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

Abstract

An information processing device (100) according to the present application is characterized by being provided with: a reception unit (131) that receives attribute information pertaining to the attribute of a target and location information that pertains to a space in which the target is located; an acquisition unit (132) that acquires detection information obtained by detecting the behavior of the target; a generation unit (133) that, on the basis of the attribute information, generates information pertaining to an object indicating the target, and on the basis of the location information, information pertaining to the object, and the detection information, generates information pertaining to a virtual space that corresponds to a space where the target is located and in which the object is disposed at a position based on the detection information; and a provision unit (134) that provides a user with information pertaining to the virtual space generated by the generation unit.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, a recording medium, and an information processing program.

[0002] A technology is known in the art that recreates a pet in a virtual space based on attribute information related to the attributes of the pet in real space, and provides the experience of raising the pet (see Patent Document 1 below).Also known is a technology that initially registers an avatar in a virtual space and acquires behavioral information at an online exhibition (see Patent Document 2 below).

[0003] JP 2008-165406 A JP 2011-216073 A

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, an avatar is simply generated based on the attribute information of the object to be reproduced in the virtual space, and therefore it is not necessarily possible to properly reproduce the space in which the object is located in the real space.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to realize an appropriate virtual space.

[0006] The information processing method according to the present application is a computer-executed information processing method, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving step of receiving attribute information relating to attributes of an object and location information which is information relating to a space in which the object is located; an acquiring step of acquiring detection information which detects the behavior of the object; a generating step of generating information about an object representing the object based on the attribute information, and generating information about a virtual space corresponding to the space in which the object is located, based on the location information, information about the object, and the detection information, in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information; and a providing step of providing a user with information about the virtual space generated by the generating step.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an appropriate virtual space can be realized.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a providing process executed by an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user attribute information storage unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a pet attribute information storage unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space information storage unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a generating process executed by an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a providing process executed by an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of information generated by an information processing device according to a modified example. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration.

[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Aspect 1 is characterized by comprising a receiving process for receiving attribute information regarding the attributes of an object and location information, which is information regarding the space in which the object is located; an acquisition process for acquiring detection information that detects the behavior of the object; a generation process for generating information regarding an object representing the object based on the attribute information, and generating information regarding a virtual space corresponding to the space in which the object is located, based on the location information, information regarding the object, and the detection information, in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information; and a provision process for providing a user with information regarding the virtual space generated by the generation process.

[0011] According to this aspect 1, for example, attribute information regarding the attributes of an object such as a pet and location information, which is information regarding the space in which the object is located (e.g., the room in which the pet is located or the room in which the pet is kept, etc.), are received. Next, aspect 1 acquires detection information that detects the object's behavior using a sensor attached to the object or a sensor installed in the room, etc. Then, aspect 1 generates information regarding an object representing the object based on the attribute information of the object, and generates information regarding a virtual space corresponding to the space in which the object is located, in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information, based on the location information, information regarding the object, and the detection information. Next, aspect 1 provides the user with information regarding the generated virtual space.

[0012] Conventionally, technologies have been known that recreate pets in a virtual space based on attribute information about the pet's attributes in the real world, providing the experience of raising a pet, or that initially register an avatar in a virtual space and acquire behavioral information at an online exhibition. However, these technologies are based only on the attribute information of the object's initial registration in the real world, and not on behavioral information about the object's behavior or information about the real world in which the object spends its time. Therefore, no technology has disclosed a mechanism for recreating the movement of an object in a virtual space (digital twin). As such, conventional technologies have not always been able to properly recreate the space in which an object is located in the real world.

[0013] Therefore, in aspect 1, attribute information and location information of the target are accepted, and detection information of the target is acquired. Next, aspect 1 generates information about an object representing the target based on the attribute information, and generates information about a virtual space corresponding to the space in which the target is located, in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information, based on the location information, information about the object, and the detection information. Then, aspect 1 provides the user with information about the generated virtual space. In this way, aspect 1 can realize an appropriate virtual space. As a result, aspect 1 can reproduce in the virtual space the attribute information of the target in real space and the behavior information indicated by the detection information.

[0014] Aspect 2 is characterized in that, in Aspect 1, position information of the target is obtained as the detection information, and information about the virtual space is generated based on the position information, the location information, and information about the object.

[0015] According to the second aspect, information about the virtual space is generated based on, for example, the position information, location information, and information about the object of the target. In this way, the second aspect can realize an appropriate virtual space.

[0016] Aspect 3 is characterized in that, in Aspect 2, the position information acquired is such that the height of the object can be identified.

[0017] According to the third aspect, for example, the target is a pet. In this case, the third aspect acquires position information that can identify the pet's height. In this way, the third aspect can acquire various information about the target.

[0018] Aspect 4 is characterized in that, in Aspect 2 or 3, the location information is continuously acquired for a predetermined period of time, and information about the virtual space is generated that depicts the object's behavior based on a series of location information during the predetermined period during which the location information was acquired.

[0019] According to Aspect 4, for example, the target is a pet. Furthermore, the sensor is a 360° camera. In this case, Aspect 4 analyzes still or moving images captured by the 360° camera to acquire position information including the pet's height and the pet's location within the room. Next, Aspect 4 continuously acquires the position information for a predetermined period of time to acquire a trajectory of the pet's movements within the room.

[0020] In addition, in the fourth aspect, information about the virtual space depicting the behavior of the pet may be generated based on the trajectory of the pet's behavior in the room, thereby realizing a virtual space that reflects the target behavior.

[0021] Aspect 5 is characterized in that in any one of Aspects 1 to 4, biological information relating to the target living body is acquired as the detection information.

