Information processing device

Abstract

An execution unit 112 executes an application on the basis of the operation of a user. An image generation unit generates a function selection image including an icon for realizing the function selected by the user, and a display processing unit 130 displays the function selection image. A procedure holding unit 116 holds a procedure for realizing the function associated with the icon. When a predetermined operation is performed on the icon in the displayed function selection image, a function realization unit 118 causes the execution unit 112 to execute the procedure held by the procedure holding unit 116 to realize the function associated with the icon.

Description

Information processing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for causing an information processing device to perform a desired function.

[0002] Recent gaming consoles are capable of running a variety of applications, not just games, allowing users to have a variety of experiences. Gaming consoles provide a start screen that serves as a gateway to new experiences, allowing users to find a desired function from the start screen and have the gaming console perform that desired function.

[0003] When a user starts from the Start screen and searches for a desired function, it may require complex operations to reach that function. For example, if the user wants to play a game with a friend, the user first launches the game, then opens a screen inviting the user to a game session, selects a friend from the friends list, and sends an invitation to the selected friend. Similarly, if the user wants to chat with a friend, the user first launches a chat application, then opens a screen inviting the user to a chat session, selects a friend from the friends list, and sends an invitation to the selected friend.

[0004] Furthermore, when trying to change settings such as sound in a game, if the sound settings screen is located deep in the hierarchy from the start screen, multiple hierarchical navigation operations are required to display the sound settings screen. This same issue is not limited to game consoles, but also exists in general information processing devices such as personal computers, where the need for complex operations to perform desired functions hinders smooth user activity. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a technology that allows users to easily and quickly perform desired functions.

[0005] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an execution unit that executes an application, an image generation unit that generates a function selection image including icons for realizing functions selected by a user, a display processing unit that displays the function selection image, a procedure storage unit that stores procedures for realizing functions associated with the icons, and a function realization unit that, when a predetermined operation is performed on an icon included in the displayed function selection image, causes the execution unit to carry out the procedures stored in the procedure storage unit to realize the function associated with the icon.

[0006] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of an information processing device; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a start screen; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection screen; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a selection frame is placed on an icon; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen for functional icons; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an icon is selected on the editing screen; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an editing screen for adding a functional icon; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection screen; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a voice chat termination window superimposed on the game screen; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inquiry window displayed when a voice chat is terminated; FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection screen.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 of the embodiment is a game system in which a user plays a game, and includes an information processing device 10 operated by the user and a server device 5. An access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP") 8 functions as a wireless access point and a router, and the information processing device 10 connects to the AP 8 wirelessly or via a wired connection to be able to communicate with the server device 5 on a network 3. While FIG. 1 illustrates one user and one information processing device 10, in the information processing system 1, multiple information processing devices 10 operated by multiple users are connected to the server device 5 via the network 3.

[0009] The information processing device 10 is connected wirelessly or via a wire to an input device 6 operated by a user, and the input device 6 outputs information operated by the user to the information processing device 10. When the information processing device 10 receives operation information from the input device 6, it reflects the information in the processing of system software and game software, and outputs the processing results from the output device 4. In the information processing system 1, the information processing device 10 is a game device (game console) that executes a game, and the input device 6 may be a device such as a game controller that supplies user operation information to the information processing device 10. The input device 6 may also be an input interface such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0010] The auxiliary storage device 2 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive), and may be a built-in storage device or an external storage device connected to the information processing device 10 via a USB (universal serial bus) or the like. The output device 4 may be a television having a display for outputting images and speakers for outputting sounds. The output device 4 may be connected to the information processing device 10 by a wired cable or wirelessly.

[0011] The camera 7, which is an imaging device, is provided near the output device 4 and captures images of the space around the output device 4. While Fig. 1 shows an example in which the camera 7 is attached to the top of the output device 4, it may be placed on the side or bottom of the output device 4, and in either case, it is placed in a position where it can capture an image of a user positioned in front of the output device 4. The camera 7 may be a stereo camera.

