EP0779601B1 - Method of paying for the resetting of an electronic franking machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for paying the subsequent accreditation an electronic franking machine according to the in the preamble of Claim 1 specified type. This method improves the payment post-accreditation for users of franking machines by inclusion a credit card company.

A franking machine usually creates an imprint in one with the Post-agreed form right-aligned, parallel to the top edge of the Postal items beginning with the content of the postage in the postmark, date in the Daily stamps and stamp impressions for advertising cliché and, if applicable Type of shipment in the election stamp. The post value, the date and the The type of shipment is the one to be entered according to the item of mail variable information.

The postage value is usually the one prepaid by the sender Transportation fee (franking), which is a refillable credit register removed and used to clear the mail item.

For the aforementioned replenishment, a post inspector Read the postal register values for billing and then the value specification performs. In contrast, the current account procedure is a Register depending on those made with the post value Frankings only counted up and at regular intervals from read by a postal inspector.

Basically, every franking made and every one Manipulation, which leads to franking that has not been invoiced, must be prevented. Likewise, the security against manipulation in the event be guaranteed that from a remote data center Remote value specification is carried out to reload the franking machine.

Reloading or crediting a franking machine was carried out in accordance with US 3 255 439 already with an automatic signal transmission from the franking machine connected to the data center, whenever there is one predetermined amount of funds that have been franked or number of pieces processed mail pieces or a predetermined period of time has been. Alternatively, one of the funds total, number of items or period of time corresponding signal are transmitted. Communication takes place here using binary signals over each other over a telephone line connected converter. The machine receives an equally secured one Reload according to the credit balance and blocked in the case when no credit is replenished.

It is known from US 4,811,234 that the transactions are encrypted and the register data of the franking machine to be queried and transmitted to the data center via MODEM. The Encryption offers the necessary security against manipulation the register status, such as the saved one right of disposal (descending register). there the franking machine identifies itself with a at the data center Identity number and transmits its encrypted register content if a preset threshold value has been reached. Once connected to Data center is established, that which is held internally in the data center Account of the franking machine user regarding the validity of the Account and the availability of the to reload the Franking machine checked desired credit. With one sufficient available credit will be reloaded using the aforementioned Transaction completed. Otherwise, the customer support service warned if the credit is not available. It is intended to be one temporal reference of the reduction of the stored in the register display the remaining amount in the data center. If necessary, the data center modified by appropriate Authorization signals the desired franking amount, up to which franked may be. It is also anticipated that transactions outside of Peak load times, preferably at night, when the aforementioned pre-settable threshold value in the course of the previous one Period was reached. However, they are cases of use conceivable where the amount of mail to be franked fluctuates (seasonal operation) and cannot be estimated in advance. Too much credit from Bank account debited once and into the franking machine as credit transferred, no interest would accrue, so the user is more likely to interested in smaller balances. In these cases it would be disadvantageous Block the franking machine unnecessarily often if the desired one Credit is not available or the user would be too small due to it Reload amounts unnecessarily often with the data center, even during peak periods have to communicate. While it has been suggested alternatively, to maintain a user account for a bank balance, which can therefore earn interest. Corresponding to that of the Postage meter machine for data transmitted to the data center is carried out by the Data center an inquiry with the bank. From the bank to In addition to account and credit data, the data center also transfers funds to to top up the account managed in the data center with a credit, i.e. to make the means available for reloading the Postage meter are required. The disadvantage of this alternative Procedure, however, is that the customer sets the next remote value continue to plan ahead and accordingly money on a special User account at the bank ready for postage meter reloading must ask what not only separate account management costs but also Processing times and costs for transferring funds to the Data center managed account caused. In addition, an effort would have to be made be operated so that this transfer of funds to the data center before Manipulation is carried out safely.

When paying with payment cards, identification cards are used worldwide such as credit cards (pay later) and such as Debit cards (pay now) or prepaid cards (pre-paid) used. But it is such a procedure is available for standard franking machines to make, which is not yet with a corresponding card read / write unit are equipped. So an expensive one would have to Conversion action can be carried out, which is in itself not necessary if the previous payment system will be retained.

A service delivery system known from DE 36 28 253 A1 has a prepaid card reader / writer, which is part of a electronic storage and control device. anonymous Prepaid cards are for the payment of small amounts of money (Phone card) suitable, but are not yet used by the banks for the Payment of larger amounts allowed before not being required Counterfeit security can be demonstrated.

When paying by credit card, e.g. American Express, will one Credit card identification and direct debit (pay later) preferred by including a commissioned credit card institute. Such payment systems have already been used for mail processing machines proposed (US 5,025,386, US 5,309,363) and need an additional magnetic card or IC card read / write unit. This high expenditure is justified only in the case of publicly accessible Machines.

It was the task of solving the disadvantages of the prior art overcome and the technical requirements for another Payment option for the reloading of credit from To create franking machines without the hardware effort to increase the franking machine side.

Another task is to arrange means in the data center, a franking machine specific credit card procedure also for Standard franking machines.

The object is achieved with the features of claim 1 for a method Payment for the subsequent accreditation of an electronic franking machine solved.

The franking machine is in a corresponding for the purpose of reloading Switchable mode. The franking machine communicates with one Data center, with data being entered into the franking machine and wherein the postage meter is either in a communication mode or a credit request mode is switchable.

The connection is established from the franking machine to the data center and then the data center runs a plausibility check of the entered Postage meter data and postage meter register values carried out. The lending process is done through the data center started if the credit card number is entered in the franking machine has been. The data center establishes a connection to the credit card institute, to check the credit card status of the customer from the credit card institute and then with authorization from the credit card institute Approval message is sent to the data center. Subsequently the data center carries out the reloading process in the franking machine a credit amount due. The credit card institute authorizes also a money transfer from the customer bank directly to the bank of the Post carrier or the postal authority or indirectly via a intermediate bank, which via electronic communication link to the data center. If the data line to Credit card institute is occupied by the data center Connection re-established, with a limited number of attempts is allowed to make the connection. After an unsuccessful Repetition can be canceled. The franking machine is then alternatively via the data center with a prepaid credit reloadable if the aforementioned intermediate bank, which via electronic communication link to the data center, one corresponding customer account information about the prepaid Delivers credit to the data center.

To carry out the method, an arrangement for operating a Data center a database with register entries for provision and provision of special services according to one Customer order.

The data center provides storage space for sub-registers in the database Available, the two special accounts of the franking machine user assigned. It is envisaged that a credit from a first Bank (customer bank) or from the franking machine user directly into one associated first bank account with a communicative with the data center coupled specially commissioned second bank or financial institution transferred and a credit according to the prepaid amount in the special first sub-register of the data center and that According to the invention, a special second sub-register in the data center for the use of credit is carried out. The data center will by the customer to provide a corresponding service for orders the reloading or subsequent accreditation of his franking machine, to if necessary to the account of a third party from the mail carrier (Carrier) specially commissioned bank or to the account with the bank of the State post office to transfer the money in a predetermined manner leave to pay for the service of the postal carrier.

When franking with a standard franking machine, the Franking amount electronically in the postal register (descending register) stored credit (remaining amount) debited. The proper one Booking and reloading or crediting is done by one Data center checked as soon as a communication link to the Data center is established. To call the post-accreditation routine the user uses a keyboard to enter an identification number (PIN) into the Franking machine entered, which the franking machine at Data center identified.

