Information processing apparatus, information processing system, method, and computer program product

Abstract

An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a method, and a computer program product are provided. An information processing apparatus capable of executing a chat application that causes a display apparatus to display a first display image including a game application image output by an executing game application and at least one distributed camera image distributed within an ongoing session. The information processing apparatus, during execution of the chat application, causes the first game application to acquire the at least one distributed camera image based on a first request of the executing first game application, and causes the display apparatus to display a second display image including the game application image output by the first game application but not including the at least one distributed camera image.

Description

[0001] Background of the invention Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a method, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0003] Online communication using camera images is well known (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-157586). Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement in the user experience regarding online communication that can utilize camera images.

[0005] (Structure 1)

[0006] An information processing apparatus in one embodiment is capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image including a game application image output by a running game application and at least one distributed camera image distributed within a currently participating session. During the execution of the chat application, the information processing apparatus, based on a first request from the running first game application, causes the first game application to acquire at least one distributed camera image and causes the display device to display a second display image, wherein the second display image includes the game application image output by the first game application but does not include the at least one distributed camera image.

[0007] (Structure 2) In Structure 1, the game application image output by the first game application is output using at least one distribution camera image obtained by the first game application.

[0008] (Structure 3)

[0009] In Structure 1 or Structure 2, the first request includes a second request and a third request. The information processing device causes the first game application to acquire at least one distribution camera image based on the second request. While the information processing device is causing the first game application to acquire the distribution camera image, it causes the display device to display a second display image based on the third request.

[0010] (Structure 4)

[0011] In any of the structures 1 to 3, the second display image does not contain all the distributed camera images contained in the first display image.

[0012] (Structure 5)

[0013] In structure 4, the second display image does not include all distributed camera images distributed within the session.

[0014] (Structure 6)

[0015] In any of structures 1 to 5, the game application image in the second display image is larger than the game application image in the first display image.

[0016] (Structure 7)

[0017] In structure 6, the game application image in the second display image is displayed in full screen on the display device.

[0018] (Structure 8)

[0019] In any of structures 1 to 7, when a predetermined condition is met during the display of the second display image, the information processing device causes the display device to temporarily display a third display image in place of the second display image, wherein the third display image includes a game application image and at least one distribution camera image included in the first display image.

[0020] (Structure 9)

[0021] In structure 8, the third display image is an image obtained by superimposing at least one of the distribution camera images contained in the first display image onto the second display image.

[0022] (Structure 10)

[0023] In any of structures 1 to 9, the first display image contains a session image, which is an image representing information related to the session and is different from the distributed camera image, while the second display image does not contain a session image.

[0024] (Structure 11)

[0025] In structure 10, the session image represents information associated with each information processing device that did not distribute camera images during the session.

[0026] (Structure 12)

[0027] In any of structures 1 to 11, when the second display image is being displayed, the information processing device causes the display device to display the first display image instead of the second display image based on a fourth request from the game application.

[0028] (Structure 13)

[0029] In any of structures 1 to 11, while the second display image is being displayed, the information processing device causes the display device to display a fourth display image containing at least one distribution camera image instead of the second display image based on the end of the game application.

[0030] (Structure 14)

[0031] In structure 13, the fourth display image and the first display image contain the distributed camera image at the same position within the display image.

[0032] (Structure 15)

[0033] An information processing system according to one embodiment includes: a sending unit that sends a distribution image comprising a game application image output by a game application running from a plurality of information processing devices, wherein the plurality of information processing devices are capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image comprising a game application image and at least one distribution camera image distributed within an ongoing session; and a management unit that manages the distribution within a group. The management unit manages the sending and receiving of distribution images within the group. During the execution of the chat application, each of the plurality of information processing devices, based on a first request from the running first game application, causes the first game application to acquire at least one distribution camera image and causes the display device to display a second display image, wherein the second display image comprises the game application image output by the first game application but does not include the at least one distribution camera image.

[0034] (Structure 16)

[0035] One embodiment of the method is used in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image comprising a game application image output by a running game application and at least one distributed camera image distributed within a currently participating session. The method causes the information processing apparatus to perform the following steps: during the execution of the chat application, causing the first game application to acquire at least one distributed camera image based on a first request from the running first game application; and during the execution of the chat application, causing the display device to display a second display image, wherein the second display image comprises the game application image output by the first game application but does not include the at least one distributed camera image.

[0036] (Structure 17) A program in one embodiment is a program used in an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus including one or more processors, capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image including a game application image output by a running game application and at least one distributed camera image distributed within a session being attended. The program causes the one or more processors to perform the following steps: during the execution of the chat application, causing the first game application to acquire at least one distributed camera image based on a first request from the running first game application; and during the execution of the chat application, causing the display device to display a second display image, wherein the second display image includes the game application image output by the first game application but does not include the at least one distributed camera image.

[0037] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention as understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the management server in this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the software structure of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of group information of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 This is an example of a display image shown before the start of a communication game.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a first sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of a game application according to this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated in sequence SQ108.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated in sequence SQ111.

[0047] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated in sequence SQ111.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a second sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of a game application according to this embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image generated in sequence SQ122. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Regarding the embodiments of the present invention

[0051] This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0052] [A. System Structure Example]

[0053] First, an example of the system structure in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes one or more information processing devices 100. The information processing device 100 is, for example, a game device for providing games to users. The information processing device can be a device dedicated to games or a device capable of executing non-game functions. The information processing device can also be, for example, a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, wearable terminal, server, etc. Figure 1 An example of the structure of an information processing system 1 including five information processing devices 100 connected to a network 4 is shown. In the following description, when it is necessary to identify each of the multiple information processing devices 100 separately, letters will be used for differentiation. Figure 1 Information processing devices 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are shown.

