Abstract: Provided are: a resin composition for the formation of an optical waveguide, which shows low transmission loss and high heat stability and enables to form a waveguide pattern at high shape accuracy and at low cost; an optical waveguide; a method of forming an optical waveguide; and an optical element using the method. A photosensitive resin composition is used, which includes a polyamic acid represented by a general formula (I) or a polyamic acid ester (A), a compound (B) having an epoxy group, and a compound (C) which generates an acid by being exposed to light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation-curable primary coating composition comprising 0.6-10 vol % of particles which when cured has an equilibrium modulus of about 1.5 MPa or less, and a cavitation strength at which a tenth cavity appears (?10cav) of at least about 1.1 MPa.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein include rare earth doped glass compositions that may be used in optical fiber and rods having large core sizes. Such optical fibers and rods may be employed in fiber lasers and amplifiers. The index of refraction of the glass may be substantially uniform and may be close to that of silica in some embodiments. Possible advantages to such features include reduction of formation of additional waveguides within the core, which becomes increasingly a problem with larger core sizes.

Abstract: A light guide apparatus includes a light guide layer further including light injection elements and respective light bypass elements disposed optically upstream of the light injection elements. The light injection elements and/or the bypass elements can take the form of injection facets (air prisms), surface diffraction elements, volume diffraction elements, and gradient index profiles. A light collection and concentration system comprises a single light guide apparatus, a light-transmitting medium layer disposed immediately adjacent the single light guide apparatus, and a primary light concentrator component disposed adjacent the light-transmitting medium layer, including a plurality of primary concentrator elements each of which is in optical registration with a respective one of the light injection elements of the single light guide apparatus.

Abstract: A cable loop device (100) is provided for use in optical systems for storing, routing and distributing optical cables and fibre within optical networks, optical hardware and optical joints thereof. The cable loop device (100) includes one or more work areas (106), one or more fibre storage areas (102), a plurality of guide tracks (120a-120c), and at least one cable storage area (11O), where the at least one cable storage area (110) is disposed on the periphery of the cable loop device (100) for looping optical cable and the fibre guide tracks (120a, 120b) connect the cable storage (110), fibre storage (102) and work (106) areas together. A routing device (300) is provided for use with the cable loop device (100) for routing optical fibre from the routing device (100) through to a third portion of guide tracks (120c) disposed through the cable loop device (100) for splicing to fibres therein.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable slack storage module is disclosed. The fiber optic cable slack storage module has a base with an interior space. A plate having a plate top and a plate bottom mounts in the interior space. The plate is adapted to receive and support an upper fiber optic cable at the plate top and a lower fiber optic cable at the plate bottom. The upper fiber optic cable arranges in the interior space in a serpentine configuration at the plate top. The lower fiber optic cable arranges in the interior space in a serpentine configuration at the plate bottom. The serpentine configuration allows the upper and lower fiber optic cables to enter and exit the fiber optic cable slack storage module in a way to avoid the probability of severe bending.

Abstract: A connector unit and a base station that, even when an optical cable is connected, can secure excellent maintainability permitting easy inserting/removing operation for each cable and receive extra length of the optical cable in saved space through efficient arrangement with other parts to thereby attain space saving. A unit body 21 attached in a housing 11 of a base station 10 is integrally equipped with a first connector 31 for connecting an optical cable 51 and second connectors 32 to 36 for connecting other cables at angles of inclination appropriate for each cable connection, and further the unit body 21 is integrally equipped with a first extra length handling means 41 for receiving extra length of the optical cable 51 so as to attain extra length reception with high space efficiency.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of a fiber distribution hub include a swing frame pivotally mounted within an enclosure having a low profile. For example, the enclosure can have a depth of less than about nine inches. Termination modules can be mounted to the swing frame and oriented to slide at least partially in a front-to-rear direction to facilitate access to connectors plugged into the termination modules. Splitter modules and connector storage regions can be provided within the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber distribution hub. The fiber distribution hub comprises a base case comprising at least one port portion for introducing an optical cable, wherein the optical cable includes a first fiber; a splitter case releasably attached to the base case; a splice tray rotatably hinged to the splitter case; and a cover engagable with the base case to enclose the splitter case and the splice tray. The first fiber is connected to a second fiber in the splice tray, and the second fiber is connected with a splitter in the splitter case to separate the second fiber into a plurality of separate third fibers. Thus, the invention provides a compact and modular fiber distribution hub. In addition, the fiber distribution hub can join optical fibers by mechanical splices, fusion splices and fiber optic connectors in a single unit.

