EP1779333B1 - Method and device arrangement for digitally franking postal articles - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for digitally franking postal articles during which a digital postage paid impression is generated by a computer and applied to a postal article. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles to be created are generated in a first computer at a customer, and the access to a remote second computer at a service provider is granted. Postal article-specific data for one or more postal articles are transmitted to the second computer. The postal article-specific data are processed in the second computer, and data for a digital postage paid impression are generated for each postal article. Afterwards, processing data are transmitted to accounting component, and a deduction of the franking is carried out at the customer. The postal-article specific data are transmitted with a digital postage paid impression for each postal article to be created to the first computer, and the data are recorded in the first computer. The postal article-specific data are then sent to a processor, and the data are printed for each respective postal article, whereupon the printed postal articles are placed in envelopes in the processor.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the digital franking of mailpieces, in which a digital franking mark is generated by a computer means and applied to a mailpiece.

The invention further relates to a device arrangement for the digital franking of mailpieces, which has a computer means in which a digital postage indicium can be generated and which has a processing means which is designed such that it applies a digital franking mark to a mailpiece.

In the field of postage clearance, various methods and devices are known which, in particular, streamline the shipping of large quantities of mailpieces. Here, the conventional way of franking is supplemented by stamps through the franking by franking machines, which can be purchased by a customer to print franking marks in large quantities directly on shipments. Such devices typically provide loading of postage amounts to a machine. The postage indicia typically comprise encrypted information which, as far as possible, individualises the franking mark for a payment assurance. The encrypted information can be applied for example in the form of a bar code or a matrix code.

Another area of computerized packaging is provided by application programs that are installed on a customer's computer. The customer can use the computer to import program-specific data from various sources into the application program and to generate digital franking marks, which are printed directly on a program. The franking can be printed, for example, on an address label or directly in the address field of a letterhead. The application programs used for this type of computer-aided design typically have various additional functions, such as postage optimization, the creation and evaluation of mailing lists and / or the administration of address lists. The billing of the printed franking marks at a delivery service, such as a postal company, can be done in advance or after the delivery of prepaid shipments to the delivery service.

The international patent application WO 98/57302 A1 describes, for example, a system for generating postage indicia for mailpieces, wherein the postage indicia may be requested from a plurality of local PCs at a central data center. The connection of the PCs with the data center can for example be made via the Internet and it is thus a kind of online franking machine. A customer identifies himself via a local PC at the data center and transmits postal information about one or more shipments to the data center. The data center generates encrypted data for postage indicia and transmits it to the customer at his local PC. The franking mark itself is generated on the customer's PC and can be printed from there on a connected printer. Each data set belonging to a franking mark and thus to a consignment is deposited in the data center and can be used for a fee verification.

From the patent US 6,249,777 B1 Also, there is a system for generating postage indicia for postal mail, wherein the postage indicia may be requested from a plurality of local PCs at a central data center. The franking marks can be generated by the central data center or the customer system, the data center merely providing the necessary encrypted information.

The international patent application WO 99/39278 A1 further discloses a system for producing postage indicia that is particularly suitable for use in private households or very small businesses. A set-top box is used for a television or an interface for Internet television. The respective component comprises a printer with which a franking mark can be printed on a label.

From the European patent application EP 0 927 963 A2 Further, there is known a closed system for producing indicia, wherein a digital printer sends a request for one or more indicia to a central data center. The printer identifies itself, for example, via an Internet connection with its serial number at the data center and requests a certain number of postage indicia of a postage amount.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for the digital franking of mail items, which enable a more flexible handling by the customer with respect to the known embodiment of the franking via an installed application program at a customer. Furthermore, the procedure should facilitate a fee review.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the method will become apparent from the dependent claims 2-7.

