Patent ID: 6070240
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of controlling a computer (12) system (10) comprising the steps of:disposing a computer (12) in an operating space;supplying operating power to the computer (12);placing the computer (12) in a lockout mode to prevent operation of the computer (12) software by a user;compiling a database (26) of authorized user codes;placing a first authorized user code in the operating space;scanning the operating space for the presence of an authorized user code and sensing the presence of the first authorized user code in the operating space;comparing the first authorized user code to the database (26) for verification;unlocking the computer (12) for use by the first authorized user in response to sensing the authorized user code in the operating space;operating the computer software by the authorized user;continuing the scanning of the operating space only for the presence of the first authorized user code in the operating space without scanning for other authorized user codes in the database;relocking the computer (12) in the lockout mode at the termination of the first authorized user code in the operating space and locking the software in a re-lockout operational status at the time of relocking to prevent operation of the computer (12) software by a user; andre-unlocking the computer (12) in response to sensing the first authorized user code upon re-introduction of the first authorized user code into the operating space and the re-lockout operational status of the software whereby the authorized user may continue operation of the computer (12) in the mode at which the first authorized user code was removed from the operating space.