CN1222707A - Postage metering system and method on network - Google Patents

Abstract

A postage metering system includes a plurality of computers operatively connected as part of a computer network and operating as client computers on the computer network. At least one postal security device (PSD) is coupled to at least one of the client computers (local client computer). The PSD includes unique identification the ability to store postal value and generate digital signatures. The client computers function as a postage metering network wherein a client computer other than the local client computer (remote client computer) requests evidence of postage payment from the PSD for concluding a postage metering transaction.

Description

Postage metering system and method by network

The present invention relates generally to use the postage metering system and the method for personal computer print postage stamp, more specifically say the postage metering system and the method that relate to print postage stamp in personal computer network.

The application relevant with following U.S. Patent application (attorney piece number E-645, E-646, E-647, E-648, E-649 and E-696), they and the application submit and transfer surrenderee of the present invention simultaneously to.

Based on information the postmark plan (Information-Based Indicit Proram; " IBIP ") be the entrusting system of a kind of distribution of United States postal service (" USPS ") proposition, adopt the existing postage charging instrument that is referred to as based on information postmark new technology to improve and to increase.This plan relies on the digital signing technology, for each envelope produces its mark that former figure can not be replicated and its content can not be modified.Except existing general dependence postage charging instrument is mechanically being printed on the mail the postmark, people expect that IBIP supports the new method of utilization postage.IBIP requires to print a bar code big, highdensity, two-dimentional (" 2-D ") on mail.This 2-D barcode encoding information and sign with digital signature.

USPS has published the draft specification of IBIP.Stipulated and define the suggestion requirement of the new mark that is applied to adopt the mail that IBIP handles on June 13rd, 1996 in postmark plan (IBIP) the mark standard based on information (INFORMATION BASEDINDICIA PROGRAM (IBIP) INDICIUM SPECIFICATION) that on July 23rd, 1997 revised.(the INFORMATION BASED INDICIAPROGRAM POSTAL SECURITY DEVICE SPECIFICATION of the postmark plan post safety unit standard based on information that stipulated June 13 in 1996 and revise July 23 in 1997, " IBIP " PSD standard) define the suggestion requirement of post safety unit (" PSD "), " PSD " provides the postal mark of new " based on information " of the mail of security service to support to be applied to adopt IBIP and handle or the generation of postmark.((INFORMATION BASEDINDICIA PROGRAM HOST SYSTEM SPECIFICATION) defines the requirement (" IBIP " main frame standard) of the host computer system unit foundation of IBIP to the postmark plan host computer system standard of stipulating on October 9th, 1996 based on information.These standards integrally are called " IBIP standard " here.IBIP comprises the buyer basis of the system unit of interface user (user), postal service and plan.The postmark plan key management plan specification of stipulating on April 25th, 1997 based on information (INFORMATION BASEDINDICIA PROGRAM KEY MANAGEMENT PLAN SPECIFICATION) defines generation, distribution, application and the replacing (" IBIP KMS standard ") by USPS product/ISP and " PSD " used key.

User base resides in user's position, comprises the PSD with host computer system (" the HOST ") coupling of being with printer." PSD " is based on the calculation element of safe processor, and its management and calculating are stored in postal value wherein.

IBIP postmark standard provides the requirement of mark, and it comprises people's readable data and PDF47 bar code data.People's readable data comprises initial address, comprises 5 ZIP sign indicating numbers ratifying the post office, PSD identification/style number, the postage number of post letter date and application.The bar code district of indexing unit comprises the postage number, the PSD identification code, and user identification code is posted letter the date, and start address, purpose are delivered some identification code, uplink and downlink greffier and digital signing.

If comprehensive mail system comprises mail header or label that the computing machine that joins with the charging instrument and preparation comprise destination address and mark, then it is under the jurisdiction of open system requirements.Even different printer applications address and mark, system ensemble is still open system.If mail system satisfies this criterion, then USPS thinks that " charging instrument " is open system peripherals equipment, and it is finished and prints postmark and be connected the dual-use function of PSD to main frame.Comprehensive mailing system must be by USPS according to the criterion authorization of open system.

