H - Electricity – 04 – B
Patent
H - Electricity
04
B
H04B 1/40 (2006.01) G06F 13/20 (2006.01) G07B 17/00 (2006.01) G07B 17/02 (2006.01) H04L 29/06 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 2164361
An interface apparatus is provided with a number of communication ports for providing a communication interface between a postage meter and a plurality of external devices, such as, a scale and a modem. A principal communications port connectable to the postage meter. A secure communication port is provided for receiving messages on a secure scale using encrypted protocol signals. The interface unit includes an additional number of unsecured ports for communication with unsecured devices such as a modem or an unsecured scale utilizing conventional protocol signals. The interface further includes a programmable microcontroller in bus communication with a random access memory, a non-volatile memory and a program memory, a first communication bus connecting the principal port to the microcontroller and a second communication bus connecting one or more of the second communication ports to the microcontroller. The microcontroller of the interface unit is programmed to establish a communication link between one of the second communication ports and the principal port pursuant to a communication request signal from the principal port identifying which of the second communication ports for communication. Conversely, the microcontroller can establish a communication link between the second communication port and the principal communication port pursuant to a communication request from one of the second communication ports. The messages being communicated are comprised of a number of message frames and each of the message frames has a header, one of headers being designated for message frames which are intended to be directed to the interface unit. The interface unit monitors the header portion of each message frame and stripping the message frames from the messages having the designated message frame header for messages intended as instructions for the interface unit. An established communication link can be interrupted when a message having the designated message frame header and message frame instructs the microcontroller to establish communication between the microcontroller and the postage meter through principal port.
Hunter Kevin D.
Pierce Perry A.
Pitney Bowes Inc.
Sim & Mcburney
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