Abstract:
An information processing apparatus includes a display unit located on a front surface of a case. The information processing apparatus also includes a sensing unit located on a side surface of the case facing away from the display unit.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus. 
         [0002]    Mobile appliances such as notebook computers, netbooks, mobile telephones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, and game consoles have become widespread in recent years. Such mobile appliances need to be small and light to make them easy to carry. As one example, a touch panel-type information display apparatus is known where a display function and an operation function are integrated by providing a transparent touch sensor on the display screen of a flat screen-type information display apparatus, which may use a liquid crystal display element, an organic EL (electroluminescent) display element, or the like. Such a touch panel-type information display apparatus receives an operation input (such as a selection of a menu item displayed on a display screen) by detecting a user&#39;s finger or the like that touches the touch sensor provided on the display screen. Notebook computers and netbooks equipped with a touchpad that uses a plate-like sensor as a pointing device are also known. 
         [0003]    An operation input such as selecting or confirming display information carried out using the touch sensor or touch pad mentioned above is made with the condition that the sensor needs to be completely touched by the user&#39;s finger or the like. 
         [0004]    Meanwhile, as a new operation input method, a near-field detection-type information display apparatus that receives an operation input in accordance with movement of the user&#39;s finger or the like in a noncontact state above the screen of a display panel has been proposed (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-117371). 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    As described earlier, since miniaturization is desired for mobile appliances, it is not preferable to provide a touch pad, keyboard, or the like separately from the display screen since it increases the size of the apparatus. 
         [0006]    Meanwhile, miniaturization is possible for the touch panel-type information display apparatus described above where the display function and the operation function are combined and for the information display apparatus that detects a position in the space above the screen of the display panel. However, with such information display apparatuses, since the screen (display panel) becomes covered by the user&#39;s hand or fingers when making an operation, there has been the problem that the user cannot make an operation while checking the screen, which makes operations difficult. 
         [0007]    The present disclosure aims to provide a novel and improved information processing apparatus that is capable of enlarging an operation area. 
         [0008]    The information processing apparatus can include a display unit located on a front surface of a case, and a sensing unit located on a side surface of the case facing away from the display unit. 
         [0009]    The sensing unit can include a plurality of sensors disposed in a longitudinal direction of the case and configured to detect a position of an object in the longitudinal direction and to detect a distance between the object and the sensing unit in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The display unit can be controlled in accordance with a change in the position and the distance of the object. 
         [0010]    The plurality of sensors can include a capacitance sensor. 
         [0011]    The information processing apparatus can include a display control unit configured to control, in accordance with a movement of the object, a display position of an object on the display unit. 
         [0012]    Adjacent sensors of the plurality of sensors can be disposed with a gap between the adjacent sensors, and the position can be determined by dividing the gap in accordance with a ratio between values obtained by the adjacent sensors. 
         [0013]    The sensing unit can include a sensor disposed above or below the plurality of sensors, relative to the front surface of the case. The sensor can be configured to detect the distance in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The sensor can be provided in a longer range in the longitudinal direction than is one of the plurality of sensors. 
         [0014]    The sensing unit can be provided on a plurality of side surfaces of the case, and the sensor can continuously extend across the plurality of side surfaces. 
         [0015]    The sensor can continuously extend across every side surface of the case. 
         [0016]    The sensing unit can be provided on a plurality of side surfaces of the case. The sensor can extend as far as opposite ends of one of the side surfaces. The sensor can determine a position of the object in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 
         [0017]    The sensing unit can be provided on a plurality of side surfaces of the case, and, when the object is moved from an area facing one of the side surfaces of the case to an area facing another one of the side surfaces of the case, the display unit can be controlled to rotate a displayed object. 
         [0018]    The sensing unit can be disposed on a plurality of side surfaces of the case, and the position can be determined based on simultaneous values from sensors disposed on different side surfaces of the case. 
         [0019]    The information processing apparatus can include an inclination sensor configured to detect an angle of inclination of the information processing apparatus, and the position can be determined based on the angle of inclination. 
         [0020]    When the information processing apparatus attaches to a stand, an angle of inclination associated with the stand can be acquired, and the position can be determined based on the angle of inclination. 
         [0021]    The information processing apparatus can include a light that illuminates an operation area, wherein the information processing apparatus can set the operation area in accordance with the angle of inclination. 
         [0022]    The information processing apparatus can include a first sound pickup unit that picks up a sound, wherein the display unit can be controlled based on the sound. 
         [0023]    The sound can be at least one of a tapping and a scraping. 
         [0024]    The information processing apparatus can include a second pickup unit that picks up a sound. A phase difference between the sound picked up by the first sound pickup unit and the sound picked up by the second pickup unit can be measured to input an operation. 