IBIP main frame standard claims to the main frame in the open system.Main frame produces and comprises return address (optional), delivery address (requirement), front distinguishing mark (FIM) and the mark mail header as full unit.Main frame can be printed this unit on the mail platform of reality, or is attached to afterwards and prints this unit on the label of mail.Main frame offers the user to omit FIM (for example working as FIM is imprinted on the envelope in advance) with optional approach.Main frame produces standardized address, comprises standard postal net (POSTNET) the delivery point bar code that uses on the mail.Main frame is checked each address when mail produces.Main frame produces mark and is sent to printer then.

The IBIP standard defines the open charge system of the separate unit that is called PC charging instrument or separate unit PC charging instrument here.Separate unit PC charging instrument has a personal computer (" PC "), and it is worked as main frame (" HOST PC ").Also communicate by letter with one or more attached PSD in host PC operation charging application software and relevant procedures storehouse (integrally being called " host application " and " PC charging instrument kit " here).Separate unit PC charging instrument can only be visited the PSD that is coupled on the host PC.There is not far PSD to the visit of separate unit PC charging instrument.

Separate unit PC charging instrument is handled the affairs of distributing postage, registering and refilling according to host PC.Finish processing in this locality between the PSD of main frame and coupling with it.Realize in this locality and being connected of data center by this locality or network modem/Internet connection by main frame, for example register and refill affairs.The debt-credit of PSD adjusted also carry out in this locality, write down affairs on host PC, host PC is the PC of the processing transactions that is attached thereto of PSD.Therefore, fund accounting and issued transaction are concentrated on the single PC.Host PC can be held more than a PSD, and for example each serial port is supported a PSD.Operate in several application programs on the host PC such as word processor or envelope designer and can visit the main frame account software.

The IBIP open charge system of IBIP standard under can not the accesses network environment.But standard is not forbidden this web-based system.In general, in network environment webserver PC by network control printing far awayly by the client PC request.Certainly, any local printing of client PC control.

A kind of version of network charge system is called " over stated expense instrument " here, the host PC that it has many PSD of not having to be coupled with it.Host PC operation client's application, but all PSD functions go up realization by the server PC that is positioned at data center.Host PC must link to each other with data center, to handle such as affairs such as postage distribution, the registration of charging instrument or charging instrument refill.Affairs are by the host PC request and deliver to the data center that far handles.Affairs focus on and the result are returned host PC in data center.Fund is adjusted and issued transaction all concentrates on data center.Referring to for example United States Patent (USP) NO.5454038, it has been transferred to assignee of the present invention.Over stated takes instrument and does not meet whole current requirements of IBIP standard.Particularly, the IBIP standard does not allow the PSD function in data center's realization.

Have been found that the open charge system that meets the IBIP standard can realize to form " network PC charge system " on traditional this area or larger area network.Network PC charge system comprises a plurality of client PC, and the client PC operation is gone up and linked to each other as the part of legacy network with webserver PC.Network PC charge system disposes with a PSD who is connected to a client PC at least at least, and those client PC that are authorized to can obtain the postage value from the PSD away from the request client PC in online like this other client PC.Any client PC can have the PSD that is attached to it more than.As be authorized to, each client PC can enter the PSD (" far PSD ") of its own local PSD (if any) and interior any other client PC of net.

The client of each client PC bootup window oneself application of chargeing is with management postage with register and refill operation.For each PSD in the network PC charge system, the management postage of the client PC control and treatment PSD that PSD is attached thereto, register and refill affairs.When carrying out this operation, client PC plays the effect of charging task server, and is called as " charging instrument server PC ".In the preferred embodiment of network PC charge system, on accounting server PC, finish the record of borrowing goods accounting and affairs to PSD.Therefore, when the client was entering far PSD, issued transaction was far finished.In another embodiment, on the webserver (webserver PC) that client PC is attached thereto, finish transaction journal.

In preferred embodiment, the modulator-demodular unit or the Internet connection that enter data center are arranged in charging instrument server PC.In another embodiment, modulator-demodular unit is arranged in PSD or client PC, and Internet connection is in client PC.