[0054] In this embodiment, the user of the information processing device 100 has their own account, and this account is associated with each information processing device 100. Either one account can be associated with multiple information processing devices 100, or multiple accounts can be associated with one information processing device 100. The user with the account can join one or more communication groups by providing specified input to the information processing device 100. Hereinafter, a communication group will sometimes be simply referred to as a "group". In this embodiment, joining a group indicates the ability to communicate with users of other accounts who have joined the group.

[0055] In this embodiment, a group is formed by multiple accounts, enabling communication within the group. The information processing device 100 corresponding to an account that has joined any group sends data for communication between users to other information processing devices 100 corresponding to other accounts that have joined the group. Hereinafter, the data for communication between users will sometimes be referred to as "communication data 10". In this way, various types of information can be exchanged between the information processing devices 100 used by users who have joined any group.

[0056] For example, the communication data 10 may also include image data acquired by the information processing device 100, information related to a game played on the information processing device 100, sound data acquired by the information processing device 100, text data acquired by the information processing device 100, etc. Images can be images captured using a camera 124 or similar device that can be used by the information processing device 100, or images from applications running on the information processing device 100. The term "image" in this specification includes either a picture or an image used in the output of a picture. Similarly, the term "sound" in this specification also includes data used in the generation or output of sound.

[0057] To send and receive communication data 10, a group-specific session can be established between multiple information processing devices 100 corresponding to accounts participating in the same group. That is, multiple information processing devices 100 corresponding to accounts participating in the same group can also have a shared session. The management server 200 can also manage the session. Figure 1 As an example, this section illustrates the correspondence between information processing devices 100A-100D and five accounts participating in the same group. Information processing device 100A sends communication data 10A to one or more other information processing devices 100, and receives communication data 10B-10D sent by one or more other information processing devices 100. Information processing devices 100B-100D send and receive communication data 10 in the same manner as information processing device 100A. Processing based on communication data 10 will be described in detail later.

[0058] Information processing system 1 may also include a management server 200. Management server 200 is responsible for processing newly formed groups, processing one or more accounts to join groups, etc. Management server 200 may also have management information 208 for managing the formed groups and one or more accounts joining each group. Information processing system 1 may also include a relay server (not shown). The relay server is capable of relaying communication data 10 sent and received by one or more information processing devices 100. Management server 200 and relay server may also be installed in a single physical server. Information processing system 1 may also include multiple management servers 200 and multiple relay servers. The functions of management server 200 and relay server may not be distinguishable. Management server 200 and relay server may also be virtual servers.

[0059] One possible way for an information processing device 100 to send communication data 10 to one or more other information processing devices 100 is to send the communication data 10 directly to one or more other information processing devices 100, in addition to sending it via a server or one or more relay entities, or instead of that method. For example, a peer-to-peer (P2P) method can be used as an example of directly sending the communication data 10.

[0060] As a game application that can be executed on the information processing device 100, it can also be a communication game that progresses by communicating with other information processing devices 100. An account may be required to play the communication game.

[0061] Here, the account used to participate in the communication game can be the same as the account used to participate in the group, or it can be a different account. From now on, to distinguish it from the account used to participate in the group, the account used to participate in the communication game will also be referred to as the "game account." Furthermore, the account used to participate in the group and the game account can follow different systems.

[0062] In addition, to distinguish it from chat groups, a collection of game accounts of users who play communication games together is also called a "game group". Other accounts that participate in a game group that a certain account belongs to may sometimes participate in the chat groups that account belongs to, and sometimes they may not.

[0063] [B. Hardware Structure Example]

[0064] Next, examples of the hardware structure of each device included in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0065] (b1: Information processing device 100)

[0066] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 is a computer. Furthermore, in this specification, "computer" does not necessarily refer to a single device, but may refer to an assembly of multiple devices connected by wired or wireless means.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 The information processing device 100 includes, for example, one or more processors 102, one or more memories 104, a communication unit 106, a storage device 108, a camera interface 110, an input unit 116, a speaker 118, a display 120, and a microphone 122. Each component can be detached from the main body of the information processing device 100. The processor 102 is the processing unit for performing the processing in the information processing device 100. The processor 102 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 102 expands and executes the program stored in the storage device 108 in the memory 104.

[0068] Memory 104 is a volatile storage medium accessible to processor 102, such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). Storage device 108 is a non-volatile storage medium accessible to processor 102, such as flash memory or hard disk. Storage device 108 may also include storage media removably installed in information processing device 100, such as cartridges or optical discs. Storage device 108 may, for example, store system program 112 and game application 180.

[0069] System program 112 contains computer-readable commands for hardware control of information processing device 100, provision of program execution environment, etc. System program 112 includes communication application 114. As detailed later, communication application 114 performs processing related to the sending and receiving of communication data 10 between multiple information processing devices 100 corresponding to multiple accounts in a group. Game application 180 contains computer-readable commands for executing a game. Multiple game applications 180 may also be installed on information processing device 100. Alternatively, game applications 180 may be read from other storage media.

[0070] In this specification, the term "processor" includes at least processing circuits such as CPU and GPU that execute processing according to computer-readable commands, and hard-wired circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this specification, the term "memory" may also include at least flash memory and DRAM, and may also include other storage media such as storage device 108.

[0071] In the information processing device 100, a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) integrating functions such as a processor and memory may also be used. In this case, the processor and memory reside within the same SoC. Therefore, in this specification, the terms "processor" and "memory" encompass both independent and integrated structures. The communication unit 106 sends and receives data with other information processing devices 100, management server 200, relay server, etc., via network 4. As an example of network 4, the communication unit 106 may also communicate with other information processing devices 100 via the Internet. Furthermore, network 4 may be a wireless network conforming to Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 standard), etc.