         [0025]    The information processing apparatus can include a unit that detects that the information processing apparatus has been placed on a horizontal surface. The information processing apparatus can start determining the position when the information processing apparatus has been placed on the horizontal surface. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the information processing apparatus includes means for displaying an object, the means for displaying located on a front surface of a case. The information processing apparatus also includes means for sensing, the means for sensing located on a side surface of the case facing away from the means for displaying. 
         [0027]    In yet another embodiment, a method includes sensing, by a sensing unit located on a side surface of a case facing away from a display unit, an object. The method also includes controlling a display on the display unit based on the sensing, the display unit located on a front surface of the case. 
         [0028]    According to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, it is possible to enlarge the operation area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is an external view of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a view showing a notebook computer; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a view showing a touch panel-type mobile telephone; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a series of diagrams showing the relationship between a plurality of X-axis detection electrodes provided on an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the position of a fingertip, and voltage values acquired from the respective X-axis detection electrodes; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a series of diagrams in which a Y-axis detection electrode provided on an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, positions of a fingertip, and voltage values acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode are associated; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a series of diagrams useful in explaining a modification to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a diagram useful in explaining a modification to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a series of diagrams showing voltage values corresponding to a capacitance sensor of the modification shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a diagram useful in explaining a modification to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a series of diagrams useful in explaining a modification to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is a series of diagrams useful in explaining a modification to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0041]      FIG. 13  is a diagram useful in explaining an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure 
           [0042]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 15  is a series of diagrams useful in explaining a positional error caused by inclination of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0044]      FIG. 16  is an external view of an information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0045]      FIG. 17  is an external view of an information processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0047]    Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted. 
         [0048]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the order indicated below. 
       1. First Embodiment of the Disclosure 
       [0049]    1-1. Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 
         [0050]    1-2. Overview of the First Embodiment 
         [0051]    1-3. Position Determination in the First Embodiment 
         [0052]    1-4. Modifications to the First Embodiment 
         [0000]    2. Second Embodiment of the Disclosure (Configuration Equipped with Inclination Sensor)
 
3. Third Embodiment of the Disclosure (Configuration Equipped with Edge Light)
 
4. Fourth Embodiment of the Disclosure (Configuration Equipped with Sound Pickup Unit)
 
       5. Fifth Embodiment of the Disclosure (Start Timing) 
     6. Conclusion 
     1. FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1-1. Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 
     Example of External Appearance of Information Processing Apparatus 
       [0053]    First, the overall configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic external view of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the information processing apparatus  10  includes a flat-panel display unit  12  and has a capacitance sensor  14  provided on a side surface  19  of a case that constructs the information processing apparatus  10 . The flat-panel display unit is an example of a means for displaying. The capacitance sensor  14  is composed of a plurality of X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed along an x direction that is a “first direction” for the present disclosure and a Y-axis detection electrode  142  disposed across a longer range in the x direction than the individual X-axis detection electrodes  141 . The capacitance sensor  14  is an example of a means for sensing. 
         [0054]    The capacitance sensor  14  is a distance sensor used to determine the position of an object. More specifically, the X-axis detection electrodes  141  are used to determine the position of an object in at least the x direction and the Y-axis detection electrode  142  is used to determine the position of the object in a y direction. In the following explanation, when it is not especially necessary to distinguish between the X-axis detection electrodes  141  and the Y-axis detection electrode  142 , both are collectively referred to as “the capacitance sensor  14 ”. By using the capacitance sensor  14  described above, the information processing apparatus  10  is capable of determining the position of an object in the range of a virtual operation area  30  shown by the broken line in  FIG. 1 , for example. 
         [0055]    Here, the expression “information processing apparatus” is used as a general name for a personal computer, a notebook computer, a netbook, a mobile telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a game console, and the like. 
       Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 
       [0056]    Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus  10  according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the information processing apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment mainly includes a control unit  11 , a display unit  12 , a HDD (Hard Disk Drive)  13 , the capacitance sensor  14 , and a frequency/voltage conversion unit  15 . These structural elements will now be described below. 
         [0057]    The capacitance sensor  14  detects a value of the capacitance (in reality, a change in frequency) between the capacitance sensor  14  and the object. In the present embodiment, spatial detection of the object is carried out using the plurality of X-axis detection electrodes  141  and the Y-axis detection electrode  142  as the capacitance sensor  14 . In the present embodiment, the object is a fingertip  40  on the user&#39;s hand and the capacitance sensor  14  determines the spatial position of the fingertip  40 , but the object is not limited to the fingertip  40  and may be a specified object or a moving body. Also, although the capacitance sensor  14  is used as one example of a distance sensor that detects the distance to the fingertip  40 , the expression “distance sensor” for the present disclosure is not limited to the capacitance sensor  14 . 
