Patent Publication Number: US-2013234957-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method. 
     In recent years, touch panels have been used in a large number of devices, such as smart phones, tablet terminals, and game devices. A touch panel achieves the two functions of display and input on one screen. 
     In order to further simplify operations by such a touch panel, various input events are defined which correspond to a touch or touch gesture on the touch panel. For example, an input event corresponding to a touch, such as the start of the touch, movement of the touch, or end of the touch, and an input event corresponding to a touch gesture, such as drag, tap, pinch in or pinch out, are defined. Further, not being limited to these typical input events, input events for further simplifying operations have been proposed. 
     For example, technology is disclosed in JP 2011-238125A which recognizes an input event corresponding to a touch gesture, in which the side surface of a hand moves while touching the touch panel, and selects and moves an object according to this input event. 
     SUMMARY 
     However, when an input event is applied to the operations of a large-sized touch panel in the related art, a large burden may occur for a user. For example, large movements of the user&#39;s body may be necessary in order to operate an object over a wide range. 
     Accordingly, it is desired to enable a user to perform operations for a large-sized touch panel with less of a burden. 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including an extraction section which extracts a first touch region and a second touch region, each satisfying a predetermined region extraction condition, from a plurality of touch positions detected by a touch panel, and a recognition section which recognizes an input event, based on a change in a distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method including extracting a first touch region and a second touch region, each satisfying a predetermined region extraction condition, from a plurality of touch positions detected by a touch panel, and recognizing an input event, based on a change in a distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     According to the above described information processing apparatus and information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible for a user to perform operations for a large-sized touch panel with less of a burden. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an outline view which shows an example of the appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram which shows an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is an explanatory diagram for describing a first example of the detection of a touch position; 
         FIG. 4B  is an explanatory diagram for describing a second example of the detection of a touch position; 
         FIG. 5  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the extraction of a touch region; 
         FIG. 6  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the density of a touch position included in a touch region; 
         FIG. 7A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of a GATHER event; 
         FIG. 7B  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of a SPLIT event; 
         FIG. 8  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of an input event, based on an amount of change in the distance between touch regions; 
         FIG. 9A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of an input event, based on a relative moving direction between two touch regions; 
         FIG. 9B  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of an input event, based on a moving direction of two touch regions; 
         FIG. 10  is an explanatory diagram for describing examples of the recognition of other input events; 
         FIG. 11A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a GATHER event; 
         FIG. 11B  is an explanatory diagram for describing another example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a GATHER event; 
         FIG. 12A  is an explanatory diagram for describing a first example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a SPLIT event; 
         FIG. 12B  is an explanatory diagram for describing a second example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a SPLIT event; 
         FIG. 12C  is an explanatory diagram for describing a third example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a SPLIT event; 
         FIG. 13A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a GRAB event; 
         FIG. 13B  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a SHAKE event; 
         FIG. 13C  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a CUT event; 
         FIG. 13D  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a CIRCLE event; 
         FIG. 13E  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an operation for objects to be operated by a WIPE event; 
         FIG. 13F  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an operation for objects to be operated by a FADE event; 
         FIG. 14A  is a first explanatory diagram for describing an operation example in the information processing apparatus; 
         FIG. 14B  is a second explanatory diagram for describing an operation example in the information processing apparatus; 
         FIG. 14C  is a third explanatory diagram for describing an operation example in the information processing apparatus; 
         FIG. 14D  is a fourth explanatory diagram for describing an operation example in the information processing apparatus; 
         FIG. 14E  is a fifth explanatory diagram for describing an operation example in the information processing apparatus; 
         FIG. 14F  is a sixth explanatory diagram for describing an operation example in the information processing apparatus; 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart which shows an example of a schematic flow of an information process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a flow chart which shows an example of a touch region extraction process; 
         FIG. 17  is a flow chart which shows an example of a GATHER/SPLIT recognition process; and 
         FIG. 18  is a flow chart which shows an example of a GATHER/SPLIT control process. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     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. 
     Note that the description will be given in the following order. 
     1. Appearance of the information processing apparatus 
     2. Configuration of the information processing apparatus
         2.1. Hardware configuration   2.2. Functional configuration       

     3. Operation examples 
     4. Process flow 
     5. Conclusion 
     1. APPEARANCE OF THE INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS 
     First, the appearance of an information processing apparatus  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is an outline view which shows an example of the appearance of the information processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the information processing apparatus  100  is shown. The information processing apparatus  100  includes a touch panel  20 . Further, the information processing apparatus  100 , for example, is a large-sized touch panel. That is, the touch panel  20  is a large-sized touch panel which is considerably larger compared with a user&#39;s hand  41 . 
     The user can operate an object displayed on the touch panel  20 , by touching the touch panel  20  with their hand  41 . However, in the case where objects are scattered in a wide range of the large-sized touch panel  20 , large movements of the user&#39;s body may be necessary when the user tries to operate these objects with only one hand. As a result, a large burden may occur for the user. 
     According to the information processing apparatus  100  of the present embodiment, it is possible for a user to perform operations for the large-sized touch panel  20  with less of a burden. Hereinafter, these specific contents will be described in: &lt;2. Configuration of the information processing apparatus&gt;, &lt;3. Operation examples&gt; and &lt;4. Process flow&gt;. 
     2. CONFIGURATION OF THE INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS 
     Next, a configuration of the information processing apparatus  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 13F . 
     &lt;2.1. Hardware Configuration&gt; 
     First, an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  is a block diagram which shows an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the information processing apparatus  100  includes a touch panel  20 , a bus  30 , a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  31 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  33 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  35 , and a storage device  37 . 
     The touch panel  20  includes a touch detection surface  21  and a display surface  23 . The touch detection surface  21  detects a touch position on the touch panel  20 . More specifically, for example, when a user touches the touch panel  20 , the touch detection surface  21  perceives this touch, generates an electric signal according to the position of this touch, and then converts this electric signal to information of the touch position. The touch detection surface  21  is a multi-touch compatible touch detection surface capable of detecting a plurality of touch positions. Further, the touch detection surface  21 , for example, can be formed in accordance with an arbitrary touch detection system, such as an electrostatic capacity system, a resistive membrane system, or an optical system. 
     The display surface  23  displays an output image from the information processing apparatus  100 . The display surface  23 , for example, can be realized by using liquid crystals, organic ELs (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes: OLEDs), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like. 
     The bus  30  mutually connects the touch detection surface  21 , the display surface  23 , the CPU  31 , the ROM  33 , the RAM  35  and the storage device  37 . 
     The CPU  31  controls the overall operations of the information processing apparatus  100 . The ROM  33  stores programs and data which configure software executed by the CPU  31 . The RAM  35  temporarily stores the programs and data when executing the processes of the CPU  31 . 
     The storage device  37  stores the programs and data which configure the software executed by the CPU  31 , as well as other data which is to be temporarily or permanently stored. The storage device  37 , for example, may be a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, or it may be a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), a FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory), or a PRAM (Phase change Random Access Memory). 
     &lt;2.2 Functional Configuration&gt; 
     Next, an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3  to  13 F.  FIG. 3  is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the information processing apparatus  100  includes a touch detection section  110 , a touch region extraction section  120 , an event recognition section  130 , a control section  140 , a storage section  150 , and a display section  160 . 
