EP1132867A1 - Electronic stamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a wirelessly and contactlessly readable identification tag (5) for storing information and a mail processing system for processing mail (8) with a reading device (41) for reading information associated with the mail (8). A number of pieces of information are currently being printed on a piece of mail in a digital and machine-readable franking imprint. However, the amount of information that can be printed is limited. In order to assign a large amount of information associated with a postal item to the postal item in a simple manner, with machine readability being ensured, the invention provides for a wire and contactless readable identification tag, e.g. B. a passive RF-ID tag (5) for storing information and / or franking data associated with the mail item (8) and for arrangement in or on the mail item (8). According to the invention, a mail processing system has a corresponding reading device (41) for reading the information stored on the identification tag (5) in a wireless and contactless manner. The invention also relates to a corresponding writing device for writing information on such an identification mark, a device for processing mail, in particular a franking machine, and a correspondingly designed method for processing mail. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a wire and contactless readable identification tag for storing information. The invention also relates to a writing device for writing information on a wireless and contactless read and writable identification tag, a mail processing system for editing of postal items associated with a reading device for reading the postal items Information and a device for processing mail, in particular a Franking machine or a computer. The invention further relates to a Postal items, in particular postal packaging material such as an envelope, Parcel paper and parcel box and a method for processing mail, whereby information associated with the mail item is read with a reading device.

In recent years, the franking of mail has changed from the electromechanical Franking machine via the digitally printing franking machine with thermal transfer technology developed for InkJet franking machines where the printing unit works according to the inkjet printing process. The driving force was the greater flexibility in the design of the franking imprint, which is particularly the case with franking imprints is required, which for each post, z. B. for each letter, individually should be. The most important benefit of an individual franking imprint is that Possibility to save and display information in this franking imprint, which allow a verification of the legal franking, and if necessary store additional information that involves distribution and tracking, d. H. tracking during transport and, if necessary, finding them at Loss, to ease the mail. Such a franking machine for generating Franking imprints as a conventional PC with additional hardware and software is known for example from US 5,717,597. Also exclusively Devices for production that work and are designed as franking machines franking imprints of this type are widely known.

The requirements for the content of such digital franking imprints are constantly increasing. While currently a sequential number of less than 10 digits sufficient, more and more storage space is being used, especially by national postal authorities to store information in these franking imprints. So For example, the IBIP of the US Postal Service requests 86 bytes for storage changeable information, and by the Canadian Post Office 144 bytes of storage space wanted. Future requirements, e.g. B. Personal information save the user of the franking machines in the franking imprints, can easily require even more memory.

For example, from US 5,717,597 it is known to store the information to be stored to be printed on the postal matter in the form of a two-dimensional barcode. At a writing height of 1 inch and the requirement for reliable machine readability of the barcode, the amount of information that can be saved and printed is approx. 150 bytes limited. A higher amount of information would be too strong Reduce the size of the barcode elements and thus mean poor readability. Because of the uneven surface, the wide range of paper and the use non-black ink that has less contrast than black ink, can be used for direct printing on mail, e.g. B. of envelopes, not sufficient Quality and density of information can be achieved.

From DE 43 36 897 C1 is an identification system with a transceiver and an identification mark that is considered to be with surface acoustic waves working ID tag (SAW ID tag) is known. Such ID tags are components in which an electrical signal is converted into a surface acoustic wave is implemented, which on a series of reflectors is reflected, the reflected surface acoustic wave by a Converter, which is the same as the converter that converts the electrical input signal can be converted back into an electrical signal. In dependence of The configuration of the reflectors creates a predetermined code, which is this Represents ID tag.

In addition, identification marks are known, e.g. B. from DE 42 00 076 A1, which is designed as a passive surface wave sensor for measuring values are. A measurement value is taken from that at a remote measurement location arranged surface wave sensor transmitted via radio to a query device, which transmits energy to the sensor elements as a query impulse via radio.

As a modification of this, identification marks are also known, which instead of one Sensor element have a memory element that can be written to multiple times.

