US20140215402A1 - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and storage medium having stored thereon information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

When an information processing apparatus is started, reception of data indicative of presence of a connection point apparatus is attempted. A plurality of objects respectively corresponding to a plurality of application programs is displayed on a display device, and upon reception of an operation performed by a user, an application program corresponding to one of the objects selected by the operation performed by the user is launched. When the data is received, a display form of an object, which relates to a connection application program including a program for executing a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, is changed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-158194, filed Jun. 17, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a storage medium having stored thereon an information processing program, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a storage medium having stored thereon an information processing program which are capable of selectively launching a plurality of application programs.
• 2. Description of the Background Art
• Conventionally, there have been developed various apparatuses for establishing connection to a wide area network, such as the Internet, or a local network via a wireless LAN or the like. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-142859 (hereinafter referred to as Patent document 1) discloses a wireless network system which automatically searches an access point when a program for causing an apparatus to connect to a network (hereinafter referred to as a “connection program”) is launched. In the wireless network system disclosed in above-describedPatent document 1, the apparatus is caused to connect to the searched access point in accordance with a result of the automatic access point searching.
• However, in the wireless network system disclosed in above-describedPatent document 1, the apparatus performs the access point searching at a timing when the connection program is launched, instead of when the apparatus is started up. That is, unless the user of the apparatus launches the connection program, the user does not recognize whether or not the apparatus is connectable to the network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a storage medium having stored thereon an information processing program which are capable of supporting and prompting a user to select an application program to be launched from among a plurality of application programs.
• The present invention has the following features to solve the problem mentioned above. It is noted that reference characters, step numbers, and supplementary explanations in parentheses are merely provided to facilitate the understanding of the present invention in relation to the later-described embodiment, rather than limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.
• A first aspect is an information processing apparatus (1) which is capable of storing a plurality of application programs. The information processing apparatus comprises: launcher means (CPU31 executingsteps55 and62; hereinafter simply denoted by step numbers) and connection point data receivingmeans (S54, S56, S61, S63, S64). The launcher means allows a user to select an application program to be launched from among the plurality of application programs when the information processing apparatus is started, and launches the selected application program. The connection point data receiving means attempts to receive data (connection data) indicative of presence of a connection point apparatus (3) when the information processing apparatus is started. The launcher means displays (FIGS. 3 and 10), on a display device (12), a plurality of objects (I) respectively corresponding to the plurality of application programs, receives an operation (Da) performed by the user, and launches the application program which is selected by the operation and which corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects (S71 to S84). The launcher means includes object display form changing means (S62). The object display form changing means changes a display form of the object relating to a connection application program, which is the application program including a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data. It is noted that the change in the display form of the object includes a change in a display in an emphasized manner (color change of at least a part of a frame, edge enhancement, enlargement, highlighting and the like), a change by adding a sign (e.g., addition of an arrow pointing to an object), a change in shape, a change in color, a change in an inside picture, a change by animating the inside picture, a change in explanatory text relating to the object, change from a still display to a moving display, a change in a display position, a change in a background color, a change from a non-visible state to a visible state, and the like. Further, the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus may be transmitted from an apparatus different from the connection point apparatus, or may be included in a beacon transmitted from the connection point apparatus. Still further, the connection point apparatus includes a wireless access point, another information processing apparatus, another game apparatus and the like.
• In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the connection point data receiving means attempts to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus during a time period from when the information processing apparatus has started to when the launcher means has started.
• In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the connection point data receiving means attempts to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus during a time period from when the information processing apparatus has started until before the launcher means becomes capable of receiving the operation performed by the user.
• In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the connection point data receiving means continuously attempts to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus even after the information processing apparatus has started and after the launcher means has become capable of receiving the operation performed by the user.
• In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the connection application program is a viewer program for establishing connection to a network via the connection point apparatus. The object display form changing means changes the display form of the object relating to the viewer program when the connection point data receiving means receives the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus.
• In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, when the information processing apparatus is started, the connection point data receiving means does not transmit a radio wave therefrom, and receives the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus.
• In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus at least includes data indicative of an identifier for identifying the connection point apparatus. When the connection application program is launched, the launcher means is connected to the connection point apparatus by using the data indicative of the identifier, the data being included in the data received by the connection point data receiving means.
• In an eighth aspect based on a seventh aspect, the connection point apparatus is a wireless access point. The identifier is an SSID (Service Set Identifier).
• In a ninth aspect based on the seventh aspect, data communicated between the connection point apparatus and the information processing apparatus is encoded with a key. The data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus further includes data indicative of the key (WEP key) for establishing connection to the connection point apparatus. When the connection application program is launched, the launcher means is connected to the connection point apparatus, by using the data indicative of the identifier and data indicative of the key which are included in the data received by the connection point data receiving means.
• In a tenth aspect based on the first aspect, the connection point data receiving means uses a dedicated protocol which is at least mounted to the information processing apparatus and to another apparatus (2) from which the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus is transmitted, and attempts to receive the data.
• In an eleventh aspect based on the first aspect, the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus further includes data (location ID) for specifying a predetermined content. When the connection application program is launched, the launcher means obtains a content, which is specified by the data for specifying the predetermined content, via a network.
• In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the launcher means obtains an icon (Ism) relating to the content from a server on the network, displays the icon on the display device so as to prompt the user to select the icon, and obtains, via the network, the content relating to the icon selected by the user.
• In a thirteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the connection application program is stored in the information processing apparatus in advance.
• In a fourteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the connection application program is downloaded via a network and installed in the information processing apparatus.
• In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourth aspect, in the case where the connection point data receiving means receives the data, changes the display form of the object relating to the connection application program, and then stops receiving the data, the object display form changing means restores the display form of the object relating to the connection application program to a state before the change.
• In a sixteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the information processing apparatus further comprises connection point data storage means (32, Db) and reconnection means (S81). The connection point data storage means keeps storing the data received by the connection point data receiving means until the information processing apparatus is shut down. The reconnection means attempts to reconnect to the connection point apparatus in accordance with the connection point data stored in the connection point data storage means when connection to the connection point apparatus is established and then interrupted.
• In a seventeenth aspect based on the first aspect, the object display form changing means changes the display form of an icon object relating to the connection application program by changing a color of at least a part of a frame of the icon object, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.
• In an eighteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the object display form changing means changes the display form of an icon object relating to the connection application program by animating the icon object, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.
• A nineteenth aspect is an information processing system. The information processing system includes an information processing apparatus, a connection point apparatus, and an connection point data transmitting apparatus. The information processing apparatus is capable of storing a plurality of application programs. The connection point data transmitting apparatus transmits data indicative of presence of the connection point apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes launcher means and connection point data receiving means. The launcher means allows a user to select an application program to be launched from among the plurality of application programs when the information processing apparatus is started, and launches the selected application program. The connection point data receiving means attempts to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus from the connection point data transmitting apparatus when the information processing apparatus is started. The launcher means displays, on a display device, a plurality of objects respectively corresponding to the plurality of application programs, receives an operation performed by the user and launches the application program which is selected by the operation and which corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects. The launcher means includes object display form changing means. The object display form changing means changes a display form of the object relating to a connection application program, which is the application program including a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.
• A twentieth aspect is a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon an information processing program executed by a computer (31) of an information processing apparatus which is capable of storing a plurality of application programs. The information processing program causes the computer to function as launcher means and connection point data receiving means. The launcher means allows a user to select an application program to be launched from among the plurality of application programs when the information processing apparatus is started, and launches the selected application program. The connection point data receiving means attempts to receive data indicative of presence of a connection point apparatus when the information processing apparatus is started. The launcher means displays, on a display device, a plurality of objects respectively corresponding to the plurality of application programs, receives an operation performed by the user, and launches the application program which is selected by the operation and which corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects. The launcher means includes object display form changing means. The object display form changing means changes a display form of the object relating to a connection application program, which is the application program including a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.
