Patent Publication Number: US-2015062009-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, method, and program

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/185,187, entitled “INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM,” filed Feb. 20, 2014, bearing Attorney Docket No. S1459.70751US01, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/758,104, entitled “INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM,” filed Apr. 12, 2010, bearing Attorney Docket No. S1459.70751US00, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-103828, filed Apr. 22, 2009. Each of the documents listed above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program which make it possible to quickly zoom in on an object. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Recently, personal computers have spread, and many users use personal computers. Users can enjoy various kinds of information through the Internet by using personal computers. 
     Various kinds of information can be displayed on a display. In the case of a touch panel type display, a manipulation screen is displayed, and by selectively manipulating a specified button on the manipulation screen, a user can execute a function allocated to the button. 
     However, a display for displaying information may have various sizes. If a manipulation screen, which is adopted to be displayed on a large display, is displayed on a small display with the same layout, the buttons on the manipulation screen becomes small. If the button is too small in comparison to a finger, it is difficult for a user to accurately select and manipulate a desired button. 
     Accordingly, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-260021 discloses that a lower limit value of the button size is predetermined in order to prevent the buttons from becoming too small so that it is difficult for a user to manipulate the buttons with his/her finger. That is, in the case of a small display, as the size of the button is below the lower limit value, the layout of the manipulation screen is changed to be different from that of a large display. 
     As described above, even if the lower limit is predetermined, it may not cope with diverse users&#39; tastes. That is, in general, the size of the display of a device that a user uses is fixed and thus is not changed. As a result, according to the previous proposals, the button size is maintained to be constant to a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, tastes for the size of an object that is represented by a button may differ for each user. Since an aged person wants to enlarge characters that are displayed on the object, he/she is apt to like large-sized buttons. In contrast, a young person is apt to like small objects in a state in which characters and objects are displayed with a good balance rather than the size of the characters. Accordingly, in order to change the size of an object to suit a user&#39;s taste, installing of a zoom function to enlarge or reduce the size of the object is often used. 
     However, if a user zooms in on the object at an arbitrary zoom rate, it may be difficult for the user to visually recognize information that is displayed on the object. Accordingly, the user may repeat manipulations for zooming while setting the predetermined zoom rate and for confirming whether the information can be visually recognized. Consequently, it may take time to set a proper zoom rate and to zoom in on the object at the set zoom rate. 
     In view of the above situation, it is desirable to make it possible to quickly zoom in on an object. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including: a designation unit which designates an object; a sensing unit which senses the occurrence of a change, which exceeds a threshold value in at least a part of the object when the user zooms in on the object at a zoom rate designated by a user; and a zoom unit which zooms in on the object at the zoom rate which is just less than that when there is a change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object if there is a change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object when user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate, and which zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate if there is no change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object even when the user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate. 
     In the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the zoom rate is designated by a remote control signal generated when an input device is manipulated using gestures in a three-dimensional (3D) space. 
     In the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the change, which exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object, can blur or make a mosaic pattern of the object. 
     In the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the zoom rate, which is just less than that when the object is blurred or made into a mosaic pattern, is set by recognizing a character, a figure, or a face that is displayed on the object. 
     The image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a detection unit which detects the gesture manipulation of the input device; and an operation unit which operates the zoom rate on the basis of the detected gesture manipulation. 
     In the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, if a reference point to be zoomed on the object is designated, the zoom unit zooms in on a predetermined range on the basis of a virtual point on a virtual plane to which the reference point corresponds. 
     In the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, if end portions in the upward, downward, left, and right directions of an enlarged range are positioned out of the virtual plane when the predetermined range around the virtual point is enlarged, the position of the virtual point in the virtual plane is corrected so that an image in the virtual plane is enlarged. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method including the steps of: providing a designation unit, a sensing unit, and a zoom unit; designating an object by the designation unit; sensing by the sensing unit, a change which exceeds a threshold value in at least a part of the object when the user zooms in on the object at a zoom rate designated by a user; and zooming in on the object using the zoom unit at the zoom rate which is just less than that when there is a change that exceeds the threshold value occurs in at least a part of the object if there is a change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object when the user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate, and zooming in on the object by the zoom unit at the designated zoom rate if there is no change that exceeds the threshold value does not occur in at least a part of the object even when the user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program prompting a computer to function as: designation means for designating an object; sensing means for sensing a change which exceeds a threshold value in at least a part of the object when the user zooms in on the object at a zoom rate designated by a user; and zoom means for zooming in on the object at the zoom rate which is just less than that when there is a change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object if there is a change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object when the user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate, and zooming in on the object at the designated zoom rate if there is no change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object even when the user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate. 
     According to the embodiment of the present invention, a designation unit or designation means designates an object, and a sensing unit or sensing means senses a change, which exceeds a threshold value in at least a part of the object when the user zooms in on the object at a zoom rate designated by a user. A zoom unit or zoom means zooms, if the change that exceeds the threshold value occurs in at least a part of the object when the user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate, in on the object at the zoom rate which is just less than that when there is a change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object or zooms, if there is no change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object even when the user zooms in on the object at the designated zoom rate, in on the object at the designated zoom rate. 
     As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, an object can be quickly zoomed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an input device; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an operation unit of the input device; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an operation unit of an image display apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating the command transmission processing; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating object zoom processing; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a display example of an object; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a first gesture; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a second gesture; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a third gesture; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are diagrams illustrating another gesture; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating another gesture; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating object zoom processing; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating the EPG display processing; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating the EPG display processing; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating a zoom point; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating a virtual plane and a display range; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating a zoom point; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating a virtual plane and a display range; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating a zoom point; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating a virtual plane and a display range; 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram illustrating a display example; 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram illustrating a display example; 
         FIG. 24  is a diagram illustrating a display example; and 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram illustrating a display example; 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, best modes (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described. In addition, the explanation will be made in the following order. 