         [0058]    Next, the configuration of the capacitance sensor  14  will be described. The capacitance sensor  14  is an oscillator circuit including a resistance R, an inductance L, and a capacitance C. The value of the capacitance C changes according to the position of the fingertip  40  and the capacitance sensor  14  obtains such changes in the capacitance C as changes in a frequency f. 
         [0059]    The frequency f obtained by the capacitance sensor  14  is supplied to the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15  and the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15  carries out conversion to a voltage in keeping with the value of the frequency f. The voltage V produced by the conversion is supplied to the control unit  11  that includes a CPU or the like. 
         [0060]    The voltage V supplied from the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15  (i.e., the detection result produced by the capacitance sensor  14 ) is used when a determination unit  111  included in the control unit  11  judges the spatial position of the fingertip  40 . 
         [0061]    Here, as one example, the control unit  11  is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Thus, the control unit is an example of a means for performing various processing operations. 
         [0062]    By using the above configuration, the control unit  11  implements the function of the determination unit  111  that determines a position based on the voltage V supplied from the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15 . 
         [0063]    In addition, by using the above configuration, the control unit  11  implements the function of a display control unit  112  that controls the display of the display unit  12 . The display control unit  112  controls the display content of the display unit  12  provided in the information processing apparatus  10 . More specifically, based on the position of the fingertip  40  determined by the determination unit  111 , the display control unit  112  controls the position of a mouse pointer displayed on the display unit  12  and controls the display position of various objects in accordance with movement of the fingertip (i.e., changes over time in the position of the fingertip). The display control unit  112  carries out display control when an intermediate state or final result of processing realized by the control unit  11  is displayed on the display screen. Here, the processing implemented by the control unit  11  is displayed on the display unit using a variety of graphical user interface (GUI) elements. Accordingly, the display control unit  112  also implements display control over the various GUI elements displayed on the display screen of the display unit. Such GUI elements may be stored in the HDD  13  or the like, for example, or may be acquired by the information processing apparatus  10  via various transitory networks such as the Internet. 
         [0064]    Note that when the control unit  11  implements specified processing, it is possible to use various databases and/or programs stored in the HDD  13  or the like. Thus, the HDD is an example of a non-transitory medium. 
         [0065]    The HDD  13  stores various databases and various data used when various processing is carried out by the determination unit  111  and/or the display control unit  112 . 
       1-2. Gist of the First Embodiment 
       [0066]    As mentioned above in the “SUMMARY” section, for mobile appliances where miniaturization is desired, it is problematic to provide, separately from the display unit, a device for making operation inputs due to the resulting increase in appliance size. As one example, the size of a notebook computer  200  shown in  FIG. 3  is increased due to the provision of a keyboard  202  and a touchpad  203  separately from a display unit  201 . 
         [0067]    Meanwhile, if a transparent touch sensor is provided on a display unit to integrate the display function and the operation input function, it becomes no longer necessary to provide a device for making operation inputs separately from the display unit, thereby enabling miniaturization of the device. However, like a mobile telephone  300  shown in  FIG. 4  for example, when a touch-panel type display unit  301  is provided, since the display unit  301  becomes covered by the operator&#39;s hand or fingers, there is the problem that the display screen becomes difficult to see and difficult to operate. The same problem also applies to the information display apparatus described above that carries out position detection in the space above a display panel. 
         [0068]    For this reason, by including the capacitance sensor  14  as shown in  FIG. 1 , it is possible for the information processing apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment of the disclosure to use a wide space outside the information processing apparatus  10  as the virtual operation area  30 . By doing so, the operation area can be expanded without increasing the size of the information processing apparatus  10 . Also, since the operator&#39;s hand or fingers do not cover the display unit  12  when making an operation, the screen is easy to see even when an operation is being made and the operator can make an operation input in a noncontact manner. 
         [0069]    Also, in the present embodiment, since the capacitance sensor  14  is disposed on the side surface of the case that constructs the information processing apparatus  10 , it is possible to make the apparatus thinner and smaller, which also leads to improvements in design. Position determination by the information processing apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment will now be described in detail below. 
       1-3. Position Determination in the First Embodiment 
       [0070]    First, the process that determines the position of the object in the x direction will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 . The upper part of  FIG. 5  is made up of side views of the information processing apparatus  10 , while the lower part shows distributions of voltage values acquired from the respective X-axis detection electrodes  141   a  to  141   j  via the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15 . 