Abstract: A drop terminal mounting system includes a fiber drop terminal having a housing and a base attached to the housing. The housing includes an outer surface containing a plurality of receptacles and cooperatively defines an inner cavity with the base. The drop terminal mounting system further includes a bracket having a first fastening region and a second fastening region adapted to secure the drop terminal to the bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber connection module, comprising a housing (1) for accommodating optical fiber connection interfaces, the housing (1) being formed with first fixing means (9) in order to fix the optical fiber connection module on round bars (11), the housing (1) being formed with second fixing means (13) in order to fix the optical fiber connection module to round bars (11), the second fixing means (13) being arranged offset towards the rear with respect to the first fixing means (9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable retainer for attaching a connector to a fiber optic cable. The cable retainer includes at least a grooved anchor whereby a connector assembly formed of a connector and a cable can be aligned and secured through the anchor alone. The cable retainer may further comprise a crimp band that is slid over the anchor and connector assembly to secure aramid yarns, and to provide additional support to the connector assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fibre comprising a gain medium which is equipped with: a core (22) which is formed from a transparent material and nanoparticles (24) comprising a doping element and at least one element for enhancing the use of said doping element; and an outer cladding (26) which surrounds the core. The invention is characterised in that the doping element is erbium (Er) and in that the enhancing element is selected from among antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi) and a combination of antimony (Sb) and bismuth (Bi). According to the invention, one such fibre is characterised in that the size of the nanoparticles is variable and is between 1 and 500 nanometres inclusive, and preferably greater than 20 nm.

Abstract: A method of producing an elastomeric optical conductor fiber composed of plastic includes drawing a fiber composed of a high-viscosity liquid reactive starting material. The starting material is added by way of a nozzle to a reaction apparatus, to which a liquid, which is inert towards the starting material, has been charged. At least partial crosslinking of the starting material takes place in the reaction apparatus. The elastomeric plastic of the optical conductor fiber is in particular a three-dimensionally crosslinked polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method at a receiver for playing a stream comprising a set of video samples and a set of audio samples, said audio samples and said video samples being adapted to be rendered at a standard rendering speed in a synchronized manner, comprising at the receiver the steps of starting the reception of the stream, starting the rendering of the video samples at a speed slower than the standard rendering speed and accelerating the rendering speed up to the standard rendering speed. The invention also concerns methods for an early rendering of audio samples, when the stream comprises a set of audio samples, wherein the audio and video samples are adapted to be rendered at a standard rendering speed in a synchronized manner.

Abstract: A digital video recording system includes a number of cameras, a video decoder, a video multiplexer, a video stream compressor, a processor, a storage system, a video stream de-compressor, a video encoder, and a number of switch units. The video decoder, the video multiplexer, the video stream compressor, the processor, and the storage system are connected in series. The processor is also connected to the video stream de-compressor and the video encoder in series. Each switch connects one of the number of cameras to the input of the video decoder or connects the output of the video encoder to the input of the video decoder selectively.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video processing apparatus includes a decoding module, a detection module, a frame rate calculation module, and a display timing determining module. The decoding module decodes encoded moving image data including processing units each of which includes pictures for a predetermined reproduction time. The detection module detects picture group information of a reproduction target processing unit, the information indicative of the number of pictures and the ratio of progressive frame pictures to interlaced field pictures. The frame rate calculation module calculates a frame rate corresponding to a reproduced processing unit preceding the target unit based on picture group information detected when the preceding unit is decoded, if the target unit includes no timing information indicating display timing of pictures. The display timing determining module determines display timings for the pictures in the target unit based on the frame rate.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment method includes receiving multimedia data from a source device. Then the method determines one or more pieces of content information from the received multimedia data through a content awareness algorithm. Next, the method searches one or more data repositories for relational information associated with the content information. Then the method retrieves any found relational information from the one or more data repositories. Finally, the method displays the retrieved relational information alongside the multimedia data on a display device.

