Methods and systems for accessing remote, descriptor-related data at an imaging device

A method for compiling a provider order with an imaging device, said method comprising:

• a) receiving input data at an imaging device (IDev), said input data comprising a descriptor;
• b) sending said descriptor to a remote computing device (RCD) with access to a provider resource comprising provider data correlated with descriptors, wherein said RCD may identify, with said provider resource, provider data for at least one provider correlated to said descriptor, wherein said RCD may compare said provider data, based on predetermined rules, when said provider data is identified for more than one provider, and select a preferred provider for whom an order may be compiled;
• c) receiving said order at said IDev;
• and
• d) sending said order to a recipient.

An apparatus for selecting a provider with an imaging device, said apparatus comprising:

• a) an input receiver for receiving input data at an imaging device (IDev), said input data comprising a device descriptor;
• b) a descriptor sender for sending said device descriptor to a remote computing device (RCD);
• and
• c) a provider data receiver for receiving provider data from said RCD after said RCD has accessed a provider resource, said resource comprising provider data correlated with device descriptors and identified, with said provider resource, provider data for at least one provider correlated with said device descriptor.