Patent Publication Number: US-2011055743-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Nowadays, there are many information processing systems each including an information input apparatus which accepts input of information from a user and an information processing apparatus which executes processing in accordance with the information received from the information input apparatus. The information processing apparatus causes the following to be displayed on, for example, a display surface provided thereto: a screen in which objects such as a text box, a button, and a link are pasted (e.g., Web page). In order to select a desired object from the displayed objects, the user inputs information for selecting the desired object to the information input apparatus. The information processing apparatus determines which object was selected by the user in accordance with, for example, the information for selecting the desired object which is received from the information input apparatus. There are various technologies for inputting the information for selecting the desired object by the user to the information input apparatus. 
     For example, in order that the user can select the desired object, there is a technology for determining that an object to which a cursor points is the desired object. In this technology, for example, the user can specify a direction and a distance along the direction by the direction in which an operating tool such as a finger is moved on a touch panel provided to an information input apparatus and the distance along that direction. Further, for example, the user can also specify a direction and a distance along the direction by the direction in which a mouse provided to the information input apparatus is moved and the distance along that direction. An information processing apparatus causes a cursor to move on the display surface in accordance with, for example, the direction and the distance input to the information input apparatus by the user, determines that the object to which the cursor points is a desired object, and displays a focus on the desired object. 
     Further, in order that the user can select the desired object, there is a technology for inputting a direction to an information input apparatus by the user using a 5-way key or the like. In this technology, for example, it is necessary that the user input any one of left, right, up, and down directions by using the 5-way key or the like to the information input apparatus. An information processing apparatus causes the focus to move to a new object based on a position currently being focused on and any one of the left, right, up, and down directions that is transmitted from the information input apparatus. 
     In addition, for example, there is also disclosed a technology (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-209495) in which, when a user presses one of the left, right, up, and down directions on an arrow key provided to an information input apparatus, an information processing apparatus causes a cursor to move in the direction that the user presses. Accordingly, it becomes possible that a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of a mouse easily move a cursor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, in the technology for determining that an object to which a cursor points is the desired object, it is necessary that the user move, while watching a cursor displayed on a display surface, the cursor onto a desired object. Therefore, there was an issue that it was difficult to adjust a direction and a distance to be input to an information input apparatus in some occasions. The adjustments thereof are particularly difficult when the movement distance of the cursor displayed by an information processing apparatus is overwhelmingly large compared to the distance input to an information input apparatus by a user, such as the case where a touch panel is small and a display surface is large. 
     Further, in the technology for inputting a direction to an information input apparatus by using a 5-way key or the like, there was an issue that it was difficult for a user to determine which of the left, right, up, and down directions, based on an object currently being focused on, a direction of a desired object corresponds to. The determination of the object is particularly difficult when layout design of objects is highly flexible, such as that of objects pasted onto a Web page. Further, even when the user makes the determination and then inputs any one of the left, right, up, and down directions, there is a case where the determination is actually erroneous and hence the focus does not move to the desired object. Therefore, a burden is imposed on the operation of the user. 
     In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a novel and improved technology which enables a user to easily input information for selecting a desired object from among objects displayed on a display surface. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus which includes a display section which has a display surface and is capable of displaying information on the display surface, a storage section which stores pieces of object position information indicating positions of a plurality of objects on the display surface, and also stores attention information for specifying at least one of the pieces of object position information, an object display control section which causes the plurality of objects to be displayed at the positions on the display surface indicated by the pieces of object position information, a reception section which receives, from an information input apparatus which accepted input of direction information indicating a direction on the display surface, the direction information, an attention object selection section which selects new attention object position information indicating a position of an object that is to be newly attended to from the pieces of object position information based on the direction information received by the reception section, and a focus position control section which causes a focus to be displayed at a position on the display surface indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information, and also causes the focus to move to a position on the display surface indicated by the new attention object position information selected by the attention object selection section. 
     The attention object selection section may select the new attention object position information based on the direction information received by the reception section and the pieces of object position information stored in the storage section. 
     The attention object selection section may select as the new attention object position information, from among the pieces of object position information stored in the storage section, information indicating a position proceeded in the direction indicated by the direction information received by the reception section from the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. 
     When there are a plurality of pieces of attention candidate position information each indicating the position proceeded in the direction indicated by the direction information received by the reception section from the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information, the attention object selection section may select as the new attention object position information, from among the plurality of pieces of attention candidate position information, information indicating the closest position from the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. 
     The reception section may further receive, from the information input apparatus which further accepts input of speed along the direction, the speed. When there are a plurality of pieces of attention candidate position information each indicating the position proceeded in the direction indicated by the direction information received by the reception section from the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information, the attention object selection section may select as the new attention object position information, from among the plurality of pieces of attention candidate position information, information indicating the closest position to a position which is away by a distance proportional to the speed from the position indicated by the object position information correlated with the attention information. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include an attention information updating section which updates the attention information stored in the storage section by the information for specifying the new attention object position information. 
     The reception section may further receive, from the information input apparatus which further accepts input of a focus continuous movement instruction which instructs to continuously move the focus, the focus continuous movement instruction after receiving the direction information. Each time the focus continuous movement instruction is received by the reception section, the attention object selection section may select as the new attention object position information, from among the plurality of pieces of attention candidate position information, information sequentially from information indicating the closest position to information indicating the farthest position, using as a reference the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. 
     The reception section may further receive, from the information input apparatus which further accepts input of speed along the direction, the speed. When the speed received by the reception section is lower than a threshold value, the attention object selection section may not select the new attention object position information. 
     In moving the focus, the focus position control section may cause the focus during stages of movement to be displayed on the display surface. 
     In causing the focus during stages of movement to be displayed on the display surface, the focus position control section may gradually slow down the movement speed of the focus. 
     The focus position control section may gradually enlarge or reduce a size of the focus in accordance with a size of the object displayed at the position on the display surface indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information and a size of the object displayed at the position on the display surface indicated by the new attention object position information. 
     The information processing apparatus may further include a processing execution section. The reception section may further receive, from the information input apparatus which further accepts input of a processing request indicating that processing is to be executed, the processing request. When the processing request is received by the reception section, the processing execution section may execute processing corresponding to the new attention object position information. 
     According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, it becomes possible for the user to easily input information for selecting a desired object from among the objects displayed on the display surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on a display surface provided to an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram for illustrating an outline of functions of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing examples of various pieces of information stored in a storage section of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram for illustrating stages of movement of a focus displayed on the display surface of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an information input apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information input apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing an example of a screen (before cursor movement) which is displayed on a display surface provided to an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing an example of the screen (after cursor movement) which is displayed on the display surface provided to the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram for illustrating an outline of functions of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram showing examples of various pieces of information stored in a storage section of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an information input apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information input apparatus according to the embodiment; and 
         FIG. 20  is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention 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. First embodiment   

     1-1. Example of screen displayed on display surface provided to information processing apparatus 
     1-2. Outline of functions of information processing apparatus 
     1-3. Configuration of information processing system 
     1-4. Functional configuration of information processing apparatus 
     1-5. Examples of various pieces of information stored in storage section of information processing apparatus 
     1-6. Stages of movement of focus displayed on display surface of information processing apparatus 
     1-7. Functional configuration of information input apparatus 
     1-8. Hardware configuration of information processing apparatus 
     1-9. Hardware configuration of information input apparatus 
     1-10. Flow of operation of information processing apparatus 
     1-11. Modified example
     2. Second embodiment   

     2-1. Example of screen (before cursor movement) displayed on display surface provided to information processing apparatus 
     2-2. Example of screen (after cursor movement) displayed on display surface provided to information processing apparatus 
     2-3. Outline of functions of information processing apparatus 
     2-4. Configuration of information processing system 
     2-5. Functional configuration of information processing apparatus 
     2-6. Examples of various pieces of information stored in storage section of information processing apparatus 
     2-7. Stages of movement of focus displayed on display surface of information processing apparatus 
     2-8. Functional configuration of information input apparatus 
     2-9. Hardware configuration of information processing apparatus 
     2-10. Hardware configuration of information input apparatus 
     2-11. Flow of operation of information processing apparatus
     2-12. Modified example   3. Summary   

     1. First Embodiment  
     
         
         [1-1. Example of Screen displayed on Display Surface Provided to Information Processing Apparatus] 
       
    
       FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on a display surface provided to an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 1  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the screen which is displayed on the display surface provided to the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a display surface  111 A provided to the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is, for example, provided on a display section  110 A included in the information processing apparatus. On respective positions of the display surface  111 A, objects  111   a  to  111   i  are displayed. In  FIG. 1 , there is shown a case where nine objects are arranged on the display surface  111 A, and the number of the objects arranged on the display surface  111 A is not particularly limited. Further, the positions of the display surface  111 A on which the respective objects are arranged are also not particularly limited. Further, in  FIG. 1 , there is shown a case where a registration screen for registering data such as personal information is displayed on the display surface  111 A, and the kind of screen displayed on the display surface  111 A is not particularly limited as long as it is a screen on which objects are arranged. 