• Erzeugung von sendungsspezifischen Daten für eine oder mehrere zu erzeugende Postsendungen in einem ersten Computermittel bei einem Kunden;
• Freischaltung des Zugangs zu einem entfernten zweiten Computermittel bei einem Dienstleister;
• Übermittlung der sendungsspezifischen Daten für eine oder mehrere Postsendungen zum zweiten Computermittel;
• Verarbeitung der sendungsspezifischen Daten im zweiten Computermittel, wobei für jede Postsendung Daten für einen digitalen Freimachungsvermerk erzeugt werden,
• Übermittlung von Verarbeitungsdaten an eine Abrechnungskomponente und Abrechnung der Freimachungsleistung beim Kunden;
• Übermittlung der sendungsspezifischen Daten mit einem digitalen Freimachungsvermerk für jede zu erzeugende Postsendung an das erste Computermittel und Erfassung der Daten im ersten Computermittel;
• Übermittlung der sendungsspezifischen Daten an ein Verarbeitungsmittel in Verbindung mit dem ersten Computermittel; und
• Ausdruck der sendungsspezifischen Daten für jeweils eine Postsendung und Kuvertierung der ausgedruckten Postsendungen im Verarbeitungsmittel.

The method according to the invention for the digital franking of mailpieces, in which a digital franking mark is generated by a computer means and applied to a mailpiece, comprises the following features:

• Generating mailing-specific data for one or more mailpieces to be generated in a first computer means at a customer;
• Activation of access to a remote second computer means by a service provider;
• Transmission of the shipment-specific data for one or more mail items to the second computer means;
• Processing of the shipment-specific data in the second computer means, wherein data for a digital postage indicium are generated for each mail item,
• Transmission of processing data to a billing component and billing of the franking service at the customer;
• Transmission of the shipment-specific data with a digital franking mark for each mail item to be generated to the first computer means and acquisition of the data in the first computer means;
• Transmission of the broadcast-specific data to a processing means in connection with the first computer means; and
• Printout of the mailing-specific data for each mailing and enveloping of the printed mailpieces in the processing means.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention during the processing process in second computer means generated processing data to a collection point for mailings, and in the delivery of mail in a collection point for mail is a collection of broadcast-specific data and a comparison of the collected data stored in the receiving station processing data. In the balance may be conveniently carried out a remuneration.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first computer means is connected to the second computer means via the Internet. In addition to the generation of digital franking marks, postage optimization is preferably carried out in the processing of the mailing-specific data in the second computer means. Furthermore, in the processing of the shipment-specific data in the second computer means, a sorting of the data can be carried out according to determinable sorting criteria. The sorting can take place via postal codes or via lead regions or lead zones.

The invention further comprises a device arrangement for the digital franking of mailpieces, which has a computer means in which a digital postage indicium can be generated and which has a processing means which is designed such that it applies a digital franking mark to a mailpiece. The device arrangement in this case comprises a first computer means at a customer for generating transmission-specific data for one or more mailpieces to be generated and
Means for communicating the data from the first computer means to a remote second computer means at a service provider.

The arrangement furthermore has means for access control of the first computer means to the second computer means, wherein the second computer means is designed for processing of shipment-specific data, in which data for a digital postage indicium are generated for each mailpiece. The billing of services rendered in the field of digital franking and various additional functions at the customer is done via a billing component.

Within the arrangement, means are further provided for transmitting processed data with information for a digital indicium for a respective mail item from the second computer means to the first computer means and processing means in connection with the first computer means for printing and enveloping the printed mailpieces.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for transmitting transmission-specific data between the computer means is the Internet. The second computer means preferably comprises an Internet application.

The method according to the invention and the associated alignment arrangement bring various advantages in the digital franking of mailpieces. Firstly, it is no longer necessary for a customer to install an application program on his computer system. but the necessary functions are available to him without special adaptation of his system. This includes, in particular, the fact that the effort to be paid by a customer is very low and that, for example, he does not need any updates.

Further, the system has the advantage for the customer of being highly flexible in choosing a location for generating and processing shipment data. So he does not have to install and maintain an application program at all sites, but with the inventive arrangement of each site from access to the Internet application of the new DV-franking.

