Unlted States Patent
`[19]
`[11] Patent Number:
`6,153,835
`
`Schwartz et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`US006153835A
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN
`ELECTRONIC POSTAGE SCALE WITH
`VARIABLE FUNCTION KEYS AND WINDOW
`SCREENS
`
`.
`.
`Inventors. Robert G. Schwartz, Branford, Allen
`A-Cr0W9>Pr05PeCt> James S: Emme“>
`DerbX; FEtHEh ESkandarL Mlddletown;
`Martln F. Palange, Monroe; Mark E.
`Simcik, Bloomfield; Robert Swanbery,
`Fairfield; Robert J. Japenga, Simsbury;
`Joseph L. Lehman, Canton; William
`A_ Weirsman, Orange; George P.
`Rahgo, Milford, all Of COHH'
`
`[73] Assignee: ASCOIII Hasler Mailing Systems, Inc.,
`Shelton, Conn.
`
`4,862,401
`.......................... 177/2511
`8/1989 Kubli et al.
`
`4,872,119
`.. 177/25.11
`10/1989 Kajimoto .....
`
`
`4,900,904
`2/1990 Wright et al.
`...... 177/25.11
`4,901,237
`2/1990 Hlketa et al.
`...................... 364/464.01
`4,969,112
`11/1990 Castle ................................... 177/2511
`5,020,748
`6/1991 Okajima
`748/271
`
`5,035,392
`7/1991 Gross et a1.
`.. 248/4422
`5,040,132
`8/1991 Schurichtetal.
`......
`.. 177/2511
`
`5,072,397 12/1991 Barns—Slavin etal.
`.
`.. 177/2511
`...........
`.. 177/2511
`5,077,660 12/1991 Haines et al.
`
`. 177/25.11
`5,079,712
`1/1992 Ileana et al.
`
`. 177/25.11
`.
`5,084,832
`1/1992 Yamada et al.
`
`........
`.. 177/2511
`5,097,915
`3/1992 Joss et al.
`5,107,455
`4/1992 Haines et al.
`........................... 395/275
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`0492439
`
`7/1992 European Pat. Off.
`
`.
`
`[22]
`
`Flled:
`
`Jun. 7’ 1995
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Japanese abstract by Yuuseishoo for patent application
`58—61419 (A), published Apr. 12, 1983.
`
`[62] Division of application No. 08/139,898, Oct. 14, 1993.
`
`Primary Examiner—Randy W' Gibson
`
`[51]
`
`Int. Cl.7 ........................ G01G 19/22; G01G 19/413;
`G07B 17/02
`
`........................ 177/25.13; 705/407; 705/404
`[52] U..S. Cl.
`[58] Fleld of Search .............................. 177/25.11, 25.12,
`17705.13; 364/46402, 567
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`US PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,064,954 12/1977 Rock .................................... 177/2511
`. 17735.11
`4,139,892
`2/1979 Gudea et al.
`.
`4,325,441
`4/1982 Nakatani et al.
`. 177/2511
`177/25.11
`4,379,496
`4/1983 Godat et al.
`......
`7/1984 Valestin .......... 177/25.11
`4,462,473
`
`494819587
`11/1984 Daniels; JR
`177/25-11
`1/1987 Daniels .......... 177/25.11
`4,638,439
`
`9/1987 Griffen ............... 177/2511
`4,691,290
`
`11/1988 Brookner et al.
`.
`.. 364/464.02
`4,783,745
`
`4,811,256
`3/1989 Yamada et al.
`177/25.11
`
`4,814,995
`3/1989 Daniels, Jr.
`177/25.11
`6/1989 Sekioka ................................ 177/25.11
`4,836,309
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`In an improved postage scale system, soft-selection keys are
`used for selecting options including shipping service options
`provided by the system. The dlsplay on such a system is
`adjustable for comfortable viewing thereof. The system is
`capable of interfacing and communicating With other
`devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical
`scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and
`code for use in the system can be updated by downloading
`new data and COde from 1C cards to the SyStem A security
`measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`code, a system user 1s requlred to enter a vahd authorlzatlon
`number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in
`part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of soft-
`ware of the system onto another similar system.
