Patent ID: 8237956
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: G06Q,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for generating cost recovery information in connection with a walk-up function performed by a multifunctional photocopier device, the walk-up function requiring at least some physical interaction between a person and the multi-functional photocopier device, said method comprising: a) using a personal computing device to send a usage request over a computer network to a cost recovery server to reserve the multifunctional photocopier device to perform a specific job; b) processing the usage request at the cost recovery server, said processing including: i) authenticating a user associated with the specific personal computing device from which the usage request originated; and ii) establishing a temporary cost recovery relationship between the multifunctional photocopier device and the specific personal computing device at least in part based on authentication results obtained in i), the temporary cost recovery relationship being associated with the specific job to be performed at the multifunctional photocopier device; c) validating the user at the multifunctional photocopier device at least in part based on verification information entered by the user at the multifunctional photocopier device; d) selectively enabling the specific job to be performed at the multifunctional photocopier device at least in part based on validation results obtained in c), wherein performing the specific job results in the generation of job data, the specific job including the use of the walk-up function; e) transmitting to the cost recovery server the job data generated at the multifunctional photocopier device by performing the specific job at step c); f) analyzing usage of the multifunctional photocopier device in connection with the specific job performed at step c) at least in part by processing, at the cost recovery server, the job data to derive cost recovery information associated with the specific job, the cost recovery information being derived at least in part based on the temporary cost recovery relationship established between said multifunctional photocopier device and the specific personal computing device.