         [0071]    In the example shown in the upper-left part of  FIG. 5 , the fingertip is positioned opposite the X-axis detection electrode  141   g . In this case, in the distribution shown in the lower-left part of  FIG. 5 , the voltage value acquired from the X-axis detection electrode  141   g  is the highest. For this reason, the determination unit  111  determines the position in the x direction of the X-axis detection electrode  141   g , out of the X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed along the x direction, as the position of the fingertip in the x direction. 
         [0072]    If, after this, the user&#39;s finger has moved to a position opposite the X-axis detection electrode  141   e  as shown in the upper-center part of  FIG. 5 , the voltage value acquired from the X-axis detection electrode  141   e  becomes the highest as shown in the lower-center part of  FIG. 5 . For this reason, the determination unit  111  determines the position in the x direction of the X-axis detection electrode  141   e , out of the X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed along the x direction, as the position of the fingertip in the x direction. 
         [0073]    Also, if the finger has moved further as shown on the right side of  FIG. 5 , according to the same determination criterion as described above, the determination unit  111  determines the position in the x direction of the X-axis detection electrode  141   b  as the position of the fingertip in the x direction. 
         [0074]    In this way, if the position of the finger changes over time from the position of the finger shown on the left side of  FIG. 5  to the position of the finger shown in the center and then the position of the finger shown on the right side, it is possible for the determination unit  111  to determine the movement of the finger based on the changes in the distribution of the acquired voltage values. 
         [0075]    Next, the process that determines the position of the object in the y direction will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . The upper part of  FIG. 6  is made up of side views of the information processing apparatus  10 , while the lower part shows voltage values acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode  142  via the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15 . 
         [0076]    In the example shown in the upper-left part of  FIG. 6 , the fingertip is positioned far from the Y-axis detection electrode  142 . In this case, in the graph shown in the lower-left part of  FIG. 6 , the voltage value acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode  142  is low. Here, the determination unit  111  calculates the distance from the Y-axis detection electrode  142  to the fingertip in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage value to determine the position of the fingertip in the y direction. 
         [0077]    In the example shown in the upper-center part of  FIG. 6 , the fingertip is at a position that is closer to the Y-axis detection electrode  142  than in the example shown on the left. In this case, as shown in the lower-center part of  FIG. 6 , the voltage value acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode  142  is higher than in the example shown on the left of  FIG. 6 . Here, the determination unit  111  calculates the distance from the Y-axis detection electrode  142  to the fingertip in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage value to determine the position of the fingertip in the y direction. 
         [0078]    In the example shown on the right side of  FIG. 6 , the fingertip is at a position that is even closer to the Y-axis detection electrode  142  than in the example shown in the center of  FIG. 6 . Here, in the same way as described above, the determination unit  111  calculates the distance from the Y-axis detection electrode  142  to the fingertip in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage value to determine the position of the fingertip in the y direction. 
       1-4. Modifications to the First Embodiment 
       [0079]    Next, modifications to the first embodiment will be described. First, a first modification to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 . As shown in the upper part of  FIG. 7 , only the plurality of X-axis detection electrodes  141   a  to  141   j  are disposed along the x direction on the side surface of an information processing apparatus  10 - 1  according to this first modification. A distribution of the voltage values acquired via the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15  from the X-axis detection electrodes  141   a  to  141   j  is shown in the lower part of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0080]    As shown in the upper part of  FIG. 7 , the fingertip is at a position opposite the X-axis detection electrode  141   b . In this case, in the distribution shown in the lower part of  FIG. 7 , the voltage value acquired from the X-axis detection electrode  141   b  is the highest. For this reason, the determination unit  111  determines the position in the x direction of the X-axis detection electrode  141   b , out of the X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed along the x direction, as the position of the fingertip in the x direction. 
         [0081]    The determination unit  111  also calculates the distance from the X-axis detection electrodes  141  to the fingertip in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage value acquired from the X-axis detection electrode  141   b  to determine the position of the fingertip in the y direction. 
         [0082]    In this way, the information processing apparatus  10 - 1  according to the first modification is capable of determining the position of an object in the x direction and in the y direction using only the X-axis detection electrodes. 
         [0083]    Next, a compensation process for determining a position more accurately will be described as a second modification. First, a process (“correction”) that determines the position of the object in the x direction more accurately will be described. The X-axis detection electrodes  141  are sometimes disposed with gaps between the respective electrodes along the x direction on the side surface  19 . Accordingly, when the position of the fingertip in the x direction is a location where no X-axis detection electrode  141  is disposed, it is difficult for the determination unit  111  to accurately determine the position of the fingertip. For this reason, the determination unit  111  calculates (corrects) the position of the fingertip in the x direction based on the voltage values acquired from adjacent X-axis detection electrodes  141  to determine the position more accurately. 