Abstract: A method and system for display of a video file are provided in which multiple time segments of the video file are displayed simultaneously to enable small changes to be identified in less time than viewing the entire file in a single playback. The method includes dividing a first portion of a video file into multiple segments each of a same time duration and sending each of the multiple segments of the first portion of the video file to be played simultaneously in multiple windows of a display device. The method then includes dividing a second portion of a video file starting at the end of the first portion, into multiple segments each of a same time duration and sending each of the multiple segments of the second portion of the video file to be played simultaneously in multiple windows of the display device. The method is repeated for subsequent portions until the entire video file has been played.

Abstract: A video reproducing apparatus for reproducing video data, comprises: a group classify unit for classifying the video data into groups upon a degree of similarity of video characteristic; an importance degree determine unit for determining on whether a video belonging to the group is the video or not, being high in a degree of importance, among those within the group, which are classified by the group classifying unit; a reproduction time setup unit for setting up reproduction time of video for each video, depending on the degree of importance, which is determined by the importance degree determine unit; a unit for holding the degree of importance and the reproduction time that are set up; and a video output unit for outputting the video to a video display unit so that it is displayed in accordance with the reproduction time that is set up, or in the above, further comprises: a reproduction order setup unit, which is configured to set up reproduction order of video for each video, by means of the importance de

Abstract: A video playback apparatus includes a first unit which inputs a viewing time of video data to be played back, a second unit which extracts scenes on a basis of a power of audio in the video data or a movement of image in the video data so that a sum of the time of the extracted playback scenes is within the viewing time, and a third unit which plays back the extracted scenes.

Abstract: A pausable system that processes multi-channel, multimedia content including a multimedia content delivery device having a priority detector for determining priority multimedia content and a decoder that can decode the priority content while the system is in a paused state. The system can also output an indicator if a priority multimedia content becomes disrupted based on a received rate compared to an embedded rate. The priority detector can also determine if the priority content is intended for a particular recipient before processing by the multimedia content delivery device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for enabling and facilitating the licensing of audio portions of audio-video assets per individual copy of the asset. The method and apparatus involves omitting unlicensed portions of the audio content from the asset and instead inserting tags identifying the omitted audio portions and distributing the audiovisual asset, whereupon each individual distributee may obtain licenses for the unlicensed audio portions of the asset and then accessing and playing those audio portions during playback of the asset.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for processing motion picture and a record medium, which decompose a motion picture into unit frames and insert copyright information into the unit frames, enabling to determine the infringement of copyright when the motion picture is illegally circulated. The apparatus includes a processing unit, a merging unit and an output unit. The processing unit decomposes a motion picture into a plurality of unit frames, and generates a main frame, a sub-frame including copyright information for the motion picture and a degree frame which is paired with the sub-frame, based on the unit frames. The merging unit merges the sub-frame into the main frame according to a degree of mergence of the degree frame. The output unit continuously outputs the merged frames in time order.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus, for enabling recording/reproducing of a three-dimensional (3D) video stream, by taking a display environment into the consideration thereof, comprises: a stream distinguishing means for distinguishing the three-dimensional (3D) video stream; a 3D/2D stream converting for converting the three-dimensional (3D) video stream distinguished by the stream distinguishing means into a two-dimensional (2D) video stream; and a conversion indicating means for indicating to execute the 3D/2D conversion, wherein the three-dimensional (3D) video stream is converted into the two-dimensional (2D) video stream by the 3D/2D stream means, when the 3D/2D conversion is indicted in the conversion indicating means.

Abstract: A video camera comprises an optic system 101, an image pickup element 102, a de-mosaicing (de-tessellating) process portion 103, frequency converter portions 104-106, a frame memory 124, parameter produce portions 125-127, noise reduction process portions 107-109, a frame memory 110, frequency converter portions 111-113, noise reduction process portions 114-116, frequency inverter portions 117-119, a brightness signal produce portion 120, a color difference produce portion 121, a coding process portion 122 and a recording medium 123. With the above-mentioned structures, it is possible to execute noise extraction depending on the characteristics of an input video signal, and also to obtain an effect of improving high S/N, but without producing deterioration of the picture quality, i.e., removing the noises of the picked up video, effectively.

