Abstract: According to the present invention, an apparatus that executes a program employs a GPS signal received by a GPS receiver to examine the location whereat a program is installed and the permitted usage time limit for the program. When the location is outside an allowed usage range, or when the permitted usage time limit has expired, the apparatus terminates the program. Further, an apparatus that permits or inhibits remote accesses examines GPS data received by an apparatus performing a remote access, or information recorded on an optical part of that apparatus, and halts the remote access from a location other than a predetermined location.

Abstract: A network type exposure unit connected via a communication network to other exposure units or to an information processor determines whether or not exposure work information of the instructed kind of exposure work is in the storage thereof. When the instructed exposure work information is determined to be non-existent, the unit inquires of the other exposure units or a host equipment whether or not there is therein the exposure work information, and decides executability of the exposure work requested to be started from the result thereof. The exposure work information can be transferred between arbitrary units, thereby alleviating complexity of maintenance and management of the exposure work information.