`
`_
`_
`17 Drawmg Shem
`12 €131is
`.
`.
`M1crofiche Appenle Included
`(54 Microfiche, 4342 Pages)
`
`
`,___#—
`13
`DISPLAY /205
`201
`_
`
`
`MICROPROCESSOR /
`MEMORY
`16
`
`
`
`
`INTERRUPT
`207
`/
`CONTROLLER
`TIMER
`DISPLAY
`DISPLAY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2]]
`240
`1
`CONTROLLER
`MODULE
`203-
`]
`
`SPEAKER
`
`
`
`17
`KEYBOARD
`
`243/ CIRCUITRY
`
`
`
`
`KEYBOARD /
`'¥ INTERFACE
`230
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`261
`IC CARD CONNECTOR
`
`
`
`250\
`MEMORY ——4
`
`2500
`SECTION
`
`250b\\_
`ZSOC‘W
`250d—r’
`
`2336 233b 233c 233d
`
`
`ROM /213
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2350
`
`
`
`/235b
`
`
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 -1/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 1/31
`
`

`

`6,153,835
`
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,224,060
`
`6/1993 Ma .......................................... 364/708
`
`,
`,
`5109 572
`5,117,364
`5,125,465
`5,181,029
`5,195,213
`5,200,903
`
`ar
`..........................................
`16/334
`5/1992 P k
`5/1992 BarnsSlavin et a1.
`. 177/2511
`
`6/1992 Schneider .......
`177/2511
`
`“1993 Kim ...........
`241/20
`3/1993 Ohgami et a1.
`16/342
`
`4/1993 Gilham ................................. 177/2511
`
`..................................... 177/2511
`8/1993 Arai
`5,241,646
`2,252,163 107133431 26162 etalt..1...........................36343203891
`7
`7
`onwaye a'
`""""""""""""""
`~
`5,308,932
`5/1994 Manduley et a1.
`................... 177/2511
`5,335,142
`8/1994 Anderson et a1.
`...................... 361/681
`5,376,934 12/1994 Savazzi
`..................................... 341/22
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 2/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 2/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 1 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 3/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 3/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 2 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`_—
`
`
`|_4|
`
`—_¥a___.."—-"—’""' "’
`—_:_:_-+-.:—._5;?’4I’0
`
`
`
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 4/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 4/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 3 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`FIG. 78
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 5/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 5/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`S
`
`4
`
`6,
`
`3
`
`5
`
`9
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`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 6/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 6/31
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 5 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`
`309
`
`250
`
`301
`
`
`
`305
`
`307
`
`351
`
`353
`
`
`
`
`
`250d
`
`401
`
`MANIFEST INFORMATION FILES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PRINTER
`
`509
`
`5”
`
`890
`
`PRINTER
`
`UPS LABEL
`
`SYSTEM 10
`
`233D '
`
`
`
` DISABLE
`WRITE 0F
`
`
`RATE MODULE
`
`FIG. 14
`
`895
`
`FIG. 11
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 7/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 7/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 6 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`700
`
`READ
`AUTHOWZAHON
`NUMBER
`
`DECRYPT
`
`ENCRYPTED OPTION SEGMENT
`
`READ OFF SERIAL,
`MODEL,AND
`VERSION NUMBERS
`
` GENERATE
`
`ELECTRONIC
`aCNATURE
`
`COMPARE
`aGNATUREs
`
`70‘
`
`703
`
`705
`
`7
`
`O7
`
`708
`
`7n
`
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`
`
`
`NUMBER VALID
`
`
` AUTHORIZATION
`
`
`
`mSPLAY
`WNVAUD
`
`AUTHOWZATmN
`NUMBER"
`
`
`
`YES
`
`SYSTEM
`
`OPERATIONAL
`
`713
`
`FWCi 12
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 8/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 8/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
` 9
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 9/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 9/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 8 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`1501
`
`1517
`
`1533
`
` DISPLAY
`
`MAIN MENU
`
`
`
`OF FIG. 16
`
`LOOK UP
`
`SHIPPING
`
`COST
`
` SUBROUTINE
`
`INVOKE
`
`KEY ENTRY
`
`1503
`
`1519
`
`1535
`
`INVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`1505
`
`DISPLAY
`SCREEN OF
`FIG. 19
`
`1521
`
`INVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`1523
`
`PROMPT
`FOR
`INSURAN
`
`PROMPT FOR
`AND DISPLAY
`ACCOUNT
`NAME
`
`
`
`
`‘537
`PROMPT FOR
`AND DISPLAY
`INVOICE
`NUMBER
`
`1539
`PROMPT FOR
`AND DISPLAY
`mg;
`
`DISPLAY
`SCREEN OF
`FIG. 17
`
`1507
`
`INVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`R
`TI
`SUB 0” NE
`1509
`DISPLAY
`
`SCREEN OF
`
`CE
`1525
`.NVOKE
`
`KEY ENTRY
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 18
`
`SUBROUTINE
`
`1541
`
`PRINT
`AND STORE
`RECORD
`
`1543
`
`GENERATE
`LXEESL
`
`-
`
`1511
`
`.