Abstract: Dynamic icons associated with remote content provide one or more pieces of information to a user by changing the appearance of the icon based on changes to data of a data source associated with the icon. For example, when the icon represents data available from a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed, the icon may be represented as an image extracted from the RSS feed, which may change when the RSS feed is updated or includes new content. In some embodiments, the icon may by dynamically updated based on user information and/or device information, such as an icon for a weather forecast that is based at least in part on a location of a device and thus directs the icon to show imagery and/or information based at least in part on the respective location.

Abstract: A method for reserving and playing digital television (DTV) programs, a set top box, and a DTV playing system are provided in the embodiments of the present invention. The method provides for the generation of a prompt (such as a visual prompt) indicating the reservation of multiple DTV programs to be played concurrently at, or prior to, arrival of the time of playing the reserved DTV programs, and playing one DTV program that is selected from the multiple reserved DTV programs when the time of playing the reserved DTV program has arrived.

Abstract: A method and system of providing access to television programs without requiring a user to operate an electronic programming guide or to independently determining information required to access the television program. Optionally, access to the television program may be facilitated by scheduling a recording of the televisions program or providing instructions to facilitate accessing an on-demand showing of the television program.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a program recording apparatus is provided, which includes a storage configured to hold files, a console module configured to select a program when operated, a reception processing circuit configured to play back the program selected at the console module, while receiving the program, a presence detection sensor configured to detect a non-viewed state in which the program being played back by the reception processing circuit is not viewed, and a recording controller configured to record the program selected, as a file, in the storage, and to erase the file of the program from the storage if the program is confirmed not set to a non-viewed state before the program comes to an end.

Abstract: A system and method for remote film color correction are provided. The system and method provide for capturing at least one scene on a film negative at a first location (202), scanning at least two frames from the at least one scene on the film negative at a second location (206), transmitting the at least two frames to a network accessible storage device (208), accessing the at least two frames by a computing device at the first location (210), grading at least one frame of the at least two frames on the computing device (212), generating metadata relating to the at least one frame based on the grading step (214), and transmitting the generated metadata to the second location (216). The remote color correction system and method is designed to be used for dailies processing. The system and method generates color correction metadata that is sent to a dailies facility via e-mail/Internet, i.e., a computer network communication.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for recording digital multimedia by buffering. The method includes performing buffering with regard to each of a plurality of received multimedia services in a predetermined output mode; managing buffering information relating to buffering settings with regard to each of the buffered multimedia services; and controlling output of a corresponding multimedia service according to the buffering information, wherein the output mode comprises a time shift mode where a previously buffered multimedia service is called and reproduced and a background mode where a currently received multimedia service is buffered without being displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A system and a method of ensuring correct execution of a laboratory protocol or procedure are provided. An embodiment of the disclosure records videos of a bench area with a monitoring device, processes and stores the recorded video, and allows users to review the video. By reviewing the video of the lab procedure while conducting the laboratory protocol or procedure or shortly thereafter, users can resolve doubts and problems about particular steps of the lab procedure and conduct the procedure correctly.

Abstract: An infra-red heater assembly takes on the conditions that afflict buildings: bed bugs, termites, other insects, molds, bacteria, and the like, and their resulting odors, and other contaminants. The assembly includes a portable electric infra-red emitting panel system with vertically stacked panels that distribute heat energy to the entire height of a wall. Removable panel covers over the infra-red heating elements protect them from damage during transport and when opened, act as deflectors, to direct, the radiant energy, widthwise, to restrict the line of site energy transferred to a wall. The heating panels are regulated by room air and wall temperature sensors to prevent structural damage and fire during usage of the invention. The infra-red heater may be pivotally mounted within its supporting structure so as to direct heat in various angular directions within the building being treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot water supply system that heats low-temperature water flowing into an inlet at a high temperature by using a heating device and supplies the high-temperature water through an outlet.