On the other hand, a delivery service, such as a postal company, can offer a service in connection with various other additional functions through the implementation of the DV franking according to the invention. This also includes a shift of computerized franking into the area of a delivery service, which may lead to a simplification of the billing and payment assurance processes.

Further advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to Fig. 1 , It shows Fig. 1 a particularly preferred embodiment of the device arrangement according to the invention with a schematic representation of the data streams.

In the Fig. 1 the process sequences according to the invention are shown schematically within an arrangement for digital franking. The associated system includes first Computer means 10, which are located in the area of a customer system in which content for mailpieces 30 are generated and sent. The customers are preferably users who regularly generate a large number of mailpieces. This is the case, for example, for companies that regularly send invoices, information letters or advertising material. Within the customer system 10, shipment-specific data 50 are generated for one or more mailpieces. The mail items are generated with information from various sources such as databases for addresses, text documents and financial data.

In connection with the first computer means 10 is a processing means 60 for printing data and inserting printed documents in envelopes. The printing of data can be done via conventional printer systems, which are preferably adapted to a high print volume. Known inserter systems perform the folding and placing of documents in envelopes.

Usually, the first computer means 10 comprises means for the digital franking of mailpieces and for immediate printing in a processing means 60. An essential feature of the method according to the invention for the digital franking of mailpieces is that the process of generating digital postage indicia in connection with other functions in one remote from the first computer means arranged second computer means 20 takes place. Unprocessed broadcast-specific data 50 are thus transmitted to the second computer means and processed therein. The second computer means is located in the area of a service provider, which offers digital franking with various additional functions.

The second computer means 20 is preferably connected to the first computer means 10 via the Internet and the data is provided to the second computer means from the various customer systems in XML format. When porting the data from the customer systems, various methods can be used. For example, the data can be integrated via a method encapsulation and reused directly. So the business logic of the customer system can be adopted. In a further embodiment, the integration takes place via a common database. However, this case has specific disadvantages as the business logic of the customer has to be redeveloped.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which in Fig. 1 is shown, the integration of the customer data in the second computer means 20 via an adapter 11, which can also be referred to as a wrapper. An existing business logic of the customer can thus be integrated with the help of the adapter, which is able to adapt a technically non-compliant interface to the new requirements of the second computer means 20.

The access of the first computer means to the functions of the second computer means is carried out in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention via an Internet application, which the customer can call. The customer is preferably registered in the system of the second computer means and stored together with specific data. The registration involves the allocation of an authorization which is expediently a password. When registering a customer with a service provider, at least one contract is created. A contract is a contract between the service provider for digital franking (DV franking) and a customer. According to the contract, the invoicing of the carried out DP franking takes place with the customer. A contract preferably receives a contract number and a subscription number for a consignment center for the shipments under this contract. The delivery center can be defined, for example, via a postal code or an indication of the lead region. For example, a 2-digit number for specifying a lead region may specify a particular delivery center. In addition to specifying a posting center, a contract can be supplemented by further information such as a defined pick-up trip at the customer of a depot.

It has proven to be expedient for a customer to be able to conclude several contracts with the service provider, which may in particular provide for different delivery centers or different shipment categories. For example, it is expedient to create different contracts for items as Infopost and normal letter items, since these items are billed differently.

Upon entering the start page of the Internet application, for example, a login screen of the application is presented to the user. The user can enter his username and password. In addition, a multi-digit customer ID can be specified. Based on these credentials, an authentication is over Registration medium (i..dR a database) performed. Upon successful authentication, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the user arrives at a personal start page of the application with a personalized menu composed, for example, according to the user's rights of the customer.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the customer can call different profiles under which he wants to act in the application. The profiles named "Clients" in this description can be created, changed and selected by the customer. The advantage of using different client profiles is that a company can create different profiles for different locations or company groups. The access to the second computer means of a service provider can be done from the various locations, each site can generate different mailings, for example, each with its own sender address and process. Furthermore, it is possible to call up different profiles from a central location and to generate correspondingly personalized mailpieces for several locations at this location.