Also find, network PC charge system can be configured to make each client PC dynamically understand which far PSD can be this client PC and use, and each charging instrument server PC, promptly be connected with each client PC of PSD, dynamically understand client PC which is authorized to use the PSD that is connected to accounting server PC just on line.

The present invention has realized some benefits.The relevant postal regulations of the first, the postage that requires to print on the charging mail must be obtained by the charging instrument that the local post office (claiming " input original point " or " zone " usually) that mail is posted letter is ratified.Can enter by computer network under the situation of a plurality of PSD, the user at the client PC place is not had single posting letter a little or the restriction of single PSD in zone.For example, be willing to post office that their mail is dropped into Hilton though be positioned at most of users of the network charge system of health alunite reed gram state Hilton, other users can drop into different input points with their mail, as dropping into post office, health alunite reed Ke Zhou Stamford.And the certain user can be positioned on the client PC of Stamford, but inserts the webserver that is positioned at Hilton.The present invention has been equipped with to having the different paths that drop into several PSD of point for every user of the client PC on the network.

Another benefit of the present invention is that mail produces and do not interrupt because of the PSD fund limitation.For example, when a large amount of deliveries of mail require than the postage that deposits single PSD in more for a long time, the user can enter online other PSD, to finish the delivery of mail, can not interrupt the delivery of mail for the PSD that refills insufficient funds.

The invention provides postage metering system, this system comprises that operation upward connects as a part of also operation of computer network as a plurality of computing machines of client computer on the computer network.At least one post safety unit (PSD) is connected at least one client computer (local client computer).PSD comprises unique identification code and storage postage and produces the ability of digital signing.Client computer plays the effect of postage charging network, and wherein client computer rather than local client computer (far client computer) require to be proved by the postage payment of PSD end postage charging affairs.Local client computer play charging instrument server effect and far client computer play the effect of charging instrument client on the postage charging network.Far client computer begins postage charging affairs by the request that sends the postage payment proof to local client computer in PSD.Local client computer sends the request of postage payment proof to PSD, receives from the transaction information of PSD and send pay warrant to be used for subsequently printing to client computer far away.

Above-mentioned purpose and advantage with other of the present invention become clearer by following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and identical label refers to identical part in the accompanying drawing, wherein,

Fig. 1 is the calcspar by the preferred embodiment of the network PC charge system of the PSD that is coupled to client PC having of preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 (2A and 2B) is for having the calcspar of another the routine network PC charge system that is coupled to the client PC with centralized transaction record;

Fig. 3 is the calcspar that has another routine network PC charge system of the PSD that is coupled to the webserver;

Fig. 4 is for pressing the client PC of separate unit pattern operation;

Fig. 5 is the calcspar of preferred embodiment of the network PC charge system of Fig. 1 of having client PC by charging instrument server mode; And

Fig. 6 enters the far process flow diagram of the client PC of PSD.

In describing the present invention with reference to accompanying drawing, the visible 3 routine network PC computing systems in Fig. 1～3.Fig. 1 illustrates preferred embodiment of the present invention.Network PC charge system, with 10 expressions, it comprises many (drawing 5) client PC 20 that are coupled to the webserver 30 routinely.Each PSD40 of network PC charge system 10 (drawing 2) is coupled to of client PC 20.Each client PC comprises band display, keyboard and does not add the personal computer system of the routine of secret printer 22.(optional approach, each client PC can enter the network printer 23 that is directly connected on the network.) be preferably, in network PC computing system 10, a plurality of PSD being arranged, at least one PSD40 is coupled to several client PC 20.When entering specific PSD40 for the charging affairs, the client PC 20 of having PSD40 becomes charging instrument server PC21 (to represent in the bracket) concerning the affairs of remainder.When PSD40 was entered by the client PC 20 that is coupled with PSD, client PC 20 played separate unit PC charging instrument.The example of separate unit PC computing system has been described in U.S. Patent application NO.08/575112 (nineteen ninety-five application in Dec 19).

