Abstract: A client terminal transmits a call request for using a MFP to a call control server. The call control server carries out authentication processing about a user and the MFP in response to the call request. If the authentication processing result is correct, the call control server transfers the call request to the printing service management server. The call request is transferred from the printing service management server to a printing service providing server and then transferred to the MFP via the call control server. Thus, a session of the client terminal and the MFP is established. The printing service providing server carries out processing for providing a predetermined printing service based on the call request from the client terminal.

Abstract: A method of providing a service for sharing a printing environment using multiple service providing apparatuses connected via a network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) a first service providing apparatus managing service data including data on the hierarchical relationship between the first service providing apparatus and second and third service providing apparatuses connected thereto; and (b) the first service providing apparatus transferring information and/or data on printing reservation to the second service providing apparatus in response to a request from the third service providing apparatus.

Abstract: A client terminal transmits a call request for using a MFP to a call control server. The call control server carries out authentication processing about a user and the MFP in response to the call request. If the authentication processing result is correct, the call control server transfers the call request to the printing service management server. The call request is transferred from the printing service management server to a printing service providing server and then transferred to the MFP via the call control server. Thus, a session of the client terminal and the MFP is established. The printing service providing server carries out processing for providing a predetermined printing service based on the call request from the client terminal.

Abstract: A method of providing a service for sharing a printing environment using multiple service providing apparatuses connected via a network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) a first service providing apparatus managing service data including data on the hierarchical relationship between the first service providing apparatus and second and third service providing apparatuses connected thereto; and (b) the first service providing apparatus transferring information and/or data on printing reservation to the second service providing apparatus in response to a request from the third service providing apparatus.

Abstract: A service providing apparatus for sharing print environment is disclosed. The service providing apparatus includes a first sharing unit that shares print environment thereof with other apparatuses. The first sharing unit further includes a connection management unit that manages the connecting of the first sharing unit to a second sharing unit of another apparatus, and a transfer unit that transfers at least one of reservation information and a document related to a print reservation to the second sharing unit. The service providing apparatus enables a user to share print environment thereof.

Abstract: The user observes a liquid crystal display panel screen positioned within a lens barrel through a lens. An infrared LED that emits pulses of light and a phototransistor are positioned in an eyecup against which the user's eye is pressed. An ambient light detecting circuit provides a control signal showing whether or not the user's eye is pressed against the eyecup and a control signal showing the amount of ambient light on the basis of the output signal of the phototransistor. A control circuit controls the luminance of a backlight unit according to the control signals. When the user's eye is not pressed against the eyecup, the display luminance is reduced to zero and the display is turned off. The display luminance is enhanced only when the amount of ambient light is large. Thus, needless power consumption can be avoided, and the screen can be satisfactorily observed even if a large quantity of light enters into the ocular part where the ambient light is bright.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a video signal has a plurality of display elements corresponding to one standard of the television signal disposed in an X-Y matrix shape. The apparatus includes a separator for separating a sync signal from an input video signal, a control signal generator for generating a control signal in response to the sync signal, a driver for driving the display elements in response to the video signal and control signal, and a converter for changing the number of scanning lines in response to a timing changing in each frame when a different standard of the television signal is supplied as the input video signal.

Abstract: In a VTR for recording a plurality of TV programs at times previously set by a timer, a key for selecting any one of plural recording characteristics (e.g. tape running speed) is provided, and each of plural desired TV programs is recorded between determined recording start and end times on the basis of each of recording characteristics selected by the key. Therefore, for instance, a music program can be recorded at a slow tape speed in stable condition for allowing long-term preservation or a sports program can be recorded at a high tape speed in a single tape cassette while the user is out.