Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To achieve an information processing device for reducing a load of processing for specifying the position of an object existing in a three-dimensional space.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a space information acquisition part for acquiring space information on an object existing in a three-dimensional space, and a position specification part for specifying the position of the object existing in the three-dimensional space by using a plurality of planes in which a plurality of mutually independent axes are respectively made normal directions, and the plurality of planes are set so as to cross the entire three-dimensional space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques related to a virtual three-dimensional space are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game apparatus that controls the movement of a character arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space. In the game apparatus, processing for obtaining the position (x, y, z) and rotation angles (angles around the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) of an object such as a character is performed, and collision determination processing between objects is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, in addition to games, services using a three-dimensional space, such as stores for shopping, have been increasing. Therefore, platforms for easily providing services using a three-dimensional space have also been developed. However, such platforms are not necessarily configured to notify the user side using the platform of the positions of the objects existing in the three-dimensional space. Therefore, when the user side using the platform wants to identify the positions of the objects, it is necessary to execute processing for identifying the positions of the objects.

[0005] For example, assume a case where the position of an object such as a character existing in a three-dimensional space is specified using the method described in Patent Document 1. In this case, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are set, and it is necessary to specify the coordinates where the object exists for each axis. In this configuration, for example, when coordinates 0 to 100 are assigned to each axis, in order to specify the position of the object by coordinates, 100 × 100 × 100 = 1,000,000 times of processing are required. Thus, when specifying the position of an object existing in a three-dimensional space using the method described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the processing load becomes heavy.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an exemplary object thereof is to provide a technique for reducing the processing load of specifying the position of an object existing in a three-dimensional space.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes: space information acquisition means for acquiring space information that is information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space; and position specification means for specifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information using a plurality of planes that are a plurality of planes each having a mutually independent axis as a normal direction and are set to cross the entire three-dimensional space in the three-dimensional space.

[0008] An information processing method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes: a space information acquisition process in which at least one processor acquires space information that is information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space; and a position specification process in which the at least one processor specifies the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information using a plurality of planes that are a plurality of planes each having a mutually independent axis as a normal direction and are set to cross the entire three-dimensional space in the three-dimensional space.

[0009] A program according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to function as an information processing apparatus, and causes the computer to function as a space information acquisition unit that acquires space information that is information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space, and a position specifying unit that specifies the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information using a plurality of planes that are a plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of independent axes in the three-dimensional space and are set to cross the entire three-dimensional space.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, there is an exemplary effect that a technique for reducing the load of a process for specifying the position of an object existing in a three-dimensional space can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in the following exemplary embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technical means employed in the following exemplary embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Also, the effects mentioned in the following exemplary embodiments are examples of the effects expected in those exemplary embodiments and do not define the extension of the present invention. That is, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the following exemplary embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] 〔First Exemplary Embodiment〕 A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described later. Note that the scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure as long as there are no particular technical obstacles. Also, each technical means shown in the drawings referred to for explaining this exemplary embodiment can be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure as long as there are no particular technical obstacles.

[0014] (Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 1) The configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a space information acquisition unit 11 and a position identification unit 12. The space information acquisition unit 11 and the position identification unit 12 respectively realize space information acquisition means and position identification means in this exemplary embodiment.

[0015] The space information acquisition unit 11 acquires space information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space (hereinafter, the "virtual three-dimensional space" is also simply referred to as the "three-dimensional space"), which includes information regarding objects existing in the three-dimensional space. The space information acquisition unit 11 supplies the acquired space information to the position specifying unit 12.

[0016] The position specifying unit 12 specifies the positions of objects existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information acquired by the space information acquisition unit 11, using a plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes in the three-dimensional space, and set to cross the entire three-dimensional space.

[0017] The "plurality of mutually independent axes" means that none of the plurality of axes are parallel, and each axis intersects the plane formed by the other axes. The coordinate system spanned by the "plurality of mutually independent axes" may include an oblique coordinate system, in part or in whole, or may include a spherical coordinate system.

[0018] As an example of the "plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes", when the x-axis and the y-axis are set as the plurality of axes, one plane having the x-axis as the normal direction and one plane having the y-axis direction as the normal direction can be mentioned. That is, in this example, the "plurality of planes" may be composed of a set of one plane having each axis as the normal direction.

[0019] Also, as another example of the "plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes", when the x-axis and the y-axis are set as the plurality of axes, one or a plurality of plane groups having the x-axis as the normal direction and one or a plurality of plane groups having the y-axis direction as the normal direction can be mentioned. In this case, the "plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes" may be expressed as the "plurality of plane groups each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes".

[0020] (Effect of the information processing apparatus 1) As described above, in the information processing apparatus 1, there is adopted a configuration including a space information acquisition unit 11 that acquires space information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and including information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space, and a position identification unit 12 that identifies the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information acquired by the space information acquisition unit 11 using a plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes in the three-dimensional space and set to traverse the entire three-dimensional space.

[0021] Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus 1, there is obtained an effect that the processing load for identifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space can be reduced.