All of these identification marks have in common that they work passively, that the energy of one's own operation by means of an antenna from the electromagnetic Field of a reader is removed. Often such as Passive radio frequency identification tag (RF-ID) tags can be read wirelessly and without contact, whereby at special embodiments, the stored information is also externally wired and can be changed without contact. The reading distance for known ones Identification marks up to one meter. With also known active identification marks, which additionally have an energy store, the reading distance also be several meters.

The invention has for its object to an inexpensive way create an unrestricted amount of information for a postal item assign that machine-readable quickly, easily and reliably are.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that one described at the outset Identification tag that can be read wirelessly and without contact for storing information and / or franking data associated with a postal item and for arrangement is configured in or on the mail item.

The invention is based on the knowledge that it is more advantageous to storing information electronically and no longer as a franking imprint to print directly on the mail. Thereby according to the invention for storage Identification tags that can be read wirelessly and without contact come because they are much cheaper and easier to manufacture than, for example Semiconductor chips, as they are often used on chip cards or telephone cards be brought into contact with a reader for reading Need to become.

Any information should be understood as information associated with the postal item be on the identification tag attached to the mail can be saved and sent together with the mail. This can in addition to those directly related to the mail item or the content of the mail item Data also other, e.g. B. personal, information on the identification tag can be saved and sent along. The identification mark can thereby advantageously be used as a cryptifiable data memory be on which security-relevant information, such. B. not in writing Form in which mail is to be sent, saved and sent become. So z. B. also encrypted pictures, texts, passwords or PIN numbers or be contained on the identification tag in unencrypted form. As Storage space is available with current identification marks up to 1 MB Available, with the available space for future identification marks will continue to rise.

It is advantageously provided that a passive RF-ID tag is used as the identification mark is used, which is also reusable in a training can be designed.

The identification mark is designed so that any information on it can be saved, the storage by the user by means of a suitable writing device can be made. So in particular Various franking data such as the franking value, the shipping method and the shipper or a corresponding identifier of the sender and the addressee in encrypted or unencrypted form. This data can be used for this can be used to check the validity of the franking can also be used for sorting and delivery. The identification mark is also designed so that it is arranged in or on the mail item can be. For example, it can be designed such that it is from can be stuck onto the outside of the mail item or that it is sealed in a foil, in order to be enclosed inside the mail. The storage of information on The identification mark can be placed in or on the before or after the attachment Postal items are made, since this can be done wirelessly and without contact.

The invention also relates to a mail processing system according to claim 4. This is designed in a suitable manner to process mail, which is such an identification mark and to read the information stored thereon, so to check the franking and, if necessary, to facilitate delivery. To shows the mail processing system, such as in the distribution center or the sorting system of a postal service is provided, a corresponding Reader on.

Advantageous embodiments of the mail processing system are in the claims 5 to 8 specified. One is also preferred in the mail processing system Writing device provided to be stored on the identification mark Delete data and / or write new data on it. For example also a cancellation of the franking on the identification mark after which the identification mark can be reused. It additional information could be added, e.g. for the Delivery are important.

The invention further relates to a writing device according to claim 9 Write information on the identification tag. Such a writing device can be used in a mail processing system described above find, but is particularly important for the sender of mail Franking data and / or other information on the identification tag to save. Such a writing device can be used as a separate and franking machine completely independent device, the franking of the postal matter itself in the conventional way as a stamp or as franking imprint by means of a conventional franking machine additionally on the mail is applied. Such an additional franking can also omitted if the franking in full and recognized form on the Identification tag itself is included, checked by the mail carrier and can then also be devalued.

Such a writing device can also be used in a processing device of postal matter, in particular in a franking machine or as a franking machine configured computer can be arranged as specified in claim 10 is. Advantageous embodiments of such a device are in the claims 11 and 12 indicated.