     (Touch Detection Section  110 ) 
     The touch detection section  110  detects a touch position on the touch panel  20 . That is, the touch detection section  110  has a function corresponding to the touch detection surface  21 . This touch position, for example, is a set of coordinates in the touch panel  20 . In the case where a user performs a touch in a plurality of positions, the touch detection section  110  detects a plurality of touch positions. Hereinafter, the detection of touch positions will be described more specifically with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
     First,  FIG. 4A  is an explanatory diagram for describing a first example of the detection of a touch position. Referring to  FIG. 4A , in the upper section, part of the touch panel  20  and a user&#39;s hand  41  are shown. Here, the user is touching the touch panel  20  with one finger of their hand  41 . On the other hand, in the lower section, part of the touch panel  20  is shown with coordinates, and a touch position  43   a  is shown which is detected according to a touch with one finger of the user&#39;s hand  41 . In this way, the touch detection section  110 , for example, detects one touch position  43   a  according to a touch with one finger of the user&#39;s hand  41 . 
     Further,  FIG. 4B  is an explanatory diagram for describing a second example of the detection of a touch position. Referring to  FIG. 4B , in the upper section, part of the touch panel  20  and a user&#39;s hand  41  are shown. Here, the user is touching the touch panel  20  with a side surface of their hand  41 . On the other hand, in the lower section, part of the touch panel  20  is shown with coordinates, and touch positions  43   b  are shown which are detected according to a touch with the side surface of the user&#39;s hand  41 . In this way, the touch detection section  110 , for example, detects a number of clustered touch positions  43   b  according to a touch with the side surface of the user&#39;s hand  41 . 
     The touch detection section  110  outputs the detected touch positions  43  to the touch region extraction section  120  and the event recognition section  130  in a time series. 
     (Touch Region Extraction Section  120 ) 
     The touch region extraction section  120  extracts a touch region satisfying a predetermined region extraction condition from a plurality of touch positions detected by the touch panel  20 . More specifically, for example, in the case where the touch detection section  110  has detected a plurality of touch positions, the touch region extraction section  120  groups the detected plurality of touch positions into one or more touch position sets, in accordance with a predetermined grouping condition. Here, the grouping condition, for example, may be a condition where the distance between arbitrary pairs of touch positions belonging to each group does not exceed a predetermined condition. Also, the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not a region including this touch position set satisfies the region extraction condition, for each touch position set, and the regions which satisfy the region extraction condition are extracted as touch regions. Hereinafter, the region extraction condition will be described more specifically. 
     The above described region extraction condition, for example, includes a condition for the size of the touch region to be extracted (hereinafter, called a “size condition”). More specifically, for example, this size condition is a condition for an area of the touch region to be extracted. As an example, this size condition is an area of the touch region which is equal to or more than a first size threshold, and is less than a second size threshold. Here, the area of the touch region, for example, is a pixel number included in the touch region. The first and second size thresholds, which are compared with the area of the touch region, for example, may be predetermined based on a standard size of a user&#39;s hand. Hereinafter, the extraction of a touch region, in the case where the region extraction condition is a size condition, will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the extraction of the touch region. Referring to  FIG. 5 , similar to that of  FIG. 4B , part of the touch panel  20  is shown with coordinates. Further, similar to that of  FIG. 4B , touch positions  43   b  are shown which have been detected in the case where a user has touched the touch panel  20  with the side surface of their hand  41 . In this case, the touch region extraction section  120  first specifies a plurality of touch positions  43 , that is, a touch position set, which satisfies the above described grouping condition, and further specifies a region  45  including this touch position set. Here, the size condition is an area of the touch region which has a pixel number equal to or more than a first size threshold and less than a second size threshold. In this case, the region  45  including the touch position set includes pixels equal to or more than a first size threshold and less than a second size threshold, and the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not the region  45  satisfies the size condition. As a result, the touch region extraction section  120  extracts the region  45  satisfying the size condition as a touch region. 
     From such a size condition, it becomes possible to distinguish a touch with a specific part of the user&#39;s hand  41  from a touch with another part of the user&#39;s hand  41 , by a simple operation. For example, it becomes possible to distinguish a touch with the side surface of the user&#39;s hand  41  from a touch with a part other than the side surface (for example, a finger or the palm) of the user&#39;s hand  41 . 
     Note that the size condition may be simply an area of the touch region which is equal to or more than a first size threshold. Further, the size condition may be a condition for a length of the touch region instead of a condition for the area of the touch region. As an example, the size condition may be a distance between the two furthest coordinates from among the coordinates in the touch region which are equal to or more than a predetermined threshold. Further, the size condition may be a combination between a condition for an area of the touch region and a condition for a length of the touch region. 
     Further, the above described region extraction condition may include a condition for a shape of the touch region to be extracted (hereinafter, called a “shape condition”). More specifically, for example, this shape condition is a pre-prepared region pattern which is similar to the touch region. As an example, this region pattern is a region acquired as a sample from a touch with a specific part (for example, the side surface) of the user&#39;s hand  41 . This region pattern is acquired for many users&#39; hands  41 . The touch region extraction section  120  compares the region  45  including the touch position set with each region pattern. Then, in the case where the area  45  including the touch position set is similar to one of the region patterns, the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not the region  45  including the touch position set satisfies a shape condition. In the case where the region extraction condition is a shape condition, such as in this case, the touch region extraction section  120  extracts the region  45  satisfying the shape condition as a touch region. 
     For such a shape condition, it becomes possible to finely distinguish a touch with a specific part of the user&#39;s hand  41  from a touch with another part of the user&#39;s hand  41 . For example, not only does it become possible to distinguish a touch with the side surface of the user&#39;s hand  41  from a touch with a part other than the side surface (for example, a finger or the palm) of the user&#39;s hand  41 , but it also becomes possible to distinguish a touch with the side surface of the right hand from a touch with the side surface of the left hand. As a result, it becomes possible to comprehend which of the user&#39;s hands it is facing. 
     Further, the above described region extraction condition may include a condition for a density of the touch position included in the touch region to be extracted (hereinafter, called a “density condition”). More specifically, for example, this density condition is a ratio of the number of touch positions to the area of the touch region which is equal to or more than a density threshold. This density condition, for example, is used in combination with the size condition or the shape condition. That is, this density condition is included in the size condition or shape condition along with the region extraction condition. The extraction of touch regions by the size condition and the density condition will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the density of a touch position included in a touch region. Referring to  FIG. 6 , in the upper section, part of the touch panel  20  and a user&#39;s hand  41  are shown. Here, the user is touching the touch panel  20  with five fingers of their hand  41 . On the other hand, in the lower section, part of the touch panel  20  is shown with coordinates, and touch positions  43  are shown, which have been detected according to a touch with five fingers of the user&#39;s hand  41 . In this way, the touch detection section  110 , for example, detects six touch positions  43  according to a touch with five fingers of the user&#39;s hand  41 . Here, in the case where the six touch positions  43  satisfy the above described grouping condition, the touch region extraction section  120  groups the six touch positions  43  as a touch position set. Then, the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not the region  45  including this touch position set satisfies a size condition and a density condition. Here, for example, the region  45  includes pixels equal to or more than a first size threshold and less than a second size threshold, and the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not the region  45  satisfies the size condition. On the other hand, the region  45  has a low ratio of the number of touch positions (6) to the area, for example, and this ratio is less than the above described density threshold. Therefore, the touch region extraction section  120  judges that the region  45  does not satisfy the density condition, and does not extract the region  45  as a touch region. 
