US5780778A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic postage scale system and method
Assignee: Hasler Inc
•
Filing: 1995-06-07
•
Granted: 1998-07-14
•
Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract In an improved postage scale system, soft-selection keys are used for selecting options including shipping service options provided by the system. The display on such a system is adjustable for comfortable viewing thereof. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and code for use in the system can be updated by downloading new data and code from IC cards to the system. A security measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or code, a system user is required to enter a valid authorization number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of software of the system onto another similar system.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert G. Schwartz
- 👤 Allen A. Crowe
- 👤 James S. Emmett
- 👤 Fetneh Eskandari
- 👤 Martin F. Palange
- 👤 Mark E. Simcik
- 👤 Robert Swanbery
- 👤 Robert J. Japenga
- 👤 Joseph L. Lehman
- 👤 William A. Weirsman
- 👤 George P. Rahgo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:44
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07B; G07B17/00; G07B17/00185; G07B17/00362; G01; G01G; G01G19/00; G01G19/002; G01G19/005; G01G19/40; G01G19/413; G01G19/414; G01G19/4148; G07B17/00016; G07B17/0008; G07B17/00193; G07B17/00459; G07B17/00508; G07B17/00661; G07B2017/00153; G07B2017/00161; G07B2017/00169; G07B2017/00177; G07B2017/00201; G07B2017/00258; G07B2017/00266; G07B2017/00274; G07B2017/00282; G07B2017/0029; G07B2017/00306; G07B17/00314; G07B2017/00322; G07B2017/0033; G07B2017/00379; G07B2017/00395; G07B2017/00419; G07B2017/00572; G07B2017/0058; G07B2017/00588; G07B2017/00701; G07B2017/00709; G07B2017/00717; G07B17/00733; G07B2017/00741; G07B2017/00758; G07B2017/00766; G07B2017/00822; G07B2017/0083; G07B2017/00935; G07B2017/00951; G07B2017/00959; G07B2017/00967
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
289 words
An electronic shipping scale system, comprising: a display having a screen; a weight evaluator for providing a data signal representing the weight of an item; a keyboard having a plurality of keys; a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system; a processor operating under a program and responsive to said weight data signal, said keyboard and said shipping rate data for computing shipping cost, and for providing display data; means for receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; means for determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; means for retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and for determining said system number; means for combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; means for forming an encrypted system electronic signature number by encrypting said system electronic signature number using said first encryption algorithm; means for comparing said encrypted electronic signature number from said encrypted authorization number with said encrypted system electronic signature number and for determining whether said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number; and means for preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
289 words
An electronic shipping scale system, comprising: a display having a screen; a weight evaluator for providing a data signal representing the weight of an item; a keyboard having a plurality of keys; a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system; a processor operating under a program and responsive to said weight data signal, said keyboard and said shipping rate data for computing shipping cost, and for providing display data; means for receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; means for determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; means for retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and for determining said system number; means for combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; means for forming an encrypted system electronic signature number by encrypting said system electronic signature number using said first encryption algorithm; means for comparing said encrypted electronic signature number from said encrypted authorization number with said encrypted system electronic signature number and for determining whether said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number; and means for preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 1 wherein said option number is a binary number selected to enable desired optional functions of said shipping scale system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 2 wherein said optional functions are selected from the group of functions consisting of printer functions, barcode scanner functions, differential weighing functions, and manifesting functions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 1 wherein said option number is stored in said memory for storing data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 1 wherein said system number is derived from at least a serial number uniquely identifying said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 1 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a model number of said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 1 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said data stored in said memory.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 1 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said program operating said processor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
287 words
An electronic shipping scale system, comprising: a display having a screen; a weight evaluator for providing a data signal representing the weight of an item; a keyboard having a plurality of keys; a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system; a processor operating under a program and responsive to said weight data signal, said keyboard and said shipping rate data for computing shipping cost, and for providing display data; means for receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; means for determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; means for retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and for determining said system number; means for combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; means for determining said electronic signature number taken from said encrypted authorization number by decrypting said encrypted electronic signature number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said first encryption algorithm; means for comparing said electronic signature number with said system electronic signature number and for determining whether said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number; and means for preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
287 words