[0022] According to Aspect 5, for example, biological information of the subject is acquired as the detection information, thereby making it possible to acquire various types of information about the subject.

[0023] Aspect 6 is characterized in that in any one of aspects 1 to 5, attribute information relating to attributes of the user who cares for the subject is further received.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect, for example, user attribute information relating to the attributes of the user who cares for the subject is received. This makes it possible to acquire various information about the user who cares for the subject.

[0025] Aspect 7 is characterized in that in Aspect 6, intake information regarding the subject's diet is further received from the user.

[0026] According to Aspect 7, for example, the intake information of the subject is received from the user as information on the date and time when the subject ingested food or drink, information on the food or drink ingested by the subject, information on the amount of food or drink ingested by the subject, etc. In this way, Aspect 7 can acquire various information about the subject.

[0027] Aspect 8 is characterized in that in Aspect 6 or 7, excretion information regarding the excretion of the subject is further received from the user.

[0028] According to Aspect 8, for example, information on the date and time when the subject excreted, information on the amount of excrement of the subject, etc. are accepted from the user as excretion information of the subject. In this way, Aspect 8 can acquire various information about the subject.

[0029] Aspect 9 is characterized in that, in any of Aspects 1 to 8, attribute information regarding the attributes of each of a plurality of targets is received, detection information that detects the behavior of each of the plurality of targets is obtained, information regarding objects representing each of the plurality of targets is generated based on the attribute information, and information regarding the virtual space is generated based on the location information, the detection information, and information regarding the plurality of objects.

[0030] According to Aspect 9, for example, the target is a pet. In this case, Aspect 9 accepts attribute information relating to the attributes of each of a plurality of pets. At this time, identification information is assigned to each pet, and each pet is individually identified. Next, Aspect 9 acquires detection information that detects the behavior of each of the plurality of pets. Then, Aspect 9 generates information relating to a pet object (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a pet object) representing each of the plurality of pets based on the attribute information. Next, Aspect 9 generates information relating to a virtual space based on the location information, the detection information, and information relating to the plurality of pet objects. In this way, Aspect 9 can realize an appropriate virtual space.

[0031] Aspect 10 is characterized in that in any of Aspects 1 to 9, the user provides information about the virtual space to a developer who develops a product to be used by the subject.

[0032] According to Aspect 10, for example, the target is a pet. In this case, Aspect 10 provides information about the virtual space to a developer who develops pet food as a user. In this way, Aspect 10 can provide useful information to the developer. This allows the developer to gain knowledge about developing pet food.

[0033] Aspect 11 is characterized in that, in Aspect 10, attribute information regarding the attributes of the developer is further received, and based on the attribute information, information regarding an object representing the target and information regarding an object representing the developer is generated, and based on the location information, the detection information, information regarding the object representing the target, and information regarding the object representing the developer, information regarding the virtual space in which an object representing the developer is placed is generated, and information regarding the generated virtual space is provided to the developer.

[0034] According to Aspect 11, for example, the target is a pet. In this case, Aspect 11 further accepts attribute information related to the developer's attributes. Next, Aspect 11 generates information related to an object representing the developer based on the attribute information. Then, Aspect 11 generates information related to a virtual space in which an object representing the developer is placed based on the location information, detection information, information related to the pet object, and information related to the object representing the developer. Next, Aspect 11 may provide the generated information related to the virtual space to the developer. Here, the object representing the developer is operable on a terminal device used by the developer to whom the information is provided. In other words, Aspect 11 provides the developer with information related to a virtual space in which an object representing the developer is placed, in a manner in which the object representing the developer can be operated within the virtual space.

[0035] As a result, the developer can perform various pet behaviors, such as feeding pet food, on the pet object by operating the object representing the developer. Furthermore, the developer can check the pet object's reaction when feeding the pet object pet food by operating the object representing the developer. In this way, aspect 11 can provide the developer with useful information for developing products for pets.

[0036] Aspect 12 is characterized in that in any one of Aspects 1 to 11, information about the virtual space is provided to a user who cares for the subject as the user.

[0037] According to Aspect 12, for example, the target is a pet. In this case, Aspect 12 provides information about the virtual space to the pet owner as a user. In this way, Aspect 12 can provide useful information to the pet owner.

[0038] An example of a form for carrying out an information processing method, an information processing device, a recording medium, and an information processing program (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing method, the information processing device, the recording medium, and the information processing program are not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0039] [Embodiment] [1. Example of provision process performed by information processing device] An example of provision process executed by an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of provision process executed by the information processing device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that a user U1 keeps a cat P1 (an example of an object) in a room (an example of a space where an object is located). That is, the user U1 is the owner of the cat P1. It is also assumed that multiple sensors are attached to the cat P1. It is also assumed that multiple sensors are installed in the room.

[0041] In this case, an example will be described in which the information processing device 100 generates information about a virtual space corresponding to a space in which a cat P1 is located. Specifically, first, an example will be described in which the information processing device 100 generates information about a virtual space using Fig. 1. Next, an example will be described in which the information about the virtual space generated by the information processing device 100 is provided to a developer PM1 who develops pet food for cats.

[0042] In the following, terminal devices used by different users may be referred to as terminal device 1N. Furthermore, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between terminal devices used by each user, the terminal device may be referred to as terminal device 10.

[0043] First, an example in which information processing device 100 generates information about a virtual space will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the example of Fig. 1, information processing device 100 receives location information from terminal device 11 used by user U1 (step S1).

[0044] For example, in response to an operation by user U1, terminal device 11 acquires location information acquired by a sensor installed in a room. Then, information processing device 100 accepts the location information from terminal device 11. To give a more specific example, in response to an operation by user U1, terminal device 11 acquires a still image IM1 of the room acquired by a 360° camera installed in the room. Then, information processing device 100 accepts the still image IM1 of the room from terminal device 11 as location information.