     1. First embodiment (configuration of a system) 
     2. First embodiment (configuration of an input device) 
     3. First embodiment (functional configuration of an operation unit of an input device) 
     4. First embodiment (functional configuration of an operation unit of an image display apparatus) 
     5. First embodiment (command transmission processing) 
     6. First embodiment (object zoom processing  1 ) 
     7. Second embodiment (object zoom processing  2 ) 
     8. Third embodiment (EPG display processing) 
     9. Modifications 
     First Embodiment 
     Configuration of a System 
       FIG. 1  shows the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     An information processing system  1  includes an image display apparatus  12  as an information processing apparatus and an input device  11  as a pointing device or remote controller which performs remote control of the image display apparatus. 
     The input device  11  includes an acceleration sensor  31 , an angular velocity sensor  32 , buttons  33 , an operation unit  34 , a communication unit  35 , and an antenna  36 . 
     The input device  11  is a so-called air remote controller. The acceleration sensor  31  and the angular velocity sensor  32  detect acceleration and an angular velocity of the input device  11 , respectively, when the input device  11  is manipulated in an arbitrary direction in a three-dimensional (3D) space. 
     The buttons  33  are manipulated by a user. Although one button  33  is illustrated in the drawing, a plurality of buttons are actually provided. For example, the buttons  33  includes determination buttons that are manipulated when selection is confirmed, and ten keys corresponding to numerals. 
     For example, the operation unit  34  composed of a microprocessor and the like detects results of manipulation of the acceleration sensor  31 , the angular velocity sensor  32 , and the buttons  33 . Signals of command and the like that correspond to the results of detection are amplified and modulated by the communication unit  35 , and then transmitted as a radio wave to the image display apparatus  12  through the antenna  36 . 
     For example, the image display apparatus  12  composed of a television receiver includes an antenna  51 , a communication unit  52 , an operation unit  53 , and a display unit  54 . 
     The antenna  51  receives the radio wave from the input device  11 . The communication unit  52  amplifies and demodulates the signal received through the antenna  51 . For example, the operation unit  53  which is composed of a microcomputer and the like performs a predetermined operation on the basis of the signal output from the communication unit  52 . The display unit  54  displays an image. Although not illustrated, the image display apparatus  12  functions to receive and display a television broadcasting signal on the display unit  54 . 
     Also, the input device  11  may be communicated with image display apparatus  12  by air, or infrared rays may be used as a medium for the communication therebetween. 
     [Configuration of an Input Device] 
       FIG. 2  shows the configuration of the external appearance of the input device. The input device  11  has a main body  41  as a manipulation unit which is manipulated by a user in order to generate a remote manipulation signal for controlling the image display apparatus  12  as the information processing apparatus. On an upper surface of the main body  41 , although one button  33  is representatively illustrated, a plurality of buttons are actually installed. 
     The user holds the input device  11 , i.e. the main body  41 , in one hand, and manipulates the input device in an arbitrary direction in a three-dimensional space or manipulates the buttons  33  in a state in which the front of the input device  11  faces the image display apparatus  12 . Accordingly, it is possible to move a pointer in a manipulation direction, to set a predetermined mode, and to instruct a predetermined operation. 
     At the front of the input device  11 , the acceleration sensor  31  and the angular velocity sensor  32 , which are manufactured by the technique of MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), are attached. X″, Y″, and Z″ are axes of the acceleration sensor  31  which are perpendicular to one another in a relative coordinate system, and X′, Y′, and Z′ are axes of the angular velocity sensor  32  which are perpendicular to one another in the relative coordinate system. The X″, Y″, and Z″ axes are parallel to the X′, Y′, and Z′ axes, respectively. X, Y, and Z are axes which are perpendicular to one another in an absolute coordinate system. The Y axis is an axis in a vertical direction, and the X and Z axes are axes in a horizontal plane. The Y axis is an axis in the vertical direction which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. 
     The entire main body  41  is manipulated in an arbitrary direction in a three-dimensional space by the user typically in a state in which the front (i.e. upper right end in  FIG. 2 ) of the main body  41  faces the display unit  54  of the image display apparatus  12  that is located before the main body. In this case, the angular velocity sensor  32  which is a biaxial oscillation type angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocities of the pitch angle θ and the yaw angle ψ rotating around a pitch rotation axis and a yaw rotation axis which are parallel to the X′ and Y′ axes, respectively. An earth magnetic type angular velocity sensor may be used instead of the oscillation type angular velocity sensor. The acceleration sensor  31  detects the acceleration Ax(t) and Ay(t) in the X″ and Y″ directions. The acceleration sensor  31  can detect the acceleration as vector quantity. As the acceleration sensor  31 , it is also possible to use a triaxial acceleration sensor which has three axes of X″, Y″, and Z″ axes as sensitivity axes. 
     A user manipulates the entire input device  11  in the arbitrary direction in the three-dimensional free space while holding the input device  11  with one hand. The input device  11 , which is a so-called air remote controller, is not used in a state in which it is put on a desk, but is manipulated in the air. The input device  11  detects the manipulation direction and outputs a manipulation signal corresponding to the manipulation direction. In addition, the input device  11  outputs a corresponding manipulation signal when the buttons  33  are manipulated. 
     [Functional Configuration of an Operation Unit of an Input Device] 
       FIG. 3  shows the functional configuration of an operation unit  34  of the input device  11 . The operation unit  34  includes an acquisition unit  101  and a transmission unit  102 . 