[0072] Camera interface 110 mediates data transmission to and from camera 124. Camera interface 110 can be connected to camera 124 via either a wired or wireless connection. Input unit 116 handles user operations. Input unit 116 may include, for example, a keyboard, mouse, game controller, or touch panel. Input unit 116 can also be an interface between the input unit and a device that handles user operations. That is, the device that handles user operations can also be located outside the information processing device 100.

[0073] The display 120 displays images or videos generated by the processing of the processor 102. The display 120 may include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display, etc. Alternatively, the display 120 may be located external to the information processing device 100. In this case, the information processing device 100 may also include interface circuitry between itself and the display 120.

[0074] Microphone 122 is disposed in the housing or the like of the information processing device 100, and collects sound and generates sound signals. Speaker 118 is disposed in the housing or the like of the information processing device 100, and generates sound based on the sound signals. At least one of the microphone 122 and speaker 118 may also be located outside the information processing device 100.

[0075] Camera 124 generates an image of a subject by capturing it according to instructions from information processing device 100 or according to predetermined conditions. Camera 124 may include, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or other imaging elements. A lens may also be configured in front of the imaging element. Camera 124 may also be a camera for video calls. Camera 124 may be a dedicated camera that can only connect to a specific device, or a general-purpose camera that can connect to any device. Multiple cameras 124 may be connected to information processing device 100. Furthermore, the information processing devices 100 corresponding to multiple accounts participating in the same group may not have the same hardware structure. For example, some information processing devices 100 may be gaming devices, while others may be personal computers, televisions, smartphones, tablets, etc., capable of running games.

[0076] (b2: Management Server 200)

[0077] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the management server 200 according to this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The management server 200 includes, for example, one or more processors 202, one or more memories 204, one or more communication units 206, storage devices 210, and input units 216.

[0078] Processor 202 is the processing unit used to execute the processing in management server 200. Processor 202 includes, for example, CPU, GPU, etc. Processor 202 expands and executes the program stored in storage device 210 in memory 204. Memory 204 is a volatile storage medium that processor 202 can access, such as DRAM, SRAM, etc.

[0079] Storage device 210 is a non-volatile storage medium accessible to processor 202, such as a hard disk or flash memory. Storage device 210 stores, for example, system program 212 and management program 214. System program 212 contains computer-readable commands for managing the hardware control of server 200, providing a program execution environment, etc. Management program 214 contains computer-readable commands for performing management-related processes handled by management server 200.

[0080] Management information 208 can also be stored in storage device 210 or memory 204. Communication unit 206 sends and receives data with information processing device 100, management server 200, etc., via network 4. Communication unit 206 can be connected to network 4 via either wired or wireless means. Input unit 216 handles user operations. Input unit 216 includes, for example, a keyboard and mouse.

[0081] [C. Example of software structure for information processing device 100]

[0082] Next, an example of the software structure of the information processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the software structure of the information processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0083] In the information processing device 100, a system program 112, including a communication application 114, and a game application 180 can be executed simultaneously. Furthermore, "simultaneous execution" means executing multiple applications or programs in parallel, without intending to limit the timing of execution. The executing system program 112 corresponds to system module 132. System module 132 provides the basic functions required by the information processing device 100. The game execution unit 186 corresponds to the executing game application 180. System module 132 includes a communication execution unit 140. The communication execution unit 140 corresponds to the executing communication application 114.

[0084] System module 132 includes a microphone control unit 144, a camera control unit 146, a communication control unit 148, an image processing unit 150, and a sound processing unit 152. The microphone control unit 144 generates sound 154 based on the sound signal output from the microphone 122. The camera control unit 146 generates a camera image 156 based on the image signal output from the camera 124. The camera control unit 146 can control the start and stop of shooting by the camera 124, and can also control the shooting conditions of the camera 124. The shooting conditions of the camera 124 include, for example, frame rate and white balance.

[0085] The communication control unit 148 issues instructions to the communication unit 106 to control data communication with other information processing devices 100, etc. The image processing unit 150 can utilize the storage area 160 for storing images. The storage area 160 may, for example, utilize at least a portion of one or more memories 104 or storage devices 108. The image processing unit 150 may also perform image processing on one or more images. The storage area 160 may, for example, include an area for storing display images SD, game images 182, distribution images 164, camera images 156, one or more received distribution images 166, and one or more received camera images 168.

[0086] The communication execution unit 140 performs processing for exchanging communication data 10 with other information processing devices 100. For example, the communication execution unit 140 can also perform processing required to join a designated group based on user operations. The communication execution unit 140 can also store group information 142. The communication execution unit 140 can also periodically or whenever predetermined conditions are met, based on information from the management server 200, etc. Furthermore, the storage destination for the group information 142 can be, for example, at least a portion of one or more memories 104 or storage devices 108.

[0087] Additionally, the communication execution unit 140 can also use the communication control unit 148 to send the execution status of the game application 180 to the management server 200 and other information processing devices 100 participating in the same group. The execution status of the game application 180 can be sent either when predetermined conditions are met or periodically. The communication execution unit 140 can also determine the layout of the screen displayed on the monitor 120. The layout of the screen displayed on the monitor 120 is, for example, information used to determine the content of the display image SD, the configuration of the images contained in the display image SD, and their size. For example, based on user operation, the communication execution unit 140 sends a request to the image processing unit 150 to change the layout of the screen displayed on the monitor 120. During the execution of the communication application, the user can, for example, change the layout by performing a setting operation. The request to change the layout can, for example, be to set the layout to Figure 6 The standard layout shown makes Figure 8 The game image 182 shown is displayed in full screen on monitor 120, as requested in the full-screen layout described later.