`
`1527
`
`INVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`
`1513
`LOOK UP
`
`ZONE
`NUMBER
`
`LOOK UP
`INSURANCE
`FEE
`
`' 1529
`UPDATE TOTAL
`
`SHIPPING
`COST
`
`1531
`
`MODIFY
`
`DISPLAYED
`SELECTIONS
`
`FIG. 15A
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 -10/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 10/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 9 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`FROM
`MAIN ROUTINE
`
`
`
`KEY INPUT
`
`1503d
`
`SENSIBLE
`
`?
`
`CLICK FOR
`
`SENSIBLE
`
`15036
`
`
`
`
`
`DETERMmE
`USERS
`
`
`INPUT
`
`
`
`
`RETURN
`
`TO
`
`MAIN ROUTINE
`
`FIG.‘HSB
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 11/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 11/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 10 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`1001
`
`Selecf a class of mail or 0 function
`
`1003
`
`10 lb 12.5 02
`
`10050 1005b
`
`1005c
`
`1005d
`
`Config Access Access Access
`SystemlMonifesflAccounfs Ro’res
`
`l1005e I100“ 110059
`
`
`
`1005
`
`1001
`
`UPS Grnd
`
`Selec’r 0 class
`
`UPS Grnd
`
`10 lb 12.5 oz
`
`Con
`
`Grnd
`Com
`
`Grnd
`Res
`
`Gfrcc
`Com
`
`Gfroc
`Res
`
`Grnd
`
`CWTGd ——more——
`
`FIG. 17
`
`1001
`
`UPS Grnd\Grnd Com
`
`ENTER A ZIP CODE
`
`oz
`
`UPS Grnd
`
`Com
`
`10 lb 12.5
`
`FIG. 18
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 12/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 12/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 11 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`1001
`
`UPS Grnd \Grnd Com
`
`Seleci a special service or press record
`
`Services
`
`UPS Grnd
`
`Corn
`
`101D 12.5 oz
`
`$3.86 zip 1234s zone 2
`
`COD
`
`Ovs
`
`Spc
`
`PI P
`
`Detailed —more—
`
`1005
`
`FIG. 19
`
`Access Ra’res
`
`Selecf a Function
`
`
`
`Desi
`
`IType of 'Delivery lCarrier ’Display:
`1 Mail
`IService I
`ILis’r
`
`FIG. 25
`
`Access Rafes\Desfinaiion
`
`Seiec’r a Funclion
`
`101b 12.5 oz
`
`Rico
`
`Sfa‘res
`
`Puerfo Canada Alaska O’rhers
`
`FIG. 26
`
`1005
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 13/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 13/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`N0v.28,2000
`
`Sheet 12 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`ASE pczoe<
`
`
`
`mor—mc—zm:_gmu.Cm
`
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`
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`
`CLG
`
`OOOm
`
`Nom.mFn_oF
`
`25009:0mm:
`
`
`
`mm:
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 14/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 14/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet13 0f17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`
`
`amoummmmmgmLo
`
`muv>gmmFm?
