METHOD FOR THE FUNCTIONAL EXTENSION OF AN ELECTRIC WELDING APPARATUS AND WELDING APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD

摘要

A method for extending the functionality of an electric welding apparatus having a programmable control unit and an input device is provided. In order to provide the user with greater latitude for a desired functional extension while nevertheless ensuring that unauthorized functional extension can be prevented, a control command for a desired functional extension is issued to the control unit and the control unit uses the control command or the functional extension to generate an apparatus code which is transmitted to an external verifying facility. The external verifying facility uses the apparatus code to verify entitlement to the functional extension and, if entitlement exists, generates an external activation code which is transmitted to the control unit. The control unit then verifies the validity of the external activation code and, if it is valid, implements the functional extension. A welding apparatus for carrying out the method is also proposed.

主权项

1. A method for extending the functionality of an electric welding apparatus which comprises a programmable control unit and an input device, wherein a control command for a desired functional extension is issued to the control unit and, using at least one of the control command and the functional extension, the control unit generates an apparatus code which is transmitted to an external verifying facility, wherein the external verifying facility uses the apparatus code to verify entitlement to the functional extension and, if entitlement exists, generates an external activation code which is transmitted to the control unit, and wherein the control unit verifies the validity of the external activation code and, if it is valid, implements the functional extension.