     The acquisition unit  101  acquires button information corresponding to a manipulated button in addition to the angular velocity or the acceleration. The transmission unit  102  transmits a command based on the acquired information to the image display apparatus  12 . 
     [Functional Configuration of an Operation Unit of an Image Display Apparatus] 
       FIG. 4  shows the functional configuration of an operation unit  53  of the image display unit  12 . The operation unit  53  includes a designation unit  201 , a setting unit  202 , a detection unit  203 , an operation unit  204 , a determination unit  205 , a sensing unit  206 , a zoom unit  207 , an acquisition unit  208 , an extraction unit  209 , and an execution unit  210 . 
     The designation unit  201  designates an object. The setting unit  202  sets a mode. The detection unit  203  detects zoom manipulation. The operation unit  204  operates the zoom rate. The determination unit  205  performs various kinds of determination. The sensing unit  206  senses a defect in display information. The zoom unit  207  zooms in on the object. The acquisition unit  208  acquires the display condition of the display information. The extraction unit  209  extracts a region of a virtual plane. 
     The execution unit  210  executes the processing that corresponds to the object. 
     [Command Transmission Processing] 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating the command transmission processing of an input device  11 . Hereinafter, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the command transmission processing of the input device  11  will be described. 
     In step S 1 , the acquisition unit  101  acquires a manipulation amount. Specifically, it acquires detection outputs of the acceleration sensor  31  and the angular velocity sensor  32 , and button information based on the manipulation of the buttons  33 . 
     That is, the angular velocity sensor  32  outputs the angular velocity (ωψ(t), ωθ(t)) around Y′ axis and X′ axis of motion occurring when a user holds and manipulates the input device  11  in the three-dimensional free space. In the same manner, the acceleration sensor  31  outputs acceleration (Ax(t), Ay(t)) of X″ axis and Y″ axis of motion occurring when a user holds and manipulates the input device  11  in the three-dimensional free space. The acquisition unit  101  acquires the detected angular velocity (ωψ(t), ωθ(t)) and acceleration (Ax(t), Ay(t)). Specifically, the angular velocity (ωψ(t), ψθ(t)) and the acceleration (Ax(t), Ay(t)) are analog-to-digital (A/D) converted by and stored in an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter built in the operation unit  34 . 
     Then, in step S 2 , the transmission unit  102  transmits a command based on the result of acquisition in step S 1 . Specifically, the command is modulated by the communication unit  35 , and transmitted as a radio wave to the image display apparatus  12  through the antenna  36 . 
     In this case, it is not necessary that the command is the form of a command, and it may be information that can support the image display apparatus  12  in performing a predetermined processing. 
     By repeating the above-described process, a predetermined command provided from the input device  11  is transmitted to the image display apparatus  12  on the basis of the user&#39;s manipulation. 
     [Object Zoom Processing  1 ] 
     If the command is transmitted from the input device  11  through the processing illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the antenna  51  of the image display apparatus  12  receives the corresponding radio wave. The communication unit  52  demodulates the command received through the antenna  51  and supplies the demodulated command to the operation unit  53 . The acquisition unit  208  of the operation unit  53  acquires the transmitted command. The execution unit  210  executes the corresponding process on the basis of the command. For example, if the user instructs the zooming in on an object, the processing of zooming in on an object is executed. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating the processing of zooming in on an object executed by the image display apparatus  12 . Hereinafter, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the process of designating the predetermined object and zooming in on the object will be described. 
     In step S 21 , the designation unit  201  designates the object. That is, in the case of zooming in on the object displayed on the display unit  54 , the user designates the object to be zoomed in on by manipulating the input device  11 . Specifically, in a pointing mode, a predetermined object is designated by the pointer. If a remote control signal based on this manipulation is received, the designated object becomes the target of zooming. 
       FIG. 7  shows a display example of an object. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in a state in which an arbitrary number of objects  251  are displayed on the display unit  54 , the user designates the object to be zoomed in on by using the pointer  301 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , an object  251  indicated as a triangle is designated. 
     After the object to be zoomed in on is designated, the user performs gesture manipulation for setting a zoom mode by holding the input device  11  with one hand. 
       FIG. 8  shows a gesture for setting a zoom mode. When setting the zoom mode, the user performs the first gesture manipulation. The first gesture is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . That is, the input device  11  is first in a horizontal position (i.e. a position indicated by a reference numeral  11 H) in which the front of the input device  11  faces upward. From this state, the input device  11  is rotated around an axis  11 S that is perpendicular to an axis  11 L in a length direction so that the input device  11  is in a vertical position (i.e. a position indicated by a reference numeral  11 V) in which the front of the input device  11  faces the user and the front end of the input device  11  faces upward. If a remote control signal that corresponds to the first gesture is received, the setting unit  202  sets a zoom mode in step S 22 . When the zoom mode is set, the previous mode, e.g. the pointing mode, is cancelled. 
     The angle α of the axis  11 L in a length direction of the input device  11  against the Y axis may be determined from the size of the acceleration Az(t) in Z″-axis direction as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . If the angle α against the Y axis is within a predetermined threshold value (e.g.) 10°, it is determined that the input device  11  is in a vertical position in which the input device faces upward. For example, if a difference between the acceleration Az(t) and the gravitational acceleration g is equal to or less than the threshold value, i.e. if the acceleration Az(t) is almost the same as the gravitational acceleration g, it can be determined that the input device  11  is in a vertical position in which it faces upward. 
     Of course, the decision of the positioning may be made using other various kinds of information transmitted by the processing in step S 2  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     If the input device  11  is not in a vertical position in which the input device faces upward, i.e. if the angle α is larger than the threshold value, the zoom mode is not set, and the original mode (e.g. the pointing mode) continues. 