[0088] Furthermore, the communication execution unit 140 can also use the communication control unit 148 to send the camera image 156 generated by the camera control unit 146 to other information processing devices 100. The communication execution unit 140 can also save the camera image 156 to the storage area 160 of the image processing unit 150. The communication execution unit 140 can also save one or more camera images received by the communication control unit 148 from other information processing devices 100 to the storage area 160 of the image processing unit 150. Hereinafter, one or more camera images received from other information processing devices 100 will also be referred to as "received camera image 168". The communication execution unit 140 can also use the communication control unit 148 to send the distributed image 164 generated by any method to other information processing devices 100. The communication execution unit 140 can also save one or more distributed images received by the communication control unit 148 from other information processing devices 100 to the storage area 160 of the image processing unit 150. Hereinafter, one or more distributed images received from other information processing devices 100 will also be referred to as "received distributed images 166".

[0089] Furthermore, the communication execution unit 140 can also use the communication control unit 148 to transmit the sound 154 generated by the microphone control unit 144 to other information processing devices 100. The communication execution unit 140 can also output one or more sounds received by the communication control unit 148 from other information processing devices 100 to the sound processing unit 152. Hereinafter, the one or more sounds received from other information processing devices 100 will be referred to as "received sound 158".

[0090] In this way, the communication control unit 148 communicates with other information processing devices 100 and management server 200 corresponding to other accounts in the same group in the communication execution unit 140, and obtains information from other information processing devices 100 corresponding to other accounts in the same group through data communication.

[0091] The distributed image 164 can also be generated based on one or more images available in the information processing device 100. For example, if a game application 180 is running in the information processing device 100, the distributed image 164 can be generated based on the game image 182 output by the running game application 180. If a menu screen is being displayed in the information processing device 100, the distributed image 164 can also be generated based on the menu screen. In other cases, for example, images that do not substantially contain image information, such as black and white images, can be used as the distributed image 164. Receiving the distributed image 166 is the same as receiving the distributed image 164.

[0092] The image processing unit 150 generates an image signal based on an image and outputs the generated image signal to the display 120. For example, a display image Sd is used to generate the image signal. The image processing unit 150 may also generate a display image Sd for generating the image signal based on one or more images stored in the storage area 160 and a layout-related request from the communication execution unit 140. For example, the display image Sd may be generated by overlaying the camera image 156 or the received camera image 168 onto the game image 182. By generating the display image Sd, the face of the user playing the game application 180 may also be displayed on the display 120 along with the game image 182 output by the game execution unit 186.

[0093] The sound processing unit 152 generates a sound signal based on sound and outputs the generated sound signal to the speaker 118. For example, the sound processing unit 152 can also combine the game sound 184 output by the game execution unit 186 with one or more received sounds 158 to generate a sound signal. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the illustrated software architecture example, at least a portion of the communication application 114 may also be an application outside of system module 132, similar to the game application 180. At least a portion of the game application 180 may also be included in system module 132. At least a portion of the game execution of the game application 180 may also utilize system module 132 of other information processing devices 100, or external resources such as servers.

[0094] [D. Processing example from the Communication Execution Department 140]

[0095] Next, the processing example in the communication execution unit 140 will be explained.

[0096] (d1: Group information management)

[0097] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the group information 142 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 5Group information 142 contains information related to each account that has joined the same group. Group information 142 may also contain information related to the game application 180 in other information processing devices 100. Furthermore, group information 142 may also contain information related to other information processing devices 100. Group information 142 may also be generated and / or updated by the communication execution unit 140 based on information obtained from the management server 200. The communication execution unit 140 may also generate group information 142 based on the case where the account corresponding to this device (also referred to as "this account") has joined a group designated based on user operation. The communication execution unit 140 sends information about this account to the management server 200, and based on the sent information, other information processing devices 100 also generate and / or update group information 142.

[0098] As an example, group information 142 includes ID 1421, account 1422, and account name 1423. ID 1421 represents identification information used to uniquely identify each account within the group. Account 1422 represents identification information used to identify each account. Account name 1423 represents the name assigned to each account. Group information 1422 may also include, as an example, game execution status 1424 and running game information 1425, which are information related to the game application 180 in other information processing devices 100.

[0099] The game execution state 1424 indicates the execution state of the game application 180 in the information processing device 100 corresponding to each account. For example, "1" can indicate that it is running, and "0" can indicate that it is not running. The game execution state 1424 can also be information indicating whether any game application 180 is running in each information processing device 100. In addition, the information processing device 100 may, for example, run the main menu application in the foreground while running the game application 180 in the background. The game execution state of the game application 180 running in the background can be, for example, "1", "0", or other values.

[0100] The running game information 1425 identifies the game application 180 currently running in the information processing device 100 corresponding to each account. The group information 142 may or may not include information about the current account (the account corresponding to this device). Figure 5 The information shown may include at least some of other information. For ease of explanation, in Figure 5The group information 142 is illustrated in a table format, but the information can be stored in any format. The information processing device 100 does not need to store the group information 142 at all times; it can also query the management server 200, etc., each time. In this case, the information processing device 100 can also temporarily store or cache at least a portion of the information obtained from the management server 200.

[0101] The communication execution unit 140 transmits communication data 10, which includes camera images captured by camera 124 and sound collected by microphone 122, to other information processing devices 100. Furthermore, the communication execution unit 140 determines the data category within the communication data 10 received from other information processing devices 100 and saves the data along with the sending source account information of the received communication data 10 for each data category.

[0102] (d2: Example of interface processing)

[0103] As described above, the communication application 114 and the game application 180 can be executed simultaneously. In this embodiment, an interface for exchanging information between the communication execution unit 140 and the game execution unit 186 is provided. More specifically, the communication execution unit 140 is able to respond to requests from various applications, including the game application 180, by responding to information based on the communication data 10.

[0104] The communication execution unit 140 may also provide an API (Application Programming Interface) for exchanging data with applications. In this case, applications such as game application 180 request execution from the communication execution unit 140 according to a command system predefined as the API. Thus, in response to a request from game execution unit 186 to the communication execution unit 140 via the API, information based on information exchanged with other information processing devices 100 is provided to game execution unit 186. The information obtained by game execution unit 186 may be the information itself obtained from other information processing devices 100, or information that has undergone some form of processing.

