`Schwartz et al.
`
`54 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN
`ELECTRONIC POSTAGE SCALE WITH
`VARIABLE FUNCTION KEYS AND WINDOW
`
`SCREENS
`
`75 Inventors: Robert G. Schwartz, Branford; Allen
`A. Crowe, Prospect; James S. Emmett,
`Derby, Fetneh Eskandari, Middletown;
`Martin 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 Conn.
`73) ASSignee: Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems, Inc.,
`Shelton, Conn.
`
`USOO6153835A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,153,835
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`4,862,401 8/1989 Kubli et al. .......................... 177/25.11
`4,872,119 10/1989 Kajimoto ...
`... 177/25.11
`4900,904 2/1990 Wright et al. ........................ 177/25.11
`
`4,901.237 2/1990 Hiketa et al. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 364/464.01
`
`4,969,112 11/1990 Castle ................................... 177/25.11
`5,020,748 6/1991 Okajima ...
`... 748/27.1
`5,035,392 7/1991 Gross et al. ...
`... 248/442.2
`5,040,132 8/1991 Schuricht et al. ................... 177/25.11
`5,072,397 12/1991 Barns-Slavin et al. .............. 177/25.11
`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. ...................... 177/25.11
`5,097,915 3/1992 Joss et al. .......
`... 177/25.11
`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 Filed:
`
`Jun. 7, 1995
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`62 Division of application No. 08/139,898, Oct. 14, 1993.
`51) Int. Cl." ........................ G01G 1922; G01G 19/413;
`G07B 17/02
`52) U.S. Cl. ........................ 177/25.13; 705/407; 705/404
`58 Field of Search .............................. 177/25.11, 25.12,
`177/25.13, 364/464.02, 567
`References Cited
`
`56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,064,954 12/1977 Rock .................................... 17725.11
`177/25.11
`4,139,892 2/1979 Gudea et al. .....
`- - - 177/25.11
`4.325,441 4/1982 Nakatani et al. .
`... 177/25.11
`4,379,496 4/1983 Godat et al. ......
`4,462.473 7/1984 Valestin ................................ 177/25.11
`4,481,587 11/1984 Daniels, Jr.
`... 177/25.11
`4,638,439
`1/1987 Daniels ................................ 177/25.11
`4,691,290 9/1987 Griffen ................................. 177/25.11
`4,783,745 11/1988 Brookner et al. .
`... 364/464.02
`4,811,256 3/1989 Yamada et al. ...
`... 177/25.11
`4,814,995 3/1989 Daniels, Jr. ...
`... 177/25.11
`4,836,309 6/1989 Sekioka ................................ 177/25.11
`
`Japanese abstract by Yuuseishoo for patent application
`58-61419 (A), published Apr. 12, 1983.
`
`Primary Examiner Randy W. Gibson
`57
`ABSTRACT
`In an improved postage Scale System, Soft-Selection keys are
`used for Selecting options including Shipping Service options
`provided by the System. The display 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 IC cards to the system. A security
`measure is instituted Such that, after an update of the data or
`code, a System user is required to enter a valid authorization
`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.
`
`12 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`Microfiche Appendix Included
`(54 Microfiche, 4342 Pages)
`
`--
`MICROPROCESSOR
`
`2O1
`
`13
`
`DISPLAY L-2O5
`MEMORY
`
`NTERRUPT
`CONTROLLER
`
`TNER
`
`2
`
`24O
`
`2O7
`
`2O3-
`
`DISPLAY
`CONTROLLER
`
`18
`4
`DISPLAY
`MODUE
`
`SPEAKER
`243 - CIRCUITRY
`
`28
`
`ICCAR CONNECTOR
`
`
`
`-
`
`250s. MEMORY H-
`25Oc
`SeCTION
`25Ob
`25OC--
`25Od--
`
`KEYEOARD
`INTERFACE
`
`17
`
`KEYBOARD -
`230
`
`-235b
`
`233d 233 233C 233d 235d
`
`ROM -213
`
`Page 1
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`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,109,572 5/1992 Park
`2-Y---
`aIK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`16/334
`
`177/25.11
`5,117,364 5/1992 Barns-Slavin et al.
`177/25.11
`5,125,465
`6/1992 Schneider .......
`... 241/20
`5,181,029
`1/1993 Kim ...........
`... 16/342
`5,195.213 3/1993 Ohgami et al.
