The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 09, 2011
Filed:
Jun. 22, 2005
Steven H. Inouye, Cypress, CA (US);
Steven H. Inouye, Cypress, CA (US);
Xerox Corporation, Norwalk, CT (US);
Abstract
Use of wireless technology to enable Point of Sale (POS) vending for Multi-Function Devices (MFDs) is disclosed. A user can enable the MFD through the Internet by calling or accessing a centralized server. The user can access a previously existing account or establish a new account. Also, one time use of the MFD can be enabled by entering credit or debit card information. Previously existing accounts can be recognized by the caller's phone number or other mechanism. Individual MFDs can be recognized by Global Positioning System (GPS), an access number, or by entering the MFD identification number. The server can transfer billing information, MFD or account restrictions, and available balance to the user. The MFD prevents users from overdrawing their account or from running prohibited jobs. Charges incurred are transmitted back to the server for account maintenance.