For acting within the Internet application, the customer preferably also specifies the contract according to which data supplied is to be processed. Thereby, the processed data is associated with at least one subscription number of a delivery center 80 in which shipments under this contract are accepted. Processing data generated during processing may be communicated to the respective delivery center to reconcile the data.

The access to the data storage of the customer is realized with the help of a class. This interpreter controls the database functions to be called with an XML description and handles the management of the database connection. The architecture of the Internet application can be realized in various ways. For example, a 2-tier architecture with a Tomcat web and application server comes into question. Furthermore, a 3-tier architecture can be used with an enterprise web and application server such as Bea Weblogic.

The 2-tier variant can combine frontend, business logic and data access modules of the application on one machine. The data management is preferably realized with proprietary JDBC accesses to an Oracle database or can occasionally be encapsulated in stored procedures. A clustering of the application can be realized with the aid of a hardware load balancer and an upstream Apache web server.

In 3-tier architecture, frontend and business logic components can be installed on two separate machines. Access to the database and transaction management are governed by the application server and are preferably done using Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs). Clustering can be done for both web components and application components, enabling higher overall performance compared to the 2-tier variant. The 2-tier variant can be connected to the DV-franking backend where all shipment files are processed. The 3-tier architecture is included on each application server IT franking backend, so that shipment files can be processed in the sense of load distribution by different computers. Both variants are expediently secured by the WorldwideWeb with a firewall. In the case of the 3-tier variant, if required, the application layer could also be secured with a firewall.

The structure of the second computer means 20 can be subdivided in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention into three different horizontal layers. These arise primarily due to their different tasks or responsibilities and are preferably determined only secondarily by differentiable physical components.

The first layer, which is referred to below as the Presentation Layer (Web Layer) , contains all components necessary for the representation and interaction control of the application. First and foremost, this is a controller servlet that initiates a business process. This business process can be spread over several technically related individual actions, which in turn are mapped in JSP pages . So that the business object (eg the transaction semantics, the sequence of the individual actions, etc.) remains consistent at all times, the individual business steps are connected by means of the controller servlet.

To control the business processes with regard to the unique identification of the user, a session tracking is used. This is part of the session management that both cookies and alternatively (eg if the user does not accept cookies and has disabled them on the client or web browser) use URL rewriting as mechanisms for recognition. To the consistency of the form data and processing, validations and plausibility checks are integrated into the web layer based on the JFormular form framework. Each user-initiated action related to business logic is mapped using event components that simultaneously represent the interface to the business logic layer.

A second layer Business Logic Layer contains all application components that directly execute business processes or work with business objects. They are preferably supplemented or controlled by another component that deals with the functionality of authorizing and authenticating users and application areas.

• Ein Admin-Interface beinhaltet Benutzer-, Rollen- und Zugriffsrechteverwaltung des Systems. Außerdem können hier Mandanten angelegt und deren Kundenstammdaten gepflegt werden.
• Ein Management-Modul ermöglicht die Pflege von Kontrakten, Produkten/Preisen und Infopost-Fertigungsmustern.
• In einem Statistic-Module wird die Anwendungslogik zur Generierung und Bereitstellung von Statistiken wie Monats-und Tagesauswertungen implementiert.
• Eine Report-Komponente gewährleistet einen Zugriff auf die von einem DV-Freimachungs-Server generierten Reports, bereitet sie für die Darstellung auf oder generiert gegebenenfalls zusätzlich notwendige Metainformationen.
• Ein Auditing-Module beinhaltet die Funktionalität zur Rechnungsprüfung, d.h. zum Abgleich, Anzeigen und Stornieren von Rechnungen.
• Ein Upload/Download-Interface ermöglicht einem Mandanten seine aus dem ERP-System exportierten Sendungsdaten (XML-Dateien) für eine Bearbeitung im DV-Freimachungs-Backend hochzuladen. Die vom DV-Freimachungs-Backend generierten optimierten Sendungsdateien werden im Anschluss zum Download angeboten.
• Ein Backend-Connector repräsentiert die Schnittstelle zum DV-Freimachungs-Backend. Er ermöglicht den Zugriff auf gegebenenfalls notwendige Backend-Funktionalitäten wie beispielsweise die Übermittlung von Verarbeitungsstati im Bezug auf eingelieferte Sendungsdateien. Möglich ist ferner die Statuskontrolle des DV-Freimachungs-Servers als weitere Backend-Funktion.