[0045] Next, the information processing device 100 accepts pet attribute information, which is information related to the attributes of the pet, from the terminal device 11 (step S2). For example, the information processing device 100 accepts, as pet attribute information, the name, breed, age, sex, size, body conditioning score (BCS), castration information, intake information, excretion information, etc. of the cat P1 from the terminal device 11. To give a more specific example, the information processing device 100 provides content for inputting the pet attribute information to the terminal device 11. The user U1 inputs the pet attribute information into the content on the terminal device 11. As a result, the information processing device 100 accepts the pet attribute information.

[0046] The information processing device 100 then acquires detection information from at least one of the multiple sensors installed in the room and the multiple sensors attached to the cat P1 (step S3). For example, assume that one of the multiple sensors is a 360° camera. In this case, the information processing device 100 analyzes still images or moving images acquired by the 360° camera to acquire position information including the cat P1's height and the cat P1's position within the room. That is, the information processing device 100 acquires position information that allows the cat P1's height to be determined. This allows the information processing device 100 to detect where the cat P1 is located within the room. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can detect what behavior the cat P1 is exhibiting within the room.

[0047] Next, the information processing device 100 generates information about the pet object OB1 obtained by objectifying the cat P1 (step S4). For example, the information processing device 100 generates information about the pet object OB1 based on a still image of the cat P1 provided by the user U1, or a still image or a moving image acquired by a sensor.

[0048] Then, the information processing device 100 generates information about the virtual space VS1 (step S5). For example, the information processing device 100 generates information about the virtual space VS1 corresponding to the room based on the still image IM1 of the room accepted as location information.

[0049] In this case, the information processing device 100 generates objects corresponding to the furniture arranged in the room based on the still image IM1 of the room, and places the generated objects corresponding to the furniture in the virtual space VS1. The information processing device 100 also generates objects related to raising the cat P1 based on the still image IM1 of the room, and places the generated objects related to raising the cat P1 in the virtual space VS1.

[0050] For example, the information processing device 100 generates objects such as a cat tower, a water trough, a toilet, etc., and places the generated objects such as a cat tower, a water trough, a toilet, etc. in the virtual space VS1. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 does not generate objects that may violate the privacy of the user U1, such as the user U1's laundry.

[0051] The information processing device 100 then places the pet object OB1 in the virtual space VS1 based on the position information obtained by analyzing the still images or moving images captured by the 360° camera. In this way, the information processing device 100 generates information about the virtual space VS1 in which the information about the pet object OB1 is placed. This allows the information processing device 100 to generate the virtual space VS1 while protecting the privacy of the user U1.

[0052] Next, an example will be described in which information about the virtual space VS1 generated by the information processing device 100 is provided to a developer PM1 developing pet food for cats. In the example of Fig. 1, the information processing device 100 receives a request for providing information about the virtual space VS1 from the terminal device 12 used by the developer PM1 (step S6). Subsequently, the information processing device 100 provides the information about the virtual space VS1 (step S7).

[0053] Conventionally, technologies have been known that recreate pets in a virtual space based on attribute information about the pet's attributes in the real world, providing the experience of raising a pet, or that initially register an avatar in a virtual space and acquire behavioral information at an online exhibition. However, these technologies are based only on the attribute information of the object's initial registration in the real world, and not on behavioral information about the object or information about the real world in which the object spends its time. Therefore, no technology has disclosed a mechanism for recreating the movement of an object in a virtual space (digital twin). As such, conventional technologies have not always been able to properly recreate the space in which an object is located in the real world.

[0054] Therefore, the information processing device 100 accepts attribute information and location information of the target and acquires detection information of the target. Next, the information processing device 100 generates information about an object representing the target based on the attribute information, and generates information about a virtual space corresponding to the space in which the target is located, in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information, based on the location information, information about the object, and the detection information. The information processing device 100 then provides the user with information about the generated virtual space. In this way, the information processing device 100 can realize an appropriate virtual space. This allows the information processing device 100 to reproduce, in the virtual space, the attribute information of the target in real space and the behavior information indicated by the detection information.

[0055] The information processing device 100 also provides the developer with information about the generated virtual space. This allows the information processing device 100 to provide the developer with useful information that can serve as hints for developing products for use by the subject. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 does not provide the developer with the detection information acquired from the sensor 20 as is, thereby appropriately protecting the privacy of the user caring for the subject. For example, the information processing device 100 does not provide the developer with still images or moving images acquired by a 360° camera as the sensor 20 as is, thereby appropriately protecting the privacy of the user caring for the subject.

[0056] 2. Configuration of Information Processing System Next, the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a sensor 20, and an information processing device 100. The terminal device 10, the sensor 20, and the information processing device 100 are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 2 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10, a plurality of sensors 20, and a plurality of information processing devices 100.

[0057] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user to access content such as web content displayed in a browser or content for an application, etc. For example, the terminal device 10 is a desktop personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.

[0058] The sensor 20 is a sensor capable of communicating with various devices via a network N such as the Internet. Specifically, the sensor 20 is a sensor that detects the position of an object. For example, the sensor 20 is a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor worn by the object and detects the object's position. The sensor 20 may estimate and acquire the object's position using the position of a base station with which it is communicating or radio waves from Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity). The sensor 20 may also detect the object's position using conventional technology, such as a position detection technology using Bluetooth (registered trademark). The sensor 20 may also detect the object's position using conventional technology, such as a position detection technology using a laser sensor.