     After the angle α becomes equal to or less than the threshold value and the zoom mode is set, a user may perform the second gesture manipulation for zooming in on the screen display.  FIG. 9  shows the second gesture. As shown in the same drawing, the second gesture is a manipulation that moves the input device  11  in parallel to a position moving close to a user as indicated by a reference numeral  11 N or to a position moving away from the user as indicated by a reference numeral  11 F while the input device  11  is kept in the vertical position in which the input device faces upward. In step S 23 , the detection unit  203  detects this zoom manipulation from the remote control signal. That is, the second gesture manipulation is detected. 
     In step S 24 , the operation unit  24  operates the zoom rate on the basis of the remote control signal for the zoom manipulation of the input device  11 . The zoom rate, for example, becomes higher as the distance of the parallel movement is lengthened, while it becomes lower as the distance of the parallel movement is shortened as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In step S 25 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the zoom manipulation corresponds to enlargement or reduction. If the input device  11  is moved backward, i.e. if the input device is moved in a direction moving closer to the user, it is determined that the zoom manipulation is for reduction. By contrast, if the input device  11  is moved in a depth direction, i.e. if the input device is moved in a direction moving away from the user, it is determined that the zoom manipulation is for the enlargement. Of course, it is also possible to define these directions in a reverse manner. 
     In  FIG. 9 , if the input device  11  is moved from a position indicated by a reference numeral  11  to a position indicated by a reference numeral  11 N, i.e. if the input device is moved in a direction moving closer to the user, the acceleration Ay(t) in the Y″-axis direction in  FIG. 2  becomes positive (or negative). By contrast, if the input device  11  is moved in a depth direction (e.g. a direction of the display unit  54 ), i.e. if the input device is moved in a direction moving away from the user, the acceleration Ay(t) in the Y″-axis direction becomes negative (or positive). Accordingly, this determination can be made from the polarity of the acceleration Ay(t). 
     If the input device  11  is moved backward, the sensing unit  206  recognizes the display information and senses its defect in step S 26 . The defect of the object is a change that exceeds a threshold value in at least a part of the object. For example, blurring of the display information that is displayed on the object is sensed. Specifically, in the case in which the object is reduced at a zoom rate operated in step S 24 , it is sensed whether the display information, such as the character, figure, face image, or the like, that is displayed on the object is blurred. 
     In step S 27 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the display information is blurred on the basis of the result of sensing in step S 26 . In the case of a character or a figure, when the number of strokes of a character or a space between lines that indicate a figure becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the display information is blurred. Also, in the case of a face image, when the distance of the contour of a predetermined region, such as a mouth, a nose, or the like, becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the display information is blurred. 
     If it is determined that the display information is blurred, the operation unit  204  increases the zoom rate in step S 28 . That is, if it is assumed that the size of the object when the object is reduced at the zoom rate ZR 1  operated in step S 24  is OS 1 , the zoom rate is changed to ZR 2 (=ZR 1 +1) which is larger than ZR 1  by one step so that the object has a larger size OS 2 (&gt;OS 1 ). 
     In step S 26 , the sensing unit  206  senses blurring of the display information in the case in which the object is reduced at the zoom rate ZR 2  set in step S 28 . In step S 27 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the display information is blurred on the basis of the result of the sensing in step S 26 . 
     By repeating the processing in steps S 26  to S 28 , the zoom rate ZR A  is obtained which is just less than that when the display information is blurred. Once the zoom rate ZR A  is obtained which is just less than that when the display information is blurred, the zoom unit  207  zooms in on the designated object at the obtained zoom rate ZR A  in step S 32 . As a result, the user can rapidly make the object into the minimum size in which the display information being displayed can be confirmed. 
     If it is determined that the zoom manipulation corresponding to the enlargement has been performed in step S 25 , i.e. if the input device  11  has been moved in a depth direction, the sensing unit  206  recognizes the display information and senses its defect in step S 29 . Here, a change that exceeds the threshold value in at least a part of the object is sensed as a defect. For example, it is sensed that the display information that is displayed on the object has been made into a mosaic pattern. Specifically, in the case in which the object is enlarged at a zoom rate operated in step S 24 , it is sensed whether the display information, such as the character, figure, face image, or the like, that is displayed on the object has been made into a mosaic pattern. 
     In step S 30 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern on the basis of the result of the sensing in step S 29 . In the case of a character or a figure, when the number of strokes of a character or a line that indicates a figure becomes a zigzag line, it is determined that the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern. Also, in the case of a face image, when the line of the contour of a predetermined region, such as a mouth, a nose, or the like, becomes a zigzag line, it is determined that the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern. 
     Although a line is formed by connection of a plurality of pixels, it is recognized by a user as a natural and smooth continuity in a state in which it is not enlarged. Accordingly, in microscopy, i.e. in obtaining a line in the unit of a pixel, any line may be in a zigzag state. However, the term “zigzag” as the basis of determining a mosaic patterning does not mean such a state that may not be actually observed. 
     The term “zigzag” as the basis of determining the mosaic patterning may be the basis that prohibits excessive enlargement which makes it difficult for a user to recognize a line as a natural and smooth continuity. Accordingly, for example, in accordance with the enlargement processing, a block is formed by a set of pixels constituting the line of the contour, a plurality of neighboring pixels having the same luminance, and a plurality of neighboring pixels having different luminance which is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. When the length of at least one side of the block becomes larger than the predetermined threshold value, it may be determined that the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern. 
     If it is determined that the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern, the operation unit  204  reduces the zoom rate in step S 31 . That is, if it is assumed that the size of the object when the object is increased at the zoom rate ZR 1  operated in step S 24  is OS 3 , the zoom rate is changed to ZR 3 (=ZR 1 −1) that is smaller than ZR 1  by one step so that the object has a smaller size OS 4 (&lt;OS 3 ). 
