Abstract: For a scheduled purchase, a point count setter sets an upper point usage limit in accordance with an operation. Based on point management information, a discount payment controller controls payment for the scheduled purchase so that the payment is executed at a discount based on the upper point usage limit set. A limited-time point count notifier determines the number of limited-time points scheduled to be used based on the point management information and the upper point usage limit, and before the scheduled purchase is executed, notifies a user of the number of limited-time points scheduled to be used. For a scheduled purchase in a series purchase, a revision suggestion notifier obtains the number of the user's points, and based on how the difference between the obtained number and the upper point usage limit occurs, gives the user a notice to suggest revising the upper point usage limit.

Abstract: For a scheduled purchase, a point count setter sets an upper point usage limit in accordance with an operation. Based on point management information, a discount payment controller controls payment for the scheduled purchase so that the payment is executed at a discount based on the upper point usage limit set. A limited-time point count notifier determines the number of limited-time points scheduled to be used based on the point management information and the upper point usage limit, and before the scheduled purchase is executed, notifies a user of the number of limited-time points scheduled to be used. For a scheduled purchase in a series purchase, a revision suggestion notifier obtains the number of the user's points, and based on how the difference between the obtained number and the upper point usage limit occurs, gives the user a notice to suggest revising the upper point usage limit.

Abstract: A content reproducing apparatus includes: a disc drive device that reproduces content recorded on a recording medium; a network controller that controls data transmission between an external server specified by the content reproduced by the disc drive device; a content protection encoder/decoder unit that: (1) encodes a request to be sent to the external server via a proxy server that decodes the request; and (2) decodes a response from the external server being transmitted in response to the request decoded by the proxy server, the response being encoded by the proxy server; and a controller that controls the network controller and the content protection decode/encoder unit.

Abstract: Compositions particularly adapted to the damping sheet are provided. They contain a binder component and a filler component consisting of inorganic fillers and an organic filler.The organic filler occupies from 1 to 25 parts by weight of the total amount of the filler and it is an organic fibrous filler having the fiber length of from about 50 to about 300.mu., the mean length being about 100.mu.. Quick lime occupies from 0.05 to 10 parts by weight of the total amount of the filler as one of the inorganic fillers. The compositions possess distinguished properties when used as the damping sheet for vehicles.