• The above-described first aspect attempts to obtain the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus, and changes the display form of an object (e.g., an icon) relating to an application which includes a program for executing a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus. Therefore, when a list of a plurality of application programs is displayed by using icons so as to prompt the user to select an application program to be launched, an icon of an application which has a function of connecting to the connection point is displayed distinguishably from icons of the remaining applications in accordance with whether or not there is any accessible connection point apparatus (e.g., whether or not a network connection is possible). Accordingly, the icon can be easily distinguished from the remaining icons, and thus it is possible to inform the user that the application is usable and also possible to prompt the user to launch the application.
• The above-described second to fourth aspects attempt to obtain the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus before and/or during displaying the launcher menu, and changes the display form of an object relating to an application including a program for executing a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user that the application is usable.
• According to the fifth aspect, since the display form of an object relating to a viewer program is changed, it is possible to inform the user that the viewer program is usable and also possible to prompt the user to launch the viewer program.
• The sixth aspect does not automatically output a radio wave so as to receive data from another apparatus, for example, when the power is turned ON. Therefore, even in a circumstance where an output of an electromagnetic wave is prohibited (e.g., in an airplane), the power of the information processing apparatus can be turned ON.
• According to the seventh aspect, even if the user does not know the identifier of the connection point apparatus in advance, the user is able to establish connection to the connection point apparatus, and accordingly, the user is able to establish connection to an indefinite number of connection point apparatuses.
• According to the eighth aspect, even if the user does not know the SSID in advance, the user is able to establish connection to the wireless access point, and accordingly, the user is able to establish connection to an indefinite number of wireless access points. Further, as compared to a case where the SSID of the wireless access point is set to ANY, not all apparatuses can automatically establish connection, but only such apparatuses that receive the SSID can establish connection. Therefore, unlike the case where the SSID is set to ANY, disordered connection will not be established.
• According to the ninth aspect, even if the user does not know the identifier or the key of the connection point apparatus in advance, the user is able to establish connection to the connection point apparatus. Accordingly, the user is able to establish connection to an indefinite number of connection point apparatuses. Further, even if there happens to be another connection point apparatus which uses the same identifier as the connection point apparatus, it is possible to prevent connection to the another connection point apparatus.
• According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to limit the apparatus which is connectable to the connection point apparatus.
• According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to distribute a predetermined content to the user.
• According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to allow the user to select two desired contents from among contents provided via the connection point apparatus.
• According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to establish a quick connection to the connection point apparatus by preinstalling a connection application program.
• According to the fourteenth aspect, even if the connection application program is not installed, it is possible to establish connection to the connection point apparatus, and consequently, it becomes possible to, for example, browse contents obtained via the connection point apparatus.
• According to the fifteenth aspect, in accordance with a reception state of the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus, the display form of an object, which relates to an application including a program for executing a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, changes instantaneously. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user that the user is within an area in which an application, which is represented by the object and which attempts to connect to an connection point apparatus, is connectable to the connection point apparatus.
• According to the sixteenth aspect, even if an area in which the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus is receivable is not overlapped with an area in which it is possible to establish connection to the connection point apparatus, it is possible to establish connection to the connection point apparatus in such a non-overlapped area as long as the data has been received.
• According to the seventeenth and eighteenth aspects, it is possible to distinguish an icon relating to an application including a program to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus by changing a color of at least a part of a frame of the icon, or by animating a display of the icon object. Further, it is possible to prompt the user to launch the application by changing the color of at least a part of the frame of the icon, or by animating the display of the icon object.
• According to the information processing system and the storage medium having stored thereon the information processing program of the present invention, the same advantageous effects as those of the above-described information processing apparatus may be obtained.
• These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an outer appearance of agame apparatus1 on which an information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of thegame apparatus1 shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary screen display displayed on alower LCD12 shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an exemplary display on thelower LCD12 shown inFIG. 1, where a plurality of icons I is numbered;
• FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary system in which thegame apparatus1 shown inFIG. 1 is connected to awireless access point3;
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of various data which is stored in amain memory32 by executing the information processing program;
• FIG. 7 is a diagram showing exemplary connection data Db shown inFIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first half of information processing performed on thegame apparatus1 by executing the information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second half of the information processing performed on thegame apparatus1 by executing the information processing program according to the one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exemplary display on thelower LCD12, where an icon I11 is displayed in a non-emphasized manner without being distinguished from other icons I; and
• FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary display on thelower LCD12, where icons Ism1 and Ism2 are displayed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• With reference to drawings, an information processing apparatus executing an information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although the information processing program of the present invention is usable by executing the same on any computer system which is capable of performing a display on a display device, agame apparatus1 will be used as an exemplary information processing apparatus, and the information processing program will be described by using an information processing program executed on thegame apparatus1.FIG. 1 is an outer appearance of thegame apparatus1 on which the information processing program of the present invention is executed. Here, as anexemplary game apparatus1, a hand-held game apparatus is shown. Thegame apparatus1 includes a camera, and also functions as an imaging apparatus to take an image with the camera, to display the taken image on a screen, and to store data of the taken image.
• As shown inFIG. 1, thegame apparatus1 is a foldable hand-held game apparatus in an opened state. Thegame apparatus1 is configured to have such a size as to be held by a user with both hands or one hand.
• Thegame apparatus1 includes alower housing11 and anupper housing21. Thelower housing11 and theupper housing21 are connected to each other so as to be capable of being opened or closed (foldable). In an example ofFIG. 1, thelower housing11 and theupper housing21 are each formed in a plate-like shape of a horizontally long rectangle, and foldably connected to each other at long side portions thereof. Usually, the user uses thegame apparatus1 in the opened state. When not using thegame apparatus1, the user keeps thegame apparatus1 in a closed state. In the example shown inFIG. 1, in addition to the closed state and the opened state, thegame apparatus1 is capable of maintaining an angle between thelower housing11 and theupper housing21 at any angle ranging between the closed state and the opened state by frictional force generated at a connection portion and the like. In other words, theupper housing21 can be stationary at any angle with respect to thelower housing11.
• In thelower housing11, a lower LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)12 is provided. Thelower LCD12 has a horizontally long shape, and is located such that a long side direction thereof corresponds to a long side direction of thelower housing11. It is noted that although an LCD is used as a display device provided in thegame apparatus1 in the present embodiment, any other display devices such as a display device using an EL (Electro Luminescence) may be used. In addition, thegame apparatus1 can use a display device of any resolution. Although details will be described later, thelower LCD12 is used mainly for displaying an image taken by aninner camera23 and anouter camera25 in real time.
• In thelower housing11,operation buttons14A to14K and atouch panel13 are provided as input devices. As shown inFIG. 1, among theoperation buttons14A to14K, thedirection input button14A, theoperation button14B, theoperation button14C, theoperation button14D, theoperation button14E, thepower button14F, the start button14G, and theselect button14H are provided on an inner main surface of thelower housing11 which is located inside when theupper housing21 and thelower housing11 are folded. Thedirection input button14A is used, for example, for a selection operation and the like. Theoperation buttons14B to14E are used, for example, for a determination operation, a cancellation operation, and the like. Thepower button14F is used for turning the power of the game apparatus10N/OFF. In the example shown inFIG. 1, thedirection input button14A and thepower button14F are provided on the inner main surface of thelower housing11, and on one of a left side and a right side (on the left side inFIG. 1) of thelower LCD12 which is provided substantially at a central portion of the inner main surface of the lower housing. Theoperation buttons14B to14E, the start button14G, and theselect button14H are also provided on the inner main surface of thelower housing11 and on the other one of the left side and the right side (on the right side inFIG. 1) of thelower LCD12. Thedirection input button14A, theoperation buttons14B to14E, the start button14G and theselect button14H are used for performing various operations with respect to thegame apparatus1.
• It is noted that the operation buttons14I to14K are omitted inFIG. 1. For example, an L button14I is provided at a left end of an upper side surface of thelower housing11, and the R button14J is provided at a right end of the upper side surface of thelower housing11. The L button14I and the R button14J are used, for example, for performing a photographing instruction operation (a shutter operation) with respect to thegame apparatus1. In addition, the volume button14K is provided on the left side surface of thelower housing11. The volume button14K is used for adjusting volume of speakers of thegame apparatus1.
