Provided is an image pickup element that includes a photoelectric conversion section provided on a semiconductor substrate and including a chalcopyrite-based compound. The process comprises a step for automatically detecting the length L in information bits of the frame so as to decode the entire frame, the length L of the frame being variable from one frame to another and such that Lmin\u2266L\u2266Lmax=, where k is a predetermined whole number greater than or equal to one. The pedal arm pivots to a first position, sending an electrical current through the resistor system providing an electrical resistance.