[0105] The processing according to the request may include, for example, processing of information related to the image stored in the storage area 160 of the image processing unit 150, and processing of changing the layout of the screen displayed on the display 120. Furthermore, the processing according to the request may also include processing of at least a portion of the group information 142, processing of information based on at least a portion of the group information 142, processing of receiving sound 158, and processing of information related to receiving sound 158, etc.

[0106] [E. Processing Example]

[0107] Next, examples of several processes performed in response to a request from the game application 180 will be described. Hereinafter, as an example, an example will be described where the same game application 180 is simultaneously executed on information processing devices 100A-100C, even though users of each of information processing devices 100A-100D have joined the same group based on their respective accounts. Information processing device 100D executes a different game application than the other information processing devices 100. The game application 180 described below is capable of playing a communication game.

[0108] Figure 6 This is an example of a display image Sd shown on the display 120 of the information processing device 100A. Figure 6 In the shown state, the information processing device 100A executes the communication application 114 and the game application 180. The display image Sd includes the game image 182, the distribution image 164, the receiving distribution image 166B, the receiving distribution image 166C, and the receiving distribution image 166D. Hereinafter, Figure 6 The layout of the display within the monitor 120 shown is called the "standard layout".

[0109] Game image 182 is an image from a game application 180 running in information processing device 100A. Distribution image 164 is an image distributed by information processing device 100A to other users participating in the chat group. Received distribution images 166B, 166C, and 166D are images received by the information processing device 100 of the users participating in the chat group, distributed by different other users in the chat group. Received distribution images 166B to 166D are distributed by information processing devices 100B to 100D, respectively.

[0110] The distributed image 164 and the received distributed images 166B, 166C, and 166D respectively include camera image 156 and received camera images 168B, 168B, and 168D. Additionally, hereinafter, either or both of camera image 156 and received camera image 168 are sometimes referred to as "camera image". Figure 6 The states shown are those where users of information processing devices 100A-100C are waiting to start a communication game, as shown in distribution image 164 and receiving distribution images 166B-166C. This communication game is advanced by communicating with each other through information processing devices 100 corresponding to accounts participating in the same group. That is, the communication game is played between users who participate in the same game group and the same communication group. The state of waiting for the communication game to start is, for example, waiting for an account scheduled to participate in the communication game to join the game group, or waiting to obtain the data required to execute the communication game from other information processing devices 100.

[0111] Figure 7This is a first sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of the game application 180 of this embodiment. Figure 7 The text shows from Figure 6 The sequence shown indicates the start of a communication game. In this embodiment, the game execution unit 186 identifies the accounts of users participating in the communication game and determines one or more accounts participating in the same group by referring to the group information 142 obtained from the communication execution unit 140. The communication game performed by the game execution unit 186 begins, for example, when all one or more accounts identified as participating in the same group have joined the game group. Furthermore, the start of the communication game can be based on a predetermined time elapsed since the start of the waiting-for-communication-start state, or based on an operation input performed by a predetermined user during the waiting-for-communication-start state. Alternatively, it can start based on the number of participating accounts reaching a predetermined participation count. Furthermore, multiple conditions can be combined. Figure 7 In the example shown, the information processing devices 100A~100C that execute the communication game exchange the data (sequence SQ100) required for the execution of the game application 180.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the communication game is executed, the game execution unit 186 acquires camera images of each user participating in the communication game. The game execution unit 186 includes the acquired camera images in the game image 182, thereby further enhancing the enjoyment. To acquire camera images, the game execution unit 186 requests camera images from the communication execution unit 140 via an API based on the accounts of other users participating in the same group. For example, the game execution unit 186 requests camera images from accounts A, B, and C participating in the communication game. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game execution unit 186 requests the communication execution unit 140 to display the game image 182 in full-screen mode (sequence SQ101). Hereinafter, the request for camera images in sequence SQ101 will be referred to simply as a "camera image request," and the request to display the game image 182 in full-screen mode in sequence SQ101 will be referred to simply as a "full-screen display request." The request in sequence SQ101 can be implemented using the API described above.

[0113] The communication execution unit 140, referring to group information 142, responds to the game execution unit 186 with the camera image ID value corresponding to the selected user's account (sequence SQ102). Furthermore, based on the full-screen display request from the game execution unit 186, the communication execution unit 140 requests the image processing unit 150 to change the layout of displaying the game image 182 in full screen on the display 120 (sequence SQ103). Moreover, the game execution unit 186's requests for camera images and full-screen display are not limited to the communication execution unit 140; for example, it can also make these requests to the image processing unit 150. In this way, based on the request from the game execution unit 186, the layout of the screen displayed on the display 120 is changed without any configuration operations, thereby reducing the user's burden while achieving a layout that conforms to the game's visuals.

[0114] In sequence SQ102, the game execution unit 186, having acquired the camera image ID, accesses the image processing unit 150 (sequence SQ104) and acquires a camera image associated with the acquired camera image ID value (sequence SQ105). The game execution unit 186 performs image generation processing, such as overlaying the acquired camera image with the image of the currently running game (sequence SQ106). In this embodiment, the game image 182 is output using the camera image 156 and received camera images 168B and 168C.

[0115] The game execution unit 186 sends the generated game image 182 to the image processing unit 150 (sequence SQ107). The generated game image 182 is then written to the storage area 160 of the image processing unit 150. Based on the game image 182 generated by the game execution unit 186 and a layout-related request from the communication execution unit 140, the image processing unit 150 generates a display image Sd for the display 120 to show (sequence SQ108). The processing of sequences SQ104 to SQ108 may be repeated until a predetermined operation to stop the display of the camera image is performed or the communication game ends. Alternatively, the processing of sequences SQ104 to SQ108 may only be repeated in part. For example, if the game image 182 is generated using camera images within a predetermined period that also includes still images, sequences SQ104 and SQ105 may be executed only once, and after the game image 182 is output using the acquired camera images, sequences SQ107 and SQ108 may be repeated.