[0012] The server device 5 provides network services to users of the information processing system 1. The server device 5 manages network accounts (user accounts) that identify each user, and each user signs in to the network service provided by the server device 5 using their network account. By signing in to the network service from their information processing device 10, users can register game save data and trophies, which are virtual rewards acquired during game play, on the server device 5. By registering save data and trophies on the server device 5, it becomes possible to synchronize save data and trophies even if a user uses an information processing device other than the information processing device 10.

[0013] In the information processing system 1, a user can become friends with another user (player). A user can send a friend request to another user, and when the other user accepts the friend request, the user and the other user become friends. The server device 5 manages friends for each user. Users can freely exchange messages with their friends, and can also play games and chat together.

[0014] 2 shows the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a main power button 20, a power ON LED 21, a standby LED 22, a system controller 24, a clock 26, a device controller 30, a media drive 32, a USB module 34, a flash memory 36, a wireless communication module 38, a wired communication module 40, a subsystem 50, and a main system 60.

[0015] The main system 60 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory and memory controller serving as a main storage device, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The GPU is primarily used for processing game programs. The main CPU has the function of starting up system software and executing game programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 2 in the environment provided by the system software. The subsystem 50 includes a sub-CPU, a memory and memory controller serving as a main storage device, etc., but does not include a GPU.

[0016] While the main CPU has the function of executing a game program installed in the auxiliary storage device 2, the sub-CPU does not have such a function. However, the sub-CPU does have the function of accessing the auxiliary storage device 2 and the function of sending and receiving data to and from the server device 5. The sub-CPU is configured with only these limited processing functions, and therefore can operate with less power consumption than the main CPU. These functions of the sub-CPU are executed when the main CPU is in standby mode.

[0017] The main power button 20 is an input unit that receives operational input from the user, is provided on the front of the housing of the information processing device 10, and is operated to turn on or off the power supply to the main system 60 of the information processing device 10. The power ON LED 21 lights up when the main power button 20 is turned on, and the standby LED 22 lights up when the main power button 20 is turned off. The system controller 24 detects that the main power button 20 has been pressed by the user.

[0018] The clock 26 is a real-time clock that generates current date and time information and supplies it to the system controller 24 , the subsystem 50 , and the main system 60 .

[0019] The device controller 30 is configured as an LSI (Large-Scale Integrated Circuit) that, like a southbridge, transfers information between devices. As shown in the figure, devices such as the system controller 24, media drive 32, USB module 34, flash memory 36, wireless communication module 38, wired communication module 40, subsystem 50, and main system 60 are connected to the device controller 30. The device controller 30 absorbs differences in the electrical characteristics and data transfer speeds of each device and controls the timing of data transfer.

[0020] The media drive 32 is a drive device that is driven by loading a ROM medium 44 on which application software such as games and license information are recorded, and that reads programs, data, and the like from the ROM medium 44. The ROM medium 44 is a read-only recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a Blu-ray disk.

[0021] The USB module 34 is a module that connects to external devices via a USB cable. The USB module 34 may also be connected to the auxiliary storage device 2 and the camera 7 via USB cables. The flash memory 36 is an auxiliary storage device that constitutes internal storage. The wireless communication module 38 wirelessly communicates with the input device 6 using a communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IEEE802.11. The wired communication module 40 communicates with external devices via a wired connection and connects to the network 3 via the AP 8.

[0022] 3 shows functional blocks of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a processing unit 100 and a communication unit 102. The processing unit 100 includes a reception unit 110, an execution unit 112, a game image generation unit 114, a procedure storage unit 116, a function implementation unit 118, a system image generation unit 120, and a display processing unit 130. The system image generation unit 120 includes a function selection image generation unit 122, an icon generation unit 124, and an information generation unit 126. The reception unit 110 receives information regarding a user's operation of the input device 6.

[0023] The functionality of the components in the information processing device 10 may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the functions described herein. A processor is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry including transistors and other circuits. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0024] In this specification, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions.

