Abstract: A processing speed can be improved while the accuracy of AD conversion is enhanced. An AD converter includes: a higher-order DAC that samples an analog input signal and performs DA conversion corresponding to higher-order bits of a digital output signal; an extension DAC that performs DA conversion to positive and negative polarities on an extension bit for expanding bits of the higher-order DAC; a lower-order DAC that performs DA conversion corresponding to lower-order bits of the digital output signal; a comparator that compares a comparison reference voltage with output voltages of the higher-order DAC, the extension DAC, and the lower-order DAC; and a successive approximation logic that controls successive approximation performed by the higher-order DAC, the extension DAC, and the lower-order DAC based on a comparison result of the comparator and generates the digital output signal.

Abstract: An image-displaying device includes a storing unit and a displaying unit. The storing unit stores correlation data between a plurality of thumbnails and a sequence of the plurality of thumbnails. The displaying unit is capable of displaying a predetermined maximum number of thumbnails based on the correlation data. If a displayed thumbnail is selected by a user, the displaying unit displays identification data identifying the selected thumbnail together with the selected thumbnail. If identification data is selected by a user, the displaying unit displays a thumbnail corresponding to the selected identification data.

Abstract: An image processor enabling a user to quickly select desired images from a large number of images without scrolling repeatedly through the images. The image processor assigns image numbers to segments of a scroll bar and displays image data corresponding to an image number assigned at the position on the scroll bar pressed by the user. The image processor also reduces the number of image numbers assigned per segment of the scroll bar near the image number at the pressed position on the scroll bar to facilitate the user in specifying a desired image through a subsequent input operation.

Abstract: There is provided a multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions, including: a phone communication unit having a phone communication function; a communication interface to interface the multifunction peripheral with an external device; a processing unit to control operations of the multifunction peripheral; a judgment unit to judge whether external data received through the communication interface corresponds to data of a first predetermined type; and a conversion unit having a function of converting, without controls by the processing unit, the external data into data of a second predetermined type adapted to the phone communication function in response to a fact that the judgment unit judges that the external data corresponds to data of the first predetermined type, and having a function of converting, without controls by the processing unit, data of the second predetermined type into data of the first predetermined type to be outputted through the communication interface.

Abstract: A motion estimation method capable of reducing the amount of calculation as compared to a full search method. In the method, a coarse search block and fine search blocks are defined. The fine search blocks are given by dividing the coarse search block into a plurality of blocks so that the fine search blocks are contained in the coarse search block. A sparsely interpolated image and a densely interpolated image are defined. A first search is performed using the defined coarse search block and the defined sparsely interpolated image. A second search is performed using the defined coarse search block and the defined densely interpolated image. With regard to search blocks belonging to the fine search blocks, only a surrounding region of an optimal point obtained in the first search is searched.

Abstract: A technique is proposed to provide an appropriate notification in accordance with the state of occurrence of conveyance errors. The level of maintenance required to normalize a conveying function is determined depending on the number of errors, and a notification is provided by displaying a message to a user or by transmitting a message to a service center depending on the level of maintenance. Since the message to the user indicates a specific content of maintenance to normalize the conveying function, the user can normalize the conveying function by taking appropriate measures. On the other hand, since the message to the service center indicates the required level of maintenance, a service person of the service center can normalize the conveying function by going to a place where a multi-function machine, for example, is installed and repairing the multi-function machine.

Abstract: An image-displaying device includes a storing unit and a displaying unit. The storing unit stores correlation data between a plurality of thumbnails and a sequence of the plurality of thumbnails. The displaying unit is capable of displaying a predetermined maximum number of thumbnails based on the correlation data. If a displayed thumbnail is selected by a user, the displaying unit displays identification data identifying the selected thumbnail together with the selected thumbnail. If identification data is selected by a user, the displaying unit displays a thumbnail corresponding to the selected identification data.

Abstract: An image processor enabling a user to quickly select desired images from a large number of images without scrolling repeatedly through the images. The image processor assigns image numbers to segments of a scroll bar and displays image data corresponding to an image number assigned at the position on the scroll bar pressed by the user. The image processor also reduces the number of image numbers assigned per segment of the scroll bar near the image number at the pressed position on the scroll bar to facilitate the user in specifying a desired image through a subsequent input operation.

Abstract: A technique is proposed to provide an appropriate notification in accordance with the state of occurrence of conveyance errors. The level of maintenance required to normalize a conveying function is determined depending on the number of errors, and a notification is provided by displaying a message to a user or by transmitting a message to a service center depending on the level of maintenance. Since the message to the user indicates a specific content of maintenance to normalize the conveying function, the user can normalize the conveying function by taking appropriate measures. On the other hand, since the message to the service center indicates the required level of maintenance, a service person of the service center can normalize the conveying function by going to a place where a multi-function machine, for example, is installed and repairing the multi-function machine.