         [0084]    Next, the process (correction) that determines the position of the object in the y direction more accurately will be described. For example, there are cases where the Y-axis detection electrode  142  is unable to detect the capacitance between the electrode  142  and the fingertip accurately due to noise. For this reason, with the information processing apparatus  10 - 2  according to the second modification, by disposing a plurality of Y-axis detection electrodes  142 , it is possible to improve the detection accuracy for the capacitance. 
         [0085]    The correction mentioned above will now be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a plurality of X-axis detection electrodes  141   a  to  141   j  are disposed with gaps in between along the x direction on the side surface of the information processing apparatus  10 - 2 . Also, on the side surface of the information processing apparatus  10 - 2 , a plurality of Y-axis detection electrodes  142   a  to  142   e  are disposed across longer ranges in the x direction than the respective X-axis detection electrodes  141  and a Y-axis detection electrode  142   f  is additionally disposed across a longer range in the x direction than the respective Y-axis detection electrodes  142   a  to  142   e . The voltage value acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode  142   f  in  FIG. 8  is shown in the upper part of  FIG. 9 , the distribution of voltage values acquired from the respective X-axis detection electrodes  141   a  to  141   j  in  FIG. 8  is shown in the lower part of  FIG. 9 , and the distribution of voltage values acquired from the respective Y-axis detection electrodes  142   a  to  142   e  in  FIG. 8  is shown in the center part of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0086]    First, correction of the process that determines the position of the fingertip in the x direction by the determination unit  111  will be described. If, as one example, the values of the voltages acquired from the X-axis detection electrodes  141   e  and  141   f  are substantially the same level as shown in the lower part of  FIG. 9 , the determination unit  111  determines a center point between the X-axis detection electrodes  141   e  and  141   f  as the position of the fingertip in the x direction. More generally, the determination unit  111  specifies two X-axis detection electrodes  141  that have acquired the two highest voltage values and determines a position in the x direction found by dividing the gap between the two specified X-axis detection electrodes  141  in accordance with the ratio between the two highest voltage values as the position of the finger in the x direction. 
         [0087]    Next, correction of the process that determines the position of the finger in the y direction by the determination unit  111  will be described. As described earlier, the determination unit  111  calculates the distance between the Y-axis detection electrode  142  and the fingertip in accordance with the magnitude of the value of the voltage acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode  142  to determine the position of the fingertip in the y direction. However, there are cases where an accurate detection result is not obtained due to noise or the like. For this reason, as shown in  FIG. 8 , with the information processing apparatus  10 - 2  according to the second modification, the Y-axis detection electrode are disposed in two groups ( 142   a  to  142   e  and  142   f ), so that even when one of such groups is anomalous due to noise or the like, the determination unit  111  is capable of determining the position in the y direction more accurately using the detection result from the other group. Also, when the user&#39;s fingertip is positioned between the Y-axis detection electrodes  142   c  and  142   d , for example, it is not possible to accurately calculate the distance from the voltage values acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode  142   c  and the Y-axis detection electrode  142   d . However, even in such case, it is possible to calculate the correct distance to the fingertip based on the voltage value from the Y-axis detection electrode  142   f  provided in a longer range in the x direction than the Y-axis detection electrodes  142   a  to  142   e.    
         [0088]    Note that although the Y-axis detection electrodes  142   a  to  142   e  that cover a range (length) in the x direction of two X-axis detection electrodes  141  out of the X-axis detection electrodes  141   a  to  141   j  and the Y-axis detection electrode  142   f  that covers a range (length) in the x direction of all of the X-axis detection electrodes  141   a  to  141   j  are disposed in the second modification described with reference to  FIG. 8 , the present embodiment is not limited to this arrangement. As another example, a plurality of Y-axis detection electrodes  142  that cover a range (length) in the x direction of three X-axis detection electrodes  141  may be disposed. 
         [0089]    Next, as a third modification, the capacitance sensor  14  may be provided on a plurality of side surfaces to further increase the virtual operation area  30 . As one example of such a third modification, an information processing apparatus  10 - 3  where the capacitance sensors  14  are provided on two side surfaces is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0090]    Also, as a fourth modification, the Y-axis detection electrode  142  may be disposed so as to extend around every side surface. As one example of such a fourth modification, an information processing apparatus  10 - 4  where the Y-axis detection electrode  142   g  extends around every side surface will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0091]    In the upper part of  FIG. 11 , the external appearance of the information processing apparatus  10 - 4  equipped with the Y-axis detection electrode  142   g  is shown, while in the lower part of  FIG. 11 , the virtual operation area  30  that extends around the information processing apparatus  10 - 4  is shown. 