It is assumed that a commissioned credit card institute CPC (Credit Card Processing Center) and a data center work together, to by means of the special second sub-register which is in the data center is carried out, the reloading of franking machines with a To facilitate credit for the user through loans. Requirement for the The use of such a further payment option is of course the Transmission of appropriate information to the data center and the provision of appropriate data processing and Storage capacity in the data center to the aforementioned information to process. Based on a temporary communication link between the commissioned credit card institute CPC (Credit Card Processing Center) and the data center and based on one associated transmission device and the management of a aforementioned special second sub-register associated further Customer accounts for payment at the credit card institute are provided by Data center is the service to which it is provided by the customer was commissioned.

The main advantage of the new process is that the customer Do not plan the next remote value specification in advance and not necessarily accordingly must provide money on the special first account. In contrast to a money transfer, there is no period of several Hours to a few days have to pass because no money from Customer account of the credit card institute to a special account in the Data center is transferred, but because the loan is immediately available there is another advantage in the temporal gain. One with it Another advantage is the financial gain, since none Interest rate losses occur if only the currently required balance is used as a loan must be provided. This profit is only reduced by Additional costs due to an increased service fee with which this Service is paid. In principle, the debit of the bank account at the customer bank through the credit card institute and transfer of the Credit to the account of the mail carrier according to the remote value specification, i.e. after reloading the franking machine.

The minimization of the administrative effort should also be emphasized when using the special second sub-register in the data center, both at the customer and at the data center, especially since none Funds, only information is transmitted. This advantage compensates for the disadvantage that the contact between the data center and Credit card institute CPC (Credit Card Processing Center) the remote value specification process extended for credit recharge.

Starting from a microprocessor and a suitable program having franking machine, which according to a method for Improving the security of franking machines works, which is one Encryption of the transaction data includes one in the Data center already transmitted user-specific information secure basis for storing the stored credit consumption or Check credit reload data for plausibility and order trigger appropriate data processing operations in the data center. This user-specific information includes at least that Identification number (PIN) and the values in the postal registers, for example about the credit consumption and the still available Remaining amount of the franking machine.

In a first variant according to the invention, the user-specific Information also includes information about the payment method, which immediately after the identification number (PIN) on the keyboard the franking machine is entered. The information about the Payment type includes, for example, the credit card number and that Expiry date of the credit card and, if applicable, information about the name of the commissioned credit card institute if the data center with several Credit card institutes works together.

According to the invention takes place by the postage meter machine after completion of the User inputs an automatic establishment of the communication link to the data center for the user-specific information to transfer. The data center then performs an automatic one Transfer information to the credit card institution if one Credit card number has been entered and awaiting approval, if the credit card institution is currently unavailable, or Repeat communication with the credit card company if the Connection was lost, and the unsuccessful count Communication attempts, whereby deletion of the credit request in specific register VGW of the data center takes place when the connection fails after a predetermined number of attempts.

• Durchführung einer separaten ersten Kommunikation A, wobei die übermittelte nutzerspezifische Information zusätzlich eine Information über die Bezahlungsart einschließt, welche im Verlaufe der Kommunikation mit der Datenzentrale übermittelt und in eine spezielle Maske eingetragen wird und
• Durchführung einer separaten zweiten Kommunikation B, wobei die elektronische Frankiermaschine in einen Nachlademodus umgeschaltet wird und von der Datenzentrale der Nachlade-Vorgang und dessen Buchung entsprechend der Eintragung in die vorgenannte spezielle Maske ausgeführt wird.

In a second variant according to the invention, the user-specific information can additionally include information about the type of payment which is transmitted in the course of communication with the data center, ie which is not communicated to the data center immediately after the PIN has been entered. The second variant according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• Carrying out a separate first communication A, the transmitted user-specific information additionally including information about the type of payment, which is transmitted in the course of communication with the data center and is entered in a special mask and
• Carrying out a separate second communication B, the electronic franking machine being switched to a reload mode and the data center carrying out the reloading process and its booking in accordance with the entry in the aforementioned special mask.

It is envisaged that the one transmitted by the franking machine user-specific information only the identification number (PIN) and includes the values in the postal registers and that the information about the Payment method used in a previous separate communication was transmitted to the data center together with the default request, as Order in the form of an order code belonging to the identification number (PIN) or to the customer name in the database of the data center is saved until another order is placed.

In a third variant according to the invention, the user-specific one Information also only the identification number (PIN) and the Values in the postal registers. Information about the payment method is given in a previous separate communication to the data center transmitted.

Such information about the payment method, which when entering or in the course of communication with or from the data center is transmitted separately, switches the necessary in the data center Data processing and storage capacity accordingly to the to process the aforementioned information.

Figur 1, Dienstleistungs- und Datenverarbeitungssystem der Datenzentrale zur Nachladung einer Frankiermaschine und zur Bezahlung des Postbeförderers,

Figur 2, erweitertes Dienstleistungs- und Datenverarbeitungssystem der Datenzentrale zur Nachladung einer Frankiermaschine und zur Bezahlung des Postbeförderers,

Figur 3, Ablaufplan für die Kreditanfrage nach Variante 1,

Figur 4, Ablaufplan für die Kreditanfrage nach Variante 2,

Figur 5, Ablaufplan für die Kreditanfrage nach Variante 3,

Figur 6, Anordnung für die Kreditanfrage in der Datenzentrale,

Figur 7, Anordnung und Zuordnung der Subregister bzw. Register im Speicherbereich der Datenbank.

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

FIG. 1, service and data processing system of the data center for reloading a franking machine and for paying the mail carrier,

FIG. 2, expanded service and data processing system of the data center for reloading a franking machine and for paying the mail carrier,

FIG. 3, schedule for the credit request according to variant 1,

FIG. 4, schedule for the credit request according to variant 2,

FIG. 5, schedule for the loan request according to variant 3,

FIG. 6, arrangement for the credit request in the data center,

Figure 7, arrangement and assignment of sub-registers or registers in the memory area of the database.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred service and data processing system the data center 50 for reloading a Franking machine 40 and for payment of the mail carrier, which with a franking machine 40 is in communication connection. The for Reload funds are required by the user of the Franking machine commissioned first bank 10 (customer bank) or from Users of the franking machine directly on an account in a commissioned second bank 20 (for example in the USA the USPS-Lockbox Bank or in Germany the Postbank or bank of the private mail carrier or corresponding banks in other countries) are deposited and when the Credit by the data center from the commissioned second bank 20 to the third bank 30 (e.g. the Federal Reserve Bank in the USA or bank of the private mail carrier or a corresponding bank in another country), which the account of the Carrier leads. The cash balance is called up periodically in Form of a collective transfer to the account of the postal carrier in the third bank 30 if one from the data center 50 to the second bank 20 submitted customer billing information is available. Such customer billing information is created regularly when one Reloading requirement for reloading a customer's franking machine was met by the data center 50.

