Abstract: A stress and/or strain measurement cell for a stress and/or strain measurement system. The cell includes a reference contact, a sensor contact and a first current mirror circuit which is integrated into a semiconductor material and has a first conduction path connectable or connected to the reference contact and a second conduction path connectable or connected to the sensor contact. The first conduction path includes a first transistor and the second conduction path includes a second transistor. A first crystal direction of the semiconductor material oriented perpendicular to a first inversion channel of the first transistor is definable for the first inversion channel and a second crystal direction of the semiconductor material oriented perpendicular to a second inversion channel of the second transistor is definable for the second inversion channel. The first crystal direction of the semiconductor material is inclined relative to the second crystal direction of the semiconductor material.

Abstract: A controller configured for detecting a disturbance using a comparison of outputs of at least two sensors and for determining a pressure from the outputs of the at least two sensors. A ratio of the measurement sensitivity and the disturbance sensitivity should be different for the at least two sensors. A method for monitoring disturbances of a sensor assembly includes comparing the outputs of the at least two sensors. The controller and related method provide, while requiring only two sensors, a redundant system that is also able to detect excessive disturbances on a sensor assembly.

Abstract: A method for determining a speed between a measurement-sensor, including at least one coil and a ferromagnetic-transmitter-element (FEM), including: changing the inductance of the coil and the voltage induced therein, in a vehicle using an inductive-speed-sensor having at least the coil and FEM; recording the inductance-change of the coil, and determining the speed based on the changed-inductance; in which the inductance-change is recorded and the speed is determined based on the changed-inductance only until the determined-speed has reached a speed-limit-value (SLV) starting from lower-speeds, in which a voltage-change induced in the coil is recorded and the speed is determined based on the changed-voltage when the determined-speed has exceeded the SLV starting from lower-speeds, and in which an inductance-change is recorded and the speed is determined based on the changed-inductance when the determined-speed has reached/dropped below the SLV starting from higher-speeds.

Abstract: Described herein are multiple designs for an improved analog switch for use in transmitting high voltage signals without using high voltage power supplies for the switch. The analog switches are able to pass and block input signals in the approximate range of ?100 V to +100 V. The use of translinear loops and a bootstrap configuration results in a constant on-resistance of the symmetrical switches and matches the conductance of each analog switch to the transconductance of an NMOS transistor, which can be easily stabilized with a constant gm biasing scheme. In certain embodiments, a shunt termination (T-switch) configuration is used for better off-isolation, and each of the symmetrical switches has its own translinear loop and thus flexibility of on-resistance and termination voltage.

Abstract: A display substrate, a display panel and a display device are provided. The display substrate includes a display area with a non-display area surrounding the display area first flexible substrate; a plurality of pressure sensors on the first flexible substrate and in the display area; and a second flexible substrate located at a side of the pressure sensors facing away from the first flexible substrate. The second flexible substrate covers the pressure sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a force sensor, a display panel, and a force detection method. The force sensor includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. A first resistor is connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal. A first transistor and a second transistor are connected in parallel between the first output terminal and the second input terminal. A third transistor and a fourth transistor are connected in parallel between the second input terminal and the second output terminal. A further first resistor is connected between the second output terminal and the first input terminal. An equivalent resistance of the first transistor is equal to that of the fourth transistor, and an equivalent resistance of the second transistor is equal to that of the third transistor.

Abstract: Aiming to more easily perform calibration of a sensor output from a pressure sensor, the calibration being necessitated due to the occurrence of sedimentation, a resonance point measurement unit (122) measures a resonance point of a diaphragm (112) on the basis of the result obtained by performing measurement of a constant pressure using the pressure sensor while a power supply frequency is changed, a characteristic calculation unit (123) calculates, on the basis of the measured resonance point, an elastic modulus of the diaphragm (112) at the time of the measurement of the resonance point, and a correction unit (124) calculates a corrected sensor sensitivity resulting from correcting a sensor sensitivity of a sensor chip (101) on the basis of the elastic modulus calculated by the characteristic calculation unit (123).