Abstract: A system for heating water which includes a first container and a second container, an air-tight connection between upper ends of the first and second containers, each container including a respective water heating element, and a water outlet port and a water inlet port, a manifold which is operatively connected to the respective inlet and outlet ports of each container and which connects, in a controlled manner, the respective inlet port of each container to a pressurised source of cold water, and each container, at least in a respective upper volume thereof, and in the air-tight connection, containing a gas, and whereby cold water which is introduced into the first container via the manifold displaces gas via the air-tight connection from the first container into the second container thereby to expel warm water from the second container through the respective outlet port.

Abstract: A wind turbine and generator arrangement comprises a turbine that drives a self-excited induction generator via a shaft and mechanical gearbox. The induction generator includes an electrical circuit that includes a variable capacitance and a variable resistance. The variable capacitance may be constituted by a fixed capacitor and a triac under the control of a controller, or by a bank of capacitors switched by a relay under control of the controller. The variable resistance includes a triac controlled resistor or a bank of relay-switched resistors which constitute heating elements for heating domestic hot water. In use the generator frequency and voltage are allowed to ‘float’ whilst the optimal generator power output is maintained, but adjusting the impedance of the electrical circuit as the wind speed varies.

Abstract: A camera comprising a location sensor, a first recorder, a first calculator, and a first motor, is provided. The location sensor detects the present location of the camera. The first recorder records a past location. The past location is a location where an image was photographed at a previous point in time. The first calculator compares the present location of the camera with the past location. The first calculator calculates a first difference between the present location of the camera and the past location. The first monitor displays the calculated first difference.

Abstract: An exemplary lens driving apparatus includes a first retaining frame having first retaining portions, first coils of wire received in the first retaining portions, and a voice coil motor movably received in the first retaining frame. The voice coil motor includes a second retaining frame having second retaining portions, magnets received in the second retaining portions, and a core member having a second coil of wire wound around and being movably received in the second frame. The core member receives lens therein. The magnets generate magnetic fields which are capable of driving the core member to move along the lens optical axis when the second coil of wire is electrically powered; the magnets are applied reverse force of Ampere's force when the first coils of wire are electrically powered, such that the voice coil motor together with the lens is moved in a plane perpendicular to the lens optical axis.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus which can perform phase difference detection while causing light to enter an imaging device is provided. An imaging unit (1) includes an imaging device (10) for receiving light to perform photoelectric conversion, the imaging device (10) being configured so that light passes through the imaging device (10), a phase difference detection unit (20) including a line sensor (24a) for receiving the light which has passed through the imaging device (10) to perform phase difference detection, and a condenser lens (21a), provided between the imaging device (10) and the line sensor (24a), for bending an optical path of the light which has passed through the imaging device (10) to direct the light to the line sensor (24a).

Abstract: An imaging apparatus capable of performing phase difference detection while allowing light to enter an imaging device is provided. The imaging unit (1) includes: an imaging device (10) configured to perform photoelectric conversion on received light and allow light to pass therethrough; a package (31) holding the imaging device (10); and a phase difference detection unit (20) configured to perform phase difference detection on received light which has passed through the imaging device (10). The package (31) has openings (31c, 31c, . . . ). Light which has passed through the imaging device (10) passes through the openings (31c, 31c, . . . ). The light which has passed through the imaging device (10) passes through the package (31) via the openings (31c, 31c, . . . ), and enters the phase difference detection unit (20).

Abstract: A relatively rapidly moving object is imaged with a sensor incorporating a rolling electronic shutter, while using flash illumination which is comparable to or dimmer than ambient light. This is achieved by utilizing a physical shutter between the object and sensor which is synchronized to the flash. Preferably, the physical shutter is also operated so as to be open for a time interval which is coextensive with the presence of the flash. Preferably, an optical mechanism is provided between the object and sensor which causes the image to be focused when the light is flashed and blurred otherwise. Preferably, an optical filter is positioned between the object and sensor, and this filter is constructed to transmit to the CMOS sensor light at the wavelength of the flashing light source but to attenuate ambient light.

Abstract: A diaphragm control apparatus in a camera body includes a stepping motor, a lead screw thereof, wherein a slider is driven by the lead screw, a position detector, and a controller. When the stepping motor is in a free state, the slider allows a diaphragm operatively-associated rod to move to an initial position. The controller detects the slider origin position when the stepping motor is in the free state and drives the stepping motor stepwise to move the slider away from the origin position against a biasing force of a resilient biaser, and drives the stepping motor stepwise to move the slider toward the origin position while detecting the slider position; and sets an initial excitation pattern of the stepping motor upon a distance from the detected slider position to the origin position becoming less than a slider moving distance for one step of the stepping motor.

