Abstract: A network system includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses. Each information processing apparatus arranges an own character and a partner character within a virtual space, and outputs an image of the virtual space on a monitor when a message is transmitted and received from the information processing apparatus of a chatting partner. Furthermore, an index indicating a direction from the own character to the partner character is generated, and it is determined whether or not the partner character is included in a predetermined range defined within the virtual space, and it is determined whether or not a message is being transmitted or received. When the partner character is out of the predetermined range, and the message is being transmitted or received, the index is output to the monitor.

Abstract: Object positioning means positions a first object at a position at a first depth distance in a depth direction in a virtual world. Stereoscopic image output control means outputs as a stereoscopic image the object in the virtual world positioned by the object positioning means. The object positioning means positions at least one second object, at a position at a depth distance which is different from the first depth distance in the depth direction in the virtual world in a manner such that the second object is displayed on at least a part of a display area corresponding to an edge of a display device when the second object is displayed as the stereoscopic image on the display device.

Abstract: If a stereoscopic display mode is selected, the angle of view of each of a pair of perspective-projection virtual cameras and a distance between the perspective-projection virtual cameras are determined based on an output signal from a 3D adjustment switch. Based on these perspective-projection virtual cameras, an image for right eye and an image for left eye are rendered, and a stereoscopically visible image is generated based on these images. If a planar display mode is selected, a single orthogonal-projection virtual camera is used to generate a planarly visible image.

Abstract: A network system includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses. Each information processing apparatus arranges an own character and a partner character within a virtual space, and outputs an image of the virtual space on a monitor when a message is transmitted and received from the information processing apparatus of a chatting partner. Furthermore, an index indicating a direction from the own character to the partner character is generated, and it is determined whether or not the partner character is included in a predetermined range defined within the virtual space, and it is determined whether or not a message is being transmitted or received. When the partner character is out of the predetermined range, and the message is being transmitted or received, the index is output to the monitor.