R1

(absteigendes Register) vorrätige Restbetrag in der Frankiermaschine,

R2

(aufsteigendes Register) Verbrauchssummenbetrag in der Frankiermaschine,

R3

(Gesamtladung) die bisherige Gesamtvorgabesumme aller Fernwertvorgaben,

R4

(Stückzahl Σ für Drucke mit einem Wert ≠0) Anzahl gültiger Drucke,

R8

(R4 + Stückzahl Σ für Drucke mit dem Wert =0) Anzahl aller Drucke

Die Datenzentrale speichert die übermittelten Registerdaten zugehörig zu jeder Frankiermaschine, die jeweilig durch ihre PIN indentifizierbar sind. Zugehörig zur PIN wurden bei einer vorausgegangenen Kommunikation bzw. Transaktion bereits der gewünschte Vorgabewunsch für eine zukünftige Nachladung registriert. Der gespeicherte Vorgabewunsch VGW kann entsprechend der Eingabe des Frankiermaschinenbenutzers während einer vorausgehenden Transaktion geändert werden, um bei einem später nachfolgenden Nachladevorgang einen dem Vorgabewunsch entsprechenden Nachladewert NLW in die Frankiermaschine zu laden.
Außerdem kann in der Datenzentrale überprüft werden, ob die folgende Gleichung erfüllt ist: R3=R2+R1 A suitable postage meter machine has been described, for example, in connection with a method for improving the security of postage meter machines under US application number 08/346 909 (EP 660 269 A2). The franking machine is equipped with a printer module for a fully electronically generated franking image, with at least one input means - having several actuating elements -, a display unit, a MODEM establishing communication with a data center, further input means or a scale, which is provided via an input / output control module are coupled to a control device and to non-volatile memories for data or programs which include data for the variable or the constant parts of the franking image. The user switches the franking machine to a communication mode for reloading. The user-specific information transmitted to the data center includes the identification number (PIN) and the values in the postal registers. The franking machine can, for example, transmit the following postal register values to the data center before reloading the credit:

R1

(descending register) remaining amount in the franking machine,

R2

(ascending register) amount of consumption in the franking machine,

R3

(Total load) the previous total specification of all remote value specifications,

R4

(Number of pieces Σ for prints with a value ≠ 0) number of valid prints,

R8

(R4 + number of pieces Σ for prints with the value = 0) Number of all prints

The data center stores the transmitted register data associated with each franking machine, each of which can be identified by its PIN. In connection with the PIN, the desired request for future reloading has already been registered in a previous communication or transaction. The stored default request VGW can be changed in accordance with the input of the postage meter machine user during a previous transaction, in order to load a post-load value NLW corresponding to the default request into the postage meter machine in a subsequent subsequent reloading process.
You can also check in the data center whether the following equation is fulfilled: R3 = R2 + R1

Before each remote value specification of a reload credit for the descending Register, the remaining amount R1 can be queried and statistically in of the data center.

According to the first variant according to the invention, such a Franking machine equipped with a specially expanded program, which is an input of the required user-specific information via the payment method in addition to the identification number (PIN) enables the user of the franking machine.

FIG. 2 shows an expanded service and Data processing system of the data center for reloading a Franking machine and for payment of the mail carrier, which Data processing system of the data center on the one hand with at least a franking machine in communication connection and on the other hand with a bank or credit card institution in communication (electronic bank connection).

This service and data processing system of the data center 50, which is in communication with a franking machine 40. stands, uses the services of a to reload a franking machine 40 Credit card institute 60. Such a credit card institute 60 is, for example a Credit Card Processing Center (CPC), which is operated by the User of the franking machine commissioned first bank 10 (customer bank) corresponding to that for reloading the franking machine with the necessary Cash used credit a debit from the customer account performs. Such a debit from the customer account can, for example, in Direct debit. A credit card processing center (CPC) can, for example, with the Citybank, Eurocard or American Express the necessary data processing and communication technology for electronic connection to the data center. The Assignment of the essential steps 1 to 8 to specific communication connections can be seen from Figure 2.

Of course, the payment option - already explained in FIG. 1 - becomes also maintained. The latter are used for reloading required funds from that of the user of the franking machine commissioned first bank 10 (customer bank) or by the user of the Franking machine directly on an account in a commissioned second bank 20 (e.g. the USPS-Lockbox Bank in the USA or a corresponding bank in another country) and deposited upon request the credit from the data center from the commissioned second bank 20 to the third bank 30 (e.g. in the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank or a corresponding bank in another country), which maintains the account of the mail carrier. The credit is called up by one transmitted from the data center 50 to the second bank 20 Customer billing information if a reload requirement was met becomes.

1. Dateneingabe und Umschalten der Frankiermaschine (40) in einen Kommunikationsmodus oder Kreditanfrage-Modus,

2. Errichtung der Kommunikationsverbindung zu einer Datenzentrale (50), Plausibilitätsprüfung der eingegebenen Daten und übermittelten Registerwerte in der Datenzentrale und Start eines Kreditanfrageprozesses, wenn eine Kreditkartennummer eingegeben wurde oder Start eines Nachlade-Prozesses mit einem vorausbezahlten Guthaben, wobei ein Guthaben von einer ersten Bank (10) des Kunden bzw. vom Frankiermaschinenbenutzer direkt in ein zugehöriges erstes Bankkonto bei einer mit der Datenzentrale (50) kommunikativ gekoppelten speziell beauftragten zweiten Bank (20) überwiesen und entsprechend dem vorausbezahlten Betrag ein Guthaben im speziellen ersten Subregister der Datenzentrale (50) geführt wird und wobei ein spezielles zweites Subregister in der Datenzentrale (50) für die Inanspruchnahme von Krediten geführt wird sowie wobei die Datenzentrale (50) durch den Kunden zur Erbringung einer entsprechenden Dienstleistung für die Nachladung bzw. Nachkreditierung seiner Frankiermaschine beauftragt wird, um erforderlichenfalls auf das Konto bei einer dritten vom Postbeförderer speziell beauftragten Bank (30) das Geld in vorbestimmter Weise überweisen zu lassen, um die Dienstleistung des Postbeförderers zu bezahlen,

3. Kontaktaufnahme und Senden von Informationen zum Kreditkarteninstitut CPC zur Verifikation des Kreditkartenstatus, wenn eine Kreditkartennummer eingegeben wurde,

4. Empfangen der Genehmigung des ordnungsgemäßen Kreditkartenstatus in der Datenzentrale oder Fehleranzeige,

5. Bearbeiten des Nachladevorganges oder Rückkehr zum Schritt 1 zur Wiederholung der Eingabe für den Kreditanfrage-Modus oder zum Umschalten der Frankiermaschine (40) in einen Kommunikationsmodus, wobei die Frankiermaschine alternativ zum Kreditanfrage-Modus über die Datenzentrale (50) mit einem vorausbezahlten Guthaben nachladbar ist, wenn die zwischengeschaltete beauftragte zweite Bank (20), welche über elektronische Kommunikationsverbindung zur Datenzentrale (50) verfügt, eine entsprechende Kunden-Konto-lnformation über das vorausbezahlte Guthaben an die Datenzentrale liefert,

6. Übermittlung von gelisteten Informationen über erfolgreiche Kreditanfragen an das Kreditkarteninstitut (60) bzw. über die Nachladung mit einem vorausbezahlten Guthaben an die dritte Bank (30),

