Patent ID: 6244506
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
A unit comprising:at least one data memory card having at least one data memory area for storing data, an individualizing code uniquely identifying the at least one data memory card and a limited validity code representing a limitation on the usage of the at least one data memory card;at least one device for writing in the at least one data memory area of the at least one data memory card;at least one device for reading the at least one data memory area of the at least one data memory card to obtain the individualizing code and the limited validity code therein;wherein one of the at least one device for reading and the at least one device for writing receives from a user a personal identification number associated with the individualizing code of the at least one data memory card to determine if usage of the at least one data memory card is valid; andwherein one of the at least one device for reading and the at least one device for writing receives from a user an extension password associated with the individualizing code of the at least one data memory card; andwherein the device for writing writes a new limited validity code into the at least one data memory area representing an extended limitation on the usage of the at least one data memory card for future use thereof by the user.