`umommpom—mm
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`
`mmecmomm ucgomm:
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 15/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 15/31
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 14 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`1oib1‘2.’5oz
`
`Name
`
`4.;
`
`Enter
`
`FIG.24
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 16/31
`
`C3 OL
`
`)U (
`
`I
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 16/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 15 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`Access RaTes\ Desfinafion
`
`Selecf a Destina’rion
`
`10 lb
`
`12.5 oz
`
`Rico
`
`48
`Sia’res
`
`Puerfo Canada Alaska O’rhers
`
`FIG. 27
`
`Access Ra’res\Carrier
`
`SelecT a Carrier
`
`10 lb
`
`12.5 oz
`
`-
`
`UPS
`
`USPS
`
`Federal
`
`RPS
`
`DHL
`
`Abn —more—
`
`Express
`
`FIG. 28
`
`Access Rafes\Display Lis‘r
`
`Select a Funcfion
`
`10 lb
`
`12.5 oz
`
`UPS Grnd Com ‘
`UPS Grnd Res
`
`UPS Grnd Can
`RPS Grnd Corn
`
`v
`
`Ge’r
`Remove Assign
`Rafe
`Bes’r Way Price
`
`FIG. 29
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 17/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 17/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28,2000
`
`Sheet 16 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`Access Rates\Assign to Best Way
`
`Select a Category
`
`10 lb
`
`12.5 02
`
`Day
`
`Ground Ground Second
`
`Com
`Res
`Day
`
`
`
`Next
`
`Letter Custom
`
`FIG. 30
`
`Access Rates Display List Get Price
`
`Select a Rate
`
`10 lb
`
`12.5 oz
`
`
`
`UPS
`
`UPS
`
`UPS
`
`RPS
`
`RPS
`
`RPS —more—
`
`Grnd Com Grnd Res Grnd Can Grnd Com Grnd Res Grnd Can
`
`1005
`
`FIG. 31
`
`.
`
`SYSTEM 10
`
`
`
`
`
`BARCODE
`SCANNER
`
`170
`
`
`
`PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`
`178
`
`
`
`FIG. 32
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 18/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 18/31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 17 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`189
`
`187
`
`185
`
`183
`
`PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`
`
`
`COMMUNEANONS
`
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`FIG. 33
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 19/31
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005 - 19/31
`
`

`

`6,153,835
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN
`ELECTRONIC POSTAGE SCALE WITH
`VARIABLE FUNCTION KEYS AND WINDOW
`SCREENS
`
`This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/139,898,
`filed on Oct. 14, 1993.
`
`SPECIFICATION
`
`The disclosure of this patent document includes a Micro-
`fiche Appendix which contains 54 microfiche and 5,227
`frames. The Microfiche Appendix is located in the patented
`file of application Ser. No. 08/139,898, filed on Oct. 14,
`1993.
`
`A portion of the disclosure of this patent document
`contains material which is subject to copyright protection.
`The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
`reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent
`disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
`patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
`rights whatsoever.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates to an electronic scale system
`and method which is particularly suitable for mailing or
`shipping use.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`In recent years, multifarious postage scales incorporating
`digital circuitry and microprocessors have been developed.
`These specialized postage scales are typically equipped with
`means of weighing packages including letters and parcels,
`and capable of combining the weight and the shipping rate
`information stored therein to determine the postage and
`other charges for shipment of the packages.
`Many of the electronic scales are also equipped with
`means of displaying the weight of a package, along with the
`postage and other shipping charges during the weighing
`process. For aesthetic reasons, the display screens of such
`scales are compact and relatively small. As such, the amount
`of information displayed on one such screen is extremely
`limited.
`
`The shipping cost for a package to be delivered to a
`destination is dependent upon not only the weight of the
`package, but also the particular carrier used, the destination
`zone, the class of shipment, and the selected service options.
`In the United States, carriers such as the United States Postal
`Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal
`Express each have independent, different postage rates and
`charges for different service options. For example, USPS has
`various rates for first, second and third mailing classes,
`parcel post service, priority mail service, book rate service,
`etc. UPS levies extra charges for service options such as
`Collect on Delivery (COD), Delivery Confirmation
`Response (DCR), Declared Value (DV) and the like.
