Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device 1, an information processing method, and an information processing program obtaining information for generating a large volume of various virtual characters for which one has strong feeling.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 comprises: a genome acquisition section 10 for acquiring first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first object; a variation correction section 20 for correcting predetermined variation information included in the first genome information acquired by the genome acquisition section 10 and obtaining first corrected genome information; and a character generation section 30 for generating virtual character information DT including trait information of a virtual character on the basis of the first corrected genome information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that utilizes genome information. [Background technology]

[0002] In computers and game devices, virtual characters are used to move around in virtual spaces and progress through games. Patent Document 1 discloses a virtual character generation device and program capable of easily generating natural-looking virtual characters as a technology for generating virtual characters. The virtual character generation device includes: input data receiving means for receiving input data; a first storage unit for storing first data consisting of image data or audio data and an impression classifier used to identify an impression of the first data; a second storage unit for storing a plurality of second data items each associated with an impression of a different type from the first data; impression identification means for identifying an impression of the input data received by the input data receiving means by referring to the first storage unit; selection means for selecting second data items associated with the impression identified by the impression identification means by referring to the second storage unit; and virtual character generation means for generating a virtual character using the input data received by the input data receiving means and the second data items selected by the selection means.

[0003] Patent Literature 2 discloses a method and apparatus for providing more enjoyable VR images in which a virtual character changes based on people in a photograph. The apparatus includes a photographing device for taking a photograph of a scene, an identification device for identifying people in the scene, a virtual character generation device for generating a virtual character based on information about the identified people, where the virtual character can be used in a video game, and a virtual image generation device for generating a virtual image including the virtual character in the scene. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-043841 [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-123277 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The fun part is being able to give a virtual character a human-like personality and freely set its appearance, but if you only choose a monotonous personality and appearance, it will not stimulate your interest and you will get bored, and you will lose your attachment to the virtual character.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can obtain information for generating a wide variety of imaginary characters that users are deeply attached to. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a genome acquisition unit that acquires first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject; a mutation correction unit that corrects specified mutation information included in the first genome information acquired by the genome acquisition unit to obtain first corrected genome information; and a character generation unit that generates virtual character information including trait information of the virtual character based on the first corrected genome information.

[0008] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to automatically generate virtual character information in which traits are set based on first corrected genome information obtained by correcting predetermined mutation information from DNA base sequence information of the first subject.

[0009] Preferably, the mutation correction unit is an information processing device that corrects the pathogenic mutation information from the DNA base sequence information by referring to a pathogenic mutation database in which correspondences between DNA base sequence information and pathogenic mutations are preset, thereby obtaining the first corrected genome information, so that the pathogenic mutation information of the first subject is not reflected in the generation of the virtual character information. The first object includes both people and non-people. Examples of the first object are (the person) and (the partner). In addition, mutation information includes information other than target and pathological. The virtual character information is unrendered (information only). The virtual character is a representation of the virtual character information through rendering.

[0010] Preferably, the character generation unit is an information processing device that generates virtual character information by referring to a phenotype database in which correspondences between DNA base sequence information and trait information are preset, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in setting the correspondences between DNA base sequence information and trait information using the phenotype database.

[0011] Preferably, the information processing device further comprises a genome passaging unit that inherits a portion of each of the plurality of pieces of DNA sequence information to obtain new DNA sequence information, wherein the genome acquisition unit acquires second genome information including the DNA sequence information of a second subject, the mutation correction unit obtains the second corrected genome information by correcting predetermined mutation information from the DNA sequence information included in the second genome information acquired by the genome acquisition unit, the genome passaging unit generates third genome information including DNA sequence information that inherits a portion of each of the DNA sequence information included in the first corrected genome information and the DNA sequence information included in the second corrected genome information, and the character generation unit generates new virtual character information based on the third genome information. In this way, new virtual character information is generated in which genetic inheritance between the first subject and the second subject has been simulated.

[0012] Preferably, the genome passage unit is an information processing device that generates third genome information by combining first gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis from DNA base sequence information included in the first revised genome information with second gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis from DNA base sequence information included in the second revised genome information. In this way, two gametes obtained by simulating the formation of actual gametes are combined to generate virtual character information that includes a wide variety of genome information while inheriting the genome information of the first subject and the genome information of the second subject.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method comprising: a genome acquisition step of acquiring first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject; a mutation correction step of correcting predetermined mutation information included in the first genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain first corrected genome information; and a character generation step of generating virtual character information including trait information of the virtual character based on the first corrected genome information obtained in the mutation correction step.