     In  FIG. 1 , there are shown as examples of the objects: objects  111   a  to  111   c  and  111   f  each including a text box for entering a character string; objects  111   d  and  111   e  each including a pull-down menu for selecting a character string; an object  111   g  used for the transfer to a destination page; and objects  111   h  and  111   i  for executing predetermined processing. However, the objects displayed on the display surface  111 A are not particularly limited as long as they can be visually understood by the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a focus  112  for drawing a user&#39;s attention is displayed at the position of the object  111   a.  In  FIG. 1 , the focus  112  is shown as the one which fills the entire object  111   a  with a different color from that of objects  111   b  to  111   i.  However, the focus  112  may be displayed in any form as long as it emphasizes the object  111   a  in order to draw the user&#39;s attention. For example, the focus  112  may be displayed in such a manner that it surrounds the frame of the object  111   a.    
     The focus  112  can be moved to any positions of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  by operation of the user. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, enables the user to easily input information for selecting a desired object from the objects  111   a  to  111   i.    
     [1-2. Outline of Functions of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram for illustrating an outline of functions of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 2  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the outline of functions of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     The information processing apparatus has a function of receiving, from an information input apparatus which accepted input of direction information indicating a direction on the display surface  111 A, the direction information. The information input apparatus is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of accepting input of direction information indicating a direction on the display surface  111 A from a user, and there can be used as the information input apparatus, for example, a remote control with a touch panel, a mouse, and a joystick. 
     In the case where a remote control with a touch panel is used as the information input apparatus, information that can be input to the information input apparatus is, for example, direction information indicating a direction in which the user moves an operating tool such as a finger or a pen by an operation of moving the operating tool while keeping the operating tool in contact with the touch panel (drag operation). In the same manner, in the case where a mouse is used as the information input apparatus, information that can be input to the information input apparatus is, for example, direction information indicating a direction in which the user moves the mouse by an operation of moving the mouse while keeping the clicked state (drag operation). In the case where a joystick is used as the information input apparatus, information that can be input to the information input apparatus is, for example, direction information indicating a direction in which the user tilts the joystick. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , positions of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  are represented by A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ), respectively. In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the centers of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  are represented by A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ), respectively. However, the position of each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  is not limited to the center of each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i,  and may be top-left of each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i,  for example. 
     When the user inputs the direction information indicating a direction to the information input apparatus, the information input apparatus accepts the input of the direction information, and the information processing apparatus receives the direction information from the information input apparatus. The information processing apparatus moves the focus  112  to the position indicated by object position information that is to be newly attended to, which is selected from pieces of object position information A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ) based on the direction indicated by the received direction information. 
     For example, there is assumed a case where, when the focus  112  exists at A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ), the user inputs direction information indicating a direction of A 3 (X 3 , Y 3 ) from A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to the information input apparatus. In this case, the information processing apparatus moves the focus  112  to A 3 (X 3 , Y 3 ). A locus from the initial position to the destination position of the focus  112  is represented as a displacement K. The direction of A 3 (X 3 , Y 3 ) from A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) refers to a direction equal to that represented by a vector (X 3 -X 1 , Y 3 -Y 1 ). 
     Further for example, there is assumed a case where, when the focus  112  exists at A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ), the user inputs direction information indicating a direction of A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) from A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to the information input apparatus. In this case, the information processing apparatus moves the focus  112  to A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ). A locus from the initial position to the destination position of the focus  112  is represented as a displacement M 1 . The direction of A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) from A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) refers to a direction equal to that represented by a vector (X 2 -X 1 , Y 2 -Y 1 ). 
     In addition, for example, there is also assumed a case where, after the information processing apparatus caused the focus  112  to move to A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ), the information input apparatus further accepts from the user the input of a focus continuous movement instruction which instructs to continuously move the focus  112 . In this case, after receiving the direction information from the information input apparatus, the information processing apparatus further receives the focus continuous movement instruction. In the case where the information processing apparatus further receives the focus continuous movement instruction after receiving the direction information from the information input apparatus, the information processing apparatus may further cause the focus  112  to move to A 4 (X 4 , Y 4 ). A locus from the initial position to the destination position of the focus  112  is represented as a displacement M 2 . The focus continuous movement instruction is input to the information input apparatus in various ways. 
     In the case where a remote control with a touch panel is used as the information input apparatus, the focus continuous movement instruction is input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation in which the user continuously keeps an operating tool in contact with the touch panel for a predetermined time period or longer without releasing the operating tool from the touch panel after the drag operation (long pressing operation). In the case where a mouse is used as the information input apparatus, the focus continuous movement instruction is input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation in which the user continuously presses a button of the mouse for a predetermined time period or longer after the drag operation of the mouse (long pressing operation). In the case where a joystick is used as the information input apparatus, the focus continuous movement instruction is input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation in which the user continuously keeps the joystick tilted for a predetermined time period or longer after the operation of tilting the joystick (long pressing operation). 
     Further, there is also assumed a case where, in addition to accepting the input of the direction information indicating a direction, the information input apparatus further accepts the input of speed along the direction. In this case, the information processing apparatus may determine the destination position of the focus  112  in accordance with the speed the input of which is accepted by the information input apparatus. For example, there is assumed a case where, when the focus  112  exists at A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ), the user inputs to the information input apparatus, in addition to the direction information indicating the direction of A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) from A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ), a value larger than a threshold vale as the speed along that direction. In this case, the information processing apparatus moves the focus  112  to A 4 (X 4 , Y 4 ). A locus from the initial position to the destination position of the focus  112  is represented as a displacement L. The speed is input to the information input apparatus in various ways. 
     In the case where a remote control with a touch panel is used as the information input apparatus, the speed is input to the information input apparatus as, for example, a speed in which the user moves an operating tool while keeping the operating tool in contact with the touch panel during the drag operation. In the case where a mouse is used as the information input apparatus, the speed is input to the information input apparatus as, for example, a speed in which the user moves the mouse while keeping a button of the mouse pressed during the drag operation. In the case where a joystick is used as the information input apparatus, the speed is input to the information input apparatus as, for example, a speed in which the user tilts the joystick. 
     [1-3. Configuration of Information Processing System] 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 3  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , an information processing system  10 A according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an information processing apparatus  100 A and an information input apparatus  200 A. As described above, the information processing apparatus  100 A has at least the display surface  111 A, and includes a display section which can display information on the display surface  111 A. Therefore, the information processing apparatus  100 A is not particularly limited as long as it has the display section, and there can be used, for example, PC (Personal Computer) and a TV set as the information processing apparatus  100 A. 
     As described above, the information input apparatus  200 A has at least functions of accepting input of direction information indicating a direction on the display surface  111 A and transmitting the accepted direction information to the information processing apparatus  100 A via wire or radio. Therefore, the information input apparatus  200 A is not particularly limited as long as it has those functions, and as described above, there can be used as the information input apparatus  200 A, a remote control with a touch panel, a mouse, a joystick, and the like. 
     [1-4. Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 4  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the information processing apparatus  100 A includes a display section  110 A, a storage section  120 A, a control section  130 A, and a communication section  140 A. 
     The display section  110 A includes a display device, for example. The display section  110 A has the display surface  111 A and is capable of causing information to be displayed on the display surface  111 A. The information to be displayed on the display surface  111 A is output from the control section  130 A, for example. Further, the display section  110 A may exist outside the information processing apparatus  100 A. 