`Because of the existence of the many different carriers and
`their associated rates and charges, the amount of data to be
`stored in an electronic scale is substantial, and normally
`requires a dedicated memory in the form of a programmable
`read-only memory (PROM). However, whenever there is a
`change in the postage rates, or other cost factors, such
`memory needs to be replaced by an updated memory. The
`replacement undesirably calls for the service of a technician
`to disassemble the scale to physically remove the existing
`memory inside the scale.
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`Because of the many different rates and service options
`involved,
`the operating portion of an electronic postage
`scale normally includes many keys, each of which corre-
`sponds to a rate or a service option. The size of the operating
`portion is accordingly large and the presentation of the keys
`is confusing. The large keyboard would intimidate unskilled
`operators and leads to errors during a complicated operation.
`Attempts have been made to reduce the number of keys to
`simplify the operation. One such attempt involves use of
`special keys such as shift and/or control keys so that each
`key, coupled with the special keys, corresponds to two or
`more rates or service options. Nevertheless, such use of the
`special keys hardly reduces the complexity of the operation.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention overcomes the prior art limitations
`by providing a plurality of soft selection keys having unfixed
`functions. These keys are used for selecting options includ-
`ing shipping service options, which are displayed on a
`screen on the inventive system. Each displayed option is
`associated with a different soft selection key, and is sub-
`stantially aligned with the key associated therewith. One or
`more of the options can be selected by depressing the
`associated key or keys.
`Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a postage
`scale system and method which is easy to operate and
`perform so as to minimize confusion or misinterpretation by
`a system user.
`It is a general object of the invention to provide a postage
`scale system and method for weighing packages and accu-
`rately determining their weight, the requisite postage and
`other shipping charges for various carriers.
`Another object of the invention is to provide automatic
`display of information including the package weight and the
`cost of shipment on a screen which is easily adjustable for
`convenient viewing.
`Still another object of the invention is to allow updating
`of the postage rates and other shipping charges without
`necessarily replacing the memory inside the scale system.
`A further object of the invention is to allow a user to
`accurately track the shipping transactions, and to program
`the system to generate customized accounting records con-
`taining the shipping information.
`Another object of the invention is to prevent or deter
`unauthorized copying of software provided for a postage
`scale system, and to easily enable selected system options
`using an authorization number.
`It is also an object of the invention to provide interface
`capabilities for
`the system to communicate with other
`devices such as one or more printers, a postage meter, a
`remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit
`card, etc.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`Further objects, features and advantages of the invention
`will become apparent from the following detailed descrip-
`tion taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures
`showing a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which:
`FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic postal scale system in
`accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 2 is a side cross section of a console in the system
`of FIG. 1 having a first adjustable display arrangement in
`accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 3 is another side cross section of the console having
`the first adjustable display arrangement;
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`3
`FIG. 4 is a side cross section of a console in the system
`of FIG. 1 having a second adjustable display arrangement in
`accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 5 illustrates a mating half of a display module used
`in the console of FIG. 4 in the second adjustable display
`arrangement;
`FIG. 6 is a partial front cross section of the console having
`the second adjustable display arrangement;
`FIG. 7A is a top view of a portion of the console having
`the second adjustable display arrangement;
`FIG. 7B is a rear view of a portion of the console having
`the second adjustable display arrangement;
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating hardware of the
`console in the system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 9 is a memory map of memory space provided in the
`console of FIG. 8;
`FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an integrated circuit card
`which may be used with the system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a data downloading
`process performed by the console of FIG. 8;
`FIG. 12 is a flow chart
`illustrating an authorization
`verifying process performed by the console of FIG. 8;
`FIG. 13 illustrates a keyboard and display module used in
`the system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 14 illustrates a particular arrangement with the
`system of FIG. 1 for executing an exemplary transaction in
`accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 15A is a flow chart illustrating an application process