In preferred embodiment, postal funds is adjusted and issued transaction occurs among the charging instrument server PC21.Be appreciated that this is the process for dispersing that a relevant fund is adjusted and transaction is adjusted, because each client PC 20 with PSD40 keeps the accounting information (department's accounting logger 42) and the transaction information (transaction journal 44) of the relevant affairs that only take place at its PSD40.

Fig. 2 A and 2B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention.Network PC charge system, be expressed as 10 ', comprise many (drawing 5) client PC 20 that are coupled to the webserver 30 routinely.Network PC charge system 10 ' each PSD40 (drawing 2) be coupled on the client PC 20.Each client PC comprises conventional personal computer system, has display, keyboard and does not add secret printer 22 (and/or optional network printer 23).As in the preferred embodiment, network PC charge system 10 ' in a plurality of PSD are arranged, at least one PSD40 is coupled to several client PC 20.When entering among the specific PSD for the charging affairs, the client PC 20 of having PSD40 becomes charging instrument server 21 (Fig. 5) concerning the affairs of remainder.In this embodiment, when affairs are finished, postage takes place in charging instrument server PC21 adjust.Yet at the webserver 30 issued transaction takes place.Be appreciated that this is the process for dispersing that a kind of relevant fund is adjusted, because each client PC 20 with PSD40 keeps the accounting information (adjusting logger 42) of the affairs that the relevant PSD that has only it takes place.But the centralized way that this embodiment provides relevant affairs to adjust is because the transaction information (transaction journal 44) of the affairs that the relevant PSD in office of a maintenance in the charging instrument server 21 (Fig. 2 A) or the webserver 30 (Fig. 2 B) takes place.

Fig. 3 illustrates the 3rd embodiment of network PC charge system, with 10, and " expression, wherein at least one PSD40 is coupled to the webserver 30 and many client PC 20 are connected to the webserver 30 routinely.Each client PC comprises conventional personal computer system, has display, keyboard and does not add secret printer 22 (and/or optional network printer 23).All that take place in PSD40 and transaction journal 44 are adjusted and are deposited in the webserver 30.The example of this embodiment is described in U.S. Patent application NO08/575109 (application on Dec 19 nineteen ninety-five).This embodiment comprises the webserver 30, and it is used as the general networks such as the local zone webserver, and as having the charging instrument server PC21 that PSD40 is coupled with it.Send the printing of the living postmark of Intra-request Concurrency of postmark in client PC 20.But fund is adjusted with issued transaction and is taken place at the webserver 30.Be appreciated that client PC 20 can be connected to the webserver 30 by modulator-demodular unit.Will be further understood that also the webserver 20 can be positioned at data center.Will be appreciated that this is the centralized way that relevant fund is adjusted and affairs are adjusted, keep relevant only in network PC charge system 10 because be coupled to the PSD of the webserver 30 " in the department's accounting (accounting logger 42) and the transaction information (transaction journal 44) of generation affairs.

Referring to Fig. 1 and 2, network PC charge system 10 and 10 ' usefulness is coupled to an above PSD40 configuration of an above client PC 20 again.In this configuration, when handling the charging affairs partly on the PSD40 in its coupling, client PC 20 becomes separate unit PC charging instrument.When operating as separate unit PC charging instrument, this client PC 20 is carried out the charging affairs that fronts were described, and plays the effect of request client PC and charging instrument server PC.As separate unit PC charging instrument, client PC 20 can only enter the PSD40 with its coupling.When the local PSD of client PC handles the charging affairs, far do not skip.

Referring to Fig. 4, with separate unit PC charging instrument pattern client PC 20 is shown, with 100 expressions.Separate unit PC charging instrument 100 comprises host PC 102, PSD104 and printer 106.Separate unit PC charging instrument 100 is handled the postage distribution function that PSD registration function: PSD refills function and concludes the business as PSD104.Processing is finished in this locality by the account software part 110 (being called " PC charging instrument kit ") of operation in the host PC 102.In preferred embodiment, PC charging instrument kit is component object module (COM/DCOM) target (typically carrying out as dynamic chain routine library (DLL) or OLE control) that has component object module/distribution of carrying out the billing operation interface.A this interface keeps the local and far tabulation of PSD on the network.This interface remains on all the existing tabulations (" taximeter ") known and attached PSD of the illustrative moment.Also have main frame and client to use the update method that can be used to upgrade this table.Among the U.S. Patent application NO.08/575112 (application on Dec 19 nineteen ninety-five) that an example of PC charge system that adopts the band interface to finish the DLL of billing operation is mentioned before description is arranged.