[0014] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to generate virtual character information in which traits are set based on first corrected genome information obtained by correcting predetermined mutation information from DNA base sequence information of the first subject.

[0015] Preferably, the information processing method further comprises a genome passaging step of obtaining new DNA sequence information by inheriting a portion of each of the plurality of pieces of DNA sequence information, wherein the genome acquisition step comprises acquiring second genome information including DNA sequence information of a second subject, the mutation correction step comprises correcting predetermined mutation information from the DNA sequence information included in the second genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain the second corrected genome information, the genome passaging step comprises generating third genome information including DNA sequence information by inheriting a portion of the DNA sequence information included in the first corrected genome information and a portion of the DNA sequence information included in the second corrected genome information, and the character generation step comprises generating new virtual character information based on the third genome information, thereby generating new virtual character information in which genetic inheritance between the first subject and the second subject has been simulated.

[0016] Yet another aspect of the present invention is an information processing program that causes a computer to execute a genome acquisition step of acquiring first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject, a mutation correction step of correcting specified mutation information included in the first genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain first corrected genome information, and a character generation step of generating virtual character information including trait information of the virtual character based on the first corrected genome information obtained in the mutation correction step.

[0017] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to generate virtual character information in which traits are set based on first corrected genome information obtained by correcting predetermined mutation information from DNA base sequence information of the first subject.

[0018] Preferably, the information processing program further comprises a genome passaging step of obtaining new DNA sequence information by inheriting portions of each of the plurality of DNA sequence information, wherein the genome acquisition step includes acquiring second genome information including DNA sequence information of a second subject, the mutation correction step includes correcting predetermined mutation information from the DNA sequence information included in the second genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain second corrected genome information, the genome passaging step includes generating third genome information including DNA sequence information inheriting portions of the DNA sequence information included in the first corrected genome information and the DNA sequence information included in the second corrected genome information, and the character generation step includes generating new virtual character information based on the third genome information, thereby generating new virtual character information in which genetic inheritance between the first subject and the second subject has been simulated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program for obtaining information for generating a wide variety of imaginary characters that users have strong feelings for. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating virtual character information using genome information. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating virtual character information using multiple pieces of genome information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of a method for generating virtual character information using the individual's genome information. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a mutation type of genome information. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for removing mutations from genome information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing examples of a phenotype table (wild type) and a phenotype table (genome type). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a phenotype table (mutation type). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for generating virtual character information using multiple pieces of genome information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for generating virtual character information using multiple pieces of genome information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of mutations from multiple pieces of genomic information to the genomic information of successive descendants. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an example of mutations from multiple pieces of genomic information to the genomic information of successive descendants. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of components that have already been described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0022] (Information processing device) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that generates virtual character information DT based on base sequence information of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Here, the virtual character may be displayed on a screen used in a computer or game device, or may be displayed as, for example, an avatar in a virtual reality space. The virtual character may also be developed as a figure or a robot. That is, the information processing device 1 generates information for configuring the virtual character (virtual character information DT).

[0023] The information processing device 1 includes a genome acquisition unit 10, a mutation correction unit 20, and a character generation unit 30. These units may be physically located in the same housing, or they may not all be located in the same housing, but at least one of them may be located in a physically separate location and connected via a network.

[0024] The genome acquisition unit 10 acquires first genome information including DNA base sequence information of the first subject. For example, the genome information is obtained by analyzing the first subject sample T1 by the genome analysis unit 11, and is stored in the genome database DB1. The first genome information may include chromosome information in addition to DNA base sequence information. The genome acquisition unit 10 acquires the first genome information stored in the genome database DB1 via a network (not shown). Note that the genome acquisition unit 10 may be configured to include the genome analysis unit 11.

[0025] Here, the specimen T1 from which genomic information is obtained may be human cells, or may be obtained from non-human animals, plants, etc. In this embodiment, the first subject is a human (the person himself / herself), and genomic information collected from human cells is used as an example.

[0026] Genomic information includes DNA base sequence information, which is represented by the base sequence of DNA. DNA base sequence information includes genetic information that specifies traits. DNA has a double helix structure and is specified by the arrangement of four types of bases (adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C)). Human genome information is stored in 23 chromosomes, which are condensed DNA. Humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) inherited from their father and mother. Genetics involves the inheritance of genes through the combination of gametes that undergo meiosis from the father's chromosomes and gametes that undergo meiosis from the mother's chromosomes. In this embodiment, calculations (programs) that simulate the mechanisms of such genome information and genetic inheritance are performed to generate virtual character information DT.

