Abstract: [Object] To provide a printing apparatus and a printing method in which printing onto a label surface can also be performed when backing up data in a non-volatile storage medium.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a USB composite device including devices of different USB subclasses and enable communications between the devices and a host without increasing the number of logic interfaces. [Solving Means] In the USB composite device, a first device having a first USB subclass and a second device having a second USB subclass corresponding to a second communication command are assigned as devices of the same USB subclass to the same logic interface, and logic interface information that associates the same logic interface with the same USB subclass and the number of logical units are sent to the host. The first and second devices send back device information to the host for each logical unit in response to an inquiry about the device information from the host with the same communication command, and the host performs communications with the communication command supported by each device.

Abstract: A method for processing backup in the invention calculates a necessary capacity of a second storage medium when backing up in a plurality of divided sessions backup target data stored on a first storage medium, decides the number of dividing into the sessions based on the calculated necessary capacity and an available capacity of the second storage medium, and copies the backup target data from the first storage medium to the second storage medium, the backup target data being divided according to the number of dividing into the sessions.

Abstract: A power supply method to a memory card that has been inserted into an apparatus that can be inserted with a plurality of types of memory cards, includes: detecting that one type of the memory card out of a plurality of the types of memory cards has been inserted into a card slot; judging whether or not there has been detected an insertion of a different type of memory card from the type of the memory card that has already been detected, within passing of a predetermined time from when the insertion of the one type of the memory card has been detected; specifying the type of the memory card that has been inserted, based on a result of the judgment; and supplying electric power to the specified type of memory card.

Abstract: A medium information acquirer is operable to acquire first medium information indicative of first contents stored in a recording medium. A label information generator is operable to generate, based on the first medium information, a first label information indicative of a first label which is to be printed on the recording medium. A printing section is operable to print the first label on the recording medium based on the first label information.

Abstract: When a user requests the process of saving files stored in a memory card in a storage medium, such as DVD-RW, in MPV format, the multifunction printer 10 selects a file available for printing based on file extensions from the plurality of files stored in the memory card (step S130), creates a folder, and copies the selected file into the folder (step S140). The multifunction printer subsequently create and save a manifest in the folder, and stores information on saving location as asset information of the selected file in the manifest (step S160). The multifunction printer writes metadata into the asset information (step S170-S210) and registers link information to the created manifest in root manifest (step S220). A file can be readily acquired afterwards by using the root manifest and the manifest and be printed out. And files available for a predetermined usage can be managed easily.

Abstract: A multifunction printer 10 comprises a reader/writer 16 connected readably/writably with a memory card 18 and an ink-jet printer mechanism 31. The memory card 18 stores a manifest as a control file including metadata. The manifest includes: link information to another manifest; album information capable of specifying an album as a collection of files having a predetermined relationship; and file information capable of specifying a file not included in any album but existing separately. Then, when selecting a file, the printer 10 organizes separate file information, and then gives a general name to the organized separate file information to display a link name, album name, and the general name selectably on a display unit 42. This allows the files to be displayed easily and selectably without complex management.

Abstract: A musical performance or accompaniment unit which is so arranged that, with employment of a so-called sound multiplex system recording medium in which a vocal signal of a singer or the like is recorded on its first track and a musical signal of a musical instrument for accompaniment is recorded on its second track, when a user sings, with the recording medium being subjected to reproduction, singing abilities of the user such as rhythmical feelings, degrees of bass or soprano, etc. are automatically marked for display through comparison and calculation of the above reproduced vocal signal and signal of the song sung by the user.

Abstract: An operation control device is disclosed for initiating operations of electric or electronic apparatus such as microwave ovens, radio receivers and tape recorders. The device includes an operation section having a housing made of non-conductive material and an operation electrode accommodated in the housing, and a detection circuit which detects whether an external stimulus, such as a finger of a user, is touching the outside surface of the housing, thereby producing an activation signal. When an activation signal is detected, the detection circuit produces an operation order signal to cause a control circuit to control operation of a corresponding electric or electronic apparatus.