Abstract: A diaphragm control apparatus is provided in a camera body, in which a controller drives a stepping motor to move the slider away from an origin position, thereafter drives the stepping motor in the opposite direction toward the origin position, and thereafter detects the slider position after holding the stepping motor for a first waiting time upon a distance from the slider to the origin position becoming less than slider-moving distance for one step of the stepping motor. The controller causes the stepping motor to enter a free state upon a lapse of the first waiting time and detects the slider position upon a lapse of a second waiting time to set an initial excitation pattern from a difference between the slider position detected during the first waiting time and the slider position detected in the free state thereof and from the moving distance of the slider.

Abstract: A digital moving picture photographing apparatus is provided for increasing user convenience by excluding unnecessary parts of a recording moving picture and starting/stopping a photographing operation automatically, as is an appertaining method and computer readable recording with code to implement the method. The digital moving picture photographing apparatus includes: an image capture device for generating image data from incident light; and a storage medium for storing the image data generated by the image capture device. The method includes: starting storing data of frame images, when a movement of a subject is sensed from the frame images of image data generated by the image capture device in a shooting mode; and stopping the recording of the moving picture when the movement of the subject is not sensed from the frame images of the image data generated by the image capture device during storing of the frame images in the storage medium.

Abstract: A game scouting camera including a processing system having an operating system and a memory device and a user interface operably connected to the processing system that has (a) a visual display, (b) at least one operation key for inputting user commands, and (c) a multiple-stage manual switch movable to multiple alignment positions to control multiple camera functions during a camera setup procedure.

Abstract: A photographing device of a global positioning system includes a casing, a display screen, a control circuit board and a photographing device. A side of the casing is the display screen, the casing contains a holding space, and the holding space includes the photographing device which is assembled with the control circuit board by an electric connection assembly. The control circuit board includes an access unit, a positioning and transmission unit, a computing unit and a battery unit. When the photographing device is used, the photographing device starts to shoot and record. Next time when a car is driving on a route, an image of which is stored by the photographing device, the photographing device compares the route image recorded with the route image planned by a user; after comparison, the route image that fits is transmitted to the display screen by the access unit to facilitate watching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barrier unit structure that can avoid not only ruining the appearance of a barrier unit due to a vertical misfit of blades that contact with each other at their edges when closed but also interfering with smooth movement of the blades due to their unintentional overlap. The barrier unit includes: a base, which defines a first window; a cap, which defines a second window and which is arranged so that the second window faces the first window; and a number of blades, which are arranged between the base and the cap so as to open or close with respect to the first and second windows. In a space between the base and the cap, clearance e left in the vicinity of a first position, where the blades contact with each other at their edges when closed, is smaller than clearance d left at a second position, which is different from the first position.

Abstract: A shutter device mounted in a compact device such as a camera or mobile phone is provided. The shutter device includes, a base which forms a light permeation hole through which a film or a charge coupled device (CCD) is exposed to a light; a first and second electromagnets which are mounted to opposite sides of the base; a driving arm in which one end is rotatably assembled with a side of the base between the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet; a first and second shutters which open or close the light permeation hole while concurrently rotating about a part of the base in association with the rotation of the driving arm; and a magnetic which is mounted to an end of the driving arm, and rotates the driving arm in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction while moving by the magnetic force between the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet along a direction of an electric current applied to the first and second electromagnets.

Abstract: A diaphragm control apparatus in a camera body includes a stepping motor; a lead screw thereof, wherein a slider is driven by the lead screw; a position detector; and a controller. When driving the stepping motor by a predetermined number of steps in a direction to move the slider away from an origin position, the controller detects the slider position before driving the stepping motor stepwise as the origin position via the position detector, and thereafter detects a stepping position of the slider to compare the stepping position with the origin position each time the stepping motor is driven by one step, and counts the number of steps based from the moment at which the stepping position of the slider exceeds a predetermined position in the direction to move the slider away from the origin position against the biasing force of the resilient biaser.