Furthermore, for example, each of the steps described above with reference to the flowcharts may be performed by a single apparatus, or can alternatively be performed by a plurality of cooperating apparatuses. Furthermore, in a case where one step includes a plurality of processes, the plurality of processes included in the one step can be performed by a single apparatus, or may alternatively be performed by a plurality of cooperating apparatuses. In other words, a plurality of processes included in one step can be performed as processes of separate steps. Conversely, processes that have been described above as being performed at separate steps can be performed collectively at a single step.
The program to be executed by the computer may be designed to cause processes of steps of the program to be performed chronologically in an order as described herein, or to cause some of the processes to be performed in parallel or performed individually at a timing when they need be performed, such as when a call has been issued. In other words, the processes of the respective steps may be performed in orders different from those described above as long as no conflict arises. Furthermore, the processes of the steps of the program may be performed in parallel with a process of another program, or may be performed in combination with a process of another program.