[0027] The mutation correction unit 20 corrects predetermined mutation information from the DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information acquired by the genome acquisition unit 10 to obtain first corrected genome information. The first genome information may include chromosomal mutations or mutations in the DNA base sequence (e.g., pathological mutations). Regarding mutations in the genome information, information for identifying mutations in the chromosomes and DNA base sequences is registered in advance in the mutation database DB2. The mutation correction unit 20 refers to the mutation database DB2 and performs corrections to remove abnormalities from the chromosomal information and portions where mutations are found in the DNA base sequence from the DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information acquired by the genome acquisition unit 10.

[0028] The character generation unit 30 generates virtual character information DT including trait information of the virtual character based on the first corrected genome information obtained by correction in the mutation correction unit 20. The character generation unit 30 generates the virtual character information DT by referring to a phenotype database DB3 in which correspondence between DNA base sequence information and trait information is preset. Trait information corresponding to genome types is registered in the phenotype database DB3. For example, traits such as height, grip strength, eyesight, appearance, and body color, which are associated with DNA base sequence information (base position, base type), as well as whether the allele is dominant or recessive, are registered in the phenotype database DB3. Note that the dominance / recessiveness of an allele is also referred to as dominant / recessive.

[0029] The character generation unit 30 refers to the phenotype database DB3, extracts trait information and dominant / recessive distinction corresponding to the DNA base sequence information of the first revised genome information, and generates virtual character information DT that matches the extracted trait information. At this time, if the allele is dominant, it selects one of the traits based on the genotype using, for example, a random number, and generates virtual character information DT.

[0030] According to such information processing device 1, it is possible to generate virtual character information DT in which traits are set based on first corrected genome information obtained by correcting predetermined mutation information from DNA base sequence information of a first subject. Since the first subject is a person and virtual character information DT is generated based on the DNA base sequence information of that person, it is possible to create a wide variety of virtual characters that people are deeply attached to.

[0031] The information processing device 1 may further include a genome passaging unit 40. The genome passaging unit 40 obtains new DNA base sequence information by inheriting a portion of each of the plurality of pieces of DNA base sequence information. That is, the genome passaging unit 40 obtains third genome information including new DNA base sequence information based on first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject (self) and second genome information including DNA base sequence information of a second subject (partner).

[0032] The first genome information and the second genome information are each acquired by a genome acquisition unit 10. The second genome information is obtained by analyzing a specimen T2 of a second subject (partner) by a genome analysis unit 11, and is stored in a genome database DB1. Furthermore, if the genome analysis unit 11 is included in the genome acquisition unit 10, the second genome information of the specimen T2 analyzed by the genome analysis unit 11 of the genome acquisition unit 10 is acquired.

[0033] The mutation correction unit 20 corrects predetermined mutation information from the DNA base sequence information contained in the first genome information to obtain first corrected genome information, and corrects predetermined mutation information from the DNA base sequence information contained in the second genome information to obtain second corrected genome information.

[0034] The genome passage unit 40 obtains the first genome information and the second genome information output from the mutation correction unit 20 and generates third genome information. As an example of generating the third genome information, the genome passage unit 40 generates the third genome information by combining first gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis based on the DNA base sequence information included in the first corrected genome information with second gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis based on the DNA base sequence information included in the second corrected genome information. When performing the simulated meiosis, chromosome crossovers and gene recombinations may be randomly generated, as in actual meiosis. This allows the third genome information to be generated by combining two gametes obtained by simulating the formation of actual gametes.

[0035] The character generation unit 30 generates new virtual character information DT based on the third genome information generated by the genome passage unit 40. The character generation unit 30 references the phenotype database DB3, extracts trait information and the dominant / recessive distinction of alleles corresponding to the DNA base sequence information of the third genome information, and generates virtual character information DT based on the extracted trait information and the dominant / recessive distinction of alleles.

[0036] For example, the phenotype database DB3 stores correspondence between traits such as height, grip strength, eyesight, appearance, and body color and DNA base sequence information (base position, base type), as well as the dominant / recessive nature of alleles corresponding to the DNA base sequence information. The character generation unit 30 references the phenotype database DB3, extracts trait information corresponding to the DNA base sequence information of the third genome information, and generates virtual character information DT that determines the traits of a new virtual character by selecting either the trait inherited from the genetic information of the first subject (the user) or the trait inherited from the genetic information of the second subject (partner) based on the dominant / recessive nature of the allele corresponding to the DNA base sequence information. If the dominant / recessive nature of the allele is dominant, the unit uses, for example, random numbers to select whether to use the genotype of the first subject or the genotype of the second subject. This makes it possible to generate virtual character information DT that has diversity similar to that of actual genetics.