This kit is carried out and is made charging instrument server for local or far do not have a variation of any client PC interface aspect.PC charging instrument kit and charging instrument server can be at same computing machines with in the computing machine of this area network or Internet connection.Procotol consults to be handled by for example Windows.To the additional information of COM/DCOM referring to Microsoft Windows TN _The Technical White Paper for of server comprises: the DCOM structure; The DCOM technology review; And DCOM distribution component object module, professional comment; Be incorporated into this as a whole for your guidance.

PC charging instrument kit 110 comprises following part: transaction processor, skip interface, and the transaction journal processor.Connection (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) to data center 5 can realize via modulator-demodular unit 130 partly from separate unit PC charging instrument 100.Debt-credit accounting to PSD is also carried out partly, writes down affairs on the hard disk of separate unit PC charging instrument 100.In this mode, issued transaction and fund are adjusted and are concentrated on the client PC of operation as separate unit PC charging instrument 100.

Each PC of separate unit PC charging instrument 100 can hold the PSD more than 1, and for example each serial port support is once skipped.Several main frames or client applications 140 can enter PC charging instrument kit 110 simultaneously such as word processor or envelope deviser.

PC charging instrument kit 110 provides the standard billing function, such as distribute postage, PSD refills and the PSD registration.PC charging instrument kit 110 resides in charging instrument server that all can print postage and far in the client PC.The user of separate unit PC charging instrument 100 can enter and use the local of PC charging instrument kit 110 or PSD far away.PC charging instrument kit 110 provides an available PSD tabulation, and the user selects the PSD of required particular transaction in view of the above.

The COM/DCOM network concept provides mechanism to obtain to enter into the right of PC charging instrument server PC charging instrument kit part to client PC far away.Randomly each client PC is endowed the right that enters PC charging instrument server, because the PSD PIN (password) of available PC charging instrument server enters postage function among PC charging instrument server and its PSD with approval.By acquiescence, all PSD are regarded as all client PC and can far enter, unless differently disposed by the user.On the other hand, available PSD table can be according to user or the customization of system filter device.For example, only distribute match skip (vault) of mail return address of its original postal region number.In preferred embodiment, be infirm at the period P SD that enters, because being confirmed to be of PIN carried out by PC charging instrument server for approval.PC charging instrument server obtains PSD PIN from PSD, confirms to carry out.In another embodiment, PIN confirms to take place in PSD.Because PIN is deposited among the PSD, so this is a kind of safe handling.

During mail produced, no matter PC charging instrument is operated in separate unit pattern or network schemer, the user carried out following function.Optional CD-ROM addressing of user or dialing addressing (in data center 5) are to obtain correct addressee information.The optional classification of service of user (speed kind) to mail.The user can select from the speed kind table by the post office approval.The user can watch mark on display monitor central monitoring system, design mail simultaneously and print the preview mail with marking image.PC charging instrument kit 110 is provided at the method for drawing marking image and 2D bar code before the printing.Mark can be made mark so that visible or invisible when showing.Referring to U.S. Patent application NO.08/922875, be entitled as " method that the postage indicia swindle that prevents to show on the personal computer is printed " (application on September 3rd, 1997) this application and transferred assignee of the present invention.The user can change postage volume, classification of service and post letter the date.These changes are reflected in the marking image.

PC charging instrument kit 110 provides the postal funds security, because can not stamped mark to PSD clearing defrayment user.In addition, except by the PC charging instrument kit affairs, otherwise can not directly enter marking image.PC charging instrument kit adopts automatic processing to pay and to enable the stamped mark image PSD and connects together.Automatic processing guarantees to finish before stamped mark PSD is paid.