     The storage section  120 A includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), for example, and has a function of storing a program or data used when the control section  130 A executes the program. As the data used when the control section  130 A executes the program, there can be exemplified pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ) indicating positions of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  on the display surface  111 A, respectively, and attention information for specifying at least one of the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ). The respective pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ) and the attention information will be described later with additional reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The communication section  140 A has, for example, a reception section  141 A and a transmission section  142 A, and includes a communication device, for example. The reception section  141 A has a function of receiving direction information indicating a direction on the display surface  111 A from the information input apparatus  200 A. The transmission section  142 A has a function of transmitting various pieces of information to the information input apparatus  200 A. 
     The control section  130 A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and has an object display control section  131 A, an attention object selection section  132 A, a focus position control section  133 A, and the like. The function of the control section  130 A is realized by, for example, the CPU developing a program stored by a non-volatile memory in the RAM and executing the program developed in the RAM. The control section  130 A determines whether information for identifying any of direction information, focus continuous movement instruction, and processing request is included in transmission information received by the reception section  141 A. In the case where the control section  130 A determines that the transmission information includes information for identifying any of the above, the control section  130 A acquires the identification information from the transmission information, and performs control in accordance with the information identified by the acquired identification information. 
     The object display control section  131 A has a function of causing the objects  111   a  to  111   i  to be displayed at the positions on the display surface  111 A indicated by the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ), respectively. 
     The attention object selection section  132 A has a function of selecting new attention object position information indicating a position of an object that is to be newly attended to from the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ), based on the direction information received from the information input apparatus  200 A by the reception section  141 A. 
     The focus position control section  133 A has a function of causing the focus  112  to be displayed at a position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. Further, the focus position control section  133 A has a function of causing the focus  112  to move to a position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the new attention object position information selected by the attention object selection section  132 A. 
     The attention object selection section  132 A may select new attention object position information based on the direction information received by the reception section  141 A and the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ) stored in the storage section  120 A. 
     The attention object selection section  132 A may select as the new attention object position information, from among the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ) stored in the storage section  120 A, information indicating a position proceeded in the direction indicated by the direction information received by the reception section  141 A from the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. For example, in the case where object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) is specified by the attention information, the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) is used as a reference. Then, in the case where the direction information received by the reception section  141 A is (X 3 -X 1 , Y 3 -Y 1 ), object position information (X 3 , Y 3 ) indicating the position proceeded in the direction indicated by (X 3 -X 1 , Y 3 -Y 1 ) from the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) is selected as the new attention object position information. 
     In the case where there are multiple pieces of attention candidate position information each indicating the position proceeded in the direction indicated by the direction information received by the reception section  141 A from the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information, the attention object selection section  132 A may select, as the new attention object position information, from among the multiple pieces of attention candidate position information, information indicating the closest position from the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. For example, there are two pieces of information, (X 2 , Y 2 ) and (X 4 , Y 4 ), as the pieces of attention candidate position information each indicating the position proceeded in the direction indicated by (X 2 -X 1 , Y 2 -Y 1 ) from the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) specified by the attention information. From among the two pieces of information, the attention object selection section  132 A selects, as the new attention object position information, (X 2 , Y 2 ) which indicates the closest position from the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) specified by the attention information. 
     The reception section  141 A is capable of further receiving speed along a direction from the information input apparatus  200 A. In this case, when there are multiple pieces of attention candidate position information, the attention object selection section  132 A may select, as the new attention object position information, from among the multiple pieces of attention candidate position information, information indicating the closest position to a position which is away by a distance proportional to the speed from the position indicated by the object position information correlated with the attention information. For example, as described above, there is assumed a case where two pieces of information, (X 2 , Y 2 ) and (X 4 , Y 4 ), exist as the pieces of attention candidate position information. From among the two pieces of information, the attention object selection section  132 A selects, as the new attention object position information, information indicating the closest position to a position which is away by a distance proportional to the speed from the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) correlated with the attention information. For example, in the case where the speed is relatively low, the attention object selection section  132 A selects (X 2 , Y 2 ) as the new attention object position information, and in the case where the speed is relatively high, the attention object selection section  132 A selects (X 4 , Y 4 ) as the new attention object position information. Note that as the speed, there can be assumed various speeds, and examples thereof are as described above. 
     The control section  130 A may further include an attention information updating section  134 A. In this case, the attention information updating section  134 A updates the attention information stored in the storage section  120 A by the information for specifying the new attention object position information. In this way, the control section  130 A can perform similar processing again by using the updated attention information. 
     In addition, there is also assumed a case where, after receiving the direction information, the reception section  141 A further receives a focus continuous movement instruction which instructs to continuously move the focus  112  from the information input apparatus  200 A. In this case, each time the focus continuous movement instruction is received by the reception section  141 A, the attention object selection section  132 A may select as the new attention object position information, from among the multiple pieces of attention candidate position information, information sequentially from information indicating the closest position to information indicating the farthest position, using as a reference the position indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. For example, as described above, there is assumed a case where two pieces of information, (X 2 , Y 2 ) and (X 4 , Y 4 ), exist as the pieces of attention candidate position information. From among the two pieces of information, the attention object selection section  132 A selects, as the new attention object position information, information sequentially from the information indicating the closest position (X 2 , Y 2 ) to the information indicating the farthest position (X 4 , Y 4 ), using as a reference the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) correlated with the attention information. Note that as the focus continuous movement instruction, there can be assumed various instructions, and examples thereof are as described above. 
     In the case where the speed received by the reception section  141 A is lower than a threshold value, the attention object selection section  132 A may not select the new attention object position information. In this way, for example, when the speed input to the information input apparatus  200 A by the user is lower than the threshold value, it can be assumed that it is the case where the user is not intended to move the focus  112 , and hence, it is possible not to move the focus  112 . As the threshold value, there can be used a value stored in the storage section  120 A, for example. 
     The control section  130 A may further include a processing execution section  135 A. There is assumed a case where the reception section  141 A further receives a processing request indicating that processing is to be executed from the information input apparatus  200 A. In this case, when the processing request is received by the reception section  141 A, the processing execution section  135 A executes processing corresponding to the new attention object position information. As the processing corresponding to the new attention object position information, in the case where, for example, (X 1 , Y 1 ) is selected as the new attention object position information, there can be assumed processing for inputting a character string in a text box which is the object  111   a  displayed at the position indicated by (X 1 , Y 1 ). Further, for example, in the case where (X 9 , Y 9 ) is selected as the new attention object position information, data registration is performed as processing corresponding to the object  111   i  displayed at the position indicated by (X 9 , Y 9 ). 
     In the case where a remote control with a touch panel is used as the information input apparatus, the processing request can be input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation of touching the touch panel with an operating tool such as a finger or a pen (tap operation). In the same manner, in the case where a mouse is used as the information input apparatus, the processing request can be input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation of the user clicking the mouse (click operation). In the case where a joystick is used as the information input apparatus, the processing request can be input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation of the user pressing a button provided to the joystick. 
     [1-5. Examples of Various Pieces of Information Stored in Storage Section of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram showing examples of various pieces of information stored in a storage section of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 5  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on various pieces of information stored in the storage section of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the storage section  120 A of the information processing apparatus  100 A according to the first embodiment of the present invention stores object identification information  121  and object position information  122 , the object identification information  121  and the object position information  122  being correlated with each other. In addition thereto, the storage section  120 A stores attention information  123 . 
     The object identification information  121  is for identifying pieces of object data used for displaying the objects  111   a  to  111   i.  For example, the object data used for displaying the object  111   a  includes image data or the like for displaying a text box, and the object data used for displaying the object  111   g  includes character code or the like. The object data is stored in the storage section  120 A, for example. 
     The object position information  122  is position information for indicating a position at which each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  is displayed on the display surface  111 A. The object position information  122  may be a fixed value or may be a changeable value. For example, in the case where the objects  111   a  to  111   i  are pasted within a window displayed on the display surface  111 A and the control section  130 A causes the window to move in accordance with the operation of the user, the object position information  122  may be changed in accordance with the movement distance of the window. 
     The attention information  123  is information for specifying at least one of the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ). In  FIG. 5 , there is shown a case where the information for specifying (X 1 , Y 1 ) is set as the attention information  123 . As the attention information  123 , there can be used an address indicating a location in the storage section  120 A at which the object position information  122  is stored. 