Abstract: The present application provides in some embodiments an array substrate, a display panel, a display device and a method for manufacturing the array substrate. The present application provides in some embodiments an array substrate, the array substrate comprising: an ultrasonic emission sensor, a substrate over the ultrasonic emission sensor, a pixel circuit layer over the glass substrate, and an ultrasonic reception sensor over the TFT pixel circuit layer, the ultrasonic reception sensor being electrically connected to the pixel circuit layer, wherein projections of the ultrasonic emission sensor and the ultrasonic reception sensor in a direction perpendicular to the substrate do not overlap with each other.

Abstract: Provided are methods, circuits and apparatuses for detecting pressure variations. The circuit can comprise at least two pressure sensors electrically coupled in parallel. At least one pressure sensor can have a differential input and a differential output. The circuit can also comprise a first switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential input of the at least one pressure sensor. The first switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a first current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a first reference signal. The circuit can also comprise a second switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential output of the at least one pressure sensor. The second switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a second current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a second reference signal.

Abstract: The claims define a processing circuit for processing input signals from a capacitive transducer structure. A current-to-voltage converter receives two input signals from the capacitive transducer structure, and outputs two output signals to gain stage circuits, and to a reference voltage generator. The gain stages generate from the output voltage signals a differential output signal. The reference voltage generates from the output signals a common mode output signal. The processing circuit generates a digital signal that corresponds to a quotient of the differential output signal and the common mode output signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a system including a MEMS device of an integrated circuit die includes generating an indicator of a device parameter of the MEMS device in a first mode of operating the system using a monitor structure formed using a MEMS structural layer of the integrated circuit die. The method includes generating, using a CMOS device of the integrated circuit die, a signal indicative of the device parameter and based on the indicator. The device parameter may be a geometric dimension of the MEMS device. The method may include, in a second mode of operating the system, compensating for a difference between a value of the signal and a target value of the signal. The method may include re-generating the indicator after exposing the MEMS device to stress and generating a second signal indicating a change in the device parameter.

Abstract: A method for compensating for strain on a MEMS device includes generating a signal indicative of a strain on the MEMS device in a first mode of operating a system including the MEMS device. The method includes compensating for the strain in a second mode of operating the system based on the signal. Generating the signal may include comparing an indicator of a resonant frequency of the MEMS device to a predetermined resonant frequency of the MEMS device. Generating the signal may include comparing a first output of a strain-sensitive device to a second output of a strain-insensitive device and generating an indicator thereof. Generating the signal may include sensing a first capacitive transduction of strain-sensitive electrodes of the MEMS device in the first mode and generating the signal based thereon. The strain-sensitive electrodes of the MEMS device may be disabled in the second mode.

Abstract: An offset-compensation circuit in a MEMS sensor device, provided with a micromechanical detection structure that transduces a quantity to be detected into an electrical detection quantity, and with an electronic reading circuit, coupled to the micromechanical detection structure for processing the electrical detection quantity and supplying an output signal, which is a function of the quantity to be detected. A compensation structure is electrically coupled to the input of the electronic reading circuit and can be controlled for generating an electrical compensation quantity, of a trimmable value, for compensating an offset on the output signal; the compensation circuit has a control unit, which reads the output signal during operation of the MEMS sensor device; obtains information on the offset present on the output signal itself; and controls the compensation structure as a function of the offset information.

Abstract: Providing a fast response to a process step while allowing a sensor response to remain relatively slow. A mechanical component generates a response to a step change in a physical property and an electrical component generates an analog electrical signal indicative of the response generated by the mechanical component over a period of time. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital values and the digital values are used to indicate the final value of the step change in the physical property before the period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: Appliances with control panels and methods for operating the same are provided. The control panel includes a plurality of touch sensors. When an adjustment mechanism approaches the control panel, a sensitivity setting of the plurality of touch sensors is adjusted in order to assist with calculating a time interval or a velocity of the adjustment mechanism. With the velocity of the adjustment mechanism calculated, usage of the control panel can be improved.

Abstract: A method for compensating for strain on a MEMS device includes generating a signal indicative of a strain on the MEMS device in a first mode of operating a system including the MEMS device. The method includes compensating for the strain in a second mode of operating the system based on the signal. Generating the signal may include comparing an indicator of a resonant frequency of the MEMS device to a predetermined resonant frequency of the MEMS device. Generating the signal may include comparing a first output of a strain-sensitive device to a second output of a strain-insensitive device and generating an indicator thereof. Generating the signal may include sensing a first capacitive transduction of strain-sensitive electrodes of the MEMS device in the first mode and generating the signal based thereon. The strain-sensitive electrodes of the MEMS device may be disabled in the second mode.

