Abstract: In a method and arrangement for protecting a device against operation with unauthorized consumables a code number range for a device is allocated to a customer number in the memory of a data bank remote from the device. The consumable is aggregated with a generated code number which has a predetermined relationship to a reference code number from a group of reference code numbers that are stored in the device and lie in the aforementioned reference code number range. The allocation is stored in the data bank as a dataset with a customer number, a code number and an identification number of the consumable. In a device remote from the data center, a recognition of the need to change the consumable is recognized, whereupon a message is displayed for entering the code number, the validity and authenticity of the consumable in the device is checked on the basis of the entered code number and the reference code number range. The currently stored reference code number is then made unavailable for further use.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for modifying the functionality of a security module employ a start loading program stored in a FLASH program memory for reprogramming the FLASH program memory by copying a portion of the start loading program into a main memory of the security module. Data of at least a part of an application program, an appertaining certificate code and identifier data are offered in the communication interface of the security module. The data of the part of the application program are stored on a free memory location of the FLASH program memory when the identifier data characterize a successor status for the stored status. The authenticity of the loaded part of the application program is checked with the certificate code, and given authenticity of the loaded part of the application program, it is stored as valid.

Abstract: A method of opening a security housing that requires authorization and unlocking moves the printing module transversely by a transverse mover into an additional unlocked position, as a result of which, the security housing or an access thereto is unlocked. The configuration has a mechanical locking or element and a printing module. The printing module is mounted such that it can be moved transversely to the transporting direction, for mechanically releasing the lock of a security-housing part directly or indirectly, by the security-housing part only being released once an additional security-housing part has been unlocked. The latter has a locking element that is disposed in the interior of the security housing and can be actuated by the printing module.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for protecting a device against operation with unallowed consumables whose authenticity is checked in a remote data center, at least one code word is generated, an allocation to a specific consumable is stored in the form of a dataset with a reference code word, the consumable is aggregated with the generated code word, which has a predetermined relationship to the reference code word or to a group of reference code words that are stored in the data center. An operation for the replacement of a consumable in a device remote from the data center is detected and a communication connection is set up between the device and the remote data center and the code word aggregated with the consumable is communicated to the data center. The communicated code word is received in the data center and the authenticity of the consumable on the basis of a stored reference code word is checked at the data center, which transmits a message to the device after checking the code.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for reducing printer errors while printing on a print medium in a mail processing device a print data controller for pixel data editing while printing with a printhead contains logic for error reduction having a resettable encoder clock counter. Encoder pulses corresponding to the relative motion between the printer and the print medium are generated. Using these pulses, incremental and decremental counting occurs for evaluating a condition with diminished time spacing of neighboring encoder pulses. A direct memory access (DMA) for a data string of binary pixel data ensues for implementing a print cycle for the data string, and a further direct memory access ensues during the print cycle for a next data string.

Abstract: In a security module and a method for protecting a security module, wherein security-relevant data are stored in a memory in the module, proper insertion of the security module on a device motherboard is monitored with a first function unit and a second function in the security module. The first function unit signals the status of the security module. The second function unit detects improper use or improper replacement of the security module, and upon detection of improper use or improper replacement, the second function unit causes the security-relevant data to be erased.

Abstract: A method for protecting a security module includes the steps of monitoring proper insertion of the module on a device motherboard with first, second and third function units, erasing sensitive data due to an improper use or a replacement of the module with the second function unit, inhibiting the functionality of the module with the third function unit during a replacement of the security module, re-initializing the previously erased, sensitive data following proper use or replacement of the security module, and re-commissioning by enabling the function units of the security module. An arrangement implementation of the method has an unplugged status detection unit that has a circuit for resettable self-holding of a status indicator, the self-holding being triggered when the voltage level on a test voltage line deviates from a predetermined potential. A processor connected to the other function units and is programmed to identify and modify the status of the security module.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale, the conveying speed of a conveyor belt for items of mail in the dynamic operating mode is independent of the format of the pieces of mail. During dynamic weighing, a controller of the scale deactivates the normal speed regulation for a DC motor and an unregulated pulsed voltage is applied to the DC motor. By an interaction of the motor with a tensioning device for a defined setting of the conveyor belt tension and due to a vibration-damped structure of the conveying arrangement of the scale, the conveying speed changes dependent on the weight of the piece of mail in a measuring time range.

Abstract: A dynamic scale has a conveyor, a weighing pan, a weighing cell, sensors and an electronic control unit that, in addition to controlling the conveyor means (4), implements an evaluation of a number measured weight values that are obtained from the weighing cell and performs a measured value correction on the basis of specific parameters, and supplies a corrected weight value to a postage meter machine via an interface. A method for a control of the conveyor, evaluation of the measured values from the weighing cell, and formulation of a valid output weight value includes an overload check that is made by comparing a measured weight value lying in the middle of the number of measured values to at least one overload limit value, and formation of a decision parameter from the measured values, in a validity check, for comparison to at least one shutoff criterion. If the validity check determines that the measured values from the weighing cell are valid, they are used to form the output weight value.

Abstract: A configuration for identifying a switch position of a power switch for microprocessor-controlled appliances is provided. A switch connected in parallel with the power switch is to produce a switch-off delay which has no adverse effect on the interrogation of the switch position. The power switch contains two series-connected switches which can be opened or closed only jointly, with one contact of one switch being connected to one of the two live or neutral conductors, and its other contact being connected to a first input of a sensor which, when voltage is applied and the power switch is switched on, passes a measurement current to the second input of the sensor, which is connected to another one of the two live or neutral conductors. On the output side, the sensor transmits an output signal, corresponding to the switch position of the power switch to a microprocessor for the appliance.

Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for increasing the throughput of mail when franking with a security imprint, the editing of the print image data is undertaken by a postage meter machine processor, and the calculation of the security code is undertaken by a separate security module while the print image data are being edited. A high system clock performance is achieved by interleaving of the two calculation tasks.

Abstract: In a method and a distribution system for the secure distribution of security modules, particularly for postage meter machines, for protecting against manipulation of security modules, only devices with security modules whose keys have not been comprised can be placed in operation by the customer under all circumstances, i.e. even when the cryptographic initialization at the production location has been comprehensively undermined. The generation and checking of markings, potentially in combination with certificates proceeds with a first marking of the shipping packaging of the security module ensuing at the manufacturing location after a first cryptographic initialization. The first marking is preferably a public key printed on a first label.

Abstract: In an arrangement and method for offering a message when loading service data for a terminal device, a connector unit in a service center is connected to a server and is equipped with a number of modems that produce a connection to a communication system to which a number of clients are also connected. The server is operated in order to access a data bank, wherein the properties of the different clients are stored as to the information playback capabilities of the respective clients. The server selects an advertising message that is transmitted to the terminal device of one of the clients dependent on that client's playback capabilities. At least one data file of one of a number of advertising sources is through-connected by the connector unit to the terminal device.

Abstract: A secure housing for an electronic unit, in particular a franking machine, has a first housing part and a second housing part releasably connected to the first housing part via at least one connecting device. In order to prevent the housing from being opened without leaving trace of the opening, there is provided at least one covering device on and/or in the first or second housing part. The covering device blocks the access to the connecting device and can only be removed from the first or second housing part with noticeable damage being caused.

Abstract: In an arrangement and method for storing data about usage of a terminal device, a statistical memory is provided for the usage data, which are stored in statistical classes. A processor is connected to the statistical memory and a program memory and is programmed for automatic class formation, and for statistical storage of the usage data and appertaining storage of the count of a counter which is incremented upon each entry or occurrence of an item of the class.