[0022] (Flow of the information processing method S1) The flow of the information processing method S1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing method S1. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing method S1 includes a space information acquisition process S11 and a position identification process S12.

[0023] (Space information acquisition process S11) In the space information acquisition process S11, the space information acquisition unit 11 acquires space information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and including information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space. The space information acquisition unit 11 supplies the acquired space information to the position identification unit 12.

[0024] (Position identification process S12) In the position identification process S12, the position identification unit 12 identifies the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information acquired by the space information acquisition unit 11 using a plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes in the three-dimensional space and set to traverse the entire three-dimensional space.

[0025] (Effect of the information processing method S1) As described above, in the information processing method S1, a spatial information acquisition unit 11 acquires spatial information that is information about a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information about an object existing in the three-dimensional space, and a position identification unit 12 uses, in the three-dimensional space, a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions and set to cross the entire three-dimensional space, and refers to the spatial information acquired by the spatial information acquisition unit 11 to identify the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space. A configuration including the position identification process S12 is adopted. Therefore, according to the information processing method S1, the same effects as those of the information processing apparatus 1 described above can be obtained.

[0026] 〔Second Exemplary Embodiment〕 A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as the components described in the above-described exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Note that the scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment can be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure as long as there are no particular technical obstacles. In addition, each technical means shown in each drawing referred to for explaining this exemplary embodiment can be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure as long as there are no particular technical obstacles.

[0027] (Overview of Information Processing Apparatus 1A) The information processing apparatus 1A is an apparatus that provides a virtual three-dimensional space using a platform that generates a virtual three-dimensional space. The information processing apparatus 1A moves an object (for example, a person, a device, and a product) existing in the three-dimensional space or operates an object existing in the three-dimensional space based on an operation from a user who uses the three-dimensional space. In addition, the information processing apparatus 1A identifies the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space. An example of the three-dimensional space in the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional space.

[0028] The three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 3 is a store that sells products, which are objects included in the three-dimensional space. In the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 3, as an example, there are a store clerk OB1, customers OB2, OB3, a register OB4, and a display OB5 that sell products. As an example, when the information processing device 1A receives an operation from a user who operates the customer OB2 to move the customer OB2 to the left, the information processing device 1A moves the customer OB2 to the left in the three-dimensional space. As another example, when the information processing device 1A receives an operation on the register OB4 from a user who operates the store clerk OB1, the information processing device 1A causes the store clerk OB1 to operate the register OB4 in the three-dimensional space. Further, the information processing device 1A identifies the positions of the store clerk OB1, customers OB2, OB3, register OB4, and display OB5 in the three-dimensional space. Other examples of the three-dimensional space in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, an airport and a school.

[0029] (Configuration of Information Processing Device 1A) The configuration of the information processing device 1A will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1A. The information processing device 1A includes a control unit 10A, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, and an input / output unit 23.

[0030] Data referred to by the control unit 10A is stored in the storage unit 21. Examples of the data stored in the storage unit 21 include space information and sensor information described later. Examples of the storage unit 21 include, but are not limited to, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof.

[0031] The communication unit 22 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data via a network. As an example, the communication unit 22 transmits the data supplied from the control unit 10A to other devices, or supplies the data received from other devices to the control unit 10A. Examples of the communication unit 22 include, but are not limited to, communication chips in various communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), wireless communication standards of mobile data communication networks, and USB-compliant connectors.

[0032] The input / output unit 23 is an interface for receiving data input and outputting data. When the input / output unit 23 receives data input, it supplies the received data to the control unit 10A. Also, the input / output unit 23 outputs the data supplied from the control unit 10A. Examples of the input / output unit 23 include, but are not limited to, keyboards, mice, touch pads, microphones, and liquid crystal displays.

[0033] (Control unit 10A) The control unit 10A controls each component included in the information processing apparatus 1A.

[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 10A includes a space information acquisition unit 11A, a position specification unit 12A, a thinning unit 13A, an output unit 14A, a setting unit 15A, and a conversion unit 16A. The space information acquisition unit 11A, the position specification unit 12A, the thinning unit 13A, the output unit 14A, the setting unit 15A, and the conversion unit 16A realize space information acquisition means, position specification means, thinning means, output means, setting means, and conversion means, respectively, in this exemplary embodiment.

[0035] The space information acquisition unit 11A acquires space information that is information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information regarding objects existing in the three-dimensional space. The space information acquisition unit 11A stores the acquired space information in the storage unit 21.

[0036] Examples of information about an object include, but are not limited to, identification information for identifying the object from other objects (hereinafter, this identification information is also referred to as "object ID"), information indicating that the object exists in a three-dimensional space, information indicating that the object has entered the three-dimensional space, information indicating that the object has moved in the three-dimensional space, and information indicating the behavior of the object.

[0037] In addition, the spatial information may include information other than information about objects existing in the three-dimensional space. Examples of information included in the spatial information include, but are not limited to, information about time.

[0038] The position specifying unit 12A specifies the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the spatial information stored in the storage unit 21 using a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as their normal directions and set to cross the entire three-dimensional space. The plurality of mutually independent axes and the plurality of planes are as described above.

