Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for managing a network-based service. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to determining a client ID of a client, comparing the client ID to a client ID that is associated with a network address of the client, and, if the two client IDs are different, expiring an authorization code associated with the network address.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for printing using a public printing service. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to formatting a print job for transmission via a secure network protocol, and transmitting the print job directly to a printing device of the service such that the printing device receives a secure network protocol-formatted print job.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for charging for printing services. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to receiving with a printing device a print request transmitted by a printing client, determining using the printing device billing information for the client, and transmitting printing charge information from the printing device to a billing system for printing services rendered by the printing device.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for accessing a printing service. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to attempting to print to the printing service via an internal network address, and if the attempted printing fails, attempting to print to the printing service via an external network address.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for discovering a public printing service. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to automatically requesting from a printing service manager a network address to which print jobs can be sent and receiving from the printing service manager at least one network address to which print jobs can be sent.

Abstract: A computer is provided that is able to participate in a challenge-response authentication routine by using a network management protocol. In one embodiment, a first computer issues a challenge to a second computer by transmitting an SNMP SetRequest message to the second computer. The SetRequest message includes a pre-determined object identifier and a challenge block associated therewith. The second computer responds by transmitting an SNMP GetResponse message. The GetResponse message includes the object identifier and the response block associated therewith. The first computer receives this message and verifies the response block.

Abstract: A method for managing a print queue over a computer network. The network generally includes at least one user interface, a network server, and at least one print server. The user interface uses a web browser or other mechanism to allow a user to communicate with the network server and the print server. Initially, the user directs the web browser to the network server and chooses a print server. The network server, using device management software, identifies the operating system of the print server and selects a print manager compatible with that operating system. The network server then installs and executes the selected print manager on the print server. Finally, the network server redirects the web browser on the user interface to the print manager on the print server allowing the user to manage a print queue for the print server.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an image forming device is provided that includes a replaceable component. The image forming device includes an operating state configured to form images utilizing the component. The image forming device further includes a security state configured to reduce access to the replaceable component in response to a triggering event.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an authorization logic that authenticates a imaging request. The system determines whether the imaging request includes a code that matches an access code that is displayed by an imaging device in the system. If there is a match, the imaging request is processed.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for monitoring and supporting a number of peripheral devices. In one embodiment, a network is provided that comprises a local agent in a local server that is in data communication with the number of peripheral devices. An amount of status information is obtained from the peripheral devices and stored in the local server. The network also includes a central monitoring system in a central monitoring server that is in data communication with the local agent. A copy of the status information is transmitted from the local agent to the central monitoring system and stored in the central monitoring server. Also, a status board is maintained by the central monitoring system, the status board indicating at least one service event associated with an operation of at least one of the peripheral devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing the input fidelity of personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other handheld stylus-engagable computing devices are described. In some embodiments, this can be done by associating input commands with different user-input activities, including different combinations of user-input activities. By using different combinations of user-input activities to designate particular input commands, a more robust collection of commands can be provided to a user in a manner that is simple, straight-forward and easy to understand.

Abstract: An imaging device such as, for example, a printer, scanner, or copier is provided that includes a processor circuit having a processor and a memory and a number of physical components that perform at least one imaging function, the physical components being controllably coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes an allocated portion of memory to accommodate the storage of a control system to be installed therein. A control system installer is stored in the memory and is executable by the processor. The control system installer includes logic that downloads the control system from a remote device via a network, and, logic that installs the control system in the allocated portion of the memory.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing the input fidelity of personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other handheld stylus-engagable computing devices are described. In some embodiments, this can be done by associating input commands with different user-input activities, including different combinations of user-input activities. By using different combinations of user-input activities to designate particular input commands, a more robust collection of commands can be provided to a user in a manner that is simple, straight-forward and easy to understand.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses are provided for use with digital cameras. A wireless digital media card is provided for use in a digital camera. The wireless digital media card is configured to replace a conventional digital media card and includes an interface to the digital camera, a transceiver configured to transmit image data over a wireless communication link and logic configured to receive image data from the digital camera via the interface and provide the image data to the transceiver for transmission. The wireless digital media card may also include memory configured to store the image data. A receiving device is configured to store and/or further transfer the image data as needed.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating transactions between customers and providers of goods and/or services are provided. A representative system includes an e-service reference system that communicates with a communication network. The e-service reference system also acquires information corresponding to the provider and provides the information corresponding to the provider to the customer via the communication network. Methods, computer-readable media and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for proper authorization of printing services is described. The system and method secures access to printing services in a public communication network. A print job request is received through the network and an attempt is made to ascertain the source for the print job. If the source is ascertained, then a determination is made whether the source for the print job originated from within the network or outside the network, prior to authorizing the printing of the print job. If the print job originates from within the network, printing of the print job is authorized.

Abstract: The following described subject matter provides private network local resource access to a logically remote device. Specifically, the described arrangements and procedures are directed to receiving a message in a local private network. The message having been communicated from a computer that is logically located in a remote private network. The message corresponds, to an operational request that has been directed by the computer to a resource of the local private network. Responsive to receiving the message, the described arrangements and procedures generate and communicate the operational request to the resource for processing.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer readable mediums are provided for tracking printing on a number of printers for accounting purposes. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes the steps of determining an origination location of a print job, determining a destination printer location associated with the print job, determining a number of printed pages associated with the print job, determining a print charge to be accessed for printing the print job, and, determining a location to which the print charge is to be accessed.

Abstract: A method of installing a Web-based imaging device for printing from a client computer located on a private network, where the Web-based imaging device is isolated from the private network by a firewall, but may be physically located near the client computer. The Web-based imaging device may be installed using information from a Web site on an external network. The external network may be a public network such as the Internet. The invention also includes a system having a Web-based imaging device outside a firewall and configurable by information from a Web site on an external network, a Web-based imaging device including a method of installation and a computer storage media including computer instruction implementing the method of installing such a Web-based imaging device.

Abstract: A system and method for proper authorization of printing services is described. The system and method allows networks to control which users have access to printing services and the type of services they may utilize. In one exemplary implementation, the system supports a communications link, an agent, and a server. The agent provides an interface connection between a user and the communications link. The agent also assigns an authorization code to a header of a print job sent by the user. A monitoring device for the communications link receives the print job and verifies whether the authorization code is valid, prior to permitting the print job to be sent to a printer.