     In step S 29 , the sensing unit  206  senses the mosaic patterning of the display information in the case in which the object is enlarged at the zoom rate ZR 3  set in step S 31 . In step S 30 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern on the basis of the result of the sensing in step S 29 . 
     By repeating the processing in steps S 29  to S 31 , the zoom rate ZR B  is obtained which is just less than that when the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern. Once the zoom rate ZR B  is obtained which is just less than that when the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern, the zoom unit  207  zooms in on the designated object at the obtained zoom rate ZR B  in step S 32 . As a result, the user can rapidly make the object into the maximum size in which the display information being displayed can be properly confirmed. 
     In this case, when setting the pointing mode, the user performs the third gesture manipulation.  FIG. 10  shows the third gesture. As shown in the same drawing, the third gesture is a gesture in which the input device  11  is rotated around an axis  11 S that is perpendicular to an axis  11 L in a length direction of the input device  11  from a vertical position (i.e. a position indicated by a reference numeral  11 V) in which the front end of the input device  11  faces upward so that the front of the input device  11  faces the user to a horizontal position (i.e. a position indicated by a reference numeral  11 H) in which the front of the input device  11  faces upward. That is, the third gesture is the opposite of the first gesture. 
     If the angle γ against the Z axis is within a predetermined threshold value (e.g. 10°), it is determined that the input device  11  is in a horizontal position. In other words, if the angle α(=90−γ) between the axis  11 L in the length direction of the input device  11  and the Y axis is equal to or more than 80°, it is determined that the input device  11  is in the horizontal position. 
     The angle γ of the axis  11 L in the length direction of the input device  11  against the Z axis may be determined from the size of the acceleration Az(t) in the Z″-axis direction as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . For example, if the acceleration Az(t) in the Z″-axis direction is almost “0”, i.e. if a component of force of the gravitational acceleration g in the Z″-axis direction is nearly zero, it is determined that the input device  11  is in the horizontal position. 
     As described above, a user can change the mode by performing the gesture manipulation so that the position of the input device  11  is changed to be in a predetermined direction in a three-dimensional space. 
     In this case, the modes to be controlled are not limited to the pointing mode and the zoom mode. A scroll mode, a channel change/return mode, a volume up/down mode, and other modes may be the subject to control. 
     Also, the gestures of the input device  11  are not limited to those as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 to 10 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show another gesture. As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a manipulation that moves the input device in parallel in left and right direction (see  FIG. 11A ) or in upward and downward direction (see  FIG. 11B ) in a state in which the input device is in a vertical position in which the input device faces upward (see  FIGS. 11A and 11B ) may be determined as the second gesture. 
       FIG. 12  shows still another gesture. As shown in the same drawing, if the input device  11  is rotated by 90° in a direction C from a horizontal position that is the basic gesture indicated by a reference numeral  11  to a position in which the front end of the input device faces upward, the input device  11  is in a vertical position in which the input device  11  faces upward as indicated by a reference numeral  11 C. This gesture is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     In addition, if the input device  11  is rotated by 90° in a direction D from a horizontal position to a position in which the front end of the input device faces downward, the input device  11  is in a vertical position in which the input device  11  faces downward as indicated by a reference numeral  11 D. 
     Also, if the input device  11  is rotated by 90° in a counterclockwise direction A from a horizontal gesture, the input device  11  is in a gesture in which the input device  11  is rotated counterclockwise by 90° as indicated by a reference numeral  11 A. If the input device  11  is rotated by 90° in a clockwise direction B from a horizontal gesture, the input device  11  is in a gesture in which the input device  11  is rotated clockwise by 90° as indicated by a reference numeral  11 B. If the input device  11  is rotated by 180° in a clockwise direction B from a horizontal gesture, the input device  11  is in a gesture in which the input device  11  is turned upside down as indicated by a reference numeral  11 E. 
     The gesture may be determined as the first gesture or the third gesture. 
     Using these gestures, the same function as described above can be performed. By combining these gestures as the first to third gestures, a user can perform an intuitive manipulation. 
     Since the zoom rate is set based on the third gesture manipulation in the three-dimensional space of the input device  11 , it is necessary for a user to finely control the distance by which the input device  11  is moved forward and backward in order to designate a desired zoom rate. However, such a fine control demands familiarity, and thus it is difficult for an unfamiliar user to perform such a fine control. As a result, if an unfamiliar user performs the gesture manipulation, the zoom rate may be set to be extremely high or low. Accordingly, by setting the zoom rate which is just less than that when there is an occurrence of blurring or mosaic patterning, it is possible to quickly set the zoom rate, and thus the manipulability can be improved. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Object Zoom Processing  2   
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , if the display information has a defect, the zoom rate is typically changed. However, the occurrence of some degree of defect of the display information may be permitted by some users. In this case, the users may register in advance display conditions of the display information. If the registered display condition does not permit blurring or mosaic patterning of the display information, the same process as that illustrated in  FIG. 6  is performed. However, if the registered display condition permits blurring or mosaic patterning of the display information, the zooming is performed at a zoom rate designated by the user. Hereinafter, with reference to  FIG. 13 , the processing of zooming in on an object in this case will be described. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating the processing of zooming in on an object. The process in steps S 61  to S 75  in  FIG. 13  is basically the same as the process in steps S 21  to S 32  in  FIG. 6 . One difference is that a step S 65  is inserted between steps S 64  and S 66  of  FIG. 13  that correspond to steps S 24  and S 25  of  FIG. 6 , respectively. Also, another difference is that a step S 67  is inserted between steps S 66  and S 68  of  FIG. 13  that correspond to steps S 25  and S 26  of  FIG. 6 , respectively. Also, another difference is that a step S 71  is inserted between steps S 66  and S 72  of  FIG. 13  that correspond to steps S 25  and S 29  of  FIG. 6 , respectively. 
