Abstract: A transmission device sends status information representing status of a copier to a center through a PSTN. In the center, the status information of each copier is analyzed, and suggestion information selected based on a result of the analysis is provided to a terminal of the user of the copier concerned. In this case, the user is informed by an e-mail or through a Web page with using the terminal. The information includes: a suggestion to multiply the copier, replace the currently-used copier with a new copier, performance information regarding a model of the currently-used copier, information regarding a timing for replenishing/replacing an expendable supply (such as a toner unit, etc.), a suggestion to purchase the expendable supply, and the like.

Abstract: A system for processing and providing information on an apparatus used by a customer includes an information collection part collecting information on usage of the apparatus, an information management part managing the information on usage, and a data processing part processing the information on usage in accordance with a request from a user of the information.

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 system for processing and providing information on an apparatus used by a customer includes an information collection part collecting information on usage of the apparatus, an information management part managing the information on usage, and a data processing part processing the information on usage in accordance with a request from a user of the information.

Abstract: A transmission device sends status information representing status of a copier to a center through a PSTN. In the center, the status information of each copier is analyzed, and suggestion information selected based on a result of the analysis is provided to a terminal of the user of the copier concerned. In this case, the user is informed by an e-mail or through a Web page with using the terminal. The information includes: a suggestion to multiply the copier, replace the currently-used copier with a new copier, performance information regarding a model of the currently-used copier, information regarding a timing for replenishing/replacing an expendable supply (such as a toner unit, etc.), a suggestion to purchase the expendable supply, and the like.