UNIVERSALLY USABLE ELECTRONIC MANUAL STAMPING DEVICE

• US 20100128072A1
• Filed: 07/30/2009
• Published: 05/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia Holding AG
• Original Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia Holding AG
• Inventors: Wagner, Andreas
• Application Number:
  US12/512,068
• Publication Number:
  US 20100128072A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 347/5
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/36 for portability , i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers B41J3/4075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 17/00193 Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00217 Portable franking apparatus, i.e. the whole franking apparatus, not parts alone

Abstract

A universally usable electronic manual stamping device has an inkjet print head that can be moved back and forth in a print window, the print window being arranged in a base plate facing toward a print medium during the printing. A control unit of the device is connected with a user interface, with an external interface and with an internal interface. The inkjet print head is operationally connected via the internal interface with an actuator to move the inkjet print head and with an internal power source to supply the control unit, the inkjet print head and its actuator, as well as the interfaces. The control unit includes a security processor that possesses at least one transaction module which is provided to implement cryptographic security and certification tasks in connection with the printing of an individually secured stamp imprint. The control unit is programmed to control the printing and a base station onto which the manual stamping device is fashioned to be placed for its maintenance and downloading with data.

Claims

1. A universally useable electronic manual stamping device comprising:

an inkjet print head;

a print head carriage on which said inkjet print head is mounted, said carriage being configurable for movement back and forth, with said inkjet print head, in a print window;

a base plate in which said print window is disposed facing toward a print medium during printing;

a control unit connected to a user interface, and an external interface, and comprising an internal interface;

said inkjet print head being operationally connected to said control unit via said internal interface;

an actuator mechanically connected to said print head carriage to move said print head carriage;

an internal power source connected to said control unit, said inkjet print head and said actuator to supply power to said control unit, said inkjet print head and said actuator;

a security processor comprising at least one transaction module configured to implement cryptographic security and certification procedures associated with printing a secured imprint by said inkjet print head on said print medium; and

said control unit being configured to control printing by said inkjet print head and being configured to control operation of a base station connectible to said manual stamping device for maintenance and data downloading.

2. A universally useable manual stamping device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control unit comprises electronics formed by a single integrated circuit.

3. A universally useable electronic manual stamping device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at least one transaction module is a component of said single integrated circuit.

4. A universally useable electronic manual stamping device as claimed in claim 3 comprising a housing in which said control unit with said single integrated circuit is contained, said housing comprising a housing region that is physically secured against tampering in which said integrated circuit is located.

5. A universally useable electronic manual stamping device as claimed in claim 2 comprising a plurality of separate transaction modules, respectively operable in different transaction modes, forming respective components of integrated circuit.

6. A universally useable electronic manual stamping device as claimed in claim 5 comprising a housing in which said control unit with said single integrated circuit is contained, said housing comprising a housing region that is physically secured against tampering in which said integrated circuit is located.