Abstract: A pressure enabling apparatus includes: a pressure sensor, a resistance wire and a pressure setting module, wherein a terminal of the resistance wire is connected to the pressure sensor and another terminal thereof is connected to an electronic apparatus. The pressure setting module is provided for receiving and converting a resistance variation of the resistance wire into a pressure value. The pressure sensor is provided for varying the resistance value thereof according to an external pressure variation, wherein the resistance variation is processed and transmitted to the pressure setting module via the resistance wire. The electronic apparatus implements an application or function according to a pressure value of the pressure setting module. An electronic apparatus is also provided for implementing different applications by pressing the electronic apparatus and for setting numbers or pages when an application of music-playing or document-reading is locked.

Abstract: An actuator for controlling the operation of an apparatus comprises a panel (16) and an acoustic sensor (26). The panel provides a partition within a building structure, while the acoustic sensor is adapted to detect acoustic waves propagating through the panel. When a user exerts pressure against the panel, the sensor detects the acoustic waves that are formed and emits signals for controlling the operation of an apparatus, such as a doorbell, a light source, a television, a sound system, a ventilation system, a window blind, a radio or an alarm.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a modified binary search configured to identify monotonic transfer function active region boundaries. The modified binary search can avoid false results outside of the active region of the monotonic transfer function.

Abstract: Pilot switch circuitry grounds a hot node (an injection node) of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch to reduce or eliminate arcing between a cantilever contact and a terminal contact when the MEMS switch is opened or closed. The pilot switch circuitry grounds the hot node prior to, during, and after the cantilever contact and terminal contact of the MEMS come into contact with one another (when the MEMS switch is closed). Additionally, the pilot switch circuitry grounds the hot node prior to, during, and after the cantilever contact and terminal contact of the MEMS disengage from one another (when the MEMS switch is opened).

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a first set of circuit elements and a second set of circuit elements. The first set of circuit elements is used in a first configuration of the apparatus, and the second set of circuit elements is used in a second configuration of the apparatus. The first configuration of the apparatus is switched to the second configuration of the apparatus in order to improve reliability of the apparatus.

Abstract: Enhanced devices, processes, and systems provide measurement of electrical resistance as a means for determining the intensity with which stress is applied to an object, such as but not limited to a toy, e.g. a stuffed toy. The induced strain resulting from such an applied stress may also be determined from the measurement of electrical resistance. One or more actions may preferably be taken in response to the determined stress or the resulting strain, such as but not limited to providing any of visual feedback, auditory feedback, haptic feedback, or a numerical readout.

Abstract: A cord-based controller for an auxiliary device, such as a headset, is provided for use with a portable electronic device. A pressure-sensitive, and preferably bendable, material such as a piezoelectric pressure sensor is placed within or on an or cord of a headphone lead, such as by wrapping it within the outer shielding of the cord. A self-powered controlling sensor is arranged to control the electronic device using a generated control signal. The controlling sensor comprises a sensor material. The control signal is generated by deformation of the sensor material independent of power supplied to the headset and independent of power supplied to the portable electronic device. This is achieved without requiring a separate housing for the controller, which typically protrudes from the cord. A plurality of control sensor elements can be provided, each producing a different control signal voltage transmitted along a single control signal electrical.

Abstract: A system adapted to replace a mechanical switch with an electronic switch, without the need of additional wiring. The electronic switch includes a bridge array for sensing a characteristic, e.g., temperature or pressure, and an electronic circuit having a switch. As the characteristic of the bridge array varies a switch changes states.

Abstract: A device may include a component including an electroactive polymer (EAP) material configured to generate a voltage in response to movement of the component. The device may also include voltage detector coupled to the component, the voltage detector configured to detect voltage generated by the component. The device may further include processing logic configured to perform a function based on the detected voltage.

Abstract: In a two-conductor technology circuit the use of certain ASIC components is made possible which, for instance, allow for the supply of contact-free rotational angle sensors, although said ASIC components have a high current consumption.