• Thegame apparatus1 further includes thetouch panel13 as another input device in addition to theoperation buttons14A to14K. Thetouch panel13 is mounted so as to cover a screen of thelower LCD12. In the present embodiment, thetouch panel13 is, for example, a resistive film type touch panel. However, thetouch panel13 is not limited to the resistive film type, but any press-type touch panel may be used. Thetouch panel13 used in the present embodiment has the same resolution (detection accuracy) as thelower LCD12. However, the resolution of thetouch panel13 and the resolution of thelower LCD12 is not necessarily the same as each other. In the right side surface of thelower housing11, an insertion opening (a dotted line shown inFIG. 1) is provided. The insertion opening is capable of accommodating astylus pen27 which is used for performing an operation with respect to thetouch panel13. Although an input to thetouch panel13 is usually performed by using thestylus pen27, a finger of the user may be used for operating thetouch panel13 instead of thestylus pen27.
• In the right side surface of thelower housing11, an insertion slot (indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 1) is provide for accommodating amemory card28. Inside the insertion slot, a connector (not shown) is provided for electrically connecting thegame apparatus1 to thememory card28. Thememory card28 is, for example, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, and is detachably mounted to the connector. Thememory card28 is used, for example, for storing (saving) an image taken by thegame apparatus1, and loading an image generated on another apparatus into thegame apparatus1.
• Further, in the upper side surface of thelower housing11, an insertion slot (indicated by a chain line inFIG. 1) is provided for accommodating amemory card29. Inside the insertion slot, a connector (not shown) is provided for electrically connecting thegame apparatus1 to thememory card29. Thememory card29 is a storage medium having stored thereon an information processing program, a game program, and the like, and is detachably mounted in the insertion slot provided in thelower housing11.
• ThreeLEDs15A to15C are mounted to a right side part of the connection portion where thelower housing11 and theupper housing21 are connected to each other. Thegame apparatus1 is capable of performing wireless communication with another apparatus, and thefirst LED15A is lit up while wireless communication is established. Thesecond LED15B is lit up while thegame apparatus1 is charged. Thethird LED15C is lit up while the power of thegame apparatus1 is ON. Thus, by the threeLEDs15A to15C, a state of communication establishment of thegame apparatus1, a state of charge of thegame apparatus1, and a state of ON/OFF of the power of thegame apparatus1 can be notified to the user.
• Meanwhile, in theupper housing21, anupper LCD22 is provided. Theupper LCD22 has a horizontally long shape, and is located such that a long side direction thereof corresponds to a long side direction of theupper housing21. As with thelower LCD12, a display device of another type having any resolution may be used instead of theupper LCD22. For example, a touch panel may be provided so as to cover theupper LCD22.
• In theupper housing21, two cameras (theinner camera23 and the outer camera25) are provided. As shown inFIG. 1, theinner camera23 is mounted in an inner main surface of theupper housing21 and adjacent to the connection portion. On the other hand, theouter camera25 is mounted in a surface opposite to the surface in which theinner camera23 is mounted, namely, in an outer main surface of the upper housing21 (which is a surface located on the outside of thegame apparatus1 in the closed state, and a back surface of theupper housing21 shown inFIG. 1). InFIG. 1, theouter camera25 is indicated by a dashed line. Thus, theinner camera23 is capable of taking an image in a direction in which the inner main surface of theupper housing21 faces, and theouter camera25 is capable of taking an image in a direction opposite to an imaging direction of theinner camera23, namely, in a direction in which the outer main surface of theupper housing21 faces. In this manner, in the present embodiment, theinner camera23 and theouter camera25 are provided such that the imaging directions thereof are opposite to each other. For example, the user can take an image of a view as viewed from thegame apparatus1 toward the user with theinner camera23 as well as an image of a view as viewed from thegame apparatus1 in a direction opposite to the user with theouter camera25.
• In the inner main surface, a microphone (microphone42 shown inFIG. 2) is accommodated as a voice input device in the vicinity of the connection portion. In the inner main surface,microphone hole16 is formed in the vicinity of the connection portion so as to allow themicrophone42 to detect sound outside thegame apparatus1. The accommodating position of themicrophone42 and the position of themicrophone hole16 are not necessarily in the vicinity of to the connection portion. For example, themicrophone42 may be accommodated in thelower housing11, and themicrophone hole16 may be provided in thelower housing11 so as to correspond to the accommodating position of themicrophone42.
• In the outer main surface of theupper housing21, a fourth LED26 (indicated by a dashed line inFIG. 1) is mounted. Thefourth LED26 is lit up at a time when photographing is performed with theinner camera23 or the outer camera25 (when a shutter button is pressed). Further, thefourth LED26 is lit up while moving images are taken by theinner camera23 or theouter camera25. By thefourth LED26, an object person who is (being) photographed and people around the object person are notified that photographing is performed (being performed) by thegame apparatus1.
• Sound holes24 are formed in the inner main surface of theupper housing21 and situated on left and right sides of theupper LCD22 which is provided substantially at a central portion of the inner main surface of theupper housing21. The speakers are accommodated in theupper housing21 and at the back of the sound holes24. The sound holes24 are holes for releasing sound from the speakers therethrough.
• As above described, theinner camera23 and theouter camera25 which are components for taking an image, and theupper LCD22 which is display means for displaying various images are provided in theupper housing21. On the other hand, the input devices (thetouch panel13 and thebuttons14A to14K) for performing operation inputs with respect to thegame apparatus1, and thelower LCD12 which is display means for displaying various images are provided in thelower housing11. For example, when using thegame apparatus1, the user can hold thelower housing11 and perform an input with respect to the input device while displaying a taken image (an image taken by the camera) on thelower LCD12 or theupper LCD22.
• With reference toFIG. 2, an internal configuration of thegame apparatus1 will be described.FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of thegame apparatus1.
• As shown inFIG. 2, thegame apparatus1 includes electronic components such as aCPU31, amain memory32, amemory control circuit33, a stored data memory34, apreset data memory35, a memory card interface (memory card I/F)36, awireless communication module37, alocal communication module38, a real time clock (RTC)39, apower circuit40, and an interface circuit (I/F circuit)41. These electronic components are mounted on an electronic circuit substrate and accommodated in the lower housing11 (or may be accommodated in the upper housing21).
• TheCPU31 is information processing means for executing a predetermined program. In the present embodiment, the predetermined program is stored in a memory (e.g., the stored data memory34) within thegame apparatus1 or in thememory cards28 and/or29, and theCPU31 executes the predetermined program, thereby executing the information processing described later. It is noted that the program executed by theCPU31 may be stored in advance in a memory within thegame apparatus1, may be obtained from thememory cards28 and/or29, or may be obtained from another apparatus by means of communication with the another apparatus.
• Themain memory32, thememory control circuit33, and thepreset data memory35 are connected to theCPU31. The stored data memory34 is connected to thememory control circuit33. Themain memory32 is storage means used as a work area and a buffer area of theCPU31. In other words, themain memory32 stores therein various data used in the information processing, and also stores a program obtained externally (from thememory cards28 and29, another apparatus, and the like). In the present embodiment, for example, a PSRAM (Pseudo-SRAM) is used as themain memory32. The stored data memory34 is storage means for storing the program executed by theCPU31, and data of images taken by theinner camera23 and theouter camera25, and the like. The stored data memory34 is composed of a nonvolatile storage means, and is composed of a NAND flash memory in the present embodiment, for example. Thememory control circuit33 is a circuit for controlling reading of data from the stored data memory34 and writing of data to the stored data memory in accordance with an instruction from theCPU31. Thepreset data memory35 is storage means for storing data (preset data) of various parameters, which are set in advance in thegame apparatus1, and the like. A flash memory connected to theCPU31 via an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus can be used as thepreset data memory35.
• The memory card I/F36 is connected to theCPU31. The memory card I/F36 reads data from thememory card28 and thememory card29 which are mounted to the connector or writes data to thememory card28 and thememory card29 in accordance with an instruction from theCPU31. In the present embodiment, data of images taken by theinner camera23 and theouter camera25 are written to thememory card28, and image data stored in thememory card28 are read from thememory card28 to be stored in the stored data memory34. Various programs stored in thememory card29 are read by theCPU31 to be executed.
• The information processing program of the present invention may be supplied to a computer system not only from an external storage medium such as thememory card29 but also via a wired or wireless communication line. The information processing program may be stored in advance in an nonvolatile storage unit within the computer system. An information storage medium for storing the information processing program is not limited to the above nonvolatile storage unit, but may be a CD-ROM, a DVD or an optical disc-shaped storage medium similar thereto.
• Thewireless communication module37 functions to connect to a wireless LAN, for example, by a method conformed to the standard of IEEE802.11.b/g. Thelocal communication module38 functions to wirelessly communicate with a game apparatus of the same type by a predetermined communication method. Thewireless communication module37 and thelocal communication module38 are connected to theCPU31. TheCPU31 is capable of receiving data from and sending data to another apparatus via the Internet using thewireless communication module37, and also capable of receiving data from and sending data to another game apparatus of the same type using thelocal communication module38.
• TheRTC39 and thepower circuit40 are connected to theCPU31. TheRTC39 counts a time, and outputs the time to theCPU31. For example, theCPU31 is capable of calculating a current time (data) and the like based on the time counted by theRTC39. Thepower circuit40 controls electric power from a power supply (typically, a battery accommodated in the lower housing11) of thegame apparatus1 to supply the electric power to each of the electronic components of thegame apparatus1.
• Thegame apparatus1 includes themicrophone42 and anamplifier43. Themicrophone42 and theamplifier43 are respectively connected to the I/F circuit41. Themicrophone42 detects voice uttered by the user toward thegame apparatus1, and a voice signal indicative of the voice is outputted to the I/F circuit41. Theamplifier43 amplifies the voice signal from the I/F circuit41, and causes the speakers (not shown) to output the voice signal. The I/F circuit41 is connected to theCPU31.
• Thetouch panel13 is connected to the I/F circuit41. The I/F circuit41 includes a voice control circuit for controlling themicrophone42 and the amplifier43 (speakers), and a touch panel control circuit for controlling thetouch panel13. The voice control circuit performs A/D conversion and D/A conversion with respect to the voice signal, and converts the voice signal into voice data in a predetermined format. The touch panel control circuit generates touch position data in a predetermined format in accordance with a signal from thetouch panel13, and outputs the touch position data to theCPU31. For example, the touch position data is data indicative of a coordinate point of a position on an input surface of thetouch panel13 at which an input is performed. The touch panel control circuit reads a signal from thetouch panel13 and generates touch position data every predetermined time period. TheCPU31 is capable of recognizing a position on thetouch panel13 at which an input is performed by obtaining the touch position data via the I/F circuit41.
• Theoperation buttons14 are composed of theoperation buttons14A to14K, and are connected to theCPU31. Theoperation buttons14 outputs, to theCPU31, operation data indicative of an input state with respect to each of theoperation buttons14A to14K (whether or not each button is pressed). TheCPU31 obtains the operation data from theoperation buttons14, and executes processing in accordance with an input with respect to each of theoperation buttons14.
• Theinner camera23 and theouter camera25 are connected to theCPU31. Each of theinner camera23 and theouter camera25 takes an image in accordance with an instruction from theCPU31, and outputs data of the taken image to theCPU31. For example, theCPU31 gives an imaging instruction to either of theinner camera23 and theouter camera25, and the camera which has received the imaging instruction takes an image and sends image data to theCPU31.
