Abstract: An information processing apparatus is for managing a usage amount of a function relating to image processing. The information processing apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set an upper limit value indicating an upper limit usage amount with respect to the function to be used within a predetermined period; a first storage unit configured to store a present value indicating a remaining usage amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount of using the function from the upper limit usage amount, when the function is used from when the upper limit value is set to when the predetermined period passes; and a present value increasing unit configured to increase the present value by an increase value indicating a predetermined usage amount, at a predetermined timing within the predetermined period.

Abstract: A job performing control system that includes at least an apparatus and controls a job performing apparatus that performs a job, includes a job storing unit that stores a job input in the job performing control system with attribute data of the job, the attribute data being set based on an inputting method of the job; a rule storing unit that stores a predetermined rule that determines a method of performing the job in the job performing apparatus; a determining unit that determines whether the attribute data of the job satisfies the predetermined rule; and a performing control unit that controls the job performing apparatus to perform the job determined to satisfy the predetermined rule by the determining unit by the method of performing the job determined from the predetermined rule.

Abstract: A job performing control system that includes at least an apparatus and controls a job performing apparatus that performs a job, includes a job storing unit that stores a job input in the job performing control system with attribute data of the job, the attribute data being set based on an inputting method of the job; a rule storing unit that stores a predetermined rule that determines a method of performing the job in the job performing apparatus; a determining unit that determines whether the attribute data of the job satisfies the predetermined rule; and a performing control unit that controls the job performing apparatus to perform the job determined to satisfy the predetermined rule by the determining unit by the method of performing the job determined from the predetermined rule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to obtain unique study content that is selected based on user's study goals and unique preferences includes having a user input a study goal and study preference. Then a first database of learning content, that may be traditional learning content prepared by an education institution, is queried based on the input study goal and preferences and study items are extracted from the first database. Then, the study items extracted from the first database are stored in a second database, the study items stored in the second database are then used to query a third database of potential learning content, which may include non-traditional learning content, and by matching the study items stored in the second database to content in the third database, study content that has been specifically tailored and personalized based on the user's input study goals and preferences is extracted and presented to the user for study and learning.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for remote control of a processing system by receiving a generic message from a message source and extracting from the generic message a source and instructions describing the control of the remote processing system. The remote processing system is the controlled in a manner specified by the instructions extracted from the generic message so as to provide processing results. A generic message containing the processing results may then be generated and transmitted to the source of the generic message. Preferably, the generic message is an e-mail message.