The application components implement the following functionalities in a preferred embodiment:

• An admin interface includes user, role and access rights management of the system. In addition, clients can be created here and their customer master data maintained.
• A management module enables the maintenance of contracts, products / prices and Infopost manufacturing patterns.
• A statistic module implements the application logic for generating and providing statistics such as monthly and daily evaluations.
• A report component ensures access to the reports generated by a computerized franking server, prepares them for display or, if necessary, additionally generates necessary meta-information.
• An auditing module contains the functionality for invoice verification, that is to compare, display and cancel invoices.
• An upload / download interface enables a client to upload its shipment data (XML files) exported from the ERP system for processing in the DP franking backend. The optimized shipment files generated by the DV franking backend are then offered for download.
• A backend connector represents the interface to the DP franking backend. It enables access to any back-end functionalities that may be required, such as the transmission of processing statuses with regard to delivered shipment files. It is also possible to check the status of the DP franking server as an additional backend function.

• • Benutzer-, Rollen- und Rechteinformationen,
• • Kundenstammdaten,
• • Adressdaten,
• • Daten zu Fertigungsmustern,
• • Kontraktdaten,
• • Preis- und Produktdaten,
• • Entgeltabrechnungsdaten (Kostenstellen, Produktsummen, Ermäßigungen),
• • Monitoringdaten von Bearbeitungsprozessen.

In a third layer Persistence Layer all necessary business process data are stored. Part of this level is in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention at least one Oracle database. All business objects existing in the Business Logic Layer can persistently map their states and data records via defined functions. These include in particular:

• • user, role and rights information,
• • customer master data,
• • address data,
• • data on production patterns,
• • Contract data,
• • price and product data,
• • payroll accounting data (cost centers, product totals, reductions),
• • Monitoring data of machining processes.

The emphasis of the processing of the broadcast specific data in the second computer means 20 is the generation of a digital indicium for several broadcasts of a customer. These are preferably encrypted information which can be displayed graphically. For example, bar codes or matrix codes can be used as the representation. The content of the encrypted information may include various levels, as is known for conventional encryption methods in digital franking. For example, the encryption may process random numbers, fixed or variable keys, dates, and / or sender or recipient data.

The information generated by the encryption for a franking mark are each assigned to a shipment and transmitted to the first computer means. The information for franking marks can be supplemented by further information such as customer-specific advertising imprints or data of the service provider. The first computer means 10 may store the processed data upon receipt and, if appropriate, process it further or pass it directly to a processing means 60 which prints out the mailpieces together with the digital franking marks. This can be done in a known manner by printing a digital franking mark in the address field of a mailing. If the consignment is placed in an envelope, the franking mark is visible and detectable through the transparent foil of the address field. In a further embodiment of the invention, the franking mark is printed on a label which can be applied to a mailpiece.

The franked shipments 30 are transported to a defined by the associated contract Einlieferungszentrum 80 and passed in this to a delivery service. It has proved to be expedient that the operator of the delivery service for an information exchange in connection with the service provider for digital franking. In particular, processing data is transmitted from the second computer means 20 to a delivery center 80 in order to be able to carry out a comparison with recorded and stored data. As a result, various stages of a payment assurance can be carried out. For example, a random comparison of delivered shipments with shipment information such as lists can be made. In a higher security level of the payment assurance, the franking mark of each delivered mail item can be recorded and its validity can be checked on the basis of the encrypted information.