     In  FIG. 13 , after the zoom rate based on the second gesture manipulation for the designated object is operated by the processing of steps S 61  to S 64 , the acquisition unit  208  acquires the display condition in step S 65 . The display condition is registered in advance by a user, and indicates whether the blurring or mosaic patterning of the display information is prohibited or permitted. 
     In step S 66 , the determination unit  205  determines which one of enlargement and reduction the zoom manipulation detected in step S 63 , i.e. the second gesture manipulation, corresponds to. If the zoom manipulation for the reduction has been performed, the determination unit  205  determines whether blurring of the display information has been prohibited in step S 67 . This determination is performed based on the display condition acquired in step S 65 . 
     If blurring of the display information is prohibited, the processing of steps S 68  to S 70  and step S 75  is performed. In this case, the processing is the same as that illustrated in  FIG. 6 , and the zoom is performed at the zoom rate which is just less than that when the display information is blurred. 
     By contrast, if blurring of the display information is not prohibited, the processing of steps S 68  to S 70  is not performed, and the processing of step S 75  is immediately performed. Accordingly, the zoom is performed at the zoom rate operated in step S 64 , i.e. at the zoom rate designated through the user&#39;s manipulation of the input device  11 . 
     If it is determined that the zoom manipulation corresponding to the enlargement has been performed in step S 66 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the mosaic patterning of the display information is prohibited in step S 71 . This determination is performed base on the display condition acquired in step S 65 . 
     If the mosaic patterning of the display information is prohibited, the processing in steps S 72  to S 75  is performed. In this case, the same processing as that illustrated in  FIG. 6  is performed, and the zoom is performed at a zoom rate which is just less than that when the display information has been made into a mosaic pattern. 
     By contrast, if the mosaic patterning of the display information is not prohibited, the processing in steps S 72  to S 74  is not performed, but the processing in step S 75  is immediately performed. In this case, the zoom is performed at the zoom rate operated in step S 64 , i.e. at the zoom rate designated through the user&#39;s manipulation of the input device  11 . 
     As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the user&#39;s intention is preferred, and if the user does not permit blurring or mosaic patterning of the display information, the zoom is performed at the zoom rate which is just less than that when the blurring or the mosaic patterning of the display information occurs. By contrast, if the user permits blurring or mosaic patterning of the display information, the zoom is performed at a zoom rate designated by the user. 
     Third Embodiment 
     EPG Display Processing 
     Then, the process of zooming an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) will be described. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are flowcharts illustrating the EPG display processing. Hereinafter, with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the EPG display processing will be described. 
     In the case of manipulating the EPG, in order to set the pointing mode, a user performs the third gesture manipulation as shown in  FIG. 10 . If a remote control signal that corresponds to this gesture is received, the setting unit  202  sets the pointing mode in step S 201 . Accordingly, the user can designate an arbitrary object by the pointer. 
     In step S 202 , the determination unit  205  determines whether a program has been designated. That is, the user selects a program from a program table that is displayed by the pointer  301  by manipulating the input device  11 . If the program has been designated, the execution unit  210  executes the processing that corresponds to the program in step S 205 . Specifically, the selected program is received, and is displayed on the display unit  54 . 
     If the program has not been designated, the determination unit  205  determines whether the zoom point has been pointed in step S 203 . If the zoom point has not been pointed, the determination unit  205  determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, i.e. whether a non-manipulation time has reached a predetermined time, in step S 204 . If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the processing returns to step S 202 , and the subsequent processing is repeated. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the processing is ended. 
     In the case of zooming in on the EPG, the user designates the zoom point by manipulating the input device  11 . The zoom point is a reference point that prescribes the range to be zoomed in on. That is, the position of the reference to be zoomed in on in a screen of the display unit  54  on which the EPG is displayed is designated by the pointer. The designation of the zoom point means that the EPG is designated as the object. If the remote control signal that corresponds to the designation of the zoom point is received, the setting unit  202  sets the zoom point in step S 206 . 
     Then, the user performs the first gesture manipulation with the input device  11 . If a remote control signal that corresponds to the first gesture is received, the setting unit  202  sets the zoom mode in step S 207 . At this time, the pointing mode is cancelled. Further, the user performs the second gesture manipulation as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In step S 208 , the detection unit  203  detects the zoom manipulation based on the second gesture. In step S 209 , the operation unit  204  operates the zoom rate. That is, the zoom rate is operated based on the second gesture manipulation detected in step S 208 . 
     In step S 210 , the extraction unit  209  extracts a region of a virtual plane that corresponds to the zoom point. Hereinafter, with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 21 , the process of extracting the region of the virtual plane will be described. 
       FIG. 16  shows the zoom point. Although not illustrated for convenience in explanation, the EPG is displayed on the display unit  54 . The zoom point P 11  is designated by the pointer  301 . In  FIG. 16 , the position of the zoom point P 11  in a horizontal direction is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a horizontal direction of the display unit  54  is a 1 :b 1 . Also, the position of the zoom point P 11  in a vertical direction is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a vertical direction of the display unit  54  is c 1 :d 1 . 
       FIG. 17  shows the virtual plane and the extracted region. If the zoom point P 11  is designated as shown in FIG.  16 , a predetermined region  312  is extracted from a virtual plane  311  as shown in  FIG. 17 . In  FIG. 17 , the virtual plane  311  indicates a range in which the EPG virtually exists, and the region  312  indicates a range that is displayed on the display unit  54  as a range on the basis of (in this case, around) a point P 12  on the virtual plane  311 . 
