of a further data carrier. The data carriers may be chip cards.

Abstract: A method for data entry into a postage meter machine before the initiation of a selected printer function, an arrangement for franking postal matter and for producing a franking image respectively allocated to a cost allocation account include automatic modification of the most recent status of stored data contents in a postage meter machine for the setting thereof within a time window following the switch-on on the basis of a first data carrier and/or automatic entry of an accounting number for the cost allocation account of the user and/or of a printer function or the number of a printer function into a memory area of a memory of the postage meter machine on the basis of a further data carrier. The data carriers may be chip cards.