[0116] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image Sd generated in sequence SQ108. Figure 8The following example illustrates a scenario where three users are playing a game simultaneously. The displayed image Sd is a game image 182 output from camera images 156 (captured by filming each user), 168B (received by camera images), and 168C (received by camera images). The following will... Figure 8 The layout of the display within the monitor 120 shown is called a "full-screen layout".

[0117] Back Figure 7 The communication execution unit 140 sometimes receives a layout change command from the user. When the communication execution unit 140 receives a layout change command from the user (sequence SQ109), it sends a layout change request to the image processing unit 150 (sequence SQ110). For example, the communication execution unit 140 receives a command from the user to change from "full-screen layout" to "standard layout". The image processing unit 150 generates a display image Sd based on the game image 182 generated by the game execution unit 186 and the request to change to "standard layout" from the communication execution unit 140 (sequence SQ111).

[0118] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image Sd generated in sequence SQ111. Figure 9 The image shown is an example of a game image 182 in which three users are playing the game at the same time. Figure 9 The display image Sd includes game image 182, distribution image 164, and receive distribution images 166B, 166C, and 166D.

[0119] As described above, the game image 182 is output using camera image 156 and received camera images 168B and 168C. ​​Additionally, Figure 9 In the example of the communication game, a common image is displayed to each user playing the game. That is, the game image 182 included in the distribution image 164 sent by each of the information processing devices 100A-100C to the communication group is a common image. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown in the example, the game image 182 shown in the distributed image 164 and the received distributed images 166B and 166C is a common image. However, the game image 182 shown in the distributed image 164 and the received distributed images 166B and 166C is not limited to being a common image; it can also be different images. For example, the game image 182 could also be an image captured by a virtual camera positioned in a different location, corresponding to a virtual character operated by each user in the virtual space. Figure 9 In the example, the displayed image Sd contains 5 camera images 156, 5 receiving camera images 168B, and 5 receiving camera images 168C, which may degrade the user experience.

[0120] In this embodiment, when a communication game begins, a request to change to a full-screen layout is made based on the fact that the game execution unit 186 has acquired the camera image. This suppresses the degraded user experience caused by displaying multiple identical camera images on the display 120. Furthermore, while the game execution unit 186 is acquiring the camera image, the communication execution unit 140 can also restrict changes to a standard layout as shown in sequences SQ109 and SQ110.

[0121] In addition, Figure 9 In the example, regardless of whether the game execution unit 186 uses the camera image acquired in sequence SQ105 to generate game image 182, the game execution unit 186 makes a full-screen display request at the time when the camera image request in sequence SQ101 was made. The content of game image 182 changes according to the game progress, so game image 182 is not always output using camera image 156, received camera images 168B, and 168C. ​​For example, depending on the game progress, game image 182 may be output without using received camera image 168C. ​​For example, in a transitional scene, game image 182 may be output without using a camera image.

[0122] The game execution unit 186 may also determine at predetermined intervals, such as every frame unit, whether the output game image 182 uses any one of the camera image 156, the received camera image 168B, or 168C. ​​In this case, for example, the game execution unit 186 may request full-screen display when outputting the game image 182 using a camera image, and request to start the standard layout when outputting the game image 182 without using a camera image. In this case, the layout may be appropriately changed based on whether the generation of the game image 182 used a camera image, depending on the progress of the game. Furthermore, the determination of whether the game image 182 contains a camera image and the request to switch the layout when a camera image is included are not limited to being performed by the game execution unit 186; for example, they may also be performed by the communication execution unit 140. For example, the game execution unit 186 may determine at predetermined intervals whether the game image 182 is output using a camera image, and the communication execution unit 140 may request a layout change to the image processing unit 150 based on this determination. In this embodiment, the full-screen display request is only made at the time when the camera image request is made. This helps to suppress the frequent automatic switching between full-screen and standard layouts during game execution.

[0123] Back Figure 7As in sequence SQ109, the communication execution unit 140 can also receive commands from the user that differ from commands to change the layout, causing the display of an overlay image Mn, and request the image processing unit 150 to generate a display image based on the command. The image processing unit 150 generates a display image Sd (sequence SQ111) based on the game image 182 received from the game execution unit 186 in sequence SQ107 and the request for a display overlay screen from the communication execution unit 140.

[0124] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the generated display image Sd. The display image Sd represents an overlay image Mn superimposed on the game image 182. The overlay image Mn is, for example, a menu image including the distribution image 164, the receiving distribution images 166B, 166C, 166D, and various buttons Bt1. The various buttons Bt1 may also include, for example, buttons for temporarily stopping the information processing device 100 from sending camera images and sounds to other information processing devices 100. In addition, the overlay image Mn is not limited to a menu image, and the elements it contains are not limited to those described above. For example, the overlay image Mn may also be a screen that only contains the camera image 156. For example, the overlay image Mn may also be a screen that only contains the receiving camera image 168.

[0125] exist Figure 10 In the example, camera image 156 is not used in the output of game image 182. That is, Figure 10 The example illustrates a situation where, as described above, camera image 156 is no longer used as the output of game image 182 due to the progress of the communication game. Therefore, only received camera images 168B and 168C are shown in game image 182.

[0126] Users of the information processing device 100A may not be able to immediately determine whether they are in a distribution state simply by viewing the game image 182 displayed in full-screen layout. For example... Figure 10 As shown, a user of the information processing device 100A can cause the overlay image Mn to be displayed based on a pre-defined operation performed by the user. The camera image 156 representing the user is displayed in the overlay image Mn, thereby confirming that the user is in a distribution state. Furthermore, this applies not only to the user but also to other users. The overlay image Mn can be displayed either only in full-screen layout or in other layouts.