[0037] The virtual character information DT can be used to represent a virtual character on a computer screen, for example, by rendering it. Also, the virtual character information DT can be used to create machines such as figures and robots with unique personalities and movements.

[0038] (Information processing method) FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating virtual character information using genome information. First, as shown in step S101, first genome information is acquired (genome acquisition step). In this step, first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject is acquired.

[0039] Next, as shown in step S102, it is determined whether or not there is a mutation to be corrected in the first genome information. For example, if the DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information contains a base sequence that may be a predetermined mutation, it is determined that the base sequence should be corrected. Also, if the first genome information contains chromosomal information and a chromosomal mutation is included, it is determined that the chromosomal mutation should be corrected. If there is a mutation to be corrected, proceed to step S103; if there is no mutation to be corrected, proceed to step S104.

[0040] In step S103, the genome information is corrected (mutation correction step). In this step, for example, a process is performed to correct a mutated base sequence among the DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information to a predetermined genome sequence to obtain the first corrected genome information. Furthermore, if a mutation is included in a chromosome, the mutation in the chromosome is corrected to obtain the first corrected genome information.

[0041] Next, as shown in step S104, virtual character information is generated (character generation process). In this step, a process is performed to generate virtual character information including trait information of the virtual character based on the first corrected genome information. Note that if it is determined in the process of step S102 that there is no mutation to be corrected, in step S104, virtual character information including trait information of the virtual character is generated based on the first genome information.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating virtual character information using multiple pieces of genome information. First, as shown in step S201, first genome information is acquired (genome acquisition step). In this step, first genome information including DNA base sequence information of the first subject (self) is acquired.

[0043] Next, as shown in step S202, it is determined whether or not there is a mutation to be corrected in the first genome information. For example, if the DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information contains a base sequence that may be a predetermined mutation, it is determined that the base sequence should be corrected. Also, if the first genome information contains chromosomal information, it is determined that any chromosomal mutations included should be corrected. If there is a mutation to be corrected, proceed to step S203; if there is no mutation to be corrected, proceed to step S204.

[0044] In step S203, the first genome information is corrected (mutation correction step). In this step, a process is performed to correct mutated base sequences among the DNA base sequence information contained in the first genome information to a predetermined genome sequence to obtain first corrected genome information. Furthermore, if a mutation is contained in a chromosome, the mutation in the chromosome is corrected to obtain first corrected genome information.

[0045] Next, as shown in step S204, first gamete information is generated by simulated meiosis. That is, a process similar to actual meiosis is performed from the first revised genome information or the DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information to obtain the first gamete information. At this time, the first gamete information may be obtained by randomly causing chromosome crossovers and gene recombinations, as in actual meiosis.

[0046] Next, in the processes shown in steps S205 to S208, second genome information is acquired (genome acquisition step), genome sequence information is corrected (mutation correction step), and second gamete information is generated. In these processes, the same processes as those for the first genome information described above (steps S201 to S204) are performed on the second genome information.

[0047] Next, as shown in step S209, third genome information is generated by simulated merging (genome passage process). In this step, first gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis from the first revised genome information or the DNA base sequence information contained in the first genome information is merged with second gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis from the second revised genome information or the DNA base sequence information contained in the second genome information to generate third genome information. When performing simulated meiosis, chromosome crossovers and gene recombinations may be randomly generated, as in actual meiosis. This allows two gametes obtained by simulating the formation of actual gametes to be merged to generate third genome information.

[0048] Next, as shown in step S210, virtual character information is generated. In this step, a process is performed to generate virtual character information including trait information of a new virtual character based on the third genome information. For example, a phenotype database is referenced, and trait information and a distinction between dominant and recessive alleles corresponding to the DNA base sequence information of the third genome information are extracted, and virtual character information is generated based on the extracted trait information and the distinction between dominant and recessive alleles. If the allele is dominant, a random number is used, for example, to select whether to use the genotype of the first subject or the genotype of the second subject. This makes it possible to generate virtual character information DT that has diversity similar to that of actual genetics.