     On the other hand, referring again to  FIG. 5 , the region  45  has a high ratio of the number of touch positions (15) to the area, for example, and this ratio is equal to or more than the above described density threshold. Therefore, the touch region extraction section  120  judges that the region  45  satisfies the density condition, and extracts the region  45  as a touch region. 
     From such a density condition, it becomes possible to finely distinguish a touch with a specific part of the user&#39;s hand  41  from a touch with another part of the user&#39;s hand  41 . For example, as described above, it becomes possible to distinguish a touch with the side surface of the user&#39;s hand  41  from a touch with a plurality of fingers of the user&#39;s hand  41 . 
     Heretofore, the extraction of a touch region by a region extraction condition has been described. According to such an extraction, when there has been a touch with a specific part (for example, the side surface) of the user&#39;s hand  41 , it becomes possible to comprehend the region which has been touched with this specific part. That is, as described above, it becomes possible to define an input event by a touch with a specific part (for example, the side surface) of the user&#39;s hand  41 . As an example, since the side surfaces of a user&#39;s hands  41  are used in the case where objects placed on a desk are gathered up, for example, if the side surfaces of the user&#39;s hands  41  are able to be used for operations with the touch panel  20 , it becomes possible to more intuitively perform the operations. Further, since there is a direction, such as to the palm or to the back of the hand, for the side surface of the user&#39;s hand  41 , if input events based on these directions are defined, operations which consider the direction of the side surface of the user&#39;s hand, and operations in which it may be necessary to distinguish the right hand from the left hand, can be realized. 
     (Event Recognition Section  130 ) 
     The event recognition section  130  recognizes an input event corresponding to the touch positions detected by the touch panel  20 . In particular, in the case where a first touch region and a second touch region, each satisfying the region extraction condition, are extracted, the event recognition section  130  recognizes an input event, based on a change in distance between this first touch region and this second touch region. Hereinafter, this point will be described in more detail. 
     —GATHER Event/SPLIT Event 
     First, for example, in the case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes smaller, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a first input event (hereinafter, called a “GATHER event”). Further, for example, in the case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes larger, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a second input event (hereinafter, called a “SPLIT event”). These input events will be described more specifically with reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     First,  FIG. 7A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of a GATHER event. Referring to  FIG. 7A , in the upper section, part of the touch panel  20  along with the user&#39;s left hand  41   a  and right hand  41   b  are shown. The user moves the specific parts (that is, the side surfaces) of their left hand  41   a  and right hand  41   b  in directions mutually approaching one another while touching the touch panel  20 . In this case, since the extracted first touch region  47   a  and second touch region  47   b  move in directions mutually approaching one another in a similar way to that of the user&#39;s left hand  41   a  and right hand  41   b , the distance between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  becomes smaller. Therefore, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a GATHER event corresponding to such a touch gesture of the user&#39;s left hand user  41   a  and right hand  41   b.    
     Further,  FIG. 7B  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of a SPLIT event. Referring to  FIG. 7B , in the upper section, part of the touch panel  20  along with the user&#39;s left hand  41   a  and right hand  41   b  are shown. The user moves the specific parts (that is, the side surfaces) of their left hand  41   a  and right hand  41   b  in directions mutually separating from one another while touching the touch panel  20 . In this case, since the extracted first touch region  47   a  and second touch region  47   b  move in directions mutually separating from one another in a similar way to that of the user&#39;s left hand  41   a  and right hand  41   b , the distance between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  becomes larger. Therefore, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a SPLIT event, corresponding to such a touch gesture of the user&#39;s left hand  41   a  and right hand  41   b.    
     A GATHER event and a SPLIT event such as described above are recognized. Describing the process more specifically, for example, the event recognition section  130  recognizes an input event (that is, a GATHER event or a SPLIT event), based on an amount of change in the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of an input event, based on an amount of change in the distance between touch regions. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the touch panel  20  is shown. For example, when the first touch region  47   a  and second touch region  47   b  are extracted, the event recognition section  130  determines a representative point Pa 0  for this first touch region  47   a  and a representative point Pb 0  for this second touch region  47   b . As an example, the event recognition section  130  determines the center of gravity of the touch regions  47  as the representative points of these touch regions  47 . Next, the event recognition section  130  calculates an initial distance D 0  between the representative point Pa 0  of the first touch region  47   a  and the representative point Pb 0  of the second touch region  47   b . Afterwards, while the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  are continuously extracted, the event recognition section  130  tracks a distance Dk between a representative point Pak for this first touch region  47   a  and a representative point Pbk for this second touch region  47   b . Then, the event recognition section  130  calculates a difference (Dk−D 0 ) between the calculated distance Dk and the initial distance D 0  as an amount of change in the distance. Here, in the case where this difference becomes equal to or less than a predetermined negative threshold, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a GATHER event as an input event. Further, in the case where this difference becomes equal to or more than a predetermined positive threshold, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a SPLIT event as an input event. Note that the above described representative points are not limited to the center of gravity of the touch region  47 , and may be other coordinates (for example, a circumcenter of the touch region  47 ). 
     By using such an amount of change in the distance, it becomes possible to judge whether the distance between the two touch regions becomes larger or becomes smaller, by a simple operation. 
     Note that the event recognition section  130  may recognize an input event (that is, a GATHER event or a SPLIT event), based on a relative moving direction between the first touch region and the second touch region. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 9A . 
       FIG. 9A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of an input event, based on a relative moving direction between two touch regions. Referring to  FIG. 9A , in the upper section, the touch panel  20  is shown. Here, similar to that of  FIG. 8 , when the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  are extracted, the event recognition section  130  determines a representative point Pa 0  for this first touch region  47   a  and a representative point Pb 0  for this second touch region  47   b . Then, the event recognition section  130  calculates a vector R 0  from the representative point Pa 0  to the representative point Pb 0 , as a relative position of the second touch region  47   b  to the first touch region  47   a . Further, the event recognition section  130 , for example, determines a representative point Pa 1  for the first touch region  47   a  extracted after a predetermined period has elapsed, and a representative point Pb 1  for the second touch region  47   b  extracted after this predetermined period has elapsed. Then, the event recognition section  130  calculates a vector R 1  from the representative point Pa 1  to the representative point Pb 1 , as a relative position of the second touch region  47   b  to the first touch region  47   a.    
     Next, in the lower section of  FIG. 9A , a position of the second touch region  47   b  in the case where the representative point Pa of the first touch region  47   a  is made an origin point, that is, the vectors R 0  and R 1 , are displayed. Here, the event recognition section  130  calculates an inner product between the vector R 1  and a unit vector R 0 /|R 0 | in the same direction as the vector R 0 . Then, the event recognition section  130  compares this inner product with the size |R 0 | of the vector R 0 . Here, if this inner product is smaller than |R 0 |, the event recognition section  130  judges that the relative moving direction between the first touch region and the second touch region is a direction where they are approaching one another. Further, if this inner product is larger than |R 0 |, the event recognition section  130  judges that the above described relative moving direction is a direction where they are separating from one another. Then, in the case where this relative moving direction is a direction where the first touch region and the second touch region are approaching one another, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a GATHER event, and in the case where this relative moving direction is a direction where the first touch region and the second touch region are separating from one another, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a SPLIT event. 
