Abstract: A secure print system comprises a sending computer entity and a plurality of receiving entities, each capable of decrypting and printing a specified number of copies of a document. The sending computer entity and the plurality of receiving devices are each pre-registered with each other by means of unique device identification number, which is embedded in inaccessible hardware, firmware or software components at the point of manufacture, linking the sending computer entity and the plurality of receiving devices. The receiving devices, after decrypting a received message, print a specified number of copies only, before deleting the electronic data from which the document copies have been printed.

Abstract: An internet-connected service system is provided for facilitating communication across the internet between image-sending and image-receiving systems that have dial-up internet access. The image-sending system, after connecting to the internet, sends a communication request to the service system and the latter is then responsible for waking up the image-receiving system. Upon being woken up, the image-receiving system connects to the internet and contacts the service system. The service system then transfers the current network address of at least one of the systems to the other thereby enabling direct communication to be established between the image-sending and image-receiving systems.

Abstract: Metering of a data transfer operation between two end systems across a communications infrastructure is done by having at least one of the end systems send a metering message to a service system. Both end systems can be set to send respective metering messages to the service system at the conclusion of the transfer operation. Metering messages can also be sent on an on-going basis during the course of the transfer operation by one or both end systems; in this latter case, the end system or systems involved preferably maintain a connection with the service system throughout the transfer operation. Metering can be in terms of pages sent.

Abstract: A secure print system comprises a sending computer entity and a plurality of receiving entities, each capable of decrypting and printing a specified number of copies of a document. The sending computer entity and the plurality of receiving devices are each pre-registered with each other by means of unique device identification number, which is embedded in inaccessible hardware, firmware or software components at the point of manufacture, linking the sending computer entity and the plurality of receiving devices. The receiving devices, after decrypting a received message, print a specified number of copies only, before deleting the electronic data from which the document copies have been printed.

Abstract: Customer premises equipment (11B) connected to a telephone line (13B), is arranged to be woken up remotely and then to initiate communication with a network-based service system. (20). In order to avoid the cost involved in having a dedicated phone line for the equipment, the equipment (11B) needs to be able to be woken up in a selective manner that does not have significant impact on the operation of other apparatus that may be connected to the same phone line (13B). Several different techniques are provided for waking up the equipment (11B) and initiating communication with the service system (20). In one embodiment, equipment wakeup is effected by a call with particular characteristics, the equipment (11B) once woken up calling a network access point (18) to establish communication with the service system (20). In another embodiment, a wakeup call is placed via a network access point (18) and the equipment picks up the call and uses it to establish network access.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in an internet service provider environment (10), for providing internet (20) access to a plurality of subscriber environments. A packet intended for a destination subscriber environment is discriminated to deny the packet if it is considered insecure. Performing this discrimination in the internet service provider environment (10) allows a centralized security service for a large number of subscriber environments (30) each having internet access through the internet service provider environment (10). Each subscriber environment (30) is maintained in a secure state to inhibit subversion such as by malicious attacks, even where the subscriber environment (30) is allocated a static IP address and maintains connection for a relatively long duration session. Also, technical expertise required of a subscriber operating the subscriber environment (30) is minimized.

Abstract: A secure print system comprises a sending computer entity and a plurality of receiving entities, each capable of decrypting and printing a specified number of copies of a document. The sending computer entity and the plurality of receiving devices are each pre-registered with each other by means of unique device identification number, which is embedded in inaccessible hardware, firmware or software components at the point of manufacture, linking the sending computer entity and the plurality of receiving devices. The receiving devices, after decrypting a received message, print a specified number of copies only, before deleting the electronic data from which the document copies have been printed.

Abstract: A digital photographic image service process comprises registration of a user data including user name, address and financial account details; capture of photographic image data in response to an activation signal generated by and/or authorized by said user; forwarding of said additional image data to an photographic e-service provider responsible for fulfilment of an order for delivery of said photographic image data, or physical prints generated therefrom; and collection of payment, by electronic means.

Abstract: Message-routing apparatus is known for routing messages between a plurality of communications networks. Typically, the known apparatus comprises a respective network interface card for each communications network and a shared, processor-based, routing manager with which the cards communicate through a backplane bus system. In order to overcome the bandwidth limitations of such known apparatus, the present invention provides a local routing manager on each card and high-speed, point-to-point, links interconnecting the local routing managers in a closed loop. Each local routing manager recognizes whether a message passed to it is for outward transmission over the associated network; if this is not the case, the message is passed to the local routing manager of the next card. Any messages which the local routing managers are unable to route, are diverted to a shared routing manager.