[0127] Furthermore, the above example illustrates displaying the overlay image Mn based on a pre-defined user action. However, the trigger for displaying the overlay image Mn is not limited to a pre-defined user action; for example, it could be a pre-defined period elapsed since the user's action was no longer being processed, or a request from the game execution unit 186 corresponding to the game's progress. Additionally, the overlay image Mn can not be displayed based on any of the aforementioned conditions. Furthermore, the overlay image Mn can be overlaid on the entire display area of ​​the monitor 120. In other examples, the game image 182 can also change its display mode based on the display of the overlay image Mn, for example, by converging on the display area of ​​the monitor 120 that is not overlaid by the overlay image Mn.

[0128] Next, an example of ending a full-screen layout will be explained. Figure 11 This is a second sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of the game application 180 of this embodiment. Figure 11 The text shows from Figure 8 The state shown is an example of a situation where a request to end the full-screen layout is made from the game application 180. The game execution unit 186 makes a request to end the full-screen layout, for example, based on the end of the communication game or the end of the game application 180 itself (sequence SQ120).

[0129] Based on a request to end the full-screen layout, the communication execution unit 140 sends a layout change request (sequence SQ121) to the image processing unit 150. For example, when the communication game ends, the communication execution unit 140 requests to change from "full-screen layout" to "standard layout". The image processing unit 150 generates a display image Sd (sequence SQ122) based on the game image 182 generated by the game execution unit 186 and the request to change to "standard layout" from the communication execution unit 140. Alternatively, for example, based on the end of the game application 180 itself, the request to end the full-screen layout may be sent from the communication execution unit 140 to the image processing unit 150 without a request from the game execution unit 186.

[0130] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image Sd generated in sequence SQ122. In this example, as... Figure 12As shown, the game applications 180 running in the information processing devices 100A-100C terminate respectively, therefore the displayed image Sd includes a home screen 183 and distribution images 184A-184C, which do not contain game application images. The home screen 183 can be, for example, a screen for selecting the game application 180 to be executed, or a screen for changing the settings of the information processing device 100. The distribution images 184A-184C can respectively include camera image 156, receiving camera images 168B and 168C, or display the respective home screens of the information processing devices 100A-100C. Furthermore, in the case where the game application 180 itself does not terminate but only the communication game terminates, Figure 12 The distribution images 184A~184C shown can also be Figure 6 The images shown depict the respective game applications 180 running. Additionally, if... Figure 6 and Figure 12 Upon comparison, the configuration and size of the game image 182 and the distribution image are identical, and the image processing unit 150 generates the display image based on the same layout. Therefore, even when the display image Sd is automatically displayed based on a full-screen end request, user confusion can be prevented by generating the display image based on the previously displayed layout.

[0131] [F. Variation]

[0132] The example described above illustrates displaying a game application image in full-screen mode on display 120 based on a full-screen display request. However, in other examples, for instance, the communication execution unit 140 may also respond to a request from the game application 180 by requesting the image processing unit 150 to generate a display image Sd that does not contain the received camera image 168 acquired by the game application 180 or the received distribution image 166 containing the received camera image 168. Thus, in modified examples, it is also possible to suppress the degraded user experience caused by displaying multiple identical camera images on display 120.

[0133] Furthermore, the example above illustrates how camera image requests and full-screen display requests are executed as separate requests within the same sequence in SQ101. However, camera image requests and full-screen display requests can also be based on the same request. Alternatively, they can be executed as different sequences. Moreover, including camera image requests and full-screen display requests, all requests via the API in this specification can be requests via the same API, or at least one of them can be requests via different APIs. In this specification, the term "same" can refer to different requests via the same API or different requests via different APIs, as long as they achieve the same purpose.

[0134] The above example illustrates that switching between full-screen and standard layouts can be based on commands from the user in the communication application or requests from the game application 180. However, it is also possible to switch between full-screen and standard layouts solely based on requests from the game application 180, without relying on user commands.

[0135] When the screen layout is full-screen, the transmission of camera images can also be stopped. For example, this could mean either the camera 124 stops recording, or the transmission of images captured by the camera 124 stops. For example, when the screen layout is changed to full-screen in response to a request from the game application 180, the communication execution unit 140 can also stop the transmission of camera images. Alternatively, the game application 180 can request the communication execution unit 140 to change to full-screen layout and request that the transmission of camera images be stopped. Furthermore, when the communication execution unit 140 stops the transmission of camera images in accordance with the change to full-screen layout, the game application 180 can also request the communication execution unit 140 to set to full-screen layout and request that the transmission of camera images not be stopped. In this case, the communication execution unit 140 sets to full-screen layout without stopping the transmission of camera images.

[0136] Additionally, the image processing unit 150 can also generate a display image Sd containing a notification image, which indicates that a layout change has occurred, based on a layout-related request from the game application 180. The generation of the display image Sd containing the notification image by the image processing unit 150 can also be based on different requests from the game application 180, i.e., requests to generate the display image Sd containing the notification image. Furthermore, the generation of the display image Sd containing the notification image can also be based on a request to the image processing unit 150, which is a request sent by the communication execution unit 140 after the communication execution unit 140 has accepted a layout-related request from the game application 180. Alternatively, the display image Sd containing the notification image can be generated by overlaying the notification image onto either the display image Sd before or after the layout-related request. In the display image Sd containing the notification image, the layout requested in the layout-related request from the game application 180 is switched to a layout without a notification image based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions. The specified conditions are met, for example, based on user actions. Alternatively, they may be met based on a specified time elapsed since the display of the notification image. Furthermore, the notification image is not limited to an image indicating a layout change; for example, it may be, in addition to indicating a layout change, or instead of indicating a layout change, indicate the shooting status of camera 124 in the displayed image Sd after the change based on a request.

