Method for providing printing services and printing control method for controlling a key to acquire additional authorized pages as needed

Abstract

A vendor provides, and an operator obtains a method dedicated printer bundle. The printer bundle includes a printer having a key interface, an ink supply, and a key for association with the printer through the key interface. The key is provided with key data pertaining to an authorized page count. The printer operator is allowed to acquire additional authorized pages as needed. When the printer ink supply becomes depleted, the printer operator is provided with additional ink at no or insignificant cost.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.