---
title: "The LumiScan Key"
product: "LumiScan Licensing"
component: "lumiscan-licensing"
version: "1.0.1"
display_version: "1.0.1"
latest_version: false
language: "en"
url: "https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/lumiscan-key.html"
---

# The LumiScan Key – LumiScan Licensing

The LumiScan Key is the USB licence key for LumiScan software. It is a CodeMeter container by WIBU-SYSTEMS AG. In all LumiScan documentation and communication it is called LumiScan Key.

## Recognising the key {#recognising-the-key}

CodeMeter Control Center lists every licence container available on the PC on its **License** tab. The LumiScan Key appears as **CmStick/C** with a serial number of the form `3-1234567`. The serial number is also printed on the key.

![CodeMeter Control Center](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/_images/cc-license-tab.png)

*Figure 1. The LumiScan Key (CmStick/C) on the License tab of CodeMeter Control Center*

Other entries, for example **MVTec SW Container**, belong to software from other vendors and are not relevant for LumiScan licensing.

On a PC without a graphical interface, `cmu --list` shows the same information (see [Checking the installation](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/installing-codemeter.html#checking-the-installation)).

## What the key does

Depending on your licensing path, the LumiScan Key has one of two roles:

- **Licence carrier:** For software bought from HD Vision Systems, the licences are stored on the key. A PC can run the licensed products only while the key is available.
- **Software protection:** For apps bought in the ctrlX Store and running on Windows 11, the licence is held in ctrlX WORKS. The key is still required, because it protects the software against reverse engineering. It does not hold a second licence, and you do not pay twice.

See [Which Licensing Path Applies](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/which-licensing-path.html) for which role applies to you.

## One key for several products

A single LumiScan Key can carry licences for several LumiScan products. When you buy an additional product, HD Vision Systems adds it to your existing key with a licence update (see [Requesting a Licence Update](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/requesting-a-licence-update.html)). You do not need an additional key for the new product.

## One key per device {#one-key-per-device}

You need one LumiScan Key for each device on which LumiScan software runs at the same time. For example, to run the software on three PCs simultaneously, you need three keys.

The keys are not bound to a device. You can exchange a LumiScan Key between different devices at any time, for example to move it from a test PC to the production PC (see [Moving the Key to Another PC](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/moving-the-key.html)).

If the licences on a key are already in use, the application reports `User maximum reached!` (see [Troubleshooting](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/troubleshooting.html#user-maximum-reached)).

## Handling the key

- Keep the key in a safe place. The licences are stored on it, so a lost key means lost licences.
- Do not remove the key while a LumiScan application is running or while a licence update is being written.
- If the key stays plugged in at a machine, secure it against being pulled out by accident, for example with a short USB extension fixed inside the control cabinet.