[0049] (Information Processing Program) The information processing method described above is realized as an information processing program executed by a computer. That is, the information processing program causes a computer to execute the process shown in step S101 in Fig. 2 as a genome acquisition step, the process shown in step S103 as a mutation correction step, and the process shown in step S104 as a character generation step. Also, the information processing program causes a computer to execute the processes shown in steps S201 and S205 in Fig. 3 as a genome acquisition step, the processes shown in steps S203 and S207 as a mutation correction step, the process shown in step S209 as a genome passage step, and the process shown in step S210 as a character generation step.

[0050] (Example) 4 to 8 are diagrams illustrating a specific example of a method for generating virtual character information using genome information. FIG. 4 shows the flow of a method for generating virtual character information using the individual's genome information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a mutation type of genome information. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for removing mutations from genome information. FIG. 7(a) illustrates a part of the phenotype table (wild type) TB1, and FIG. 5(b) illustrates a part of the phenotype table (genomic type) TB2. The phenotype table (wild type) TB1 illustrated in FIG. 7(a), the phenotype table (genome type) TB2 illustrated in FIG. 5(b), and the phenotype table (mutant type) TB3 illustrated in FIG. 6 are included in the phenotype database DB3. FIG. 8 shows an example of a part of the phenotype table (mutation types).

[0051] First, a sample such as blood is collected from the first subject, and the subject's genome information (first genome information) is obtained using a genome analysis device (mutation analysis program). The first genome information includes the subject's DNA base sequence information. The first genome information is obtained by a genome acquisition unit 10 (see Figure 1).

[0052] Next, pathological mutations are removed from the acquired genomic information of the individual (first genomic information). Pathological mutations are removed by mutation correction unit 20 (see Figure 1). This results in first corrected genomic information. For example, if there is a base sequence that differs from the standard DNA base sequence (base substitution, partial base deletion, partial base amplification, base translocation, etc.) and this is a base change associated with disease (pathological mutation information), it is corrected to the standard base sequence. Whether or not the genomic information contains a pathological mutation is determined by referring to a pathogenic mutation database (not shown) included in mutation database DB2 (see Figure 1).

[0053] Figure 5(a) shows an example of a simple base substitution (single base, multiple bases). By comparing the reference base sequence with the base sequence of the individual's genome information (first genome information) collected from the sample, the parts where the types of bases corresponding to the same base position are different are identified as simple base substitution mutations. This mutation type is represented by the substituted base position and the type of base.

[0054] Figure 5(b) shows an example of a partial deletion of a base. When a reference base sequence is compared with the base sequence of the individual's genome information (first genome information) collected from the sample, if there is a missing base position, it is a partial deletion mutant type. This mutant type is represented by the start and end of the missing base position.

[0055] Figure 5(c) shows an example of partial base amplification. When comparing the reference base sequence with the base sequence of the individual's genome information (first genome information) collected from the sample, if there is a portion of the same base sequence that overlaps, it is a partial amplification variant. This variant is represented by the start and end positions of the overlapping bases.

[0056] Figure 5(d) shows an example of a base translocation. When the reference base sequence is compared with the base sequence of the individual's genome information (first genome information) collected from the sample, if there is a part that has been replaced with a part of the base sequence of another chromosome, it is a base translocation variant. This variant is represented by the two base positions that have been translocated.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, in the mutation removal method, genomic information (first genome information) of the individual collected from a specimen is obtained, and the first genome information is compared with a reference base sequence (step S301). For the mutation types exemplified in Figures 5(a) to (d), the reference base sequence, the mutation type, and the relationship between the mutation type and whether or not it is pathogenic are stored in a mutation database DB2. Whether or not there is a mutation in the first genome information is determined by comparing the first genome information with the reference stored in the mutation database DB2.

[0058] If this comparison reveals a mutation and the mutation corresponds to a pathological mutation stored in the mutation database DB2 (Yes in step S302), the mutation is removed (modified to a standard base sequence). If the mutation does not correspond to a pathological mutation (No in step S302), or after the pathological mutation has been removed, the process proceeds to generating virtual character information.