Abstract: A diagnostic method of and computer system for root-cause analysis of performance variations of FETs in integrated circuits and a method and computer system for monitoring a field effect transistor manufacturing process. The diagnostic method includes measuring source currents in the linear and saturated regions of two FETs, calculating ratios of the source currents in the linear and saturated regions for the and two FETs and comparing the ratios of the two FETs to determine a probable root cause for a performance variation between the two FETs. One of the FETs has a known good performance.

Abstract: A pressure enabling apparatus includes: a pressure sensor, a resistance wire and a pressure setting module, wherein a terminal of the resistance wire is connected to the pressure sensor and another terminal thereof is connected to an electronic apparatus. The pressure setting module is provided for receiving and converting a resistance variation of the resistance wire into a pressure value. The pressure sensor is provided for varying the resistance value thereof according to an external pressure variation, wherein the resistance variation is processed and transmitted to the pressure setting module via the resistance wire. The electronic apparatus implements an application or function according to a pressure value of the pressure setting module. An electronic apparatus is also provided for implementing different applications by pressing the electronic apparatus and for setting numbers or pages when an application of music-playing or document-reading is locked.

Abstract: An orientation detection circuit is provided. The circuit includes a processor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a vibration switch, a first transistor, and a second transistor. The processor includes a first input pin and a second input pin. The third resistor has a resistance value greater than that of the first resistor and the third resistor. The vibration switch includes a first terminal being grounded, a second terminal connected to the second input pin, a third terminal connected to a power source, and a fourth terminal connected via the third resistor to the second terminal and connected to the first input pin. The first transistor has a first source connected via the first resistor to the power source, a first drain connected to the first input pin, and a first gate connected to the second input pin.

Abstract: A diagnostic method of and computer system for root-cause analysis of performance variations of FETs in integrated circuits and a method and computer system for monitoring a field effect transistor manufacturing process. The diagnostic method includes measuring source currents in the linear and saturated regions of two FETs, calculating ratios of the source currents in the linear and saturated regions for the and two FETs and comparing the ratios of the two FETs to determine a probable root cause for a performance variation between the two FETs. One of the FETs has a known good performance.

Abstract: A pump control unit incorporates an accelerometer as a sensor. Responsive to outputs from the sensor, electrical load driving signals can be provided to energize a pump motor to reduce a fluid level in an enclosure.

Abstract: The description is of a flat substrate with an electrically conductive structure integrated inside the flat substrate or applied to a surface of the flat substrate and/or with a technically improved surface. The invention is characterised in that at least one sensor is integrated inside the flat substrate or applied to a surface of the flat substrate, which generates sensor signals according to deformations occurring inside the flat substrate, at least one actuator is integrated inside the flat substrate or applied to the surface of the flat substrate, which enables the flat substrate to mechanically deform when activated, and a signal unit connected to the at least one sensor and to the at least one actuator is provided, which, on the basis of the sensor signals, generates actuator signals for activating the actuator, so that deformations occurring inside the flat substrate are reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides in one aspect a method for vibration sensing. The method comprises powering down at least one electronic component required for recording vibration data; powering down a processor used to carry out one or more steps of the method; measuring the vibration level of a machine in a frequency band of interest; comparing the measured vibration level with a user-selected reference vibration level; and powering up the processor if the measured vibration level is greater than or equal to the reference vibration level. In another aspect the invention provides a system for vibration sensing.

Abstract: A system for measuring stress including a coilless sensor including at least one band of electrically conductive and magnetostrictive material, the band having a first end and a second end defining a gap therebetween, a measuring circuit electrically connected to the first and second ends of the coilless sensor, the measuring circuit being configured to pass a current through the coilless sensor and measure at least one of an inductance, a resistance and an impedance of the coilless sensor in response to the current, and a processor in electrical communication with the measuring circuit, the processor being configured to calculate an amount of stress being applied to the coilless sensor based upon the measured inductance, resistance and impedance.