• Thelower LCD12 and theupper LCD22 are each connected to theCPU31. Each of thelower LCD12 and theupper LCD22 displays an image in accordance with an instruction from theCPU31. For example, theCPU31 displays an image obtained from either of theinner camera23 and theouter camera25 on thelower LCD12, and also displays an operation explanation screen, which is generated by predetermined processing, on theupper LCD22. TheCPU31 displays objects configured with the plurality of icons I on thelower LCD12, and also displays an image relating to a selected icon I on theupper LCD22. As an alternative example, theCPU31 displays an image obtained from either of theinner camera23 and theouter camera25 on thelower LCD12, and also displays the operation explanation screen generated by the predetermined processing on theupper LCD22.
• Next, prior to description of a specific processing operation by the information processing program executed on thegame apparatus1, an exemplary display form displayed on thelower LCD12 and/or theupper LCD22 by the processing operation, an exemplary connection with another apparatus, and the like will be described, with reference toFIGS. 3 to 5.FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary screen display which is displayed on thelower LCD12.FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of icons I which is numbered and displayed.FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary system in which thegame apparatus1 is connected to thewireless access point3.
• As shown inFIG. 3, five icons I (icons I9, I10, I11, I12, I13), a dialog balloon B, a slide bar SB, and a cursor C are displayed on thelower LCD12. These images are displayed by displaying a list of files and programs, which are registered in advance, using the icons I, by performing a touch operation on thetouch panel13, and by causing theCPU31 to execute application software (launcher) for launching the files and the programs relating to the icons I.
• The icons I are images relating to files and programs (typically, computer programs executable by the CPU31) which are registered in advance. The user can launch a desired program using any of the icons I. In the present embodiment, a total of 24 icons I (icons I1 to I24) are numbered in order as shown inFIG. 4, and according to this numbered order, several of these 24 icons I are displayed within a predetermined area Ai (hereinafter referred to as an icon line display area Ai) on the screen. InFIG. 3, an area surrounded with a dashed line represents the icon line display area Ai. The user selects an icon I corresponding to a desired program, from among a line of the icons displayed in the icon line display area Ai, thereby causing theCPU31 to execute the desired program. Further, the user scrolls the line of the icons displayed in the icon line display area Ai, thereby capable of displaying any icons on thelower LCD12 and selecting one of the icons.
• The dialogue balloon B is an image for informing the user of an explanatory text (such as a program name and an explanation of the program corresponding to the icon I11, in the case ofFIG. 3) relating to an icon (the icon I11) displayed at the central portion of the icon line display area Ai.
• The slide bar SB is used in combination with the cursor C so as to provide the user with various functions. 24 shapes (e.g., a rectangle) are aligned and displayed in the slide bar SB, and these 24 shapes corresponds to 24 icons I1 to I24, respectively. The cursor C indicates such icons, among the icons I1 to I24 displayed in the slide bar SB, that are currently displayed in the icon line display area Ai. The user performs a drag operation by moving the cursor C along the slide bar SB (i.e., in a horizontal direction) using thestylus pen27, thereby moving the cursor C to any position on the slide bar. Further, the user performs a touch operation by touching any point on the slide bar SB using thestylus pen27, thereby moving the cursor C to the point. When a position of the cursor Con the slide bar SB has changed, the icons I to be displayed on to the icon line display area Ai are also changed accordingly. In this manner, the user can display desired icons I, from among the icons I1 to I24, in the icon line display area Ai using the slide bar SB and the cursor C.
• When the user performs a tap operation, with thestylus pen27, with respect to the icon I11, which is displayed at a central portion of the icon line display area Ai, a program relating to the tapped icon I11 is executed. In the state shown inFIG. 3, when the user performs the tap operation, with thestylus pen27, with respect to the icons I (icons I9, I10, I12, I13) other than the icon I11 which is displayed at the central portion of the icon line display area Ai, the line of the icons is scrolled such that the tapped icon I moves toward the center of the icon line display area Ai.
• The above-described icon operation method may be performed by using a hardware switch (the operation buttons14). For example, in the state shown inFIG. 3, when the user presses down theoperation button14D, a program relating to the icon I11 which is displayed at the central portion of the icon line display area Ai is launched. Further, when the user presses down a right button (i.e., a right portion of thedirection input button14A), the line of the icons scrolls by one icon I to the right side of the screen. When the user presses down a left button (i.e., a left portion of thedirection input button14A), the icon line scrolls by one icon I to the left side of the screen.
• In the present embodiment, when the power of thegame apparatus1 is turned ON, theCPU31 executes the launcher. When a launcher menu (FIG. 3) is displayed on thelower LCD12, in accordance with an operation by the user, display forms of the icons I relating to files and programs usable by the user are changed so as to be easily distinguished from the remaining icons I. For example, when the launcher menu is displayed on thelower LCD12, the icons I relating to the files and the programs usable by the user are displayed in an emphasized manner (e.g., by changing a color of upper/lower sides of the frames, or performing edge enhancement, enlargement, highlighting or the like).
• In the exemplary display shown inFIG. 3, among the icons I9 to I13 displayed in the icon line display area Ai, the icons I11 and I13 are displayed in an emphasized manner (e.g., by changing colors of the upper/lower sides of the frames between seven colors, respectively). Further,FIG. 4 indicates that, among the icon I1 to I24, the icons I2, I6, I11, I13, I18, I22, and I23 are object icons to be displayed in an emphasized manner in the icon line display area Ai. Still further, shapes corresponding to the object icons, among the shapes aligned in the slide bar SB, are displayed such that colors of the shapes changes between seven colors, respectively. In this manner, the display forms of the icons I relating to the files and the programs usable by the user are changed, whereby the user can be informed of the usability of the icons I. It is also possible to prompt the user to start up the files and the programs relating to the icons I displayed in an emphasized manner.
• For example, a viewer program is installed in thegame apparatus1 so as to display a content received from the Internet or another game apparatus of the same type. When thegame apparatus1 is in a state capable of receiving the content, the icon I, which relates to the viewer program for displaying the content, is displayed in an emphasized manner. Accordingly, the user can be informed that thegame apparatus1 receives the content, and is prompted to launch the viewer program for displaying the content.
• As shown inFIG. 5, thegame apparatus1 receives a content from the Internet via awireless access point3. In this case, an identifier (e.g., an SSID (Service Set Identifier)) to connect to thewireless access point3, a key (e.g., a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key and a WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) key) which are designed to connect to thewireless access point3, and an location ID indicating an location of thewireless access point3 are received from anothergame apparatus2. Hereinafter, data used for establishing connection to thewireless access point3 is collectively referred to as connection data. For example, amemory card2C, on which the SSID, the WEP key and the location ID are recorded in advance, is detachably mounted to the anothergame apparatus2, and the anothergame apparatus2 reads the SSID, the WEP key and the location ID recorded on thememory card2C. The anothergame apparatus2 is situated at a predetermined location such as a shop, and encodes the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID (which are, hereinafter, referred to as the connection data). The anothergame apparatus2 then wirelessly broadcasts the connection data at regular intervals (e.g., every 200 ms) within a predetermined range therefrom. Accordingly, thegame apparatus1 receives the connection data from the anothergame apparatus2 via thelocal communication module38, thereby capable of establishing connection to thewireless access point3. Thegame apparatus1 extracts the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID included in the connection data, and establishes connection to thewireless access point3 via thewireless communication module37. Thewireless access point3 exemplifies a connection point device of the present invention.
• That is, thegame apparatus1 receives the connection data from anothergame apparatus2, thereby automatically capable of establishing connection to thewireless access point3. The user is informed by the change in the display form of the icons I that thegame apparatus1 is capable of displaying a content via thewireless access point3. In this manner, the connection data including the SSID, the WEP key and the location ID are broadcast, whereby thegame apparatus1 is automatically caused to be connectable to thewireless access point3. Therefore, even if thegame apparatus1 does not have the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID installed in advance, thegame apparatus1 can be controlled so as to be connectable to variouswireless access points3, and accordingly, development of the system as a whole can be expected.
• In this manner, the connection data such as the SSID and the WEP key and the like is transmitted from anothergame apparatus2, whereby the user who does not know the SSID and the WEP key in advance can establish connection to thewireless access point3. Accordingly, the user can establish connection to an indefinite number of wireless access points. It is noted that, as compared to a case where the SSID of thewireless access point3 is set to “ANY”, not all thegame apparatuses1 can automatically establish connection to thewireless access point3, but onlysuch game apparatuses1 that receive permission from anothergame apparatus2 can establish connection to thewireless access point3. Therefore, unlike the case where the SSID is set to ANY, the connection does not create a disordered state.
• For example, the connection data is transmitted from anothergame apparatus2 to thegame apparatus1 by using a protocol dedicated to these game apparatuses. That is, only such apparatuses that perform communication using the protocol can receive the connection data, and thus only such apparatuses that use the protocol are capable of connecting to thewireless access point3.
• In this manner, when the connection data is received, the icon I relating to a program for executing a procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3 is displayed in an emphasized manner. It is noted that, a sign indicative of a program for executing the procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3 may be attached to the icon I, in addition to the above-described display in an emphasized manner. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, at the lower right side of the icon I, the sign indicative of the program for executing the procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3 is displayed. Accordingly, even if the icon I is not displayed in an emphasized manner, it is possible to inform the user that the icon I represents an application program which allows the user to perform communication by connecting to thewireless access point3.
• Next, Prior to describing the processing operation performed on thegame apparatus1, various data used for executing the information processing program will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of various data which is stored in themain memory32 by executing the information processing program.FIG. 7 is a diagram showing exemplary connection data Db.
• InFIG. 6, themain memory32 stores therein a program read from thememory card28 and thememory card29 or temporary data generated during processing. As shown inFIG. 6, the operation data Da, the connection data Db, hot spot channel data Dc, image data Dd and the like are stored in the data storage area in themain memory32. Further, stored in the program storage area in themain memory32 are the information processing program, the viewer program for establishing connection to thewireless access point3 and for browsing the Internet, the launcher program for displaying the list of the plurality of icons I, and various program group Pa including the programs and the like relating to the respective icons I. A flag is set on each of the programs included in the various program group Pa so as to indicate whether or not the program is designed to execute a procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3.