[0059] Next, virtual character information including trait information of the virtual character is generated based on the first modified genome information. The virtual character information is generated by the character generation unit 30 (see FIG. 1). The virtual character information is generated by referring to phenotype tables (wild type, genome type) TB1, TB2 and phenotype table (mutant type) TB3 included in the phenotype database DB3.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7(a), basic traits are set in the phenotype table (wild type) TB1. In this example, basic traits are set for height, right hand grip strength, eyesight, right foot condition, and body color. The phenotype table (wild type) TB1 shown in FIG. 7(a) corresponds to genome types, resulting in the phenotype table (genome type) TB2 shown in FIG. 7(b). In the phenotype table (genome type) TB2, traits are set in association with chromosome number, base position, and genotype. For example, genotype A at base position 12,345,678 of chromosome number 1 corresponds to height. In this case, the height of 100 m set as the height in the phenotype database (wild type) TB1 becomes the height of the basic (unmutated) virtual character information. Similarly, virtual character information without mutations is set based on the phenotype table (wild type) TB1 and phenotype table (genome type) TB2 shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b).

[0061] When generating virtual character information for a person from that person's genome information, this phenotype table (genome type) TB2 and the phenotype table (mutation type) TB3 shown in Figure 8 are referenced to generate virtual character information with trait changes from the basic virtual character information. For example, if the genotype at chromosome number 1, base position 12,345,678 in the person's genome information has mutated from the wild type A to T, the corresponding trait change would be, for example, a 10% increase in height. Note that if the allele is dominant, the genotype of one of the genes is selected, for example, by random numbers, and the trait change (or no change) is performed based on that genotype.

[0062] This generated virtual character information makes it possible to generate a virtual character C1 for the user. The virtual character C1 can be displayed in a virtual space or can progress through a game as a player on the game screen. Because the virtual character C1 is generated based on the user's genome information, it can be used as a unique and emotionally charged avatar. It is also possible to create machines (physical objects) such as figurines and robots with unique personalities based on the virtual character information.

[0063] (Example of using multiple genome information) In the following example, genome passage is performed using the genome information of two subjects, but genome passage may also be performed using the genome information of three or more subjects. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating a specific example of a method for generating virtual character information using multiple pieces of genome information. 9 and 10 show the flow of a method for generating virtual character information using multiple pieces of genome information.

[0064] To generate virtual character information from multiple pieces of genome information, first, as shown in FIG. 9, a sample such as blood is collected from the first subject, and the subject's genome information (first genome information) is obtained using a genome analysis device (mutation analysis program). The first genome information includes the subject's DNA base sequence information. Furthermore, a sample such as blood is collected from the second subject, the partner, and the subject's genome information (second genome information) is obtained using a genome analysis device (mutation analysis program). The second genome information includes the partner's DNA base sequence information.

[0065] Next, the pathological mutations are removed from the acquired genomic information of the individual (first genomic information). Also, the pathological mutations are removed from the acquired genomic information of the partner (second genomic information). This results in the first revised genomic information and the second revised genomic information. The removal of the pathological mutations is the same as the method described with reference to Figures 4 to 8.

[0066] Next, a simulated meiosis is performed based on the first revised genome information to generate first gamete information. Also, a simulated meiosis is performed based on the second revised genome information to generate second gamete information. Here, a process similar to actual meiosis is performed simulated from the DNA base sequence information included in the first revised genome information to obtain first gamete information. Also, a process similar to actual meiosis is performed simulated from the DNA base sequence information included in the second revised genome information to obtain second gamete information. When obtaining gamete information, chromosome crossovers and gene recombinations may be randomly generated, as in actual meiosis.

[0067] Next, a pair of gametes is selected. For example, the first gamete information and the second gamete information, which are homologous chromosomes (having the same chromosome number), are selected to form a pair. After this selection, a simulated merging is performed as shown in FIG. 10. For example, the first gamete information and the second gamete information selected as a pair (homologous chromosomes) are merging. This generates third genome information, which is the genome information of the succession.

[0068] Next, virtual character information including trait information of a new virtual character is generated based on the third genome information, which is the genome information of the succession. For example, by referencing phenotype tables (wild type, genome type) TB1, TB2 and phenotype table (mutant type) TB3 contained in phenotype database DB3, trait information and the dominant / recessive nature of the allele corresponding to the DNA base sequence information of the third genome information are extracted, and virtual character information of the succession descendants is generated based on the extracted trait information and the dominant / recessive nature of the allele. If the dominant / recessive nature of the allele is dominant, a random number is used, for example, to select whether to use the individual's genotype or the partner's genotype. This allows the creation of a succession descendant virtual character C3 that inherits the traits of the individual's virtual character C1 and the traits of the partner's virtual character C2, while possessing diverse traits that have been changed due to mutations in the base sequence.