[0059] Furthermore, it is assumed that the target is equipped with a gyro sensor that detects tilts in three axes, i.e., the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, in a predetermined coordinate system. In this case, the sensor 20 may be a combination of a GPS sensor and a gyro sensor, and the position information acquired by the GPS sensor may be detected as position information that enables the height of the target to be determined.

[0060] In addition, it is assumed that the target is equipped with a barometric pressure sensor that detects barometric pressure. In this case, the sensor 20 may be a combination of a GPS sensor and a barometric pressure sensor, and the position information acquired by the GPS sensor may be detected as position information that enables the height of the target to be determined.

[0061] The sensor 20 may be a 360° camera or the like installed in the space where the target is located. The position information detected by the 360° camera is obtained by analyzing still or moving images acquired by the 360° camera, and includes the height of the target and the position in the space where the target is located. In other words, the position information referred to here is position information from which the height of the target can be determined. The camera may be, for example, a depth camera, an infrared camera, a thermal camera, a radar, or the like.

[0062] The sensor 20 is a type of sensor that detects biological information related to the living body of a target. For example, if the target is a cat, the sensor 20 detects biological information of the target, such as the cat's vision, hearing, sense of smell, biting strength, claw strength, etc. As a more specific example, the sensor 20 detects the cat's reaction to sound. In this case, when a sound is generated, the sensor 20 detects a change in the direction of the cat's face and the angle at which the cat's ears are erected.

[0063] The sensor 20 also detects the cat's reaction to what it sees. In this case, when there is a toy in front of the cat, the sensor 20 detects the dilation of the cat's pupils. This allows the sensor 20 to determine whether the cat can see the toy or not.

[0064] The sensor 20 also detects the cat's reaction to what it smells. In this case, when pet food is placed in front of the cat, the sensor 20 detects whether the cat reacts to the flavor of the pet food.

[0065] The sensor 20 also detects the biting force of the cat. In this case, when the cat is ingesting pet food, the sensor 20 detects the sound of the cat chewing. As a result, the sensor 20 detects the biting force of the cat based on the hardness of the pet food and the chewing sound of the cat. As another example, it is assumed that the cat is playing with a toy by chewing it. It is also assumed that the toy has a built-in pressure sensor. In this case, the sensor 20 detects the biting force of the cat using the pressure sensor.

[0066] The sensor 20 also detects the force of the cat's claws. For example, assume that a cat is scratching the cat tower to sharpen its claws. Also assume that a pressure sensor is built into the cat tower. In this case, the sensor 20 detects the force of the cat's claws using the pressure sensor. Note that the above example is not limited to a cat tower, and may also be, for example, a pet house, a toy, a scratching post, etc.

[0067] The detection process performed by the sensor 20 can be realized by any sensor such as an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a volume sensor, a light sensor, an illuminance sensor, a pressure sensor, or a proximity sensor.

[0068] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device capable of communicating with various devices via a network N such as the Internet, and is realized, for example, by a server device or a cloud system, etc. For example, the information processing device 100 is connected to various other devices via the network N so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0069] 3. Configuration of Information Processing Device Next, the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows an example configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0070] (Regarding the Communication Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N via a wired or wireless connection, and transmits and receives information to and from various other devices.

[0071] (Regarding the storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 120 has a user attribute information storage unit 121, a pet attribute information storage unit 122, and a virtual space information storage unit 123.

[0072] (Regarding the user attribute information storage unit 121) The user attribute information storage unit 121 stores various attribute information related to the attributes of users. FIG. 3 shows an example of the user attribute information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the user attribute information storage unit 121 has items such as "user ID (identifier)" and "attribute information." For example, the "attribute information" has items such as "name," "age," and "gender."

[0073] "User ID" is an identifier that identifies a user. "Name" is information about the name of the user associated with the "User ID." "Age" is information about the age of the user associated with the "User ID." "Gender" is information about the gender of the user associated with the "User ID."

[0074] For example, in Fig. 3, "U1" identified by the user ID has the name "UN1," the age "UO1," and the gender "US1." Note that in the example shown in Fig. 3, the name, etc., is expressed by an abstract code such as "UN1," but the name, etc., may also be expressed as a numerical value, information related to a character string, or the file format of a file including the age, etc.

[0075] (Regarding the pet attribute information storage unit 122) The pet attribute information storage unit 122 stores various attribute information related to pet attributes. FIG. 4 shows an example of the pet attribute information storage unit 122 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the pet attribute information storage unit 122 includes items such as "pet ID," "user ID," and "attribute information." For example, the "attribute information" includes items such as "name," "species," "age," "gender," "size," "BCS," "neutering information," "intake information," and "excretion information."

[0076] "Pet ID" is an identifier that identifies a pet. "User ID" is an identifier that identifies a user associated with "Pet ID". "Name" is information about the name of the pet associated with "Pet ID". "Type" is information about the type of pet associated with "Pet ID". "Age" is information about the age of the pet associated with "Pet ID". "Gender" is information about the gender of the pet associated with "Pet ID".

[0077] "Size" is information about the body length and height of the pet associated with the "Pet ID." "BCS" is information about the body size of the pet associated with the "Pet ID." Specifically, BCS is an index that classifies the pet's body shape using a five-level rating system, such as BCS1 to BCS5. For example, BCS1 is "thin." BCS2 is "slightly thin." BCS3 is "ideal." BCS4 is "slightly obese." BCS5 is "obese."

[0078] "Neutering information" is information relating to the neutering of the pet associated with the "pet ID." For example, the neutering information is information relating to whether or not the pet has been neutered.

[0079] "Intake information" is information about food or drink ingested by a pet associated with a "pet ID." For example, the intake information stores information about the date and time the pet ingested food, information about the food ingested by the pet, and information about the amount of food ingested by the pet, all of which are associated with each other. The intake information also stores information about the date and time the pet ingested a drink, information about the drink ingested by the pet, and information about the amount of drink ingested by the pet, all of which are associated with each other.

