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: An ink printer head of individual ink printer modules operating according to the edge-shooter principle equipped with piezoelectric actuators is provided for use in printers for postage meter machines and correspondingly has a large number of nozzles arranged in columns. An assembly has n ink printer modules arranged in registry side-by-side with ink chambers open toward a front side of the assembly with an adapter plate matched to the front face and having openings in registry with ink chambers is disposed adjacent the front face. A nozzle plate adapted to the adapter plate is disposed in front of the adapter plate. The nozzle plate is supported by the adapter plate and a spatial matching between the larger ink chambers and the smaller nozzles is achieved. Moreover, the two ink chamber columns of a module are united to form one nozzle column. A reduction in the manufacturing outlay while preserving the requiring printing precision is achieved.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulatons can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

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: A postage meter module has a printing unit, a control unit connected to the printing unit, input/output devices connected to the control unit, and memory devices connected to the control unit. A configuration for an internal cost center printout includes a pixel memory having a field and at least one memory area for accounting data into which data are loaded and converted and/or from which data are read out and converted. The conversion is a blockwise orthogonal rotation of the pixel memory field. A device for orthogonal rotation of the pixel memory field permits a block of a print image with accounting data having been electronically rotated by 90.degree. or by 270.degree. in a direction of printing to be temporarily stored in or read out from the at least one memory area of the pixel memory. A print control unit reads out print image data corresponding to the accounting data by blocks from the pixel memory.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data canter. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

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.