Claims
- 1. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system including at least one barcode printer for printing on a web of record members, and a processor for controlling a plurality of operations of said system, said system having an associated system key with a unique identification associated therewith comprising:
- operating said processing means in accordance with a plurality of software modules, said processing means operating in accordance with at least one of said modules to generate barcode identification information for said barcode printer;
- prior to the operation of at least one of said software modules, determining whether said one software module includes a key identification that matches said system key identification; and
- limiting the operation of said one software module if said determining means determines that said software module does not include a key that matches said system key identification.
- 2. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 1 wherein said step of limiting includes limiting the time that said one software module can operate.
- 3. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 2 wherein said step of limiting includes limiting the time between successive limited operations of said one software module.
- 4. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 1 wherein said system key is removable and further including the steps of periodically determining whether said system key has been removed; and means for terminating the operation of all of said software modules if said periodic determining means determines that said system key has been removed.
- 5. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 1 wherein said step of limiting includes limiting the operation of said one software module to a demonstration mode.
- 6. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system including at least one barcode printer for printing on a web of record members, and a processor for controlling a plurality of operations of said system, said system having an associated system key with a unique identification associated therewith comprising:
- operating said processing means in accordance with software modules, said processing means operating in accordance with at least one of said modules to generate barcode identification information for said barcode printer;
- prior to the operation of each one of a plurality of said software modules, determining whether said one software module includes a key identification that matches said system key identification; and
- limiting the operation of said one software module if said determining means determines that said software module does not include a key that matches said system key identification.
- 7. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 6 wherein said step of limiting includes limiting the time that said one software module can operate.
- 8. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 6 wherein said step of limiting includes limiting the time between successive limited operations of said one software module.
- 9. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 6 wherein said system key is removable and further including the steps of periodically determining whether said system key has been removed; and means for terminating the operation of all of said software modules if said periodic determining means determines that said system key has been removed.
- 10. A method of limiting the operation of a barcode identification system as recited in claim 6 wherein said step of limiting includes limiting the operation of said one software module to a demonstration mode.
Parent Case Info
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/783,770, filed Oct. 28, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,643.
US Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
3784795 |
Tuhro |
Jan 1974 |
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4736109 |
Dvorzsak |
Apr 1988 |
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Continuations (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
783770 |
Oct 1991 |
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