Abstract: A semiconductor physical quantity sensing device to perform electrical trimming at low cost by using a CMOS manufacturing process and a small number of terminals. The semiconductor physical quantity sensing device includes a wheatstone bridge circuit, which is a sensor element, an auxiliary memory circuit, which stores provisional trimming data, a main memory circuit, which stores finalized trimming data, an adjusting circuit, which adjusts the output characteristics of the sensor element based on trimming data stored in the auxiliary memory circuit or the main memory circuit, with the elements and circuits being only configured of active elements and passive elements manufactured by way of the CMOS manufacturing process formed on a same semiconductor chip.

Abstract: The Floating Diffusion charge detection system has incorporated a signal feedback directly into the charge-detection node. The feedback is coupled to the node from the output of the standard buffer amplifier A1 through a feedback amplifier A3, switching transistors S2 and S3, and capacitors Cf and Ch. The feedback significantly reduces kTC noise, has good linearity, and improves DR.

Abstract: A circuit device that make use of graded ferroelectric structures and techniques by which such structures can be excited by external and internal stimuli to render the device useful for a variety of circuit applications. The device comprises at least two ferroelectric films, each of the films having a graded dipole moment in a thickness direction normal to the surfaces thereof. The graded dipole moment of each film is effective to produce a change in the dipole charge density, and hence an apparent net charge, on the first and second surfaces of each film when an alternating electric field is applied to the film and additional energy is imparted to the film. By providing an electrical connection between the films, changes in the dipole charge density of the films generated by application of the alternating electric field yield a device charge separation output that differs from the individual changes in the dipole charge density of the films.

Abstract: A transistor photoelectric conversion drive circuit to excite coupled photoelectric conversion device by electric energy driven light emission device or natural light source in the environment to generate electric energy of positive voltage to drive metal-oxide-silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET) or insulated gate bi-carrier transistor (IGBT) or any other high input resistance transistor while electric energy is stored at a slave negative voltage supply circuit device by means of the electric energy of positive voltage so that upon the signal of positive voltage is cut off, negative voltage is inputted to gate and emitter of one or more than one high input resistance transistors to facilitate cutoff.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining desired circuit component attributes is shown. According to a preferred embodiment, a high frequency circuit component, such as a MMIC, is retained in a circuit using a degradeable material, such as silver filled epoxy, wherein a portion of the degradeable material remains exposed. A protective coating of resin is applied to the exposed portion of the degradeable material by preferably depositing a predetermined amount of protective material, such as an epoxy resin, a void near the exposed portion of the degradeable material. The protective material preferably migrates to fully cover the exposed portion of the degradeable material without covering the circuit component. Accordingly, the circuit component is protected from substantial changes in operation characteristics due to the protective material and likewise is protected from changes in operation characteristics due to degradation of the degradeable material resulting from exposure.

Abstract: A shock sensor circuitry (26) is provided for processing an input signal generated by a shock sensor (28) in response to the shock sensor (28) detecting a force or shock. The shock sensor circuitry (26) includes a leakage tolerant input amplifier (38) for receiving the input signal, and any leakage currents that may also be provided, and amplifying the input signal to generate an amplified input signal. The leakage tolerant input amplifier (38) provides an ac gain of ten and a dc gain of zero. The shock sensor circuitry (26) also includes a filter and amplification circuit and a window comparator. The filter and amplification circuit filters the amplified input signal and amplifies select frequencies of the amplified input signal to generate a summed signal that is provided to the window comparator and compared to a reference value.

Abstract: An electrical network creates a differential voltage signal and comprises a plurality of first impedance elements of substantially equal values which are connected to form an impedance bridge. The impedance of at least one of the first impedance elements changes in response to at least one selected external condition to which the first impedance elements are exposed. The network also comprises a second impedance element which has two nodes. The second impedance element is connected at these nodes between a first pair of the first impedance elements. The differential voltages are measured between these nodes and between another node or nodes with magnitudes and signs being dependent upon the change in the impedance of the first impedance elements.

Abstract: A differential load amplifier for receiving two measurement currents from a differential piezoelectric sensor and outputting a voltage proportional to a useful signal measured by the sensor. The differential load amplifier includes a subtraction device for determining a difference signal between the two measurement currents received from the sensor, and an integration device including and an integration capacitor for integrating the difference signal determined by the subtraction device. The subtraction device includes a negative immitance impedance converter, and the integration device includes an operational amplifier connected as an integrator. The subtraction and integration devices may also be implemented by a differential current amplifier and an integration capacitor, respectively.