• The operation data Da stores therein data on a touch coordinate point (touch coordinate point data) indicative of a touch point TP on a screen coordinate system touched by a player on thetouch panel13 and data indicative of a state of theoperation buttons14 operated by the player (operation button data). For example, the touch coordinate point data and the operation button data are obtained every unit time (e.g., 1/60 sec.), during which thegame apparatus1 performs a game process, and are then stored in the operation data Da and updated.
• The connection data Db stores therein data for establishing connection to thewireless access point3, the data being received from anothergame apparatus2. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, in the connection data Db, data indicative of the SSID, the WEP key, the location ID, a received strength level and a connection establishment flag are interrelated to one another, and stored. The data indicative of the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID, which are stored in the connection data Db is described in accordance with the data received from anothergame apparatus2. A received strength level of the data received from anothergame apparatus2 is detected, and the received strength level is interrelated to the data and then stored. When data indicative of another SSID, another WEP key, and another location ID is received from still anothergame apparatus2, the data is stored in the connection data Db as another piece of reception data. In other words, when thegame apparatus1 receives, from a plurality of anothergame apparatuses2, a plurality pieces of data indicative of the SSIDs, the WEP keys, and the locations ID, which are respectively different from one another, then the respective pieces of data are stored individually in the connection data Db together with the received strength levels corresponding to the respective pieces of data. Further, the connection establishment flag is set ON when connection to thewireless access point3 has been successfully established by using the stored SSID and the WEP key.
• The hot spot channel data Dc stores therein data obtained from a predetermined server on the network via thewireless access point3 when connection to thewireless access point3 has been successfully established.
• The image data Dd includes icon image data Dd1 and emphasized image data Dd2. The icon image data Dd1 is image data for causing the icons I to be displayed on thelower LCD12 and/or theupper LCD22. The emphasized image data Dd2 is image data for causing the icons I to be displayed on thelower LCD12 and/orupper LCD22 in an emphasized manner.
• With reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, a specific processing operation of the information processing program executed on thegame apparatus1 will be described.FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first half of the information processing performed on thegame apparatus1 by executing the information processing program.FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second half of the information processing performed on thegame apparatus1 by executing the information processing program. The program for executing the information processing is included in the programs stored in thememory card28 and thememory card29. The program is read from thememory card28 or thememory card29 via the memory card I/F36 when the power of thegame apparatus1 is turned ON, and then executed by theCPU31.
• First, when the power (apower button14F) of thegame apparatus1 is turned ON (step51, being abbreviated as “S” inFIGS. 8 and 9), a boot program (not shown) is executed by theCPU31, and accordingly, the information processing program stored in thememory card28 or thememory card29 is loaded onto themain memory32. The loaded information processing program is executed by the CPU31 (step52), whereby processing instep53 and thereafter is executed.
• As shown inFIG. 8, theCPU31 performs initialization of the information processing (step53), and proceeds to processing in the subsequent step. For example, as the initialization processing performed instep53, theCPU31 initializes respective parameters stored in themain memory32 to predetermined states. For example, the operation data Da, the connection data Db, and the hot spot channel data Dc are each initialized so as not to include any piece of data. The connection establishment flag included in the connection data Db is initialized to an OFF state.
• Next, theCPU31 performs processing for receiving the connection data from anothergame apparatus2 for a predetermined time period (e.g., for two seconds), and determines whether or not the connection data is receivable from another game apparatus2 (step54). When the connection data is received from anothergame apparatus2, theCPU31 proceeds to processing in step61 subsequently. ON the other hand, when the connection data is not received from anothergame apparatus2, theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep55.
• Here, when receiving the connection data from anothergame apparatus2, preferably, thegame apparatus1 attempts to receive the connection data by using a so-called passive reception method, which allows thegame apparatus1 to receive a radio wave from another apparatus without outputting a radio wave therefrom. Accordingly, thegame apparatus1 does not automatically outputs a radio wave immediately after the power is turned ON so as to receive the connection data from another apparatus. Therefore, the power of thegame apparatus1 can be turned ON even in a circumstance where an output of an electromagnetic wave is prohibited (e.g., in an airplane).
• Instep55, theCPU31 launches the launcher program, causes the launcher menu to be displayed on thelower LCD12, and proceeds to processing in the subsequent step. Here, when the launcher menu is displayed on thelower LCD12, the icon I, which relates to the viewer program (hereinafter referred to as a hot spot viewer) for displaying a content received via thewireless access point3, is also displayed. Further, in above-describedstep55, since thegame apparatus1 does not receive the connection data for establishing connection to thewireless access point3, thegame apparatus1 cannot establish connection to thewireless access point3. Therefore, since thegame apparatus1 is not capable of performing processing using the hot spot viewer, the icon I relating to the hot spot viewer is displayed in a non-emphasized manner unlike an emphasized display as shown inFIG. 3. For example, as shown inFIG. 10, supposing the icon I11 relates to the hot spot viewer, the icon I11 is displayed on thelower LCD12 in the non-emphasized manner without being distinguished from the other icons I.
• In above-describedstep55, when the launcher menu is displayed, theCPU31 refers to flags set with respect to the programs included in the various program group Pa, and determines whether or not the each of the programs is such a program that is designed to execute a procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3. With respect to the icon I which relates to the program for executing the procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3, theCPU31 attaches a sign indicative of the program (see the icons I11 and I13 shown inFIG. 10) to the icon I, and displays the icon I with the sign on thelower LCD12.
• Next, theCPU31 performs processing for receiving the connection data from anothergame apparatus2 while displaying the launcher menu, and then determines whether or not the connection data is receivable from another game apparatus2 (step56). When the connection data is receivable from anothergame apparatus2, theCPU31 proceeds to processing in step61 subsequently. On the other hand, when the connection data is yet to be received from the anothergame apparatus2, theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep57 subsequently.
• Instep57, theCPU31 determines whether or not the user has performed any operation with reference to the operation data Da. When the user has not performed any operation, theCPU31 returns the processing back to step55, and continuously performs the processing for displaying the launcher menu in a non-emphasized manner. On the other hand, when the user has performed some operation, theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep58 subsequently. In this manner, theCPU31 intermittently performs the processing for attempting to receive the connection data from another game apparatus2 (step56) while displaying the launcher menu in the non-emphasized manner. When the connection data becomes receivable, theCPU31 changes the processing so as to perform such processing that is performed while connection data is being received (i.e., processing in step61 and thereafter).
• Instep58, theCPU31 determines whether or not an instruction given by an operation performed by the user is an instruction for selecting execution of an application (e.g., the hot spot viewer) which requires connection to thewireless access point3. In the case of the instruction for selecting the application which requires connection to thewireless access point3, theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep59 subsequently. On the other hand, in the case of an instruction which does not require connection to thewireless access point3, theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep67 subsequently.
• Instep59, theCPU31 displays, on thelower LCD12, a screen notifying the user to reset thegame apparatus1. When the user performs an operation to reset the game apparatus1 (step60), theCPU31 returns to step54 and repeats the processing in accordance with the reset operation. For example, instep59, a text image stating “No corresponding hot spot is found. Try again in a place where hot spot is available.” is displayed on thelower LCD12, and the user is prompted to reset thegame apparatus1.
• On the other hand, instep67, theCPU31 performs processing in accordance with an instruction given by the user, and ends the processing in the flowchart. Although various pieces of processing may be performed instep67 in accordance with the instruction given by the user, details thereof will be omitted here.
• When the connection data is received from another game apparatus2 (Yes instep54, and Yes in step56), theCPU31 obtains the connection data, describes the connection data in the connection data Db (step61), and then proceeds to processing in the subsequent step. For example, when the connection data is received from anothergame apparatus2, theCPU31 decodes the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID included in the connection data and describes the SSID, the WEP key, and the location ID having been decoded into the connection data Db by interrelating the SSID, the WEP key and the location ID to one another. Further, a signal strength level when the connection data is received is also detected, and data indicative of the signal strength level is also interrelated to the decoded data and then described in the connection data Db. When a plurality of pieces of the connection data is received from a plurality of anothergame apparatuses2, theCPU31 decodes each piece of the connection data and describes the decoded data into the connection data Db together with its corresponding signal strength level.
• As shown inFIG. 7, when the plurality of pieces of the connection data is received from the plurality of anothergame apparatuses2, the connection data may be described in order of stronger received strength levels. In this case, values of the descending strength levels do not need to be described in the connection data Db.
• When a new piece of connection data is received from anothergame apparatus2, only the new piece of connection data may be described in the connection data Db so as to be added to the data already described therein, or only the new piece of connection data may be described in the connection data Db after all the data already described in the connection data Db is deleted.
• Next, theCPU31 launches the launcher program, causes the launcher menu to be displayed on the lower LCD12 (step62), and proceeds to processing in the subsequent step. Here, when the launcher menu is displayed on thelower LCD12, the icon I relating to the hot spot viewer is also displayed. Since thegame apparatus1 obtains the connection data for establishing connection to thewireless access point3 in above-described step62, thegame apparatus1 is capable of establishing connection to thewireless access point3. Therefore, thegame apparatus1 is capable of performing processing using the hot spot viewer, and the icon I relating to the hot spot viewer is displayed in an emphasized manner. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, if the icon I11 represents an icon relating to the hot spot viewer, the icon I11 is displayed on thelower LCD12 in the emphasized manner so as to be distinguished from other icons I.
