Abstract: A system for accounting for a print job includes a print device having a database, and a server having a database. The print device and the server communicate via a network. The print device and/or the server have means for dynamically updating accounting information for the print job that communicates with the print device and the server via the network. The accounting information resides in the database of the print device and/or the database of the server. A method for accounting for a print job includes providing at least one print device having at least one database and at least one server having at least one database. The method includes communicating between the print devices and the servers via a network for dynamically updating accounting information for the print job stored on the databases of the print devices and/or the databases of the servers.

Abstract: A system updates at least one database and includes at least one slave print device, a master print device having the database or a server having the database, and at least one network accessing mechanism communicating with the slave print device and with master print device or the server via a network for administration of the database. A method is disclosed for updating at least one database. The method includes providing at least one slave print device and a master print device having the database or a server having the database; and at least one network accessing mechanism communicating with the slave print device and with the master print device or the server via a network for administration of the database. The slave print device initiates updating the database of the master print device and/or the server. The slave print device may or may not have a database.

Abstract: An authentication system and method for securely releasing a stored rendering job utilizing an electronically readable card. The electronically readable card can be registered by entering network credential at a user interface associated with a MFD and the card can be validated before storing the card details into a MFD database. The card can be swiped with respect to a card reader associated with the MFD in order to authenticate a user based on the stored credential via an authentication server. The MFD can be unlocked if the card is recognized in order to provide access to an appropriate service. The rendering jobs associated with the user can be displayed and released immediately based on user selection.

Abstract: A method for accounting for a print job includes providing at least one print device having at least one control software module, and a server having a funds deposition mechanism storing deposited funds in a funds database, wherein the server communicates with the print device via a network transporting at least one signal; and transporting at least one signal enabling operation of the print device via the network through a network interconnection between the server and the print device.

Abstract: A system for accounting for a print job includes a print device having a database, and a server having a database. The print device and the server communicate via a network. The print device and/or the server have means for dynamically updating accounting information for the print job that communicates with the print device and the server via the network. The accounting information resides in the database of the print device and/or the database of the server. A method for accounting for a print job includes providing at least one print device having at least one database and at least one server having at least one database. The method includes communicating between the print devices and the servers via a network for dynamically updating accounting information for the print job stored on the databases of the print devices and/or the databases of the servers.

Abstract: A system updates at least one database and includes at least one slave print device, a master print device having the database or a server having the database, and at least one network accessing mechanism communicating with the slave print device and with master print device or the server via a network for administration of the database. A method is disclosed for updating at least one database. The method includes providing at least one slave print device and a master print device having the database or a server having the database; and at least one network accessing mechanism communicating with the slave print device and with the master print device or the server via a network for administration of the database. The slave print device initiates updating the database of the master print device and/or the server. The slave print device may or may not have a database.

Abstract: A method of authorizing and processing payment for a print job for a preferred user includes determining that a preferred data processing card has funds. If there are no funds, adding funds or obtaining information from the preferred user to access or establish a preferred user account to authorize processing of the print job; enabling the running of a print job at a print device; debiting funds from the account; and enabling completing at least a portion of the print job. A method of processing at least one of processing and payment information for a print job includes providing a data processing card that includes computer-readable data relating to processing information and/or payment information for a print job, wherein the payment information indicates at least one payment source associated with a user, and wherein the card further includes computer-readable data corresponding to user information relating to processing and/or payment for a print job.

Abstract: A data processing card includes computer-readable data relating to at least one of processing information and payment information for a print job. The card includes an unpaid for limit associated with processing the print job. A card includes information indicative of a payment source associated with a user. The card further includes computer-readable data corresponding to user information for processing and payment for a print job. A card enables a first party to program the card to relate the data to processing and payment for the print job, to program the card create or access an account for the first party or a second party, and the card contains data for processing or payment for a print job via the account. A method includes following a user executing a print job, an electronic article surveillance reader alarms if a tag is within the read range of the reader.

Abstract: A system for accounting for a print job includes at least one print device having at least one control software module and a server having a funds deposition mechanism storing deposited funds in a funds database. The server communicates with the print device via a network transporting at least one signal. The signals are transported via the network through a network interconnection between the server and the print devices.