Mailing System Rate Table Management via Segmented Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mail processing systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple rate tables with different application dates and supporting advanced franking capabilities, including the inability to frank mail in advance and manage large numbers of rate tables without excessive volatile memory usage.
Innovation Solution
A mailing system with a communication module for downloading rate tables from a remote server into non-volatile memory, allowing manual selection of franking dates and automatic date advances, and selecting the active rate table based on application dates and conditions, such as franking date changes or mail volume, to support multiple rate tables and franking scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rate tables are stored in volatile memory for quick access, then franking operation speed is improved, but memory capacity is limited and cannot store multiple rate tables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides rate table storage into two segments: volatile memory for storing the currently active rate table (fast access) and non-volatile memory for storing multiple rate tables with different application dates (large capacity). The system segments the memory functionality to simultaneously achieve fast access and large storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary that manages data transfer between non-volatile memory (storage) and volatile memory (access). This intermediary coordinates the loading of rate tables from non-volatile to volatile memory, enabling both large storage capacity and fast access speed without direct conflict between the two memory types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rate tables are downloaded in advance to non-volatile memory, then the system can support franking in advance, but the system cannot switch back to previous rate tables when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rate table selection where the active rate table is not fixed but can be changed based on the franking date. The processing unit dynamically loads the appropriate rate table from non-volatile memory into volatile memory based on the selected franking date, allowing the system to adapt between franking in advance and franking with current rates as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows preliminary downloading of multiple rate tables to non-volatile memory in advance of their application dates. This preliminary action enables the system to have future rate tables ready, while still allowing operators to select and use previous rate tables by manually setting the franking date, thus supporting both advance franking and flexibility to switch between rate tables.
3Reliability
If the system downloads new rate tables automatically when powered on, then the system stays updated, but all mailing systems must be simultaneously addressable and remain on during updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automatic downloading where each mailing system independently checks for and downloads new rate tables from a remote server when powered on. Each system autonomously determines whether an update is needed and performs the download without requiring centralized coordination or simultaneous addressing of all systems, simplifying the update process while maintaining currency.
4Ease of manufacture
If rate tables are physically distributed on chip cards, then updates can be made offline, but physical distribution and replacement involves too much effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical distribution system (chip cards that must be manually inserted and replaced) with an electronic download system. Rate tables are transmitted electronically from a remote server to the mailing system's non-volatile memory through communication interfaces, eliminating the need for physical chip card handling while maintaining offline update capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method allowing a mailing system to frank in advance and manage a large number of rate tables stored in the mailing system, and in particular providing the possibility to frank mail in advance using a new future rate table and to come back later to franking with today's date and using a previous rate table, and including the main steps: provision of a control module, which can store at least two rate tables in a non-volatile memory accessible by the control module, provision of a volatile memory which can store the active rate table that is currently used by the mailing system for franking mail pieces, selection by the control module of the active rate table amongst the rate tables stored in a non-volatile memory when the mailing system is powered on and loading of this active rate table by the control module in volatile memory, initiation by the control module of the change of the active rate table triggered by determined events, selection by the control module of a new rate table based on the franking date defined by the operator or by the mailing system and the application date of the new rate table.