     By using such a relative moving direction, it becomes possible to judge whether the distance between the two touch regions becomes smaller or becomes larger. 
     Further, the event recognition section  130  may recognize an input event (that is, a GATHER event or a SPLIT event), based on a moving direction of the first touch region and a moving direction of the second touch region. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 9B . 
       FIG. 9B  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the recognition of an input event, based on a moving direction of two touch regions. Referring to  FIG. 9B , the touch panel  20  is shown. Here, similar to that of  FIG. 9A , representative points Pa 0  and Pa 1  for the first touch region  47   a , and representative points Pb 0  and Pb 1  for the second touch region  47   b , are determined by the event recognition section  130 . Then, the event recognition section  130  calculates an angle θa made by the direction from the representative point Pa 0  to the representative point Pa 1 , and the direction from the representative point Pa 0  to the representative point Pb 0 , as a moving direction of the first touch region  47   a . Further, the event recognition section  130  calculates an angle θb made by the direction from the representative point Pb 0  to the representative point Pb 1 , and the direction from the representative point Pb 0  to the representative point Pa 0 , as a moving direction of the second touch region  47   b . Here, if both of the angles θa and θb are within the range of 0° to α (for example, 0° to 15°), the event recognition section  130  recognizes a GATHER event. Further, if both of the angles θa and θb are within the range of 180°-α to 180° (for example, 165° to 180°), the event recognition section  130  recognizes a SPLIT event. 
     By using such moving directions, it becomes possible to judge whether the distance between the two touch regions becomes smaller or becomes larger. Further, since it can be judged how both of the two touch regions have moved and not simply just the distance, a condition for recognizing an input event (GATHER event and SPLIT event) can be more strictly defined. 
     Heretofore, the recognition of a GATHER event and SPLIT event has been described. In addition, the event recognition section  130  may recognize other input events, in addition to these input events. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
     —Other Input Events 
       FIG. 10  is an explanatory diagram for describing examples of the recognition of other input events. Hereinafter, each of six input event examples will be described. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , first in the case where five touch positions  43  move so as to be mutually approaching one another, the event recognition section  130  may recognize a GRAB event as a third input event. More specifically, for example, when five touch positions  43  are detected, the event recognition section  130  calculates the center of gravity of the five touch positions  43 , calculates the distance between this center of gravity and each of the five touch positions  43 , and calculates a sum total of the calculated five distances as an initial value. Then, while the five touch positions  43  are continuously detected, the event recognition section  130  tracks the sum total of the five distances, and calculates a difference (sum total−initial value) between this sum total and the initial value. Here, in the case where this difference is equal to or less than a predetermined negative threshold, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a GRAB event. This GRAB event, for example, corresponds to a touch gesture in which the five fingers of the user&#39;s hand  41  move so as to converge while touching the touch panel  20 . Note that a radius or diameter of a circumscribed circle of the five touch positions  43  may be used instead of this sum total of distances. 
     Further, in the case where all five touch positions  43  move by changing direction, the event recognition section  130  may recognize a SHAKE event as a fourth input event. More specifically, for example, while the five touch positions  43  are continuously detected, the event recognition section  130  tracks whether or not the moving direction of the five touch positions  43  has changed. This moving direction, for example, is a direction from the previous touch position to the latest touch position. Further, the change of the moving direction is an angle made by the latest moving direction (a direction from the previous touch position to the latest touch position) and the previous moving direction (a direction from the touch position prior to the previous touch position to the previous touch position). In the case where the angle made by this exceeds a predetermined threshold, the event recognition section  130  judges that the moving direction has changed. In the case where it is judged two times that such a moving direction has changed, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a SHAKE event. This SHAKE event, for example, corresponds to a touch gesture in which the five fingers of the user&#39;s hand  41  move so as to shake while touching the touch panel  20 . 
     Further, in the case where two touch positions from among three touch positions are stationary, and the other touch position moves in one direction, the event recognition section  130  may recognize a CUT event as a fifth input event. More specifically, for example, while the three touch positions  43  are continuously detected, the event recognition section  130  judges whether or not two of the touch positions are not changing, and judges a start and an end of the movement of the other touch position. Then, in the case where it is continuously judged that these two touch positions are not changing and the end of the other touch position has been judged, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a CUT event. This CUT event, for example, corresponds to a touch gesture in which two fingers of one hand are stationary while touching the touch panel  20 , and one finger of the other hand moves in one direction while touching the touch panel  20 . 
     Further, in the case where one touch position moves approximately circular, the event recognition section  130  may recognize a CIRCLE event as a sixth input event. More specifically, for example, while the touch position  43  is continuously detected, the event recognition section  130  judges whether or not the latest touch position  43  matches the touch position  43  when the touch started. Then, in the case where the latest touch position  43  matches the touch position  43  when the touch started, the event recognition section  130  judges whether or not a locus of the touch position  43 , from the touch position  43  when the touch started to the latest touch position  43 , is appropriately circular. Then, in the case where this locus is judged to be appropriately circular, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a CIRCLE event. This CIRCLE event, for example, corresponds to a touch gesture in which one finger moves by drawing a circle while touching the touch panel  20 . 
     Further, in the case where one touch region  47  moves in one direction, the event recognition section  130  may recognize a WIPE event as a seventh input event. More specifically, for example, while this one touch region  47  is continuously detected, the event recognition section  130  determines a representative point of this one touch region  47  as an initial representative point. Afterwards, while this one touch region  47  is continuously extracted, the event recognition section  130  tracks the representative point of the touch region  47 , and calculates the distance between this representative point and the initial representative point. In the case where this distance becomes equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, the event recognition section  130  recognizes a WIPE event. This WIPE event, for example, corresponds to a touch gesture in which a specified part (for example, the side surface) of the user&#39;s hand  41  moves in one direction while touching the touch panel  20 . 
     Further, in the case where a palm region  49  is extracted, the event recognition section  130  may recognize a FADE event as an eighth input event. More specifically, for example, when the touch region extraction section  120  extracts the palm region  49 , the event recognition section  130  recognizes a FADE event. In this case, apart from the region extraction condition for the above described touch region  47 , a region extraction condition for the palm region  49  (for example, a shape condition or a size condition) is prepared. This FADE event, for example, corresponds to a touch gesture in which the palm of the user&#39;s hand  41  touches the touch panel  20 . 
     Heretofore, examples of other input events have been described. Note that the touch positions  43  in  FIG. 10  are examples. For example, the touch positions  43  may be replaced with touch position sets. 
     (Control Section  140 ) 
     The control section  140  controls all the operations of the information processing apparatus  100 , and provides application functions to the user of the information processing apparatus  100 . The control section  140  includes a display control section  141  and a data editing section  143 . 