[0080] The "excretion information" is information about excretion by the pet associated with the "pet ID." For example, the excretion information stores information about the date and time when the pet excreted and information about the amount of excrement from the pet, which are associated with each other.

[0081] 4, for example, "P1" identified by the pet ID has a user ID of "U1", a name of "PN1", a type of "PT1", an age of "PO1", and a sex of "PS1". Also, "P1" has a size of "PZ1", a BCS of "PBS1", castration information of "PC1", intake information of "PDI1", and excretion information of "PEI1".

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 4, names etc. are expressed as abstract codes such as "PN1", but names etc. may also be numbers, information about character strings, file formats of files including types etc.

[0083] (Regarding the virtual space information storage unit 123) The virtual space information storage unit 123 stores various information related to the virtual space. Here, Fig. 5 shows an example of the virtual space information storage unit 123 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the virtual space information storage unit 123 has items such as "virtual space information ID," "location information ID," "location information," "object ID," "position information," "object," "pet ID," "position information," "pet object," "behavior information," and "virtual space."

[0084] The "virtual space information ID" is an identifier for identifying the virtual space information. The "location information ID" is an identifier for identifying the location information associated with the "virtual space information ID." The "location information" is the location information associated with the "location information ID." For example, the location information is a still image or a moving image of the room where the pet is located or the room where the pet is kept, provided by the user.

[0085] The "object ID" is an identifier that identifies an object placed in a space associated with the "location information ID." The "position information" is position information within the space of an object placed in a space associated with the "object ID." The "object" is information about an object placed in a space associated with the "object ID." For example, the object may be various objects corresponding to furniture, items related to pet keeping, etc.

[0086] "Pet ID" is an identifier that identifies the pet associated with the "location information ID." "Location information" is information about the pet's location within the room where the pet associated with the "pet ID" is located. For example, the location information is information that includes the pet's height and the pet's location within the room. In other words, the location information here is information that allows the pet's height to be determined. "Pet object" is information about the pet object associated with the "pet ID."

[0087] "Behavioral information" is information about the behavior of a pet in a room associated with a "pet ID." Specifically, the behavioral information is information based on detection information detected by the sensor 20. For example, the behavioral information is information based on detection information detected by the sensor 20 as to where the pet is moving from within the room. Furthermore, the behavioral information is information based on detection information detected as to what behavior the pet is exhibiting within the room.

[0088] "Virtual space" is information about a virtual space associated with a "virtual space information ID." For example, the virtual space is a virtual space generated based on location information, an object, and position information of the object. The virtual space is also a virtual space in which a pet object is placed.

[0089] 5, "V1" identified by the virtual space information ID has a location information ID of "SP1", location information of "SI1", object ID of "O1", position information of "OP1", and object of "OB1". Also, "V1" has a pet ID of "P1", position information of "PP1", pet object of "POB1", behavior information of "PA1", and virtual space of "VS1".

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 5, the location information, etc. is expressed using abstract codes such as "SI1", but the location information, etc. may also be information regarding numerical values, character strings, or the file format of a file containing the location information, etc.

[0091] (Regarding the control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) using RAM as a work area to execute various programs (examples of information processing programs) stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 100. The control unit 130 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0092] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 130 has a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a generation unit 133, a provision unit 134, and a notification unit 135, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2, and may have other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the processing units included in the control unit 130 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Fig. 2, and may be other connection relationships.

[0093] (Regarding the Receiving Unit 131) The receiving unit 131 receives various information. Specifically, the receiving unit 131 receives attribute information related to the attributes of the object and location information that is information related to the space in which the object is located. For example, the receiving unit 131 receives pet attribute information that is information related to the attributes of a pet (an example of an object) from the terminal device 10.

[0094] For example, the reception unit 131 receives, as pet attribute information, the pet's name, species, age, sex, size, BCS, castration information, intake information, excretion information, etc. from the terminal device 10. Then, the reception unit 131 stores the received pet attribute information in the pet attribute information storage unit 122.

[0095] To give a more specific example, it is assumed that content for inputting pet attribute information is provided to the terminal device 10. In this case, the user inputs the pet attribute information into the content on the terminal device 10. As a result, the receiving unit 131 receives the pet attribute information.

[0096] Furthermore, the reception unit 131 receives location information from the terminal device 10. Then, the reception unit 131 stores the received location information in the virtual space information storage unit 123. For example, the reception unit 131 receives a still image of a room from the terminal device 10 as location information.

[0097] The receiving unit 131 also receives various requests. For example, the receiving unit 131 receives a request from the terminal device 10 to provide information about the virtual space.

[0098] (Regarding the Acquisition Unit 132) The acquisition unit 132 acquires various types of information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 acquires detection information that detects the behavior of a target. For example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires detection information from at least one of a plurality of sensors installed in a room or a plurality of sensors attached to a pet. The acquisition unit 132 then stores the acquired detection information in the virtual space information storage unit 123. For example, the acquisition unit 132 stores the acquired position information and behavior information of the pet in the virtual space information storage unit 123.

[0099] For example, assume that one of the multiple sensors is a 360° camera. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires position information including the pet's height and the pet's position within the room by analyzing still images or moving images acquired by the 360° camera. That is, the acquisition unit 132 acquires position information from which the pet's height can be determined. This allows the acquisition unit 132 to detect where the pet is located within the room. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 can detect what behavior the pet is exhibiting within the room.

[0100] (Regarding the generation unit 133) The generation unit 133 generates various types of information. Specifically, the generation unit 133 generates information about an object representing a target based on attribute information. Then, based on the location information received by the reception unit 131, information about the object, and detection information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the generation unit 133 generates information about a virtual space corresponding to the space in which the target is located, in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information.