[0039] The position specifying unit 12A stores information indicating the specified position in the storage unit 21. Further, when the object ID is included in the spatial information, the position specifying unit 12A may associate the information indicating the position of the object with the object ID of the object and store it in the storage unit 21. Further, when the spatial information includes information indicating time, the position specifying unit 12A may associate the time with the information indicating the position of the object and store it in the storage unit 21. Examples of the processing executed by the position specifying unit 12A will be described later.

[0040] The thinning unit 13A refers to the spatial information and thins out the process in which the position specifying unit 12A specifies the position of the object. In other words, the thinning unit 13A designates at least one of the timing and range for specifying the position of the object to the position specifying unit 12A. Examples of the processing executed by the thinning unit 13 will be described later.

[0041] The output unit 14A outputs data to the communication unit 22, the input / output unit 23, or the storage unit 21. As an example, the output unit 14A outputs the position of the object identified by the position identification unit 12A. As another example, the output unit 14A outputs the history of the positions identified by the position identification unit 12A over a predetermined period. As still another example, the output unit 14A outputs at least any one of the movement of the object, the operation on the object, and the distance between a plurality of objects. Examples of the data output by the output unit 14A will be described later.

[0042] The setting unit 15A sets space identification information (hereinafter, the space identification information is also referred to as "space ID") for identifying each of a plurality of spaces specified by a plurality of planes from other spaces. An example of the space ID set by the setting unit 15A will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the space ID set by the setting unit 15A.

[0043] In FIG. 5, as a plurality of independent axes, as shown in the lower left of FIG. 5, an x-axis in the left-right direction, a y-axis in the front-rear direction, and a z-axis in the up-down direction are set. Further, in FIG. 5, a plane PL1 having the x-axis as the normal direction, a plane PL2 having the y-axis as the normal direction, and a plane PL3 having the z-axis as the normal direction are shown. Note that the plane PL1, the plane PL2, and the plane PL3 set in FIG. 5 are virtual planes, and in the three-dimensional space provided by the information processing apparatus 1A to the user, they are invisible planes as shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] Also, as described above, the "plurality of planes" may be the planes PL1, PL2, and PL3 shown in FIG. 5, or may be one or a plurality of plane groups having a certain axis as the normal direction. Examples of one or a plurality of plane groups include the plane PL1 having the x-axis as the normal direction, the plane PL1_1 separated from the plane PL1 by a predetermined interval (for example, 1 in coordinate units) in the positive direction of the x-axis, and the plane PL1_2 separated from the plane PL1_1 by a predetermined interval in the positive direction of the x-axis. However, the predetermined interval and the number of planes are not particularly limited.

[0045] In the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 5, as an example, the setting unit 15A sets the space identification information SP_ID111 in the space specified by the plane PL1, the plane PL2, and the plane PL3. As another example, although not shown in FIG. 5, the space identification information SP_ID211 is set in the space specified by the plane PL1, a plane having the x-axis as its normal and being separated from the plane PL1 by a predetermined interval in the positive direction of the x-axis, the plane PL2, and the plane PL3. As still another example, although not shown in FIG. 5, the space identification information SP_ID121 is set in the space specified by the plane PL1, the plane PL2, a plane having the y-axis as its normal and being separated from the plane PL2 by a predetermined interval in the positive direction of the y-axis, and the plane PL3.

[0046] In this way, the setting unit 15A sets the space ID for each space included in the three-dimensional space. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 1A can specify the position of the object included in the three-dimensional space by the space ID. For example, even for an object floating in the three-dimensional space like the display OB5 shown in FIG. 3, the position of the object can be specified by associating the space ID.

[0047] The conversion unit 16A refers to the sensor information output from the sensor that detects the object in the real space, and converts the position of the object into the space ID. For example, if the store in the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 3 is a store in the three-dimensional space that reproduces the store in the real space, the conversion unit 16A acquires the sensor information output from the sensor installed in the store in the real space. The type of the sensor installed in the store is not particularly limited, and as an example, a camera and a human sensor can be mentioned.

[0048] For example, when the conversion unit 16A acquires an image within the store from each of a plurality of cameras installed in the store, it detects objects within the store using known object detection techniques. Further, the conversion unit 16A refers to the images acquired from each of the plurality of cameras and specifies the positions of the detected objects using known distance measurement techniques. Then, the conversion unit 16A converts the specified positions into spatial IDs.

[0049] In this way, the conversion unit 16A can reproduce the real space including the objects in a virtual three-dimensional space. For example, when it is desired to analyze locations in a store in the real space where the customer staying rate is high or locations where customers frequently pass, it is necessary to observe the store in the real space for a long time or view a moving image obtained by photographing the store in the real space. On the other hand, since the information processing apparatus 1A can reproduce the store in the real space in a three-dimensional space and can specify the positions of the objects, it can provide the user with information for analyzing locations in the store where the customer staying rate is high or locations where customers frequently pass.