     (Display Control Section  141 ) 
     The display control section  141  determines the display content in the display section  160 , and displays an output image corresponding to this display content on the display section  160 . For example, the display control section  141  changes the display of an object displayed on the touch panel  20 , according to the recognized input event. In particular, the display control section  141  changes the display of an object to be operated, which is displayed between a first touch region and a second touch region, according to the recognized input event (for example, a GATHER event or a SPLIT event), based on a change in the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     For example, in the case where a GATHER event is recognized, the display control section  141  repositions the objects to be operated in a narrower range. That is, the display control section  141  repositions a plurality of objects to be operated, which are part or all of the objects to the operated displayed before the recognition of the GATHER event, so as to place them in a narrower range after the recognition of the GATHER event. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 11A . 
       FIG. 11A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a GATHER event. Referring to  FIG. 11A , part of the touch panel  20  is shown. Further, at a time T 1 , three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  are displayed on the part of the touch panel  20 . Here, first the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  are extracted. Next, at a time T 2 , the distance between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  becomes smaller, and a GATHER event is recognized as an input event. Then, for example, such as in pattern A, the display control section  141  changes the position of the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  so that they become closer to one another, according to the change of the position of the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b . Alternatively, the display control section  141 , such as in pattern B, changes the position of the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c , so that the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  are superimposed in the range between the first touch region  47   a  and a second touch region  47   b.    
     Further, for example, in the case where a GATHER event is recognized, the display control section  141  converts a plurality of objects to the operated into one object to be operated. That is, the display control section  141  converts a plurality of objects to be operated, which are part or all of the objects to the operated displayed before the recognition of the GATHER event, into one object to be operated after the recognition of the GATHER event. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 11B . 
       FIG. 11B  is an explanatory diagram for describing another example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a GATHER event. Referring to  FIG. 11B , similar to that of  FIG. 11A , at a time T 1 , three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  are displayed on the part of the touch panel  20 , and the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  are extracted. Next, at a time T 2 , the distance between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  becomes smaller, and a GATHER event is recognized as an input event. Then, for example, the display control section  141  converts the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  into one new object  50   d.    
     According to the change of display by a GATHER event such as described above, for example, the user can consolidate objects  50 , which are scattered in a wide range within the touch panel  20 , by an intuitive touch gesture such as gathering up the objects  50  with both hands. Here, since the user uses both hands, operations can be performed for objects placed in a wide range of a large-sized touch panel with less of a burden, and where large movements of the user&#39;s body may not be necessary. 
     Further, for example, in the case where a SPLIT event is recognized, the display control section  141  repositions a plurality of objects to be operated in a wider range. That is, the display control section  141  repositions a plurality of objects to be operated, which are part or all of the objects to the operated displayed before the recognition of the SPLIT event, so as to be scattered in a wider range after the recognition of the SPLIT event. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 12A . 
     First,  FIG. 12A  is an explanatory diagram for describing a first example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a SPLIT event. Referring to  FIG. 12A , part of the touch panel  20  is shown. Further, at a time T 1 , three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  are displayed on the part of the touch panel  20 . Here, first the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  are extracted. Next, at a time T 2 , the distance between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  becomes larger, and a SPLIT event is recognized as an input event. Then, the display control section  141  changes the position of the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  so that they become more distant from one another, according to the change of position of the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b.    
     Further, for example, in the case where a SPLIT event is recognized, the display control section  141  converts one object to be operated into a plurality of objects to be operated. That is, the display control section  141  converts one object to be operated, which is part or all of the objects to be operated displayed before the recognition of the SPLIT event, into a plurality of objects to be operated after the recognition of the SPLIT event. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 12B . 
     Further,  FIG. 12B  is an explanatory diagram for describing a second example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a SPLIT event. Referring to  FIG. 12B , part of the touch panel  20  is shown. Further, at a time T 1 , one object  50   d  is displayed on the part of the touch panel  20 . Here, first the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  are extracted. Next, at a time T 2 , the distance between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  becomes larger, and a SPLIT event is recognized as an input event. Then, the display control section  141  converts this one object  50   d  into three new objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c.    
     Further, for example, in the case where a SPLIT event is recognized, the display control section  141  may align the plurality of objects to be operated displayed before the recognition of the SPLIT event. That is, the display control section  141  aligns the plurality of objects to be operated, which are part or all of the objects to the operated displayed before the recognition of the SPLIT event, after the recognition of the SPLIT event. Hereinafter, this point will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 12C . 
     Further,  FIG. 12C  is an explanatory diagram for describing a third example of the change of display for objects to be operated by a SPLIT event. Referring to  FIG. 12C , similar to that of  FIG. 12A , at a time T 1 , three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  are displayed on the part of the touch panel  20 , and the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  are extracted. Next, at a time T 2 , the distance between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b  becomes larger, and a SPLIT event is recognized as an input event. Then, the display control section  141  aligns the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c.    
     According to such a change of display by a SPLIT event, for example, the user can deploy objects  50  consolidated within the touch panel  20  in a wide range, or can arrange objects  50  placed without order, by an intuitive touch gesture such as spreading the objects  50  with both hands. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to view the objects  50 . Here, since the user uses both hands, operations can be performed for objects deployed or arranged in a wide range of a large-sized touch panel with less of a burden, and where large movements of the user&#39;s body may not be necessary. 
     Note that while  FIGS. 11A to 12C  have been described for the case where all the objects  50 , which are displayed between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b , are the objects to the operated, the present embodiments are not limited to this. For example, part of the objects, which are displayed between the first touch region  47   a  and the second touch region  47   b , may be the objects to the operated. Further, the display may be changed for each type of object to be operated. For example, in the case where a SPLIT event is recognized, the display control section  141  may separately arrange the objects to be operated corresponding to a photograph, and the objects to the operated corresponding to a moving image. 
     (Data Editing Section  143 ) 
     The data editing section  143  performs editing of data. For example, the data editing section  143  performs uniting or dividing of data corresponding to objects, according to the recognized input event. In particular, the data editing section  143  unites or divides data corresponding to objects to the operated, which are displayed between the first data region and the second data region, according to the recognized input event (for example, a GATHER event or a SPLIT event), based on a change in the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     For example, in the case where a GATHER event is recognized, the data editing section  143  unites data corresponding to a plurality of objects to be operated displayed before the recognition of the GATHER event. As an example, this data is a moving image. For example, the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  at a time T 1 , which is shown in FIG.  11 B, may each correspond to a moving image. Then, when a GATHER event is recognized at a time T 2 , the data editing section  143  unites the three moving images corresponding to the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c . In this case, for example, as shown in  FIG. 11B , the three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  are converted into one object  50   d , and this object  50   d  corresponds to a moving image after being united. 
     Further, for example, in the case where a SPLIT event is recognized, the data editing section  143  divides data corresponding to one object to be operated displayed before the recognition of the SPLIT event. As an example, this data is a moving image. For example, this one object  50   d  at a time T 1 , which is shown in  FIG. 12B , may correspond to a moving image. Then, when a SPLIT event is recognized at a time T 2 , the data editing section  143  divides the moving image corresponding to the object  50   d  into three moving images. In this case, for example, as shown in  FIG. 12B , this one object  50   d  is converted into three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c , and these three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  correspond to three moving images after being divided. Note that the number of moving images after being divided and the dividing position, for example, may be determined according to a result of scene recognition for the moving image before being divided. Further, as shown in  FIGS. 13E and 13F  described afterwards, an object corresponding to a visual performance (transition) during a scene transition between images may be displayed between the objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c.    
