Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members for bearing images; and an intermediate transfer member onto which a plurality of images on the plurality of image bearing members is sequentially transferred electrostatically at a plurality of transfer positions, the plurality of images on the intermediate transfer member is transferred onto a recording material, wherein a relationship of &tgr;≦T is satisfied in which T (second) is a time taken in order for the intermediate transfer member to move from one transfer position to an adjacent transfer position when a plurality of images is transferred from the plurality of image bearing members onto the intermediate transfer member, and &tgr; (second) is a charge relaxation time of the intermediate transfer member.

Abstract: If an IC card unit detects when an inherent IC card is inserted in an IC card slot, then the IC card unit outputs a signal to a vehicle control unit to inhibit a vehicle from being automatically driven. If the IC card unit detects when no inherent IC card is inserted in the IC card slot, then the IC card unit outputs a signal to the vehicle control unit to permit a vehicle to be automatically driven upon elapse of a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A signal indicative of the remaining capacity of a storage battery for propelling an electric vehicle is transmitted and received between a portable control unit and a communication unit on the electric vehicle. A display request signal for displaying the remaining capacity of the storage battery is transmitted from the portable control unit which has a plurality of indicator lamps corresponding to respective ranges of a rated capacity of the storage battery, to the communication unit. When the display request signal is received by the communication unit, one of the ranges to which the remaining capacity of the storage battery belongs is determined by the communication unit, and a remaining capacity display signal representing the determined range is transmitted from the communication unit to the portable control unit.

Abstract: A display unit for an automobile includes a graph comprising a vertical axis X and a horizontal axis Y. The vertical axis X indicates a remaining capacity of driving energy, such the capacity of batteries in an electric vehicle, and the horizontal axis Y indicates a remaining distance that can be traveled based on the remaining capacity of driving energy. Thus, the remaining capacity and the remaining distance are integrally displayed on a single graph.