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 and copying system is provided that includes a server configured to manage user account information related to a user, and an apparatus connected to the server, the apparatus configured to send a printing request or a copying request to the server. The user account information includes a plurality of wallets associated with the user, and the plurality of wallets each represent funds available to the user. The server is configured to determine whether to authorise the printing request or copying request based on the funds available in the plurality of wallets.

A method of transmitting contents stored in a mobile device may include displaying a list of the contents on a display screen, receiving a user input for selecting content to be printed, on the display screen, displaying a list of printers capable of printing the selected content, and a ‘send to delivery server’ item on the display screen, transmitting the content to a cloud server based on a user input for selecting the ‘send to delivery server’ item on the display screen, displaying a printing cost of the content on the display screen while the content is being converted into print data by the cloud server, receiving payment information of the printing cost and receiver information of a printout of the content, and transmitting the payment information and the receiver information to the cloud server.

An image forming apparatus includes a printer, a drawing data generating circuit, and a medium feeding circuit. The drawing data generating circuit generates, from print data, drawing data that causes the printer to execute a print job. The medium feeding circuit feeds the print medium to the printer. The medium feeding circuit executes: a first feeding stage in which the print medium moves to a specific position; and a second feeding stage in which the print medium moves from the specific position to the printer. The medium feeding circuit starts the first feeding stage after the drawing data is generated by the drawing data generating circuit when the image forming apparatus is in specific states, and starts the first feeding stage before the drawing data is generated by the drawing data generating circuit when the image forming apparatus is not in the specific states.

An electronic device and an operating method of an electronic device are provided. The operating method includes obtaining first policy information including device information of a first image forming apparatus and information of a payment process with respect to the first image forming apparatus, preparing one or more applications used for driving the first image forming apparatus or used for the payment process, based on the first policy information, receiving a request for a first job of the first image forming apparatus and generating, based on the first policy information, first charging information corresponding to the first job, calling a first application from among the one or more applications used to pay a first payment amount based on the first charging information, and, when the first payment amount is paid via the first application, controlling the first image forming apparatus to perform the first job.

A printing and copying system is provided that includes a server configured to manage user account information related to a user, and an apparatus connected to the server, the apparatus configured to send a printing request or a copying request to the server. The user account information includes a plurality of wallets associated with the user, and the plurality of wallets each represent funds available to the user. The server is configured to determine whether to authorise the printing request or copying request based on the funds available in the plurality of wallets.

As three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing becomes a way for individuals and companies to distribute physical goods, there is a growing need for creators of physical goods to enable customers to customize 3D printed objects while protecting core electronic assets in the form of the files used to define and print the objects. Server-side rendering of 3D object images provides an opportunity to protect 3D object files while offering performance advantages. A scripting language may be central to delivering a seamless user experience interacting with 3D object models on client devices. Object creators and vendors may rely on the scripting language to create user interfaces for selling customizable objects. And once the user interface is developed, it may provide the basis for users accessing, viewing, manipulating, selecting materials, rendering, pricing, and printing a range of 3D objects.

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.

Disclosed herein are embodiments for operating a retail photo kiosk and establishing a dedicated access for a remote mobile device to the photo kiosk. Certain embodiments of the photo kiosk incorporate anchored connector cables to connect remote mobile devices to the photo kiosk. According to one embodiment, the photo kiosk detects when a remote mobile device is connected to the kiosk via an anchored connector cable. Upon receiving user information, the photo kiosk generates and sends an access message comprising to the connected mobile device. Following the access message, the user may establish dedicated access to the photo kiosk through the mobile device, which allows the user to utilize and leverage photo processing features of the kiosk.

A secure and convenient document payment processing device and system are provided. A user's document payment processing device is connected to a remote end and a document processing device via a network. A document to be printed out is uploaded to the remote end with a link program provided by a trusted proxy app installed on the document payment processing device. A mobile payment program is executed according to a fee information provided by the remote end. Upon completion of payment, the document payment processing device sends a document output command to the remote end, enabling the remote end to send the document to be printed out to the document processing device for output. Use of secure apps protects personal information. Operation procedures are streamlined to enhance operation efficiency. Fee collection is improved to enhance payment management efficiency.