[0025] If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit may be a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0026] 4 shows an example of a start screen displayed on the output device 4. When a user logs in to the information processing device 10, the system image generation unit 120 generates a start screen, and the display processing unit 130 displays the start screen on the output device 4. On the start screen, icons of multiple applications recorded in the auxiliary storage device 2 are arranged side by side.

[0027] When the user operates the horizontal key of the input device 6, the system image generation unit 120 moves the row of icons horizontally. When the user places the icon 80 of the application to be executed in the selection area 82 and operates a predetermined execution button of the input device 6, the reception unit 110 receives an instruction to start the application specified by the icon 80, and the execution unit 112 starts the application.

[0028] The execution unit 112 executes an application based on a user's operation. A typical application executed by the execution unit 112 in the information processing device 10 may be game software. While the user is playing a game, the execution unit 112 performs calculations to move a player character in a virtual space based on input data generated by the user operating the input device 6. The game image generation unit 114 includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and generates a game image from a viewpoint (virtual camera) in the virtual space based on the results of the calculations in the virtual space. The display processing unit 130 outputs the game image generated by the game image generation unit 114 from the output device 4. At this time, a game sound generation unit (not shown) may generate game sounds for the viewpoint in the virtual space based on the results of the calculations and output the generated game sounds from the output device 4.

[0029] The execution unit 112 of the embodiment also executes applications other than game software. These applications include, for example, applications for playing content such as videos, applications for displaying information about trophies acquired by the user, applications for setting game controls, applications for chatting with friends, etc. The types of chat may include text chat, voice chat, and video chat.

[0030] The execution unit 112 has the ability to simultaneously execute multiple applications, for example, the execution unit 112 can simultaneously execute game software and a chat application, allowing a user to chat with a friend while playing a game with the friend.

[0031] For example, if a user wants to chat with multiple friends while playing a game, the user must manually perform the following operations. The following describes the manual operations when a user plays a game titled "Combat Field" with Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C and engages in voice chat.

[0032] (Manual Operation for Inviting to a Game) (A-1) When a list of game icons is displayed on the start screen (see Figure 4), the user finds the "Combat Field" icon in the list and launches it. (A-2) The user opens the game invitation screen, selects Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C from the friend list, and sends an invitation to a game session.

[0033] (Manual Operations for Conducting Voice Chat) (B-1) During gameplay, the user operates a predetermined button on the input device 6 to open a window for launching a voice chat application (hereinafter also referred to as a "chat app") and launches the chat app. (B-2) The user selects Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C from the friend list and sends them an invitation to a chat session.

[0034] As described above, when a user voice chats with a friend while playing the game titled "Combat Field," the user must manually operate the information-processing device 10 using at least the steps described above. This takes time for preparation, and the time required to select a game or friend tends to be longer, especially when there are a large number of games displayed on the start screen or a large number of friends included in the friend list.

[0035] Therefore, the information processing device 10 of the embodiment provides a mechanism that enables a user to easily and quickly execute a desired function. Specifically, the information processing device 10 provides a screen (function selection screen) for the user to select a frequently used function, and enables the user to easily and quickly execute a desired function from the function selection screen.

[0036] 5 shows an example of a function selection screen according to an embodiment. When a user places a selection frame 84 on a predetermined icon (the "My Home" icon) located on the left side of the start screen, the function selection image generation unit 122 generates a function selection image including one or more icons, and the display processing unit 130 displays the function selection image on the output device 4. Hereinafter, the function selection image displayed on the output device 4 will also be referred to as the "function selection screen." The icons displayed on the function selection screen are icons for realizing a function selected by the user, and when a predetermined operation is performed on the icon, the function associated with the icon is realized. Here, the predetermined operation may be pressing the enter button on the input device 6 while the icon is selected.

[0037] The icon generation unit 124 generates icons for implementing functions desired by the user in response to user instructions. In this example, the function selection screen includes four icons 200, 202, 204, and 206, but more than four icons may be included. The icon generation unit 124 generates icons to be displayed on the function selection screen or deletes icons from the function selection screen in response to user instructions. The user can place icons for implementing frequently used functions on the function selection screen, and can therefore remove icons for functions that are no longer frequently used from the function selection screen. By customizing the function selection screen in this way, the user can display the function selection screen on the output device 4 immediately after logging in to the information processing device 10, and by performing a predetermined operation on the desired icon, the user can immediately cause the execution unit 112 to execute the desired function.