     [1-6. Stages of Movement of Focus Displayed on Display Surface of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram for illustrating stages of movement of a focus displayed on the display surface of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 6  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the stages of movement of a focus displayed on the display surface of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in moving the focus  112 , the focus position control section  133 A may cause the focus  112  during the stages of movement to be displayed on the display surface  111 A. In this way, the user can visually understand the stages of the focus  112  moving from the initial position to the destination position. In  FIG. 6 , there are shown the stages of the focus  112  moving from the object  111   a  to the object  111   b.    
     In causing the focus  112  during the stages of movement to be displayed on the display surface  111 A, the focus position control section  133 A may gradually slow down the movement speed of the focus  112 . In  FIG. 6 , there are shown the positions of the focus  112  displayed on the display surface  111 A at the times t, t+Δt, t+2Δt, t+3Δt, t+4Δt, and t+5Δt. In this way, the user can more naturally understand the destination position of the focus  112 . 
     The focus position control section  133 A may gradually enlarge or reduce the size of the focus  112  in accordance with the size of the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information and the size of the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the new attention object position information. 
     In  FIG. 6 , there is shown a case where the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) specified by the attention information is the object  111   a,  and the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the new attention object position information (X 2 , Y 2 ) is the object  111   b.  In this case, because the object  111   a  is larger than the object  111   b,  the focus position control section  133 A may gradually reduce the size of the focus  112 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Further, for example, there is considered a case where the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the object position information (X 2 , Y 2 ) specified by the attention information is the object  111   b,  and the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 A indicated by the new attention object position information (X 4 , Y 4 ) is the object  111   d.  In this case, because the object  111   b  is smaller than the object  111   d,  the focus position control section  133 A may gradually enlarge the size of the focus  112 , for example. 
     In displaying the focus  112  during the stages of movement on the display surface  111 A, the focus position control section  133 A may gradually decrease and then increase the transmittance of the focus  112 . In  FIG. 6 , there are shown the stages in which the transmittance of the focus  112  is decreased as the time elapses in the order oft, t+Δt, and t+2Δt, and the transmittance of the focus  112  is increased as the time elapses in the order of t+3Δt, t+4Δt, and t+5Δt. In this way, the user can more naturally understand the stages of movement of the focus  112 . When the transmittance is represented by a, the pixel value of the position at which the focus  112  is displayed, for example, can be calculated by, for example, (pixel value of background)×(1−α)+(pixel value of focus  112 )×α. 
     [1-7. Functional Configuration of Information Input Apparatus] 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an information input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 7  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the functional configuration of the information input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the information input apparatus  200 A includes at least a communication section  240 A and an input section  250 A. Further, the information input apparatus  200 A includes as necessary, a display section  210 A, a storage section  220 A, a control section  230 A, and the like. 
     The input section  250 A has a function of accepting input of direction information indicating a direction on the display surface  111 A. In addition, the input section  250 A may also have a function of further accepting input of speed along the direction. Still further, the input section  250 A may also have a function of further accepting input of focus continuous movement instruction. Still further, the input section  250 A may also have a function of further accepting input of a processing request. As described above, the input section  250 A includes, for example, a touch panel, a mouse, and a joystick, and may be any input device as long as it has a function of accepting the input of direction information indicating a direction on the display surface  111 A. 
     The communication section  240 A has a reception section  241 A, a transmission section  242 A, and the like, and includes, for example, a communication device. The reception section  241 A has a function of receiving various pieces of information from the information processing apparatus  100 A. The transmission section  242 A has a function of transmitting various pieces of information to the information processing apparatus  100 A, and has, for example, a function of transmitting the direction information the input of which is accepted by the input section  250 A. Further, the communication section  240 A may further have a function of transmitting the speed, the focus continuous movement instruction, the processing request, and the like, the input of which is accepted by the input section  250 A to the information processing apparatus  100 A. 
     The display section  210 A includes a display device, for example. The display section  210 A has a display surface (not shown) and is also capable of displaying information on the display surface (not shown). In the case where a touch panel is used as the input section  250 A, correspondence information may be stored in the storage section  220 A, the correspondence information being formed of position information indicating a position on the touch panel and position information indicating a position on the display surface (not shown) which are correlated with each other. In this case, an input control section  231 A can figure out, by referring to the correspondence information, the correlation between the position information indicating a position on the touch panel and the position information indicating a position on the display surface (not shown). The information to be displayed on the display surface (not shown) is output from the control section  230 A, for example. Further, the display section  210 A may exist outside the information input apparatus  200 A. 
     The storage section  220 A includes a RAM, for example, and has a function of storing a program or data used when the control section  230 A executes the program. 
     The control section  230 A includes a CPU, for example, and has the input control section  231 A, a transmission information generation section  232 A, a reception control section  233 A, a transmission control section  234 A, and the like. The function of the control section  230 A is realized by, for example, the CPU developing a program stored by a non-volatile memory in the RAM and executing the program developed in the RAM. 
     The input control section  231 A has a function of acquiring various pieces of information from the input section  250 A, the input of which is accepted by the input section  250 A. The various pieces of information acquired by the input control section  231 A are output to the transmission information generation section  232 A, for example. 
     The transmission information generation section  232 A has a function of generating transmission information to be transmitted to the information processing apparatus  100 A by determining the various pieces of information acquired by the input control section  231 A. In the case where, for example, the transmission information generation section  232 A determines that direction information is included in the information acquired by the input control section  231 A, the transmission information generation section  232 A generates transmission information including information for identifying the direction information and the direction information. In the case where, for example, the transmission information generation section  232 A determines that speed is included in the information acquired by the input control section  231 A, the transmission information generation section  232 A may further include the speed into the transmission information. 
     In the case where, for example, the transmission information generation section  232 A determines that focus continuous movement instruction is included in the information acquired by the input control section  231 A, the transmission information generation section  232 A generates transmission information including information for identifying the focus continuous movement instruction. In the case where, for example, the transmission information generation section  232 A determines that a processing request is included in the information acquired by the input control section  231 A, the transmission information generation section  232 A generates transmission information including information for identifying the processing request. 
     The reception control section  233 A has a function of acquiring the various pieces of information received by the reception section  241 A. The various pieces of information acquired by the reception control section  233 A is determined by the control section  230 A, and the control in accordance with the determination results is performed by the control section  230 A. 
     The transmission control section  234 A has a function of transmitting the transmission information generated by the transmission information generation section  232 A to the information processing apparatus  100 A via wire or radio. 
     [1-8. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 8  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the information processing apparatus  100 A mainly includes, for example, a display device  810 A, a RAM  820 A, a CPU  830 A, a communication device  840 A, and a non-volatile memory  860 A. However, hardware provided to the information processing apparatus  100 A is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with other hardware or may be added with other hardware, as appropriate. 
     The display device  810 A includes a display surface, and is capable of causing information to be displayed on the display surface. The display device  810 A includes a device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display device, which is capable of visually notifying the user of the information. For example, the display device  810 A outputs the results obtained by various processing performed by the information processing apparatus  100 A in a form of a text or an image. 
     The RAM  820 A primarily stores a program executed by the CPU  830 A, data used when the program is executed, and the like. 
     The CPU  830 A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit and controls the overall operation inside the information processing apparatus  100 A or a portion thereof according to various programs recorded in the RAM  820 A and the non-volatile memory  860 A. 
     The communication device  840 A has a function of performing communication with the information input apparatus  200 A. The communication device  840 A is capable of, by instruction from the CPU  830 A, receiving a signal from the information input apparatus  200 A via wire or radio and transmitting a signal to the information input apparatus  200 A via wire or radio. 
     The non-volatile memory  860 A is a device for storing data, and includes, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, and a magneto-optical storage device. The non-volatile memory  860 A stores, for example, programs executed by the CPU  830 A and various kinds of data. 
     In the foregoing, an example of the hardware configuration which can realize the function of the information processing apparatus  100 A according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been shown. Each of the above components may be configured using general-purpose members or hardware specialized for the function of each component. Therefore, the hardware configuration to be used can be changed appropriately in accordance with the technical level each time when the present embodiment is carried out. 