[0050] (Process executed by the information processing apparatus 1A) The flow of the process (information processing method S1A) executed by the information processing apparatus 1A will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing method S1A. Although the processes executed by the setting unit 15A and the conversion unit 16A are not shown in FIG. 6, the setting unit 15A and the conversion unit 16A execute processes before step S11A.

[0051] (Step S11A) In step S11A, the space information acquisition unit 11A acquires space information. As described above, the space information acquisition unit 11A may acquire space information including information other than information regarding objects existing in the three-dimensional space in addition to information regarding objects existing in the three-dimensional space.

[0052] (Step S12A) In step S12A, the thinning unit 13A refers to the space information and thins out the process in which the position specifying unit 12A specifies the positions of the objects.

[0053] (Step S13A) In step S13A, the position specifying unit 12A specifies the position of the object after thinning out the processes thinned out by the thinning unit 13A.

[0054] (Step S14A) In step S14A, the output unit 14A outputs the position of the object specified by the position specifying unit 12A.

[0055] (Example of processing executed by the position specifying unit 12A) As an example, the position specifying unit 12A specifies the position of the object with respect to the normal direction of a certain plane by specifying the positional relationship between a certain plane and the object among a plurality of planes set so as to cross the entire three-dimensional space. This process will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0056] FIG. 7 is an example of a plane PL having the z-axis as the normal direction in the three-dimensional space and having a z coordinate of 1.

[0057] The position specifying unit 12A first determines whether or not the object is included in the plane PL (whether or not it is in contact with the object). In FIG. 7, the plane PL includes the object OB6 and the object OB7. Similarly, the position specifying unit 12A also determines whether or not the object is included in the plane having the z-axis as the normal direction and a z-axis coordinate of 2. The position specifying unit 12A executes this process for the entire three-dimensional space.

[0058] Next, the position specifying unit 12A determines whether or not the object is included in the plane having the x-axis as the normal direction and an x coordinate of 1. In FIG. 7, the object OB6 is included in the plane with an x coordinate of 1 and the plane with an x coordinate of 2, and the object OB7 is included in the plane with an x coordinate of 6 and the plane with an x coordinate of 7. The position specifying unit 12A executes this process for the entire three-dimensional space.

[0059] Similarly, the position specifying unit 12A determines whether an object is included in a plane having the y-axis as the normal direction and a y-coordinate of 1. In FIG. 7, the object OB6 is included in the plane with a y-coordinate of 2 and the plane with a y-coordinate of 3, and the object OB7 is included in the plane with a y-coordinate of 6 and the plane with an x-coordinate of 7. The position specifying unit 12A executes the said process for the entire three-dimensional space.

[0060] Then, the position specifying unit 12A specifies the position of the object. In the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 7, the position specifying unit 12A specifies that the object OB6 exists at (x, y, z) = (1, 2, 1), (2, 2, 1), (1, 3, 1), (2, 3, 1). Similarly, the position specifying unit 12A specifies that the object OB7 exists at (x, y, z) = (6, 6, 1), (7, 6, 1), (6, 7, 1), (7, 7, 1).

[0061] Also, the position specifying unit 12A may specify the position of the object using the space ID set by the setting unit 15A. In this case, in FIG. 7, the position specifying unit 12A specifies that the object OB6 exists in the space identification information SP_ID231. Also, the position specifying unit 12A specifies that the object OB7 exists in the space identification information SP_ID771.

[0062] In this way, the position specifying unit 12A specifies the position of the object with respect to the normal direction of a certain plane by specifying the positional relationship between the object and a certain plane among a plurality of planes set to traverse the entire three-dimensional space.

[0063] For example, assume a case where the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are spanned in a three-dimensional space and coordinates from 0 to 100 are assigned. In this case, to specify the position of an object by coordinates, 100 × 100 × 100 = 1,000,000 times of processing are required. On the other hand, since the position specifying unit 12A specifies the position of the object using a plane, the position of the object can be specified with 100 × 3 = 300 times of processing. Therefore, the position specifying unit 12A can reduce the load of the process of specifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space.

[0064] (Example 1 of the process executed by the thinning unit 13A) As an example, the thinning unit 13A makes the time interval at which the position specifying unit 12A executes the process of specifying the position longer than a predetermined time interval.

[0065] For example, assume a case where the position specifying unit 12A executes the process of specifying the position at 1-second intervals. As an example in this case, if the spatial information includes information regarding the movement of the object and the information regarding the movement of the object indicates that the object has not moved by a certain distance or more, the thinning unit 13A thins the process so that the position specifying unit 12A executes the process of specifying the position at 3-second intervals.

[0066] In this way, the thinning unit 13A refers to the spatial information and makes the time interval at which the position specifying unit 12A executes the process of specifying the position longer than a predetermined time interval. In other words, the thinning unit 13A controls the temporal frequency at which the position specifying unit 12A executes the process of specifying the position. Therefore, the thinning unit 13A can reduce the load of the process of specifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space.

[0067] (Example 2 of the process executed by the thinning unit 13A) As another example, when the position specifying unit 12A re-specifies the position of an object for which the position has been specified after a predetermined time has elapsed, the thinning unit 13A causes the position specifying unit 12A to specify the position of the object using a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously specified position.

