Abstract: A method of charging for use of a facsimile apparatus, using an information processing unit provided therein, is disclosed that includes the steps of (a) the information processing unit obtaining the amount of facsimile transmission; (b) the information processing unit obtaining a transmission condition specified by a user; and (c) the information processing unit calculating a charge for the facsimile transmission using the amount of facsimile transmission and a charge corresponding to the transmission condition. The information processing unit stores data on the charge corresponding to the transmission condition for the facsimile transmission.

Abstract: An information providing unit of a server reads a menu table in accordance with a request sent from a customer terminal. The customer terminal presents menu items together with their nutritive values to a customer in accordance with data sent from the server. A selection process unit of the server specifies a dish to be ordered from a cooking service provider in accordance with an instruction sent from the customer terminal. An order process unit of the server searches a cooking material database in order to specify a cooking material necessary for making the dish. A monetary matter process unit of the server performs a process for collecting a charge for the provided service from the cooking service provider or from a cooking material provider.

Abstract: A dish provider provides a user with dishes, through a dish-providing assisting server, in cooperation with one or a plurality of dish makers. An ingredient information DB stores date information representing dates before that ingredients should be best used. In response to an order for dishes from the user, the dish maker having ingredients for the dishes in stock searches the ingredient information DB for the date information, and sends an order for a set of dishes to the dish maker. An order for those ingredients used for the ordered dishes is sent to a client device of an ingredient seller.

Abstract: A charge method for charging a usage fee of an image forming apparatus is disclosed. The charge method includes the steps of a) storing contents source data and contents source fee data corresponding to the contents source data, b) obtaining a first data item selected by a user, c) obtaining one item of the contents source data selected by the user, d) generating image formation information based on the first data item and the one item of the contents source data selected by the user, and e) calculating a charge fee corresponding to the image formation information in accordance with the contents source fee data.

Abstract: An information providing unit of a server reads a menu table in accordance with a request sent from a customer terminal. The customer terminal presents menu items together with their nutritive values to a customer in accordance with data sent from the server. A selection process unit of the server specifies a dish to be ordered from a cooking service provider in accordance with an instruction sent from the customer terminal. An order process unit of the server searches a cooking material database in order to specify a cooking material necessary for making the dish. A monetary matter process unit of the server performs a process for collecting a charge for the provided service from the cooking service provider or from a cooking material provider.

Abstract: A method of charging for use of a facsimile apparatus, using an information processing unit provided therein, is disclosed that includes the steps of (a) the information processing unit obtaining the amount of facsimile transmission; (b) the information processing unit obtaining a transmission condition specified by a user; and (c) the information processing unit calculating a charge for the facsimile transmission using the amount of facsimile transmission and a charge corresponding to the transmission condition. The information processing unit stores data on the charge corresponding to the transmission condition for the facsimile transmission.

Abstract: A charge method for charging a usage fee of an image forming apparatus is disclosed. The charge method includes the steps of a) storing contents source data and contents source fee data corresponding to the contents source data, b) obtaining a first data item selected by a user, c) obtaining one item of the contents source data selected by the user, d) generating image formation information based on the first data item and the one item of the contents source data selected by the user, and e) calculating a charge fee corresponding to the image formation information in accordance with the contents source fee data.

Abstract: An information providing system is disclosed that includes: plural multifunctional information stations having at least printing, facsimile, and e-mailing functions; and a center server connected to the multifunctional information stations via a network. The center server receives applications, issues documents, and distributes information via the multifunctional information stations. A user can file an application and have a document issued using the multifunctional information station disposed in a convenience store.

Abstract: In a consumable-supplies purchase order method for a system including a customer equipment and a purchase-order processing apparatus connected via a communication network, a consumable-supplies condition detection unit detects whether a quantity of consumable supplies in the customer equipment is less than a given reference quantity. A consumable-supplies purchase order from the customer equipment is transmitted to the purchase-order processing apparatus when the quantity of the consumable supplies is less than the reference quantity. An order-reception message, sent by the purchase-order processing apparatus, is received when the purchase order is received at the purchase-order processing apparatus. An indication of completion of the purchase order is displayed on an operation panel after the order-reception message is received.

Abstract: A dish provider provides a user with dishes, through a dish-providing assisting server, in cooperation with one or a plurality of dish makers. An ingredient information DB stores date information representing dates before that ingredients should be best used. In response to an order for dishes from the user, the dish maker having ingredients for the dishes in stock searches the ingredient information DB for the date information, and sends an order for a set of dishes to the dish maker. An order for those ingredients used for the ordered dishes is sent to a client device of an ingredient seller.

Abstract: An information providing unit of a server reads a menu table in accordance with a request sent from a customer terminal. The customer terminal presents menu items together with their nutritive values to a customer in accordance with data sent from the server. A selection process unit of the server specifies a dish to be ordered from a cooking service provider in accordance with an instruction sent from the customer terminal. An order process unit of the server searches a cooking material database in order to specify a cooking material necessary for making the dish. A monetary matter process unit of the server performs a process for collecting a charge for the provided service from the cooking service provider or from a cooking material provider.