     [1-9. Hardware Configuration of Information Input Apparatus] 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 9  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the hardware configuration of the information input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the information input apparatus  200 A mainly includes, for example, a display device  910 A, a RAM  920 A, a CPU  930 A, a communication device  940 A, a touch panel  950 A, and a non-volatile memory  960 A. However, hardware provided to the information input apparatus  200 A is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with other hardware or may be added with other hardware, as appropriate. For example, the information input apparatus  200 A may include the display device  910 A according to the needs of the user. Further, another device which is capable of accepting the input of position information from the user can be used instead of the touch panel  950 A, and, for example, a mouse or a joystick can be used therefor. 
     The display device  910 A includes a display surface, and is capable of causing information to be displayed on the display surface. The display device  910 A includes a device such as an LCD or an organic EL display device, which is capable of visually notifying the user of the information. For example, the display device  910 A outputs the results obtained by various processing performed by the information input apparatus  200 A in a form of a text or an image. 
     The RAM  920 A primarily stores a program executed by the CPU  930 A, data used when the program is executed, and the like. 
     The CPU  930 A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit and controls the overall operation inside the information input apparatus  200 A or a portion thereof according to various programs recorded in the RAM  920 A and the non-volatile memory  960 A. 
     The communication device  940 A has a function of performing communication with the information processing apparatus  100 A. The communication device  940 A is capable of, by instruction from the CPU  930 A, receiving a signal from the information processing apparatus  100 A via wire or radio and transmitting a signal to the information processing apparatus  100 A via wire or radio. 
     The touch panel  950 A has a contact surface, and outputs, to the CPU  930 A as an information signal, position information indicating a position on the contact surface at which an operating tool (such as a user&#39;s finger or a pen) touches. The user causes the operating tool to touch the touch panel  950 A, to thereby input various kinds of data and instruct processing operation to the information input apparatus  200 A. As the touch panel  950 A, any can be used as long as it can detect the position on the contact surface at which the operating tool touches. 
     The non-volatile memory  960 A is a device for storing data, and includes, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, and a magneto-optical storage device. The non-volatile memory  960 A stores, for example, programs executed by the CPU  930 A and various kinds of data. 
     In the foregoing, an example of the hardware configuration which can realize the function of the information input apparatus  200 A according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been shown. Each of the above components may be configured using general-purpose members or hardware specialized for the function of each component. Therefore, the hardware configuration to be used can be changed appropriately in accordance with the technical level each time when the present embodiment is carried out. 
     [1-10. Flow of Operation of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 10  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the flow of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that described herein are examples in which direction and speed, focus continuous movement instruction, and processing request are each input to the information input apparatus  200 A by a drag operation, a long pressing operation, and a tap operation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the information processing apparatus  100 A starts to determine the operation of the user, and determines whether the user performs a drag operation (Step S 101 ). In the case where it is determined that the user does not perform the drag operation (“No” at Step S 101 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that the user performs the drag operation (“Yes” at Step S 101 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A determines whether there is an object in the direction of the drag operation from the object being focused on with the focus  112  (Step S 102 ). 
     In the case where it is determined that there is no object in the direction of the drag operation from the object being focused on with the focus  112  (“No” at Step S 102 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that there is an object in the direction of the drag operation from the object being focused on with the focus  112  (“Yes” at Step S 102 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A determines whether there are multiple candidate objects (Step S 103 ). 
     In the case where it is determined that there is one candidate object (“No” at Step S 103 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A selects the candidate object (Step S 104 ) and proceeds to Step S 106 . In the case where it is determined that there are multiple candidate objects (“Yes” at Step S 103 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A selects an object at a position which is away by a distance proportional to the speed of the drag operation (Step S 105 ) and proceeds to Step S 106 . The information processing apparatus  100 A causes the focus  112  to be moved to the selected object (Step S 106 ), and further determines the operation of the user. 
     Further, the information processing apparatus  100 A starts to determine the operation of the user, and determines whether the user performs a long pressing operation (Step S 107 ). In the case where it is determined that the user does not perform the long pressing operation (“No” at Step S 107 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that the user performs the long pressing operation (“Yes” at Step S 107 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A determines whether there is an object, at the start of the drag operation, in the direction of the drag operation from the object being focused on with the focus  112  (Step S 108 ). 
     In the case where it is determined that there is no object, at the start of the drag operation, in the direction of the drag operation from the object being focused on with the focus  112  (“No” at Step S 108 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that there is an object, at the start of the drag operation, in the direction of the drag operation from the object being focused on with the focus  112  (“Yes” at Step S 108 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A causes the focus  112  to be moved to the object in the direction of the drag operation (Step S 109 ), and further determines the operation of the user. 
     Further, the information processing apparatus  100 A starts to determine the operation of the user, and determines whether the user performs a tap operation (Step S 110 ). In the case where it is determined that the user does not perform the tap operation (“No” at Step S 110 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that the user performs the tap operation (“Yes” at Step S 110 ), the information processing apparatus  100 A decides the object being focused on with the focus  112  to be the selection subject (Step S 111 ), and further determines the operation of the user. 
     [1-11. Modified Example] 
     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, in the present embodiment, the attention object selection section  132 A selects as the new attention object position information (X 3 , Y 3 ), from among the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ) stored in the storage section  120 A, information indicating a position proceeded in the direction information (X 3 -X 1 , Y 3 -Y 1 ) received by the reception section  141 A from the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) specified by the attention information. However, it is also possible that the attention object selection section  132 A selects, as new attention object position information, information not indicating the position proceeded in the direction information (X 3 -X 1 , Y 3 -Y 1 ) received by the reception section  141 A from the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) specified by the attention information. 
     For example, the attention object selection section  132 A may determine whether there exists object position information whose distance from the information indicating the position proceeded in the direction indicated by the direction information (X 3 -X 1 , Y 3 -Y 1 ) received by the reception section  141 A from the position indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) specified by the attention information is less than a predetermined value. In the case where the attention object selection section  132 A determines that there exists object position information whose distance is less than the predetermined value, it is also possible to select the object position information as new attention object position information. As the predetermined value, the one stored in the storage section  120 A can be used, for example. 
     2. Second Embodiment  
     [2-1. Example of Screen (Before Cursor Movement) Displayed on Display Surface Provided to Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram showing an example of a screen (before cursor movement) which is displayed on a display surface provided to an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 11  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the screen (before cursor movement) which is displayed on the display surface provided to the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , a display surface  111 B provided to the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is, for example, provided on a display section  110 B included in the information processing apparatus. On respective positions of the display surface  111 B, objects  111   a  to  111   i  are displayed. In  FIG. 11 , there is shown a case where nine objects are arranged on the display surface  111 B, and the number of the objects arranged on the display surface  111 B is not particularly limited. Further, the positions of the display surface  111 B on which the respective objects are arranged are also not particularly limited. Further, in  FIG. 11 , there is shown a case where a registration screen for registering data such as personal information is displayed on the display surface  111 B, and the kind of screen displayed on the display surface  111 B is not particularly limited as long as it is a screen on which objects are arranged. 
     In  FIG. 11 , there are shown as examples of the objects: objects  111   a  to  111   c  and  111   f  each including a text box for entering a character string; objects  111   d  and  111   e  each including a pull-down menu for selecting a character string; an object  111   g  used for the transfer to a destination page; and objects  111   h  and  111   i  for executing predetermined processing. However, the objects displayed on the display surface  111 B are not particularly limited as long as they can be visually understood by the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , a focus  112  for drawing a user&#39;s attention is displayed at the position of the object  111   a.  In  FIG. 11 , the focus  112  is shown as the one which fills the entire object  111   a  with a different color from that of objects  111   b  to  111   i.  However, the focus  112  may be displayed in any form as long as it emphasizes the object  111   a  in order to draw the user&#39;s attention. For example, the focus  112  may be displayed in such a manner that it surrounds the frame of the object  111   a.    
     The focus  112  can be moved to any positions of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  by operation of the user. A cursor  113  can be moved by the operation of the user on the display surface  111 B. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment enables the user to easily input information for selecting a desired object from the objects  111   a  to  111   i.    
     [2-2. Example of Screen (After Cursor Movement) Displayed on Display Surface Provided to Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram showing an example of the screen (after cursor movement) which is displayed on the display surface provided to the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 12  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the screen (after cursor movement) which is displayed on the display surface provided to the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the cursor  113  can be moved to the vicinity of, for example, the object  111   b  by the operation of the user. When it is determined that the cursor  113  is moved to the vicinity of the object  111   b,  the information processing apparatus can move the focus  112  to the position of the object  111   b.  In the present embodiment, the mechanism thereof will be described in detail. 