An electronic shipping scale system, comprising: a display having a screen; a weight evaluator for providing a data signal representing the weight of an item; a keyboard having a plurality of keys; a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system; a processor operating under a program and responsive to said weight data signal, said keyboard and said shipping rate data for computing shipping cost, and for providing display data; means for receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; means for determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; means for retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and for determining said system number; means for combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; means for determining said electronic signature number taken from said encrypted authorization number by decrypting said encrypted electronic signature number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said first encryption algorithm; means for comparing said electronic signature number with said system electronic signature number and for determining whether said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number; and means for preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 9 wherein said option number is a binary number selected to enable desired optional functions of said shipping scale system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 10 wherein said optional functions are selected from the group of functions consisting of printer functions, barcode scanner functions, differential weighing functions, and manifesting functions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 9 wherein said option number is stored in said memory for storing data.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 9 wherein said system number is derived from at least a serial number uniquely identifying said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 9 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a model number of said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 9 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said data stored in said memory.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electronic shipping scale system of claim 9 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said program operating said processor.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for authorizing operation of an electronic shipping scale system having a processor operating under a program, a display, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, and a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system, comprising the steps of: receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and determining said system number; combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; forming an encrypted system electronic signature number by encrypting said system electronic signature number using said first encryption algorithm; comparing said encrypted electronic signature number from said encrypted authorization number with said encrypted system electronic signature number and determining whether said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number; and preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for authorizing operation of an electronic shipping scale system having a processor operating under a program, a display, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, and a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system, comprising the steps of: receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and determining said system number; combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; forming an encrypted system electronic signature number by encrypting said system electronic signature number using said first encryption algorithm; comparing said encrypted electronic signature number from said encrypted authorization number with said encrypted system electronic signature number and determining whether said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number; and preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said encrypted electronic signature number is identical to said encrypted system electronic signature number.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said option number is a binary number selected to enable desired optional functions of said shipping scale system.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said optional functions are selected from the group of functions consisting of printer functions, barcode scanner functions, differential weighing functions, and manifesting functions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said option number is stored in said memory for storing data.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said system number is derived from at least a serial number uniquely identifying said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a model number of said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said data stored in said memory.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said program operating said processor.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
242 words
A method for authorizing operation of an electronic shipping scale system having a processor operating under a program, a display, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, and a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system, comprising the steps of: receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and determining said system number; combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; determining said electronic signature number taken from said encrypted authorization number by decrypting said encrypted electronic signature number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said first encryption algorithm; comparing said electronic signature number with said system electronic signature number and determining whether said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number; and preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
242 words
A method for authorizing operation of an electronic shipping scale system having a processor operating under a program, a display, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, and a memory for storing data, including data relating to shipping rates and data containing a system number which uniquely characterizes said electronic shipping scale system, comprising the steps of: receiving from said keyboard an encrypted authorization number comprising an encrypted electronic signature number and an encrypted option number, wherein said encrypted electronic signature number is formed by encrypting a configuration number and an option number using a first encryption algorithm, and wherein said encrypted option number is formed by encrypting said option number using a second encryption algorithm; determining said option number by decrypting said encrypted option number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said second encryption algorithm; retrieving from said memory said data containing said system number and determining said system number; combining said system number with said option number to form a system electronic signature number; determining said electronic signature number taken from said encrypted authorization number by decrypting said encrypted electronic signature number using a decryption algorithm inverse to said first encryption algorithm; comparing said electronic signature number with said system electronic signature number and determining whether said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number; and preventing said electronic shipping scale system from operating unless said electronic signature number is identical to said system electronic signature number.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said option number is a binary number selected to enable desired optional functions of said shipping scale system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said optional functions are selected from the group of functions consisting of printer functions, barcode scanner functions, differential weighing functions, and manifesting functions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said option number is stored in said memory for storing data.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said system number is derived from at least a serial number uniquely identifying said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a model number of said electronic shipping scale system.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said data stored in said memory.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said system number is derived from at least a number representative of a version of said program operating said processor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-07-13 | 2002-01-12 | 2002-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-07-13 | 2006-01-12 | 2006-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-07-13 | 2010-01-12 | 2010-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |