Abstract: An object of the invention is to automatically acquire function information of electric devices whose manufacturers, models, and model numbers are different one from another. A specifications information storage (21) stores specifications information, in which function information including at least setting items for controlling a home electric appliance (1) is predefined, in association with identification information. A setting check data creation processor (25) acquires the identification information of the home electric appliance (1), and creates setting check data for checking a setting concerning the home electric appliance (1) with respect to each of the setting items, based on the specifications information matching with model information and version information included in the identification information. A setting check processor (26) executes the setting concerning the home electric appliance (1) by using the setting check data, and updates the function information based on the setting result.

Abstract: A shadow mask disposed to face a phosphor screen of a cathode ray tube includes a substantially rectangular effective surface on which a number of substantially rectangular apertures are formed. The effective surface has horizontal and vertical axes which perpendicularly cross in the center thereof and diagonal axes passing through the center. The apertures are arranged to form a plurality of vertical rows of apertures extending in the direction of the vertical axis. Each of the vertical rows of apertures includes a plurality of apertures arranged in the direction of the vertical axis with a bridge portion being interposed between two adjacent apertures, and those vertical rows of apertures are arranged in the direction of the horizontal axis at a predetermined pitch.

Abstract: A shadow mask of a color cathode ray tube includes a mask body having a rectangular effective area with a large number of electron beam apertures, a non-effective area surrounding the effective area, and a skirt portion extending from a peripheral portion of the non-effective area. The mask body has a belt-shaped reinforcing bead extending between two end edges of the mask body, which are in parallel to the vertical axis, through a central portion of the mask body and projecting from the effective area toward a phosphor screen. The reinforcing bead is formed such that a projecting height thereof is gradually decreased from the central portion of the mask body toward the two end edges of the mask body and such that the projecting height thereof at boundaries between the effective and non-effective areas becomes about not more than 2/3 the height of the reinforcing bead at the central portion of the mask body.