[0069] (Example of mutations caused by multiple genomic information) 11 and 12 are diagrams showing examples of mutations from multiple pieces of genomic information to the genomic information of successive descendants. As shown in FIG. 11, the individual's genome information (first genome information or first revised genome information) and the partner's genome information (second genome information or second revised genome information) each indicate a chromosome number, a base position, and a genotype. The genotype also includes information on the genotype of alleles. For example, in one piece of the individual's genome information, the genotype of the allele at chromosome number 1, base position 12,345,678 is T / A. In addition, in one piece of the partner's genome information, the genotype of the allele at chromosome number 1, base position 12,345,678 is T / A.

[0070] By performing simulated meiosis on this genomic information, gamete information for the individual and their partner can be obtained. For example, if simulated meiosis is performed on one piece of the individual's genomic information, which is the T / A genotype of the allele at chromosome number 1 and base position 12,345,678, gamete information for the individual (first gamete information) including the T genotype of the allele at chromosome number 1 and base position 12,345,678 can be obtained.

[0071] Here, the genotype to be selected between the T and A alleles is determined, for example, by random numbers. This allows one of the alleles to be randomly selected during meiosis, resulting in diversity.

[0072] The same applies to the partner's genome information. For example, when simulated meiosis is performed on the allele genotype T / A at chromosome number 1, base position 12,345,678, which is part of the partner's genome information, the partner's gamete information (second gamete information) containing the allele genotype A at chromosome number 1, base position 12,345,678 is obtained. As an example, for the allele genotype at the same base position, T is selected in the individual's gamete information, and A is selected in the partner's gamete information. The allele genotypes at other base positions are also selected by similar processing.

[0073] Combining the individual's gamete information with the partner's gamete information yields the genomic information of the progeny (third genomic information). That is, combining the genotypes of the same chromosome number and base position in the first and second gamete information yields the genomic information of the progeny. For example, combining the genotype T of the allele at chromosome number 1, base position 12,345,678 in the individual's gamete information with the genotype A of the allele at the same chromosome number and base position in the partner's gamete information yields the genotype T / A of the allele at chromosome number 1, base position 12,345,678. The 1 / 0, 0 / 1, 0 / 0, and 1 / 1 in the genomic information of the progeny shown in Figure 11 indicate whether or not the genotype of each allele has mutated from the wild type. "1" indicates a mutation, and "0" indicates no mutation.

[0074] Once the genome information of the descendants is obtained, virtual character information of the descendants is generated based on this information. As shown in FIG. 12, the trait information of the virtual character information of the descendants is determined by referring to the phenotype table (mutant type) based on the genome information of the descendants. For ease of explanation, the ">" symbol in the phenotype table (mutant type) indicates that the wild-type genotype shown to the left of the ">" symbol has been mutated to the genotype shown to the right. The phenotype table (mutant type) also indicates whether the allele is dominant or recessive.

[0075] For example, one of the genotypes of the allele at base position 12,345,678 on chromosome number 1, which is part of the genomic information of the progeny, has mutated from the wild type A to T. The dominant / recessive nature of this allele is dominant, so it is selected, for example, by random numbers. As a result, in this example, T is selected, so the height is increased by 10% by setting the phenotype table (mutant type). Because the height in the phenotype table (wild type) is set to 100 m, the height of the trait based on the genomic information of the progeny to be generated will be 110 m.

[0076] Furthermore, the genotype of one of the alleles at base position 56,789,012 on chromosome 1, another piece of genomic information in the progeny, has mutated from the wild-type C to A. The dominant / recessive nature of this allele is recessive, and since the genotypes of the alleles at the same chromosome number and base position shown in Figure 11 are different, A and C, the traits in the phenotype table (wild-type) are maintained, and the right-hand grip strength remains unchanged from the wild-type 5t. Similar trait changes are applied to other genomic information, forming the phenotypes of the progeny.

[0077] In this manner, in this embodiment, the actual genetic system is simulated using the individual's genomic information and the partner's genomic information, and information can be obtained that allows for the generation of a descendant virtual character with traits different from those of the individual and the partner while inheriting the genetic information of the individual and the partner. The virtual character that can be generated by this embodiment can be used, for example, to appear in a virtual computer space or to progress through a game. It is also possible to create further descendant virtual characters on the computer and enjoy their evolution (or degeneration). This allows, for example, for the automatic generation of original game characters, making it possible to create more interesting games.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing device 1, an information processing method, and an information processing program for obtaining information for generating a wide variety of imaginary characters that users are deeply attached to.

