Abstract: Predetermined information, for example, BCA data and a total reproduction time etc. is read from a loaded disc and the disc information thus read is supplied to a CPU 1. Then, a discrete setting area 3b is retrieved to determine whether or not parameters are registered in correspondence with the disc information thus read. When it is determined that the parameters are registered, the parameters registered in correspondence with the disc information is read from the discrete setting area 3b and set in an audio decoder 12 and a subpicture decoder 13, respectively. When it is determined that the parameters are not registered, standard parameters are read from a standard setting area 3a and set to the audio decoder 12 and the subpicture decoder 13, respectively.

Abstract: When a setup key is operated, a setup screen capable of setting and changing languages of a sound, a caption and a menu screen at once is displayed on a display apparatus 21. Here, when an up-and-down key is operated and a desired language is selected and a confirmation key is operated, the languages of the sound, the caption and the menu screen are set and changed at once. Therefore, operability of a user can be improved and these languages can be set simply.

Abstract: Four fingers of a hand of an individual person, i.e. the index finger, the middle finger, the medical finger and the little finger are placed on a transparent measuring table in juxtaposition. A guide member is also placed on the table to restrict the position of the hand and light is irradiated onto the table. The intensity of the light passed through the transparent measuring table is scanned by a television camera and so on at every light receiving point to convert it an electrical signal. Thus obtained electric signals are processed to calculate the differential data of the finger lengths thereby detecting an individual person.