`5,200,903 4/1993 Gilham ................................. 177/25.11
`
`
`
`5,224,060 6/1993 Ma .......................................... 364/708
`5,241,646 8/1993 Arai ..................................... 177/25.11
`
`31. go st et ca- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3.3%
`24
`Y-2
`OnWay el al. .....................
`5,308.932 5/1994 Manduley et al. ................... 177/25.11
`5,335,142 8/1994 Anderson et al. ...................... 361/681
`5,376,934 12/1994 Savazzi ..................................... 341/22
`
`Page 2
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`Sheet 1 of 17
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`Sheet 3 of 17
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`6,153,835
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`
`
`FG. 7B
`
`Page 5
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`
`
`
`
`Dg22 p.222 0222 Q222 0222
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`çiz) wou
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`Page 6
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`Sheet 5 of 17
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`6,153,835
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`
`
`25O
`
`3O1
`
`
`
`
`
`MANIFEST INFORMATION FILES
`
`
`
`
`
`3O7
`
`351
`
`353
`25Od
`
`
`
`
`
`89C)
`
`PRINTER
`
`SYSTEM O
`
`233b-
`
`UPS LABEL
`PRINTER
`
`
`
`
`
`5O9
`
`D SABLE
`WRTE OF
`RATE MODULE
`
`51
`
`FG, 14
`
`89
`
`FG. 1
`
`Page 7
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`Sheet 6 of 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`7OO
`
`READ
`AUTHORIZATION
`NUMBER
`
`DECRYPT
`ENCRYPTED
`OPTION SEGMENT
`
`7O3
`
`READ OFF SERIAL
`MODEL, AND
`VERSION NUMBERS
`
`GENERATE
`ELECTRONIC
`SIGNATURE
`
`COMPARE
`SIGNATURES
`
`7O5
`
`7O7
`
`7O8
`
`7O9
`
`
`
`
`
`AUTHORIZATION
`NUMBER WALD
`
`711
`
`DSPLAY
`"INVALID
`AUTHORIZATION
`NUMBER"
`
`YES
`
`SYSTEM
`OPERATIONAL
`
`713
`
`F. G. 12
`
`Page 8
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`Sheet 7 of 17
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`Sheet 8 of 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`15O1
`DISPLAY
`MAN MENU
`OF FIG. 16
`15 O3
`
`NVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`15O5
`
`DISPLAY
`SCREEN OF
`F.G. 17
`15O7
`NVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUT NE
`15O9
`DISPLAY
`SCREEN OF
`F.G. 18
`1511
`
`NVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`1513
`LOOK UP
`ZONE
`NUMBER
`
`157
`
`1533
`
`NVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`1535
`
`PROMPT FOR
`AND DISPLAY
`ACCOUNT
`NAME
`
`1537
`PROMPT FOR
`AND DISPLAY
`NVOCE
`NUMBER
`1539
`PROMPT FOR
`AND DISPLAY
`RE
`1541
`AND STORE
`RECORD
`
`1543
`GENERATE
`P
`LE
`
`
`
`
`
`LOOK UP
`SHIPPING
`COST
`1519
`
`DSPLAY
`SCREEN OF
`F.G. 19
`1521
`
`NVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`1523
`PROMPT
`FOR
`NSURANCE
`1525
`NVOKE
`KEY ENTRY
`SUBROUTINE
`1527
`
`LOOK UP
`NSURANCE
`FEE
`
`1529
`UPDATE TOTAL
`SHIPPING
`COST
`1531
`MODIFY
`DISPLAYED
`SELECTIONS
`
`F.G. 15 A
`
`Page 10
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`FROM
`MAN ROUTINE
`
`
`
`KEY INPUT
`SENSBLE
`2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CLICK FOR
`SENSIBLE
`
`15O3e
`
`DETERMINE
`USER'S
`INPUT
`
`RETURN
`TO
`MAN ROUTINE
`
`F.G. 15B
`
`Page 11
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`Sheet 10 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`1OO1
`
`9
`
`Select o closs of moil or a function
`
`1OO3
`1OO5O 1 OO5b 10O5C 1 OO5d
`
`1O lb 12.5 OZ
`
`Config ACCeSS Access ACCess
`System |Monifest Accounts RO tes | 10O5e 1OO5f 1OO5g
`F3 3
`
`FIF2
`
`2
`
`1OO5
`
`F F4
`
`F5
`
`Fe
`
`F70
`
`
`
`
`
`1OO1
`
`UPS Grnd
`
`Select O closs
`
`UPS Grind
`
`1O b 12.5 OZ
`
`Grnd
`Com
`
`Grind
`Res
`
`GtroC
`Conn
`
`GtroC
`Res
`
`Grnd CWTGC - more
`COn
`
`F.G. 17
`
`1 OO1
`
`UPS Grnd VGrnd Com
`
`ENTER A ZIP CODE
`
`UPS Grind COm
`
`1O b 12.5 Oz
`
`F. G. 18
`
`Page 12