`performed by the system of FIG. 1 to execute the exemplary
`transaction in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 15B is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine invoked
`by the application process of FIG. 15A;
`FIG. 16 illustrates a first screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the exemplary transaction, along with
`an array of function keys;
`FIG. 17 illustrates a second screen displayed by the
`display module in executing the exemplary transaction;
`FIG. 18 illustrates a third screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the exemplary transaction;
`FIG. 19 illustrates a fourth screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the exemplary transaction;
`FIG. 20 is a screen depiction corresponding to the fourth
`screen, along with the array of function keys;
`FIG. 21 illustrates a fifth screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the exemplary transaction, along with
`the array of function keys;
`FIG. 22 illustrates a screen having a message drop-down
`window which may appear during the execution of the
`exemplary transaction, along with the array of function
`keys;
`FIG. 23 illustrates a sixth screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the exemplary transaction, along with
`the array of function keys;
`FIG. 24 illustrates a screen having a window displaying
`different account names which may be selected during the
`execution of the exemplary transaction;
`FIG. 25 illustrates a first screen displayed by the display
`module in executing an access rates function provided by the
`console of FIG. 8;
`FIG. 26 illustrates a second screen displayed by the
`display module in executing the access rates function;
`FIG. 27 illustrates a third screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the access rates function;
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`FIG. 28 illustrates a fourth screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the access rates function;
`FIG. 29 illustrates a fifth screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the access rates function;
`FIG. 30 illustrates a sixth screen displayed by the display
`module in executing the access rates function;
`FIG. 31 illustrates a seventh screen displayed by the
`display module in executing the access rates function;
`FIG. 32 illustrates a variety of input devices capable of
`communicating with the system of FIG. 1; and
`FIG. 33 illustrates a network arrangement wherein a
`remote computer is capable of communicating with the
`system of FIG. 1.
`Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and
`characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like
`features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated
`embodiment. Moreover, while the subject invention will
`now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is
`done so in connection with a preferred embodiment. It is
`intended that changes and modifications can be made to the
`described embodiment without departing from the true
`scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates electronic scale system 10 embodying
`the principles of the invention. System 10 may be used in a
`mailroom or shipping room of a business establishment to
`accurately weigh and rate different kinds of packages includ-
`ing letters and parcels before their submission to the USPS,
`UPS or other carriers for delivery. As shown in FIG. 1,
`system 10 comprises scale 11 and console 13. Although in
`this particular embodiment scale 11 and console 13 are
`depicted as two individual units, it will be appreciated that
`a person skilled in the art may combine the two units into a
`single unit if it is so desired. Scale 11 is of conventional
`design and further comprises platform 15 for placement on
`top thereof outgoing package 8. As further described
`hereinbelow, system 10 is adapted to determine the mailing
`or shipping cost for package 8. It is also adapted to print a
`manifest, label or tag relating to the shipping of the package,
`and includes internal memory for accounting for the ship-
`ping of such packages.
`Underneath platform 15 is spacer 17 for conducting the
`weight of package 8 to load cell 18. The latter senses the
`package weight and outputs an electrical signal representing
`same. In a standard way,
`this electrical signal is fed to
`console 13 through RS-232 interface 19. Case 14 provides
`mechanical interconnection of the various parts of scale 11.
`In this particular embodiment, scale 11 has a weighing
`capacity of 100 lbs. Like other scales generally, scale 11
`includes overload stops (not shown) to prevent damage as a
`result of an overload condition.
`
`Console 13 comprises display module 16, and keyboard
`17 including a multiplicity of keys (not shown in FIG. 1).
`Frame 12 provides mechanical interconnection of the vari-
`ous parts of console 13. The functions and operations of
`console 13 are further described hereinbelow. It suffices to
`
`know for now that console 13 takes in the electrical signal
`from scale 11 and, depending on what particular key or keys
`on keyboard 17 are depressed, console 13 causes display
`module 16 to display, for example, the weight information
`and the shipping cost of package 8. In this illustrative
`embodiment, the weight displayed is in an increment of 0.1
`02. if the package weighs between 0 and 5 lbs., an increment
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`5
`if it weighs between 5 and 15 lbs., and an
`of 0.2 02.
`increment of 0.5 02. if it weighs between 15 and 100 lbs.
