Abstract: An automotive information system has a main unit including a CPU and component units connected to the main unit through a universal serial BUS (USB), such as a car audio system including a CD-ROM auto-changer, a security control system, and a telephone system. At least one of the USB-connected component device, e.g., the security control system and/or the telephone system, has a detecting unit that detects occurrence of an event such as illegal approach to the automobile or receipt of telephone call. The USB-connected component device also has a start signal transmitting unit that transmits a start signal to the main unit when occurrence of the event is detected by the detecting unit. The main unit has a start signal receiving unit and a power control unit that serves turn on the power supply to the main unit in response to the start signal received by the start signal receiving unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus having a device which processes data at a rate exactly adjusted relative to the rate of a data supplying device without requiring a common clock signal. A writing unit writes data into a buffer memory. When a first half of the buffer memory has become filled with data, a starter makes a reading unit start reading data from the buffer memory. A writing time measurement unit and a reading time measurement unit respectively measure the writing time required to write data in the buffer memory and the reading time required to read data from the buffer memory starting from the first storage location to the exact middle storage location of the buffer memory. A controller controls the rate at which data is read from the buffer memory based on the relationship between the writing time and the reading time.

Abstract: An automotive information system has a main unit including a CPU and component units connected to the main unit through a universal serial BUS (USB), such as a car audio system including a CD-ROM auto-changer, a security control system, and a telephone system. At least one of the USB-connected component device, e.g., the security control system and/or the telephone system, has a detecting unit that detects occurrence of an event such as illegal approach to the automobile or receipt of telephone call. The USB-connected component device also has a start signal transmitting unit that transmits a start signal to the main unit when occurrence of the event is detected by the detecting unit. The main unit has a start signal receiving unit and a power control unit that serves turn on the power supply to the main unit in response to the start signal received by the start signal receiving unit.

Abstract: A multicolor heat-sensitive recording material is disclosed, comprising a support having carried thereon at least two colorless or light-colored color formers capable of developing different colors and color developers capable of reacting with said color formers upon heating to develop colors, wherein at least one of the color formers and color developers is encapsulized, at least one of the color formers is a diazo compound which is substantially decomposed by light, and at least one of the other color formers is a compound which is not substantially decomposed by light. The material provide a multicolor image having excellent hues and sharpness without color smearing and is free from undesired color formation before or after recording.