[0068] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, assume that after the position specifying unit 12A specifies that the object OB6 exists in the space identification information SP_ID231, a predetermined time elapses and the position of the object OB6 is specified again. In this case, the thinning unit 13A causes the position specifying unit 12A to specify the position of the object OB6 using a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously specified space identification information SP_ID231. The predetermined range is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a plane in contact with the space of the space identification information SP_ID231 and a plane in which the distance from the space of the space identification information SP_ID231 is within 2 in coordinate units.

[0069] As another example, assume a case where a plurality of layers (for example, the first floor and the second floor) exist in a three-dimensional space. In this case, the thinning unit 13A causes the position specifying unit 12A to specify the position of the object for each layer.

[0070] In this configuration, the thinning unit 13A may cause the position specifying unit 12A to specify the position of the object in the same layer as the layer corresponding to the previously specified position. For example, assume a case where after the position specifying unit 12A specifies that there is an object on the second floor and a predetermined time elapses and the position of the object is specified again. In this case, the thinning unit 13A may thin out the process of specifying the position of the object on the first floor and cause the position specifying unit 12A to specify the position of the object on the second floor. For example, in the case of the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 5, the thinning unit 13A causes the position specifying unit 12A to specify the position of the object using a plane corresponding to the floor of the second floor and having the z-axis as the normal direction.

[0071] In this way, when re-identifying the position of an object, the decimation unit 13A causes the position identification unit 12A to identify the position of the object using a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously identified position. In other words, the decimation unit 13A controls the spatial frequency at which the position identification unit 12A executes the process of identifying the position. Therefore, the decimation unit 13A can reduce the load of the process of identifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space.

[0072] (Example 3 of the process executed by the decimation unit 13A) As yet another example, when the spatial information includes information regarding the movement of an object, the decimation unit 13A refers to the information regarding the movement of the object included in the spatial information, and when it is determined that the object has moved a certain distance or more, causes the position identification unit 12A to identify the position of the object.

[0073] For example, when the spatial information includes information indicating the distance that the object has moved, and the decimation unit 13A determines that the object has moved a certain distance or more, the decimation unit 13A causes the position identification unit 12A to identify the position of the object. In other words, when the decimation unit 13A determines that the object has not moved a certain distance or more, the position identification unit 12A does not identify the position of the object.

[0074] In this way, when the decimation unit 13A determines that the object has moved a certain distance or more, the decimation unit 13A causes the position identification unit 12A to identify the position of the object. Therefore, also in this configuration, the decimation unit 13A controls the spatial frequency at which the position identification unit 12A executes the process of identifying the position, so that the load of the process of identifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space can be reduced.

[0075] (Example 1 of the process executed by the output unit 14A) As an example, the output unit 14A outputs a history of the positions identified by the position identification unit 12A during a predetermined period. The history output in this configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the history output by the output unit 14A.

[0076] Assume a case where the position - specific part 12A specifies a position, and an object ID and a time are associated with the position stored in the storage part 21. In this case, the output part 14A extracts the position and time associated with a certain object ID. Then, among the extracted times, it specifies the positions associated with the times included in a predetermined period. As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the output part 14A outputs an image PIC in which the history of the position of a certain object (that is, how a certain object has moved) is shown distinguishable from other positions. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the output part 14A may output an image PIC in which a position PT1 where a certain object has stayed for a predetermined time or more is shown distinguishable from other positions.

[0077] Also, the output part 14A may execute similar processing for a plurality of objects. In this case, the output part 14A may output the history for each object, or may output the histories of a plurality of objects.

[0078] In this way, the output part 14A outputs the history of the position of the object. Therefore, the output part 14A can provide the user with information such as the paths frequently passed by a person in a three - dimensional space, the paths rarely passed, the places where the staying time is long, and the places where the staying time is short in the three - dimensional space.

[0079] (Example 2 of the processing executed by the output part 14A) As another example, the output part 14A outputs at least one of the movement of the object, the operation on the object, and the distance between a plurality of objects. For example, assume a case where the spatial information includes information indicating an operation on an object from the user.

[0080] As an example, in the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 3, when information indicating an operation on the object OB2 from the user of the object OB2 is directed to the object OB1, the output unit 14A outputs information indicating that the object OB2 has directed to the object OB1.

[0081] As another example, in the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 3, when information indicating an operation on the object OB4 from the user of the object OB1 is an operation for registering the price of a product, the output unit 14A outputs information indicating that the object OB1 has performed an operation for registering the price of the product on the object OB4.

[0082] As yet another example, in the three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 3, the output unit 14A calculates the distance between the object OB1 and the object OB2 from the positions of the object OB1 and the object OB2 stored in the storage unit 21. Then, the output unit 14A outputs information indicating the calculated distance.

[0083] In this way, the output unit 14A outputs at least any one of the movement of the object, the operation on the object, and the distance between a plurality of objects. Therefore, the output unit 14A can provide various information regarding the object in the three-dimensional space to the user.