     The point P 12  that is a virtual point on the virtual plane  311  is a point that corresponds to the zoom point P 11  on the display unit  54 , and the region  312  is a region having a size that corresponds to the display unit  54  on the basis of the point P 12 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , if it is assumed that the point P 12  is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a horizontal direction of the virtual plane  311  is A 1 :B 1  and at which the division ratio of a side in a vertical direction of the virtual plane is C 1 :D 1 , the relations between the division ratios are set to A 1 :B 1 =a 1 :b 1 , and C 1 :D 1 =c 1 :d 1 . That is, the point P 12  on the virtual region  311  is a position that corresponds to the position of the zoom point P 11  on the display unit  54 . 
       FIG. 18  shows the zoom point. In an example illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the position of the zoom point P 21  in a horizontal direction is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a horizontal direction of the display unit  54  is a 2 :b 2 . Also, the position of the zoom point P 21  in a vertical direction is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a vertical direction of the display unit  54  is c 2 :d 2 . 
       FIG. 19  shows the virtual plane and the extracted region. If the zoom point P 21  is designated as shown in  FIG. 18 , a region  312  that is based on a point P 22  corresponding to the zoom point P 21  is extracted from a virtual plane  311  as shown in  FIG. 19 . The point P 22  is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a horizontal direction of the virtual plane  311  is A 2 :B 2  and at which the division ratio of a side in a vertical direction of the virtual plane is C 2 :D 2 . Also, the relations between the division ratios are set to A 2 :B 2 =a 2 :b 2 , and C 2 :D 2 =C 2 :d 2    
     However, as shown in  FIG. 19 , a part of the region  312  in the range that corresponds to the size of the display unit  54 , which is around the point P 22 , is projected to the outside of the virtual plane  311 . No EPG exists on the outside of the virtual plane  311 . Accordingly, a correction process is performed with respect to the position in a direction in which the point P 22  is projected to the outside so as to prevent the extracted region from being projected from the virtual plane  311 . 
     That is, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the division ratio of a side in a vertical direction of the point P 22  is changed from C 2 :D 2  to C 2 ′:D 2 ′. As a result, the point P 22  is corrected to a point P 22 ′, and the extracted region  312  is corrected to a region  312 ′ which has a size corresponding to the display unit  54  and which is around the point P 22 ′. Accordingly, a side (e.g. an upper side in  FIG. 19 ) in a direction in which the region  312 ′ is projected coincides with the upper side of the virtual plane  311 , and thus the whole region  312 ′ becomes a region inside the virtual plane  311 . 
       FIG. 20  shows the zoom point. In an example as shown in  FIG. 20 , the position of the zoom point P 31  in a vertical direction is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a vertical direction of the display unit  54  is c 3 :d 3 . Also, the position of the zoom point P 31  in a horizontal direction is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a horizontal direction of the display unit  54  is a 3 :b 3 . 
       FIG. 21  shows the virtual plane and the extracted region. If the zoom point P 31  is designated as shown in  FIG. 20 , a region  312  that is around a point P 32  corresponding to the zoom point P 31  is extracted from a virtual plane  311  as shown in  FIG. 21 . The point P 32  is a point at which the division ratio of a side in a horizontal direction of the virtual plane  311  is A 3 :B 3  and at which the division ratio of a side in a vertical direction of the virtual plane is C 3 :D 3 . Also, the relations between the division ratios are set to A 3 :B 3 =a 3 :b 3  f and C 3 :D 3 =C 3 :d 3    
     However, as shown in  FIG. 21 , a part of the region  312  in the range that corresponds to the size of the display unit  54 , which is around the point P 32 , is projected to the outside of the virtual plane  311 . Accordingly, a correction process is performed with respect to the position in a direction in which the point P 32  is projected to the outside so as to prevent the extracted region from being projected from the virtual plane  311 . 
     That is, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the division ratio of a side in a horizontal direction of the point P 32  is changed from A 3 :B 3  to A 3 ′:B 3 ′. As a result, the point P 32  is corrected to a point P 32 ′, and the extracted region  312  is corrected to a region  312 ′ which has a size corresponding to the display unit  54  and which is around the point P 32 ′. Accordingly, a side (e.g. a right side in  FIG. 19 ) in a direction in which the region  312 ′ is projected coincides with the right side of the virtual plane  311 , and thus the whole region  312 ′ becomes a region inside the virtual plane  311 . 
     If the region to be extracted is projected from two sides of the virtual plane  311 , correction processes in respective directions are performed. 
     However, the EPG is displayed on the virtual plane  311 , and due to its property, a block composed of a channel and a time zone is provided as a unit. Accordingly, it may be possible that a region in which an integer number of blocks are arrayed is extracted from at least one of channel and time axes. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , after the extraction of the region that corresponds to the zoom point is performed in step S 210 , the determination unit  205  determines which one of enlargement and reduction the zoom manipulation corresponds to in step S 211 . As described above, it is determined which direction between a backward direction and a depth direction the input device  11  has been moved in. 
     If the input device  11  has been moved backward, i.e. if reduction is instructed, the sensing unit  206  recognizes the display information and senses its defect in step S 212 . In this case, blurring of a character, which is the display information displayed on the object, is sensed. 
     In step S 213 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the character as the display information is blurred on the basis of the result of the sensing in step S 212 . 
     If it is determined that the character is blurred, the operation unit  204  increases the zoom rate in step S 214 . That is, if it is assumed that the size of the object when the object is reduced at the zoom rate ZR 1  operated in step S 209  is OS 1 , the zoom rate is changed to ZR 2 (=ZR 1 +1) that is larger than ZR 1  by one step so that the object has a larger size OS 2 (&gt;OS 1 ). 
