Abstract: A graphical user interface is disclosed which achieves an easy search for a desired item upon scrolling. A plurality of representation images individually representing different selection object items are displayed in an array along one direction of a display screen. A noticed representation image selected from among the representation images is displayed emphatically at a fixed position on the display screen, and explanation information of the noticed representation image is displayed in the proximity of the noticed representation image. If a scrolling information for the array of representation images is issued, then scrolling is executed such that explanation information also of the representation images other than the noticed representation image is displayed. Further, a bar display including a mark representing the position and the group of the noticed representation image in the array of representation images is displayed together.

Abstract: In a TS information sharing system, digital broadcast receivers and a digital-broadcast-compliant TV receive TS information separately and may transfer the received TS information to each other in a peer-to-peer manner or may transfer and store the received TS information into a server. Thus, the digital broadcast receivers and the digital-broadcast-compliant TV can retrieve, from the server, TS information that the digital broadcast receivers and/or the digital-broadcast-compliant TV have not yet received. The invention can be applied to a receiver for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts.

Abstract: A discomfort index, S, is calculated with an equation, S=0.3135×(Loudness value)+3.4824×(Tonality value)−3.1460. This equation uses a loudness value and a tonality value, both psychoacoustic parameters obtained from a sound from the image forming apparatus at a location 1.00 m±0.03 m apart from an end of the image forming apparatus. A sound caused at the time of charging an image carrier is improved so that the discomfort index S satisfies S<−0.5.

Abstract: A method for forming a projection for projection welding includes the steps of: bending a workpiece such that a first end side portion located on one side of the bent portion is perpendicular to a second portion that is located on the opposite side of the bent portion, and pressing the workpiece between a punch and a V-shaped groove of a die. The pressing of the workpiece causes the first portion to the further bent toward the second portion until the inboard surface of the first portion is brought into contact with the second portion. During the pressing step, the outboard surface of the first portion is brought into contact with one surface of the groove while an end surface of the first portion is brought into contact with a second surface of the groove, with the thicknesses of the first portion and the second portion of the workpiece being plastically changed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a mechanism, mounted in the housing, for forming images on a medium, an operation panel formed on the housing, the mechanism being driven in accordance with an operating instruction input from the operation panel by an operator, a microphone, provided in the housing, for detecting a noise generated by a driving of the mechanism, and a noise canceling unit for outputting an acoustic wave to an area adjacent to the operation panel of the housing, the acoustic wave being generated based on the noise detected by the microphone so that the acoustic wave and a noise present in the area cancel out, whereby the noise present in the area is reduced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus reduces the level of noise escaping therefrom via an opening. The noise is generated from a motor which drives an image forming part in the image forming apparatus, from a radiator fan which radiates heat inside the apparatus to the outside via the opening, and from an exhaust fan which passes harmful air through a filter and then exhausts harmless air to the outside via the opening. The image forming apparatus generates a predetermined sound wave and collides it with the noise so that the predetermined sound wave and noise cancel each other out.