[0101] For example, the generation unit 133 generates information about a pet object (an example of an object indicating a target) based on a still image of the pet provided by the user or a still image or a moving image acquired by the sensor 20.

[0102] The generation unit 133 then generates information about the virtual space. The generation unit 133 then stores the information about the generated virtual space in the virtual space information storage unit 123. For example, the generation unit 133 generates information about the virtual space corresponding to a room based on a still image of the room accepted as location information. In this case, the generation unit 133 generates objects corresponding to furniture arranged in the room based on the still image of the room, and arranges the generated objects corresponding to the furniture in the virtual space.

[0103] Furthermore, the generation unit 133 generates objects related to raising a pet based on a still image of a room and places the generated objects related to raising a pet in the virtual space. For example, the generation unit 133 generates objects such as a play area, a water fountain, and a toilet based on a still image of a room and places the generated objects such as the play area, the water fountain, and the toilet in the virtual space VS1. Furthermore, the generation unit 133 does not generate objects that may violate the user's privacy, such as the user's laundry.

[0104] In this way, the generation unit 133 generates information about the virtual space in which the information about the pet object is arranged. In this way, the generation unit 133 generates information about the virtual space in which the information about the pet object is arranged.

[0105] (Regarding the providing unit 134) The providing unit 134 provides various information. Specifically, the providing unit 134 provides various content. For example, the providing unit 134 provides content for inputting pet attribute information to the terminal device 10.

[0106] Furthermore, the providing unit 134 provides the user with information about the virtual space generated by the generating unit 133. For example, the providing unit 134 provides the terminal device 10 with information about the virtual space "VS1" stored in the virtual space information storage unit 123. To give a more specific example, the providing unit 134 provides the information about the virtual space stored in the virtual space information storage unit 123 to a developer who develops pet food.

[0107] (Regarding the notification unit 135) The notification unit 135 notifies various types of information. For example, when a predetermined period of time has passed since the location information was acquired, the notification unit 135 notifies the terminal device 10 of notification content urging the user to re-take a picture of the room. Furthermore, when the user rearranges the room, the notification unit 135 notifies the terminal device 10 of notification content urging the user to re-take a picture of the room. Furthermore, when the room is messy, the notification unit 135 notifies the terminal device 10 of notification content urging the user to re-take a picture of the room.

[0108] Furthermore, when the behavior of the pet detected by the sensor 20 is an action to avoid some kind of obstacle, the notification unit 135 notifies the terminal device 10 of notification content urging the user to tidy up the room. Furthermore, when the behavior of the pet detected by the sensor 20 is an action to avoid some kind of obstacle, the notification unit 135 notifies the terminal device 10 of notification content urging the user to take a picture of the room again.

[0109] 4. Processing Procedure (1) Next, the procedure of the generation process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the generation process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

[0110] 6 , the receiving unit 131 receives location information from the terminal device 10 (step S101). Subsequently, the receiving unit 131 receives pet attribute information from the terminal device 10 (step S102). Then, the acquiring unit 132 acquires detection information from the sensor 20 (step S103). Subsequently, the generating unit 133 generates information related to the pet object based on the pet attribute information (step S104). Then, the generating unit 133 generates information related to the virtual space in which the generated pet object is placed based on the location information and the detection information (step S105).

[0111] 5. Processing Procedure (2) Next, the procedure of the provision process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the provision process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

[0112] 7 , the reception unit 131 determines whether or not a request for providing information about the virtual space has been received from the terminal device 10 (step S201). For example, if the reception unit 131 has not received a request for providing information about the virtual space from the terminal device 10 (step S201; No), the reception unit 131 waits until a request for providing information about the virtual space is received from the terminal device 10.

[0113] On the other hand, when the providing unit 134 receives a request for providing information about the virtual space from the terminal device 10 (step S201; Yes), the providing unit 134 provides the information about the virtual space to the terminal device 10 (step S202).

[0114] 6. Modifications The information processing device 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments of the information processing device 100 will be described below.

[0115] [6-1. Target] In the above embodiment, the target is described as a cat, but the target is not limited to this. For example, the target may be a pet other than a cat. For example, the target may be a dog, a ferret, a rabbit, a bird, a reptile such as a snake, an insect, or the like. The target may also be a pet that the user has kept in the past.

[0116] The subject may also be a child. In this case, the user caring for the child may be a mother, father, grandparent, relative, etc. The subject may also be an elderly person. In this case, the user caring for the elderly person may be a caregiver, etc.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the target is described as one cat, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the target may be a plurality of cats. To give a more specific example, if the target is a cat, the target may be two or more cats.

[0118] 6-2. Multiple Targets In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the generation unit 133 generates information about a virtual space corresponding to a space in which targets are located, in which objects are placed at positions based on detection information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reception unit 131 receives attribute information about the attributes of each of the multiple targets. Next, the acquisition unit 132 acquires detection information that detects the behavior of each of the multiple targets. Then, the generation unit 133 generates information about objects representing each of the multiple targets based on the attribute information. Next, the generation unit 133 generates information about the virtual space based on the location information, the detection information, and information about the multiple objects.

[0119] To take a more specific example, suppose the target is a pet. In this case, the receiving unit 131 receives attribute information regarding the attributes of each of the multiple pets. At this time, identification information is assigned to each pet, and each pet is individually identified. Next, the acquiring unit 132 acquires detection information that detects the behavior of each of the multiple pets. Then, the generating unit 133 generates information regarding pet objects that indicate each of the multiple pets based on the attribute information. Next, the generating unit 133 generates information regarding the virtual space based on the location information, the detection information, and information regarding the multiple pet objects. In this way, the generating unit 133 can realize an appropriate virtual space.

