Patent ID: 8352413
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: G07B

Abstract:
1. A mailing machine having an embedded processor and an embedded user interface, wherein the mailing machine is configured to allow user interface access from an external collocated processor executing a proxy server and at least one multi-purpose software application, the mailing machine comprising: the embedded processor including memory and instructions configured to perform the following: receiving an exclusive external postage meter capture request from a proxy server; determining if the embedded user interface is active; if the embedded user interface is active, returning a busy message; and if the embedded user interface is not active, processing the meter capture to provide and acknowledge the exclusive external access to the proxy server; determining if the exclusive external postage meter capture request requires lockout of the embedded user interface; if the exclusive external postage meter capture request requires lockout of the embedded user interface, then locking-out the embedded user interface and transfer exclusive user interface control of the mailing machine to the proxy server, and if the exclusive external postage meter capture request does not require lockout of the embedded user interface, then allowing simultaneous embedded user interface access and proxy server access.