     [2-3. Outline of Functions of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram for illustrating an outline of functions of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 13  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the outline of functions of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     The information processing apparatus has a function of receiving, from an information input apparatus which accepted input of a vector on the display surface  111 B, the vector. The information input apparatus is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of accepting input of a vector on the display surface  111 B from a user, and there can be used as the information input apparatus, for example, a remote control with a touch panel, a mouse, and a joystick. 
     In the case where a remote control with a touch panel is used as the information input apparatus, information that can be input to the information input apparatus is, for example, a vector indicating a direction in which and a distance which an operating tool such as a finger or a pen is moved by an user&#39;s operation of moving the operating tool while keeping the operating tool in contact with the touch panel (drag operation). In the same manner, in the case where a mouse is used as the information input apparatus, information that can be input to the information input apparatus is, for example, a vector indicating a direction in which and a distance which the mouse is moved by an user&#39;s operation of moving the mouse (cursor movement operation). In the case where a joystick is used as the information input apparatus, information that can be input to the information input apparatus is, for example, a vector indicating a direction in which the user tilts the joystick and a distance moved by the operation of tilting the joystick. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , positions of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  are represented by A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ), respectively. In the example shown in  FIG. 13 , the centers of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  are represented by A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ), respectively. However, the position of each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  is not limited to the center of each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i,  and may be top-left of each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i,  for example. 
     When the user inputs the vector to the information input apparatus, the information input apparatus accepts the input of the vector, and the information processing apparatus receives the vector from the information input apparatus. The information processing apparatus moves the focus  112  to the position indicated by object position information that is to be newly attended to, which is selected from pieces of object position information A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ) based on the direction and distance indicated by the received the vector. 
     For example, in the case where the cursor  113  exists at C 1 (x 1 , y 1 ) which is the position within a region R 1  to which A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) belongs, the focus  112  exists at A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ). Here, there is assumed a case where the user inputs to the information input apparatus a vector indicating a direction and distance from C 1 (x 1 , y 1 ) to C 2 (x 2 , y 2 ) which is the position within a region R 2  to which A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) belongs. In this case, the information processing apparatus causes the cursor  113  to move to C 2 (x 2 , y 2 ) and also causes the focus  112  to move to A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ). 
     The region R 1  to which A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) belongs is a set of positions in which the distance from A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to each of the positions is less than the distance from A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) to each of the other object positions A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ). In the same manner, the region R 2  to which A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) belongs is a set of positions in which the distance from A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) to each of the positions is less than the distance from A 2 (X 2 , Y 2 ) to each of the other object positions A 1 (X 1 , Y 1 ) and A 3 (X 3 , Y 3 ) to A 9 (X 9 , Y 9 ). Other regions R 3  to R 9  (not shown) are also defined similarly. 
     [2-4. Configuration of Information Processing System] 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 14  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , an information processing system  10 B according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an information processing apparatus  100 B and an information input apparatus  200 B. As described above, the information processing apparatus  100 B has at least the display surface  111 B, and includes a display section which can display information on the display surface  111 B. Therefore, the information processing apparatus  100 B is not particularly limited as long as it has the display section, and there can be used, for example, PC and a TV set as the information processing apparatus  100 B. 
     As described above, the information input apparatus  200 B has at least functions of accepting input of a vector on the display surface  111 B and transmitting the accepted vector to the information processing apparatus  100 B via wire or radio. Therefore, the information input apparatus  200 B is not particularly limited as long as it has those functions, and as described above, there can be used as the information input apparatus  200 B, a remote control with a touch panel, a mouse, a joystick, and the like. 
     [2-5. Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 15  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the information processing apparatus  100 B includes a display section  110 B, a storage section  120 B, a control section  130 B, and a communication section  140 B. 
     The display section  110 B includes a display device, for example. The display section  110 B has the display surface  111 B and is capable of causing information to be displayed on the display surface  111 B. The information to be displayed on the display surface  111 B is output from the control section  130 B, for example. Further, the display section  110 B may exist outside the information processing apparatus  100 B. 
     The storage section  120 B includes a RAM, for example, and has a function of storing a program or data used when the control section  130 B executes the program. As the data used when the control section  130 B executes the program, there can be exemplified pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ) indicating positions of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  on the display surface  111 B, respectively, and attention information for specifying at least one of the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ). Further, as the data used when the control section  130 B executes the program, there can be exemplified cursor position information. The respective pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ), the attention information, and the cursor position information will be described later with additional reference to  FIG. 16 . 
     The communication section  140 B has, for example, a reception section  141 B and a transmission section  142 B, and includes a communication device, for example. The reception section  141 B has a function of receiving a vector indicating a direction and distance on the display surface  111 B from the information input apparatus  200 B. The transmission section  142 B has a function of transmitting various pieces of information to the information input apparatus  200 B. 
     The control section  130 B includes a CPU, for example, and has an object display control section  131 B, an attention object selection section  132 B, a focus position control section  133 B, a cursor position determination section  136 B, a cursor display control section  137 B, and the like. The function of the control section  130 B is realized by, for example, the CPU developing a program stored by a non-volatile memory in the RAM and executing the program developed in the RAM. The control section  130 B determines whether information for identifying any of a vector and processing request is included in transmission information received by the reception section  141 B. In the case where the control section  130 B determines that the transmission information includes information for identifying any of the above, the control section  130 B acquires the identification information from the transmission information, and performs control in accordance with the information identified by the acquired identification information. 
     The object display control section  131 B has a function of causing the objects  111   a  to  111   i  to be displayed at the positions on the display surface  111 B indicated by the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ), respectively. 
     The cursor position determination section  136 B has a function of determining new cursor position information based on the vector received by the reception section  141 B. The cursor position determination section  136 B determines, as new cursor position information, the position information indicating the position to which the cursor  113  is moved in the direction indicated by the vector received by the reception section  141 B and along the distance indicated by the vector received by the reception section  141 B. In the example described above, the cursor position determination section  136 B determines C 2 (x 2 , y 2 ) as the new cursor position information. 
     The cursor display control section  137 B has a function of causing the cursor  113  to be displayed at a position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the cursor position information stored in the storage section  120 B. Further, the cursor display control section  137 B has a function of causing the cursor  113  to move to a position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the new cursor position information determined by the cursor position determination section  136 B. In the example described above, the cursor display control section  137 B causes the cursor  113  to move from C 1 (x 1 , y 1 ) to C 2 (x 2 , y 2 ). 
     The attention object selection section  132 B has a function of selecting, from the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ), information indicating the closest position from the position indicated by the new cursor position information as new attention object position information indicating a position of an object that is to be newly attended to. In the example described above, the attention object selection section  132 B selects (X 2 , Y 2 ), which is the information indicating the closest position from the position indicated by the new cursor position information (x 2 , y 2 ), from among the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ). 
     The focus position control section  133 B has a function of causing the focus  112  to be displayed at a position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information. Further, the focus position control section  133 B has a function of causing the focus  112  to move to a position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the new attention object position information selected by the attention object selection section  132 B. 
     The cursor position determination section  136 B may determine the new cursor position information based on, for example, the cursor position information stored in the storage section  120 B and the vector received by the reception section  141 B. 
     The cursor position determination section  136 B may also determine the new cursor position information by adding the vector received by the reception section  141 B to the cursor position information stored in the storage section  120 B. In the example described above, in the case where the cursor position information stored in the storage section  120 B is (x 1 , y 1 ) and the vector (x 2 -x 1 , y 2 -y 1 ) is received by the reception section  141 B, the cursor position determination section  136 B adds the vector (x 2 -x 1 , y 2 -y 1 ) to C 1 (x 1 , y 1 ), to thereby determine the new cursor position information (x 2 , y 2 ). 
     The attention object selection section  132 B acquires object position information indicating the closest position from the position indicated by the new cursor position information from among the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ). In this case, when a distance between the positions indicated by the acquired object position information and the new cursor position information, respectively, is larger than a threshold value, the attention object selection section  132 B may not use the acquired object position information as the new attention object position information. 