Also postal items, especially postal packaging material such as envelopes, Parcel paper and parcel box, on or in which such an identification mark already exists is arranged, is covered by the invention. Such an identification mark can according to the invention already in the packaging material for mail be integrated so that a sender of postal items, for example an envelope with integrated identification tag and the franking and other Data using a suitable storage device only on the identification tag saves. If the entire mail delivery chain, i.e. of mail sorting and Distribution system up to the mail deliverer equipped with suitable reading devices would, even on applying the addressee to the mail piece completely be dispensed with, as this information is also on the identification mark could be saved.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of a wire-less and contactless one Readable identification mark according to claim 14 and a method for Processing mail according to claim 15, which is as in claims 16 to 20 specified can be trained.

Figur 1

ein Sende-/Empfangsgerät mit einer Identifizierungsmarke,

Figur 2

eine Draufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Briefumschlag,

Figur 3

ein Blockschaltbild einer erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Frankiermaschine,

Figur 4

einen als erfindungsgemäß ausgestaltete Frankiermaschine arbeitenden PC und

Figur 5

ein Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Postbearbeitungssystems.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Figure 1

a transceiver with an identification mark,

Figure 2

3 shows a plan view of an envelope designed according to the invention,

Figure 3

2 shows a block diagram of a franking machine designed according to the invention,

Figure 4

a PC working as a franking machine designed according to the invention and

Figure 5

a block diagram of a mail processing system designed according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a transceiver 1 which has a transmitter part 2, a receiving part 3, an evaluation logic 4 and one coupled to the transmitter part 2 Has antenna 6 for emitting an interrogation signal. The through that Identifier 5 to be queried from transceiver 1 is shown in FIG. 1 as passive RF-ID tag designed. This has an antenna 7 for receiving the Interrogation signal, an interdigital transducer 11 coupled to the antenna 7 for Conversion of the received interrogation signal into a surface acoustic wave and a sequence of reflectors 12, which at least a part of the acoustic Reflect surface wave on the interdigital transducer 11 and one define the code identifying ID tag 5 according to reflectors 12.

According to the invention, the identification mark 5 is designed such that a large number of information on it stored and read multiple times wirelessly and without contact and can be deleted. The energy required for reading or writing is thereby by the radio connection between the antennas 6 and 7 on the Radio path transmitted. The identification mark 5 is also designed such that that it can be easily applied to a mail item from the outside.

Such a postal item, namely an envelope 8, is shown in FIG. How from it can be seen, is next to the address field 10 and the printed Franking 9 (or the stuck stamp) such an identification mark 5, in which the franking data relevant for letter 8 and, if appropriate, further data Information such as B. the delivery address are stored. The identification mark 5 is detachably glued on so that it can be reused.

FIG. 3 shows a franking machine 20 according to the invention as a block diagram shown. This first has a user interface 21 on which the for the Franking key parameters such as weight, shipping method, country etc. entered can be. This data is fed to a computing unit 22, where the franking value from the entered data, unless it was entered directly and all others for storage on the identification mark seen data can be determined. The franking value is then sent to the printing unit 23 passed on where the franking stamp in the usual way on a Post 81 already provided with address is printed.

Furthermore, an encryption unit 24 is also provided, in which the for storage data provided on the identification mark are cryptified. The crypted data are forwarded to a writing device 25, from which this cryptified data is then transmitted by radio to the identification tag become. The identification mark itself is then applied to the mail item 82 is, whereupon the franked postage 83 get into the mail flow can.

As shown, the transmission of the data during the write process takes place in cryptified form Shape. In order to ensure such a cryptified transmission during the reading process ensure, it can be provided that also on the identification mark even an encryption unit, e.g. B. an integrated crypto processor provided is.

Further configurations can be that the identification mark is already a component of the postal matter is that z. B. Envelopes with built-in ID tags be distributed and that when passing such an envelope the writing device 25 the information is transmitted. It is also conceivable that the identification tag is sealed in a foil and the mail can be enclosed inside. Such a film could also be printed, for. B. with an advertising message or a graphically designed image to make it look similar like phone cards to become a collector's item. Such identification marks could then be bought by the user, for example from the mail carrier are given or given free of charge or given away as advertising become.