Transaction journal storage allocation and the fund affairs that refill PSD.To network PC charge system 10, each client PC is the storage of PSD basically routine matter log file.The user can drive and direct-path log file anthology ground.To network PC charge system 10 ', each client PC is passed on the webserver 30 of transaction information to storage routine matter log file to its local PSD.In case finish the mail transaction clearing, client's application request affairs will be delivered to PC print manager ready-to-print mark corresponding to the mail of affairs.

Network PC charge system (10 or 10 ') has many client PC with or without PSD.Each client PC can enter in himself local PSD and the network far PSD.Each client PC can be moved its client and use to distribute postage and to begin registration and refill.

As previously mentioned, network PC charge system (10 or 10 ') is handled on the client PC 20 at specific PSD40 place and is distributed postage, PSD registration, and PSD refills affairs.If the user is just entering far PSD, this requires issued transaction far to be finished.The modulator-demodular unit that enters data center 5 preferably is positioned at and has on each client PC 20 that PSD40 is coupled with it.But individual modem can be positioned on the webserver 30, replaces at the several modulator-demodular units that have on each client PC 20 that PSD40 is coupled with it.In this mode, refill by the webserver 30 processing PSD registrations and PSD.

The software section of network PC charge system (10 or 10 ') comprises software section and 2 extentions of separate unit PC charging instrument, is listed below.

Now referring to Fig. 5, when another client PC 20 on the network began entering of PSD41 by PC charging instrument kit 110 far awayly, client PC 20 entered charging instrument server PC21 pattern.Charging instrument server PC21 handles the PSD registration, PSD refills and the affairs of the function of postage distribution as PSD41.Finish processing at charging instrument server PC21 place and the PC charging instrument kit 110 that resides in client PC 20 at client PC 20 places by the aforesaid PC charging instrument kit 110 that resides in charging instrument server 21.

Use the DCOM implementation, the PC charging instrument kit 110 that resides in client PC 20 and charging instrument server 21 mutually interacts to make and far asks client PC 20 and charging instrument server PC21 teamwork to ignore PSD/ kit position as PC charging instrument.The PC charging instrument kit 110 that resides in charging instrument server 21 is handled the information of being to and between the request client PC 20, and handling the standard billing function with mode identical in the separate unit pattern, such as PSD41 is distributed postage, PSD refills and PSD registers.

Referring now to Fig. 6,, in step 200, client PC 20 is sent for the postage of mail by its PC charging instrument kit 110 and is asked far PSD41.In step 205, charging instrument server 21 determines whether client PC 20 is authorized to file a request.As unauthorized, then 210, charging instrument server 21 is answered client PC 20, is not authorized to enter PSD41.If authorize, then in step 215, charging instrument server 21 is handled this request, refers to from the information of client PC 20 far away by its PC charging instrument kit 110 usefulness reception and asks PSD41.In step 220, PSD41 distributes the postage that comprises digital signing of being asked according to request.In step 225, PSD41 sends digital signing and transaction information arrives charging instrument server 21.In step 230, charging instrument server 21 writes down transaction information in the transaction journal by its PC charging instrument kit 110 on its hard-drive.In step 235, charging instrument server 21 send digital signing and at least some transaction information to client PC 20 far away.In step 240, client PC 20 receives digital signing and transaction information, and step 245, and client PC 20 produces the mark bitmap and print the mark that comprises digital signing on mail.[networking operation]

The form of Microsoft ' 95 ^TMWith form NT ^TMOperating system provides by DCOM and the instrument of other mechanism with execution network service.By using DCOM, can communicate by letter with each destination via the mechanism that is called tie point, to carry out direct communication, multicasting (an above client receives information) or broadcasting (all clients receive information).This can carry out between the processing on the same of on the network or internet or many computing machines.Mailslot is another form mechanism, and it has identical communication function.PC charging instrument kit 110 uses the position of PSD on these function switching networks and the information of layout.

When client PC enters network, operate in the tie point that PC charging instrument kit 110 registrations on the client PC need; A tie point is that all PC charging instrument kits are public on the network, and a tie point is that client PC itself is special-purpose.Public tie point is used for receiving and dispatching multicasting information with all clients.Special-purpose tie point only is used for communicating by letter with a particular customer PC charging instrument kit, proves as request or answer postage payment.