[0038] In this embodiment, icon 200 is a functional icon for realizing a function of voice chatting with Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C while the user is playing the game "Combat Field" with Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C together. Icon 202 is a functional icon for realizing a function of viewing information about trophies acquired by the user, icon 204 is a functional icon for realizing a function of playing the game "Battleship" alone, and icon 206 is a functional icon for realizing a function of setting game operations. The user operates the input device 6 to move the selection frame 84, and with the selection frame 84 positioned on the desired functional icon, presses the enter button on the input device 6 to realize the function associated with the selected functional icon.

[0039] The procedure storage unit 116 stores procedures for implementing functions associated with icons displayed on the function selection screen. The procedures for implementing the functions associated with each icon are shown below.

[0040] <Procedure for Implementing Function Associated with Icon 200> Icon 200 is an icon for implementing a function of voice chatting while a user plays a game titled "Combat Field" with Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C together. Therefore, the procedure storage unit 116 stores the following procedures for icon 200: (1-1) Launch the "Combat Field" game software. (1-2) In the launched "Combat Field" game, send invitations to a game session to Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C. (1-3) Launch a chat app. (1-4) In the launched chat app, send invitations to a chat session to Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C. The procedure storage unit 116 stores the procedures in the order of (1-1), (1-2), (1-3), and (1-4), but may also store the procedures in the order of (1-3), (1-4), (1-1), and (1-2).

[0041] <Procedures for realizing the function associated with the icon 202> The icon 202 is the icon that realizes the function of viewing information about the trophies that the user has won. Therefore, the procedure storage 116 stores the following procedures for the icon 202: (2) Start the trophy application.

[0042] <Procedure for Implementing Function Corresponding to Icon 204> Icon 204 is an icon for implementing a function that allows a user to play a game titled "Battleship" alone. Therefore, the procedure storage unit 116 stores the following procedures for icon 204: (3) Start the "Battleship" game software.

[0043] <Procedure for Implementing Function Associated with Icon 206> Icon 206 is an icon for implementing a function for the user to set game operations. Therefore, the procedure storage unit 116 stores the following procedures for icon 206: (4) Start a system application for setting game operations.

[0044] 6 shows a state in which a selection frame is placed around a function icon on the function selection screen. On the function selection screen, the user can move the selection frame 84 by operating the directional keys of the input device 6. In this example, the selection frame 84 is placed around an icon 200, and the icon 200 is in a selected state. When the selection frame 84 is placed around a function icon, the function selection image generation unit 122 may change the display mode of the selected icon so that it is clear at a glance that the icon has been selected. In this example, the function selection image generation unit 122 displays the icon 200 large, but the display mode of the icon 200 may be changed by, for example, blinking the icon 200 or increasing the display brightness.

[0045] When the user presses the enter button on the input device 6 while the icon 200 is selected, the function realization unit 118 causes the execution unit 112 to execute the procedure stored in the procedure storage unit 116 for the icon 200, thereby realizing the function associated with the icon 200. Specifically, the function realization unit 118 causes the execution unit 112 to execute the procedures (1-1), (1-2), (1-3), and (1-4) stored in the procedure storage unit 116.

[0046] As described above, in the past, in order to engage in voice chat while playing a game titled "Combat Field" with Friend A, Friend B, and Friend C, a user had to manually perform the operations (A-1), (A-2), (B-1), and (B-2), which was time-consuming. According to the mechanism of the embodiment, the user can automatically realize the function by performing a predetermined operation on the icon 200 associated with the function.

[0047] 7 shows an example of the edit screen for a function icon. When a user operates a predetermined button on the input device 6 on the function selection screen, the function selection image generation unit 122 generates an edit image for the function icon, and the display processing unit 130 displays the edit screen 210 on the output device 4.

[0048] When "Function Icon on MyHome" is selected on the edit screen 210, icons 200, 202, 204, and 206 are displayed. When the user selects an icon, the icon can be edited.

