Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting line-conditioned data stream (LCDS) data in a job-oriented environment. More particularly, the invention is directed to a job-oriented system that also has the ability to process LCDS data. In addition, the LCDS data is processed in a manner that will exploit advanced job management functions of the system.

Abstract: A billing module for a document processing system is configured by the document processing system. The billing module accepts a billing strategy from the document processing system. The billing strategy lists parameters or events the billing module is to monitor. Additionally the billing strategy provides algorithms. The algorithms define the function of billing meters. The billing module instantiates meters according to the strategy and updates the meters based on the monitored parameters as described by the billing strategy. The billing module is used by a wide variety of devices. Device developers need only define the billing strategy, in for example a billing strategy script. The need to “hard code” custom billing software for each new device is eliminated. Instead the billing module is reused and simply reconfigured via the billing strategy script.