Prepaid internet printing protocol (IPP) card and system and method for paying for IPP services

摘要

A prepaid Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) card to be used for paying for IPP services is provided. A system and method are also provided for paying for IPP services, either by using or not using the prepaid IPP card. The prepaid IPP card is pre-assigned with an amount of monetary funds. The prepaid IPP card can also be pre-assigned a number of tokens, where each token is worth a predetermined amount. The value of the monetary amount of funds or the number of tokens assigned to the prepaid IPP card is displayed on at least one side of the card, along with the selling price of the card. On one side of the prepaid IPP card, the prepaid IPP card has a unique identification code. The unique identification code is used for identifying the prepaid IPP card when print or other services are requested via the Internet or other network.