摘要:
The apparatus comprises: a first module including a universal key; a second module including a unique identifier and a unique key wherein the unique key is derived from the unique identifier and the universal key and incorporated into the second module during manufacture of the second module. The second module is in communication with the first module. The apparatus further comprises a controller for performing the following subsequent to manufacture of the first module and the second module: initiating a communication session between the first module and the second module; transmitting the unique identifier from the second module to the first module; and deriving the unique key in the first module using the unique identifier and the universal key. A method for synchronization of cryptographic keys between modules of a distributed system and a method of manufacturing a postage evidencing system are also provided.
摘要:
For preventing monitoring of postage indicia data which is sent from a postage metering vault to a remotely located digital printer (21) over a communication link (C11) between the meter vault and the digital printer (21), the meter (11) is provided with an encryption engine (37) for encrypting postage indicia data utilizing an encryption key. The digital printer (21) includes a decryption engine (53) for decrypting postage data received from said meter (11) utilizing the same encryption key and then prints a postage indicia pursuant to the decrypted postage indicia data. The postage meter (11) also includes a key manager (39) for generating a new encryption key pursuant to a token which is either randomly generated or generated pursuant to an algorithm by a similar encryption key manager located in the digital printer (21), which token is also used to generate the decryption key for the decryption engine (53). As a result, the encryption keys are the same.
摘要:
A postage meter mailing system utilizes a meter vault (24) operated under the control of a microcontroller (44) mounted in a secure housing. The microcontroller (44) of the meter vault (24) has a communication device (43) for receiving and transmitting data messages and non-volatile memory (40, 41) for storing program data and other data. A printer (27) is utilized for printing a postage indicia. The printer (27) operates under the control of a microcontroller (66) mounted in a secure housing. The microcontroller (66) of the printer (27) has a communication device (63) for receiving and transmitting data messages and non-volatile memory (61, 62) for storing program data and other data. An interface (23) provides a communication path between the meter vault and the printer. The non-volatile memory (40, 41) of the meter vault has stored therein a program version number for identifying the control program version. The non-volatile memory (61, 62) of the printer has stored therein a software update number for identifying associated meter vault programs which utilize the update software. Upon system start-up, the print head microcontroller (60) requests the meter vault microcontroller (44) to transmit the control program version and number and determines whether the control program requires the update software and if so transmits the update software.
摘要:
A mailing system (1) includes a mailing machine (5) having a printing mechanism (11) for printing an indication of postage value on a mailpiece and structure for controlling relative movement between the printing mechanism and the mailpiece to ensure the mailpiece is properly positioned relative to the printing mechanism (11) during printing of the indication of postage value; a meter vault (3) having a securely sealed housing (12), and apparatus (51), within the securely sealed housing (12), for accounting for the printed indication of postage value, wherein the meter vault (3) is removably mounted in the mailing machine (5) for easy removal via a plug-in connector (21); and a printing mechanism control module (7) for securely controlling printing by the printing mechanism (11) based on data received from the meter vault (3), the printing mechanism control module (7) being removably mounted in the mailing machine (5) for easy removal via a quick disconnect connector (65); wherein the meter vault (3) and the printing mechanism control module (7) are in electrical communication via the mailing machine (5). The mailing system can also provide ciphered communications between the vault (3) and the printing mechanism (11).
摘要:
The apparatus comprises: a first module including a universal key; a second module including a unique identifier and a unique key wherein the unique key is derived from the unique identifier and the universal key and incorporated into the second module during manufacture of the second module. The second module is in communication with the first module. The apparatus further comprises a controller for performing the following subsequent to manufacture of the first module and the second module: initiating a communication session between the first module and the second module; transmitting the unique identifier from the second module to the first module; and deriving the unique key in the first module using the unique identifier and the universal key. A method for synchronization of cryptographic keys between modules of a distributed system and a method of manufacturing a postage evidencing system are also provided.
摘要:
A mailing system (1) includes a mailing machine (5) having a printing mechanism (11) for printing an indication of postage value on a mailpiece and structure for controlling relative movement between the printing mechanism and the mailpiece to ensure the mailpiece is properly positioned relative to the printing mechanism (11) during printing of the indication of postage value; a meter vault (3) having a securely sealed housing (12), and apparatus (51), within the securely sealed housing (12), for accounting for the printed indication of postage value, wherein the meter vault (3) is removably mounted in the mailing machine (5) for easy removal via a plug-in connector (21); and a printing mechanism control module (7) for securely controlling printing by the printing mechanism (11) based on data received from the meter vault (3), the printing mechanism control module (7) being removably mounted in the mailing machine (5) for easy removal via a quick disconnect connector (65); wherein the meter vault (3) and the printing mechanism control module (7) are in electrical communication via the mailing machine (5). The mailing system can also provide ciphered communications between the vault (3) and the printing mechanism (11).
摘要:
A postage meter mailing system utilizes a meter vault (24) operated under the control of a microcontroller (44) mounted in a secure housing. The microcontroller (44) of the meter vault (24) has a communication device (43) for receiving and transmitting data messages and non-volatile memory (40, 41) for storing program data and other data. A printer (27) is utilized for printing a postage indicia. The printer (27) operates under the control of a microcontroller (66) mounted in a secure housing. The microcontroller (66) of the printer (27) has a communication device (63) for receiving and transmitting data messages and non-volatile memory (61, 62) for storing program data and other data. An interface (23) provides a communication path between the meter vault and the printer. The non-volatile memory (40, 41) of the meter vault has stored therein a program version number for identifying the control program version. The non-volatile memory (61, 62) of the printer has stored therein a software update number for identifying associated meter vault programs which utilize the update software. Upon system start-up, the print head microcontroller (60) requests the meter vault microcontroller (44) to transmit the control program version and number and determines whether the control program requires the update software and if so transmits the update software.