In a direct print function, a file analysis is performed internally by an image processing apparatus, and a user looks at an output result (such as a printed matter) and checks whether the output result matches a selected image file. Therefore, when fee settlement is performed before the image processing apparatus prints the output data, regardless of the contents of the selected file, the fee is calculated by applying settings at the time of an operation request (e.g., the output method is full color) to all pages of all files, which may result in too expensive charges. Accordingly, fee calculation is performed after determining whether color or monochrome printing is performed on a per-page basis.

In a direct print function, a file analysis is performed internally by an image processing apparatus, and a user looks at an output result (such as a printed matter) and checks whether the output result matches a selected image file. Therefore, when fee settlement is performed before the image processing apparatus prints the output data, regardless of the contents of the selected file, the fee is calculated by applying settings at the time of an operation request (e.g., the output method is full color) to all pages of all files, which may result in too expensive charges. Accordingly, fee calculation is performed after determining whether color or monochrome printing is performed on a per-page basis.

A printing method performed by an image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus receives job information of content, and generates payment amount information based on the job information of the content. The image forming apparatus receives payment method information from a user, and generates billing information by using the payment amount information and the payment method information. The image forming apparatus transmits the billing information to a payment system.

A retail ticking system including a processing unit, a web services server for receiving sent messages from a terminal client device and delivering presentation data to the terminal, a credential server for receiving and verifying a processed credential access request, a profile management server for storing and retrieving user information, and a message broker adapted to receive and manage event messages.

Embodiments provide for systems and methods related to kiosks for personalizing a packaged article. The kiosks may also be used for storage, inventory management, retrieval, packaging, and/or personalization of packaged articles. The kiosks discussed herein differ from non-kiosk personalization systems, such as personalization systems installed on a factory or warehouse floor, in that the kiosks are self-contained personalization systems. In some embodiments, the kiosks are portable and can be moved between different sites or events. This portability allows the kiosks to personalize packaged articles for concerts, festivals, conventions, trade shows, and the like.

Embodiments provide for systems and methods related to kiosks for personalizing a packaged article. The kiosks may also be used for storage, inventory management, retrieval, packaging, and/or personalization of packaged articles. The kiosks discussed herein differ from non-kiosk personalization systems, such as personalization systems installed on a factory or warehouse floor, in that the kiosks are self-contained personalization systems. In some embodiments, the kiosks are portable and can be moved between different sites or events. This portability allows the kiosks to personalize packaged articles for concerts, festivals, conventions, trade shows, and the like.

A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user is provided. For example, information specific to a recognized user may be stored and optionally may include a recognized user avatar representative of the recognized user. The user avatar may be an image, video, and/or animation, which may be displayed on and/or played through the jukebox. The user avatar may be associated with transactions associated with the user. For example, an avatar may be displayed when a playlist of the recognized user is played, when a message is sent, etc. In other examples, the avatar may introduce instances of media by playing an audio and/or video message, and the avatar may sing, dance, etc. while an instance of media is playing.

A printing device includes: a communication interface communicable with a server capable of offering a specific printing service under a contract with the printing device; and a controller configured to control transition of an operation mode of the printing device from a non-contract mode without any contract with the server to a contract mode where the printing device is recognized as a contract-covered device eligible for executing specific printing under the contract. In response to receiving a command from the server to execute the transition to the contract mode, the controller is configured to perform: a determination process to determine whether the transition to the contract mode is to be executed; and a mode control process to maintain the non-contract mode without executing the transition to the contract mode against the transition command when the transition to the contract mode is determined not to be executed in the determination process.

A printing device includes: a communication interface communicable with a server capable of offering a specific printing service under a contract with the printing device; and a controller configured to control transition of an operation mode of the printing device from a non-contract mode without any contract with the server to a contract mode where the printing device is recognized as a contract-covered device eligible for executing specific printing under the contract. In response to receiving a command from the server to execute the transition to the contract mode, the controller is configured to perform: a determination process to determine whether the transition to the contract mode is to be executed; and a mode control process to maintain the non-contract mode without executing the transition to the contract mode against the transition command when the transition to the contract mode is determined not to be executed in the determination process.

A system and method for providing instant games in both physical scratch-off and virtual forms wherein at least a portion of the winning value of the instant game is determined by a plurality of planar layers with the concordance of the planar layers determining value enhancements. The distribution and composition of the concordance of the plurality of planar layers is configured to ensure compliance with a predetermined prize outcome prize fund.