[0084] For example, when the three-dimensional space is a store, the output unit 14A can provide information for the user to analyze whether a store clerk has called out to a customer at an appropriate timing, and when the three-dimensional space is an airport, whether a customer has performed boarding procedures using an automatic check-in machine.

[0085] (Effect of the information processing apparatus 1A) As described above, in the information processing apparatus 1A, in a three-dimensional space, a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions and set to cross the entire three-dimensional space are used to refer to spatial information and specify the positions of the objects existing in the three-dimensional space.

[0086] For example, assume that a platform for easily providing services in a three-dimensional space does not notify the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space to the users of the platform. Even in this case, on the user side of the platform, information about the object can be acquired. For example, on the user side of the platform, information such as a user using the three-dimensional space entering a predetermined location in the three-dimensional space, or moving a certain distance in a certain direction (for example, moving two coordinate units in the direction along the x-axis, etc.) can be acquired.

[0087] When identifying the position of an object from such information, in the information processing apparatus 1A, for example, the position of the object is identified using the plane PL1, plane PL2, and plane PL3 shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, when the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are spanned in the three-dimensional space and the x-coordinate, y-coordinate, and z-coordinate of the object are identified to identify the position of the object, the information processing apparatus 1A can reduce the processing load for identifying the position of the object as compared with the case of identifying the position of the object.

[0088] 〔Example of Realization by Software〕 Some or all of the functions of the information processing apparatuses 1 and 1A (hereinafter, also referred to as "the above apparatuses") may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or may be realized by software.

[0089] In the latter case, the above apparatus is realized by, for example, a computer that executes the instructions of a program which is software for realizing each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter, referred to as computer C) is shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the computer C that functions as the above apparatus.

[0090] Computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. A program P for operating computer C as the above device is recorded in memory C2. In computer C, processor C1 reads and executes program P from memory C2, thereby realizing each function of the above device.

[0091] As processor C1, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPU (Floating point number Processing Unit), PPU (Physics Processing Unit), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), quantum processor, microcontroller, or a combination thereof can be used. As memory C2, for example, a flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof can be used.

[0092] Note that computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding program P during execution or temporarily storing various data. Also, computer C may further include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. Also, computer C may further include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0093] Also, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. As such a recording medium M, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit can be used. The computer C can obtain the program P via such a recording medium M. Also, the program P can be transmitted via a transmission medium. As such a transmission medium, for example, a communication network or a broadcast wave can be used. The computer C can also obtain the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0094] [Supplementary Note 1] This disclosure includes the technologies described in the following supplementary notes. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following supplementary notes, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims.

[0095] [Supplementary Note A] This disclosure includes the technologies described in the following supplementary notes. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following supplementary notes, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims.

[0096] (Supplementary Note A1) Spatial information acquisition means for acquiring spatial information that is information about a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information about an object existing in the three-dimensional space, In the three-dimensional space, a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions, and using the plurality of planes set to cross the entire three-dimensional space, referring to the spatial information to identify the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space, position identification means, An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

[0097] (Supplementary Note A2) The position identification means, By specifying the positional relationship between a certain plane among the plurality of planes set to cross the entire three-dimensional space and the object, the position of the object in the normal direction of the certain plane is specified. The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note A1.

[0098] (Supplementary Note A3) Further comprising thinning means for thinning the process of the position specifying means for specifying the position of the object with reference to the spatial information. The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note A1 or A2.

[0099] (Supplementary Note A4) The thinning means makes the time interval for the position specifying means to execute the process of specifying the position longer than a predetermined time interval. The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note A3.

[0100] (Supplementary Note A5) When the position specifying means re-specifies the position of the object after a lapse of a predetermined time with respect to the object whose position has been specified, the thinning means causes the position specifying means to specify the position of the object using a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously specified position. The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note A3 or A4.

[0101] (Supplementary Note A6) Further comprising output means for outputting the position specified by the position specifying means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A5.

[0102] (Supplementary Note A7) Further comprising setting means for setting identification information for distinguishing each of the plurality of spaces specified by the plurality of planes from other spaces. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A6.

[0103] (Supplementary Note A8) Further comprising conversion means for referring to sensor information output from a sensor that detects an object in real space and converting the position of the object into the identification information The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note A7

[0104] (Supplementary Note A9) The spatial information includes information regarding the movement of the object When the thinning means refers to the information regarding the movement of the object included in the spatial information and determines that the object has moved a certain distance or more, the thinning means causes the position specifying means to specify the position of the object The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes A3 to A5

[0105] (Supplementary Note A10) When there are a plurality of layers in the three-dimensional space, the thinning means causes the position specifying means to specify the position of the object for each layer The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes A3 to A5 and A9

[0106] (Supplementary Note A11) The output means outputs a history of positions specified by the position specifying means over a predetermined period The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note A6

[0107] (Supplementary Note A12) The output means outputs at least any one of the movement of the object, an operation on the object, and the distance between a plurality of objects The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note A6 or A11

[0108] [Supplementary Note B The present disclosure includes the technologies described in the following supplementary notes. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following supplementary notes, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims

[0109] (Supplementary Note B1) At least one processor performs a spatial information acquisition process of acquiring spatial information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and including information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space, a position identification process in which the at least one processor refers to the spatial information and identifies the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space using a plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes in the three-dimensional space and set to cross the entire three-dimensional space, An information processing method including the above.