FIG. 4 shows a franking machine 30 which is operated by a conventional PC 31 is implemented, which is equipped with suitable hardware and software. The PC 31 itself assigns a computing unit 32, a keyboard 33 and a drive 34 Entry and calculation of data on. One is connected to the PC 31 Printing unit 35, a postal scale 36, a modem 37 for connection to a Transmission system 38, e.g. B. to download postage from one Post office, and a writing device 39 for writing information Identification marks. The franking can then take place in such a way that by means of the Weigh 36 the weight of the mail item is determined that the PC 31 from it and the franking value and the information to be stored from other data entered determines that the franking stamp is printed by means of the printer 35 and the information mark is written by means of the writing device 39. The Printer 35 can also be completely omitted, if the franking completely and can only be done on the identification tag, which is appropriate Test equipment for checking the validity of the franking with the postal authorities or required by the mail carrier. This would also have the advantage of being able to print of the postal goods required could be completely eliminated.

Not shown is an embodiment in which the writing device for writing of information on the identification tag as a completely separate (stand- alone) device is designed and no further franking and printing of the Postal items are required. This device could then be used as a scale and a modem or a mobile phone for coupling to the transmission system 38 have.

A mail processing system according to the invention is shown in FIG. 5. This points centrally a mail processing unit 40 which, for example, in a mail collection and distribution point is arranged. The Postgut 8, which by means of franking machines 201, 202, 203 has been franked, as indicated by the arrows 70, delivered to this mail processing unit 40. There by means of a reading device 41 the data contained on the identification tag are read out, the Franking is checked by a test device 42 for its validity and for sufficient ones Franking value checked and then by means of a writing device 43 deleted. As a result, the identification tag comes later with empty fee content to the recipient and can be reused there. The one on the Identification information contained will also be a sorting system 44 forwarded, which the mail good then based on the address data contained as information can sort accordingly.

A mail search unit 45 is also provided in the mail processing unit 40, in which at least part of the data contained on the identification mark for certain time is saved, which can be used to prove whether and when a mail item has passed through this mail processing unit 40. This can be beneficial serve to track the transport of the mail, the user if necessary give feedback about this and make it easier to find if lost.

The mail item 8 is then forwarded, as shown by arrow 71, to the mail delivery points 50, 52 forwarded from where the mail, as by arrows 72 is indicated, is delivered to the receiver 54 to 60. The postal delivery points 50, 52 each have a reading unit 51, 53 for reading the the information contained in the identification mark, in particular the address data, which should make delivery easier. Also, after that, like arrows 73 indicated, feedback to the mail processing unit 40, in particular be given to the mail search unit 45 in order to document the mail run. From there, the senders 201 to 203 can also be sent, as indicated by arrows 74 is a feedback about the delivery and the post run. If the postal delivery points 50, 52, z. B. all postmen, about such Readers 51, 52 can also have a label on the mail completely eliminated if the address data of the recipient is in the identification marks are included. In this case, unauthorized use is one with money loaded identification tag or its theft does not make sense, since a postal item, only a specific one to which the identification mark is attached Recipient reached and cannot be used for other postal items can have a different recipient.

Any problems related to print quality, paper and the machine readability in known franking machines occur in the solution according to the invention no longer applies. The data transfer to the reading device is the longer distance and with an undefined orientation Postal items reliably possible. This also reduces the effort for the management of the mail in the area of the reading device. The used Identification marks are also cheap and easy to manufacture and with simple Means readable and writable. The affixing of the identification marks in or on the postal item does not require any major effort.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. Much more are multiple variations and Possible additions. For example, the invention is not based on restricts a special identification mark that can be read wirelessly and without contact, of which there are a number of solutions working according to different principles gives. In addition to the acoustic surface waves described above working ID tags, for example, there are also identification marks in which a coil for wireless energy transmission and a storage element for storage a number of values are integrated.

It is also conceivable to write the time when describing an identification mark (Date and time) of the write process and / or an expiration date of a saved one Save franking. For example, it can be provided that the values stored on the identification mark for a certain period of time, for example, cannot be changed or deleted for 2 to 3 days, to ensure security against counterfeiting. It could also be a saved one Expiry date or when reading the stored values from the Expiration date also calculated when the write process was saved when checking the validity of a franking to be recycled, too To prevent counterfeiting and misuse.