         [0092]    Although the determination of the position of the fingertip in the x direction and y direction in the virtual operation area  30  is carried out mainly in the same way as described above, in a corner portion α, it is difficult to determine the correct position in the x direction based on the distribution of the voltage values acquired from the X-axis detection electrodes  141 . The position of a finger in the y direction in the corner portion α is determined in accordance with the magnitude of the voltage value acquired from the Y-axis detection electrode  142   g  which is disposed as far as the ends of the side surfaces. 
         [0093]    Also, corner portions of the virtual operation area  30  may be set as areas where a gesture input is received. For example, out of the virtual operation area  30  shown in the lower part of  FIG. 11 , if a gesture has been carried out where the user&#39;s fingertip is moved from an area below the information processing apparatus  10 - 4  through a corner portion β into the area to the right, the determination unit  111  may determine that the fingertip has moved from the lower area into the right area without needing to judge the precise movement path. In this case, the display control unit  112  may carry out a control to rotate an object displayed on the display unit  12  to the right or a control to scroll the display content upward. 
         [0094]    Next, as a fifth modification, the virtual operation area  30  may be extended above a case on which a touch sensor is not provided. An information processing apparatus  10 - 5  where the capacitance sensor  14  is disposed on four side surfaces will be described with reference to  FIG. 12  as one example of the fifth modification. 
         [0095]    In the upper part of  FIG. 12 , the external appearance of the information processing apparatus  10 - 5  according to the fifth modification is shown, and, in the lower part of  FIG. 12 , the distributions of the voltage values acquired from the respective X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed on the four side surfaces of the information processing apparatus  10 - 5 , via the frequency/voltage conversion unit  15 , are shown. 
         [0096]    As the position of the fingertip, the determination unit  111  determines a position of intersection of lines extended inward from positions of the X-axis detection electrodes  141  from which the highest voltage values have been acquired, out of the X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed on respectively adjacent side surfaces. As one example, in the lower part of  FIG. 12 , the point of intersection of virtual lines that extend inward from disposed positions of the X-axis detection electrode  141   m , from which the highest voltage value has been acquired out of the X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed on the right side surface, and the X-axis detection electrode  141   n , from which the highest voltage value has been acquired out of the X-axis detection electrodes  141  disposed on the upper side surface, is determined as the position of the fingertip  40 . Note that it is also possible for the determination unit  111  to determine the distance to the user&#39;s finger from the X-axis detection electrode  141   n  based on the voltage value of the X-axis detection electrode  141   n  and determine the distance to the user&#39;s finger from the X-axis detection electrode  141   m  based on the voltage value of the X-axis detection electrode  141   m . Since capacitance sensors are provided in the information processing apparatus  10 - 5  as one example of distance sensors, it is possible for the determination unit  111  to determine the position of the fingertip  40  on the display unit  12  even if the fingertip  40  does not contact the display unit  12 . 
       2. SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Configuration Equipped with Inclination Sensor 
       [0097]    Next, an information processing apparatus  10 A equipped with an inclination sensor  16  will be described as a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0098]    First, one example of a state where the information processing apparatus  10 A according to the present embodiment is used in an inclined posture will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a state where the information processing apparatus  10 A according to the present embodiment is attached to a stand  50 . The user fixes the information processing apparatus  10 A in an inclined posture by attaching the information processing apparatus  10 A to the stand  50  and views moving or still images. On the side surface  19  of the information processing apparatus  10 A, a plurality of X-axis detection electrodes  141  are disposed along the x direction and the Y-axis detection electrode  142  is disposed across a longer range in the x direction than the individual X-axis detection electrodes  141 . According to the capacitance sensor  14  disposed in this way, the virtual operation area  30  is produced for the information processing apparatus  10 A and it is possible for the user to make operations inside the virtual operation area  30 . 
         [0099]    Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus  10 A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 14 . The information processing apparatus  10 A differs from the configuration of the first embodiment described above with reference to  FIG. 2  by being newly equipped with the inclination sensor  16 . 
         [0100]    The inclination sensor  16  detects the angle of inclination θ of the information processing apparatus  10 A. Thus, the inclination sensor is an example of a means for detecting an angle of inclination. The angle of inclination θ detected by the inclination sensor  16  is supplied to the determination unit  111 . When determining the position of the fingertip based on the detection result from the capacitance sensor  14 , the determination unit  111  corrects an error based on the angle of inclination θ supplied from the inclination sensor  16  to determine the position more accurately. 
