Abstract: A method for compressing image data includes a first step for dividing image data into predetermined areas and determining a representative value about density of pixels in each area, a second step for determining density of pixels included in each area by using the representative value of the area and an interpolation rule, a third step for determining reproducibility of an image obtained, on the basis of the density of pixels determined in the second step, by using the image data and a dither pattern that is used for a pseudo gradation process performed on the image data, and a fourth step for encoding, on the basis of the representative value determined in the first step, for areas that are determined to have a good reproducibility in the third step.

Abstract: An electric power steering device changes the discontinuous non-linear characteristics in the duty ratio of the PWM signal versus motor current generated during steering wheel handle return into linear characteristics to suppress noise and provides a smooth and natural feeling steering. The electric control circuit (13) provided a current reference value calculator (22A) to calculate Iref, a current controller (22B) to obtain Vref2, a compensation adder (25) to obtain a duty D1, and a current discontinuity compensator (24) in order to obtain a duty D2. A motor drive circuit (35) including an H bridge circuit whose upper stage FET (1) is driven by the duty D1, and whose lower stage FED (3) paired with the upper stage FET (1), is driven by the duty D2 to allow forming a continuous linear characteristic in the duty ratio of the PWM signal versus the motor current.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided with: a zoom lens system TL that performs magnification varying by changing the distance between the lens units; and an image sensor SR that converts an optical image formed by the zoom lens system TL into an electric signal. The zoom lens system TL comprises three lens units of negative, positive, positive configuration. The second lens unit Gr2 comprises three single lens elements of, from the object side, a positive lens element L21, a negative meniscus lens element L22 convex to the object side and a positive lens element L23. A condition 1.0<|P22/P21|<2.0 (P21 is the optical power of the object side positive lens element L21 in the second lens unit GR2, and P22 is the optical power of the negative meniscus lens element L22 in the second lens unit GR2) is satisfied.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to achieve an image-pickup device which, when the user picks up an image of a subject using the image-pickup device, makes it possible to reduce a failure relating to framing techniques and image-pickup techniques. Guide information relating to framing techniques or image-pickup techniques is preliminarily stored in the image-pickup device, and during an image-pickup mode, guide information suitable for the subject is displayed for the user. The guide information includes sample images, GS, etc., and the user is allowed to carry out framing by reference to this displayed image at the time of picking up an image; thus, it becomes possible to reduce a failure in picking up an image.

Abstract: Downloading of an inspection program for an electronic device to be supported is accepted on the home page of the support center. The user executes the downloaded inspection program on the electronic device to generate inspection results. Then, uploading of the inspection results is accepted on the home page, a computer of the support center analyzes the uploaded inspection results to generate a diagnosis result, and the diagnosis result including necessity of repair is transferred to the user. Thereby, it is possible to properly and quickly diagnose the electronic device on the user's side and reduce the support cost by preventing unnecessary transport of the electronic device.