System and method for providing payment-authorized printing services via the internet and via a stand alone device

Abstract

A method and device for printing a document. The method comprises the steps of: receiving electronic data which represents a document to be printed; converting the received electronic data into a format suitable for printing; authorizing user payment information; and printing a document on predetermined paper sheets upon receipt of a signal from the payment authorization unit. The device comprises a housing unit having an output bin which provides user access to the printed documents and an input bin for inputting predetermined types of paper to the printer unit. The device also comprises a transmitter and receiver for coupling the device to a network, and a touch screen for interfacing the user with the device in order to customize predetermined features of the document. The device further comprises a media device for inputting electronic document information from predetermined portable media device and a payment authorization device. The device further comprises a color printing unit for receiving the electronic document information from either the network transmitter or the input media device and based on the customized features of the document as set forth by the user and a signal from the credit card authorization device, converting the electronic document information into a paper copy.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.