Abstract: Data is transferred from an input record to an index. The input record has a recorded unique device identification and recorded device data for a device, such as a printer. The recorded unique device identification is either a serial number of the device or another persistent identifying designation for the device. The recorded device data includes recorded usage data for the device. The index has at least one enduring record. Each enduring record has an enduring unique device identification and enduring device data. The recorded unique device identification and recorded device data for a device are read from the input record. The index is searched for a match to the recorded unique device identification. If a match to the recorded device information is not found in the index, an enduring record for the device is created in the index. An enduring usage data is read from the index. A difference in usage data is calculated from the enduring usage data and the recorded usage data.

Abstract: A network address for an object device is corrected. A recorded network address and a recorded unique enduring identification for the object device are read from a record. The recorded network address is queried for a returned unique enduring identification. The recorded network address is queried by performing an SNMP Get call to the recorded network address or addressing a unique enduring identification query to the recorded network address and receiving the response to the query. The returned unique enduring identification is compared with the recorded unique enduring identification. Responsive to a mismatch between the returned unique enduring identification and the recorded unique enduring identification, a current network address for the object device is resolved and the recorded network address is replaced with the current network address.

Abstract: A personal digital assistant-vehicle interface system, for use with a personal digital assistant including a memory defining a database, a microprocessor coupled to the memory, an input/output device coupled to the microprocessor, and a serial output port coupled to the microprocessor, the personal digital assistant being configured to provide data to the output port indicating a predetermined event has occurred in response to occurrence of the predetermined event, the interface system including actuator circuitry including a digital to analog converter having a digital input configured to be coupled to the serial output port of the personal digital assistant, having an analog output, and being configured to provide an analog signal in response to the serial data being applied to the digital input, the analog output being configured to be coupled to an electrically actuated vehicle component that, when actuated, is audible or visible, the actuator circuitry being configured to effect actuation of the vehicle

Abstract: A pay-for-capacity or pay-for-usage system for hard copy devices such as printers includes hard copy devices coupled to a print appliance via an internal network. Printer usage information is accumulated in these devices, periodically uploaded to the print appliance, and later forwarded to a data repository or database server across a non-secure network such as the Internet. This hard copy device usage information includes a count of pages printed and of blank duplex pages. The blank duplex page count can then be utilized for numerous uses, including education, vendor capacity projections, and customer billing.

Abstract: A network address for an object device is corrected. A recorded network address and a recorded unique enduring identification for the object device are read from a record. The recorded network address is queried for a returned unique enduring identification. The recorded network address is queried by performing an SNMP Get call to the recorded network address or addressing a unique enduring identification query to the recorded network address and receiving the response to the query. The returned unique enduring identification is compared with the recorded unique enduring identification. Responsive to a mismatch between the returned unique enduring identification and the recorded unique enduring identification, a current network address for the object device is resolved and the recorded network address is replaced with the current network address.

Abstract: An index is modified by either adding or removing a fleet device. A modification action is discovered for the index. A fleet device is discovered for modification in the index. The modification action is implemented in the index. The modification action is either removal of the fleet device from the index or addition of the fleet device to the index. Removal of the fleet device, capturing final usage data for the fleet device and identifying the fleet device as removed. Addition of the fleet device includes verifying the fleet device has a unique identifier, creating a record for the fleet device in the index, and collecting initial usage data for the fleet device.

Abstract: Data is transferred from an input record to an index. The input record has a recorded unique device identification and recorded device data for a device, such as a printer. The recorded unique device identification is either a serial number of the device or another persistent identifying designation for the device. The recorded device data includes recorded usage data for the device. The index has at least one enduring record. Each enduring record has an enduring unique device identification and enduring device data. The recorded unique device identification and recorded device data for a device are read from the input record. The index is searched for a match to the recorded unique device identification. If a match to the recorded device information is not found in the index, an enduring record for the device is created in the index. An enduring usage data is read from the index. A difference in usage data is calculated from the enduring usage data and the recorded usage data.