[0049] 8 shows a state in which an icon is selected on the edit screen. When an icon 202 is selected, the function selection image generation unit 122 sets an edit window 212 near the icon 202. The edit window 212 displays options of "edit" and "delete." If the user selects "edit," the function associated with the icon 202 can be edited, and if the user selects "delete," the icon 202 is deleted from the function selection screen. In this example, the user selects "delete," and the icon 202 is deleted from the function selection screen.

[0050] The information generation unit 126 generates information about applications that have been executed in the past by the execution unit 112. When "Recent Actions" is selected on the editing screen, the information generation unit 126 generates information indicating the user's recent actions regarding the applications, and the display processing unit 130 displays the information on the editing screen. When "Frequently Used" is selected on the editing screen, the information generation unit 126 generates information about applications that the user executes frequently, and the display processing unit 130 displays the information on the editing screen.

[0051] 9 shows an editing screen for adding a function icon. Fig. 9 shows icons 220, 222, and 224 that are displayed on the editing screen 210 when "Frequently Used" is selected. When "Frequently Used" is selected, the information generating unit 126 generates information about applications that the user uses frequently, and the display processing unit 130 displays the information about the applications generated by the information generating unit 126 in the form of icons 220, 222, and 224.

[0052] In the embodiment, icon 220 represents information that the user frequently engages in voice chat with Friend D, Friend E, Friend F, and Friend G. Icon 222 represents information that the user frequently plays the title "Tennis 7" alone. Icon 224 represents information that the user frequently engages in video chat with Friend A, Friend E, and Friend G. When the user selects an icon on the editing screen 210 shown in FIG. 9 , a mark indicating that the icon has been selected is added to the selected icon. In this example, the user has selected the voice chat icon 220, and a selected mark 226 is added to the icon 220. When the user selects icon 220 and then presses the add button 228, the icon generation unit 124 generates an icon for realizing a function previously executed by the execution unit 112 for the selected application.

[0053] 10 shows an example of a function selection screen. The function selection image generation unit 122 generates a function selection image including the icon 230 generated by the icon generation unit 124, and the display processing unit 130 displays the function selection screen on the output device 4. The icon 230 corresponds to the icon 220 shown in FIG. 9 and is a function icon for realizing a function in which the user can voice chat with friends D, E, F, and G. In this embodiment, the user deleted the icon 202 on the editing screen shown in FIG. 8, so the icon 230, the icon 200, the icon 204, and the icon 206 are displayed on the function selection screen. In this way, the user can add or delete function icons to or from the function selection screen on the editing screen.

[0054] The above describes a method in which a user adds or deletes a function icon to or from the function selection screen via the editing screen. However, the user may also be able to add a function icon for implementing a function performed in an application to the function selection screen when closing the application. FIG. 11 shows an example of a game screen. The user is playing a game titled "Soccer 7" with friends E, H, and I while engaging in voice chat. During game play, the user can operate a predetermined button on the input device 6 to display an exit window for ending the game and / or voice chat.

[0055] 12 shows an example of an end window superimposed on the game screen. An end button 242 for ending the voice chat and a cancel button 244 for continuing the voice chat are displayed in the end window 240. When the user presses the end button 242, the accepting unit 110 accepts the end operation, and the executing unit 112 ends the voice chat.

[0056] When the voice chat ends, the icon generation unit 124 inquires of the user whether or not to generate a functional icon for implementing a function related to the voice chat. FIG. 13 shows an example of an inquiry window displayed when the voice chat ends. When the voice chat ends, the icon generation unit 124 generates a window 250 inquiring whether or not to generate a functional icon for implementing a function related to the voice chat executed by the execution unit 112. The inquiry window 250 displays an icon generation button 252 for generating a functional icon for implementing a function related to the application currently being executed, and an end button 254 for ending the voice chat without generating a functional icon. When the user presses the end button 254, the execution unit 112 ends the chat application. Note that the execution unit 112 continues to execute the game.

