Abstract: Identification information of a program read from outside, such as firmware, is acquired, and usability of a piece of key data in a range corresponding to the identification information is set, among a plurality of pieces of key data to be used for the program. As another example, based on new key data generated based on key data stored in advance in a memory and identification information, firmware corresponding to the identification information is decrypted.

Abstract: A normal mode is a processing mode in which processing based on a first architecture for an information processing method is executed, and a compatible mode is a processing mode in which processing based on a second architecture for another information processing method is executed. In the normal mode, first result data obtained by executing the processing based on the first architecture is inputted to an output section configured to output inputted data to a user. In the compatible mode, second result data obtained by executing the processing based on the second architecture is inputted to the output section, in a manner adapting the second result data to input of the output section.

Abstract: Prior to performing download play, it is checked whether or not it is necessary to update firmware of a slave apparatus. When it is necessary to update the firmware of the slave apparatus, a firmware update program is transmitted from a master apparatus to the slave apparatus, and the firmware of the slave apparatus is updated in accordance with the firmware update program. Thus, it is possible to update basic software by a novel method.

Abstract: Identification information of a program read from outside, such as firmware, is acquired, and usability of a piece of key data in a range corresponding to the identification information is set, among a plurality of pieces of key data to be used for the program. As another example, based on new key data generated based on key data stored in advance in a memory and identification information, firmware corresponding to the identification information is decrypted.

Abstract: A method for generating a tree-type data structure composed of a plurality of data strings includes the steps of: summing, with respect to a plurality of data strings classified in a parent node, the numbers of data types of data, respectively, at least one given string position in each of the plurality of data strings; and classifying, based on the numbers of the data types respectively summed at the at least one given string position in the summing step, the plurality of data strings into a plurality of child nodes, for the respective data types at a given string position.

Abstract: A method for generating a tree-type data structure composed of a plurality of data strings includes the steps of: summing, with respect to a plurality of data strings classified in a parent node, the numbers of data types of data, respectively, at at least one given string position in each of the plurality of data strings; and classifying, based on the numbers of the data types respectively summed at the at least one given string position in the summing step, the plurality of data strings into a plurality of child nodes, for the respective data types at a given string position.

Abstract: A normal mode is a processing mode in which processing based on a first architecture for an information processing method is executed, and a compatible mode is a processing mode in which processing based on a second architecture for another information processing method is executed. In the normal mode, first result data obtained by executing the processing based on the first architecture is inputted to an output section configured to output inputted data to a user. In the compatible mode, second result data obtained by executing the processing based on the second architecture is inputted to the output section, in a manner adapting the second result data to input of the output section.

Abstract: Prior to performing download play, it is checked whether or not it is necessary to update firmware of a slave apparatus. When it is necessary to update the firmware of the slave apparatus, a firmware update program is transmitted from a master apparatus to the slave apparatus, and the firmware of the slave apparatus is updated in accordance with the firmware update program. Thus, it is possible to update basic software by a novel method.