Under original state, the PC charging instrument kit 110 of client PC uses public tie point that every other PC kit is sent information, and answering has available PSD.Operate in PC charging instrument kit on the PC charging instrument server 21 then and answer position and the information of identification code of the special-purpose tie point of client PC about any attached PSD.Referring to Fig. 2 A, in conjunction with the table that can utilize PSD and offer the application that requires the postage billing function.Referring to Fig. 2 B, with the appended PSD in this locality in conjunction with utilizing the table of PSD and complete table being offered the application that requires the postage billing function.In this case, PC charging instrument kit 110 is also delivered to information public PC charging instrument kit tie point, and it is used to represent that another available PSD can be other charging instrument kits.

When far client PC 20 was selected PSD40 for use, the information of collecting when PC charging instrument kit 110 utilizes initialization was understood specific PSD and is positioned at communication with it where and how.

In operation, PC charging instrument kit 110 is also handled the information of relevant online PC charging instrument kit 110 states.If new PC charging instrument kit is activated on other client PC 20, then local PC charging instrument kit is answered the information of relevant any attached PSD40.Enter online information if receive new PC charging instrument client 20 PSD40 with it of expression, then PC charging instrument kit upgrades the table of its utilized PSD.Similarly, if client PC 20 is closed, then all client PC are sent any local PSD of information representation and can not use again.The information between all PC charging instrument kits 110 of should pointing out can be encrypted to increase safety.

The effect that multicasting was set up and closed to client PC is which PSD40 all client PC 20 can dynamically correctly understand and can utilize.Owing to may not have suitable notice situation computing machine off line, the client also has the ability to ask the table of the available PSD40 that upgrades clearly.DCOM also provides with the mechanism of continuous sounding for this reason and catches the computing machine of notifying client/server inadequately.[focusing on and dispersion treatment on the network]

The PC charge system must and refill all mails accounting funds.This requirement is saved transaction journal in the transaction log file of sequence.Postage distributes and refills and remain in the same sequential file, charging instrument inconsistency (as moving the mistake that is caused on the network between the client PC by the charging instrument) can be made reach consistent.Below each section summary influence that transaction journal in the network charge system adopt to concentrate is adjusted and disperseed to adjust.

In the network billing configuration, if adjusting, fund gathers by the user, then affairs should be recorded in place, user place.The user is between multiple pc when mobile when just thinking that the user has more than the PC that can start affairs, the log file of seeking unification.This method adopts disperses to adjust, write down affairs on user PC.

Adjust if gather fund by the charging instrument, then should to be recorded in the charging instrument be place, PSD place to affairs.Just think PSD be attached to any PC go up (PSD between multiple pc when mobile, the log file of seeking unification.This method adopts disperses to adjust, write down affairs on the PC of PSD.

Adjust if gather fund by department's (being that department has the several users that can enter several PSD), and in the user location or the PSD location carry out transaction journal, then must unified affairs.

A kind of method of unifying log file from each PC that substitutes is to concentrate at same PC or concentrated server to adjust and write down all affairs.Affairs must be delivered to webserver PC to each mail, cause overweight network traffic.If the server closing of concentrating or can not use postage can not take place so distributes or refill, make whole network lose the charging ability.The centralized servers of network PC charge system is not preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Network PC charge system 10 and 10 ' be the representative of charging affairs dispersion treatment.Network PC charge system 10 comprises by the local matter of request client PC 20 request to be handled and is adjusting and record of locating of PSD40 and transaction log file 44 places at charging instrument server PC21 place far awayly.The local matter of network PC charge system 10 ' comprise request client PC 20 requests handles, to be that PSD40 is on-site at charging instrument server PC21 place far adjust and be transaction log file 44 on-site far records at the webserver 30 places.Therefore in dispersion treatment, issued transaction is separated from adjust function.The step of affairs is separated in heterogeneous networks PC.

