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Remote meter I/O configuration

  • US 5,107,455 A
  • Filed: 03/23/1989
  • Issued: 04/21/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/23/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of selectively enabling software controllable features of an external device, the external device determining which features are to be enabled by inquiring an electrically coupled reconfigurable meter, the meter having identifying data stored therein, being remote from a data center computer, and having a first mode of operation wherein the meter can print postage and be used with the enabling features and a second mode of operation for altering the selected controllable features, the method comprising the steps of:

  • a) placing the meter in the second mode;

    b) entering into the meter a new I/O configuration number representing a desired external device feature set to be enabled;

    c) calculating at the meter a meter generated I/O configuration enable code that depends on the identifying data and the new I/O configuration number;

    d) establishing communication with the data center computer;

    e) entering into the data center computer the identifying data and the new I/O configuration number;

    f) calculating at the data center computer a computer generated I/O configuration enable code;

    g) entering the computer generated I/O configuration enable code into the meter;

    h) comparing at the meter, the meter generated I/O configuration enable code and the computer generated I/O configuration enable code;

    i) if the meter generated and computer generated I/O configuration enable codes correlate, placing the meter in the first mode; and

    j) in response to said placing the meter in the first mode, causing the meter to alter the feature set of the external device.

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