`On prior art postal scales, displays are typically fixed and
`non-adjustable. Such displays present problems when, for
`example, there is insufficient light or when there is a glare
`present on the display screen due to overhead lights or
`sunlight. In addition, for those fixed displays which employ
`liquid crystal display (LCD) technology,
`they normally
`afford an extremely limited viewing angular range, outside
`which the display contrast deteriorates substantially. Since a
`user cannot adjust a fixed display to improve the lighting
`condition or to increase the viewing range, the user under
`these unfavorable conditions tends to be inefficient and
`
`susceptible to eye strain. It is therefore desirable to provide
`an adjustable display for use on a postal scale.
`Two adjustable display arrangements embodying the prin-
`ciples of the invention will now be described. FIG. 2 shows
`a cross section of console 13 having adjustable display
`module 16 in accordance with a first arrangement. Extend-
`ing from and attached on one side of display module 16 is
`cylindrical section 103 adaptable for mounting the module
`within console 13 such that the module may be adjusted by
`the user. Cylindrical section 103 is terminated with display
`adjuster 105 (shown shaded in FIG. 2) for adjusting the
`module. Adjuster 105 is serrated and at least partially round
`such that the user may rotate it with a finger, and it protrudes
`from frame 12 to enable the user to access it easily. Part of
`cylindrical section 103 rides on drag spring 107 which is a
`thin sheet of metal. Drag spring mount 108 provides support
`and holds drag spring 107 onto frame 12 using screw 110.
`Drag spring 107 presses cylindrical section 103 against
`frame 12 to hold module 16 at a desired adjusted position.
`As adjuster 105 is rotated by the user, cylindrical section
`103, attached to module 16, responsively rolls on drag
`spring 107.
`FIG. 3 is a cross section of console 13 viewed from the
`
`opposite side of FIG. 2. Extending from and attached on this
`side of display module 16 is a second cylindrical section (not
`shown) similarly arranged to cylindrical section 103. That is,
`a second drag spring (not shown) similar to drag spring 107
`presses this second cylindrical section against frame 12 to
`help maintain module 16 at the desired adjusted position,
`and this second drag spring is similarly mounted onto frame
`12 using another screw. In any event, FIG. 3 shows display
`module 16 which is rotatably fitted into cylindrical socket
`111 provided by frame 12. With the first arrangement just
`described, the user can easily adjust module 16 from 10
`degrees to 70 degrees off the horizontal for comfortable
`viewing of screen
`Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, FIG. 4 illustrates a
`cross section of console 13 in accordance with a second
`
`adjustable display arrangement. Display module 16 is
`formed of mating halves, one of which is denoted 16a in
`FIG. 5. Each half has two semi-circular pockets to capture
`on two opposite sides pivot blocks 109a and 109b, respec-
`tively. Each pivot block has in its center an axial threaded
`hole such as the one denoted 129 on pivot block 109b. Frame
`12 has attached on each side a stationary block such as the
`one denoted 123 in FIG. 6. Each stationary block has a hole
`(not shown) in its center. When module 16 is set into socket
`120 within frame 12, the axial threaded holes of pivot blocks
`109a and 109b are aligned with the center holes of the
`respective stationary blocks. As shown in FIG. 6, shoulder
`screw 124 goes through stationary block 123 and is screwed
`into the axial threaded hole of pivot block 109a, thereby
`clamping pivot block 109a to stationary block 123. The
`friction is thus created between pivot block 109a and
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`stationary block 123 to maintain display module 16 at a
`desired adjusted position. Wave spring washer 125 is placed
`between blocks 109a and 123 to more reliably control the
`amount of friction. Similarly, pivot block 109b is clamped
`by another shoulder screw to the stationary block on the
`other side through another wave spring washer to further
`maintain module 16 at the desired adjusted position.
`With the above arrangement, module 16 may be rotated
`forward until
`it comes into contact with socket 120, or
`backward until leg 197, which extends from the back of
`module 16, rests on frame 12, and may thereby be adjusted
`from 30 degrees to 60 degrees off the horizontal.