[0110] (Appendix B2) In the position identification process, the at least one processor identifies the position of the object in the normal direction of a certain plane by identifying the positional relationship between the certain plane and the object among the plurality of planes set to cross the entire three-dimensional space, The information processing method described in Appendix B1.

[0111] (Appendix B3) The at least one processor further includes a thinning process of thinning out the process of identifying the position of the object in the position identification process by referring to the spatial information. The information processing method described in Appendix B1 or B2.

[0112] (Appendix B4) In the thinning process, the at least one processor makes the time interval for executing the process of identifying the position in the position identification process longer than a predetermined time interval. The information processing method described in Appendix B3.

[0113] (Appendix B5) When the at least one processor re - identifies the position of an object in the position - identification process after a predetermined period of time with respect to the object whose position has been identified, in the thinning - out process, the processor uses a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously identified position to identify the position of the object in the position - identification process. The information - processing method described in Supplementary Note B3 or B4.

[0114] (Supplementary Note B6) The at least one processor further includes an output process of outputting the position identified by the position - identification process. The information - processing method described in any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B5.

[0115] (Supplementary Note B7) The at least one processor further includes a setting process of setting identification information for identifying each of a plurality of spaces defined by the plurality of planes from other spaces. The information - processing method described in any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B6.

[0116] (Supplementary Note B8) The at least one processor further includes a conversion process of referring to sensor information output from a sensor that detects an object in the real space and converting the position of the object into the identification information. The information - processing method described in Supplementary Note B7.

[0117] (Supplementary Note B9) The spatial information includes information regarding the movement of the object. In the thinning - out process, when the at least one processor refers to the information regarding the movement of the object included in the spatial information and determines that the object has moved by a certain distance or more, the processor identifies the position of the object in the position - identification process. The information - processing method described in any one of Supplementary Notes B3 to B5.

[0118] (Supplementary Note B10) In the thinning process, when there are a plurality of layers in the three-dimensional space, in the position specifying process, the at least one processor specifies the position of the object for each layer. An information processing method according to any one of Appendices B3 to B5 and B9.

[0119] (Appendix B11) In the output process, the at least one processor outputs a history of positions specified by the position specifying process over a predetermined period. An information processing method according to Appendix B6.

[0120] (Appendix B12) In the output process, output at least any one of the movement of the object, an operation on the object, and the distance between a plurality of objects. An information processing method according to Appendix B6 or B11.

[0121] [Appendix Item C] The present disclosure includes the technologies described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims.

[0122] (Appendix C1) A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus, The computer, Spatial information acquisition means for acquiring spatial information that is information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space, Position specifying means for specifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space with reference to the spatial information using a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions and set so as to cross the entire three-dimensional space, A program for causing the computer to function as such.

[0123] (Appendix C2) The position specifying means, By specifying the positional relationship between a certain plane among the plurality of planes set to traverse the entire three-dimensional space and the object, the position of the object with respect to the normal direction of the certain plane is specified. The program according to Appendix C1.

[0124] (Appendix C3) The computer is further caused to function as a thinning means for thinning out the process of the position specifying means for specifying the position of the object with reference to the spatial information. The program according to Appendix C1 or C2.

[0125] (Appendix C4) The thinning means makes the time interval for the position specifying means to execute the process of specifying the position longer than a predetermined time interval. The program according to Appendix C3.

[0126] (Appendix C5) When, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the position specifying means specifies the position of the object again with respect to the object whose position has been specified, the thinning means causes the position specifying means to specify the position of the object using a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously specified position. The program according to Appendix C3 or C4.

[0127] (Appendix C6) The computer is further caused to function as an output means for outputting the position specified by the position specifying means. The program according to any one of Appendices C1 to C5.

[0128] (Appendix C7) The computer is further caused to function as a setting means for setting identification information for identifying each of the plurality of spaces specified by the plurality of planes from other spaces. The program according to any one of Appendices C1 to C6.

[0129] (Appendix C8) Further cause the computer to function further as conversion means that refers to sensor information output from a sensor that detects an object in real space and converts the position of the object into the identification information The program according to Appendix C7.

[0130] (Appendix C9) The spatial information includes information regarding the movement of the object, When the thinning means determines, with reference to the information regarding the movement of the object included in the spatial information, that the object has moved a certain distance or more, the thinning means causes the position specifying means to specify the position of the object. The program according to any one of Appendices C3 to C5.

[0131] (Appendix C10) When there are a plurality of layers in the three-dimensional space, the thinning means causes the position specifying means to specify the position of the object for each layer. The program according to any one of Appendices C3 to C5 and C9.

[0132] (Appendix C11) The output means outputs a history of positions specified by the position specifying means over a predetermined period. The program according to Appendix C6.

[0133] (Appendix C12) The output means further outputs at least any one of the movement of the object, an operation on the object, and the distance between a plurality of objects. The program according to Appendix C6 or C11.