     For example, there is assumed a case where the attention object selection section  132 B acquires (X 2 , Y 2 ) as the object position information indicating the closest position from the position indicated by the new cursor position information (x 2 , y 2 ) from among the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ). In this case, when the distance from the position indicated by (X 2 , Y 2 ) to the position indicated by (x 2 , y 2 ) is larger than a threshold value, the attention object selection section  132 B may not use (X 2 , Y 2 ) as the new attention object position information. In this way, for example, when the distance from the cursor position to the object position is large, it can be assumed that it is the case where the user is not intended to move the focus  112 , and hence, it is possible not to move the focus  112 . As the threshold value, there can be used a value stored in the storage section  120 B, for example. 
     The control section  130 B may further include an attention information updating section  134 B. In this case, the attention information updating section  134 B updates the attention information stored in the storage section  120 B by the information for specifying the new attention object position information. In this way, the control section  130 B can perform similar processing again by using the updated attention information. 
     The control section  130 B may further include a cursor position information updating section  138 B. In this case, the cursor position information updating section  138 B updates the cursor position information stored in the storage section  120 B by the new cursor position information determined by the cursor position determination section  136 B. In this way, the control section  130 B can perform similar processing again by using the updated cursor position information. 
     The control section  130 B may further include a processing execution section  135 B. There is assumed a case where the reception section  141 B further receives a processing request indicating that processing is to be executed from the information input apparatus  200 B. In this case, when the processing request is received by the reception section  141 B, the processing execution section  135 B executes processing corresponding to the new attention object position information. As the processing corresponding to the new attention object position information, in the case where, for example, (X 1 , Y 1 ) is selected as the new attention object position information, there can be assumed processing for inputting a character string in a text box which is the object  111   a  displayed at the position indicated by (X 1 , Y 1 ). Further, for example, in the case where (X 9 , Y 9 ) is selected as the new attention object position information, data registration is performed as processing corresponding to the object  111   i  displayed at the position indicated by (X 9 , Y 9 ). 
     In the case where a remote control with a touch panel is used as the information input apparatus, the processing request can be input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation of touching the touch panel with an operating tool such as a finger or a pen (tap operation). In the same manner, in the case where a mouse is used as the information input apparatus, the processing request can be input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation of the user clicking the mouse (click operation). In the case where a joystick is used as the information input apparatus, the processing request can be input to the information input apparatus by, for example, an operation of the user pressing a button provided to the joystick. 
     [2-6. Examples of Various Pieces of Information Stored in Storage Section of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram showing examples of various pieces of information stored in a storage section of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 16  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the various pieces of information stored in the storage section of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the storage section  120 B of the information processing apparatus  100 B according to the second embodiment of the present invention stores object identification information  121  and object position information  122 , the object identification information  121  and the object position information  122  being correlated with each other. In addition thereto, the storage section  120 B stores attention information  123 , cursor position information  124 , and the like. 
     The object identification information  121  is for identifying pieces of object data used for displaying the objects  111   a  to  111   i.  For example, the object data used for displaying the object  111   a  includes image data or the like for displaying a text box, and the object data used for displaying the object  111   g  includes character code or the like. The object data is stored in the storage section  120 B, for example. 
     The object position information  122  is position information for indicating a position at which each of the objects  111   a  to  111   i  is displayed on the display surface  111 B. The object position information  122  may be a fixed value or may be a changeable value. For example, in the case where the objects  111   a  to  111   i  are pasted within a window displayed on the display surface  111 B and the control section  130 B causes the window to move in accordance with the operation of the user, the object position information  122  may be changed in accordance with the movement distance of the window. 
     The attention information  123  is information for specifying at least one of the pieces of object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) to (X 9 , Y 9 ). In  FIG. 16 , there is shown a case where the information for specifying (X 1 , Y 1 ) is set as the attention information  123 . As the attention information  123 , there can be used an address indicating a location in the storage section  120 B at which the object position information  122  is stored. 
     The cursor position information  124  is position information indicating a position on the display surface  111 B at which the cursor  113  is displayed. The cursor position information  124  is updated by the information processing apparatus in accordance with a vector transmitted from the information input apparatus. 
     [2-7. Stages of Movement of Focus Displayed on Display Surface of Information Processing Apparatus] 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in moving the focus  112 , the focus position control section  133 B may cause the focus  112  during the stages of movement to be displayed on the display surface  111 B. In this way, the user can visually understand the stages of the focus  112  moving from the initial position to the destination position. In  FIG. 6 , there are shown the stages of the focus  112  moving from the object  111   a  to the object  111   b.    
     In displaying the focus  112  during the stages of movement on the display surface  111 B, the focus position control section  133 B may gradually slow down the movement speed of the focus  112 . In  FIG. 6 , there are shown the positions of the focus  112  displayed on the display surface  111 B at the times t, t+Δt, t+2Δt, t+3Δt, t+4Δt, and t+5Δt. In this way, the user can more naturally understand the destination position of the focus  112 . 
     The focus position control section  133 B may gradually enlarge or reduce the size of the focus  112  in accordance with the size of the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the object position information specified by the attention information and the size of the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the new attention object position information. 
     In  FIG. 6 , there is shown a case where the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the object position information (X 1 , Y 1 ) specified by the attention information is the object  111   a,  and the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the new attention object position information (X 2 , Y 2 ) is the object  111   b.  In this case, because the object  111   a  is larger than the object  111   b,  the focus position control section  133 B may gradually reduce the size of the focus  112 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Further, for example, there is considered a case where the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the object position information (X 2 , Y 2 ) specified by the attention information is the object  111   b,  and the object displayed at the position on the display surface  111 B indicated by the new attention object position information (X 4 , Y 4 ) is the object  111   d.  In this case, because the object  111   b  is smaller than the object  111   d,  the focus position control section  133 B may gradually enlarge the size of the focus  112 , for example. 
     In displaying the focus  112  during the stages of movement on the display surface  111 B, the focus position control section  133 B may gradually decrease and then increase the transmittance of the focus  112 . In  FIG. 6 , there are shown the stages in which the transmittance of the focus  112  is decreased as the time elapses in the order oft, t+Δt, and t+2Δt, and the transmittance of the focus  112  is increased as the time elapses in the order of t+3Δt, t+4Δt, and t+5Δt. In this way, the user can more naturally understand the stages of movement of the focus  112 . When the transmittance is represented by a, the pixel value of the position at which the focus  112  is displayed, for example, can be calculated by, for example, (pixel value of background)×(1−α+(pixel value of focus  112 )×α. 
     [2-8. Functional Configuration of Information Input Apparatus] 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an information input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 17  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the functional configuration of the information input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the information input apparatus  200 B includes at least a communication section  240 B and an input section  250 B. Further, the information input apparatus  200 B includes as necessary, a display section  210 B, a storage section  220 B, a control section  230 B, and the like. 
     The input section  250 B has a function of accepting input of vector on the display surface  111 B. Further, the input section  250 B may have a function of further accepting input of a processing request. As described above, the input section  250 B includes, for example, a touch panel, a mouse, and a joystick, and may be any input device as long as it has a function of accepting the input of a vector on the display surface  111 B. 
     The communication section  240 B has a reception section  241 B, a transmission section  242 B, and the like, and includes, for example, a communication device. The reception section  241 B has a function of receiving various pieces of information from the information processing apparatus  100 B. The transmission section  242 B has a function of transmitting various pieces of information to the information processing apparatus  100 B, and has, for example, a function of transmitting the vector the input of which is accepted by the input section  250 B. Further, the communication section  240 B may further have a function of transmitting the processing request and the like, the input of which is accepted by the input section  250 B to the information processing apparatus  100 B. 
     The display section  210 B includes a display device, for example. The display section  210 B has a display surface (not shown) and is also capable of displaying information on the display surface (not shown). In the case where a touch panel is used as the input section  250 B, correspondence information may be stored in the storage section  220 B, the correspondence information being formed of position information indicating a position on the touch panel and position information indicating a position on the display surface (not shown) which are correlated with each other. In this case, an input control section  231 B can figure out, by referring to the correspondence information, the correlation between the position information indicating a position on the touch panel and the position information indicating a position on the display surface (not shown). The information to be displayed on the display surface (not shown) is output from the control section  230 B, for example. Further, the display section  210 B may exist outside the information input apparatus  200 B. 
     The storage section  220 B includes a RAM, for example, and has a function of storing a program or data used when the control section  230 B executes the program. 