The processing of broadcast-specific data in second computer means 20 may include, in addition to the generation of digital indicia 40 for each broadcast, additional features. For example, the delivered data can be sorted according to specifiable criteria. The sorting of the data using an associated postal code has proven to be particularly advantageous. With this sorting, the customer has the option of sorting out and inserting the data processed by the service provider. This results in bundles of franked and already sorted mail items, which can be delivered to a delivery center, for example, in containers.

There is the possibility that a customer receives a discount on the shipment fee by sorting. In another embodiment of the invention, a discount for inputs is granted only when the items are sorted according to further criteria such as a lead region or a lead zone. Preferably, the customer can choose what degree of sorting he would like to have used in sorting.

The billing of the services of the second computer means via a billing component in connection with the computer means. The Internet application of the second computer means may also allow conventional additional functions such as the storage of payroll or mailing lists.

10

Erstes Computermittel; Benutzer

20

Zweites Computermittel; Dienstleister

30

Postsendung

40

Freimachungsvermerk

50

Sendungsspezifische Daten; unverarbeitet

51

Sendungsspezifische Daten; verarbeitet

60

Verarbeitungsmittel

70

Abrechnungskomponente

80

Postzustelldienst

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

First computer means; user

20

Second computer means; service provider

30

mailing

40

indicia

50

Shipment specific data; unprocessed

51

Shipment specific data; processed

60

processing means

70

billing component

80

Post delivery

Claims (7)

1. Method for digitally franking mailpieces, in which a digital postage indicium is generated by a computer means and is applied onto a mailpiece, characterized by the following features:

   • registration of a customer, whereby at least one agreement is drawn up that contains an unambiguous contract number and a participation number of a posting center;

   • generation of mailpiece-specific data (50) for one or more mailpieces (30) to be generated in a first computer means (10) at the premises of the customer;

   • granting access to a remote second computer means (20) at a service provider;

   • authorization of the customer and selection of an agreement of a customer;

   • transmission of the mailpiece-specific data for one or more mailpieces to the second computer means (20);

   • processing the mailpiece-specific data in the second computer means (20), whereby data for a digital postage indicium (40) is generated for each mailpiece;

   • transmission of processing data to an invoicing component (70) and invoicing the customer for the franking service;

   • transmission to the first computer means (10) of the mailpiece-specific data with a digital postage indicium (40) for each mailpiece to be generated, and acquisition of the data in the first computer means (10);

   • transmission of the mailpiece-specific data (51) to a processing means (60) in conjunction with the first computer means (10);

   • printout of the mailpiece-specific data for each mailpiece and enveloping the printed mailpieces in the processing means (60);

   • association of the processed mailpiece-specific data with the participation number of the posting center of the selected agreement of the customer and determination of the posting center, whereby the processing data generated in the second computer means (20) during the processing is transmitted to the determined posting center for mailpieces (80) and, when mailpieces (30) are posted at the posting center for mailpieces (80), the mailpiece-specific data is acquired and the acquired data is compared to the processing data stored in the posting center (80).
2. The method according to Claim 1, characterized in that a payment assurance procedure is carried out by means of a comparison in the posting center.
3. The method according to one or both of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first computer means (10) is connected to the second computer means (20) via the Internet.
4. The method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, during the processing of the mailpiece-specific data (50) in the second computer means (20), postage optimization is carried out.
5. The method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, during the processing of the mailpiece-specific data (50) in the second computer means (20), the data is sorted according to sorting criteria that can be selected by the customer.
6. The method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the sorting is carried out on the basis of postal codes.
7. The method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the sorting is carried out on the basis of routing regions or routing zones.

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