[0137] The example above illustrates how the display on monitor 120 is changed to a "full-screen layout" by the communication execution unit 140 based on a "full-screen display request" from the game application 180. However, it is also possible, for example, to change to a large-screen layout based on a request from the game application 180, which includes a game image 182 that is larger in size than the game image 182 in the standard layout. The size of the game image 182 in the large-screen layout is larger than the size of the game image 182 in the standard layout. "Larger size" can refer to either a larger pixel size or a larger display area on monitor 120.

[0138] also, Figure 6 The display image Sd in such a standard layout can also contain session images that represent information related to the session established in the group and are different from camera image 156, receiving camera image 168, etc. On the other hand, Figure 8The displayed image Sd in such a full-screen layout may not include the session image. The session image may be, for example, information that has been associated with an information processing device 100 that has not been distributed during the session. For example, it may be information related to an account that has participated in a communication group and has been associated with an information processing device 100 other than information processing devices 100A-100D. Specifically, it may be the account icon or name.

[0139] Furthermore, the sequence diagrams and flowcharts described above may include processes other than those shown in the diagrams, or may exclude some processes. Additionally, the order of the processes is not fixed; for example, the processes may be executed simultaneously or in reverse order. While the processes are described separately for convenience, they may also be integrated processes. Furthermore, the processes may be executed at predetermined intervals (e.g., each processing frame, every 1 / 30th of a second). Moreover, in the above descriptions, when the same terminology is used to describe data, the data need not be completely identical. At least when a certain piece of information is substantially conveyed through some data and other data, they can be considered the same data. The names of the data do not limit the scope of the data represented.

[0140] For example, the distribution of images is not limited to data for distribution; it can also be used for other purposes. The names of other elements are similar. Furthermore, "processor" can refer to one or more processors within a single device, such as the main unit in the information processing apparatus 100, or it can refer to a portion or all of one or more processors possessed by multiple devices, such as the main unit and controller, or the main unit, controller, and server. The same applies to "memory."

[0141] Furthermore, the program that enables the computer to perform each process can be a single program or a group of programs. "A certain program" does not necessarily refer to a single program; it can include a group of programs. Additionally, the programs do not need to be stored entirely in a single device. "A certain program" can, for example, refer to the total number of programs stored in multiple devices included in the information processing system. At least a portion of the series of processes described above can also be executed by the management server 200 in the information processing system, which includes the information processing device 100 and a management server 200 capable of communicating via a network. Furthermore, the management server 200 can also be composed of multiple information processing devices, with the processing being shared among the multiple information processing devices.

[0142] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image comprising a game application image output by a running game application and at least one distributed camera image distributed within a currently participating session, wherein, During the execution of the chat application, based on a first request from the executing first game application, the first game application is made to acquire at least one of the distribution camera images, and the display device is made to display a second display image, wherein the second display image includes the game application image output by the first game application but does not include the at least one of the distribution camera images.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The game application image output by the first game application is output using at least one of the distribution camera images obtained by the first game application.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first request includes the second and third requests. The information processing device, based on the second request, causes the first game application to obtain at least one of the distribution camera images. While the first game application is acquiring the distribution camera image, the information processing device causes the display device to display the second display image based on the third request.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second display image does not contain all of the distributed camera images contained in the first display image.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The second displayed image does not include all of the distributed camera images distributed within the session.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The game application image in the second displayed image is larger than the game application image in the first displayed image.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The game application image in the second display image is displayed in full screen on the display device.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When a predetermined condition is met during the display of the second display image, the information processing device causes the display device to temporarily display a third display image in place of the second display image, wherein the third display image includes the game application image and at least one of the distribution camera images included in the first display image.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The third display image is an image obtained by superimposing at least one of the distribution camera images contained in the first display image onto the second display image.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first displayed image includes a session image, which is an image representing information related to a session and is different from the distributed camera image. The second displayed image does not include the session image.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The session image represents information associated with each information processing device that did not distribute the distributed camera image in the session.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, While the second display image is being displayed, the information processing device, based on a fourth request from the game application, causes the display device to display the first display image instead of the second display image.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, While the second display image is being displayed, the information processing device, based on the termination of the game application, causes the display device to display a fourth display image containing at least one of the distribution camera images instead of the second display image.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The fourth display image and the first display image contain the distributed camera image at the same location within the display image.

15. An information processing system, comprising: The sending unit transmits a distribution image containing game application images output by game applications running in multiple information processing devices, wherein... The plurality of information processing devices are capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image including the game application image and at least one distributed camera image distributed within the ongoing session; as well as The management department, and its distribution within the management group. The management department manages the sending and receiving of the distributed images within the group. During the execution of the chat application, each of the plurality of information processing devices causes the first game application to acquire at least one of the distribution camera images based on a first request from the first game application being executed, and causes the display device to display a second display image, wherein the second display image includes the game application image output by the first game application but does not include the at least one of the distribution camera images.

16. A method used in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image comprising a game application image output by a running game application and at least one distributed camera image distributed within a currently participating session, wherein the information processing apparatus performs the following steps: During the execution of the chat application, based on a first request from the executing first game application, the first game application is prompted to acquire at least one of the distributed camera images; and During the execution of the chat application, the display device displays a second display image, wherein, The second displayed image includes the game application image output by the first game application, but does not include the at least one distribution camera image.

17. A computer program product comprising a program for use in an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus including one or more processors capable of executing a chat application that causes a display device to display a first display image, the first display image comprising a game application image output by a running game application and at least one distributed camera image distributed within a currently participating session, the program causing the one or more processors to perform the following steps: During the execution of the chat application, based on a first request from the executing first game application, the first game application is prompted to acquire at least one of the distributed camera images; and During the execution of the chat application, the display device displays a second display image, wherein, The second displayed image includes the game application image output by the first game application, but does not include the at least one distribution camera image.

Images