[0057] When the user presses the icon generation button 252 to select generation of a functional icon, the icon generation unit 124 generates an icon for realizing the function of the application executed by the execution unit 112. Because the execution unit 112 is executing a game and chat application at this time, the icon generation unit 124 generates an icon for voice chatting with friends E, H, and I while playing a game titled "Soccer 7" together with friends E, H, and I.

[0058] 14 shows an example of a function selection screen. The function selection image generation unit 122 generates a function selection image including the icon 260 generated by the icon generation unit 124, and the display processing unit 130 displays the function selection screen on the output device 4. The icon 260 is a function icon for realizing a function in which the user plays a game titled "Soccer 7" together with friends E, H, and I while voice chatting with friends E, H, and I. The procedure storage unit 116 stores procedures for realizing the function associated with the icon 260. The procedures for realizing the function associated with the icon 260 are described below.

[0059] <Procedure for Implementing Function Associated with Icon 260> Icon 260 is an icon for implementing a function of voice chatting while the user plays a game titled "Soccer 7" with Friend E, Friend H, and Friend I together. Therefore, the procedure storage unit 116 stores the following procedures for icon 260: (4-1) Launch the "Soccer 7" game software. (4-2) In the launched "Soccer 7" game, send invitations to a game session to Friend E, Friend H, and Friend I. (4-3) Launch a chat app. (4-4) In the launched chat app, send invitations to a chat session to Friend E, Friend H, and Friend I. The procedure storage unit 116 stores the procedures in the order of (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), and (4-4), but may also store the procedures in the order of (4-3), (4-4), (4-1), and (4-2).

[0060] On this function selection screen, when the user places the selection frame 84 on the icon 260 to select the icon 260 and presses the enter button on the input device 6, the function realization unit 118 causes the execution unit 112 to execute the procedure stored in the procedure storage unit 116 for the icon 260, thereby realizing the function associated with the icon 260. Specifically, the function realization unit 118 causes the execution unit 112 to execute the procedures (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), and (4-4) stored in the procedure storage unit 116. Therefore, according to the mechanism of the embodiment, by performing a predetermined operation on the icon 260, the user can voice chat with Friend E, Friend H, and Friend I while playing the game titled "Soccer 7" together.

[0061] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of the components and processing steps, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] In the embodiment, it has been explained that the function selection screen contains function icons related to the game, function icons related to viewing trophies, and function icons related to setting game operations. In addition to these, the function selection screen may contain function icons related to various applications, such as function icons related to sending and receiving emails and messages, function icons related to news distribution, etc. If the function selection screen contains a large number of function icons, the function selection screen may be divided according to the type of function icon, and the function icons may be arranged in areas according to their type.

[0063] In the embodiment, the icon generation unit 124 generates an icon for realizing a function related to an application that has already been executed by the execution unit 112. In a modified example, the icon generation unit 124 may generate an icon for realizing a function related to an application in accordance with instructions from the user. The user can also change the function set in the functional icon by selecting the "Edit" item in the edit window 212 shown in FIG. 8. For example, if the function icon is set to have a voice chat function with three friends, the user can select the "Edit" item in the edit window 212 and freely change the members with whom the voice chat will be held.

[0064] In the embodiment, the icon generation unit 124 generates a window 250 inquiring whether or not to generate a functional icon when a voice chat ends (see FIG. 13 ). In a modified example, the icon generation unit 124 may generate a window 250 inquiring whether or not to generate a functional icon 260 when a game ends. The icon generation unit 124 may also generate a window 250 inquiring whether or not to generate a functional icon 260 when both the game and the voice chat end at the same time.

[0065] The icon generating unit 124 may generate the inquiry window 250 only when the same game has been played with the same members a predetermined number of times (multiple times, for example, twice). If the user selects the end button 254 in the inquiry window 250, it is preferable that the icon generating unit 124 not generate the inquiry window 250 even if the user subsequently plays the same game with the same members. Furthermore, the icon generating unit 124 may generate the window 250 inquiring whether or not to generate a functional icon during game play, not just at the end of the game.