• In above-described step62, when the launcher menu is displayed, theCPU31 refers to the flags set with respect to the programs included in the various program group Pa, and determines whether or not each of the programs is such a program that is designed to execute a procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3. TheCPU31 then displays the icon I, which relates to the program for executing the procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3, in an emphasized manner on thelower LCD12. Further, with respect to the icon I which relates to the program for executing the procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3, theCPU31 attaches the sign indicative of the program (see the icons I11 and I13 shown inFIG. 3) to the icon I, and displays the icon I with the sign on thelower LCD12. Still further, theCPU31 displays, on thelower LCD12, a shape, among the shapes aligned in the slide bar SB, which corresponds to the icon I relating to the program for executing the procedural step of connecting to thewireless access point3, so as to change between seven colors.
• TheCPU31 performs the processing for receiving the connection data from anothergame apparatus2, while displaying the launcher menu, and determines whether or not the connection data is receivable from another game apparatus2 (step63). When the connection data is not receivable from anothergame apparatus2, theCPU31 deletes the data described in the connection data Db and proceeds to processing in above describedstep55. On the other hand, when the connection data is receivable from anothergame apparatus2, theCPU31 proceeds to processing in step64 subsequently.
• In step64, theCPU31 obtains the connection data and describes the same in the connection data Db, and proceeds to processing in the subsequent step. For example, when the connection data obtained in step64 has an additional piece of connection data which is different from and not included in the connection data obtained in step61, theCPU31 may additionally describes only the additional piece of connection data in the connection data Db in the processing in step64. When the connection data obtained in step64 is the same as the connection data obtained in step61, description in the connection data Db does not need to be changed in the processing in step64.
• Next, theCPU31 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation with reference to the operation data Da (step65). When the user has not performed any operation, theCPU31 returns the processing to step62, and continuously performs the processing for displaying the launcher menu in an emphasized manner. On the other hand, when the user has performed some operation, theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep66 subsequently. In this manner, theCPU31 intermittently performs processing for determining whether or not reception of the connection data from anothergame apparatus2 is interrupted (step63) while displaying the launcher menu in the emphasized manner. When the reception is interrupted and the connection data is not receivable, theCPU31 changes the processing so as to perform such processing that is performed when the connection data is not receivable (i.e., the processing instep55 and thereafter).
• Instep66, theCPU31 determines whether or not an instruction given by an operation by the user is an instruction for selecting execution of an application (e.g., the hot spot viewer) which requires connection to thewireless access point3. In the case of the instruction for selecting the application which requires connection to thewireless access point3, theCPU31 proceeds to processing in step71 (FIG. 9) subsequently. On the other hand, in the case of an instruction which does not require connection to thewireless access point3, theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep67.
• With reference toFIG. 9, instep71, in order to ask the user whether or not to connect to thewireless access point3, theCPU31 displays, on thelower LCD12, such a display that prompts the user to perform an input indicative of execution/non-execution of the connection. When the user performs an input indicative of execution of the connection to the wireless access point3 (Yes in step71), theCPU31 proceeds to processing in step72 subsequently, with reference to the operation data Da. On the other hand, when the user performs an input indicative of non-execution of the connection to the wireless access point3 (No in step71), theCPU31 proceeds to processing in step83 subsequently.
• In step72, theCPU31 receives a beacon which is transmitted from thewireless access point3 at regular intervals via thewireless communication module37 so as to establish synchronization of a wireless network. Using information included in the received beacon and the connection data described in the connection data Db, theCPU31 attempts to establish connection to thewireless access point3 via the wireless communication module37 (step73). When a plurality of pieces of connection data is described in the connection data Db, theCPU31 attempts to establish connection to thewireless access point3 using a piece of the connection data which has the strongest received strength level.
• Next, theCPU31 determines whether or not connection to thewireless access point3 has been established successfully (step74). When the connection to thewireless access point3 has failed, theCPU31 selects another piece of the connection data described in the connection data Db (step75), and attempts to establish reconnection to thewireless access point3 using the another piece of the connection data and the information included in the above-described beacon. On the other hand, when the connection to thewireless access point3 has been established successfully, theCPU31 sets the connection establishment flag ON with respect to the connection data with which the connection has been established, updates the connection data Db, and then proceeds to processing instep76 subsequently.
• Instep76, theCPU31 stores data, which is obtained from a predetermined server on the network via thewireless access point3, in the hot spot channel data Dc, and displays a screen based on the data on thelower LCD12 and/or theupper LCD22. TheCPU31 then proceeds to processing in the subsequent step.
• For example, when theCPU31 has established the connection to the server using the hot spot viewer, the server transmits data corresponding to a location ID, which is used for establishing the connection, to thegame apparatus1. For example, when anothergame apparatus2 and thewireless access point3 are situated in a certain shop, the server transmits, to thegame apparatus1, data such as a name of the shop corresponding to the location ID, a list of services provided by the shop (e.g., viewable websites, downloadable programs, and the like), file URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) indicated by icons corresponding to the respective services, connection point addresses when the respective icons are selected, and the like. Using the data received from the server, thegame apparatus1 displays the icons indicative of the services provided by the shop on thelower LCD12 so as to prompt the user to select any of the services (a hot spot channel screen).FIG. 11 shows an exemplary case where anothergame apparatus2 and thewireless access point3 are located in a shop A, and icons Ism1 and Ism2 indicative of aservice menu1 and aservice menu2, respectively, which are provided by the shop A, are displayed on thelower LCD12.
• Next, theCPU31 refers to the operation data Da until the user selects one of the provided services (step77). When the user has selected one of the provided services (Yes in step77), theCPU31 proceeds to processing instep78 subsequently.
• Instep78, theCPU31 displays a WEB (World Wide Web) site corresponding to the service selected by the user on thelower LCD12 and/or theupper LCD22. For example, theCPU31 refers to the hot spot channel data Dc, obtains a connection point address corresponding to the icon Ism1 or Ism2 selected by the user, and establishes connection to the WEB site using the connection point address. TheCPU31 then proceeds to processing in the subsequent step.
• Next, theCPU31 monitors whether or not communication with thewireless access point3 is disconnected while the user is viewing the website (step79) and also monitors whether or not the user has performed the reset operation (step80). When the communication with thewireless access point3 is disconnected (Yes in step79), theCPU31 attempts to establish reconnection to thewireless access point3 using the connection data with which the most recent connection was established (step81). TheCPU31 refers to the connection data Db, and uses the connection data, with respect to which the connection establishment flag is set ON, as the connection data with which the most recent connection was established. When the reconnection to thewireless access point3 has been established successfully (Yes in step82), theCPU31 returns to step76 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, when the reconnection to thewireless access point3 has failed (No in step82), or when the user performs the reset operation (Yes in step80), theCPU31 deletes the data described in the connection data Db and returns to step54 and repeats the processing.
• On the other hand, when the user performs an input indicative of non-execution of the connection to the wireless access point3 (No in step71), theCPU31 displays, on thelower LCD12, a screen notifying the user to reset the game apparatus1 (step83). When the user performs the operation to reset the game apparatus1 (step84), theCPU31 deletes the data described in the connection data Db, returns to step54 and repeats the processing in accordance with the reset operation. For example, in above-described step83, a text image stating that “Hot spot channel is not available unless Internet connection is established.” is displayed on thelower LCD12, and the user is prompted to reset thegame apparatus1.
• In this manner, thegame apparatus1 according to the present embodiment attempts to obtain connection data before and during displaying the launcher menu, and changes the display form of the icon I relating to such an application that has become usable when the connection data has been obtained, thereby easily distinguishing the icon I from the remaining icons I. Accordingly, it is possible to instantly notify the user that the application is usable, and also possible to prompt the user to start up the application. For example, in the case where an application requires connection to thewireless access point3, before and during displaying the launcher menu, the user is notified, by changing the display form of the icon I relating to the application, that the connection data necessary for connection has been obtained. Therefore, the display form of the icon I is changed, whereby it is possible to notify the user that the user is within an area connectable to theaccess point apparatus3 with which the application represented by the icon I is caused to be usable.
• In the above description, the display form of the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, is changed by changing the color of the upper and lower sides of a frame thereof between seven colors. However, the change in the display form in the present invention is not limited to the change in the color of the upper and lower sides of the frame. Hereinafter, other exemplary changes in the display form of the icon I performed in the present invention will be described.
• As a first example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by emphasizing an outline (frame) of the icon I or by changing a color of the outline of the icon I.
• As a second example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by enlarging and emphasizing the icon I relatively to the other icons I.
• As a third example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by highlighting and emphasizing the icon I.
• As a fourth example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by attaching a sign (e.g., an arrow pointing to the icon I) to the icon I.
• As a fifth example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by changing a shape or a color of the icon I, or a picture drawn inside of the icon I, or by changing a picture drawn inside the icon I into animation.
• As a sixth example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by changing an explanatory text described in the dialogue balloon B for the icon I. For example, the display form of the icon I relating to the application, which has become usable due to obtainment of the connection data, is changed by displaying an explanatory text stating “You are in hot spot area.” in the dialogue balloon B for the icon I.
• As a seventh example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by displaying the icon I dynamically (while the other icons I are displayed statically).
• As an eighth example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form of the icon I is changed by causing the icon I to move to a special position (e.g., to move to an area outside the icon line display area Ai (seeFIG. 3)).
• As a ninth example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, when the icon is selectable (e.g., when the icon I is situated at the center of the icon line display area Ai), the display form of the icon I is changed by changing a background color thereof and the like.
• As a tenth example, the icon I relating to the application, which is not usable since the connection data has not been obtained, is set not to be displayed. Thereafter, the icon I which relates to the application that has become usable when the connection data is obtained is displayed so as to be recognizable by the user. The display form of the icon I is changed, in this manner.
