Patent ID: 6502240
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: G06F,G07B

Abstract:
An improved postage metering system of the type having a meter vault including a memory for storing a meter vault software program having a version number, wherein the improvement comprises:means for determining the version number of the meter vault software program; means for comparing the detected version number with a desired version number; means for transmitting a new meter vault software program to the meter vault to replace the meter vault software if the detected version number is earlier in sequence than a desired version number; a printer including a microcontroller and a memory; and interface means for providing communication between the meter vault and the printer; wherein the meter vault includes a microcontroller for decrypting the new meter vault software program prior to the new meter vault software program being stored in the memory of the meter vault; wherein the new meter vault software program is necessary to establish proper communications between the meter vault and the printer for operation of the postage meter system and the new meter vault software program is located in the memory of the printer during manufacture of the printer and prior to installation of the printer into the postage meter system; wherein the determining means determines the version number of the meter vault software program during each start-up routine for the postage meter system; and wherein the microcontroller of the printer encrypts the new meter vault software program prior to transmitting the new meter vault software program to the meter vault.