     In step S 212 , the sensing unit  206  senses blurring of the character in the case in which the object is reduced at the zoom rate ZR 2  set in step S 214 . In step S 213 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the character is blurred on the basis of the result of the sensing in step S 212 . 
     By repeating the processing in steps S 212  to S 214 , the zoom rate ZR A  is obtained which is just less than that when the character is blurred. Once the zoom rate ZR A  is obtained which is just less than that when the character is blurred, the zoom unit  207  zooms in on the designated object at the obtained zoom rate ZR A  in step S 218 . As a result, the user can rapidly make the object into the minimum size in which the display information being displayed can be confirmed. 
     If it is determined that the zoom manipulation corresponding to the enlargement has been performed in step S 211 , i.e. if the input device  11  has been moved in a depth direction, the sensing unit  206  senses the defect of the display information in step S 215 . In this case, the mosaic patterning of the character as the display information that is displayed on the object is sensed. 
     In step S 216 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the character has been made into a mosaic pattern on the basis of the result of the sensing in step S 215 . 
     If it is determined that the character has been made into a mosaic pattern, the operation unit  204  reduces the zoom rate in step S 217 . That is, if it is assumed that the size of the object when the object is enlarged at the zoom rate ZR 1  operated in step S 209  is OS 3 , the zoom rate is changed to ZR 3 (=ZR 1 −1) that is smaller than ZR 1  by one step so that the object has a smaller size OS 4 (&lt;OS 3 ). 
     In step S 215 , the sensing unit  206  senses the defect of the display information in the case in which the object is enlarged at the zoom rate ZR 3  set in step S 217 . Specifically, the mosaic patterning of the character is sensed. In step S 216 , the determination unit  205  determines whether the character has been made into a mosaic pattern on the basis of the result of the sensing in step S 215 . 
     By repeating the processing in steps S 215  to S 217 , the zoom rate ZR B  is obtained which is just less than that when the character has been made into a mosaic pattern. Once the zoom rate ZR B  is obtained which is just less than that when the character has been made into a mosaic pattern, the zoom unit  207  zooms in on the designated object at the obtained zoom rate ZR B  in step S 218 . As a result, the user can rapidly make the object into the maximum size in which the character being displayed can be properly confirmed. 
     After the processing in step S 218 , the processing returns to step S 202 , and the subsequent processes are performed. 
       FIG. 22  shows a display example of EPG before zooming, and  FIG. 23  shows a display example of EPG after zooming. 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the EPG is displayed on the display unit  54 . On an upper side of the screen, in a horizontal direction, television broadcasting channel numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 are displayed. On the left side of the screen, in a vertical direction, time zones 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, . . . , 23:00, 24:00 are displayed. Although not illustrated in the drawing, in each time zone of each channel, information of the corresponding programs, such as a title or the like, is displayed. 
     In  FIG. 22 , a point at which the pointer  301  is positioned is designated as a zoom point P 41 . The zoom point P 41  is positioned on the left side of a block designated by a channel 10 and a time zone of 4:00. In this state, if a predetermined amount of zoom manipulation (e.g. enlargement manipulation) is performed, as shown in  FIG. 23 , blocks designated by time zones of 4:00 to 5:00 and channels 8 and 10, respectively, are enlarged and displayed. That is, information on a program that is broadcast at channel 8 in a time zone of 4:00 and information on a program that is broadcast at channel 10 in a time zone of 4:00 are displayed. In addition, information on a program that is broadcast at channel 8 in a time zone of 5:00 and information on a program that is broadcast at channel 10 in a time zone of 5:00 are displayed. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention, on both axes of channel and time zone, an integer number of blocks are arranged to be displayed. However, the display range of channels is not enlarged, and thus all channel numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 are displayed. By contrast, the display range of time zones is enlarged, and thus only figures in the time zones of 4:00 and 5:00 are displayed rather than all the time zones. 
       FIG. 24  shows a display example of EPG after zooming. In  FIG. 24 , not only the display range of time zones but also the display range of channels are enlarged. That is, as the display range of the time zones, only figures in the time zones of 4:00 and 5:00, rather than in all the time zones, are displayed. Also, as the display range of channels, only figures of channels 8 and 10, rather than all the channels, are displayed. 
     As described above, by enlarging the displayed information, a user can accurately confirm the program information. 
       FIG. 25  shows a display example of EPG after zooming. If an amount of zoom manipulation is larger than that in the state as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , i.e. if a manipulation for enlarging the displayed information is performed, as shown in  FIG. 25 , only program information of one block at channel 10 in a time zone of 4:00 is displayed. 
     However, if the displayed character is blurred as shown in  FIG. 22  in a state in which blurring of the display information is prohibited, a narrower range of channels and time zones is displayed. Also, if the displayed character has been made into a mosaic pattern as shown in  FIG. 25  in a state in which the mosaic patterning of the display information is prohibited, a wider range of channels and time zones is displayed as shown in  FIG. 23  or  24 . 
     [Modifications] 
     In the above-described embodiments, a television receiver has been considered as the image display apparatus  12 . However, it is also possible to apply the present invention to a personal computer or other information processing apparatuses. 
     The series of processing described above may be executed by hardware or software. In the case of executing the series of processing using software, a program included in the software is installed in a computer provided in dedicated hardware or installed in a general-purpose personal computer, which is capable of executing various kinds of functions when various programs are installed. 
     Also, a program executed by a computer may be a program that performs processing in a time-series manner according to the order as described above or may be a program that performs processing in parallel or separately at any timing when such processing is necessary, for example, in response to a calling by a user. 
     In addition, in this specification, the system indicates the entire apparatus formed by a plurality of devices. 
     Also, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and diverse modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The present application contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-103828 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 22, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     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.