Importance

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Abstract

An interface apparatus and method are described with which an electronic scale system is connected to a storage medium such as a disk or memory of a data processor and whereby scale transaction data related to the mailing of an article with an electronic scale can be automatically preserved as a unified record along with subsequently appended test information such as an invoice number or customer number. The interface has a programmable memory with which a normal operating mode is provided to enable an operator to conveniently and rapidly store scale transaction data and in response to displayed prompts enter data such as the number of an invoice accompanying the article being mailed. The test data is appended to the scale transaction data so that all of this data can be transmitted as a unified record to a storage medium. The interface is further provided with a supervisory mode with which special examination and service operations can be performed as these are needed for monitoring or corrective steps in case of errors. The interface displays plain language prompts to guide an operator through a normal RUN mode as well as facilitate supervisory and service technician monitoring and control. With an interface of the invention the unified record enables a rapid update of a customer account and shipping information.

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First Claim