7. Geldtransfer zwischen Kundenbank (10) und dem Kreditkarteninstitut (60) sowie

8. Durchführung von Überweisungen an die dritte Bank (30) des Postbeförderes.

The following steps are provided for a method for payment of the subsequent accreditation and subsequent loading with a prepaid credit for an electronic franking machine that can be switched over to one of the subsequent modes, which enables both types of payment:

1. Data entry and switching of the franking machine (40) into a communication mode or credit inquiry mode,

2. Establishment of the communication link to a data center (50), plausibility check of the entered data and transmitted register values in the data center and start of a credit inquiry process when a credit card number has been entered or start of a reloading process with a prepaid credit, a credit from a first bank (10) of the customer or from the franking machine user is transferred directly to an associated first bank account at a specially commissioned second bank (20) that is communicatively coupled to the data center (50) and, according to the prepaid amount, a credit is kept in the special first sub-register of the data center (50) and a special second sub-register is kept in the data center (50) for the use of credit, and the data center (50) is provided by the customer for the provision of a corresponding service for the reloading or subsequent accreditation of his franking machine is instructed to transfer the money to the account at a third bank (30) specially commissioned by the mail carrier, if necessary, in a predetermined manner in order to pay for the service of the mail carrier,

3. Contacting and sending information to the credit card institute CPC to verify the credit card status when a credit card number has been entered,

4. Receive approval of proper credit card status in the data center or error notification,

5. Editing the reloading process or returning to step 1 to repeat the entry for the credit request mode or to switch the franking machine (40) into a communication mode, the franking machine being able to be reloaded with a prepaid credit via the data center (50) as an alternative to the credit request mode is when the intermediary commissioned second bank (20), which has an electronic communication link to the data center (50), delivers corresponding customer account information about the prepaid credit to the data center,

6. Transmission of listed information about successful credit inquiries to the credit card institute (60) or about the reloading with a prepaid credit to the third bank (30),

7. Money transfer between customer bank (10) and the credit card institute (60) as well

8. Execution of transfers to the third bank (30) of the mail carrier.

A schedule for the credit request according to the first variant is for the first six steps shown in Figure 3, which in Service area data center. The procedure after the first Variant, is based on a service provided by the data center the specific credit card procedure implemented in franking machines out. The full procedure includes steps 1 through 8, which can run without the hardware expenditure on the Franking machine side would have to be increased. Rather, there is only a program modification is required. However, one is required Data center, which has an electronic communication link to the credit card institute 60. The above steps 1 to 8 are intended are explained below:

a) Eingabe der Personen-ldentifikations-Nummer PIN (8-digits),

b) Eingabe der Kreditkartennummer Credit Card # (16-digits),

c) Eingabe der Gültigkeitsdauer Expiration Date (4-digits, z.B. 0797),

d) Eingabe/Bestätigung des Guthabenwertes Reset Credit Value (z.B. $ 500),

1. Data entry and switching of the franking machine into a communication or credit request mode. The franking machine switches to a credit inquiry mode when the franking machine user or customer starts the credit inquiry by entering data via the keyboard of the franking machine with the following steps, which are each confirmed by actuating a special actuating means (key):

a) Entering the personal identification number PIN (8 digits),

b) entering the credit card number Credit Card # (16-digits),

c) Enter the expiration date (4 digits, e.g. 0797),

d) Entering / confirming the reset credit value (e.g. $ 500),

If, on the other hand, only sub-steps a) and d) are carried out, but the Sub-steps b) and c) of step 1 are not carried out the franking machine in one - in connection with a method for Improve the security of franking machines under the US application number 08/346 909 (EP 660 269 A2) - Communication mode to the franking machine with a credit according to the service variant shown in FIG. 1. However, a data center is required, which has a has electronic communication link to bank 20, which leads the accounts of the customers for the mail transport, the transferred Collects monetary amounts and these collected monetary amounts for one Periodically transfers a large number of customers to the third bank 30, which maintains an account with the postal authority or the carrier. From the bank 20 becomes the data center via the electronic communication link 50 customer account information at an appropriate time (preferably in the morning). Through this electronic The data center 50 receives bank connections every day for everyone involved Customers get up-to-date information on the amount on the account available prepaid amount of money up to which maximum Credit reloaded into the franking machine 40 by remote value specification may be.

A credit card company will be involved if a prepaid amount of money is not to be used or is not available. The franking machine is switched over in accordance with the aforementioned input. The entry of the very long credit card number credit card # is entered using the " left-scrolling " method. The franking machine is programmed so that after the 10 available display fields have been entered, the display shifts one position to the left so that the next digit can be entered. After the complete data entry, ie credit card number, credit card validity date and credit value have been successively entered and confirmed, the credit inquiry process is started automatically.

2. Establishment of a communication link to a data center, plausibility check of the entered data and transmitted register values in the data center and start of the credit inquiry or start of the reloading process with a prepaid credit. The franking machine automatically starts the communication with the data center, for example via a MODEM connection and thus the credit inquiry process, after an input or actuation of a predetermined key or key combination.
The user-specific information, including information about the type of payment, is therefore sent to the data center via MODEM and further processed there in a data processing system. After a plausibility check (e.g. PIN, approval of the franking machine on the customer name, plausibility of the register values, correctness of the credit card number credit card # and other data, etc.), the data center either subsequently contacts the credit card institute 60 - for example, the credit in the USA in the USA Card Processing Center (CPC) - on (branch path y), or the credit request is rejected and the process is displayed to the user or customer with a corresponding error message from the franking machine if the service cannot be rendered (branch path e), or according to the input another service (branch path x) is provided.

The credit card number credit card # is neither stored in the franking machine nor checked there, but is only taken into account in the transmission protocol during the communication mode. The entered credit card number credit card # is transmitted to the data center and compared with the credit card number stored there. If a valid credit card number has been transmitted, you branch to step 3 after y. Otherwise, if no credit card number has been transmitted but both the transmitted PIN and the register values are plausible, the process branches to x in step 5 in order to process the reset process on the basis of the system shown in FIG. 1. When receiving a new credit card or an old credit card that has become invalid, the customer only has to inform the data center before the credit request during a separate communication. The data center then saves the change accordingly in its database. If the credit card number credit card # is entered incorrectly, the credit request is aborted with an error message from the data center (branching path e).

f) Kreditkartennummer Credit Card #

g) Gültigkeitsdauer Expiration Date

h) Guthabenwert Reset Credit Value

i) Kundenname customer name

3. Contacting and sending information to the credit card institute CPC to verify the credit card status. The data center contacts the credit card institute in order to request a loan (sub-step 3.1). Before the franking machine can be reloaded with the reset credit value , the following information is exchanged via a separate communication link between the data center and the credit card institute CPC (sub-step 3.2):

f) Credit card number Credit Card #

g) Expiration Date period of validity

h) Reset Credit Value

i) Customer name

With this information, the account status of the credit card user is to be queried on the side of the credit card institute CPC in order to serve as a further security feature. The customer name customer name is only stored in the data center assigned to a corresponding PIN. The customer name is not stored in the franking machine.

j) Kreditkartenstatus okay,

n) Kreditkartenstatus nicht okay,

m)CPC momentan nicht verfügbar,

k) Verbindung wurde unterbrochen,

4. Receive approval of proper credit card status in the data center or error report. The credit card institute CPC checks the account status of the credit card owner using corresponding, internally available check routines and answers the data center either:

j) credit card status okay,

n) credit card status not okay,

m) CPC not currently available,

k) connection was interrupted,

The response to the data center is usually within 30-60 seconds off. There is no account in the data center and there is there will be no transfer of funds from the credit card institute CPC to the Data center managed account caused. Rather, it becomes dependent from the response either to the request of the service customer accordingly, the requested new loan request in a special second sub-register in the data center continues to be cached or accumulated cached or deleted:

i) / n) Credit card status okay / not okay

If the credit card status is okay, the currently saved credit statement data is increased by the credit request in the TDC. The lending process is being processed. Otherwise an error message is issued ("No credit").
If the credit card institute CPC could not be reached, the branch path m) is followed, the requested credit request is deleted in the special second sub-register in the data center 50 and an error is displayed:

m) CPC currently not available

If the redial counter reaches a limit, the procedure responds with an error message ("CPC not available").
If the connection has only been interrupted, a branching path k) is first followed and branched back to step 3:

k ) Connection was interrupted

If the connection is lost, the lending process is repeated.
If the redial counter reaches a limit, the process responds with an error message ("no connection").

A branching path m) is also followed, the requested one Credit request in the special second sub-register in the data center 50 deleted and an error is displayed if the connection continues even after a predetermined number of repetitions or attempts Reconnect was repeatedly interrupted, i.e. if the credit card institute CPC could not be reached. The Cancellation of the credit request is made to the credit card institution 60 by Data center 50 communicated, whereupon the credit card institution 60 den Loan order canceled. There are therefore no transaction errors Impact on credit card institution 60 and data center 50.

5. Editing the reloading process. The data center processes the Reply from the credit card institute CPC accordingly. There is a automatic processing of the reloading process in the data center, with a correct credit card status (branch path j) Enter the credit value in the specific second sub-register R1b Data center is made. Otherwise (branch path x) the reload value NLW is automatically entered into the specific first sub-register R1a on the part of the data center. Then it will be the reload value NLW according to the default request VGW (Reset Debit Value) or Credit Value (Reset Credit Value) at existing balance remaining in the franking machine and added also added in the data center and then the credit request completed.

Otherwise, if an error was displayed (branch path n) or if the credit card institute CPC could not be reached or if the connection was interrupted and first on Branch path k) are followed and if so Credit card institute CPC could not be reached after all requested credit request in the special second sub-register in the Data center 50 deleted and an error is displayed. Then he has Postage meter users still have the option of a normal one Reload from the special first subregister by - as under Step 1 explained - sets the communication mode.

6. Transmission of listed information about successful credit inquiries, that led to the reload. After a certain time period (daily, weekly, monthly) is determined by the Data center created a list of all successful loan requests and the credit card institute CPC using appropriate data carriers and / or via communication link, for example MODEM or ISDN communicated. It is envisaged that the data center 50, which for Verification of money transfers to a list of valid credit requests the credit card institute 60 has transmitted a corresponding one Confirmation of the transmission of the list by the credit card institute 60 waiting.

7. Money transfer between customer bank 10 and credit card institute 60. Between the first bank 10 (customer bank) and the credit card institute CPC 60 the money transfer must be carried out so that (in the next Step 8) the money transfer between the credit card institute CPC 60 and third bank 30 with the accounts of the state post office or private Post carrier or the transfer of money between credit card institutes CPC 60 and the second bank 20 with the customer accounts for the Mail transport can be organized in a suitable manner.

8. Execution of transfers to the bank of the postal carrier. With The credit card institute CPC 60, or the customer bank 10 requested the total loan amount provided either directly to bank 30 with the accounts of the State Post Office (e.g. the Federal Reserve Bank in the USA) or the private mail carrier or to the commissioned second bank 20 (e.g. USPS Lockbox Bank).

FIG. 6 shows an arrangement for the credit request in the data center shown. At least one host computer 51 is located in the data center 50 arranged of a stored database 52 and a program 53 for the credit request has a link to at least one Programmable input / output device for implementation a communication via communication link with the Franking machines and for carrying out communication via Communication link with the banks or money / credit institutions Payment of the reload of franking machines with a credit, which can either be prepaid or repaid. According to the invention it is provided that the storage units 52 and 53 in one Hard disk are formed or that a first hard disk as Storage unit 52 and a second hard disk as storage unit 53 are provided.

The arrangement for performing the method and for operating a Data center has storage space in the aforementioned database Register entries for the provision and rendering of special Services according to a customer order on which a franking machine or a customer service representative (hereinafter TDC operator accesses the entry of the customer order.

The database 52 and preferably stored on a hard disk Program 53 for the credit request, also on a hard disk stored, form together with the programmable I / O device 54 a first service unit, which on the one hand via communication links 59 with the franking machines and which on the other hand with at least one operator terminal 55 in Connection is established.

A second service unit consists of a second programmable input / output device 56, which on the one hand via a Transmission device 501, 502 with the host research 51 and on the other hand via a transmission device 503, 57, 504 with a - not shown - Bank terminal or the bank personal computer in the credit bank or Credit institution is coupled.

It is contemplated that the second programmable input / output device has access to database 52 in order to Contacting and sending information to the credit card institute CPC to verify billing status and receive the Approval of proper credit card status (steps 3 and 4) and, if necessary, a transmission of listed information about successful credit inquiries (step 6). Alternatively, you can a printer may be coupled to host 51 to make the lists print. In addition, with appropriate - not shown - Recording devices of the host computer 51 alternative data carriers CD-ROM, floppy disks, etc. can be written with the aforementioned data, to save it.

The data center provides storage space for two in the database 52 special ones assigned to the accounts of the franking machine user Sub-registers are available to make a corresponding booking. It is provided that a credit from a first bank (Customer bank) or from the franking machine user directly into one associated first bank account with a communicative with the data center coupled specially commissioned second bank or financial institution transferred and a credit according to the prepaid amount is performed in the special first sub-register of the data center and where According to the invention, a special second sub-register in the data center for the booking of the drawdown of credit is carried out.

It is also contemplated that the first programmable input / output device has access to the database 52 so that the Data center by the customer to provide a corresponding Service for the reloading or re-accreditation of his Franking machine can be commissioned, if necessary, to the Account with a third party specially commissioned by the postal carrier Bank or to the account at the bank of the state post office the money in to be transferred in a predetermined manner to the service of the Post carrier to pay.

FIG. 7 shows the required memory areas, which are shown in the database 52 must be made available to the revision the register or bookkeeping for the service provided enable. Associated with the PIN, is together with an order date and the desired default request VGW for future reloading with the reload value NLW or the desired credit value for a future reloading registered. A reload value is only made at the Execution of the reloading or reset process (step 5) entered. A register value R1 is then updated by taking the sum of the Subrester values R1a (prepaid value) and R1b (credit) is formed. The data center stores the transmitted register data R2 for the Franking amount used, R4 and R8 for the number of pieces Franking belonging to each franking machine, each by its own PIN are identifiable and form a new checksum R3 = R1 + R2.

In a further second and third variant according to the invention Further memory areas - not shown in FIG. 7 - in the Database 52 provided for the revision of the register or bookkeeping to enable about the service provided. Associated with the PIN, is the name of the franking machine user, an order code with an order date and the desired default value for a future reload the desired default value for a future one Reload registered.

A - shown in Figure 4 - second variant of a schedule for Credit request goes through an inexpensive realization Use of a standardized for electronic bank details Quick Pro Systems with an external TDC CPC computer. The Coupling with the database 52 in the host computer 51 is via an operator terminal the first or the second programmable input / output device manufactured.

This method is also independent of the type of franking machine, i.e. it no new software version is necessary for the franking machine. This The method is analogous to that described in a third variant Procedure, however, a customer can use the credit card based method Have the remote value specified only depending on the TDC operator. The Disadvantage that a TDC operator is involved in this remote reloading process is and thus there are "human" sources of error, is indicated by a cheaper implementation and pleasant person-to-person communication compensated.

A1.Ein Kunde ruft in der Datenzentrale TDC an und äußertseinen Wunsch beim TDC-Operator, seine Frankiermaschine über Kreditkarte zu beladen.

A2.Der TDC-Operator nimmt den Wunsch und die Bekanntgabe der PIN, der Kreditkartennummer sowie des Nachlade-Betrages entgegen.

A3.Der TDC-Operator führt eine Plausibilitätsprüfung durch.

A4.Der TDC-Operator nimmt Verbindung mit einem separaten CPC-Rechner im Kreditkarteninstitut auf. Über den separaten CPC-Rechner im Kreditkarteninstitut wird die Liquidität der Kreditkarte geprüft, in dem über Modemverbindung eine OK bzw. NOT OK Meldung von der Datenzentrale empfangen wird (Dauer ca. 20 sec).

A5.Bei einer positiven Bestätigung trägt der TDC-Operator den angeforderten Betrag in eine unter dem TDC-Programm laufende spezielle Maske Credit Card Payment ein, unter Angabe der PIN, der Kreditkartennummer und des Kreditbetrages. Der Betrag wird in das spezielle zweite Subregister des Kunden in der Datenzentrale eingeschrieben.

B1.Bearbeiten des Nachladevorganges oder Rückkehr zum Schritt A1 zur Wiederholung der Eingabe für den Kreditanfrage-Modus oder zum Umschalten der Frankiermaschine in einen Kommunikationsmodus. Der Kunde kann nun mit seiner Frankiermaschine den gewünschten Betrag laden. Während des Ladevorgangs findet folgende Überprüfung statt: Wenn der Fernwertvorgabebetrag im normalen Konto verfügbar ist, dann erfolgt eine reguläre Fernwertvorgabe mit dem gewünschten Betrag. Sonst ist zu prüfen, ob der Nutzer ein Kreditkartennutzer ist. Ist das der Fall und er ist ein Kreditkartennutzer, dann ist zu prüfen, ob Deckung vorhanden ist. Sonst erfolgt eine Fehlermeldung ("Kein Kredit").

B2.Übermittlung von gelisteten Informationen über erfolgreiche Kreditanfragen. Wenn eine Fernwertvorgabe über das spezielle zweite Konto, dem sog. Kreditkartenkonto des Kunden, abgewickelt wurde, muß die Postbehörde in einem separaten Report informiert werden. Außerdem wird täglich, wöchentlich oder monatlich ein Datenträger für das Kreditkarteninstitut erstellt, damit die geladenen Fernwertvorgabebeträge an die Postbehörde überwiesen werden können. Die Übermittlung von gelisteten Informationen über erfolgreiche Kreditanfragen erfolgt an das Kreditkarteninstitut vor einem Geldtransfer zwischen der Kundenbank und dem Kreditkarteninstitut und einer Durchführung von Überweisungen an die Bank des Postbeförderes.

All additional information relating to credit card users is stored in the TDC database 52 so that it can be updated. A hard disk can preferably hold the aforementioned TDC database. In a separate first communication A to the data center 50, the data of the franking machine and information about the type of payment are transmitted. The actual remote value specification is carried out in a separate second communication B to the data center 50, as has already been described in connection with a method for improving the security of franking machines under US application number 08/346 909 (EP 660 269 A2). The following steps take place:

A1.A customer calls the TDC data center and expresses his wish to the TDC operator to load his franking machine using a credit card.

A2. The TDC operator accepts the request and the disclosure of the PIN, the credit card number and the reload amount.

A3.The TDC operator carries out a plausibility check.

A4.The TDC operator connects to a separate CPC calculator in the credit card institute. The liquidity of the credit card is checked via the separate CPC computer in the credit card institute by receiving an OK or NOT OK message from the data center via modem connection (duration approx. 20 sec).

A5.If the confirmation is positive, the TDC operator enters the requested amount in a special Credit Card Payment mask running under the TDC program, specifying the PIN, the credit card number and the loan amount. The amount is written into the customer's special second sub-register in the data center.

B1.Processing the reloading process or returning to step A1 to repeat the entry for the credit request mode or to switch the franking machine into a communication mode. The customer can now load the desired amount with his franking machine. The following check takes place during the loading process: If the remote value specification amount is available in the normal account, then a regular remote value specification takes place with the desired amount. Otherwise it must be checked whether the user is a credit card user. If this is the case and he is a credit card user, then check whether there is cover. Otherwise there will be an error message ("No credit").

B2.Transmission of listed information about successful loan requests. If a remote value specification has been processed via the customer's special second account, the so-called credit card account, the postal authority must be informed in a separate report. In addition, a data carrier is created for the credit card institute daily, weekly or monthly so that the loaded remote value default amounts can be transferred to the postal authority. The listed information about successful credit inquiries is transmitted to the credit card institute before a money transfer between the customer bank and the credit card institute and before transfers are made to the bank of the postal carrier.

A1. Der Dienstleistungs-Kunde ruft per Telefon in der Datenzentrale (TDC) an und äußert seinen Wunsch beim TDC-Operator.
Ein Dienstleistungsauftrag kann beispielsweise darin bestehen, die Frankiermaschine des Kunden zukünftig nur noch mittels Kreditkarte zu beladen. Ein anderer Dienstleistungsauftrag kann beispielsweise darin bestehen, die Frankiermaschine des Kunden über Kreditkarte nur dann zu beladen, wenn ein erstens Kundenkonto, das sogenannte Nachladekonto erschöpft ist.

A2. Der TDC-Operator nimmt den Wunsch des Kunden entgegen und bestätigt den Auftrag. Der TDC-Operator tätigt entsprechende Eingaben in eine unter dem TDC-Programm laufende spezielle Maske, damit wird eine Zuordnung von Auftragscode zur PIN des Auftragsgeber erreicht.

FIG. 5 shows a schedule for the credit request according to a third variant. This third variant relates to a corresponding credit card process that runs fully automatically via a CPC online connection with an external CPC computer. Corresponding hardware and software means are arranged or used in the data center in order to carry out a franking machine-specific credit card method also for standard franking machines. This method is also independent of the franking machine type, ie no software adaptation measures are necessary in the franking machine. In a database of the data center, additional information relating to credit card users is stored in a database stored on a hard disk. The following steps are carried out in advance in a separate process:

A1. The service customer calls the data center (TDC) by telephone and expresses his wish to the TDC operator.
A service order can, for example, consist of loading the customer's franking machine in future only with a credit card. Another service order can consist, for example, of loading the customer's franking machine by credit card only if a first customer account, the so-called reload account, has been exhausted.