`FIG. 7A shows a top view of a portion of console 13
`having the second adjustable display arrangement. As shown
`in FIG. 7A, grip 180 is provided on top of display module
`16 and above screen 9, such that module 16 can be easily
`adjusted by pushing the module at grip 180 with fingers.
`Grip 180 is comprised of a raised serrated rib pattern,
`providing the user with the necessary grip and/or frictional
`contact to adjust module 16. FIG. 7B shows a rear view of
`a portion of console 13 having the second adjustable display
`arrangement. As shown in FIG. 7B, to further facilitate the
`adjustment of module 16, recess 182 is provided on the rear
`of the module and directly below grip 180 such that the user
`can insert fingers into the recess, and raise the module with
`the fingers.
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electronic hardware of
`console 13. Central to the hardware is microprocessor 201
`which, in this instance, may be a 80C188XL microprocessor
`manufactured and marketed by Intel Corporation. The
`80C188XL is a 10 MHZ, 16 bit embedded microprocessor
`and the object code associated therewith is compatible with
`the Intel 8086/8088 instruction set.
`Integrated in the
`80C188XL include a clock generator, three timers, a periph-
`eral interrupt controller, a chip select logic capability, a
`direct memory access (DMA) control unit, a refresh control
`unit, and a power save unit. For more technical details on the
`specification and functionality of the 80C188XL, one may
`refer to the data book entitled “Embedded Microcontrollers
`
`and Processors,” Intel Corporation, volume 2, 1993.
`Extending from microprocessor 201 are address, data and
`control buses numerically denoted 203. Connected to multi-
`bus 203 is display controller 207, which places display pixel
`information sent by microprocessor 201 in display memory
`205 for storage. The contents of memory 205 are subse-
`quently used by display controller 207 to generate video
`signals for display module 16 to display information on
`screen 9. In this illustrative embodiment, display module 16
`may comprise a 480x64 dot matrix LCD module of the type
`DMF-612, manufactured and marketed by Optrex Corpora-
`tion of Tokyo, Japan. The DMF-612 module includes a
`display screen, a set of LCD drivers which interface with a
`display controller such as controller 207. The screen of the
`DMF-612 module may be backlit by a standard cold cathode
`tube (CCT).
`Controller 207 may illustratively be a HD61830B Dot
`Matrix LCD Display Controller IC, manufactured and mar-
`keted by Hitachi America Ltd. For details on the specifica-
`tion and functionality of the HD61830B, one may refer to
`the “LCD Controller/Driver LSI Data Book,” Hitachi
`America Ltd., August, 1989. Controller 207 is set
`in a
`graphics mode in which each bit in display memory 205
`corresponds to an on/off state of a different pixel on screen
`9. Specifically, data bits in memory 205 are bitmapped to
`individual pixels on the display and each may assume either
`a first or a second logic value. A data bit having a first logic
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`value (e.g., 1) causes controller 207 to lighten the corre-
`sponding pixel; otherwise, the pixel remains darkened.
`Keyboard 17 is electrically connected to microprocessor
`201 through keyboard interface 230 of conventional design.
`Using standard software, microprocessor 201, through inter-
`face 230, performs such functions as key debouncing, peri-
`odic scanning of keyboard 17 for detecting any depressed
`keys, and key code translation for the depressed key.
`Interrupt controller 211 which is incorporated in micro-
`processor 201, and to which hardware interrupt leads extend
`from,
`inter alia,
`four universal-asynchronous-receiver-
`transmitters (UART’s) 233a through 233d. All of the
`UART’s are configured to be serial ports. Specifically,
`UART 233a is configured to be an RS-422 input/output (I/O)
`port. UART’s 233b—233d are each configured to be an
`RS-232 I/O port. Other interfaces in system 10 include
`parallel interfaces 235a and 235b, each of which is config-
`ured to be an 8-bit bidirectional PC compatible printer port.
`As mentioned before, the electrical signal representing the
`weight value generated in scale 11 is sent to console 13
`through interface 19 of FIG. 1. Interface 19 is connected to
`one of the RS-232 I/O ports of console 13, namely, UART
`233b. With the aforementioned serial ports and parallel
`interfaces, console 13 is capable of interfacing with periph-
`eral devices such