[0134] 〔Appendix Item D〕 The present disclosure includes the technologies described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims.

[0135] (Appendix D1) An information processing apparatus comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor performs a spatial information acquisition process of acquiring spatial information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and including information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space, and a position identification process of identifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the spatial information using a plurality of planes each having a normal direction along a plurality of mutually independent axes in the three-dimensional space and set to cross the entire three-dimensional space.

[0136] (Appendix D2) In the position identification process, the at least one processor identifies the position of the object in the normal direction of a certain plane by identifying the positional relationship between the certain plane and the object among the plurality of planes set to cross the entire three-dimensional space. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix D1.

[0137] (Appendix D3) The at least one processor further performs a thinning process of thinning out the process of identifying the position in the position identification process by referring to the spatial information, with a time interval for executing the process of identifying the position in the position identification process being longer than a predetermined time interval. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix D1 or D2.

[0138] (Appendix D4) In the thinning process, the at least one processor makes the time interval for executing the process of identifying the position in the position identification process longer than a predetermined time interval. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix D3.

[0139] (Appendix D5) When the at least one processor re - identifies the position of the object in the position identification process after a predetermined time has elapsed for the identified object, in the thinning process, the position of the object in the position identification process is identified using a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously identified position. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix D3 or D4.

[0140] (Appendix D6) The at least one processor further executes an output process of outputting the position identified by the position identification process. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices D1 to D5.

[0141] (Appendix D7) The at least one processor further executes a setting process of setting identification information for identifying each of the plurality of spaces specified by the plurality of planes from other spaces. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices D1 to D6.

[0142] (Appendix D8) The at least one processor further executes a conversion process of referring to sensor information output from a sensor that detects an object in the real space and converting the position of the object into the identification information. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix D7.

[0143] (Appendix D9) The spatial information includes information regarding the movement of the object. In the thinning process, the at least one processor refers to the information regarding the movement of the object included in the spatial information, and when it is determined that the object has moved by a certain distance or more, the position of the object is identified in the position identification process. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices D3 to D5.

[0144] (Appendix D10) In the thinning process, when there are a plurality of layers in the three-dimensional space, in the position specifying process, the at least one processor specifies the position of the object for each layer. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices D3 to D5 and D9.

[0145] (Appendix D11) In the output process, the at least one processor outputs a history of positions specified in the position specifying process over a predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix D6.

[0146] (Appendix D12) The output process further outputs at least any one of the movement of the object, an operation on the object, and the distance between a plurality of objects. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix D6 or D11.

[0147] [Appendix Item E] This disclosure includes the technologies described in the following respective appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following respective appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims.

[0148] (Appendix E1) A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus, causing the computer to perform a space information acquisition process for acquiring space information regarding a virtual three-dimensional space and including information regarding an object existing in the three-dimensional space, perform a position specifying process for specifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information using a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions and set to cross the entire three-dimensional space, A non-transitory recording medium that records a program for causing execution.

Description of Signs

[0149] 1, 1A Information processing device 11, 11A Spatial information acquisition unit 12, 12A Position specifying unit 14A Output unit 15A Setting unit 16A Conversion unit OB Object PL Plane SP_ID Spatial identification information

Claims

1. Spatial information acquisition means for acquiring spatial information that is information about a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information about an object existing in the three-dimensional space, In the three-dimensional space, a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions, and using the plurality of planes set so as to cross the entire three-dimensional space, referring to the spatial information, position specifying means for specifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space, An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. The position specifying means By specifying the positional relationship between a certain plane among the plurality of planes set so as to cross the entire three-dimensional space and the object, the position of the object regarding the normal direction of the certain plane is specified, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Thinning means for thinning out the process in which the position specifying means specifies the position of the object with reference to the spatial information, further comprising The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The thinning means makes the time interval at which the position specifying means executes the process of specifying the position longer than a predetermined time interval The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. When, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the position specifying means specifies the position of the object again with respect to the object whose position has been specified, the thinning means causes the position specifying means to use a plane included in a predetermined range from the previously specified position to specify the position of the object. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. Output means for outputting the position specified by the position specifying means, further comprising The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Setting means for setting identification information for identifying each of the plurality of spaces specified by the plurality of planes from other spaces, is further provided. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Conversion means for referring to sensor information output from a sensor that detects an object in the real space and converting the position of the object into the identification information, is further provided. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. At least one processor performs a space information acquisition process of acquiring space information that is information about a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information about an object existing in the three-dimensional space, and In the three-dimensional space, the at least one processor uses a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions and set so as to cross the entire three-dimensional space, and refers to the space information to identify the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space. A position identification process, An information processing method including.

10. A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing apparatus, The computer, Space information acquisition means for acquiring space information that is information about a virtual three-dimensional space and includes information about an object existing in the three-dimensional space, In the three-dimensional space, position identification means for identifying the position of an object existing in the three-dimensional space by referring to the space information using a plurality of planes each having a plurality of mutually independent axes as normal directions and set so as to cross the entire three-dimensional space, A program that causes the computer to function as such.

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