A2. The TDC operator accepts the customer's request and confirms the order. The TDC operator makes the appropriate entries in a special mask running under the TDC program so that an assignment of the order code to the PIN of the client is achieved.

a) Eingabe der Personen-ldentifikations-Nummer PIN (8-digits),

b) Eingabe/Bestätigung des Guthabenwertes Reset Credit Value (z.B. $ 500),

B2. Start der Kommunikationsroutine und Plausibilitätsprüfung in der Datenzentrale. Die Frankiermaschine startet durch Errichtung der Kommunikationsverbindung automatisch eine Routine wie bei einer ganz normalen Fernwertvorgabe für den gewünschten Nachladebetrag in der Datenzentrale.In contrast to step 1 according to the first variant, no input for switching the franking machine into a credit request mode is made during the establishment of a subsequent communication B, but only such an entry for switching the franking machine into a communication mode as is done under the US application -Number 08/346 909 (EP 660 269 A2) has been described. In this way, all services of the data center can also be made available for standard machines without a conversion action, since information about the type of payment is transmitted to the data center 50 in the separate communication A previously carried out, which information remains valid until a separate communication A with the data center is carried out again. The following steps take place in the case of communication B to the data center 50:
B1. Input for switching the franking machine into a communication mode. The franking machine user or the service customer places the franking machine in the communication mode. It begins in step 1 by entering the PIN and entering the reload amount.

a) Entering the personal identification number PIN (8 digits),

b) Entering / confirming the reset credit value (e.g. $ 500),

B2. Start of the communication routine and plausibility check in the data center. By setting up the communication link, the franking machine automatically starts a routine as with a normal remote value specification for the desired reload amount in the data center.

A plausibility check is carried out, whereby the transmitted PIN and also checked the transmitted register values in the data center become. The system determines, for example, the customer name and but also based on the entry in the special first Subregister states that there is no special first credit account or not enough credit and then checks whether the current customer is a credit card user is. In addition to the credit account, the customer also has one Credit account, will continue according to the order. Otherwise the Communication with an error message from the data center canceled.

f) Kreditkartennummer Credit Card #

g) Gültigkeitsdauer Expiration Date

h) Kreditwert Reset Credit Value

i) Kundenname customer name

The reload request is processed in accordance with the specific service order in the data center. In a membership (not shown in FIG. 7) of further registers for the PIN, in addition to the desired request for future reloading, an order code together with an order date and the customer name are now also registered in a previous communication or transaction. If, for example, the service order is to only load the customer's franking machine in the future by credit card, but the special first account still has insufficient credit to fulfill the reload request, the special first account will be used again for the last time and the special second sub-register R1b in the database 52 of the data center 50 stores the missing difference, which was used as a credit at the credit card institute CPC, in order to deliver the missing difference. In the event of later reload requests, the special second sub-register R1b in the database 52 supplies the data center 50 with the full amount corresponding to the respective reload request. The same procedure is followed if another service order consists in loading the customer's franking machine by credit card only when the first customer account, the so-called reload account, has been exhausted. In this case, only a special first account is constantly used to fulfill the reload request and, if necessary, the missing difference, which was used as a credit with the credit card institute CPC, is noted in the special second sub-register R1b for billing purposes.
B3.Contacting and sending information to the credit card institute CPC for verification of the billing status. In sub-step B3.1, a separate communication connection is established between the data center and the credit card institute CPC. In sub-step B3.2, the following information is exchanged via a separate online connection between the data center TDC and the credit card institute CPC:

f) Credit card number Credit Card #

g) Expiration Date period of validity

h) Credit Value Reset Credit Value

i) Customer name

Wenn der Fernwertvorgabebetrag im normalen Konto verfügbar ist, dann erfolgt eine reguläre Fernwertvorgabe mit dem gewünschten Betrag.

Sonst prüfen, ob der Nutzer ein Kreditkartennutzer ist. Ist das der Fall und er ist ein Kreditkartennutzer, dann prüfen ob Deckung vorhanden ist. Sonst erfolgt eine Fehlermeldung ("Kein Kredit").

The credit card institute CPC checks whether the credit card number that was stored in the data center TDC is valid.
B4.Receiving approval of proper credit card status in the data center. In step B4, the credit card institute CPC delivers an OK to the data center 50 if the liquidity of the customer, that is to say the validity of the credit card, has been determined (duration approx. 20 seconds). Otherwise, the credit card institute CPC returns a NOT_OK if the request has been answered negatively. The receipt of the message in the data center is associated with a corresponding evaluation, as was already explained in step 4 according to the first variant. In step B4, the requested loan amount is automatically entered and stored in a special mask for credit card payment, stating the PAN, the credit card number and the loan amount, if the confirmation is positive in accordance with the TDC program.
B5. Edit the reload process or return to step 1 to repeat the entry. If the request has been answered in the affirmative, the regular remote value specification is then continued with the desired reload amount, the billing in the data center and the payment being regulated in accordance with the request already received and saved by the TDC operator in the course of communication A. In step B5, the franking machine can now load the desired amount. The following check takes place during the loading process:

If the remote value default amount is available in the normal account, then a regular remote value default is made with the desired amount.

Otherwise check whether the user is a credit card user. If this is the case and he is a credit card user, check whether there is cover. Otherwise there will be an error message ("No credit").

The credit amount is stored in the so-called credit card account in the special second sub-register of the data center, ie in a buffer, cumulatively at least until the billing between the credit card institute CPC and the data center has been carried out analogously to the method described in step 6. For this purpose, in addition to a first descending register R1, a special first sub-register R1a corresponding to the customer's special first account and a special second sub-register R1b as a second part of the descending register corresponding to the customer's special second account are also stored in the database 52 , The sum of the sub-registers is equal to the remaining amount still available in the franking machine and the following equation applies: R1 = R1a + R1b

The descending register value in R1 of the data center thus corresponds to the descending register value in R1, which has been stored in the franking machine until the transition to a communication or remote reloading mode. If the value is accumulated in the special second sub-register R1b, the loans are approved. A credit which is transferred to the customer's special first account in accordance with the manner shown in FIG. 1 in order to top up the remaining amount in a conventional manner is therefore initially stored in the special first sub-register R1a. A time is then reached at which both the special first sub-register value in R1a and the descending register value in R1 are increased by the value that is stored in the special second sub-register R1b. The increased value is subtracted in the special second sub-register R1b and the new value in the special second sub-register R1b is then zero and the value in R1a then corresponds to the descending register value in R1, which is also stored in the franking machine.
B6. Submission of listed information on successful loan requests. If a remote value specification has been processed via the special second sub-register R1b assigned to the customer's credit card account, the postal authority must be informed in a separate report (step B6). In addition, a data carrier is created for the credit card institute on a daily, weekly or monthly basis so that the loaded remote value default amounts can be transferred to the postal authority. Listed information about successful credit inquiries is transmitted to the credit card institute, before a money transfer between the customer bank and the credit card institute and before transfers are made to the bank of the postal carrier.

The advantages result from the quick availability of a such a system because standard products can be used and therefore none Adjustment measures on the franking machine side are required. This means that if necessary, this service can be used for everyone. all products already in the field are provided.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiments. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable, which of the in the The enclosed claims also covered a fundamentally different solution make use of all types.