• In the tenth example, when thegame apparatus1 has yet to receive the connection data after thegame apparatus1 is first used (e.g., in the case where thegame apparatus1 is in an immediately-after-purchase state), the icon I relating to the application which becomes usable when the connection data is received is not displayed. When thegame apparatus1 first receives the connection data, the icon I may be displayed. For example, when thegame apparatus1 has received the connection data from anothergame apparatus2 for the first time, a dialog box (e.g., a dialog box asking the user “Play with hot spot channel?”) is displayed so as to prompt the user to select whether or not to display the icon I relating to the application which becomes usable when the connection data is received. When the user selects to display the icon I relating to the application which becomes usable when the connection data is received, the icon I always appears when the launcher menu is displayed thereafter, and the icon I is displayed in an emphasized manner when the connection data is received.
• The display form of the icon I may be changed by using two or more of the above-described examples in a combined manner. For example, with respect to the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained, the display form thereof may be changed by changing colors of the upper and lower sides of a frame of the icon I, respectively, between seven colors, by changing an explanatory text described in a dialogue balloon B for the icon I, and by changing a picture drawn inside the icon I into animation pictures.
• In the above-described specific processing operation caused by the information processing program, the examples have been described in which the display form of the icon I, which relates to the application which becomes usable when the connection data has been obtained, is changed only while thegame apparatus1 is receiving the connection data from anothergame apparatus2. Accordingly, when thegame apparatus1 is located within an area capable of receiving the connection data transmitted from anothergame apparatus2, and also within an area capable of being connectable to thewireless access point3, then the display form of the icon I relating to the application which becomes usable when the connection data is obtained is changed, whereby the application is caused to be executable.
• However, the display form of the icon I may be changed even if thegame apparatus1 is in another state. For example, when thegame apparatus1 has received the connection data from anothergame apparatus2, the received connection data is stored on thegame apparatus1 until the power of thegame apparatus1 is turned OFF. When the power of thegame apparatus1 is turned OFF, the connection data is deleted. While the above-described connection data is stored, the display form of the icon I relating to the application which has become usable when the connection data is obtained is changed. Accordingly, even if an area in which the connection data transmitted from anothergame apparatus2 is receivable is not overlapped with an area in which connection to thewireless access point3 can be established, thegame apparatus1 is able to establish connection to thewireless access point3 in such a non-overlapped area as long as thegame apparatus1 has once received the connection data.
• The above description is exemplified by thegame apparatus1 which has a configuration in which various programs such as the viewer program for displaying a content received by establishing connection to thewireless access point3, and the launcher application software for displaying a list of the icons I are stored in the memory in advance. However, at least one of the programs may be obtained externally. For example, at least one of the programs may be obtained from thememory cards28 and/or29, and may be obtained from another apparatus through communication with the another apparatus. For example, when the viewer program is obtained from another apparatus through communication therewith, anothergame apparatus2 transmits the viewer program as well as the connection data by wireless broadcasting. Thegame apparatus1 receives the viewer program transmitted from anothergame apparatus2, installs the viewer program, and then receives the above-described connection data, thereby executing processing thereafter. Accordingly, even if the various programs are not installed in advance in thegame apparatus1, it is possible to perform processing similar to that above described.
• The above description is exemplified by the case where the connection data such as the SSID and the WEP key is transmitted from anothergame apparatus2, however, an apparatus transmitting the connection data is not limited to the game apparatus. For example, the connection data may be wirelessly broadcasted at regular intervals from a dedicated terminator a versatile terminal which transmits the connection data. Alternatively, thewireless access point3 may transmit the connection data. In this case, the connection data may be included in a beacon, which is transmitted at regular intervals so as to establish synchronization of a wireless network, and then may be transmitted to thegame apparatus1.
• In the above description, the connection point apparatus has been exemplified by a system using thewireless access point3 in which thegame apparatus1 is connected to thewireless access point3. However, another apparatus may be used as the connection point apparatus of the present invention. For example, although thewireless access point3 functions as an intermediary apparatus to establish connection to the network, connection may be established only between thegame apparatus1 and the connection point apparatus of the present invention. For example, as the connection point apparatus, another game apparatus, which is different from thegame apparatus1, is arranged, and connection may be established directly between the game apparatuses.
• When the user has selected the icon I relating to an application which is not useable since the connection data is not obtained, (Yes instep58 shown inFIG. 8), in addition to a display of a screen on thelower LCD12 so as to notify the user to reset thegame apparatus1, an explanation (tutorial) of a method for using the application and functions of the application may be displayed. Accordingly, the user can understand the method for using the above-described hot spot viewer, the reason why the display form of the icon I is changed, and the like.
• In the above-described specific processing operation caused by the information processing program, the case has been described where when the user has selected a service displayed on the hot spot channel (Yes in step77 shown inFIG. 9), a WEB site corresponding to the service is provided and displayed. However, the service may be provided in a different form. For example, in the case where the above-described service is provided in a form of a native application or the like, and the user has selected the service displayed on the hot spot channel, then the native application corresponding to the service may be downloaded to thegame apparatus1 via thewireless access point3.
• Further, in the above description, the SSID is used as an example of the identifier for establishing connection to thewireless access point3, the identifier being included in the connection data transmitted from anothergame apparatus2. However, an identifier which is different from the SSID may be included in the connection data. For example, an identification number such as a MAC address (Media Access Control address) which is unique to eachwireless access point3 may be included in the connection data in combination with the SSID or instead of the SSID.
• Further, in the embodiment described above, as an example of a LCD display section having two screens, the case has been described where thelower LCD12 and theupper LCD22 physically separated from each other are arranged one above the other (the case of two screens above and below). However, a configuration of a display section having two screens may be another configuration. For example, thelower LCD12 and theupper LCD22 may be arranged on a main surface of thelower housing11 laterally side by side. Alternatively, a vertically long LCD having the same width as thelower LCD12 and having a vertical length which is twice as large as the that of the lower LCD12 (namely, an LCD which is physically one unit and has a display size with a vertical length equal to a sum of vertical lengths of two screens) may be provided in the main surface of thelower hosing11, and the above two images (namely, a display image obtained by changing a taken image to a monochrome image, and an image showing an operation explanation screen) may be displayed one above the other (displayed so as to be adjacent to each other without a boundary portion between the above and below). Still alternatively, a horizontally long LCD having the same vertical length as thelower LCD12 and having a width which is twice as large as that of thelower LCD12 may be provided in the main surface of thelower housing11, and the two game images may be displayed laterally side by side (displayed so as to be adjacent to each other without a boundary portion between left and right). In other words, a physically one screen may be divided into two and used to display two images. In either form of an image, if thetouch panel13 is provided on a screen on which the display image displayed on thelower LCD12 is displayed, the present invention can be realized similarly. Alternatively, in the case where the physically one screen is divided into two and used to display the two images, the touchedpanel13 may be provided on an entirety of the screen.
• Further, in the embodiment described above, thegame apparatus1 is provided integrally with thetouch panel13. However, even if the game apparatus and the touch panel may be provided independently of each other, it should be understood that the present invention can be realized. Alternatively, thetouch panel13 may be provided on an upper surface of theupper LCD22, and the display image displayed on thelower LCD12 may be displayed on theupper LCD22. Further, although the two display screens (thelower LCD12 and the upper LCD22) are provided in the above embodiment, only one display screen may be provided. In other words, in the above embodiment, theupper LCD22 is not provided, but only thelower LCD12 may be provided as a display screen, and thetouch panel13 may be provided on thelower LCD12. Still alternatively, in the above embodiment, without having thelower LCD12, thetouch panel13 may be provided on the upper surface of theupper LCD22, and the display image displayed on thelower LCD12 may be displayed on theupper LCD22.
• Further, in the embodiment described above, as input means of thegame apparatus1 for realizing a coordinate input, thetouch panel13 is used. However, another pointing device may be used. Here, the pointing device is an input device for designating an input position or a coordinate point on a screen, and, for example, a mouse, a trackpad, a trackball, or the like is used as the input device. When position information on a screen coordinate system calculated from an output value outputted from the input device is used, the present invention can be realized similarly.
• Further, in the case of a stationary game apparatus whose game controller is held by a player while a game is played, a pointing device in another form is considered. For example, a camera fixed to a housing of the game controller can be used as the pointing device. In this case, in accordance with change in a position at which the housing of the game controller is pointed, an image taken by the camera is changed. Thus, by analyzing the taken image, a coordinate point at which the housing is pointed with respect to a display image can be calculated.
• Further, the above embodiment has been described using the hand-heldgame apparatus1 and the stationary game apparatus. However, the present invention may be realized by an information processing apparatus, such as a common personal computer, by executing the information processing program of the present invention.
• Further, the shape of theabove game apparatus1, and the shapes, numbers, and installed positions of theoperation buttons14 and thetouch panel13 provided therein are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized with other shapes, numbers and installed positions. Further, an execution order or the like of the respective steps used in the above-described information processing is merely an example, and the present invention can be realized with another execution order.
• Further, in the embodiment described above, whether or not each of the plurality of application programs requires connection to the wireless access point is determined in accordance with the flag set thereon, and the display form of the icons relating to the applications is changed accordingly. However, a display form of icons relating to such applications that are specified in advance (which include programs executing a procedural step of connecting to the wireless access point) may be changed. In this case, determination based on the flag is not necessary.
• The information processing apparatus, the information processing system, and the storage medium having stored thereon the information processing program of the present invention are capable of supporting or prompting the user to select an application program to be launched from among a plurality of application programs, and are not only useful for an apparatus, a system and the like which display a plurality of objects such as icons on a display device, but also useful as a program or the like which is executed on the apparatus, the system and the like.
• While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