     The control section  230 B includes a CPU, for example, and has the input control section  231 B, a transmission information generation section  232 B, a reception control section  233 B, a transmission control section  234 B, and the like. The function of the control section  230 B is realized by, for example, the CPU developing a program stored by a non-volatile memory in the RAM and executing the program developed in the RAM. 
     The input control section  231 B has a function of acquiring various pieces of information from the input section  250 B, the input of which is accepted by the input section  250 B. The various pieces of information acquired by the input control section  231 B are output to the transmission information generation section  232 B, for example. 
     The transmission information generation section  232 B has a function of generating transmission information to be transmitted to the information processing apparatus  100 B by determining the various pieces of information acquired by the input control section  231 B. In the case where, for example, the transmission information generation section  232 B determines that a vector is included in the information acquired by the input control section  231 B, the transmission information generation section  232 B generates transmission information including information for identifying the vector and the vector. In the case where, for example, the transmission information generation section  232 B determines that a processing request is included in the information acquired by the input control section  231 B, the transmission information generation section  232 B generates transmission information including information for identifying the processing request. 
     The reception control section  233 B has a function of acquiring the various pieces of information received by the reception section  241 B. The various pieces of information acquired by the reception control section  233 B is determined by the control section  230 B, and the control in accordance with the determination results is performed by the control section  230 B. 
     The transmission control section  234 B has a function of transmitting the transmission information generated by the transmission information generation section  232 B to the information processing apparatus  100 B via wire or radio. 
     [2-9. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 18  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the information processing apparatus  100 B mainly includes, for example, a display device  810 B, a RAM  820 B, a CPU  830 B, a communication device  840 B, and a non-volatile memory  860 B. However, hardware provided to the information processing apparatus  100 B is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with other hardware or may be added with other hardware, as appropriate. 
     The display device  810 B includes a display surface, and is capable of causing information to be displayed on the display surface. The display device  810 B includes a device such as an LCD or an organic EL display device, which is capable of visually notifying the user of the information. For example, the display device  810 B outputs the results obtained by various processing performed by the information processing apparatus  100 B in a form of a text or an image. 
     The RAM  820 B primarily stores a program executed by the CPU  830 B, data used when the program is executed, and the like. 
     The CPU  830 B functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit and controls the overall operation inside the information processing apparatus  100 B or a portion thereof according to various programs recorded in the RAM  820 B and the non-volatile memory  860 B. 
     The communication device  840 B has a function of performing communication with the information input apparatus  200 B. The communication device  840 B is capable of, by instruction from the CPU  830 B, receiving a signal from the information input apparatus  200 B via wire or radio and transmitting a signal to the information input apparatus  200 B via wire or radio. 
     The non-volatile memory  860 B is a device for storing data, and includes, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, and a magneto-optical storage device. The non-volatile memory  860 B stores, for example, programs executed by the CPU  830 B and various kinds of data. 
     In the foregoing, an example of the hardware configuration which can realize the function of the information processing apparatus  100 B according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been shown. Each of the above components may be configured using general-purpose members or hardware specialized for the function of each component. Therefore, the hardware configuration to be used can be changed appropriately in accordance with the technical level each time when the present embodiment is carried out. 
     [2-10. Hardware Configuration of Information Input Apparatus] 
       FIG. 19  is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 19  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the hardware configuration of the information input apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the information input apparatus  200 B mainly includes, for example, a display device  910 B, a RAM  920 B, a CPU  930 B, a communication device  940 B, a touch panel  950 B, and a non-volatile memory  960 B. However, hardware provided to the information input apparatus  200 B is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with other hardware or may be added with other hardware, as appropriate. For example, the information input apparatus  200 B may include the display device  910 B according to the needs of the user. Further, another device which is capable of accepting the input of position information from the user can be used instead of the touch panel  950 B, and, for example, a mouse or a joystick can be used therefor. 
     The display device  910 B includes a display surface, and is capable of causing information to be displayed on the display surface. The display device  910 B includes a device such as an LCD or an organic EL display device, which is capable of visually notifying the user of the information. For example, the display device  910 B outputs the results obtained by various processing performed by the information input apparatus  200 B in a form of a text or an image. 
     The RAM  920 B primarily stores a program executed by the CPU  930 B, data used when the program is executed, and the like. 
     The CPU  930 B functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit and controls the overall operation inside the information input apparatus  200 B or a portion thereof according to various programs recorded in the RAM  920 B and the non-volatile memory  960 B. 
     The communication device  940 B has a function of performing communication with the information processing apparatus  100 B. The communication device  940 B is capable of, by instruction from the CPU  930 B, receiving a signal from the information processing apparatus  100 B via wire or radio and transmitting a signal to the information processing apparatus  100 B via wire or radio. 
     The touch panel  950 B has a contact surface, and outputs, to the CPU  930 B as an information signal, position information indicating a position on the contact surface at which an operating tool (such as a user&#39;s finger or a pen) touches. The user causes the operating tool to touch the touch panel  950 B, to thereby input various kinds of data and instruct processing operation to the information input apparatus  200 B. As the touch panel  950 B, any can be used as long as it can detect the position on the contact surface at which the operating tool touches. 
     The non-volatile memory  960 B is a device for storing data, and includes, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, and a magneto-optical storage device. The non-volatile memory  960 B stores, for example, programs executed by the CPU  930 B and various kinds of data. 
     In the foregoing, an example of the hardware configuration which can realize the function of the information input apparatus  200 B according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been shown. Each of the above components may be configured using general-purpose members or hardware specialized for the function of each component. Therefore, the hardware configuration to be used can be changed appropriately in accordance with the technical level each time when the present embodiment is carried out. 
     [2-11. Flow of Operation of Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIG. 20  is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 20  (refer to other figures as appropriate), description will be made on the flow of operation of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that described herein are examples in which a vector and a processing request are each input to the information input apparatus  200 B by a drag operation and a tap operation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the information processing apparatus  100 B starts to determine the operation of the user, and determines whether the user performs a drag operation (Step S 201 ). In the case where it is determined that the user does not perform the drag operation (“No” at Step S 201 ), the information processing apparatus  100 B further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that the user performs the drag operation (“Yes” at Step S 201 ), the information processing apparatus  100 B determines whether an object at the closest position to the cursor  113  after the movement of the cursor by the drag operation is different from the object at the closest position to the cursor  113  before the movement of the cursor by the drag operation (Step S 202 ). 
     In the case where it is determined that the object at the closest position to the cursor  113  after being moved by the drag operation is not different from the object at the closest position to the cursor  113  before being moved by the drag operation (“No” at Step S 202 ), the information processing apparatus  100 B further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that the object at the closest position to the cursor  113  after being moved by the drag operation is different from the object at the closest position to the cursor  113  before being moved by the drag operation (“Yes” at Step S 202 ), the information processing apparatus  100 B moves the focus  112  to the object at the closest position to the cursor  113  (Step S 203 ), and further determines the operation of the user. 
     Further, the information processing apparatus  100 B starts to determine the operation of the user, and determines whether the user performs the tap operation (Step S 204 ). In the case where it is determined that the user does not perform the tap operation (“No” at Step S 204 ), the information processing apparatus  100 B further determines the operation of the user. In the case where it is determined that the user performs the tap operation (“Yes” at Step S 204 ), the information processing apparatus  100 B decides the object being focused on with the focus  112  to be the selection subject (Step S 205 ), and further determines the operation of the user. 
     [2-12. Modified Example] 
     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. 
     3. Summary  
     According to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus  100 A enables the user to easily input information for selecting a desired object from among the objects displayed on the display surface  111 A. 
     Further, it is not necessary any more that a user moves, while watching a cursor displayed on the display surface  111 A, the cursor onto the desired object. Therefore, the issue that it is difficult to adjust a direction and a distance to be input to information input apparatus  200 A is solved. 
     Further, the issue is solved, that it is difficult for a user to determine which of the left, right, up, and down directions, based on a object currently being focused on with the focus  112 , a direction of a desired object corresponds to. Further, the possibility that an error occurs on the direction determined by the user can be lowered, and hence, the possibility that the focus  112  is not moved to the desired object can be lowered. Therefore, the burden imposed on the operation of the user can be reduced. 
     The present application contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-204015 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Sep. 3, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.