Claims (10)

1. A method for the payment of the re-crediting of an electronic franking machine that can be switched over to a reloading mode, characterized by the following steps:

   1. Data entry and switching over of the franking machine (40) to a communication mode or credit inquiry mode;

   2. Establishment of a communication connection with a data center (50), plausibility check of the entered data and of the transmitted register values at the data center (50) and start of a credit inquiry process when a credit card number was entered or start of a reloading process from a pre-paid credit balance;

   3. Establishment of contact with and transmission of information to the credit card company CPC (60) for verification of the credit card status when a credit card number was entered;

   4. Receipt of the approval of the proper credit card status at the data center (50) or of an error message;

   5. Handling of the reloading process or return to step 1 for repeating the entry for the credit inquiry mode or for switching the franking machine over to a communication mode;

   6. Transfer of listed information on successful credit enquiries to the credit card company;

   7. Transfer of money between the customer's bank (10) and the credit card company (60); and

   8. Execution of transfers to the bank (30) of the post carrier.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized by an automatic transmission of information to the credit card company when a credit card number was entered and a waiting for the approval if the credit card company cannot be reached at the moment and by a repetition of the communication with the credit card company if the connection was interrupted, including a counting of the unsuccessful communication attempts, wherein the credit request is deleted in the specific register VGW of the data center (50) when the connection has not been established after a predefined number of attempts.
3. A method according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, for verifying the transfer of money, the data center (50) transmits a list of valid credit inquiries to the credit card company (60) and waits for a respective confirmation by the credit card company (60).
4. A method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, for establishing a communication connection with a data center, there is made a data entry of a user-specific information that includes additional information on the type of payment and that is entered immediately after the PIN identification number by means of the keyboard of the franking machine and the franking machine is switched over into a communication mode or credit inquiry mode;

   that the data center automatically enters into contact and sends information to the credit card company CPC (60) for verifying the credit card status;

   that the approval of the proper credit card status or an error message is received at the data center (50); and

   that the reloading process is automatically processed at the data center (50), wherein, in case of a proper credit card status, the credit value is entered into the specific second sub-register R1b of the data center (50).
5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the information on the type of payment comprises the credit card number and the expiry date of the credit card and also the information on the name of the instructed credit card company if the data center cooperates with several credit card companies.
6. A method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, for establishing the communication connection with a data center, there is performed a separate first communication A, wherein the transmitted user-specific information includes an additional information on the type of payment that is transmitted and entered into a special mask in the course of the communication with the data center; and that there is performed a separate second communication B, in which the electronic franking machine is switched over to a reloading mode and the data center executes the reloading process and its entering according to the entry in the aforementioned special mask.
7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the user-specific information transmitted by the franking machine (40) only comprises the PIN identification number and the values in the post registers and that the information on the type of payment that was communicated in the preceding separate communication A with the data center (50) is stored as an order in the form of an order code belonging to the PIN identification number or the customer name in the database of the data center (50) until another order is given, and that, depending on the aforementioned information on the type of payment that is separately transmitted to the data center (50) in the course of communication A, in the data center (50) the required data processing and storage capacity is switched accordingly in order to process the aforementioned information.
8. A method according to claims 6 to 7, characterized by the steps:

   A1. A customer makes a call to the data center TDC and informs the TDC operator about his request to load his franking machine by means of a credit card;

   A2. The TDC operator receives the request and the disclosure of the PIN, of the credit card number and of the amount of reloading;

   A3. The TDC operator performs a plausibility check;

   A4. The TDC operator enters into contact with a separate CPC computer at the credit card company and the liquidity of the credit card is checked though the separate CPC computer at the credit card company by receiving either an OK or a NOT OK message through the communication connection from the data center.

   A5. In case of a positive confirmation, the TDC operator enters the requested amount into a special credit card payment mask running under the TDC program, indicating the PIN, the credit card number and the credit amount that then is entered into the second sub-register of the data center;

   B1. Processing of the reloading process or return to step A1 for repeating the entry for the credit inquiry mode or for switching the franking machine over to a communication mode;

   B2. Transmission of listed information on successful credit inquiries to the credit card company before a transfer of money between the customer's bank and the credit card company and before the execution of transfers to the bank of the post carrier.
9. A method according to claims 6 to 7, characterized by the steps:

   A1. The service customer makes a call to the data center TDC (50) and informs the TDC operator about his request including a service order;

   A2. The TDC operator receives the customer's request, confirms the order and makes respective entries into a special mask running under the TDC program so as to achieve an assignment of the order code to the PIN of the customer;

   B1. Entry for switching the franking machine over to a communication mode, entering the PIN and entering the reloading amount:

   a) Entry of the personal identification number PIN,

   b) Entry/confirmation of the credit value Reset Credit Value;

   B2. Start of the communication routine and plausibility check at the data center after establishing the communication connection and automatic execution of a routine of normal remote value setting for the desired reloading amount at the data center, including a plausibility check, wherein the transmitted PIN as well as the transmitted register values are checked at the data center, wherein the system for example ascertains the name of the customer and determines, on the basis of the entry in the first sub-register, that there is no or not sufficient credit balance in the special first credit account, and subsequently checks whether the current customer is a credit card user in order to proceed according to the order;

   B3. Entry into contact with and transmission of information to the credit card company CPC for verifying the accounting status, wherein, in a sub-step B3.1, a separate communication connection is established between the data center and the credit card company CPC and, in a sub-step B3.2, through a separate online connection between the data center TDC (50) and the credit card company CPC, information concerning f) credit card number, g) term of validity, h) credit value and I) customer name are exchanged and wherein the credit card company CPC checks whether the credit card number that was stored in the data center TDC is valid;

   B4. Receipt of the approval of the proper credit card status by the data center when the liquidity of the customer or the validity of the credit card was verified and performance of a respective evaluation wherein, in case of a positive confirmation, the requested credit amount is automatically entered according to the TDC program in a special mask for credit card payment, indicating the PIN, the credit card number and the credit amount, and is stored;

   B5. Processing of the reloading process or return to step B1 for repeating the entry.

   B6. Transmission of listed information on successful credit inquiries to the credit card company before a transfer of money between the customer's bank and the credit card company and an execution of transfers to the bank of the post carrier.
10. A method according to claim 1, characterized by the steps:

    that a credit balance is transferred from a first bank (10) of the customer or from the user of the franking machine directly into a related first bank account at a specially instructed second bank (20) that is communicatively coupled with the data center (50) and, according to the pre-paid amount, a credit balance is maintained in the special first sub-register of the data center (50), wherein a special second sub-account is maintained at the data center (50) for the availment of accredit, and wherein the data center (50) is directly instructed by the customer to render a respective service for the reloading or re-crediting of his franking machine so that, if necessary, the money can be transferred in a pre-determined manner to the account at a third bank (30) specially instructed by the post carrier in order to pay for the service of the post carrier;

    that, as an alternative to the credit inquiry mode, the franking machine (40), in the communication mode, can be reloaded with a pre-paid credit balance by the data center (50) if the interposed instructed second bank (20) that disposes of an electronic communication connection with the data center (50) provides a respective customer account information on the pre-paid credit balance to the data center (50); and

    that listed information on the reloading with a pre-paid credit balance is transmitted to the third bank (30).

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