     From such data uniting by a GATHER event or data dividing by a SPLIT event, a user can easily edit data by an intuitive touch gesture, such as gathering up objects  50  with both hands or spreading objects  50  with both hands. For example, a photograph or a moving image can be easily edited. 
     Heretofore, operations of the display control section  141  and the data editing section  143  have been described for a GATHER event and SPLIT event. According to an input event such as a GATHER event or SPLIT event, a user can perform operations by an intuitive touch gesture, such as gathering up objects  50  with a specific part (for example, the side surface) of both hands or spreading objects  50  with both hands. Here, since the user uses both hands, operations can be performed for a large-sized touch panel with less of a burden, and where large movements of the user&#39;s body may not be necessary. For example, even if the objects for operation are scattered in a wide range of a large-sized screen, an operation target is specified by spreading both hands, and thereafter the user can perform various operations with a gesture integral to this specification. 
     Hereinafter, operations of the display control section  141  and the data editing section  143  will be described for six input events other than a GATHER event or SPLIT event, with reference to  FIGS. 13A to 13F . 
     (Display Control and Data Editing for Other Input Events) 
       FIG. 13A  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a GRAB event. Referring to  FIG. 13A , a GRAB event, which is described with reference to  FIG. 10 , is recognized. In this case, the display control section  141  alters an object  50   m , which is displayed by being enclosed by the five touch positions  43 , so as to show a state which has been deleted. Then, the data editing section  143  deletes the data corresponding to the object  50   m.    
     Further,  FIG. 13B  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a SHAKE event. Referring to  FIG. 13B , a SHAKE event, which is described with reference to  FIG. 10 , is recognized. In this case, the display control section  141  alters an object  50   m , which is displayed in at least one touch position  43  from among the five touch positions  43 , so as to show an original state before the operation. For example, the display control section  141  alters the object  50   m , which shows a state which has been trimmed, so as to show a state before being trimmed. Then, the data editing section  143  restores (that is, a so-called undo operation is performed) the data corresponding to the object  50   m  (for example, a photograph after being trimmed) to the data before being trimmed (for example, a photograph before being trimmed). 
     Further,  FIG. 13C  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a CUT event. Referring to  FIG. 13C , a CUT event, which is described with reference to  FIG. 10 , is recognized. In this case, the display control section  141  alters an object  50   m , which is displayed in two stationary touch positions and is intersected in a touch position which moves in one direction, so as to show a state which has been trimmed. Then, the data editing section  143  trims the data (for example, a photograph) corresponding to the object  50   m.    
     Further,  FIG. 13D  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the change of display for an object to be operated by a CIRCLE event. Referring to  FIG. 13D , a CIRCLE event, which is described with reference to  FIG. 10 , is recognized. In this case, there is an object  50   m  corresponding to a moving frame, and the display control section  141  alters the object  50   m , which displays a first frame of this moving image, so as to display a second frame of this moving image (for example, a frame which appears after the first frame). Then, the data editing section  143  acquires a state where this second frame is selected, so as to edit the moving image. 
     Further,  FIG. 13E  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an operation for objects to be operated by a WIPE event. Referring to  FIG. 13E , three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  corresponding to respective moving images are displayed on part of the touch panel  20 . Further, objects  50   i  and  50   j  corresponding to a visual performance (hereinafter, called a “transition”) during a scene transition between images is displayed between these three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c . Here, a touch position  43  is detected by a touch, and in this way it becomes a state where the object  50   i  corresponding to a transition is selected. Then, a WIPE event, which is described with reference to  FIG. 10 , is recognized. In this case, the data editing section  143  sets the transition corresponding to the object  50   i  to a wipe transition in the direction to which the touch region  47  has moved. 
     Further,  FIG. 13F  is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an operation for objects to be operated by a FADE event. Referring to  FIG. 13F , similar to that of  FIG. 13E , three objects  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  corresponding to respective moving images, and objects  50   i  and  50   j  corresponding to transitions between the moving images, are displayed on the touch panel  20 . Further, similar to that of  FIG. 13E , it becomes a state where the object  50   i  corresponding to a transition is selected. Then, a FADE event, which is described with reference to  FIG. 10 , is recognized. In this case, the data editing section  143  sets the transition corresponding to the object  50   i  to a fade-in transition or a fade-out transition. 
     (Storage Section  150 ) 
     The storage section  150  stores information to be temporarily or permanently kept in the information processing apparatus  100 . For example, the storage section  150  stores an image of the object  50  displayed on the display section  160 . Further, the storage section  150  stores data (such as photographs or moving images) corresponding to this object  50 . 
     (Display Section  160 ) 
     The display section  160  displays an output image, according to a control by the display control section  141 . That is, the display control section  160  has a function corresponding to the display surface  23 . 
     3. OPERATION EXAMPLES 
     Next, operation examples in the information processing apparatus  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 14A to 14F .  FIGS. 14A to 14F  are explanatory diagrams for describing operation examples in the information processing apparatus  100 . In the present operation examples, segmentation of a moving image is performed as the editing of a moving image. 
     First, referring to  FIG. 14A , at a time T 1 , six objects  50   a  to  50   f  corresponding to moving images A to F are displayed on the touch panel  20 . Further, a start tag  53  and an end tag  55  for editing the moving image are displayed. In the present operation example, hereinafter segmentation of the moving image F is performed. 
     Next, at a time T 2 , a SPLIT event, in which the object  50   f  is made the object to be operated, is recognized. As a result, the object  50 F is converted into six objects  50   g  to  50   l  in the touch panel  20 . Further, the moving image F corresponding to the object  50   f  is divided into six moving images F 1  to F 6 . Here, the six objects  50   g  to  50   l  correspond to these six moving images F 1  to F 6  after being divided. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 14B , at a time T 3 , a touch position  43  is detected, and as a result, it becomes a state where the object  50   h  and the moving image F 2  are selected. 
     Next, at a time T 4 , a CIRCLE event is recognized. As a result, the object  50   h , which displays a first frame of the moving image F 2 , is altered so as to display a second frame of this moving image F 2 . Such an altered object  50   h  is represented here by F 2 X. Further, it becomes a state where this second frame of the moving image F 2  is selected. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 14C , at a time T 5 , the start tag  53  is dragged onto the object  50   h . Then, this second frame of the moving image F 2  is determined as the start point for editing the moving image F. 
     Next, at a time T 6 , a CUT event, in which the object  50   h  is made a target, is recognized. As a result, segmentation of the moving image is determined as the content for editing. Here, the start point for the segmentation of the moving image F is this second frame of the moving image F 2 , which has been determined as the start point for editing. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 14D , at a time T 7 , the objects  50   h  to  50   l  are displayed again. Then, a touch position  43  is detected, and as a result, it becomes a state where the object  50   k  and the moving image F 5  are selected. 
