Patent attributes
This patent specification describes operations of a mobile device with barcode-reading capabilities and a barcode-reading enhancement accessory securable to the mobile device. A mobile device may include a barcode-reading application downloaded from an application server. At least one function of the barcode-reading application may not be operative if the mobile device is not coupled to the barcode-reading enhancement accessory. The barcode-reading application may operate in a base mode or an enhanced mode. In the base mode, the barcode-reading application may obtain a license code from a license server or from the barcode-reading enhancement accessory. In the enhanced mode, the barcode-reading application may implement at least one enhanced barcode-reading function which corresponds to the operating permission authorized by the license code. For example, the enhanced barcode-reading function may be a function of decoding a barcode symbology that the decoder is restricted from decoding in the base mode of operation.
