Electronic postage scales system and method

摘要

In an improved postage scales system, soft-selection keys are used for selecting options including shipping service options provided by the system. The soft keys are multi-function, being assigned a function according to previous selections input through the soft keys. A changeable indication of the function of each soft key appears on teh screen in alignment therewith. The system is capable of interfacing and communicating with other devices such as a printer, a remote computer, an optical scanner, an integrated circuit (IC) card, etc. Certain data and code for use in the system can be updated by downloading new data and code from IC cards to the system. A security measure is instituted such that, after an update of the data or code, a system user is required to enter a valid authorization number in order to enable the system. Such a measure is, in part, necessary for deterring unauthorized copying of software of the system onto another similar system.