     Next, at a time T 8 , a CIRCLE event is recognized. As a result, the object  50   k , which displays the first frame of the moving image F 5 , is altered so as to display a second frame of this moving image F 5 . Such an altered object  50   k  is represented here by F 5 X. Further, it becomes a state where this second frame of the moving image F 5  is selected. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 14E , at a time T 9 , the end tag  55  is dragged onto the object  50   k . Then, this second frame of the moving image F 5  is determined as the end point for editing the moving image F. That is, this second frame of the moving image F 5  is determined as the end point for the segmentation of the moving image F. 
     Next, at a time T 10 , the objects  50   h  to  50   k  are displayed again. 
     Then, referring to  FIG. 14F , at a time T 11 , a GATHER event, in which the objects  50   h  to  50   k  are made the objects to be operated, is recognized. As a result, the four objects  50   h  to  50   k  are converted into one object  50   z  in the touch panel  20 . Further, the moving objects F 2  to F 5  corresponding to the four objects  50   h  to  50   k  are united, and become one moving image Z. Here, the united moving image F 2  is the part of the second and subsequent frames of the moving image F 2 , and the united moving image F 5  is the part before the second frame of the moving image F 5 . That is, the moving image Z is a moving image of the parts from the second frame of the moving image F 2  to just before the second frame of the moving image F 5 , from within the moving image F. 
     Heretofore, operation examples of the image processing apparatus  100  have been described. For example, such a segmentation of a moving image is performed. 
     &lt;4. Processes Flow&gt; 
     Next, examples of an information process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 15 to 18 .  FIG. 15  is a flow chart which shows an example of a schematic flow of an information process according to the present embodiment. 
     First, in step S 201 , the touch detection section  110  detects a touch position in the touch panel  20 . Next, in step S 300 , the touch region extraction section  120  executes a touch region extraction process described afterwards. Then, in step S 203 , the event recognition section  130  judges whether or not two touch regions have been extracted. If two touch regions have been extracted, the process proceeds to step S 400 . Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S 207 . 
     In step S 400 , the event recognition section  130  executes a GATHER/SPLIT recognition process described afterwards. Next, in step S 205 , the control section  140  judges whether a GATHER event or a SPLIT event has been recognized. If a GATHER event or a SPLIT event has been recognized, the process proceeds to step S 500 . Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S 207 . 
     In step S 500 , the control section  140  executes a GATHER/SPLIT control process described afterwards. Then, the process returns to step S 201 . 
     In step S 207 , the event recognition section  130  recognizes another input event other than a GATHER event or SPLIT event. Then, in step S 209 , the control section  140  judges whether or not another input event has been recognized. If another input event has been recognized, the process proceeds to step S 211 . Otherwise, the process returns to step S 201 . 
     In step S 211 , the control section  140  executes processes according to the recognized input event. Then, the process returns to step S 201 . 
     (Touch Region Extraction Process  300 ) 
     Next, an example of a touch region extraction process S 300  will be described.  FIG. 16  is a flow chart which shows an example of a touch region extraction process  300 . This example is an example in the case where the region extraction condition is a size condition. 
     First, in step S 301 , the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not a plurality of touch positions have been detected. If a plurality of touch positions have been detected, the process proceeds to step S 303 . Otherwise, the process ends. 
     In step S 303 , the touch region extraction section  120  groups the plurality of touch positions into one or more touch position sets, in accordance with a predetermined grouping condition. In step S 305 , the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not touch position set(s) is(/are) present. If touch position set(s) is(/are) present, the process proceeds to step S 307 . Otherwise, the process ends. 
     In step S 307 , the touch region extraction section  120  selects a touch position set to which judgment of the region extraction condition has not been performed. Next, in step S 309 , the touch region extraction section  120  calculates an area of the region including the selected touch position set. Then, in step S 311 , the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not the calculated area is equal to or more than a threshold Tmin and less than a threshold Tmax. If the area is equal to or more than the threshold Tmin and less than the threshold Tmax, the process proceeds to step S 313 . Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S 315 . 
     In step S 313 , the touch region extraction section  120  judges that the region including the selected touch position set satisfies the region extraction condition. That is, the touch region extraction section  120  extracts the region including the selected touch position set as a touch region. 
     In step S 315 , the touch region extraction section  120  judges whether or not the judgment of the region extraction condition has been completed for all touch position sets. If this judgment has been completed for all touch position sets, the process ends. Otherwise, the process returns to step S 307 . 
     (GATHER/SPLIT Recognition Process S 400 ) 
     Next, an example of a GATHER/SPLIT recognition process S 400  will be described.  FIG. 17  is a flow chart which shows an example of a GATHER/SPLIT recognition process. This example is an example in the case where a GATHER event or SPLIT event has been recognized, based on an amount of change in the distance between touch regions. 
     First, in step S 401 , the event recognition section  130  determines a representative point of the extracted first touch region. Further, in step S 403 , the event recognition section  130  determines a representative point of the extracted second touch region. Then, in step S 405 , the event recognition section  130  judges whether or not the two touch regions were also extracted a previous time. If these two touch regions were also extracted a previous time, the process proceeds to step S 409 . Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S 407 . 
     In step S 407 , the event recognition section  130  calculates the distance between the two determined representative points as an initial distance D 0 . Then, the process ends. 
     In step S 409 , the event recognition section  130  calculates a distance Dk between the two determined representative points. Next, in step S 411 , the event recognition section  130  calculates a difference (Dk−D 0 ) between the calculated distance Dk and the initial distance D 0  as an amount of change in distance. Then, in step S 413 , the event recognition section  130  judges whether or not the amount of change in distance (Dk−D 0 ) is equal to or less than a negative threshold TG. If the amount of change in distance (Dk−D 0 ) is equal to or less than the negative threshold TG, the process proceeds to step S 415 . Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S 417 . 
     In step S 415 , the event recognition section  130  recognizes a GATHER event as an input event. Then, the process ends. 
     In step S 417 , the event recognition section  130  judges whether or not the amount of change in distance (Dk−D 0 ) is equal to or more than a positive threshold TS. If the amount of change in distance (Dk−D 0 ) is equal to or more than the positive threshold TS, the process proceeds to step S 419 . Otherwise, the process ends. 
     In step S 419 , the event recognition section  130  recognizes a SPLIT event as an input event. Then, the process ends. 
     (GATHER/SPLIT Control Process S 500 ) 
     Next, an example of a GATHER/SPLIT control process S 500  will be described.  FIG. 18  is a flow chart which shows an example of a GATHER/SPLIT control process. 
     First, in step S 501 , the display control section  141  specifies objects to be operated, which are displayed between the first touch region and the second touch region. Then, in step S 503 , the display control section  141  judges whether or not there are objects to be operated. If there are objects to be operated, the process proceeds to step S 505 . Otherwise, the process ends. 
     In step S 505 , the display control section  141  judges whether or not the recognized input event was a GATHER event. If the recognized input event was a GATHER event, the process proceeds to step S 507 . Otherwise, that is, if the recognized input event was a SPLIT event, the process proceeds to step S 511 . 
     In step S 507 , the data editing section  143  executes editing of the data according to the GATHER event. For example, the data editing section  143  unites the data corresponding to a plurality of objects displayed before the recognition of the GATHER event. 