[0079] Although the present embodiment and its application examples have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the phenotype table (wild type), phenotype table (genome type), and phenotype table (mutant type) described above are merely examples and can be set as desired. Furthermore, the mutations corrected by the mutation correction unit 20 are not limited to pathological mutations. Mutations to be corrected can be registered in the mutation database DB2 in advance, and the base positions and base sequences of the mutations to be corrected can be set as desired. Furthermore, when genotype selection is required, selection may be performed using methods other than random numbers (e.g., a predetermined function or natural conditions (climate, regionality, etc.)). Furthermore, the scope of the present invention also encompasses those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components of the above-described embodiment or its application examples, or appropriately combines the features of each embodiment, as long as the gist of the present invention is maintained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...information processing device, 10...genome acquisition unit, 11...genome analysis unit, 20...mutation correction unit, 30...character generation unit, 40...genome passage unit, C1...person's virtual character, C2...partner's virtual character, C3...subsequence descendant virtual character, DB1...genome database, DB2...mutation database, DB3...phenotype database, DT...virtual character information, T1...specimen (person), T2...specimen (partner), TB1...phenotype table (wild type), TB2...phenotype table (genome type), TB3...phenotype table (mutant type)

Claims

1. a genome acquisition unit that acquires first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject; a mutation correction unit that corrects predetermined mutation information from DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information acquired by the genome acquisition unit to obtain first corrected genome information; a character generation unit that generates virtual character information including trait information of a virtual character based on the first corrected genome information; An information processing device comprising:

2. the mutation correction unit corrects the pathogenic mutation information from the DNA base sequence information by referring to a pathogenic mutation database in which correspondence between the DNA base sequence information and pathogenic mutations is preset, thereby obtaining the first corrected genome information; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

3. the character generation unit generates the virtual character information by referring to a phenotype database in which correspondence between the DNA base sequence information and the trait information is preset.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. a genome passage unit that inherits a portion of each of the plurality of pieces of DNA base sequence information to obtain new DNA base sequence information; the genome acquisition unit acquires second genome information including DNA base sequence information of a second subject; the mutation correction unit corrects predetermined mutation information from the DNA base sequence information included in the second genome information acquired by the genome acquisition unit to obtain second corrected genome information; the genome passage unit generates third genome information including DNA base sequence information that inherits a portion of each of the DNA base sequence information included in the first revised genome information and the DNA base sequence information included in the second revised genome information, the character generation unit generates new virtual character information based on the third genome information.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. the genome passage unit generates the third genome information by combining first gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis from the DNA base sequence information included in the first corrected genome information and second gamete information obtained by simulated meiosis from the DNA base sequence information included in the second corrected genome information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. a genome acquisition step of acquiring first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject; a mutation correction step of correcting predetermined mutation information included in the first genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain first corrected genome information; a character generation step of generating virtual character information including trait information of a virtual character based on the first corrected genome information obtained in the mutation correction step; An information processing method comprising:

7. a genome passaging step of inheriting a portion of each of the plurality of pieces of DNA base sequence information to obtain new DNA base sequence information, the genome obtaining step includes obtaining second genome information including DNA base sequence information of a second subject; the mutation correction step includes correcting predetermined mutation information from DNA base sequence information included in the second genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain second corrected genome information; the genome passage step includes generating third genome information including DNA base sequence information that inherits a portion of each of the DNA base sequence information included in the first corrected genome information and the DNA base sequence information included in the second corrected genome information, The information processing method according to claim 6 , wherein the character generating step comprises generating new virtual character information based on the third genome information.

8. On the computer, a genome acquisition step of acquiring first genome information including DNA base sequence information of a first subject; a mutation correction step of correcting predetermined mutation information from the DNA base sequence information included in the first genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain first corrected genome information; a character generation step of generating virtual character information including trait information of the virtual character based on the first corrected genome information obtained in the mutation correction step; An information processing program that executes the above.

9. a genome passage step of inheriting a portion of each of the plurality of pieces of DNA base sequence information to obtain new DNA base sequence information, the genome acquisition step includes acquiring second genome information including DNA base sequence information of a second subject; the mutation correction step includes correcting predetermined mutation information from DNA base sequence information included in the second genome information acquired in the genome acquisition step to obtain second corrected genome information; the genome passage step includes generating third genome information including DNA base sequence information that inherits a portion of each of the DNA base sequence information included in the first corrected genome information and the DNA base sequence information included in the second corrected genome information, 9. The information processing program according to claim 8, wherein the character generating step comprises generating new virtual character information based on the third genome information.

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