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 11 of 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`1OO1
`
`UPS Grind \Grnd COn
`
`Select a special service or press record
`
`1OO3
`
`UPS Grind Com
`$ 3.86 zip 12345 zone 2
`COD
`Ows
`Spc
`PIP Detoiled -more
`Services
`
`1O lb 12.5 oz
`
`1OO5
`
`F.G. 19
`
`ACCeSS Rotes
`
`Select O Function
`
`Dest |Type Of Delivery Carrier Display
`Service
`List
`
`
`
`1OO5
`
`F. G. 25
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Access Rotes\Destinotion
`
`Select O Function
`
`1O lb 12.5 OZ
`
`48
`Stotes
`
`Puerto Conodo Al Osko Others
`RiCO
`
`
`
`F. G. 26
`
`OO5
`
`Page 13
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`Nov.28, 2000
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`enaveae
`
`
`
`
`
`[zs][9s](S43)Cs)Lesa)LedPa)
`
`DGOOL
`
`6,153,835
`
`LeOld
`
`Sheet 12 of 17
`
` O02Sid
`
`BMEOeweo
`
`SOO!
`
`Page 14
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`Nov. 28, 2000
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`Sheet 13 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`z 09 · Z | G | 0 ||
`
`0 & 0 0 5 H S S 3 u d u 0
`
`0 I 0 ° 0 0 I $
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`1 0 3 1 3 S
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`p u J 9 S d []
`
`Page 15
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`
`Sheet 14 Of 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`
`
`E
`
`s
`
`C
`
`c
`
`Page 16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`ACCeSS Rotes V Destinotion
`
`Select O Destinotion
`
`1O lb 12.5 Oz
`
`48
`Stotes
`
`Puerto Conodo Al Osko Others
`Rico
`
`FG. 27
`
`ACCeSS Rotes V Corrier
`
`Select O Corrier
`
`1O lb
`
`UPS
`
`USPS Federo
`Express
`
`RPS
`
`DHL
`
`Abn -more
`
`FG. 28
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Access Rotes \Display List
`
`Select O Function
`
`1O lb 12.5 OZ
`
`UPS Grind Com A
`UPS Grnd Res
`UPS Grind COn
`RPS Grind Corm v
`
`Get
`Remove Assign
`Rote Best Way Price
`
`FG. 29
`
`Page 17
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`Sheet 16 0f 17
`
`6,153,835
`
`Access Rates \ Assign to Best Way
`
`Select o Category
`1O p 12.5 Oz
`
`Ground Ground Second Next
`Com
`Res
`Day
`Doy
`
`Letter Custon
`
`F. G. 3O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Access Rotes Display List Get Price
`
`Select O ROte
`
`1O lb 12.5 OZ
`
`RPS - more
`RPS
`RPS
`UPS
`UPS
`UPS
`Grnd Conn Grind Res Grnd Can Grnd Corn Grnd Res GrndCon
`
`1OO5
`
`F. G. 31
`
`
`
`SYSTEM 1C)
`
`BARCODE
`SCANNER
`
`17O
`
`
`
`
`
`PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`
`178
`
`F.G. 32
`
`Page 18
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`Sheet 17 of 17
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`6,153,835
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`185
`
`189
`
`183
`
`187
`
`PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`
`SYSTEM
`1O
`
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`F. G. 33
`
`Page 19
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`
`1
`SYSTEMAND 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.
`
`15
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The present invention relates to an electronic Scale System
`and method which is particularly Suitable for mailing or
`Shipping use.
`
`25
`
`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.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6,153,835
`
`2
`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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`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
`oZ. if the package weighs between 0 and 5 lbs., an increment
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`of 0.2 oz. if it weighs between 5 and 15 lbs., and an
`increment of 0.5 oz. 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 there with 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 (UARTs) 233a through 233d. All of the
`UARTs 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 c