     In step S 509 , the display control section  141  executes a display control according to the GATHER event. For example, as described with reference to  FIG. 11A , the display control section  141  may reposition the objects to be operated in a narrower range, or as described with reference to  FIG. 11B , the display control section  141  may convert a plurality of objects to be operated into one object to be operated. Then, the process ends. 
     In step S 511 , the data editing section  143  executes editing of the data according to the SPLIT event. For example, the data editing section  143  divides the data corresponding to the object displayed before the recognition of the SPLIT event. 
     In step S 513 , the display control section  141  executes a display control according to the SPLIT event. For example, as described with reference to  FIG. 12A , the display control section  141  may reposition a plurality of objects to be operated in a wider range, or as described with reference to  FIG. 12B , the display control section  141  may convert one object to be operated into a plurality of objects to be operated. Alternatively, as described with reference to  FIG. 12C , the display control section  141  may align a plurality of objects to be operated displayed before the recognition of the SPLIT event. Then, the process ends. 
     5. CONCLUSION 
     Thus far, an information processing apparatus  100  according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has been described by using  FIGS. 1 to 18 . According to the present embodiments, an input event (GATHER event or SPLIT event) is recognized, based on a change in the distance between two touch regions. In this way, a user can perform operations by an intuitive touch gesture, such as gathering up objects  50  displayed on a touch panel  20  with a specific part (for example, the side surface) of both hands or spreading objects  50  with both hands. Here, since the user uses both hands, operations can be performed for a large-sized touch panel with less of a burden, and where large movements of the user&#39;s body may not be necessary. For example, even if the objects for operation are scattered in a wide range of a large-sized screen, an operation target is specified by spreading both hands, and thereafter the user can perform various operations with a gesture integral to this specification. 
     For example, in the case where a GATHER event is recognized, the objects to be operated are positioned in a narrower range. In this way, the user can consolidate objects  50 , which are scattered in a wide range within the touch panel  20 , by an intuitive touch gesture such as gathering up the objects  50  with both hands. Further, in the case where a SPLIT event is recognized, the objects to be operated are positioned in a wider range, or the objects to be operated are aligned. In this way, the user can deploy objects  50  consolidated within the touch panel  20  in a wide range, or can arrange objects  50  placed without order, by an intuitive touch gesture such as spreading the objects  50  with both hands. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to view the objects  50 . 
     Further, for example, in the case where a GATHER event is recognized, the data corresponding to a plurality of objects to be operated is united. Further, for example, in the case where a SPLIT event is recognized, the data corresponding to one object to be operated is divided. In these cases, a user can easily edit data by an intuitive touch gesture, such as gathering up objects  50  with both hands or spreading objects  50  with both hands. 
     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. 
     For example, while a case has been described where the touch panel is a contact type which perceives a touch (contact) of the user&#39;s hand, the touch panel in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the touch panel may be a proximity type which perceives a proximity state of the user&#39;s hand. Further, in this case, the detected touch position may be a position of the proximity of the hand on the touch panel. 
     Further, while a case has been described where a touch region is extracted according to a touch with the side surface of a hand, the extraction of the touch region in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the touch region may be extracted according to a touch with another part of the hand, such as the ball of a finger, the palm, or the back of the hand. Further, the touch region may be extracted according to a touch other than that with a user&#39;s hand. 
     Further, the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to a large-sized display device, and can be implemented by various types of devices. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a device such as a personal computer or a server device, which is directly or indirectly connected to the touch panel without being built-in to the touch panel. In this case, this device may not include the above described touch detection section and display section. Further, the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a device such as a personal computer or a server device, which is directly or indirectly connected to a control device performing display control and data editing of the touch panel. In this case, this device may not include the above described control section and storage section. Further, the technology according to the present disclosure can be implemented in relation to a touch panel other than a large-sized touch panel. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a device which includes a comparatively small-sized touch panel, such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or an electronic book terminal. 
     Further, the process steps in the information process of an embodiment of the present disclosure may not necessarily be executed in a time series according to order described in the flow charts. For example, the process steps in the information process may be executed in parallel, even if the process steps are executed in an order different to the order described in the flow charts. 
     Further, it is possible to create a computer program, for displaying the functions equivalent to each configuration of the above described information processing apparatus, in the hardware of a CPU, ROM, RAM or the like which is built-in to the information processing apparatus. Further, a storage medium which stores this computer program may be provided. 
     Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below. 
     (1) An information processing apparatus, including: 
     an extraction section which extracts a first touch region and a second touch region, each satisfying a predetermined region extraction condition, from a plurality of touch positions detected by a touch panel; and 
     a recognition section which recognizes an input event, based on a change in a distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), 
     wherein in a case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes smaller, the recognition section recognizes a first input event. 
     (3) The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), 
     wherein in a case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes larger, the recognition section recognizes a second input event. 
     (4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), 
     wherein the recognition section recognizes the input event, based on an amount of change in the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     (5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), 
     wherein the recognition section recognizes the input event, based on a relative moving direction between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     (6) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), 
     wherein the recognition section recognizes the input event, based on a moving direction of the first touch region and a moving direction of the second touch region. 
     (7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), further including: 
     a control section which changes a display of an object to be operated, which is displayed between the first touch region and the second touch region, according to the recognized input event. 
     (8) The information processing apparatus according to (7), 
     wherein in a case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes smaller, the recognition section recognizes a first input event, and 
     wherein in a case where the first input event is recognized, the control section repositions an object to be operated in a narrower range. 
     (9) The information processing apparatus according to (7), 
     wherein in a case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes smaller, the recognition section recognizes a first input event, and 
     wherein in a case where the first input event is recognized, the control section unites data corresponding to a plurality of objects to be operated displayed before the recognition of the first input event. 
     (10) The information processing apparatus according to (9), 
     wherein the data is a moving image. 
     (11) The information processing apparatus according to (7), 
     wherein in a case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes larger, the recognition section recognizes a second input event, and 
     wherein in a case where the second input event is recognized, the control section repositions a plurality of objects to be operated in a wider range. 
     (12) The information processing apparatus according to (7), 
     wherein in a case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes larger, the recognition section recognizes a second input event, and 
     wherein in a case where the second input event is recognized, the control section aligns a plurality of objects to be operated displayed before the recognition of the second input event. 
     (13) The information processing apparatus according to (7), 
     wherein in a case where the distance between the first touch region and the second touch region becomes larger, the recognition section recognizes a second input event, and 
     wherein in a case where the second input event is recognized, the control section divides data corresponding to one object to be operated displayed before the recognition of the second input event. 
     (14) The information processing apparatus according to (13), 
     wherein the data is a moving image. 
     (15) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (14), 
     wherein the region extraction condition includes a condition for a size of a touch region to be extracted. 
     (16) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (14), 
     wherein the region extraction condition includes a condition for a shape of a touch region to be extracted. 
     (17) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (14), 
     wherein the region extraction condition includes a condition for a density of a touch position included in a touch region to be extracted. 
     (18) An information processing method, including: 
     extracting a first touch region and a second touch region, each satisfying a predetermined region extraction condition, from a plurality of touch positions detected by a touch panel; and 
     recognizing an input event, based on a change in a distance between the first touch region and the second touch region. 
     The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-049079 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Mar. 6, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.