As indicated in FIG. 5, the invention can also be advantageous for the so-called Tracking and tracing, i.e. the tracking of the postal items upon delivery or in the event of losses. For example, that space is reserved on the identification tag in order at each station the transport of the mail, d. H. at the post collection point, the sorting point and the distribution stations, each with a corresponding passcode on the Identification mark is saved. Additionally or alternatively, can also the corresponding transit stations one on the identification tag stored identifier can be saved. This information can do this serve customers about the current location during the delivery of the mail to teach and, if necessary, to make it easier to find them if they are lost.

Claims (20)

Identification tag (5) that can be read wirelessly and without contact for storing information,
characterized in that the identification mark (5) is designed to store information and / or franking data associated with a postal item (8) and for arrangement in or on the postal item (8). Identification mark according to claim 1,
characterized in that the identification mark (5) is an RF-ID tag. Identification mark (5) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the identification mark (5) is designed to be reusable. Mail processing system for processing mail (8) with a reading device (41) for reading information associated with the mail (8),
characterized in that the reading device (41) is designed to read the information stored on a wirelessly and contactlessly readable identification mark (5), the identification mark (5) being arranged on or in the mail item (8). Mail processing system according to claim 4,
characterized in that a checking device (42) is provided for checking the validity of the franking of the mail item (8) stored as information on the identification tag (5). Mail processing system according to one of claims 4 or 5,
characterized in that means (44, 45) are provided for sorting and / or tracking the delivery on the basis of the delivery data of the mail item (8) stored as information on the identification tag (5). Mail processing system according to one of claims 4 to 6,
characterized in that a writing device (43) is provided for writing and / or deleting information stored on the identification mark (5). Mail processing system according to claim 7,
characterized in that the writing device (43) is designed to validate the franking stored as information on the identification mark (5) by deleting the franking value stored on the identification mark (5). Writing device (39) for writing information on an identification tag (5) which can be read and written without wires and without contact,
characterized in that the writing device (39) is designed to write information and / or franking data associated with a postal item (8), in particular franking value and delivery data, onto the identification mark (5) arranged on or in the postal item (8) . Device for processing postal matter (8), in particular franking machine (20) or computer (30),
characterized in that the device has a writing device (39) according to claim 9. Apparatus according to claim 10,
characterized in that means (25) are provided for attaching the identification mark (5) to or in the mail item (8). Device according to one of claims 10 or 11,
characterized in that means (21, 22) are provided for entering and / or determining the franking parameters and the delivery data and for converting the franking parameters and the delivery data into information provided for storage on the identification mark (5). Postal goods, in particular postal packaging materials such as envelopes, parcel paper and parcel boxes,
characterized in that a wire- and contactlessly readable identification tag (5) is arranged on or in the mail item (8), information and / or franking data associated with the mail item (8) being storable on the identification tag (5). Use of an identification tag that can be read wirelessly and without contact (5) for storing information associated with a postal item (8) and / or Franking data and for arrangement in or on the mail item (8), in particular as Stamp. Method for processing postal matter (8), wherein information associated with the postal matter (8) is read with a reading device (41),
characterized in that the information stored on an identification tag (5) arranged on or in the mail item (8) is read wirelessly and that the validity is checked on the basis of the franking stored and read as information. A method according to claim 15,
characterized in that the mail item (8) is sorted and / or tracked during the transport on the basis of the delivery data stored and read as information. Method according to one of claims 15 or 16,
characterized in that the franking value stored as information on the identification mark (5) is read and deleted to cancel the franking. Method according to one of claims 15 to 17,
characterized in that the data exchange between the reading device (41) and the identification tag (5) takes place in encrypted form. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17,
characterized in that the delivery of the mail item (8) takes place on the basis of the delivery data stored exclusively on the identification tag (5). Method according to one of claims 15 to 19,
characterized in that the identification mark (5) is a passive RF-ID tag.

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