         [0101]    Here, position determination by the information processing apparatus  10 A will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 . The relationship between the capacitance sensor  14  and the fingertip  40  for a case where the information processing apparatus  10 A is in a horizontal posture is shown in the upper part of  FIG. 15 , and the relationship between the capacitance sensor  14  and the fingertip  40  for a case where the information processing apparatus  10 A is in an inclined posture is shown in the lower part of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0102]    Although the determination unit  111  calculates the distance to the fingertip  40  in accordance with a voltage value acquired from the capacitance sensor  14  to determine the position of the fingertip  40  in the x direction and the y direction, when the information processing apparatus  10 A is inclined as shown in the lower part of  FIG. 15  for example, the distance to the fingertip  40  will differ from the case where the information processing apparatus  10 A is in the horizontal posture shown in the upper part of  FIG. 15 . For this reason, the determination unit  111  according to the present embodiment determines the position based on detection results that are prioritized in accordance with the angle of inclination θ out of the detection results acquired from the respective electrodes that construct the capacitance sensor  14 . 
         [0103]    Due to the angle of inclination of the information processing apparatus  10 A, a virtual operation area  31  beside the side surface  19  out of the virtual operation area  30  shown in  FIG. 13  is difficult to operate. Here, if operation inputs are received with the entire range of the virtual operation area  30  corresponding to the entire range of the display unit  12 , there is a problem that the area of the display screen corresponding to the virtual operation area  31  is difficult to operate. For this reason, the information processing apparatus  10 A sets a virtual operation area  32  as an effective area in accordance with the angle of inclination θ. 
         [0104]    Note that although the present embodiment includes the inclination sensor  16  and detects the angle of inclination of the apparatus itself using the inclination sensor  16 , the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when no inclination sensor  16  is provided but it has been detected that the information processing apparatus  10 A is attached to the stand  50 , an angle of inclination associated with the stand  50  may be acquired. 
       3. THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Configuration Equipped with Edge Light 
       [0105]    Next, an information processing apparatus  10 B equipped with an edge light  17  will be described with reference to  FIG. 16  as a third embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the edge light  17  is provided on the side surface of the information processing apparatus  10 B according to the present embodiment. By having the edge light  17  illuminate the virtual operation area  30 , it becomes possible for the user to visually confirm the virtual operation area  30 . 
         [0106]    Note that the disposed position of the edge light  17  shown in  FIG. 16  is one example to which the present disclosure is not limited. As one example, lights may be provided on both side surfaces and such lights may protrude from the side surfaces. The edge light  17  and the lights provided on the side surfaces are each an example of a means for illuminating the virtual operation area. 
       4. FOURTH EMBODIMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Configuration Equipped with Sound Pickup Unit 
       [0107]    Next, an information processing apparatus  10 C equipped with sound pickup units  18  will be described as a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the present embodiment, it is possible for the user to make an operation input using sound. Although an operation input is made by detecting the position of the user&#39;s fingertip  40  in the virtual operation area  30  according to the embodiments described earlier, in the present embodiment it is also possible to input a deciding operation, such as a click or a drag, using sound, such as by tapping a desk. 
         [0108]    The information processing apparatus  10 C according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing the appearance of the information processing apparatus  10 C according to the present embodiment when looking from below. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the sound pickup units  18  are provided in a stereo arrangement on the rear surface of the information processing apparatus  10 C. 
         [0109]    Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus  10 C according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 18 . The information processing apparatus  10 C differs from the configuration of the second embodiment described above with reference to  FIG. 14  by being newly equipped with the sound pickup units  18  and an analysis unit  113 . 
         [0110]    The sound pickup units  18  pick up sound in the periphery and supply sound data to the analysis unit  113 . That is, the sound pickup units are an example of a means for picking up sound. The analysis unit  113  analyzes the characteristics of the sound data picked up at the sound pickup unit  18  and sends an analysis result to the display control unit  112 . More specifically, noise and a user operation are separated from the picked-up sound data and the user operation is sent to the display control unit  112  as the analysis result. The display control unit  112  carries out display control based on the received analysis result. 
         [0111]    Next, a specific example of the operation and processing of the sound pickup units  18  and the analysis unit  113  will be described. As one example, the information processing apparatus  10 C is placed on a desk and, as shown in  FIG. 17 , when the user taps the desk (not shown) in the periphery of the apparatus using the thick of the user&#39;s finger, the data picked up by the sound pickup units  18  includes the sound of the user tapping the desk with his/her finger and noise in the periphery. The analysis unit  113  compares the data with sound data stored in advance and/or carries out noise filtering or the like to separate the noise and the sound of the user&#39;s operation from the picked-up sound data. For example, input of a deciding operation, such as a click or a drag, can be realized by measuring a phase difference together with the sound of the user&#39;s operation by the sound pickup units  18 . 