Its advantage of configuration network billing of dispersion treatment such as network PC charge system 10 and 10 ' have.If the webserver 30 is closed, when having client PC that PSD is coupled with it and work with the separate unit pattern, the charging affairs still can be carried out.And, even can not carry out the network billing affairs when the client PC 20 of being with PSD enters network yet.For example, the client PC that does not enter network can the separate unit pattern be operated, and the client PC that enters network can enter and has other client PC that PSD is coupled with it.

Want to enter online ground far away PSD when client PC, can be the user and show that the optional priority table of available PSD is selective.The priority ordering of available PSD can be adopted following heuristic:

1. shared same ZIP is as the PSD of mail originating address

2. local PSD (with the same place of client PC)

3. shared same initial ZIP is as the ground far away PSD of local PSD

4. have the PSD of identical 3 ZIP as item 1～3

5. remaining PSD

Windows according to client computer has illustrated preferred embodiment of the present invention.Will be appreciated that the present invention is suitable for using any computer operating system.Though also will understand the embodiments of the invention explanation as postage metering system, the present invention comprises that applicable to any fund charge system the affairs proof is as financial affairs, goods and materials affairs and information transaction.

Though disclose with having illustrated with reference to embodiment and the present invention obviously can do aforesaid variation and modification.Therefore being encompassed in the spirit and scope of the invention each with following claim changes and revises.

Win95 and form NT are the trade marks of Microsoft.

Claims (14)

1. affairs proof system is characterized in that comprising:

Connect in the operation as a computer network part and operation a plurality of computing machines as client computer on the computer network;

Be connected at least one safety feature of at least one client computer (local client computer), described safety feature comprises unique identification code, money value memory storage and digital signing device;

In described client computer, be used to play the device of affairs proof role of network, wherein client computer rather than local client computer (far client computer) request and obtain in distant from safety feature that the affairs of client computer end transaction prove.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that local client computer plays the task server effect and far client computer play the effect of affairs client on the affairs proof network.

3. system as claimed in claim 2, it is characterized in that, far client computer is adjusted to the affairs that local client computer begins in the safety feature by the request of sending the affairs proof, described local client computer is sent the request of affairs proof to safety feature, and wherein said local client computer reception proves unique transaction information to the affairs of being asked, described transaction information comprises digital signing, and wherein said local client computer is to send this digital signing to arrive far client computer at least.

4. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that affairs proofs delivers to client computer far away from native client and be used for subsequently printing.

5. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that local client computer printing affairs prove.

6. system as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that local client computer comprises the device of the transaction information of the affairs proof that keeps relevant safety feature processing.

7. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that far client computer is received on the printer, and described far client computer makes described printer prints affairs prove that described proof comprises digital signing.

8. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that whether local client computer definite far client computer before safety feature is sent request is authorized to prove from the safety feature request transaction.

9. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that whether safety feature definite far client computer before carrying out the affairs proof is authorized to prove from the safety feature request transaction.

10. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that safety feature produces digital signing and carries out the affairs accounting, the transaction information that described local client computer storage receives from safety feature.

11. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that safety feature produces digital signing and carries out the affairs accounting, described local client computer is sent from safety feature and is received by the webserver of transaction information to computer network.

12. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that the affairs proof system is a postage metering system.

13. a use is connected to the method for printer print postage on mail of personal computer (computing machine), it is characterized in that described method comprises step:

Connect the part of a plurality of computing machines as computer network;

Provide post safety unit (PSD) to be connected in described at least a plurality of computing machines one, other computing machines are away from PSD in wherein a plurality of computing machines, and described PSD is based on the accounting device of safe processor, its management and adjust the money value that exists wherein;

Send the postal service money value that request deposits PSD in from computing machine far away and count to local computer, this request comprises postinfo, comprises the data representation of the postage number of being printed on mail by computing machine far away;

Digital signing and the accounting number of asking by produce the expression number of asking in PSD distribute the postage number of being asked;

Send digital signing and transaction information to local computer from PSD;

From local computer send digital signing and at least some transaction information to computing machine far away; And

Print the mark that comprises this digital signing at mail.

14. method as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that further comprising step:

Confirm that at the local computer place far computing machine is authorized to enter the postal service money value that deposits PSD in.

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