Abstract: Magnetoresistive elements are disposed facing a gear to form a sensor for detecting rotation of the gear. The signal output from MRE sensor is an alternating amplitude signal. An operational amplifier has a differential gain exceeding its operational limit relative to the amplitude value of the sensor signal, and it amplifies and outputs the difference between the sensor signal and a reference voltage. Comparators judge whether an output of the operational amplifier is within a predetermined amplitude range relative to the amplitude center thereof. When the op-amp output deviates from the predetermined amplitude range, transistors either charge or discharge a capacitor, so that the reference voltage can be changed closer to the output of the operational amplifier. Another comparator compares the output signal of the operational amplifier with a threshold value to output a binary-valued signal.

Abstract: An amplification circuit comprises an operational amplifier, an input resistance unit and a feedback resistance unit. The input resistance unit consists of a plurality of input resistances connected in series, and the feedback resistance unit consists of a plurality of feedback resistances connected in series. A plurality of adjusting pads are provided at respective connecting points of these input and feedback resistances. There is a common pad having an electrical potential fixed at a reference voltage. A first wire selectively bonds one of adjusting pads corresponding to the input resistances with the common pad to set a resistance value of the input resistance unit. And, a second wire selectively bonds one of adjusting pads corresponding to the feedback resistances with the common pad to set a resistance value of the feedback resistance unit.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is capable of removing RF noise. The sensor apparatus is comprised of a first power supply line connected to a power supply terminal; a second power supply line separately branched from the first power supply line and connected thereto; an output line; and a sensor circuit unit connected to the first power supply line so as to receive power therefrom, and for detecting a condition of an article under measurement to output a detection signal to the output line. In this sensor apparatus, the sensor circuit unit includes an operational amplifier operated by accepting the power supplied from the second power supply line, which performs the detection operation; a first filter circuit is connected to the first power supply line defined from a branch point between the first power supply line and the second power supply line to the first power supply line; a second filter circuit is connected to the second power supply line; and a third filter circuit is connected to the output line.

Abstract: An adaptive loading circuit is provided for adaptively attenuating an alternating differential voltage that is produced by a magnetic sensor in response to the rotation of a wheel while maintaining noise immunity. The circuit includes an input for receiving an input differential voltage from the magnetic sensor via first and second input lines. A resistive divider network is included which has a resistive load serially connected to each of the first and second input lines and a plurality of adaptively selectable parallel resistive loads connected between the first and second input lines. Combinations of the parallel resistive loads are adaptively selected when the input differential voltage exceeds predetermined voltage thresholds so as to divide the input differential voltage into a selected portion thereof as an output differential voltage. In addition, the parallel resistive loads may be selectively switched out when the input differential voltage drops below a low voltage threshold.

Abstract: A reluctance sensor produces reluctance signals in response to passing slots in a rotating wheel. When a given signal exceeds a threshold, a DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is produced. When the signal falls to zero, the DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is terminated. The invention adjusts the threshold, based on the magnitude of the reluctance signals. Since the magnitude of the reluctance signals depends on wheel speed, the invention, in effect, adjusts the threshold based on wheel speed, yet without independently measuring wheel speed.

Abstract: Pressure detector circuits are disclosed in which a pressure sensor is connected to an amplifier having an output signal. A three state comparator compares the output signal with a first reference voltage to provide a comparison output which is fed back in a feedback path to another input of the amplifier through a low-pass filter. A first controllable circuit source connected in series with the first reference resistor are connected in the feedback path to detect an open or short circuit condition of the pressure sensor. Another controllable current source connected in series with a second reference resistor and a voltage divider are also provided in the feedback path which in combination with the first current source detect breaks and short circuit conditions of the pressure sensor. A switch connected is parallel to a high value resistor having a resistance higher than that of a low value resistor in the low-pass filter is also provided in the feedback path.

Abstract: A numeral setting apparatus for setting numerals such as copy magnification, copy density, or the like includes an operating member such as up/down keys or a volume lever and a setting device to set numerals corresponding to a magnitude of force which is applied to the operating member. When a larger force is applied to the operating member, the setting device changes the numerals in larger increments than those in the case where a smaller force is applied.