1-20. (canceled)

21. An information processing apparatus which is capable of storing a plurality of application programs, comprising:

launcher means for allowing a user to select an application program to be launched from among the plurality of application programs when the information processing apparatus is started, and for launching the selected application program; and

connection point data receiving means for attempting to receive data indicative of presence of a connection point apparatus when the information processing apparatus is started, wherein

the launcher means

displays, on a display device, a plurality of objects respectively corresponding to the plurality of application programs, receives an operation performed by the user, and launches the application program which is selected by the operation and which corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects, and

includes object display form changing means for changing a display form of the object relating to a connection application program, which is the application program including a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.

22. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein the connection point data receiving means attempts to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus during a time period from when the information processing apparatus has started to when the launcher means has started.

23. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein the connection point data receiving means attempts to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus during a time period from when the information processing apparatus has started until before the launcher means becomes capable of receiving the operation performed by the user.

24. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the connection point data receiving means continuously attempts to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus even after the information processing apparatus has started and after the launcher means has become capable of receiving the operation performed by the user.

25. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein

the connection application program is a viewer program for establishing connection to a network via the connection point apparatus, and

the object display form changing means changes the display form of the object relating to the viewer program when the connection point data receiving means receives the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus.

26. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein when the information processing apparatus is started, the connection point data receiving means does not transmit a radio wave therefrom, and receives the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus.

27. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein

the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus at least includes data indicative of an identifier for identifying the connection point apparatus, and

when the connection application program is launched, the launcher means is connected to the connection point apparatus by using the data indicative of the identifier, the data being included in the data received by the connection point data receiving means.

28. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 27, wherein

the connection point apparatus is a wireless connection point, and

the identifier is an SSID (Service Set Identifier).

29. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 27, wherein

data communicated between the connection point apparatus and the information processing apparatus is encoded with a key,

the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus further includes data indicative of the key for establishing connection to the connection point apparatus, and

when the connection application program is launched, the launcher means is connected to the connection point apparatus, by using the data indicative of the identifier and data indicative of the key which are included in the data received by the connection point data receiving means.

30. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein the connection point data receiving means uses a dedicated protocol which is at least mounted to the information processing apparatus and to another apparatus from which the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus is transmitted, and attempts to receive the data.

31. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein

the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus further includes data for specifying a predetermined content, and

when the connection application program is launched, the launcher means obtains the content, which is specified by the data for specifying the predetermined content, via a network.

32. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein the launcher means obtains an icon relating to the content from a server on the network, displays the icon on the display device so as to prompt the user to select the icon, and obtains, via the network, the content relating to the icon selected by the user.

33. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein the connection application program is stored in the information processing apparatus in advance.

34. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein the connection application program is downloaded via a network and installed in the information processing apparatus.

35. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 24, wherein in the case where the connection point data receiving means receives the data, changes the display form of the object relating to the connection application program, and then stops receiving the data, the object display form changing means restores the display form of the object relating to the connection application program to a state before the change.

36. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, further comprising:

connection point data storage means for keeping storing the data received by the connection point data receiving means until the information processing apparatus is shut down; and

reconnection means for attempting to reconnect to the connection point apparatus in accordance with the connection point data stored in the connection point data storage means when connection to the connection point apparatus is established and then interrupted.

37. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein the object display form changing means changes the display form of an icon object relating to the connection application program by changing a color of at least a part of a frame of the icon object, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.

38. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein the object display form changing means changes the display form of an icon object relating to the connection application program by animating the icon object, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.

39. An information processing system, comprising:

an information processing apparatus which is capable of storing a plurality of application programs;

a connection point apparatus; and

a connection point data transmitting apparatus for transmitting data indicative of presence of the connection point apparatus, wherein

the information processing apparatus includes:

launcher means for allowing a user to select an application program to be launched from among the plurality of application programs when the information processing apparatus is started, and for launching the selected application program; and

connection point data receiving means for attempting to receive the data indicative of the presence of the connection point apparatus from the connection point data transmitting apparatus when the information processing apparatus is started,

the launcher means

displays, on a display device, a plurality of objects respectively corresponding to the plurality of application programs, receives an operation performed by the user, and launches the application program which is selected by the operation and which corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects, and

includes object display form changing means for changing a display form of the object relating to a connection application program, which is the application program including a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.

40. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon an information processing program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus which is capable of storing a plurality of application programs, the information processing program causes the computer to function as:

launcher means for allowing a user to select an application program to be launched from among the plurality of application programs when the information processing apparatus is started, and for launching the selected application program; and

connection point data receiving means for attempting to receive data indicative of presence of a connection point apparatus when the information processing apparatus is started, wherein

the launcher means

displays, on a display device, a plurality of objects respectively corresponding to the plurality of application programs, receives an operation performed by the user, and launches the application program which is selected by the operation and which corresponds to an object among the plurality of objects, and

includes object display form changing means for changing a display form of the object relating to a connection application program, which is the application program including a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a procedural step of connecting to the connection point apparatus, when the connection point data receiving means receives the data.

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