         [0112]    By carrying out analysis that distinguishes between sounds such as when the user taps using a fingernail, a hitting sound, a scraping sound, or the like aside from when the user taps with the thick of his/her finger, the analysis unit  113  is capable of receiving a variety of operation inputs. Also, since sounds produced on the device and sounds produced on the desk differ according to differences in the material of the desk and the surface material of the device, by carrying out analysis that distinguishes between such sounds, it is possible to receive different operation inputs for the same operation. Also, by changing the surface material of the device, it is possible to increase the number of types of operations that can be inputted. 
       5. FIFTH EMBODIMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Start Timing 
       [0113]    Next, the timing at which an operation for determination of a position by the determination unit  111  starts (i.e., is launched) will be described as a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. As one example, the determination unit  111  according to the present embodiment may start the processing for determining a position when it has been automatically detected that the information processing apparatus  10  has been placed on a desk. Here, as the technology for detecting that the information processing apparatus  10  has been placed on a desk, it is possible to use an infrared sensor, an illumination sensor, a piezoelectric or mechanical contact switch, or the like. The infrared sensor, the illumination sensor, and the piezoelectric or mechanical contact switch are each an example of a means for detecting that the information processing apparatus  10  has been placed on a horizontal surface. 
         [0114]    Alternatively, the determination unit  111  may start the processing for determining a position when a start instruction has been inputted intentionally by the user. Such start instruction may be inputted intentionally by the user pressing a specified switch, for example. 
       6. CONCLUSION 
       [0115]    As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to enlarge the operation area without increasing the size of the information processing apparatus  10 . Accordingly, it is possible, even with a miniaturized portable device, for the operator to carry out input operations in a wide space around a device. Also, since the information processing apparatus  10  can judge the position of an object such as the fingertip  40  of the user in a non-contact manner, operability for the operator is improved. 
         [0116]    Also, by using the capacitance sensor  14  as a distance sensor, it is possible to realize reduced power consumption compared to an optical sensor or other type of sensor. Also, as described earlier, by using the sound pickup units  18 , it becomes possible for the operator to carry out a decision operation such as a click or a drag, thereby realizing the same interface as a touch panel. 
         [0117]    Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 
         [0118]    For example, it is also possible to combine the respective structures of the embodiments and modifications described above. As one example, in accordance with the thicknesses of the side surfaces of the information processing apparatus  10 , it is possible to provide only the X-axis detection electrodes  141  on one side surface and use such electrodes to carry out positional determination in the x direction and the y direction, and to provide the X-axis detection electrodes  141  and the Y-axis detection electrode  142  on another side surface and use such electrodes to carry out positional determination in the x direction and the y direction. 
         [0119]    Also, although configurations where the X-axis detection electrodes  141  and the Y-axis detection electrode  142  are disposed on upper and lower levels on the side surface(s) of the information processing apparatus  10  have been described above in the embodiments, the arrangement of the electrodes is not limited to such an example. For example, the Y-axis detection electrode  142  may be provided on the lower level and the X-axis detection electrodes  141  may be provided on the upper level on the side surface(s) of the information processing apparatus  10 . 
         [0120]    Although the capacitance sensor  14  is disposed on upper and lower levels on the side surface(s) of the information processing apparatus  10  in the embodiments described above, the arrangement of the capacitance sensor  14  is not limited to such an example. For example, the capacitance sensor  14  may be disposed in layers stacked on top of one another on the side surface(s) of the information processing apparatus  10 . 
         [0121]    Although the virtual operation area  30  is shown by the broken lines to be mainly rectangular areas in the embodiments described above, the shape of the virtual operation area  30  is not limited to such examples. For example, the virtual operation area  30  may be any shape within a range that can be detected by the capacitance sensor  14 . Also, since it is possible for the determination unit  111  to determine the spatial position of an object based on the detection result produced by the capacitance sensor  14 , a space in the periphery of the capacitance sensor  14  may be set as the virtual operation area  30 . 
         [0122]    Although the capacitance sensor  14  is provided on the side surface of the information processing apparatus  10  in the embodiments described above, the surface on which the capacitance sensor  14  is provided is not limited to such an example. For example, if it is possible to detect a spatial position in the periphery of the information processing apparatus  10 , the capacitance sensor  14  may be provided anywhere, such as at edge portions of the upper surface of the information processing apparatus  10 . 
         [0123]    Although the capacitance sensor  14  is provided on the information processing apparatus  10  itself in the embodiments described above, an apparatus equipped with the capacitance sensor  14  is not limited to such an example. As an example application, noncontact electrodes (distance sensors) such as the capacitance sensor  14  may be provided on a frame. By fitting a device that is not equipped with a touch sensor into a frame according to such an example application, it is possible to detect the spatial position of an object in the periphery of the frame and thereby easily provide an operation input area. 
         [0124]    The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2010-178951 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Aug. 9, 2010, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.