[0120] 6-3. Location Information In the above embodiment, the location information is described as a still image of a room acquired by a 360° camera installed in the room, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, assume that the target is a pet. In this case, the location information may be any information related to the room in which the pet is kept. To give a more specific example, the location information may be information related to the layout of the room in which furniture and items related to keeping the pet are arranged. Note that, in this case, items related to keeping the pet may be, for example, a cat tower, a water fountain, a litter box, etc., if the pet is a cat.

[0121] 6-4. Providing Process In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the providing unit 134 provides information about the virtual space to a developer who develops pet food, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the providing unit 134 may provide information about the virtual space to a user who cares for a target. To give a more specific example, assume that the target is a pet and the user is the owner who keeps the pet. In this case, the providing unit 134 may provide information about the virtual space to the owner. This allows the owner to keep track of the state of the pet even when, for example, the owner is at work. In this way, the providing unit 134 can provide information that is useful to the owner.

[0122] Furthermore, the providing unit 134 may provide information about the virtual space to a specialist such as a doctor. To give a more specific example, assume that the target is a pet and the user is a pet owner. In this case, the providing unit 134 may provide information about the virtual space to a specialist such as a veterinarian. This allows the pet owner to receive advice about how to live with their pet from a veterinarian who has viewed the virtual space, for example.

[0123] 6-5. User Attribute Information Furthermore, the reception unit 131 may receive user attribute information relating to the attributes of the user who is caring for the subject from the terminal device 10. For example, assume that the subject is a pet and the user is the pet owner. In this case, the reception unit 131 may receive information relating to the owner's name, age, gender, etc. from the terminal device 10 as the user attribute information. The reception unit 131 then stores the received user attribute information in the user attribute information storage unit 121.

[0124] To give a more specific example, it is assumed that the providing unit 134 has provided the terminal device 10 with content for inputting user attribute information in advance. In this case, the user inputs the user attribute information into the content on the terminal device 10. As a result, the receiving unit 131 receives the user attribute information. In this way, the receiving unit 131 can acquire various information about the user who is caring for the target.

[0125] 6-6. Reproducing the behavior of the target Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 continuously acquires position information for a predetermined period. Then, the generation unit 133 may generate information about the virtual space depicting the behavior of the pet object based on a series of position information during the predetermined period for which the position information was acquired. For example, the generation unit 133 may generate information about the virtual space such that the pet object reproduces the behavior of the target in the virtual space based on the behavior of the target in the real space.

[0126] As a more specific example, the sensor 20 is assumed to be a 360° camera. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 analyzes still images or moving images acquired by the 360° camera to acquire position information including the pet's height and the pet's position within the room. Next, the acquisition unit 132 continuously acquires the position information for a predetermined period of time to acquire the trajectory of the pet's movements within the room.

[0127] Then, the generation unit 133 generates information about a virtual space corresponding to the room based on the still image of the room received as location information. Subsequently, the generation unit 133 places the pet object in the virtual space based on position information obtained by analyzing still images or moving images acquired by the 360° camera serving as the sensor 20. In this case, the generation unit 133 may generate information about the virtual space depicting the behavior of the pet based on the trajectory of the pet's behavior in the room. In this way, the generation unit 133 can realize a virtual space that reflects the target behavior.

[0128] 6-7. User Uses the Virtual Space Furthermore, the receiving unit 131 further receives user attribute information related to the developer's attributes. Next, the generation unit 133 generates information related to an object representing the developer based on the user attribute information. Then, the generation unit 133 generates information related to a virtual space in which an object representing the developer is placed based on the location information, the detection information, the information related to the pet object, and the information related to the object representing the developer. Next, the providing unit 134 may provide the developer with information related to the virtual space generated by the generation unit 133. Here, it is assumed that the object representing the developer is operable on the terminal device 10 by the developer to whom the information is provided. In other words, the providing unit 134 provides the developer with information related to a virtual space in which an object representing the developer is placed in a manner in which the object representing the developer can be operated within the virtual space.

[0129] As a result, the developer can perform various pet care actions, such as feeding pet food, to the pet object by operating the object representing the developer. Furthermore, the developer can check the reaction of the pet object when feeding the pet food to the pet object by operating the object representing the developer. This allows the developer to obtain useful information for developing products for pet use. Note that, although the above example describes pet food as a product for pet use, the product is not limited to this and may be, for example, pet toiletry products.

[0130] 6-8. Radar Chart Furthermore, the generation unit 133 may generate information about a radar chart based on the detection information in response to a request transmitted from the terminal device 10. For example, the reception unit 131 receives a request for providing information about a radar chart from the terminal device 10 used by the developer. Next, the generation unit 133 generates information about the radar chart based on the detection information. Then, the provision unit 134 may provide the information about the radar chart to the terminal device 10.

[0131] An example in which the generation unit 133 generates information related to a radar chart based on detection information will be described below with reference to FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information generated by an information processing device according to a modified example. For example, assume that the target is a pet. Also, assume that various types of detection information detected by the sensor 20 during a period in which the pet is consuming pet food from company A has been acquired in advance. Also, assume that various types of detection information detected by the sensor 20 during a period in which the pet is consuming pet food from company B has been acquired in advance. In this case, the reception unit 131 accepts a request for information related to a radar chart in which a radar chart for when the pet is consuming pet food from company A and a radar chart for when the pet is consuming pet food from company B are superimposed. Next, the generation unit 133 generates information related to the radar chart based on the various types of detection information during the period in which the pet is consuming pet food from company A. Also, the generation unit 133 generates information related to the radar chart based on the various types of detection information during the period in which the pet is consuming pet food from company B.

