Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tracking usage of an output device that is one of a printer, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, or a multi-function device. According to one embodiment, the output device is connected to a network element that is also separately connected to a network. A tracker computer is also connected to the network. The network element receives status updates from the output device periodically. The network element receives a tracker query from the tracker computer. In response, the network element interprets the last status update and generates a tracker response including an interpreted status of the output device, and transmits the tracker response to the tracker computer. In some embodiments, the network element also allows a user of the output device to identify themselves and pay for their output device usage. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tracking usage of an output device that is one of a printer, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, or a multi-function device. According to one embodiment, the output device is connected to a network element that is also separately connected to a network. A tracker computer is also connected to the network. The network element receives status updates from the output device periodically. The network element receives a tracker query from the tracker computer. In response, the network element interprets the last status update and generates a tracker response including an interpreted status of the output device, and transmits the tracker response to the tracker computer. In some embodiments, the network element also allows a user of the output device to identify themselves and pay for their output device usage. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A local area network has a first node to receive an input in the form of account identification data, and a second node to receive this input from the first node via a transport layer protocol. A vending control device connected to the second node includes a relay to be activated and deactivated by the second node. The relay is to enable and disable the functioning of an output device. A circuit is to meter an amount of output processed by the output device. The vending control device is to communicate the amount of output that has been processed to the second node. The second node calculates a cost of the processed output and sends the cost via the transport layer protocol to a remote server. The remote server in turn sends the costs to a gateway through which a payment transaction is settled. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A local area network has a first node to receive an input in the form of account identification data, and a second node to receive this input from the first node via a transport layer protocol. A vending control device connected to the second node includes a relay to be activated and deactivated by the second node. The relay is to enable and disable the functioning of an output device. A circuit is to meter an amount of output processed by the output device. The vending control device is to communicate the amount of output that has been processed to the second node. The second node calculates a cost of the processed output and sends the cost via the transport layer protocol to a remote server. The remote server in turn sends the costs to a gateway through which a payment transaction is settled. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.