[0066] The present disclosure may include the following aspects. [Item 1] An information processing device including a circuit configured to: generate a function selection image including an icon for realizing a function selected by a user; display the function selection image; retain procedures for realizing the function associated with the icon; and, when a predetermined operation is performed on an icon included in the displayed function selection image, execute the retained procedures to realize the function associated with the icon. [Item 2] The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the circuit inquires whether to generate an icon for realizing a function related to an executed application. [Item 3] The information processing device according to item 2, wherein, when a user selects to generate an icon, the circuit generates an icon for realizing the executed function and generates a function selection image including the generated icon. [Item 4] The information processing device according to item 2, wherein the circuit inquires whether to generate an icon when an application is terminated. [Item 5] The information processing device according to item 2, wherein the circuit generates information about applications executed in the past, displays the generated information about the applications, and when a user selects information about the displayed application, generates an icon for realizing the previously executed function, and generates a function selection image including the generated icon. [Item 6] The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the circuit launches a specific game and sends an invitation to a game session to a specific user. [Item 7] The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the circuit launches a chat application and sends an invitation to a chat to a specific user. [Item 8] The information processing device according to item 7, wherein the circuit launches a specific game and sends an invitation to a game session to a specific user.[Item 9] A recording medium having recorded thereon a program executed on a computer of an information processing device, the program causing the computer to realize the following functions: a function of displaying a function selection image including icons for realizing functions selected by a user; a function of retaining procedures for realizing functions associated with the icons; and a function of, when a predetermined operation is performed on an icon in the displayed function selection image, implementing the procedures retained for the icon to realize the function associated with the icon.

[0067] The present disclosure can be used in a technique for executing a desired function in an information processing device.

[0068] 1: Information processing system, 10: Information processing device, 80: Icon, 82: Selection area, 84: Selection frame, 100: Processing unit, 102: Communication unit, 110: Reception unit, 112: Execution unit, 114: Game image generation unit, 116: Procedure storage unit, 118: Function realization unit, 120: System image generation unit, 122: Function selection image generation unit, 124: Icon generation unit, 126: Information generation unit, 130: Display processing unit, 200, 202, 204, 206: Icon, 210: Editing screen, 212: Editing window, 220, 222, 224: Icon, 226: Selected mark, 228: Add button, 230: Icon, 240: Exit window, 242: Exit button, 244: Cancel button, 250: Inquiry window, 252: Icon generation button, 254: Exit button, 260: Icon.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an execution unit that executes an application; an image generation unit that generates a function selection image including icons for realizing functions selected by a user; a display processing unit that displays the function selection image; a procedure storage unit that stores procedures for realizing functions associated with the icons; and a function realization unit that, when a predetermined operation is performed on an icon included in the displayed function selection image, causes the execution unit to carry out the procedures stored in the procedure storage unit, thereby realizing the function associated with the icon.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: an icon generating unit that inquires whether or not to generate an icon for realizing a function related to the application executed by the execution unit.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when a user selects to generate an icon, the icon generation unit generates an icon for realizing the function executed by the execution unit, and the image generation unit generates a function selection image including the generated icon.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein when the execution unit terminates an application, the icon generation unit inquires whether or not to generate an icon.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising an information generation unit that generates information relating to applications previously executed by the execution unit, wherein the display processing unit displays information relating to the applications generated by the information generation unit, and when a user selects information relating to the displayed application, the icon generation unit generates an icon for realizing a function previously executed by the execution unit, and the image generation unit generates a function selection image including the generated icon.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the function realization unit controls the execution unit to launch a specific game and send an invitation to a game session to a specific user.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein said function realization unit controls said execution unit to start a chat application and send a chat invitation to a specific user.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the function realization unit controls the execution unit to launch a specific game and send an invitation to a game session to a specific user.

9. A program for causing a computer to perform the following functions: displaying a function selection image including an icon for realizing a function selected by a user; storing procedures for realizing the function associated with the icon; and, when a predetermined operation is performed on an icon in the displayed function selection image, carrying out the stored procedures for that icon to realize the function associated with that icon.

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