[0132] The radar chart shown in FIG. 8 is a diagram that evaluates the physical abilities of pets, such as hearing, eyesight, sense of smell, fang strength, claw-stretching strength, nocturnal activity, and punching strength, on a five-point scale. In the example of FIG. 8 , the radar chart for the case where pet food from Company A is consumed shows hearing as "3.5," eyesight as "3," sense of smell as "3.5," fang strength as "3," claw-stretching strength as "5," nocturnal activity as "5," and punching strength as "4." The radar chart for the case where pet food from Company B is consumed shows hearing as "3," eyesight as "2," sense of smell as "3," fang strength as "2.5," claw-stretching strength as "4," nocturnal activity as "4," and punching strength as "2." As shown in FIG. 8 , the generation unit 133 generates information related to a radar chart in which the radar chart for the case where pet food from Company A is consumed and the radar chart for the case where pet food from Company B is consumed are superimposed.

[0133] The providing unit 134 may then provide the terminal device 10 with information relating to a radar chart in which a radar chart for when pet food from company A is consumed and a radar chart for when pet food from company B is consumed are superimposed. This allows the developer to compare products based on the detection information. Note that, although the above example describes a product used by pets as pet food, the present invention is not limited to this and may also be, for example, a pet toiletry product.

[0134] [6-9. Other] Of the above processes, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Furthermore, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown.

[0135] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown. Furthermore, all or part of each component may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0136] Furthermore, the above-described processes may be executed in any suitable combination within a range that does not cause inconsistency.

[0137] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a reception unit can be read as a reception means or a reception circuit.

[0138] 7. Hardware Configuration The terminal device 10, the sensor 20, and the information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by, for example, a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and is connected to a calculation device 1030, a cache 1040, a memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 via a bus 1090.

[0139] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 and memory 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache such as a RAM that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or the like.

[0140] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and may be realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, and scanner, and is realized by, for example, a USB.

[0141] For example, the input device 1020 may be realized by a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The input device 1020 may also be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0142] The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also a function of transmitting data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0143] Here, the arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 executes the program loaded onto the cache 1040 to realize the function of the control unit 130.

[0144] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be embodied in other forms that include the aspects described in the Disclosure of the Invention section and various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0145] N Network 1 Information processing system 10, 11, 12 Terminal device 20 Sensor 100 Information processing device 110 Communication unit 120 Storage unit 121 User attribute information storage unit 122 Pet attribute information storage unit 123 Virtual space information storage unit 130 Control unit 131 Reception unit 132 Acquisition unit 133 Generation unit 134 Provision unit 135 Notification unit

Claims

1. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: a receiving step of receiving attribute information relating to the attributes of an object and location information, which is information relating to the space in which the object is located; an acquisition step of acquiring detection information that detects the behavior of the object; a generation step of generating information relating to an object representing the object based on the attribute information, and generating information relating to a virtual space corresponding to the space in which the object is located, based on the location information, information about the object, and the detection information, in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information; and a provision step of providing a user with information about the virtual space generated by the generation step.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition step acquires position information of the target as the detection information, and the generation step generates information about the virtual space based on the position information, the location information, and information about the object.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that the acquisition step acquires, as the position information, position information that can identify the height of the object.

4. The information processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that the acquisition step continuously acquires the location information for a predetermined period of time, and the generation step generates information about the virtual space in which the behavior of the object is depicted based on a series of location information during the predetermined period during which the location information was acquired.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition step acquires biological information relating to the target living body as the detection information.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the reception step further receives attribute information relating to attributes of the user caring for the subject.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the receiving step further receives intake information regarding the target meal from the user.

8. The information processing method according to claim 6, characterized in that the receiving step further receives excretion information relating to the excretion of the subject from the user.

9. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving step receives attribute information relating to the attributes of each of the plurality of objects, the acquiring step acquires detection information that detects the behavior of each of the plurality of objects, and the generating step generates information relating to an object representing each of the plurality of objects based on the attribute information, and generates information relating to the virtual space based on the location information, the detection information, and information relating to the plurality of objects.

10. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the providing step provides information about the virtual space to a developer who develops a product to be used by the subject as the user.

11. The information processing method of claim 10, wherein the receiving step further receives attribute information relating to attributes of the developer; the generating step generates information relating to an object representing the target and information relating to an object representing the developer based on the attribute information, and generates information relating to the virtual space in which an object representing the developer is placed based on the location information, the detection information, information relating to the object representing the target, and information relating to the object representing the developer; and the providing step provides the developer with information relating to the virtual space generated by the generating step.

12. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the providing step provides information about the virtual space to a user who, as the user, is caring for the subject.

13. An information processing device comprising: a receiving unit that receives attribute information regarding the attributes of an object and location information that is information regarding the space in which the object is located; an acquisition unit that acquires detection information that detects the behavior of the object; a generation unit that generates information regarding an object that represents the object based on the attribute information, and generates information regarding a virtual space that corresponds to the space in which the object is located, based on the location information, information regarding the object, and the detection information, and in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information; and a provision unit that provides a user with information regarding the virtual space generated by the generation unit.

14. A recording medium on which a computer program for executing the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is recorded.

15. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a receiving step for receiving attribute information regarding the attributes of an object and location information, which is information regarding the space in which the object is located; an acquisition step for acquiring detection information that detects the behavior of the object; a generation step for generating information regarding an object that represents the object based on the attribute information, and generating information regarding a virtual space that corresponds to the space in which the object is located, based on the location information, information regarding the object, and the detection information, and in which the object is placed at a position based on the detection information; and a provision step for providing a user with information regarding the virtual space generated by the generation step.

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